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| By Marissa Conrad (iYogaLife.com) |
If you're always getting sick, your immune system--a team of trillions
of white blood cells that, when it’s healthy, attacks unwelcome
invaders like viruses --may be to blame. Immunity can be weaker in some
people than others depending on several factors, including the route by
which these invaders enter the body (for example, nose vs. mouth) and
how well the body demolished these invaders in the past, reports the
National Institute of Health.
Yoga can help stimulate the four
main physiological systems that are linked to the immune system: the
circulatory system, the digestive system, the nervous system and the
endocrine system, says Surya Kolpakov, LMT, Certified Yoga Therapist,
owner of Aranama Studio in Newton Center, MA. Poses that affect at
least one of these four systems help bolster immune system function,
says Kolpakov, who teaches workshops on yoga and the immune system.
“For example, I’ve found that Bow pose is one of the best ways to
stimulate digestion and improve immunity,” he says. To help stave off
colds and other pesky bugs, he recommends these immunity-boosting poses:
Down Dog:
Bow Pose:
Shoulder Stand:
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| by Anna Montage (from Wailana.com) |
 “AH –CHOO!” That sound becomes all too familiar this time of year; as
the beauty and crispness of the autumn season arrive, so do colds and
flus. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make
this fall and winter healthy. Even if you do catch a cold or flu, the
right remedies can help make it as short and painless as possible.
1. Avoid Getting Run Down – Feeling tired and run down is a big risk
factor for getting sick. Sometimes family and work responsibilities may
seem overwhelming. This is a good time to take stock of what’s truly
most important and trim down everything else. Prevention is the best
medicine. Getting the proper R & R that your body and mind need
should be just as much a priority as everything else. Not only will you
be less stressed, but you’ll also be more effective in everything you
do.
2. Eat a Yoga Diet – A yoga diet, with the emphasis on whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products, naturally
provides your body with both the nutrition and the antioxidants that
your immune system needs to function optimally. One of the biggest
dietary hazards for cold and flu season is too much sugar and other
sweeteners. Fresh fruit and unprocessed honey are the best sweeteners
to use. Too much sugar in your diet (whether it’s from white sugar,
corn syrup, etc.) literally slows down your immune system, making your
white blood cells too tired and sluggish to adequately fight infection.
3. Take a High-Quality Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement – There have
been enough studies strongly in favor of supplementation that it just
makes sense to give yourself that daily dietary insurance. The best
supplement to take is one that is made from natural whole food sources
as this helps to ensure that your body will be able to absorb the
nutrients. Liquid multivitamin and mineral supplements are also good
for absorption. Visit your local health food store for help in finding
the best supplements for your needs.
4. Practice Yoga – Yoga not
only stretches, strengthens, and tones your muscles, but it also
invigorates your immune system and internal organs, helping to keep
sickness at bay. Yoga also provides stress relief, which is vital for
wellness. If you feel a cold coming on, try doing the Lion pose a few
times a day. This pose brings fresh blood to your throat, helping to
chase away the germs.
5. Wash Your Hands – You’ve probably heard
it a million times before, but it is a fact that regular hand washing
really does help prevent sickness.
6. Avoid Sick People When
Possible - While a certain amount of exposure to sickness is inevitable
in our daily lives, it can help to avoid obviously sick people. For
example, if you notice that the cashier at the grocery store is
sniffling, coughing or sneezing, just move to another line
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| From wailana.com |
Ginger is especially good during cold and flu season. It helps clear
the sinuses, relieves congestion headaches, and reduces fever. It’s
also an expectorant that expels mucus from the lungs and throat. The
most effective way to take it for colds and flu is ginger tea.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups water
* ¼ cup diced fresh ginger
* 2 tsp. honey
* Lemon juice (optional)
* Cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions:
1. Boil the water, then add the ginger and simmer for about 20 minutes.
2. Strain into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste).
3. If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of
cayenne pepper to the pot to increase the stimulating, heating effect.
4. Let us forewarn you now, though: This tea is fiery! Sip it—don't gulp it down.
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Fall/Winter is beautiful time of year with the brightly colored fall
leaves and, depending on where you live, mounds of bright white snow.
But for a lot of people, including those suffering from Seasonal
Affective Disorder, fall and winter can be a mental and emotional
challenge as we face shorter, colder days with less sunshine. Bon Jovi
says in his hit “It’s My Life” that the key to happiness is a heart
“like an open highway.” Open your heart with backbends and other heart
openers. They help expand the heart center by opening the chest and
lungs to ease breathing, reduce stress, release tension held in your
tissues, and improve your posture.
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Updates from the studio
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Upcoming Workshops
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August
15-17:
Asheville Sacred Music and Yoga Festival
October
10 - 12:
Anatomy and Yoga with David Keil
December
11-14, 2008 :Therapeutics Yoga Teacher
Training and Intensive with Doug Keller
May
23-24, 2009:
Yoga and the Sutras with Shala Worsley
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