YOGA
& IMMUNE SYSTEMS
by Sam Rao
Our
body's immune system is vital to our well being.
Natural protection of our health comes from the various components of our immune
system constantly detecting and protecting our body from toxins or
disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses.
Most of the time our immune systems
continue to work well and provide everything we need to prevents diseases and
fight regular bouts of infections. Occasionally, perhaps as a result of fatigue
and stress, parts of the immune systems are challenged and there is a good
chance of some trouble ahead.
We have now also discovered that
certain patterns of personal behaviour are connected to illnesses. Some of these
patterns do lead to serious challenges within the body. A healthy and strong
immune system is required to manage and win the fights against various forms of
arthritis, allergies and all immune-related diseases.
If you do not take care of yourself
then you are sending the wrong kind of message to your immune system. It is as
if you are saying “ I given up.” The
immune system seems to be replying: “ok,
if you want to give-up then I will too”.
The result is our whole system becomes depressed and we are open to a
host of illnesses.
So what can be done? Very simple.
Get in tune with your immune system by spending time to study what makes up the
immune system. Where in the body are the various glands and organs that make up
our immune system. Knowledge of what is where and what is its purpose is the
beginning of the path of helping your self – self-help !
There
are several things you can do and one of them is to start a regular
practice of Yoga. Ancient civilisations recognised this need and developed the
practices of Yoga over centuries. They developed various postures, breathing
techniques, relaxation techniques and Meditation to provide and guide us to help
ourselves to help our immune systems.
Yoga
means a “union” and in our practice of Yoga we are working to unite the
Body, the mind and the spirit. A regular practice of yoga postures soon
begin to generate strength in the immune system and your inner defenses are
helped to deliver a more healthy body. Heightened awareness of our body enabled
us to discover the self-care mechanism that is already there in our body.
What can you do next? Start from where you are.
Find a local Yoga class. There are dozens of them in the area. Try out one or
two sessions and one or two different classes and therefore different teachers.
You will soon find a practice that suits you best. As your interest grows, you
will find ways to increase your personal practice and live with the benefits of
Yoga.
Sam Rao
Yoga Teacher.
