It’s that time of year again and spring allergies are in full bloom. The increase in pollen and other allergens as spring at this time of year causes allergy symptoms that range from mild sneezing and itching to more severe symptoms that interfere with your daily life.
Medications, shots and other remedies are used to combat the sneezing, itching and watery eyes that allergy sufferers experience at this time of year. If you are looking for natural ways to manage your allergies, your yoga practice can help.
A variety of yoga poses help different symptoms and a well rounded practice will cover all the bases. If a stuffy or runny nose is disrupting your life, the warrior poses can help clear the sinuses. Try a flowing sequence moving through the warrior asanas to gain the full benefit.
If your allergies cause problems with breathing or induce a cough, chest opening poses can help. Some poses to try: half moon pose, cobra, bridge pose, revolved side angle pose and the lunges. These poses help to clear out the lungs and improve breathing.
Pranayama breathing in yoga helps with allergy symptoms. Yoga breathing helps to increase lung capacity clears the lungs and sinuses and will leave you breathing easier.
At this time of the year, allergens and irritants in the air trigger asthma, as well as allergies. If you have asthma, some yoga asanas are contraindicated. When your asthma symptoms are a problem, avoid boat pose, seated forward bends and plow pose, as these may make asthma symptoms worse.
When practicing yoga for allergies, be sure to practice indoors with the windows closed. Although practicing outdoors in the warm weather is a good way to connect with the world around you, allergy season is not the time to try. Create an environment that is free of pollen and other allergens to get the greatest benefit.