Yoga For Seasonal or Pollen Allergies

Filed in archive Allergy: Diagnostics and Treatment , Hay Fever , Living with Allergies on August 14, 2006

Probably because of my background in the sciences, I am especially wary of alternative healing. I'm not saying they're bogus, just that I don't understand much of them, and am therefore skeptical of their efficacy. I recognize that yoga, for example, may help in reducing stress and may be boost emotional and psychological health. But allergies?

Allergies are worsened by a stress reaction, which causes physiological responses, including the release of stress hormones and histamine, and triggers inflammation," says Jeff Migdow, M.D., director of Prana Yoga Teacher Training through the Open Center in New York as well as a holistic physician at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. "Relaxation diminishes fight-or-flight response, and thereby reduces allergic symptoms." Through relaxation, the nervous system basically tells the immune system to hold its fire. Once the immune system backs off, the inflammation and mucus decrease, and symptoms diminish.

Hm, makes sense.

Which yoga routines help with allergies?

Harriet (Bhumi) Russell, who is a holistic health educator, yoga teacher, and director of Bhumi's Yoga and Wellness Center in Cleveland, Ohio, says that inversions can help clear the upper respiratory tract and drain secretions from the nose, allowing freshly oxygenated blood to flow into the oral cavity. Doing Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) and Halasana (Plow Pose) can open nasal passages, ensuring proper drainage of sinuses, she says. "But don't keep your head down too long in poses like Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and Sirsasana (Headstand), which can put extra pressure on nasal passages."

Take a look at this article and find out more on calming poses that can help you breathe easier.