Every winter if not every season change the same words are uttered… “There’s been some nasty bugs going around”. While nobody wants them a large portion of us get them and our bodies are constantly trying to fight them! While our bodies are well equipped to win the war on these nasties it is nice if we do all we can to help them along, after all it is to help ourselves!
The cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system work hand in hand to remove waste products, debris, and toxins from the body. The cardiovascular system also supplies our bodies with fresh nutrients in order to give us energy and oxygen, as well as to repair and regenerate. While the heart pumps blood, the lymphatic system lacks a pump and instead relies on the movement of muscles and joints to propel lymph throughout the body; considering it is the fluid that collects wastes and carries white blood cells, helping to move it along is pretty important in immunity. While we may not feel like getting out of bed when we’re unwell, some light yoga may just be the best thing for us.
Viparita Karani - Legs Up the Wall
- Regulates blood flow
- Helps to move lymph
- Calms the nervous system bringing the body into a state of rest and repair
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - Supported Bridge
- Regulates blood flow
- Stimulates the thymus gland which develops important immune cells
- Reduces fatigue
Adho mukha śvānāsana - Downward Facing Dog
- Promotes blood circulation
- Helps to drain and clear congested sinuses
- Calms the brain and reduces stress
Matsyasana - Fish pose
- Opens the chest to help relieve congestion
- Stimulates the thymus gland
- Promotes easeful breathing
Prasarita Padottanasana - Wide legged forward fold
- Helps to send lymph through the lymph nodes for cleansing
- Draws germs out of the respiratory organs
- Relieves mild backache (for those days you’ve spent propped up in bed).
