We know the typical ways to boost the immune system–eat nutritious foods, drink water, exercise, and get quality sleep. Did you know that yoga can also boost your immunity?
It may seem bizarre to say practicing yoga can affect your health, but it is possible. When the mind, body and/or spirit are stressed, our immune system is weakened and we become more susceptible to illness. Adding yoga to your life may help increase your immunity by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, which is partly responsible for your health.
Cortisol has its purpose in the body. If you were running from a bear you would want your cortisol to increase so you have a fighting chance to run faster. In our typical life, though, we do not need the surge. When our systems are peaked with life stresses, unless we have a healthy outlet, the cortisol does not decrease to a lower, normal level. With repeated levels of high cortisol (stress and more stress day in and day out), we have an increased chance that our immune system will not protect us well enough when we encounter germs. Enter the healing, supporting practice of yoga.
Along with movement, energy and breath, our bodies need oxygen. The deep fascia muscle that surrounds our organs, cells, tissues, muscles, and bones craves a “wringing out.” This allows fresh, new energy and oxygen to move in and be absorbed while the stagnant stuff is released and detoxified. Your body has the amazing capability to do this on its own but it can be enhanced with a well-rounded yoga practice.
In a typical day, we do not tend to the often-neglected areas of the body that help us stay healthy, such as the flush of the adrenal glands, wringing out of the kidneys and digestive system, or opening of the side body. Tension is stored, compressed, allowing the body to hold onto it. Yoga postures can aid in circulation and rebalance, returning the the body’s optimal function. When you open the lungs and respiratory system, and stimulate the lymphatic system, you can experience a new level of health.
For example, a backbend yoga asana (pose) helps detoxify the adrenal glands that get exasperated during times of stress, thus helping to lower anxiety levels. It also opens the respiratory system and aids in strengthening the lungs and heart muscles. Backbend poses also produce natural pain killers. Think of a time when you practiced a backbend (maybe as a child) and felt that flush of energy invigorating your entire body.
Not only do we de-stress during yoga, but we are able to strengthen and enhance the immune system by moving in various ways to support the nervous system, to help fight infection, and to bring down the cortisol level. A calm body, mind, and spirit is more apt to handle stress, anxiety, and anything that challenges it.
Of course, a consistent yoga practice will yield the best results. This all-natural, self-care, holistic practice can be done at home to support a healthy, fully functioning immune system. As always, it is best to seek a certified yoga teacher for assistance when beginning or enriching a yoga practice.
Amanda Kezal, owner of Holistic Pathways, has been bringing yoga to Gorham for over 20 years with her yoga fusion style. She continues innovative approaches to sharing the many benefits of yoga with others.