Yoga to fight seasonal allergies

Each season has its unique beauty. But while we're enjoying the warm sun or the scenic rains we are also vulnerable to suffer from seasonal allergies and illnesses.

If you find yourself falling sick often due to 'viral' seasonal viruses it is quite possible your immune system is not at its best. While we thrive in our professional fields and excel in what we do, we tend to deprioritize our health.

There is no one specific way to prevent falling prey to seasonal allergies. However, there is a way to build your immunity and be ready to counter the seasonal viruses protecting yourself from attack.

Yoga is a holistic lifestyle that offers solutions to build a strong immune system. Here are a few asanas that we suggest you try to improve your immunity!

Matsyasana

Matsyasana or the fish pose is also known as the "destroyer of all diseases" in ancient yogic text. Let's have a look at how you can master this stunning asana!

1. Begin in the Shavasana or the lying down position keeping your back flat. Inhale and with the help of your forearms lift your upper body - the chest, abdomen, shoulders and head off the mat.

2. Push your head back such that your crown (top of the head) touches the floor. Arch your back and place your both palms on the thighs or let them rest on the floor.

3. Let the top of your head rest on the mat as shown in the image.

4. Hold this pose for up to 30 seconds and release to return to the initial position.

5. Relax and take a breath before beginning the process again. You can repeat this process for 5-7 times.

Matsyasana offers loads of benefits. It works as a fatigue reliever, it removes soreness from your spine and neck muscles. It is a great asana to improve posture, flexibility, and digestion process. It works on increasing metabolism and helps you de-stress.

Utkatasana

Utkatasana or the chair pose is a powerful asana that works on increasing the strength and stamina in the legs promoting inner power. Here's how you do it!

1. Start in Tadasana

2. Take a deep breath and on the exhale, bend your knees and move your hips backward as if you are sitting on a chair.

3. Raise your hands upward touching the ears, softening the shoulders.

4. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, try to stretch upwards if you can.

5. Release your hands and return in the tadasana position.

Utkatasana works towards improving your posture alignment and relieving neck & back pain. It works on strengthening the thigh muscles. It tones & stretches the legs. It also stimulates the heart and reduces stress. The regular practice of Utkatasana helps you live an energetic and healthy life.

Vrikshasana

Vrikshasana or the tree pose symbolizes the still and serenity that we long for in the fast running and chaotic world. It helps you achieve a state of balance. Here's how you can practice this asana.

1. Stand straight with your arms placed at the side of your body.

2. Now, bend your right knee, lifting your right leg and placing it on the inner thigh of your left leg.

3. Find your balance, keeping the left leg straight.

4. Once you are comfortable in this position, raise your arms over your head into a namaste.

5. Keep your spine straight and hold the posture for a few breaths.

6. On the exhale release the position, coming into the initial position.

7. Repeat the same process with the other leg.

Vrikshasana aids in improving the balance of the body. It strengthens and tones your legs and arms. It stabilizes your mind and body. It improves your concentration and rejuvenates you.

Enjoy each season to its peak without the worry of falling ill due to seasonal allergies! Until next time, namaste!