by Nadia Sinclair

Lately, the buzzword has been immunity. While natural supplements like vitamins C and D are crucial for safeguarding your health, there’s another potent tool at your disposal – yoga. Not only does it add invigorating balance to your daily life, but it also plays a key role in bolstering your immune system if you do it consistently.

Yoga – The Protector of Your Immune System

A comprehensive analysis of research conducted from 2005 to 2017 reveals the profound role that yoga plays in boosting immunity. Consistent yoga practice for over a month significantly amplifies the production of IgA antibodies, our body’s default defense against infections. It also escalates the count of various white blood cells and aids in inflammation reduction.

The Connection Between Stress and Immunity

Exposure to pathogens isn’t the sole cause of infections. Stress is a conspicuous culprit too, with a direct link to disease susceptibility. Yoga eases stress, promoting relaxation and pacifying the fight or flight reaction, thus enhancing your immune system’s capability to fend off potential viruses.

Enhancing Immunity with Yoga: A Three-Pronged Approach

For an extensive impact on your immunity, consider a holistic approach incorporating breathwork, yoga postures, and meditation.

Supercharge Your Immunity with Yogic Breathing Techniques

Various yogic breathing techniques are capable of enhancing lung capacity and calming the nervous system. Experiment with the suggested technique – inhaling for four seconds, then exhaling for six – to maintain a rhythm of six breaths per minute.

Immune-Boosting Yoga Poses

To bolster your immunity, here are a few yoga asanas that you should include in your routine:

Calming down your nervous system:

• Supported child’s pose
• Seated forward fold
• Legs up the wall

To improve circulation:

• Warrior II
• Triangle
• Downward dog
• Sun salutations

Chest-opening poses

• Cobra
• Fish
• Camel

Pose variations such as supported child’s pose, seated forward fold, and legs up the wall contribute to a better night’s sleep, a cornerstone of robust immunity. Circulation-boosting poses like warrior II, triangle, and downward dog, assist in optimal organ function. Chest-opening poses like cobra, fish, and camel stimulate the thymus gland, a crucial player in your immune system.

A Meditative Boost to Your Immunity

Meditation, combined with yoga, has profound immune-boosting effects, including reduced inflammation and an increased number of T-cells. Always conclude your practice with a minimum of 10-minute savasana to reset your system into a harmonious and restful state.

Remember, a well-rounded yoga routine is your key to a fortified immune system and a healthier, more resilient life.

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