5 Reasons To Practise Yoga To Protect Yourself From Increasing Air Pollution

Yoga To Get Relief From Air Pollution: Every year during the festive season, the national capital chokes to dripping air quality and increasing air pollution. This time, Delhiites are experiencing a worsening air quality index (AQI) which is resulting in breathing problems, asthma, cough, cold and many other health conditions. Air pollution poses several threats to an individual’s health, because of which one should take immediate precautions to protect themselves.

From opting for healthy foods, and practising indoor fitness exercises to getting health checkups, one can lessen the effects of bad air quality on his/her health. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Consultant, Respiratory/ Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram explained how yoga can be a rejuvenating method to protect yourself from worsening air quality and keep a check on your health.

Watch the video below about yoga asanas that boost immunity: 

Dr Goyal said that one of the most effective strategies to mitigate the effects of air pollution is Yoga. Yoga has a special focus on breathing and relaxation techniques and offers a holistic approach to counteracting the adverse effects of air pollution.

Reasons To Practise Yoga For Air Pollution

Pranayama: The Breath of Life

Pranayama, the practice of controlled breathing, is an important aspect of yoga that involves various breathing exercises that can help improve lung capacity and efficiency. In polluted environments, our respiratory system is under continuous stress. Pranayama techniques, like Bhastrika, Anulom Vilom, and Kapalbhati, help in enhancing lung function and help the body in expelling toxins more effectively.

Immune System Support

Air pollution weakens our immune system, making us more vulnerable to respiratory infections and other health issues. Yoga practices, especially asanas and meditation, boost the immune system. Practising yoga regularly can increase the body's resistance to pollution-related ailments.

Stress Reduction

Exposure to air pollution can be stressful, as it is often associated with anxiety. Meditation and relaxation techniques can significantly reduce stress levels. Yoga helps individuals cope with the psychological impact of living in a polluted environment by promoting mental peace.

Detoxification and Cleansing

Yoga encourages detoxification through practices like Shatkarma, which involves cleansing techniques for the body. These practices can help in eliminating toxins accumulated from polluted air, water, and food. A clean body can mitigate the negative effects of air pollution in a better way.

Improved Respiratory Health

Some yoga postures, like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Matsyasana (Fish Pose), can strengthen the respiratory system and expand the chest, enhancing lung function and promoting clearer air passages.

While culminating, Dr Goyal said that although yoga cannot eliminate air pollution, it can help individuals in mitigating its harmful effects on their health. By embracing yoga as a way of combating air pollution's impact, individuals can take a breath of fresh air, even in the most difficult surroundings.