What Makes Yoga And Fasting The Perfect Duo For Boosting Immunity?

By making yoga a part of your fasting practice, you can promote your physical health and mental well-being, while also having a spiritual renewal. Read on to know more.

What Makes Yoga And Fasting The Perfect Duo For Boosting Immunity? (Photo: Freepik)

Yoga and fasting for immunity boost: Should one be doing yoga when they are fasting? According to health experts, it is advisable to continue to practise certain yoga asanas when one fasts, provided these asanas do not cause any kind of fatigue or exhaustion. Fasting is considered to be a practice that is meant to purify the body and the mind. Occasionally, however, the body is in need of extra care. This is when yoga becomes important. Unlike other strenuous physical activities, gentle yoga asanas can be practised at home -- all one needs is a yoga mat. When combined with fasting, yoga can lead to enhanced immunity, good digestion and deep internal calmness. Read on to find out more.

Synergistic Benefits Of Yoga And Fasting

Dr Archika Sudhanshu, a spiritual and meditation guru says that for many centuries, both meditation and fasting have offered complete health benefits to people. When they are practised together, say during Navratri, a 'synergistic effect' is produced as each enhances the other's benefits.

Detoxification And Digestion

According to the expert, fasting allows the digestive system to rest and eliminate toxins. Yoga poses that activate the digestive organs -- such as twists and abdominal postures -- can help in the body's proper detoxification and waste elimination.

Stress Reduction And Mental Clarity

In addition to being exhausted, fasting may cause people to feel irritable. "Yoga reduces stress, improves mental focus, and stabilises emotions by guiding the mind toward serenity through its breath-based exercises, or pranayama, and meditation techniques," the doctor explains.

Immune System Boost

At the same time, yoga is known to get your blood moving, which helps the immune cells travel to wherever they are needed. Dr Archika says the immune system benefits from yoga, because the practice creates better blood flow, stronger respiratory systems, and increases lymph drainage.

Boost In Energy And Vitality

According to the expert, the human body develops improved energy capacity after adapting to fasting routines, which results in higher energy levels. "Embracing yoga postures and breathing exercises revives body cells through improved blood circulation that results in better immunity and energy supply."

Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual awakening happens when one celebrates certain events and festivals that require fasting. Yoga and meditation, when done during this time, can create stronger bonds that connect the spirit to the body and mind, says Dr Archika.

Yoga Practice For Fasting

Here are some yoga practices that can be especially useful during a period of fasting:

Gentle Asanas For Stability And Comfort

1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose): This basic pose lets you sit comfortably while breathing deeply to achieve relaxation. It serves both as an excellent way to start or close your daily routine. Sitting in Sukhasana helps stabilise your mood when you experience mental turbulence.
2. Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Stand strong and tall, as a mountain. By performing this pose you can recover your posture which will link you to the ground while building stability.
3. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Find your inner balance with this graceful pose. You can develop stability while improving your ability to have clarity, because it anchors your mind even when your energy is wavering.
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Gently stretch your abdominal area and enliven your digestive fire. Doing this yoga pose will minimise discomfort or feelings of tiredness that appear during fasting periods.
5. Marichyasana (Sage Twist Pose): Give your digestive system a gentle squeeze with this twisting pose. It supports detoxification and digestive improvement, while assisting the body in its natural cleansing process.
6. Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose): It opens space for trapped gas so you can feel more comfortable. With this practice, you can feel comfortable while achieving a feeling of lightness in your body.

Pranayama For Energy And Balance

• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Find your inner harmony with this calming breathwork. This deep breathing technique maintains equilibrium between your brain functions, and assists your mental state to handle emotional waves.
• Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath): You can energise all systems in your body while clearing your thoughts. This practice flushes contaminants from your respiratory system while bringing mental clarity.
• Anulom Vilom: This pranayama harmonises the flow of energy through your body.

Meditation For Inner Peace And Connection

Breath awareness or mantra meditation:Sit in a quiet place and concentrate on your breath, or quietly recite a mantra. This practice lets you experience an inner connection between your body and mind as it silences your thoughts while giving you peace.

Important Points To Consider

• Listen to your body: Your body requires attention during fasting; you should decrease physical intensity in your activities.
• Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water, coconut water, and herbal teas to stay hydrated.
• Adjust practices: If you are new to yoga, adjust the asanas and pranayama methods accordingly.