DURBAN - With the anxiety and hype surrounding the Covid -19 pandemic, we thought of ways you could relieve some of the stress in a healthy way. The ancient Indian practice of Yoga always seems to be at the tip of your tongue in this regard.
Durban based Yoga instructor Carolina-Mari Barausse takes us through some of the poses that may help boost your immune system.
“Cultivating a yoga practice at this time can be especially beneficial to help regulate the body and mind. It is one of the best tools to help create and maintain a strong immune system, as well as assist in maintaining strong mental and physical health,” added Barausse.
Sukhasana and Pranayama (Sitting and Breathing):
Sukhasana (easy seated pose) is the traditional pose used for meditation. It is known to
bring awareness to the body in ‘’space’’ and the ‘’space’’ within the body. Pranayama is a
practice of controlling the breath. The simple act of sitting and breathing daily allows the body to move from a more than often sympathetic nervous system (fight and flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). Allows yourself the time every day to sit and breathe to help boost your immune system as well as mental and physical well-being, by decreasing heart rate and stress hormones.
Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall):
This pose perfectly personifies why “less is more”. It is one of the most
relaxing and invigorating yoga poses. Lying in this pose, allows your body to rest and gently
boosting your blood circulation to the upper body and head. This creates a balance in the body after sitting or standing for long periods of time. It releases pressure and strain from your lower back, once again allowing the nervous system to relax, release and reset. For a good immune system, we need to create a healthy and strong nervous system.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):
This is a gentle chest opener, giving space to your lungs and helps strengthen
your respiratory system. Chest congestion is linked to the feeling of anxiety, this pose can
help relieve chest congestion that could be due to cough or fevers therefore could assist in
those anxious moments. This pose helps stimulate your digestive organs which are
responsible for helping you obtain nutrition from your food which is fuel for your immune
system.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fish):
Spinal twists help nourish and decompress the spine. A healthy spine equals a good nervous system and usually a strong immune system. Twists can also assist internal functions like our digestive system. Having an unhealthy and sluggish digestive system can cause toxins to build up. These toxins can cause chaos internally, potentially causing infections and inflammations.
Spinal twists like Ardha Matsyendrasana that compress, stimulate and twist the stomach can help with digestion issues and boost the immune system.
Barausse, commonly known as Cami, operates in the Durban area and has studied the practice of Yoga Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in India. She also holds a BSc Honours in Biological Science.
To get in contact visit her Facebook: Camibeyoga
Instagram: connectwithcamibeyoga
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