Yoga has found many takers in the recent years due to its ability to keep the body resistant against a range of diseases including some critical ailments too.

Now, at a time when the H1N1 virus has spread its tentacles in the city, a yoga expert has claimed that practicing yoga on a regular basis can strengthen one’s immunity, which in turn can help in preventing swine flu.

Since a major number of cases that have been tested positive in the city come from the student category, the yoga professional is even willing to undertake special classes for schoolkids.

“Numerous factors have the potential to weaken our immune system and lungs. Among such factors are stress, presence of toxin in the body, lack of balanced diet, insufficient intake of water, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, improper personal hygiene and lack of nutrition,” said yoga professional Dhirendra Panda.

Claiming that yoga postures help in strengthening the immune system particularly the lungs, Panda said,
“Yoga is the best method to maintain a strong immune system, which can help in getting rid of various infectious diseases including swine flu. Some stretching postures, breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation will keep your immune system in a better shape.”

Yoga empowers the lymphatic system that helps in flushing out of the toxins from our body, he said.
Yoga pranayamas (breathing exercises) are also helpful in preventing swine flu.

These breathing exercises will help in massaging the thymus gland and thus activate the lungs, Panda said. Meanwhile, doctors also believe that yoga can help in preventing the H1N1 influenza.

Dr Narinder Arora, medical superintendent, Government Multi Specialty Hospital-16, said, “Yoga proves helpful in preventing any kind of flu. It makes the body resistant against viruses and help reduce the risk.” Source