By Susanna Kubarth

Flow of Energy

The reason behind Yoga’s harmonizing and healing effects may lie in its impact on the energy system of our body. Unlike traditional gymnastics or sport, Hatha Yoga not only affects the superficial layers of skin, muscle and ligaments, but literally reaches deeper, to the connective tissues and fascia. Modern science has recognized that the network of connective tissue in the body actually houses the network of energy-currents described by Eastern medicine and phi-losophy. (GRILLEY, p. 6) This network is called Nadis (Indian tradition) or meridians (Chi-nese tradition). The currents of life-force can be vitalized and harmonized through intelligent, gentle and persistent traction on the fascia and connective tissues in Asana practice.

Some knowledge of meridian theory can be very helpful, as it will help us understand how postures affect the flow of life-force, or Prana, in our body. With this understanding, we can make better use of Asanas to assist our immune system:

Ancient Chinese medicine and philosophy hold that our bodies are made up of five elements (water, fire, earth, wood, and metal) which are not literal designations, but are best thought of as five processes and behaviours of life-force. The fundamental statement in this theory of elements is that all five elemental expressions of energy regulate and nourish each-other. If one element gets out of balance, being weakened or overly dominant, the entire system will suffer. The imbalance first shows as some kind of psychological malaise before actually be-coming a physical ailment.

This holistic Eastern approach also explains why even seemingly unconnected ailments, such as headache and constipation, are connected. Sometimes, bringing just one element back into balance will have a domino effect on the entire system. (POWERS, p. 13-19)

How are the five elemental expressions of energy produced and distributed in the body? Simi-larly to the Indian concept of the life-essences (Paramojas and Aparamojas) described earlier, Chinese yogis believe that we are born with a set amount of life-energy (prenatal Chi), which is stored in the kidneys. However, we can accumulate energy through external sources (food, liquids, air, etc.). (POWERS, p. 19 f.) This raw energy is then broken down into five elemental energies, which flow along specific currents, or meridians, within the connective tissue of the body. Each element has two main meridians, which are named after the organs they primarily supply energy to.

Although weak immune defence can be caused by the imbalance of any element in the body, sooner or later, the imbalance will affect the entire system. However, Chinese medicine sug-gests that the element of water should be strengthened first and foremost to help immune de-fence, since it is linked to the basic life-force stored in the kidneys. The element of water is represented by the urinary bladder and kidney meridians. Setting up a Yoga practice to en-hance the flow of energy in these two “water”-meridians, as shown in the practice suggestions further down, can have astonishing effects on your overall well-being, health and immune system.

The Mind

Yoga encourages us to be inquisitive and reflective on and off the Yoga mat. Our mental and psychological state has a tremendous effect on body and health. Prolonged experience of emotions such as anger, fear or loneliness, and the thoughts that come with these emotions, negatively affect our immune, nervous, and hormonal system. Yoga’s techniques and medita-tive approach help soothing such strong emotions, and relax and train our mind. They can boost our “psychological immune system”, helping us to remain calm and adaptable in the midst of life’s ever-changing flow.

Practicing mindfulness in Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation will ultimately create more awareness in everyday life. We’ll begin to understand the effects that our lifestyle choices have on our mood and energy level, and we’ll be faster to recognize factors that are health-hazards (be they inward or outward). By slowly getting in touch with our needs and rhythms, and ridding ourselves of misunderstandings about our wants and identity, we will be able to make better and more informed choices in all aspects of our life, whether it is Yoga practice, our diet, work, hobbies, friends, environment, and the ways in which we think and act.

Our immune system will profit as we get to know our needs and constitution better. We will be able to better adapt to changes inside and around, and to live our lives in ways that nourish us, keeping us stable, healthy, and resilient.

How to boost your immune defence through Hatha Yoga practice

The following suggestions aim at tying together all the factors discussed above in a practical way that can help assist the immune system. The practices were carefully selected, based on the findings of generations of dedicated Yogis and my own personal experience dealing with repeated infections, fatigue, and low resilience due to a weakened immune system. However, they can only represent a selection of the most beneficial practices..

In general, it is not recommended to practice Yoga when ill or very weak, but there can be exceptions. I have sometimes felt the urgent need to come to my Yoga mat when I already felt ill, and in these cases my gut feeling always proved to be right. On the other hand, I have noticed that some practices have the “side-effect” of triggering illnesses hidden in our system, if practiced inattentively and beyond the body’s momentary capacities.

The practices of Hatha Yoga are powerful, and can be used for good or bad. It is mindfulness that makes the difference. Yoga provides guidelines, and encourages its students to find their own answers based on these rules of thumb.

Restorative and “Yin” style Yoga

Both Eastern and Western medicine recommend rest and sleep when the immune system is already weakened. If this is the case, chances are that vigorous exercise and movement will only cause more loss of energy and aggravate the situation. A daily set of restful Yoga poses will help the body refill its energy. Even when you’re “just” experiencing a stressful period in your life, it is still helpful to weave in restorative poses into your practice. This will refresh you and increase your resistance to illnesses.

Try practicing close to the floor and with props when you feel weak. Choose few poses, but hold them longer. Rest and recuperation are most important.

In Restorative Yoga, Asanas are chosen and combined based on their therapeutic value, and practiced with props for maximum relaxation in the pose. You will spend more time in a pose, become quiet and still, and your body will be able to fully assimilate its benefits on all levels.

Suggested restorative poses:

B.K.S. Iyengar recommends practicing mild supported inversions and supported reclined backbends; such as Supported Bridge, Supported Bound Angle, Supported Inverted Staff, Supported Shoulderstand and Plow, and Supported Legs-up-the-Wall, and Corpse Pose. (IYENGAR, p. 308 f.)

Inversions are immensely beneficial to the entire organism. They rest the heart (venous blood return is supported by gravity), improve circulation, soothe the mind, clear the airways from mucous, and help strengthen the diaphragm which will in turn lead to better oxygenation. Backbends help open the lungs for better oxygenation and stimulate the thymus. (This organ is located above the heart and part of the adaptive immune system, producing T-cells.)

From all the mentioned poses, Legs-up-the-Wall Pose and Corpse Pose may have first priority. Legs-up-the-Wall is praised by many Yoga teachers as a panacea for many ailments. It is also recommended when the Shoulderstand is not an option for you (severe hypertension, sensitive neck, or menstruation). When practiced with props, Legs-up-the-Wall Pose, is a combination of a mild inversion and backbend. Corpse Pose is the ultimate pose for rest and relaxation.

Susanna Kubarth is a certified Yoga teacher. She teaches Yoga classes in Graz, Austria.