Spring allergy season is here again, and multiple news sources are reporting that the mild winter is resulting in a difficult spring allergy season. If you suffer from spring allergies, your yoga practice can offer natural relief.
Allergies cause several uncomfortable symptoms. Many people experience sinus congestion, chest congestion, watery eyes and headaches during spring allergy season. The allergy aisle at your local drug store or grocery store contains a variety of medications to relieve symptoms, but the effect is minimal for many people and others just prefer a natural remedy.
There are several yoga poses that can offer relief from allergy symptoms. Some poses to try include fish pose, shoulder stand, forward bends, bridge pose, and other backbends. A basic hatha yoga class will cover the basic poses that help to clear the sinuses and relieve chest and sinus congestion. Remember to spend some time in savasana at the end of your yoga practice. This offers stress relief benefits and some people find that lying flat helps to relief congestion.
Pranayama breathing . Deep breathing with a pause at the top of each inhalation and the bottom of each exhalation breath. Sit upright on your yoga mat or a cushion with your legs in a cross legged position. Breathe deeply for at least six inhalations and exhalations to clear the sinuses and relieve congestion. Other helpful methods include alternating nostril breathing and another breathing technique that involves gently inhaling and forcefully exhaling to clear the sinuses.
Although practicing yoga outdoors or near an open window is often a great way to clear your mind and enjoy the beauty of nature, allergy season is not the best time to move your practice outdoors. When pollen and ragweed are high, practice indoors with the windows closed to avoid allergens in your yoga space. Air filters can help remove particles from the air and improve allergy symptoms.