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Yoga For Allergy And It's Health Benefits

Last Updated: May 20, 2024

Benefits of yoga for allergy

When a person is suffering from an allergy, is told that regular practice of several yoga asanas can help in soothing the symptoms of allergy he/she may find it hard to believe. However, it is true in every sense. The problem of allergy arises when the body of the person comes in contact with allergens like pollen or dust. Generally, a person suffers from allergy due to his/her weak immunity.

When suffering from allergy a person usually opts for medications like anti-histamines for relief but it is essential to understand that a person that does yoga regularly is less likely to encounter the problem of allergy. Yoga provides a holistic uplifting approach to the body by improving the immunity of a person.

Thus, a person who regularly practices yoga keeps diseases like allergy at bay. Yoga finds its use in the management and prevention of allergy in a person. Researchers have revealed that yoga not only stabilizes the immune system but it also improves the local resistance of the respiratory passages thereby making it possible for the body to repel allergens. Given below are the yoga asanas that help in the prevention and treatment of allergy.

Yoga asanas for allergy

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Alternate Nostril Breathing

It is one of the simplest poses in yoga that promotes relaxation and helps regulate breathing and opens up a clogged nose, which in turn helps to manage allergy symptoms that often mimic the common cold. Sit in a relaxed position and cover one nostril with your finger. Breathe through the other nostril ten times and then hold your breath for 3-5 seconds. Now cover the other nostril and breathe through the one that was initially covered, again holding up your breath for 5 seconds. Do at least 10 rounds of this.
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Downward Dog

Although this pose may feel like it’s putting pressure on the sinuses, it actually helps release the mucus trapped in the nasal passages when you stand up after the pose. Start on all fours with your hands on level with your shoulders. Slowly lift your hips up while keeping your hands and feet on the ground. Breathe deeply for five times and then slowly bring your hands and feet closer together and stand up.
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Shoulder Stand

The shoulder stand or sarvangasana pose helps alleviate allergy symptoms by increasing blood flow to the brain and lungs, relieving congestion and improving immunity. Start by lying on your back, then raise your legs slowly in a 90 degree angle to the floor. Then lift your hips and waist off the ground and take your legs backwards over your head. Carefully raise your back and legs in a vertical position and use your hands to support your upper back region. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.
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Forward Bend

The forward bending pose helps blood flow, helps clear the sinuses and energises the nervous system to provide relief from allergy symptoms. Start the pose in a standing position with your legs apart, bend forward slowly and bend your knees a little to avoid strain. Try touching your feet with your hands or touch the floor and hold the position for five breaths.
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Supported Backbends

Backbends help to release the tension in the muscles between the ribs which may get tired from pushing air out through blocked passageways and help alleviate the discomfort of allergies.

Conclusion

Yoga immensely benefits a person suffering from an allergy but still, there are some steps which must be undertaken along with doing yoga to further prevent the allergies from occurring in the future. Researchers have been successful in establishing that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids in the diet help in preventing and alleviating allergic diseases. Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids can be found in several fish, greeny leafy vegetables, and some nuts.

A study has revealed that including yogurt and sourdough which are rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus in the diet helps in managing and controlling pollen allergies.

Incorporating vitamin-c in the diet also helps the person as it has been reported that some of the allergy associated diseases are caused due to the deficiency of vitamin-c. Fruits which are rich in quercetin like apples, berries, grapes must be added to the diet as they have anti-histamine and anti-allergic properties.

If a person has a severely compromised immune system and is prone to allergy then a doctor may prescribe anti-histamine medicines in the form of pills, shots, topical creams, and liquids. A patient must take these medicines as advised by the doctor along with regular yoga exercises for a prolonged and sustained positive effect.

References

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    Written ByDr. Amit C MD - Physical Medicine & RehabilitationPediatrics
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    Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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