Pranayama: Improving your Immune System
Namaste friends!
The Coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is on the news daily and most likely on your mind as well. Doctors from China, the World Health Organisation, and various research scientists around the world have concluded that COVID-19 blocks the respiratory pathways and eventually destroys the lungs. They have also concluded that the virus can be killed by heat. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the medical experts are your best source of information as this situation unfolds. Pay attention to their expert advice. I am not a medical expert, and I am also at risk like the general public.
Here are my suggestions on how to be proactive and take measures that could help, and at the same time, boost your immune system. This also happens to be a part of my daily practice even before the Coronavirus was an issue.
When I wake up in the morning, I squeeze a few drops of lemon juice in 1 cup of hot water to make it alkaline. I slowly sip it for a few minutes. Then, I begin my morning practice of pranayama. If I have time at night, I practice pranayama again (it is important to practice Pranayama on an empty stomach). I practice various techniques of Pranayama, but I will discuss and demonstrate a simple one that may be of help to you (please see the video uploaded). Pranayama strengthens the respiratory system, and as a result, makes the lungs stronger to withstand viruses, the common cold, and other respiratory diseases.
This Pranayama technique is called Anulom Vilom. It is beneficial in strengthening the respiratory system and reducing stress. In the beginning, you can practice this technique for 1-3 minutes, then take a break and repeat 3-5 times.
Vishnu Mudra
Step-by-step instructions:
Form the Vishnu mudra with your right hand (see above picture).
Close your right nostril with your thumb.
Exhale with mild force through your left nostril.
Inhale with mild force through the same nostril.
Close the left nostril with the ring finger and open the right nostril by removing the thumb.
Exhale out through the right nostril.
Inhale through the same nostril.
Close the right nostril with your thumb
Exhale through the left nostril.
Inhale through the same nostril.
Repeat this pattern for 3 minutes while using your thumb and ring finger to open and close your nostrils. You may do 3 rounds of 3 minutes. In this exercise, do not hold your breath in nor out. Don't force yourself or worry about the length of each breath. Just breathe in and out with a mild force that is comfortable for you. Develop a comfortable rhythm and stick with it throughout your practice. Take a look at the video in conjunction with the instructions and it will answer many of your questions. After a month of daily practice, let me know how it goes and we can discuss moving forward with other types of Pranayama!
If you wish to learn more, contact me via this website or any of my social media accounts!
Om ShantiH ShantiH ShantiH.
-Sri Rajaji