How Yoga can save you from Coronavirus ! Explained

Yes! Yoga can save you from coronavirus with the help of its scientifically proven well being effects. Here we will explain how you can defeat this virus by dedicating a little time from your busy life for the well being of your body. I hope most of us will not find it useless to do so.
Before starting to practice anything, just try to understand the whole concept that we are trying to tell you. Then you may practice it at a suitable time of your choice.

Get Rid of Fear and anxiety about Coronavirus

Lets begin by easing your body and mind. Before practicing the yoga it is necessary to get rid of any negative thoughts. Frankly speaking, COVID-19 kills only those who have a weaker immune system, either due to age or due to some other pre-existing medical condition. A healthy man or women need not to be worried at all. Mortality rate of COVID-19 is around 3.4%. According to wikipedia, 80% of deaths happened among the age group of above-60 and 75% of them had pre-existing health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Maximum number of deaths in a single day by COVID-19 is 158, which happened on 23rd Feb. If we compare it with other diseases, then

• Diabetes killed 4100 people per-day in 2012 (according to a WHO study).
• High Blood pressure killed 1300 people per-day in US alone during year 2017 (according to a CDC report).
• More than 26000 people died everyday due to various types of cancer during year 2017.
• More than 49000 people die everyday due to Cardiovascular diseases (according to WHO).

This data is sufficient to tell you that coronavirus stands nowhere near these major causes of death.

Then what is making people more fearful about coronavirus ?

The fear is the contagiousness. Coronavirus spreads through tiny droplets suspended in air due to a sneeze of an infected people. Lack of faith on their immune system is another reason behind fear. Most of us do nothing to improve our immunity and take our own immune system as granted. Yes, it is granted by nature, and it is best. Just have faith in it and do some exercises on daily basis to keep it running at its full throttle.

Yogas to save you from coronavirus.

Step 1: Remove Stress and Fear

Stress makes our immune system less effective. Fear is also a form of stress, so get rid of it. Our fear/stress can be easily measured by checking our breathing rate. Once you become fearful of something, your breathing increases. Reverse can also be done through yoga. Just take some deep breaths and slow down the pace of your inhale-exhale, which will make you feel less stressed within minutes. “Pranayama”, or breathwork act on the vagus nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen and balances the ANS (autonomic nervous system).
“Ujjayi” or victorious breathing : This pranayama is performed with inhale-exhale ratio of 1:2. Inhaling fills the lower belly and rises the lower rib cage. Inhaling is done through both nostrils, while exhaling is done only through left nostril, by closing the right nostril with thumb.
“Yoga Nidra” (yogic sleep) : This is performed by lying down in a completely mindful and relaxed state which calms your nervous system and helps you overcome any fear or anxiety.

Step 2 : Restorative Yoga to boost immunity

Sukhasana and Pranayama: It is simple sitting and breathing, sounds a bit simple but its an effective way of boosting your immunity. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed or in kneeling position, making sure that you are straight with your shoulders above your hips. While inhaling lengthen up your spine and feel rooted while exhaling. At least 10 deep breaths should be taken in one sitting.

Ardha Matsyendrasana: Just sit in the posture as shown in image (as long as you are comfortable). Take 5 long breaths and then change the posture to other side. Make sure that your spine is straight and inhaling is exerting bearable pressure on your abdominal region. This yoga stimulates your spine and digestive system.

Supported Matasyasana: This yogasana open up lungs and removes any type of congestion. Stay in this pose for 1 to 5 minutes. This pose boosts energy level and immunity.

Uttanasana (Forward Fold) : This pose increases the blood flow to sinus. Sinus and mucus membranes are important part of our immune system and defends us from any possible intruder. Stay in this pose for 5 breaths. This pose is a bit difficult, so only regular practitioners can do it perfectly. Don't push yourself too hard if you can't do it in the beginning.

Viparita Karani : This yoga is done by putting your legs on the wall. It relaxes your back, allows lymph drainage and boosts your immunity. You may stay in this pose for 1 to 10 minutes. You may use some supporting pillow under your hips to be comfortable.

According to yoga guru Ramdev, some pranayams can also help in improving immune system. These pranayams are

• Bhrasrika
• Kapalbhati
• Anulom-Vilom
• Bhramri
• Udgeet

Ayurvedic / Herbal Plants

Apart from these pranayams Giloy, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, is also recommended by experts. In Ayurveda Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) is also known as amrita (the root of immortality). Both stem and roots of Giloy are used as powder and juice. It should be boiled in water till the amount of water remains one-forth and then cooled down before drinking. It boosts immunity, treats chronic fever, improves digestion, treats diabetes, reduces stress/anxiety, fights respiratory problems, reduces inflammation and improves vision.
Tulsi tea: tulsi (Holy basil) is one of the most revered Ayurvedic herbs. Drinking its tea can save you from stress, fever, and headache and it is a natural lung clearer.
Ashwagandha: It is an Ayurvedic super-herb which boosts immunity and fights immune-compromising fatigue and anxiety.
Turmeric: It has got natural anti-microbial properties and used as must-have ingredient in Indian kitchens.

Lifestyle Changes to avoid Coronavirus

Some lifestyle practices can help you in staying away from coronavirus infection. Some people re using face-mask to protect themselves from viral infection, which is not so effective compared to some other methods that we are describing here.

• Gargle: Germs hang out in your nose and throat for 24 hours before going into your blood stream. Gargle every morning and evening using salt mixed warm water to flush out any infectious agent.
• Avoid touching public properties: While travelling you must avoid touching unnecessary object like railings of escalators, door handles and armrests. Virus can survive on such surfaces for hours and can infect all those who touch these objects. 
• Go Cashless: Cash currency can be best carrier for any virus/bacteria. Using digital currency can save you from this threat. ATMs are used by a number of people everyday and their keypad contain more virus/bacteria than a toilet seat. So always use handwash/sanitizer after using ATM. 

Expert Tip: Instead of using fingertips, use your knuckles to operate the ATM.

• Don't touch your face: Suppose you touched any infected surface with your hand and touched your eyes, nose, mouth then you are unknowingly welcoming the virus inside your body. 

Apart from these tips you may give your opinion in the comments section. Spread the word by sharing this article to your family and friends.