Studies have shown that there is a strong connection between stress and weak immunity. And as you might know, yoga helps lower our stress hormones and calms the nervous system, which compromises our immune system. Through relaxation, the nervous system can tell the immune system to settle down and stop attacking the foreign bodies, which are naturally cleared out by sneezing once or twice a day. When the immune system backs off, inflammation and mucus decrease, and symptoms diminish.
on another note, Yoga is one of the main tools for maintaining the health of our respiratory system. Breathing technique and asana (posture) help improve the mechanical efficiency of our lungs by conditioning the repertory tract that increases the elasticity and strength of the whole lung. This in turn helps prevent infection.
Also, sitting at a desk all day without getting proper circulation to our organs can cause blockages and buildups of toxins and mucus that stimulate breakdowns in the body and its systems. Yoga poses supply our organs with fresh blood for optimal function.
In your next class, focus on postures that open the chest, and breathe deeply into each one. Some beneficial postures include pranayama, half-moon, cobra, bow and camel. With a strong, focused, and revitalized immune system, you’ll find you’re able to resist those everyday common sicknesses and effectively fight off infections.