Yoga For Stronger Immunity
WellBeing|Issue 194
In a time of collective ill health, you might be wondering what you can do to improve your immune system. Incorporating yoga into your routine can significantly bolster your body’s ability to combat sickness.
Mascha Coetzee
Yoga For Stronger Immunity

How is your immunity? Can you fight colds, viruses and bacteria with ease? Before COVID-19 hit, you probably didn’t think much about the strength of your immune system. In the post-pandemic world, though, many of us are now asking if there is anything we can do to build our immunity and keep ourselves resilient against viruses.

Thankfully, it is possible to boost your immunity with the integrated practice of yoga, meditation and breathwork — not to mention the other benefits you will no doubt reap from those practices, too.

While the focus here will be what yoga can do to keep your immune system strong, vitamin-rich foods, herbs, steam baths, essential oils and Ayurvedic practices should not be overlooked. Boosting your immunity naturally is best achieved through a holistic approach.

Much research has shown the beneficial effects of yoga, and a number of preliminary studies point to the effects of an integrated yoga practice (entailing postural yoga practice, breathwork and mindfulness) in improving immune functions and resisting the impairment of cellular immunity.

A randomised controlled pilot study, conducted by Sung-Ah Lim and KwangJo Cheong published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, concluded that regular yoga practice considerably decreases oxidative stress and improves antioxidant levels in the body, along with positively affecting stress hormone releases and partly improving immune function.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine indicates that yoga can be a helpful way to boost the immune system and decrease inflammation in the body among the populations at risk or affected by illnesses with an inflammatory component.

What is your immune system?

この記事は WellBeing の Issue 194 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は WellBeing の Issue 194 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

WELLBEINGのその他の記事すべて表示
YOGA FOR IMPERFECTION
WellBeing

YOGA FOR IMPERFECTION

Life is messy and we all make mistakes, but by embracing imperfection, we can begin to accept all parts of ourselves.

time-read
7 分  |
Issue 213
Creating the foundations of ritualist self-care
WellBeing

Creating the foundations of ritualist self-care

As a busy mum of a three-year-old and expecting another baby, finding time for self-care often feels like a luxury.

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 213
Are you doom spending?
WellBeing

Are you doom spending?

If \"doom spending\" has become your go-to for coping with stress, you could be making withdrawals from not just your bank account, but your health too.

time-read
8 分  |
Issue 213
THE POWER OF music
WellBeing

THE POWER OF music

Most of us enjoy music. But science shows music is central to being human and its effect on us is far more astonishing and impactful than we realise. Music is fundamental to life.

time-read
10+ 分  |
Issue 213
SYNTHETIC FOODS
WellBeing

SYNTHETIC FOODS

Synthetic, or genetically modified, fake meats and the like attempt to mimic real meat in both looks, taste and texture. But how much do we really know about the production process and how do they affect the environment and our bodies?

time-read
8 分  |
Issue 213
Embracing the power of nature
WellBeing

Embracing the power of nature

Menopause is more than just a biological change, it represents a significant life stage that can present numerous challenges - from hot flushes and mood swings to fatigue and sleepless nights.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 213
Jan Fran
WellBeing

Jan Fran

From a young age, Jan Fran's deep curiosity and keen interest in social issues sparked her journey into the world of journalism. As an accomplished journalist, media commentator and broadcaster, Fran's passion for storytelling has always been driven by a desire to explore, question and shed light on the world around her.

time-read
9 分  |
Issue 213
Helping teen girls thrive
WellBeing

Helping teen girls thrive

Statistics reveal that many more teen girls are struggling with mental health issues. What's going on with them? More importantly, what can we do to help them flourish?

time-read
9 分  |
Issue 213
Your ageing eyes
WellBeing

Your ageing eyes

Your eyes work hard for you every waking minute. It is no surprise that how your eyes age will be determined by how you protect them. Eating the right foods can go along way towards ensuring that your eyes stay healthy for a lifetime.

time-read
8 分  |
Issue 213
The bottom line
WellBeing

The bottom line

During the Couid pandemic, we were shocked to see people fighting in supermarkets over toilet paper and to see empty shelves that had once held roll after roll. The reasons behind the run for toilet paper during this time reflect the unique place that it holds in our psyche and are deeply rooted in our history.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 213