Can yoga help with seasonal allergies?

If you’re looking for integrated support during seasonal allergy woes, I am right there with you! Along with over the counter medications, here are some of the yoga resources I turn to when my allergies flare (looking at you, tree pollen).

Cleansing Practices

To open the sinuses, there are options like using a neti pot and/or nasya oil (no affiliate promotions or sponcon here!). I personally use nasya oil nightly, and a neti pot whenever I’m congested, have been in a lot of dust or pollen, or after I’ve been among large crowds, like the airport! Make sure to boil and cool the water you use for a neti pot before rinsing your sinuses. You can add salt to your neti pot water until the water is as “salty as your tears,” as my trainer Indu Arora would say! The neti pot is a much tidier way of sinus rinsing compared to my mom’s Italian American remedy of making us kids snort a handful of salty water and then sit under a towel with a steaming bowl of water.

Pranayama Practices

When I am congested, I use bhramari pranayama, aka buzzing bee breath, to help clear my sinuses. Bhramari pranayama has a slow, extended humming exhale, with the option to cover your ears and eyes as your practice. Try it - take an inhale through your nose (or your mouth if you’re too congested!) and then with lips closed, exhale and hum, stretching the breath out as long as you can. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can plug your ears with your thumbs and gently cover your eyes with your fingers, and continue the humming breath.

Yoga Asana Practices

Chest opening asana practices like camel pose, restorative fish pose, and seated cat / cow pose can bring relief, especially if you have chest congestion. Foot mobility practices like heel raises, toe taps, and ankle circles can help encourage circulation and stimulate the cycling of lymphatic flow.

Self Massage Practices

Speaking of lymph, one of the easiest ways to support your immune system is through regular self massage. Lymphatic fluid transports white blood cells throughout the body to fight infection - and carries cellular waste to be flushed away. Movement and massage are essential to help lymphatic fluid circulate! Lymph nodes at the sides of the neck, clavicles, and armpits are easy to reach and can be gently massaged in small circles to encourage release, absorption, and drainage - excess lymph fluid is removed from tissues, reabsorbed into nodes, and ultimately waste will be eliminated. More efficient lymph drainage means more efficient immune system.

If you are looking for one on one support, yoga therapy can create an integrative plan for your unique body and experiences. I am accepting new clients via interest list. Want more accessible, welcoming yoga classes? Join us for a group class online or become a member for unlimited group classes and members only workshops!