As we age, our immune systems become less able to respond. We have fewer immune cells and inflammation increases. Stress can further weaken the immune system. If we are of a certain age, there is a higher dose flu shot that helps compensate for this fact. But what about other issues we need our immune system for, such as healing, reducing inflammation, or illnesses that may not have a vaccine? There is evidence that practicing yoga may help us boost our immune systems, reduce inflammation, as well as reduce stress. This study (HERE) looks at fifteen randomized, controlled studies that showed that yoga was linked to a reduction in inflammation as shown by markers measured in the blood. This study (HERE) shows a link between yoga and decreased stress and inflammation, leading to improved immune response.
Mindfulness, stress, and joy are actually linked. When we are stressed, our body responds with pounding heart, sweating, etc. Our minds focus on the stressful event that is happening in the moment. There are studies that showed that stress is related to increased risk of death, but ONLY if the mindset was that stress was harmful. We can use our minds to reframe thoughts of a stressful event to a joyous one. Also, a CDC study (referenced in this interesting TED Talk "How to Make Stress Your Friend" ) showed that people who experienced stress while caring for others do not have an increased chance of death. Caring for others can bring joy. The “seed” of joy lies in each of us through mindfulness, which supports sensitivity to the present and becoming aware of joyous occasions.
Yoga helps reconnect the body and mind, calming stressful thoughts and focusing on what the body needs. It is unknown what specific mechanism helps to improve the immune system, but since we know stress and inflammation are linked to poor immune response, it seems reasonable to believe that reducing these can also help to improve the immune system. Yoga experts believe that a disconnection of oneself from their body is a main contributing factor to disease. Practicing mindfulness can help reconnect them. For more information about mindfulness, read our blog HERE.
SAM Sather, a certified yoga therapist, offers several live, online class in yoga and mindfulness as well as weekly recorded On Demand classes. Weekly mindfulness classes are offered Mondays at 12:30 p.m. You can do something wonderful for yourself easily from the comfort of your own home.
Click on the link HERE to sign-up and go to the ‘Classes’ tab to sign-up for any classes, including Joint Freeing Yoga & Mindful Movement Classes.
Dogwood Studio offers other weekly live online and pre-recorded On Demand classes. For the latest schedule on the website, click HERE.
On Demand Line-up for October 11th – 19th & available for signing-up:
For more information about On Demand classes, visit our website page HERE or email us at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com.