Classes with ailments: is it possible to resume yoga when you have a cold

Asanas and malaise

Women experience the state of illness in different ways – some cannot get out of bed with a temperature of 37.1, seem to be apathetic and have no strength. Others do not notice mild colds and continue to do everyday things. And in both these and other cases it’s always important to remember the specifics and feel your body – what is it “up to” and even capable of right now? Can I do yoga when I have a cold? Let’s find out.

If you have the strength for light yoga practices, you can try to help yourself. This includes some poses, breathing exercises, and specific exercises for those who have been immersed in yoga for a long time, so-called cleanses.

Herbal infusions will not be superfluous. Important: Not all of them are safe for pregnant women – consult your doctor. Find out what herbs you can and can’t use now. Some of them have a powerful tonic effect, which is not always appropriate for the health of a pregnant woman.

Yogic “anti-cold” poses

In addition to relief from colds, asanas in principle normalize the body and also have a calming effect. During the days of illness, it is worth paying attention not only to physical symptoms, but also to your psychological state. A bad mood, a feeling of apathy, and blockage will only make your health worse. Asanas are a good aid in combating depressed moods:

Surya Namaskar – will help if you feel coldness in the limbs. The complex will warm up the body.

Mastiyasana and Bhujangasanaare beneficial for the respiratory organs. If it is difficult to inhale, if you can’t get rid of sputum or if you have a bad cough.

Sarvangasana and Halasana basically help fight infection by promoting lymph flow.

Parivritta Virasana – engages specific lymph nodes under the armpits as well as in the groin area. For pregnant women, a pose with the abdomen between the knees apart is optimal.

Adho Mukha Shvanasana and Padahasthasana – “disperse” the runny nose by bending forward.

Yoga for colds: breathing techniques for colds

Practice Bhastrika It is good to free the nose and saturate the body with oxygen. Performed as follows: a calm breath and forced exhalation involving the abdominal muscles. Feel the tension of the press as when laughing or coughing. Important: Be careful not to get dizzy. It is better to do it an hour or two after meals, in order to avoid unpleasant feelings in the stomach. You can do it sitting or standing.

Simhasana pose will help relieve the unpleasant symptoms of an inflamed throat. Procedure:

Sit in a chair or on the floor, placing a yoga brick under the pelvic bones. Back is straight.
Extend the tongue outward and downward as much as possible. Imagine that you are teasing again like you did when you were a child. Take away the shyness!
Breathe through your mouth.
Repeat up to five times.

Yoga for colds: conclusions

Postpone the full set of exercises for a while – up to 10 minutes a day will be enough. Reduce the load and focus on the recommended poses, if there is strength to perform them.

Usually it’s only when you’ve felt symptoms, or at the point of recovery. The movements help speed up the metabolism and are basically good for the flow of lymph and blood. It promotes regeneration of the body.

However, there is a fine line here! If the body is exhausted, and you are still “pouring” oil on the fire, you risk stalling the recovery, putting unnecessary strain on the heart and worsening the condition.

Be sure to consult a doctor before practicing yoga with a cold. Also, remember that high difficulty and tempo will cause your mucous membranes to become drier. You absolutely don’t need this, and too much emphasis on breathing practices will move the infection deeper into the lungs.