Yoga unfolds the right way of living and significantly strengthening us from inside and out which indeed let us withstand all the harmful situations of life. As we are going through the worst crisis situation of COVID 19 pandemic, the questions related to the efficiency of human immune system and ways to boost the body’s defense mechanism is revolving around the globe.
World Health Organization as well as Indian Ministry of Ayush does recommend the practice of Yoga to handle the current scenario with better efficacy. This article deals with a brief note on immune system and explores the contribution of Yogic science on enhancing Humanity to fight against the current battle.
HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM
Immunity is the ability of human body to combat foreign matter or any harmful microorganisms or toxins that tend to damage the tissues and organs. Lymphatic system is the dedicated and specialized immune system that form antibodies or activated lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) that attack and destroy the specific invading organisms. Lymphatic system consist of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues and organs.
Lymph is the clear white fluid made of white blood cells that attacks bacteria and a fluid from intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats. Unlike blood, lymph flows only in the upward direction towards the neck draining into the two subclavian veins and reenter into the blood circulation.
Lymph Vessels are the capillaries with larger permeability than arteries and veins, carrying lymph fluid to pick up protein, cell debris and any other abnormal material present in the body.
Lymph Nodes are situated in the strategic positions in the body counts up to 600 in number, into which all the small and medium sized lymph vessels opens. The lymph fluid is filtered by the reticular and lymphoid tissues in the lymph node to destroy the microbes, dead and live phagocytes containing ingested microbes, worn out and damaged tissue cells, inhaled particles through macrophages ( the specialized cells that attack bacteria and viruses) and antibodies produced by B-Lymphocytes in the nodes.
Lymphoid Tissues are present in a number of locations in the body in addition to lymph nodes. They are Palatine and Pharyngeal Tonsils, Lymphatic follicles in the wall of small intestine and Vermiform Appendix.
Spleen and Thymus are the two major lymphoid glands present in the body. Spleen destroys worn out red blood cells and other cellular materials such as leukocytes, platelets and microbes are phagocytosed. It further activates B-lymphocytes which is a type of white blood cells responsible for the synthesis of antibodies. Antibody also called as immunoglobulin, is a glycoprotein that neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Thymus Gland is in charge of maturation and development of lymphocytes originating from the red bone marrow into activated T- Lymphocytes. Activated T – Lymphocytes kills the target infected cells and activate macrophages. It is also accountable for stimulation of activated B-lymphocytes to synthesis antibodies.
In addition to the exclusive immune system, the general functions as well take part in protecting body against any detrimental species. To name a few, destruction of swallowed organisms by the acid secretions of the stomach and digestive enzymes, resistance of skin to the invasion of organisms, certain chemical compounds in the blood attach to foreign material or toxins and tear them down.
YOGIC PRACTICES AND HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM
Surya Namaskar and Asanas
Surya namaskar and asanas provoke a good amount of heat intensifying body’s internal temperature which in turn boosts the production of macrophages along with enhancing the functions of immune system making sure the yogic practitioner is less susceptible to catching any kind of infections. On contrary to a heart pump giving rise to blood circulation, the onward movement of lymph fluid is assisted by muscular contractions and negative pressure created in the thorax during inspiration. Asanas does stretch the majority of muscular group, practiced along with a proper breathing mechanism which indeed substantiates an uninterrupted flow of lymph fluid flushing out obstructions in lymph vessels and lymph nodes.
Forward bending asanas and twisting asanas invigorates the functions of the digestive and excretory system corroborating the absorption of vital nutrients and minerals for the synthesis of essential constituents in the body and provides energy to carry out all the necessary functions. As 80% of immune system is present in the gastrointestinal tract, forward and twisting asanas play a crucial role in curbing foreign matter. Backward bending asanas enhances the flexibility of intercostal muscles promoting enough space for the lungs to expand along with exciting the primary lymphoid organ thymus gland. Inversion asanas clears toxins from the tissues by facilitating the drainage of lymphatic system, as the lymph fluid moves only in the upward direction.
In both inversion and backward bending asanas, the head is in the direction against gravity which flushes out lymph towards the upper respiratory system which is the entry point for all the dreadful microbes. Sarvangasana, Trikonasana, Urdhva Dhanurasana and Mayurasana massages the lymphatic tissues of the spleen paving way for the maturation of specialized white blood cells to fight against antigens. The basic sequence of asanas advisable is given in the following chart.
Pranayama
Pranayama practice involves a series of puraka(inspiration), rechaka(expiration) and kumbhaka
(holding the breath inside/outside), moves the parts of the lungs which is left unused in our day to day life making sure there is maximum expansion of pleural cavity along with improved flexibility of areolar tissues which in turn outdo the overall vital capacity of lungs. Utmost efficiency of lungs ensures an adequate dose of oxygen which is very essential for normal functions of the human body. In addition to that, excess phlegm, dust, necrotic material and microbes in the lower lobes will be evacuated. Pranayama purifies the nadis promoting a healthy and unimpaired pranic energy field. An intact energy field is the most important defense mechanism boost the level of white blood cells assuring a superior magnitude of healing. Kumbhaka (breath holding) in addition to establishing a good rush of oxygen, can significantly stop the activities of mind. This can gradually reduce the vent up emotions and further activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Kapalbhati, bhastrika, Eka Nadi Shuddhi and Sukapoorva Pranayama strengthens the overall vigour and vitality.
Meditation
Meditation inculcate the competency to observe the impulsive mental contemplation without much interference and further encourages not to run away from long held emotions and deep negative impressions rather journey deeper in to oneself reinforcing a strong determination to face them and let it pass away. Meditators stay away from criticizing others instead always reside with self-contentment, peace, harmony and joy. The increasing number of corona victims and hiking death rate cultivates a sense of fear in the society. The humongous information about the pandemic and negative rumors available in the social media does additionally frighten up the public making them stressed and anxious. As the immune system is also named as floating brain owing to the fact that immune cells partake in the chemical changes sent by the brain, the spiking cortisol level due to acute stress and anxiety can cause inflammation in the lymph nodes engendering an increased vulnerability to infection. Meditation in turn induces generous theta brain waves fortifying a calm and composed mind. It also indoctrinate us when to respond and when not to which further reduces the stress and depression.
In addition to strong immune system, a tough mind is indispensable as well. Hence, right mixture of Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation practice is recommended. As we are turning back and started walking in the footsteps of our ancestors by washing legs and hands before entering home, shun away from shaking hands alternatively joining both hands in namaskar to greet others, homemade ayurvedic concoctions, including our age old spices such as turmeric, cumin and coriander in cooking, it is time for us to get back to the oldest and the most phenomenal tradition of Yoga.
Hari Om!
World Health Organization as well as Indian Ministry of Ayush does recommend the practice of Yoga to handle the current scenario with better efficacy. This article deals with a brief note on immune system and explores the contribution of Yogic science on enhancing Humanity to fight against the current battle.
HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM
Immunity is the ability of human body to combat foreign matter or any harmful microorganisms or toxins that tend to damage the tissues and organs. Lymphatic system is the dedicated and specialized immune system that form antibodies or activated lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) that attack and destroy the specific invading organisms. Lymphatic system consist of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues and organs.
Lymph is the clear white fluid made of white blood cells that attacks bacteria and a fluid from intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats. Unlike blood, lymph flows only in the upward direction towards the neck draining into the two subclavian veins and reenter into the blood circulation.
Lymph Vessels are the capillaries with larger permeability than arteries and veins, carrying lymph fluid to pick up protein, cell debris and any other abnormal material present in the body.
Lymph Nodes are situated in the strategic positions in the body counts up to 600 in number, into which all the small and medium sized lymph vessels opens. The lymph fluid is filtered by the reticular and lymphoid tissues in the lymph node to destroy the microbes, dead and live phagocytes containing ingested microbes, worn out and damaged tissue cells, inhaled particles through macrophages ( the specialized cells that attack bacteria and viruses) and antibodies produced by B-Lymphocytes in the nodes.
Lymphoid Tissues are present in a number of locations in the body in addition to lymph nodes. They are Palatine and Pharyngeal Tonsils, Lymphatic follicles in the wall of small intestine and Vermiform Appendix.
Spleen and Thymus are the two major lymphoid glands present in the body. Spleen destroys worn out red blood cells and other cellular materials such as leukocytes, platelets and microbes are phagocytosed. It further activates B-lymphocytes which is a type of white blood cells responsible for the synthesis of antibodies. Antibody also called as immunoglobulin, is a glycoprotein that neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Thymus Gland is in charge of maturation and development of lymphocytes originating from the red bone marrow into activated T- Lymphocytes. Activated T – Lymphocytes kills the target infected cells and activate macrophages. It is also accountable for stimulation of activated B-lymphocytes to synthesis antibodies.
In addition to the exclusive immune system, the general functions as well take part in protecting body against any detrimental species. To name a few, destruction of swallowed organisms by the acid secretions of the stomach and digestive enzymes, resistance of skin to the invasion of organisms, certain chemical compounds in the blood attach to foreign material or toxins and tear them down.
YOGIC PRACTICES AND HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM
Surya Namaskar and Asanas
Surya namaskar and asanas provoke a good amount of heat intensifying body’s internal temperature which in turn boosts the production of macrophages along with enhancing the functions of immune system making sure the yogic practitioner is less susceptible to catching any kind of infections. On contrary to a heart pump giving rise to blood circulation, the onward movement of lymph fluid is assisted by muscular contractions and negative pressure created in the thorax during inspiration. Asanas does stretch the majority of muscular group, practiced along with a proper breathing mechanism which indeed substantiates an uninterrupted flow of lymph fluid flushing out obstructions in lymph vessels and lymph nodes.
Forward bending asanas and twisting asanas invigorates the functions of the digestive and excretory system corroborating the absorption of vital nutrients and minerals for the synthesis of essential constituents in the body and provides energy to carry out all the necessary functions. As 80% of immune system is present in the gastrointestinal tract, forward and twisting asanas play a crucial role in curbing foreign matter. Backward bending asanas enhances the flexibility of intercostal muscles promoting enough space for the lungs to expand along with exciting the primary lymphoid organ thymus gland. Inversion asanas clears toxins from the tissues by facilitating the drainage of lymphatic system, as the lymph fluid moves only in the upward direction.
In both inversion and backward bending asanas, the head is in the direction against gravity which flushes out lymph towards the upper respiratory system which is the entry point for all the dreadful microbes. Sarvangasana, Trikonasana, Urdhva Dhanurasana and Mayurasana massages the lymphatic tissues of the spleen paving way for the maturation of specialized white blood cells to fight against antigens. The basic sequence of asanas advisable is given in the following chart.
Pranayama practice involves a series of puraka(inspiration), rechaka(expiration) and kumbhaka
(holding the breath inside/outside), moves the parts of the lungs which is left unused in our day to day life making sure there is maximum expansion of pleural cavity along with improved flexibility of areolar tissues which in turn outdo the overall vital capacity of lungs. Utmost efficiency of lungs ensures an adequate dose of oxygen which is very essential for normal functions of the human body. In addition to that, excess phlegm, dust, necrotic material and microbes in the lower lobes will be evacuated. Pranayama purifies the nadis promoting a healthy and unimpaired pranic energy field. An intact energy field is the most important defense mechanism boost the level of white blood cells assuring a superior magnitude of healing. Kumbhaka (breath holding) in addition to establishing a good rush of oxygen, can significantly stop the activities of mind. This can gradually reduce the vent up emotions and further activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Kapalbhati, bhastrika, Eka Nadi Shuddhi and Sukapoorva Pranayama strengthens the overall vigour and vitality.
Meditation
Meditation inculcate the competency to observe the impulsive mental contemplation without much interference and further encourages not to run away from long held emotions and deep negative impressions rather journey deeper in to oneself reinforcing a strong determination to face them and let it pass away. Meditators stay away from criticizing others instead always reside with self-contentment, peace, harmony and joy. The increasing number of corona victims and hiking death rate cultivates a sense of fear in the society. The humongous information about the pandemic and negative rumors available in the social media does additionally frighten up the public making them stressed and anxious. As the immune system is also named as floating brain owing to the fact that immune cells partake in the chemical changes sent by the brain, the spiking cortisol level due to acute stress and anxiety can cause inflammation in the lymph nodes engendering an increased vulnerability to infection. Meditation in turn induces generous theta brain waves fortifying a calm and composed mind. It also indoctrinate us when to respond and when not to which further reduces the stress and depression.
In addition to strong immune system, a tough mind is indispensable as well. Hence, right mixture of Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation practice is recommended. As we are turning back and started walking in the footsteps of our ancestors by washing legs and hands before entering home, shun away from shaking hands alternatively joining both hands in namaskar to greet others, homemade ayurvedic concoctions, including our age old spices such as turmeric, cumin and coriander in cooking, it is time for us to get back to the oldest and the most phenomenal tradition of Yoga.
Hari Om!
Hari om. Bestwishes to you & Anandayogalaya. Om Nama Shivaaya.
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