Thursday, April 26, 2012

Yoga to the rescue for allergy sufferers

It's that time of year again!  Sunny days, cool breezes, flowers everywhere, and...sneezing, wheezing, and watering eyes.  How can yoga help?
Yoga is all about being practical, finding balance.  Krishnamacharya, the founder of modern yoga, taught his students to adjust their practice according to the season. So, after the sluggishness of winter, it would make sense for our practice to experience an awakening, an opening to the sun.

One of the best ways to get the blood (and the sinuses) flowing is with a few rounds of Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutations.  Click this link on Yoga Journal for the how-to.  The words "Surya Namaskar" mean "to bow to the sun". 

Energetically, in the springtime, we feel like moving, like getting outdoors.  So our yoga practice should reflect that vitality:  standing poses, warrior poses; anything that opens the heart, such as Standing Anahatasana (Heart-Opening Pose with hands at lower back), Bhujangasana (Cobra), and Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog).  Inversions, such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and Prasarita Padottanasana (Standing Straddle Fold)  are also good poses to consider because they encourage the flow of mucous.

One of my favorite poses to help open the chest for deep breathing is a restorative one.  Recline on a bolster (or large cushion), supporting the head with a small towel or blanket.  Arms can also be supported with rolled up towels/blankets.

For more information on yoga for allergies, see this link from Yoga Journal. 

Susan Reeves, E-RYT 500.  I offer yoga classes in Highland Village, Flower Mound, and Lewisville areas. Please sign up in the side-bar (right) for e-mail updates on current classes and workshops.