colds and flu

Colds and Flu
Yoga can alleviate the symptoms of minor viral infections as well as boost the immune system to help the body recover from illness. Any type of physical activity will give a boost to the immune system, and yoga, with its inherent stress reducing and immune enhancing properties, will both provide a short-term boost and a long-term strengthening of the immune system. In addition to a general yoga practice, specific yoga postures can be used to target specific organs of the immune system to further enhance yoga’s immune boosting abilities.


Pranayama
Practice Dirga and Nadi Sodhana Pranayamas to reduce stress and to calm the body and mind. If there is excess heat in the body, with symptoms of fever, agitation, restlessness and poor sleep, then Sit Cari and Shitali pranayamas will be helpful as well. If there is excess mucus in the lungs use Kapalabhati Pranayama.

Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind and helps heal the body. Use one of the following by itself and/or at the beginning and end of your yoga practice: Yoga Meditation, Heart Chakra Meditation, Mantra Meditation.