When the weather cools, it is a season of great beauty, serenity and celebration. It is also a time when many of us find that we get a number of colds and are vulnerable to catching the flu. A regular practice of Yoga asanas and pranayama exercises will help to keep you in good physical and mental health. There are also asanas and pranayama exercises that are particularly beneficial for enhancing the functioning of the immune system. The immune system is “staffed” by white blood cells that are distributed throughout the body by the lymphatic system. Exercise in general will help to increase the functioning of the immune system by increasing the circulation of white blood cells throughout the entire body. Yoga asanas that turn the body upside down are known as inversions. Inversions will substantially support the efficient functioning of your immune system through the added power of gravity to increase circulation.
To practice this pranayama, sit comfortably on a chair or on your Yoga mat. You may wish to sit on a blanket if your hips are tight. Begin by taking a few full, deep breaths. When you are ready to begin, place the tip of your tongue directly behind your top front teeth and against the roof of your mouth. Keep your tongue in this position for the entire length of the exercise. The goal is to inhale for half the time you are exhaling. Choose the amount of time you are inhaling and exhaling to suit your comfort level. For example, you may wish to inhale for five counts, hold for a count of six and exhale for ten counts. Breath through your nose on the inhale and exhale through your mouth.
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