The benefits of yoga on the immune system
We’ve probably heard the term ‘immune system’ in the news more this past 12 months than ever before, with COVID-19 front of mind and headlines, so what is your immune system and how can you improve it? You might be surprised that one of the ways is yoga. Yes, yoga can help improve your immune system!
What is the immune system
We perhaps all know that the immune system plays a key role in our health and protecting us from disease and illnesses, even viruses such as COVID-19, but what exactly is the immune system?
Without getting too technical or medically-minded, according to the Victorian State Government’s Better Health Channel, the immune system is a complex system of organs, cells and chemicals that help your body defend against infection. Most of us have heard of white blood cells, the spleen, antibodies, bone marrow and the lymphatic system, and these are all important parts of the holy immune system.
It’s so complex and clever that our immune system keeps a record of every microbe it’s defeated. One whiff of the same microbe that it’s encountered in the past and the immune system goes to work and destroys it before it can cause significant harm.
If only our immune system could help us find our keys!
How yoga can boost your immune system
Yoga can benefit your immune system in a number of ways:
- We know that yoga is great for your mind, primarily because it can reduce stress and promote relaxation and the stress-reduction benefit is one of the reasons why yoga is great for your immune system. Stress, and in particular chronic stress, can play havoc on your immune system. In fact some studies have shown that around nine out of ten diseases and illnesses relating to our immune systems are stress-related.
- The stretching and strengthening exercises that we enjoy during yoga helps pump blood throughout the body. This freshens the blood supply to our organs and other parts of the body, including those parts that form our immune system. Yoga also helps to remove toxins from the blood supply and our bodies.
- The lymphatic system plays a highly important role in protecting us from illnesses and diseases. It’s a key part of our immune system and as well as helping us with immunity, improves circulation and detoxifies the body. Yoga’s stretching and breathing exercises help improve the lymphatic system.
Reap the benefits of yoga
The good news is that to take advantage of the power of yoga and its ability to boost your immune system, you don’t need to know anything about medicine, white blood cells or spleens. You just need to do yoga.
Even better news, if you live in Bayside Melbourne or Sandringham, the best yoga classes are not far away. Just head along to The Karma Studio in Bay Road, Sandringham. The Karma Studio specialises in small, personalised yoga for beginners and those with experience. Several sessions are held each week at our studio or, if you prefer, online sessions are also available so you can enjoy the benefits of yoga from your home. Book using the above link.
Want to know more about the benefits of yoga on the immune system? Phone us on 03 9502 1044.
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We all know yoga is great for our mind and body, but did you know that it can also benefit the immune system?