An allergy is the response of a hypersensitive human immune system to specific things in its proximity. The allergy causing items are called allergens. Dust, pollen, smoke, certain foods, chemicals, scents, and colors are some of the common allergens for specific people. Any item can become an allergen for a person, whereas it may be non-allergenic for another.
The human body reacts to allergies in different ways. Sneezing, skin problems, digestive problems, and asthma are some of the common allergic responses. Though usually minor and treatable, some of these allergic responses can be lethal, in the absence of timely care. Yoga exercises that strengthen the immune system are found to be quite effective in the treatment of allergies.
Kapalbhati pranayama (Skull Shining Breath) detoxifies and oxygenates the entire body, especially the respiratory system. Allergies of the respiratory system result in conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Kapalbhati involves forcefully breathing out, thus removing the allergens from the respiratory system, and purifying and invigorating the lungs, wind pipe, and nasal chambers.
Perform Kapalbhati, by squatting on the floor. Inhale deeply and exhale forcefully. The focus should be on exhaling. Repeat one cycle of breathing in half a minute and immediately start with the next. Perform this exercise for 15 minutes.
Food allergies are the allergies in which specific food items act as allergens. The allergenic action of food items is individualistic. Hence, any given food may suit some people, while some others may be allergic to it. Yoga stomach exercises help in stimulating the stomach to digest foods better, and thereby improve the allergic response.
Sit striaght-legged on the floor. Hold your spine straight, bend your right leg at the knee, pulling your right foot as close to your right sit bone as much as possible. Relax. Return to the resting pose and perform this asana with the left leg.
Seasonal allergies are allergies that show symptoms in people in specific seasons of the year. For example, some people may be allergic to the Spring and Fall seasons when there is free pollen grain in the air. Yoga for seasonal allergies specifically focuses on strengthening the immune system. Matsyasana (Fish Pose) stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates the lymphatic system, thereby stabilizing the immune system in the fall season.
Apart from this, it also opens up the lungs, chest and throat. It is particularly effective in young children. Matsyasana is an easy exercise to perform. Sit cross-legged and gradually bend backwards till your upper body is completely rested on the floor. Now arch your chest, neck and head upwards. Remain in this pose for as long as you can. Return to the resting pose and repeat the exercise as many times as you can.
Pet allergies are basically respiratory allergies. Some persons who have dogs as pets may be allergic to their furs, saliva or their dander and develop allergic reactions towards them, some of which may be severe. Basically one needs to keep one’s respiratory system clean and strong to control such allergies. Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing) is one of the strong yoga breathing techniques to thoroughly cleanse the respiratory system.
To perform this exercise, sit calmly, close your eyes, and breathe in deeply through your right nostril by keeping your left nostril closed with your left ring finger. Now, exhale through the left nostril while keeping the right nostril shut with your thumb. Next, inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril, following the procedure discussed. Repeat the breathing cycles as many times as you want.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an uncomfortable condition. Your eyes become red, itchy and watery, in this condition. Yoga cannot cure eye allergies, but it can surely make your eyes feel better. There are a set of yoga exercises for eye allergies. This exercise will relieve your eyes. Gently close your eyes with your palms and relax your eyes in the darkness. Gently massage the area around your eyes to improve blood flow in that region.
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