subject: How Yoga Keeps Out Viral Infections And Common Illnesses From Your Body [print this page] Yoga, though known all over the globe,is not yet that popular as a defense against common illnesses and a protection of the immune system.
Our immune system is an intricate structure that causes bewilderment to the numerous bacteria, toxins, virus and parasites habitually attacking the body. A sturdy immune system epitomizes fitness, so an efficient immune system is crucial to our wellbeing.
A breakdown in the immune system is caused by many variables. These could be inadequate exercise, poor diet, anxiety, external and internal toxins(food), or undue consumption of alcohol. The immune system can recover from its weakened condition through yoga and resume its previously effective operation.
Yoga has numerous positive effects on the immune system, like improvement of circulation, improvement of the flow of oxygen and therefore, energy throughout the body, heighten lung capacity, rejuvenation of internal organs, relaxing of the nervous sytem and strengthening immune response, among others.
The thymus gland is the 'locus' of the immune system, that is, it's the place where germs or infectious organisms enter. It's flanked by the heart and breast bone and is accountable for the production of T-cells. This is a group of cells crucial in the body's defense against invasion by foreign organisms.
Yoga postures focusing on upper back bends, chest opening and deep breathing stimulate the thymus. Some of these postures are cobra, pigeon, fish, bow, boat and bridge.
Upside-down postures like shoulder stand, head stand, plow and legs up the wall facilitate the course of lymph and immune cells all over the body through increased passive movement of the lymph system. The lymph is the liquid substance created when interstitial fluid goes into the lymphatic system. It's not like the blood that gets pumped into the body, instead its flow depends on the constriction of skeletal muscles. It is critical in carrying oxygen, food and water to the cells and removal of waste products out of the body.
The spleen is also one part of the immune system with essential functions like the removal of unwanted substance from the blood and helping battle against infection. Together with other secondary organs, it and the lymph nodes are moved into action by twisting yoga positions and hip openers. Postures like the seated twist, prayer twist, bound angle, seated angle and pigeon all serve to motivate these secondary organs.
Regular performance of yoga improves circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which is a vital function of the immune system. Oxygen is needed by body cells in the performance of basic functions. So an improved flow of oxygen results in improved transport of energy from nutrients to cells, thereby providing greater ammunition to the immune system against germs.
Relaxed yoga postures combined with pranayama, the guided and paced breathing techniques, provide aid to the nervous system and strengthen immune response.
Yoga's benefits of diminishing stress, massage and stimulation of internal organs, balance and power to the nervous system provide a crucial assistance in barring viral infections and common illnesses like colds and flu from harming the body. In this way, Yoga serves to balance the immune system besides providing it strength to combat illness.
