A flu or a bad cold? We help our bodies get back on track with nasal spray, tissues, throat sweets, cups of tea and fruit snacks. From now on you can also add the yoga mat to this list. Yes really! Research shows that yoga can help reduce symptoms of flu or colds. Put these yoga poses on your checklist for your next cold.
Catch a cold? Do yoga!
Out this 2018 study shows that yoga can really help reduce inflammation in the body. In the case of an inflammatory disease, such as a cold, yoga can therefore be used as a tool to relieve complaints, according to the researchers. They also report that practicing yoga can help strengthen your immunity. Unfortunately, stretching a few times when you feel a flu coming on doesn’t work. To experience the beneficial effect of yoga, you want to practice yoga for a longer period of time.
The researchers of this 2013 study concluded that doing yoga stimulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The yoga postures make digesting food easier. The study, which involved 120 participants who were all receiving chemotherapy for the first time, found that participants experienced less nausea, vomiting, depression and anxiety after doing yoga.
You’ll want to try these yoga poses
All forms of yoga are good for your body. In this article we will tell you which types of yoga there are and you will discover which one suits you most. However, there are certain positions that are better if you feel like you have the flu. We will skip the physically challenging postures for a moment. Choose calmer postures where the focus is on deep breathing. We have listed a number of nice yoga postures.
1. Child pose
Child pose is a subtle stretch where you can pay close attention to your breathing. Get on your hands and knees. Then bring your knees to the sides of the yoga mat. Push yourself back with your hands so that you are sitting with your buttocks on the soles of your feet. Hold your arms out in front of you for a deep stretch and bring your forehead to the mat.
2. Forward fold
Stand up straight and let your upper body bend forward little by little until your head is hanging down. Bring your arms down and see if you can touch the floor with your fingers. Keep a slight stretch in the knees to keep this pose subtle.
3. Legs against the wall
Lie with your back on the floor and raise your legs to rest against the wall. This pose is intended to stimulate circulation and reduce stress. Unlike a handstand, your head is not below your heart in this position, so the pressure on your head is limited.
4. Cat cow
Stretch your back, open your airways and move with your breathing at the same time. Get on your hands and knees. As you inhale, arch your back and look up to lengthen the front of your body. When you exhale, do this exactly the other way around. Round your body and bend your head inward to look towards your belly button.
5. The camel
If your airways are full of mucus, camel pose can be a nice position to create more space in your chest. Get on your knees, lean back and place your hands on your lower back. Stretch your head back to make more room in the neck and chest. Can you stretch further? Then place your hands on your ankles. Take a few deep breaths in and out in this position.
6. Cobra
Lie on your stomach, place your hands next to your chest and push your upper body up while keeping your legs extended. Breathe deeply in and out again. This position also creates space in your chest to breathe properly.
7. Downward facing dog
Get on your hands and knees, place your hands a little further forward and raise your hips to straighten your legs. You can keep your knees bent or stretch your legs completely. You can combine stretching and breathing well in this pose. This 2019 study shows that this combination can help relieve the symptoms of inflamed airways.
Also interesting
Want to stretch muscle pain from your body? This is possible with these yoga postures. Is it wise to do a good workout if you have a cold? You can read it here.
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2023-10-09 07:55:52
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