A doctor in Miami recommends Yoga as a prevention for colds and flu and to strengthen the immune system. Read it here.
In addition to the poses Dr. Raby suggests, I recommend:
* Shoulder stand or legs up the wall pose for 10 or 15 minutes at the end of the day to stimulate lymph system. Add on to the posture by flapping the feet up and down to encourage the downward flow. See a shoulderstand how-to here. However, always be mindful of contraindications when using books or web guides for learning Yoga. Remember, safety first.
* Matsyanasa – Fish pose which opens the throat and a clear channel to breathe into the lungs. With full deep breath, use inhales to completely fill the lungs and then exhale creating a soft ‘aaaaaahhhhh’ sound which generates vibrations in the throat and down into the bronchial passageways, stimulating and cleansing the entire area. After sounding ‘aaaaahhh’ try a higher pitched ‘oooooo’ sound which brings the vibrations into the sinus cavities. My students love this in their practice and it is beautiful for me to observe a room full of singing fish. For a fish posture how-to click here.
* Jumping up and down in place as well as sternum tapping are good additional practices to keep the circulation and lymph system moving and flowing.
Maybe all the recent research about Yoga, health and medicine will put a whole new spin on the old saying, “Just say NO to drugs.”
