5 Yoga Poses to Boost Immunity
As the weather starts to change and we come in to colder months, practicing yoga is an incredible way to keep our immune system strong and fight off the colds and flus that are so common this time of year. Usually we come down with something when we are stressed or pushing ourselves too hard.
Yoga is a practice of balance and the yoga poses provide a gentle, natural way of supporting the immune system. Yoga helps lower stress hormones, stimulates the lymphatic system, opens up the lungs and oxygenates the blood. Yoga is extremely nourishing (like nourish snacks) and keeps us on an even keel throughout the day so we can stay strong, healthy, fit and balanced. Practice these poses in particular to keep the immunes system humming along and say bye-bye to those nasty colds!
Start with Child’s Pose to clear the mind and settle in to the breath. Then go through each one of the postures below.
Child’s Pose—releases stress (which can weaken our immune system) and quiets the mind. Helps the body unwind after a long day and opens up the back, shoulders and neck.
Downward-Facing Dog–gets the blood pumping throughout our entire body and releases tension in our head, neck, shoulders, lower back and hamstrings. Breathe here for 5 to 8 full breaths.
Wide Straddle Forward Bend–oxygenates the body and allows the weight of the world to fall off our backs and shoulders. Stay here for 8-10 breaths.
Shoulderstand–great for letting the blood flow in reverse and stimulating lymph–stagnant lymph (many of us deal with stagnation during the winter months) makes us more vulnerable to catching a bug. Stay here for up to 3-5 minutes.
Seated Spinal Twist —Twists are great for wringing out the organs and helping with elimination and detoxification. Twists also help us unwind and ease any tension in the back, hips and shoulders. If you prefer to do a supine twist after shoulderstand you can as well.
Try this immunity boosting yoga workout three to four times a week and Namaste away the sniffles this Fall and Winter!
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!