What are the underlying principles on health that Yoga acts upon?

We are only as Healthy as our Immune system is and the health of our immune system is based on its ability to be responsive, balanced and pliable. Our immune system has many functions, including those of fighting infections, but also to restore tissue damage and cleanse the body of toxins and chemicals. The main factors that aggravate our immune system are three folds:

  • Foods and Chemicals
  • Stress
  • Sleep

The great news is that most of this is within our control and we can improve and reset our immune system in 3 months.

Foods: nutritionist and Dr A. states that we should be looking for Protein first and a balanced blood sugars with each meals as well as avoid snacking. resting our digestive system is key as during this rest, it can take care of healing and cleansing functions. If we avoid processed foods, refined sugar and eat a varied diet of Rainbow coloured fruit and vegetables including those rich in fiber, this will take care of a healthy bacterial balance in our gut, which is key to a healthy immune system.

Stress: breathing techniques are the quickest way to act on our nervous system and stress response. Fight or flight is the first response triggered by our sympathetic nervous system, and shouldered by the HPA Axis (Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenals) within hours of stressors. Stress response manifests in hormones throughout the body and only excessive stress hormones have negative effect on the immune system.

Sleep: A healthy sleep routine should include switching off all electronics and LED Blue spectrum light at least one hour before sleeping as these blue lights interfere with Melatonin, an hormone that regulate sleep but also boosts the immune system at night. Avoid talking about triggering issues, reading anything too exciting so non fiction books are ideal as well as slow movements, mindfulness, breathing, a bath, and low lights.