Yoga

Combating Cold with Yoga

The most common phenomenon of any seasonal change are the diseases it brings with itself. As we move from summer to monsoons to winter, a lot of people keep battling with flu and common cold. By default, our body's immunity system tries to get rid of the disease, but it is wise to adopt other preventive and curative measures to fight it better. While modern-day medicines are highly effective, they are not the sole option present today. People are also turning to options such as yoga to cure themselves and enhance their body's immunity levels.

Yoga is an ancient and unique technique that helps builds a stronger body and a focused mind. A Sri Sri Yoga course is one such exclusively designed course which equips us with simple yoga postures to live healthier by overcoming ailments like common cold. Here are a few yoga postures that will help you combat cold better:

 

1. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril breathing technique)

 

The Alternate Nostril breathing technique helps open up blocked nose and facilitates better flow of oxygen to the lungs. It also helps release stress and relaxes the body. Practice 7-8 rounds of this breathing technique twice or thrice a day to overcome cold.

 

2. Kapal Bhati Pranayama(Skull Shining breathing technique)

 

The forceful exhalations done during the Skull Shining breathing technique helps unclog the respiratory tract, thus helping in breathing easily. It also energizes the nervous system, improves blood circulation and uplifts the mind. 2-3 rounds of this breathing technique twice a day should help combat the cold with renewed energy.

 

3. Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend)

 

The Standing forward bend is a yoga posture that improves the flow of blood to the head and also clears the sinuses. It also invigorates the nervous system and relieves tension in the body.

4. Matsyasana (Fish pose)

 

The deep breathing done in this yoga posture provides relief from respiratory disorders and ailments like cold. The Fish pose also relieves the tension in neck and shoulders that usually bogs down the body.

5. Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall pose)

 
Another highly effective yoga posture to counter respiratory ailments is the Legs up the Wall pose. This posture helps overcome headache and backache. It also calms the mind, thus helping in keeping one mentally strong while suffering from cold.
 

6. Shavasana (Corpse pose)

 
The Corpse pose is practised as the last posture in a yoga routine as it leads the body into a state of deep and meditative rest. With the help of this pose, the body is relieved of stress and is rejuvenated.
 

The onset of any season is an incredible opportunity to enjoy it to the fullest, without being held down by common cold or flu. Regular practice of yoga fortifies the immunity system and enhances it ability to fight foreign viruses better.

The ancient holistic and natural medicine system of Ayurveda is also an effective measure to improve the body's immunity level. Unlike allopathic medicines that focus on management of disease, Ayurveda provides us with knowledge of how to prevent disease and eliminate its root cause. Learn here more about how ayurveda can help in living healthily.

Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find an Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@artoflivingyoga.in

Art of Living Part 1 course: Discover Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ancient secret to modern well-being.

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