What is Yoga?

The word “Yoga” has been derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means, to unite or to join the self with the soul which in the end if performed correctly leads to enlightenment or might provide relaxation to the ones own body as well as the mind. It can also be defined as a science which keeps you youthful while integrating your body, mind and soul. Yoga will provide you with a perfect opportunity to be curious about yourself because it involves practices like meditation. As a result, yoga will help you in relaxing which is much more than a physical workout. The Ayurveda and many other ancient texts of India have described in detail that performing yoga benefits the mind, physical health and soul as well. And this is believed by modern science as well. 

Benefits of Yoga:

As we have seen above that yoga benefits human beings in a long run and includes the exercises like breathing and meditation which helps in reducing the stress. Even after being backed up with so many benefits, yoga has some other astounding benefits too. Let us check them out: 

  • Yoga provides relaxation from stress and helps to cure anxiety. Yoga involves asana which acquires stretching of muscles, which in turn reduces the stiffness in them. This results in releasing of stress as well as anxiety. Also, it helps in providing an increase in vital air capacity.
  • Improves mental health, as meditation provides the brain with the chemicals like endorphins which help to combat issues like depression.
  • Yoga helps in improving the working of the heart. The exercises in yoga help in improving cholesterol levels in the body. Thus, providing life with quality.
  • Helps to fight Insomnia                                                                                                                                                                     
  • Improves the metabolism
  • Induces flexibility
  • Helps in providing strength and boosts immunity
  • Might help in weight loss 

 5 yoga poses for boosting the Immune System:

 As during this period of the pandemic, our immune system plays a significant role in fighting various diseases. So, yoga helps us build a strong immune system. It also plays a vital role in fighting viruses. So, let us have a look at the same. Here are 5 yoga poses or asanas which are easy and perfect to boost the immune system:

1. Shalabhasana [Locust Pose]:

This asana stretches the thorax, thighs and the shoulders, navel. It is performed by lying in a prone position just like that of a cobra or crocodile pose. It helps in strengthening the spine and improves the functions of the liver, pelvic region and lower back. Pregnant ladies, people suffering from a hernia, vertebral transition, the spine-related disease should avoid the asana. 

2. Tadasana [Mountain Pose]: 

Being a traditional yogic practice, it is a standing asana in which the heels remain up and, the palms are stretched out on the sides and holding then followed by exhaling and inhaling. This asana is also known as the mountain pose. This asana helps in the strengthening of the ankles, thighs and joints. It is very beneficial in reducing the flat feet. 

3. Trikonasana [Triangle Pose]: 

The one performed by raising the arms and reaching the sides with palms down touching the floor. This asana helps in proper circulation of the blood and benefits in lowering the blood pressure, improves digestions and cures infertility. People suffering from diarrhea, headache, neck and heart problems should avoid this yoga asana.

4. Salamba Bhujangasana [Sphinx Pose]: 

As the name suggests that this particular asana is performed in such a way that the final pose resembles the raised hood of the cobra. This asana helps to benefit the digestive system and improves blood circulation, providing a boost in your energy. It should be avoided by women who are pregnant & people suffering from a back injury, headaches etc. The asana benefits the people suffering from sciatica, and asthma as it stimulates the abdominal organs and benefits the spine in a long run.

5. Garudasana [Eagle Pose]: 

It is a balancing asana, which proves helpful in strengthening the ankles and helps in building up the concentration power. In this asana, the body remains in the prone position, with knees bent and the position of the arm is in such a way like joining of both the palms join each other. The people with injury in the knee should avoid this asana. This particular asana is beneficial for all those people suffering from asthma, sciatica and lower backache.

Yoga series has ended here but, yoga asanas are endless. These were a glimpse of how yoga is amazingly beneficial to boost your immunity. But, one must keep in mind that diverse yoga poses are for different purposes. They must be performed under training so that you can grab the utmost benefit from the same.