Recently, there have been a slew of news reports that speak about yoga in connection with COVID-19. Experts recommend yoga as a means of strengthening the immune system and boosting overall health to avoid getting infected not only with the coronavirus but other infections as well. Not only that, yoga is also recommended for those recovering from COVID infections. Doing yoga and taking certain other precautions helps people recover faster and become stronger; with a healthy immune system going forward.
Rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients
The AYUSH ministry recently issued guidelines recommending yoga for people recovering from the novel coronavirus infection. People in quarantine or patients in isolation are also advised to do yoga to help reduce the psycho-social impact of being alone as well as to boost physical wellbeing. The mental, physical and emotional health of the general populace is seen to improve when large sections of the population perform yoga regularly. This is seen to be beneficial not only for people recovering from COVID but also for those living with conditions such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD and so on.
In addition to yoga, the Union Health Ministry also recommends other follow up protocols for recovered and recovering COVID patients. Since it is possible to create a gentle and non-strenuous yoga regimen, it is a recommended part of the recovery program. It is suitable even for people who continue to experience symptoms such as sore throat, body ache, fatigue etc. In addition, recovering patients are advised to continue COVID appropriate hygiene such as handwashing, mask-use, physical distancing. Doing salt water gargling, drinking turmeric milk, having mulethi powder, and chyawanprash are recommended as well.
The Union Minister of health also made a statement in parliament about the role of yoga in boosting immunity and reducing stress. Across India, recovering coronavirus patients are seen to benefit from the practice of yoga. It is seen to reduce stress; which is a major factor in people with this infection. Infected individuals are required to be in isolation with their movements severely restricted, which can be very difficult and extremely stressful. Also, since the virus affects the lungs, causing scarring and so on, it is important to strengthen one’s immunity. Yoga is gentle on the body so that even the physically weak can perform it. The specific breathing techniques used effectively help blood circulation and oxygenation.
Yoga space in COVID care centre
Since yoga protocols are seen to be so effective for people recovering from the infection, one COVID care centre in Dhanbad has made a special place for it. The centre now has wellness spaces such as a yoga centre, library and music room; for the particular use of patients with mild symptoms or for those who are asymptomatic. The yoga expert there also runs the hospital gym and helps people do yoga to alleviate boredom and remain gainfully occupied. Yoga, music and reading are seen to improve the mood, which further enhances the positive impacts on recovering COVID patients.
So, yes, yoga is a great idea for people during this COVID pandemic. However in my experience, yoga is a great idea any day, for everyone!