Start January with yoga
To begin the year with balance and energy, join a workshop led by Claudia Lamas Cornejo, a certified Iyengar yoga teacher. In this workshop, you will learn techniques for relieving stress and restoring inner peace. Together, we will explore poses and asanas that have a beneficial effect on the immune system, positively supporting and strengthening it.
Workshop Details:
- Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Time: 10:00–12:30 CET
- Where: Online, live via Zoom
- Extras: Recording available for 3 weeks
- Price: €35
Find more information about Claudia and the workshop here. If you miss this workshop, you can view upcoming workshops here.
How yoga supports the immune system and relieves stress
Winter is a time to pause, recharge, and take care of your health. In addition to warm drinks and cozy blankets, it’s the ideal season to focus on inner balance, strengthen the immune system, and boost vitality. This journey can begin with the kidneys, which form the foundation of our long-term health and resilience. At the same time, we must not overlook stress, a major enemy of the immune system. Here, yoga plays a vital role as a holistic practice that supports health on physical, emotional, and mental levels.
The immune system: Our inner protector
The immune system is a complex network of cells and mechanisms that protect the body from harmful organisms and internal irregularities. This intelligent system develops from birth, reaching its peak around age 12. After this point, it requires regular support and strengthening.
A strong immune system makes our bodies more resistant to illness, while a weakened immune system leaves us vulnerable to colds, infections, and even chronic diseases.
Factors that weaken the immune system
Our lifestyle greatly influences the immune system. Key factors that weaken it include:
- Chronic stress: Prolonged elevated cortisol levels inhibit immune cell function.
- Unbalanced lifestyle: Lack of sleep, poor diet, and inactivity reduce resilience.
- Pollution and toxins: Long-term exposure to environmental toxins burdens the body.
Stress: friend or foe?
Stress, in itself, is not the enemy. "Good" stress can motivate us and improve productivity. However, prolonged or chronic stress does the opposite—weakening the immune system, increasing disease risk, and disrupting hormonal balance. During stress, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which are useful for short-term challenges but, over time, reduce the body’s ability to regenerate and defend itself.
How yoga helps manage stress and strengthen the immune system
In 2009, B.K.S. Iyengar designed a special sequence of yoga poses that promote blood circulation and improve lymphatic fluid flow. The lymphatic system plays a central role in immune function by removing waste and effectively fighting pathogens. The asanas in this sequence are designed not only to strengthen the immune system but also to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, enabling the body to relax and regenerate. A well-balanced nervous system is essential for optimal immune function.
Yoga is more than just physical exercise - it’s a tool for managing stress, improving immune function, and fostering balance. Here’s how yoga supports health:
- Stress reduction:
Deep breathing and meditation, integral to yoga, lower cortisol levels and help the body enter a state of relaxation. Techniques like pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) calm the nervous system and enhance focus. - Lymphatic stimulation:
Yoga includes twists, forward bends, and stretches that stimulate the lymphatic system—a key player in removing toxins and fighting infections. - Improved sleep:
Restorative poses like Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Corpse Pose (Savasana) calm the mind and body, promoting better sleep. - Kidney strength and vitality:
Winter is the season to give special attention to the kidneys, the source of life energy. Yoga practices focused on gentle twists and breathing help strengthen these vital organs, improving long-term resilience.
A tip for long - term health
Strengthening the immune system is not a one-time effort - it involves daily choices that include a balanced lifestyle, healthy diet, regular exercise, and time for relaxation. With yoga, you can deepen these habits and keep your immune system in optimal condition.