30/04/2020
Part 3.
In this pandemic of Covid-19, the world is again accepting the tradition of Yoga as one of the remedies. Yoga just does not change the way we see things, it also transforms the person who sees it! For me, Yoga is:
Y: Yield
O: Orientation
G: gain
A: Achievement
So it’s altogether a gaining thing only. Sparing time for yoga is investing time for your health, gaining positivity. Yoga is not just a physical or mental exercise, it is a medicine. It is a healing device. It prevents illness and helps to overcome illnesses. I only could realize it once I started doing the practices regularly and I am very proud that Yoga is now an inseparable part of my life.
I am a student of MBBS and medically I can put it as easy as this: Yoga lowers stress hormones that comprise immune system also conditioning lungs and respiratory tract stimulating lymphatic system to oust toxins from body, bringing oxygenated blood to all organs improving their functioning, thus, efficiently fighting or removing any ill-substance. Yoga covers everything.
Yoga has various Asanas with different benefits. For example Kurmasana (tortoise pose) supports thymus. Thymus renders T-cell which forms basic cells of immune response. AdhoMukha Shavasana (downward - facing dog) encourages blood flow through sinuses. These poses focus immune system on sinuses, thus, preventing complications of severe infections by draining the lungs whilst also easing the congestion.
In cases of fever, sitting in Sukhasana with backs or side of hands resting on knees, thumbs and index fingers touching in gyan mudra and breathing with tongue out for a minimum of three minutes will reduce temperature.
Since flu and cold attack bronchial passages, thus, conditioning the lungs and maximizing one’s breathing capacity through Prayanama would build resistance to preying organisms. Fast breathing like Kapal-bhati increases the resistance of respiratory tract and alternate nostril breathing increases resistance of one’s sinuses. Researchers have shown that just 20 min of meditation a day increases endorphins, decreases cortisol levels and fosters a positive state of mind to promote better health.
Contd...