Slow and static yogic practices not only relaxes the body and mind, but certain poses can also release congestion and enhance overall well-being. Relaxation and stress reduction have actually been linked to a stronger immune system. Yoga is an ancient science, which gives not only a healthy body but also a sound mind. Yoga has been shown to have effects on most physiological systems of the body and harmonies balance of body and mind.

Yogasanas like Simhagarjan asana, Kasthatakshan asana, Tadasana, Ardhamatsyendra asana, Bhujanagasana or Paschimottan asana, if they execute in a sequential order, they minimise strain on some muscles and joints and bring them into operation antagonistic group of muscles. During yoga practice it is also considerate that not letting muscles pulled for too long in one direction by gravity. Yogasanas primarily aim should be at improving muscle tone and plasticity of muscles and joints. With sudden onset of stress, muscles tense up all at once, and then release their tension when the stress passes. Chronic stress causes the muscles in the body to be in a more or less constant state of guardedness.

This stress get “under the skin” to influence immunity. Immune cells have receptors for neurotransmitters and hormones such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol, which mobilize and traffic immune cells, ideally preparing the body to mount an immune response if needed. Recent evidence shows that immunological cells (e.g., lymphocytes) change their responsiveness to signaling from these neurotransmitters and hormones during stress. However, immunological responses are biologically and energetically costly, and over time, chronic stress produces negative systemic changes both in immune trafficking and in target tissues.

Yogic practices are primarily improving muscle tone and plasticity of muscles and joints which is affected by omnipresent stressers during this corona pandemic. Yogic practices activating stretch reflexes at level of spinal cord. Thus neural impulses that are needed to traverse long sensory pathways up to ascending reticular formation and further through Thalamus to cortex are spread loss of energy. This automatically helps in maintaining alpha waves activity of EEG by not disturbing thalamocortical pathways. This ensures a resting , meditative activity at level of cerebral cortex.

Static comfortable postures and pranayama like Nadishodhan and Bhramari pranayama accompanied by a meditative state, dampens the inflow of sensory impulses to brain. This in turn , causes less stimulation of ‘ Emotional brain’ (Limbic Cortex – Hypothalamus – Anterior Pituitary) and therefore less visceral disturbances to disturb equilibrium. Furthermore , inhibition of synapses at neuro- muscular junctions in its turn, leads to reduction of sensory input further.

Since pranayama and meditation involves a lot of attention and concentration of mind followed by – an initiation of relaxed emotional state all good effects of relaxation response become available after practice.

Yogic asanas, pranayamas, cleansing practices like Neti and Kunjal relieving stress responses at body and mind. Some particular relaxation practices like Yoga Nidra effects the major endocrine glands and improve the bodily functions during stress conditions and hence improve immunity also.