by Clarissa Hartley

With the advent of spring, as nature flourishes, so do pollen, triggering discomforting bouts of hay fever for some. One out of four individuals in Britain succumb to allergic rhinitis due to the high pollen count, showing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and sinus congestion. While medicinal remedies are prevalent, a new trend that is gaining ground as a natural hay fever treatment is yoga.

Scientific Backing of Yoga for Allergic Rhinitis

Research has shown promising results supporting the efficacy of the yoga in alleviating symptoms associated with hay fever. Certain studies report significant improvement in pulmonary functions and decreased airway resistance in hay fever patients who regularly practiced yoga. Improved peak flow readings and reduced symptoms were observed in subjects who dove into yoga three times weekly over a span of two months.

Yoga Poses for Hay Fever Relief

Yoga poses that particularly target sinuses, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation can prove beneficial. Adding backbends such as bridge, fish, and camel poses can enhance lung capacity. Shoulder stands or headstands for a few minutes can help in drainage of inflamed or swollen nasal passages. Plough pose can assist in releasing tension at the neck base and additionally aid in drainage. Standing forward fold, downward dog, and wide-legged standing forward fold are other helpful restorative postures.

Yogic Breathing Practices for Hay Fever

Pranayama – the yogic form of breathing exercises – improves the immune system, reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions and strengthens the respiratory system. Techniques such as bellows breath, alternate nostril breathing, skull-shining breath, ujjayi breathing and humming bee breath serve as natural hay fever remedies by having a cleansing effect on the lungs and balancing energy in the body.

An ancient yogic practice, nasal irrigation or flushing the nostrils with saline solution, can temporarily ease breathing and significantly reduce inflammatory chemicals in the body.

An Extra Tip: Blindfolded Yoga for Hay Fever

You might also find relief in practicing blindfolded yoga. Covering your eyes during yoga has been linked to relieving eye strain, quieting the mind, relieving muscular tension, and facilitating a deeper connection with your own body. This practice also lowers heart rate and regulates mood through a reflex triggered by light eye pressure.

A natural approach to combating the discomfort of hay fever may be the very solution many have been seeking. Nevertheless, do always remember that yoga is not a practice confined to the flexible, but to those who are simply willing to dive in and dedicate themselves towards improvement.

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