Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Kathy Cook demonstrate a headstand pose with Lisa

Iyengar Yoga for Immunity

Immunity is a trending word these days as there is more focus on health, building a resilient immune system, and being preventative in our daily lifestyle.

Our immune system is the defense mechanism of the body, protecting us from dis-ease. We have inherent immunity and acquired immunity. Both are strengthened and developed through regular yoga, pranayama (breathing) practice, and a healthy lifestyle.

We all know it’s the white blood cells that attack the invasion of micro-organisms. But beyond this, what is required to have a healthy body and mind that will contribute to building our natural immunity in order to fight the good fight?

Through various sequencing of Asana’s (poses) we can move the body in various directions in order to:

  • Circulate blood and oxygen to blocked areas within the body. As well as creating movement & energy in the lymphatic system – vital to detoxification
  • Target the respiratory system with chest openers and inversions
  • Use supported back arches to activate the kidney area which removes waste & detoxifies the body
  • Quiet the mind and release stress with forward-bending
  • Unlock the “rest and restore” response of our parasympathetic nervous system with restorative poses, calming the abdomen and the brain.
  • Holding the poses for longer periods creates a deeper and longer-lasting effect. The results of staying in the poses longer penetrate a cellular level beyond the physical

When we maintain a healthy lifestyle by making sure we have proper nutrition, high-quality sleep, clean air to breathe, sufficient sunlight, and physical activity our stress will naturally reduce, and our “health-span” maximizes. These simple actions can be the most difficult to maintain consistently.

There is no secret to longevity and good health, we have full access to all the free tools, but we just need to use them on a regular basis by making our practices a non-negotiable.

When stability becomes a habit, maturity and clarity follow.

This sequence includes:

Adho Mukha Virasana ( Forward Hero Pose )

Parivrta Adho Mukha Virasana & Parsva Virasana ( Twisted Forward Hero Pose )

Adho Mukha Svanasana ( Downward Dog )

Uttanasana ( Forward Bend )

Sirsasana variation ( Headstand Variation )

Padangusthasana ( Hand to Big Toe Pose )

Prasarita Padottanasana ( Wide Leg Forward Bend )

Viparita Dandasana ( Inverted Staff Pose )

Supta Baddha Konasana & Supta Virasana ( Reclining Bound Angle and Hero Pose )

Dandasana ( Staff Pose )

Salamba Sarvangasana ( Shoulder Stand )

Upavistha Konasana ( Wide Angle Leg Pose )

Halasana ( Plow Pose )

Karnapidasana ( Ear Presure Pose )

Setubandha Sarvangasana ( Bridge Pose )

Forward Sukhasana ( Forward Easy Pose )

Tadasana ( Mountain Pose )

Viparita Karani ( Leg to the Wall Pose )

Baddha Konasana ( Bound Angle Pose )

Savasana ( Corpse Pose )