It seems as if I am meeting more and more
people these days suffering from allergies at various times and I myself have
been suffering from an allergic reaction recently so thought I would write a
post with some helpful practices that can aid decreasing or preventing the
reaction.
Firstly though where are all these allergies
coming from? Allergy is a reaction,
generally to something harmless, but for some of us we react to these things,
some reactions are instant and some are a delayed response after hours or even
a few days. Pollen, fur, dust, pet
dandruff, chemical fumes, fungus, insects, egg, nuts, lentils, cotton fiber, and
an improper diet are all common allergens, but what triggers the reaction? Actually the main cause is hypersensitivity
due to stress, too much stress on the body i.e. violent exercising can be a
trigger, emotional stress, overload to the brain and fatigue and a weak immune
system can be causes. Often people
suffering with allergies are a little sensitive and sensitivity can cause a lot
of stress. Stress causes a disturbance
to the prana (vital energy) and prana tells the nervous system how to
behave. If the prana is being overworked
the systems in the body are being overworked, then the body starts to recognize
some things to be dangerous and wants to get them out hence the reaction. So what are the remedies? Firstly we need to keep away from the
allergen, antihistamines, steroids are just suppressing and not providing a
cure and can lead to other complications, so the best way is to de-stress and
de-tox. Many skin rashes and eruptions
are attempts by the body to eliminate toxic wastes whether physical or
emotional that cannot be eliminated in other ways. An itch is often a way of expressing a mental
tension that arises from a personal conflict.
So here are a few practices that are going to
help and bring about a sense of control over ones anxiety and stress levels
making a happier, calmer and healthier being again.
Start by trying to practice Mauna - silence for
some time (whatever you can manage, even if it is 5 minutes.) in your day. This will give you some space to work through
the things that may be bothering you giving you some perspective. In this time of silence allow the thoughts
to come and try just to observe them holding no judgment on them, just let them
come and go and the next thought come, like waves.
The practice of Suryia Namaskar (sun
salutations) as a kryia (cleansing technique) will help eliminate the toxins,
that is to practice it until the body is sweating quite well, then relax in
savasana the relaxation pose and allow the sweat to be absorbed as it is full
of prana (energy.)
Sarvangasana; the shoulder stand is an
excellent posture for calming the mind, purifying the blood and stimulating the
thyroid and parathyroid glands enhancing the whole metabolic system. Gradually build up the amount of time you are
holding the pose for and try to practice for at least up to 5 minutes without
forcing. Directly after sarvangasana practice
matsyasana – the fish pose as a counter pose to shoulder stand.
Naadi Shuddhi or anoloma viloma – the alternate
nostril breathing will strengthen the immune system and bring harmony
re-balancing the pranic flow of the system.
Using the right thumb to close the right nostril, inhale through the
left, then close the left nostril with the ring finger and exhale through the
right. Inhale through the right and
exhale through the left, that is one round.
Continue for about 15 minutes.
And try to incorporate the practice of Yoga
Nidra – the art of complete and proper relaxation into your day, I find just
before I go to bed works wonders to really relax each part of the body and set
you up for a great nights sleep.
So your routine could be this –
5 minutes of sitting in silence in a
comfortable position as long as the spine is held straight.
The Sun salutations at least 6 rounds
Relax in savasana
Sarvangasana – shoulder stand working on the
length of time you are holding
Matsyasana – fish Pose 30 seconds or longer
Alternate nostril breathing up to 15 minutes
Yoga Nidra at least 10 minutes.
Try to incorporate this into your daily
routine, now I hear cries of how can I fit it in, I am so busy! The Dalai Lama says if you have time to
breathe then you have the time!!
Start with shorter amounts of time if that is
going to help, but after some time you will feel the benefits and will
naturally want to increase the length of your practice.
Eat well and naturally and reduce the amount of
salt as this will reduce itching and irritation. Lots of fruit and beautiful veggies and less
of everything else!!
For now lets enjoy the practice and get rid of
this stress
Om OM shanti Om
I wish you beauty through every breath
Mangala / Nicky.
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