Best Yoga Poses for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
If you are uncertain whether yoga for allergic rhinitis is effective, you don’t need to be. Performing certain yoga poses can effectively treat nasal congestion and inflammation and offer you immense relief.
Allergic rhinitis is caused when you come in contact with certain allergens in the air. It can cause allergies like an irritated throat and persistent sneeze that can be very alarming.
In this article, we have presented to you the seven most effective yoga poses that help you keep this inflammatory condition at bay. Let us get begun!
What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
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Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent issue in urban spaces causing inflammation and sensitivity in your nasal airways. The problem originates due to contact with allergens such as soil or pollen.
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Your body’s immune system generates histamineto combat the allergen causing irritated eyes and a congested nose as side effects.
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Allergic Rhinitis also occurs as a result of environmental contaminants, tension, a poor diet which make your respiratory and nervous systems sensitive resulting to allergic rhinitis.
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Allergic rhinitis affects infants and adults equally. Around 10%-30% adults suffer from it worldwide whereas it impacts 40% infants.
Yoga For Allergic Rhinitis – How Does It Help ?
Yoga is a natural remedy for allergic rhinitis. Yoga poses can decrease the intensity of the allergic symptoms.
It is a timeless cure that improves your respiration, improves the functionality of physiological systems, improves your mental state, and keeps you fit and active.
However, it may not work for everyone. Eshwar Nilakantan, a blogger who contended with allergic rhinitis for several years, investigated numerous therapies, including yoga, in his pursuit for relief. Describing his experience, he writes, “I’ve tried almost every possible treatment (allopathy, homeopathy, yoga, meditation, jal neti, etc.) in the last 18+ years (i).” However, he discovered that most methods offered only short-term alleviation without an enduring solution for his allergic rhinitis.
Yoga Exercises For Allergic Rhinitis
1. Pavanamuktasana (Wind- Relieving Pose)
About The Pose- Pavanamuktasana or the Wind-Relieving Pose is an asana that functions well to assuage your digestive flatulence. It is a novice level Vinyasa yoga asana. Make sure you practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and maintain the pose for 10 to 60 seconds.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis- Pavanamuktasana massages and stimulates your abdominal organs, which helps enhance blood circulation in your body. Increased blood circulation to the abdominal organs improves immune function.
2. Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
About The Pose- Sethu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose is an asana that is analogous to the structure of a bridge. It is a Vinyasa yoga asana that is excellent for all levels. This pose can be done actively or passively, depending on your energy levels. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and maintain the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis- Sethu Bandhasana stretches your neck and thorax. It reduces tension and moderate depression. The pose stimulates your lungs and reduces fatigue and discomfort.
3. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
About The Pose-Vrikshasana or the Tree Pose resembles the posture of a tree. It is a plain upright pose. The pose is a Hatha yoga asana and is excellent for all levels, but those with equilibrium issues should practice near a wall. Practice it on an empty stomach with eyes open. Hold it for 30 seconds on each limb.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis- Vrikshasana helps you find balance in life. It fosters confidence and self-esteem. Vrikshasana provides a nice stretch to your body from head to toe. It regulates your nervous system and keeps you focused.
4. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose)
About The Pose- Virabhadrasana I or the Warrior Pose I is an asana named after a legendary hero called Virabhadra. It is a novice level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 20 seconds on each limb.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis- Virabhadrasana stretches your neck, shoulders, thorax, and airways. It strengthens your spinal musculature. The pose energizes your complete body and improves respiration.
5. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
About The Pose- Trikonasana or the Triangle Pose is an asana which appears like a triangle when you adopt the pose. t opens up the entire body in all dimensions. It is a pose that can be performed by all levels of pupils but if you are a novice, it could be practiced with your back to the wall and with blocks under your wrists. Practice the pose for 30 seconds on each limb.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis-Trikonasana strengthens and opens up your thorax and back. It betters your mental and physical state. It tones and lengthens the muscles of the thighs. Also, the pose makes for a wonderful aid for managing tension and enhancing holistic health.
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6. Supta Badha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
About The Pose- Supta Badha Konasana or Reclined Bound Angle Pose is a restorative yoga pose. Restorative yoga relaxes your body and mind, relieves your nervous system, and enhances your overall well being. It is recommended to practice this pose with a bolster and comforters to maximize the therapeutic effects. Stay in this pose for 5-7 minutes.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis-Supta Badha Konasana opens up the thorax and inner quadriceps. The pose also reduces tension enhances overall wellness, and relaxes your nervous system.
7. Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
About The Pose- Salamba Sarvangasana or the Shoulder Stand is an inverted posture and is considered the monarch of all asanas. It is an advanced-level shoulder stand. Practice the pose in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels, and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. It can be increased up to 7 minutes if there is no pain or pressure in the head or neck.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis- Salamba Sarvangasana calms your anxieties. It reduces your insomniaand irritability. The pose enhances blood flow into your respiratory area. It’s a physically challenging pose initially, but, over time, and with consistent practice, one can experience the therapeutic effects.
8. Halasana (Plow Pose)
About The Pose – Halasana involves reclining on your back and elevating your legs over your head, approximating a plow shape. It should be undertaken on an empty stomach in the morning. Hold the pose for 10 to 60 seconds and progressively increase the duration as your flexibility and comfort level improves.
Benefits For Allergic Rhinitis – It assists in alleviating the congestion built up in the body and improving blood circulation, including the abdominal organs. Enhanced blood flow to these organs can positively impact immune function, which may help in managing allergic reactions. It is advisable to practice Halasana under the tutelage of a trained yoga instructor to ensure appropriate alignment and safety.