January occurs during peak cold and flu season. Add in a pandemic, and we are all concerned about preventing viral illness. What do we do if catch a virus despite our best efforts? We know to rest, drink plenty of liquids, consult our medical practitioners, etc. During a recent viral illness, I noticed that I felt better after practicing yoga . This got me to thinking. Was I just more relaxed, or was there something else to it?
There is some evidence from studies that yoga may help those recovering from a viral illness. One of the ways this works is that negative stress affects the ability to heal by suppressing the immune system. A randomized, controlled study showed an improvement in symptoms, function, and quality of life and a reduction of the length of illness among participants who were assigned to practice mindfulness meditation. Another randomized, controlled study showed that participants who were assigned to the yoga group had stronger immune systems and reduced stress hormones, an indicator of negative stress.
Since yoga and mindfulness meditation help us focus on the connection our bodies and minds naturally have, but we may forget about during our daily lives, it makes sense that keeping a yoga practice routine would help us heal our bodies. We become more aware of what is going on during the practice. When healthy, we may focus on what area needs to open up more, how our breath comes, etc. While ill, we may notice congestion in the chest or swelling of the ankles, for example. When our minds become aware of these issues, our bodies can get to work repairing the problems more effectively. The extent of the illness is brought to our immune system’s attention. Yoga or mindfulness meditation may be a great option to add to your regimen for improving your health. Remember to include your medical practitioner in healthcare decision making and not to stop treatment without their approval.
Mindfulness Meditation Series is Available On Demand
There are 6 sessions: 1) Being Present, 2) Loving Kindness, 3) Joy, 4) Equanimity, 5) Compassion, and 6) Self-Compassion. Each can stand alone or can be taken as a series.
SAM Sather, a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on improving health. She offers several live, online class in yoga as well as weekly recorded On Demand classes. SAM also offers private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
Click on the link HERE to sign-up and go to the ‘Classes’ tab to sign-up for any sessions, including Yin Yoga, Joint Freeing Yoga, and Mindful Movement & Yoga Classes.
For the latest schedule on the website, click HERE.
On Demand Line-up for January 17th through January 25th & available for signing up:
For more information about On Demand classes, visit our website page HERE or email us at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com.
A Reminder:
Open Heart/Open Mind Workshop: A Yoga, Movement, and Writing Series with Leesann Shefa
Date: Online Saturdays January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST
Cost: Regular class price ($10 for individual class, or use one from a class package for savings.)
Sign-up: HERE. Go to each date and register. If you need help signing up for one or more, please email: info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com.