Yoga Practice During An Allergy Attack

Last fall, I missed about two weeks of yoga because I had terrible allergies. (I'm not from Texas originally, and I'm convinced your pollen has it out for me!) I wanted to go to yoga, but the thought of emerging from my couch and going anywhere but Walgreens to buy new combinations of allergy meds was overwhelming. Eventually I got a sinus infection and missed another week of yoga.

Now I know that I should have just gone to yoga at the onset of my allergies. According to the May issue of "Yoga Journal," yoga can reduce symptoms of allergies by reducing your immune system's response to pollen.

The article says:

"Allergies are worsened by a stress reaction, which causes physiological responses, including the release of stress hormones and histamine, and triggers inflammation," says Jeff Migdow, M.D., director of Prana Yoga Teacher Training through the Open Center in New York as well as a holistic physician at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. "Relaxation diminishes fight-or-flight response, and thereby reduces allergic symptoms." Through relaxation, the nervous system basically tells the immune system to hold its fire. Once the immune system backs off, the inflammation and mucus decrease, and symptoms diminish.

Migdow has a few more tips on allergies and yoga:

• Avoid hot yoga or vigorous classes; instead, modify your practice to include smooth and relaxing asanas and lots of deep breathing.
• Avoid forceful breathing or any pranayama through the nostrils, as congestion might make this difficult and uncomfortable. 
• Do activities that keep your energy up, as allergies are associated with low energy. 
• Do more standing poses (forward bends, backbends, twists) to massage your spine and strengthen and condition your lungs.

Allergy Antidote [Yoga Journal, May 2012]

Do you keep up your yoga practice when your allergies attack? Let us know!

- Rachel