The Yoga rules

By Sheryl Walters

Yoga is known for its amazing power to boost the systems of the body. A good yoga workout massages and nourishes every single organ in the body. Each cell is caressed and nourished.

Yoga helps lower stress hormones which can compromise the immune system, while also conditioning and giving love to the lungs and respiratory tract. The lymphatic system is strengthened and toxins are swept away. You may notice that you get far fewer illnesses when you have a regular yoga practice.

Personally, I haven't been sick this year at all. I have been a little surprised just how well I have been. I do have a fairly high immune system, but normally I would have had a minor cold or at least a moment of feeling under the weather by this time of year. This year... nothing! Just great health!

So what I have I done differently? I always take vitamin C and Zinc... this year and last year. I have been eating more immune system boosting super foods, but somehow there seems to be more to the story...

Last year I was doing yoga once a week, but it has only been this year that my passion has lead me to practice as often as possible and really see what happens when you twist your body into mad positions on almost daily basis.

Recently, I had a slight sore throat. The next morning as I walked to my Ashtanga yoga class, my nose was definitely dripping a little bit. When I stepped into class, I needed a tissue and I was a slightly concerned that my practice might be tricky with a cold brewing.

By the time I got to triangle pose (about 20 minutes)... there was no dripping nose whatsoever.

I left the class feeling fantastic (as always)... and realised that the cold had totally disappeared. And I haven't had one symptom since! In fact, I am once again feeling above average in my health, which when I think about it is a definite improvement from last year.

I practice in an Ashtanga yoga class and lately we have been in a small room with lots of heaters...so the sweat is dripping (not the nose.) I can't imagine the amount of toxins and germs that must be forced to exit the body through the sweat glands.

More than ever, I am convinced of the incredibly powerful effect that yoga can have on our immune systems and overall wellbeing.

1. Downward Dog Clears the Sinuses and and congestion.

2. Tortoise and Shoulder stand stimulate the Thymus gland to boost the immune system

3. Camel Pose and Backbends flush out the lungs

4. Corpse pose and Child's pose give the body a chance to integrate the postures and provide deep healing.

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Sheryl Walters is an experienced nutritionist, life coach and holistic health expert.

Her website and blog provides the world's most up to date scientific research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, living longer, and enjoying vibrant emotional and physical health. When we have the right information and take some dedicated action, we can be in charge of our health and live life to the fullest.