7 Ways Kids Can Fend Off Flu with Yoga

BY ERIKA PRAFDER   |  

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Learn how a regular yoga practice can boost your youngsters’ immune systems for cold and flu season.

It’s ba-ack! ’Tis the time for runny noses, fevers, and cough drops. Yes, flu season is upon us and will extend through April. But what—besides the flu shot and obsessively good hygiene habits—can you do to protect your youngsters? It turns out yoga may have a preventative effect for both children and the elderly, higher-risk populations.
“When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to pick up infections and get sick,” says Marleen Meyers, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center. “One thing yoga does is reduce stress.”
But that’s not all. Asanas can also have direct effect on the body’s immune response. “Many of the poses used, specifically make the immune system cells circulate,” Dr. Meyers says. “For example, opening up your chest allows the sinus gland to put out more immune cells. Twists also help by letting the spleen, which filters bacteria, and the lymph nodes to get more activated. By stimulating the immune system, the body can better prevent and fight off infection.”
Rebecca Strimaitis, Pure Senior Instructor for Yogi Beans in New York City, says she sees a lot more congestion, sneezing and coughing in her classes this time of year. “It’s important to get plenty of rest and relaxation to stay healthy and tough out the winter months. Kids are drawn to yoga to get that rest, especially to restorative poses.”

7 Yoga Tricks to Boost Kids' Immune Systems

  • Forward Bends

    Forward Bends

    “Forward Bends nurture the body, draining out any congestion in the sinuses,” Strimaitis says.
  • Downward-Facing Dog

    Downward-Facing Dog

    Besides draining congestion, this can’t-skip pose also opens and activates the whole body.
  • Backbends

    Backbends

    “Backbends are key to opening the chest and heart and staying energized,” Strimaitis says.
  • Yoga Twists

    Yoga Twists

    “Twists help to wring out vital internal organs and get out the yucky stuff in our body,” Strimaitis says.
  • Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose

    Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose

    “It’s wonderful, and helps calm the nervous system. Practice it for a few minutes before you watch TV or go to bed,” Strimaitis advises.
  • Pranayama

    Pranayama

    Breathing exercises are detoxifying and aid in loosening congestion, Strimaitis says.
    Try Kapalabhati Pranayama for its energizing, detoxifying effects and Alternate Nostril Breathing for its more calming style.
  • Rest

    Rest

    Getting enough sleep at night is one of the most important things we can do to help our immune system. Restorative poses at the end of yoga practice give kids active relaxation to replenish and rejuvenate their bodies and serve as a great stress reducer.
    Try Savasana.
  • ABOUT OUR WRITER

    ABOUT OUR WRITER

    Erika Prafder is a veteran writer and product reviewer for The New York Post and the author of a book on entrepreneurship. A long-time yoga enthusiast and Hatha yoga teacher, she edits KidsYogaDaily.com, a news source for young yogis. The working mother of three resides in a beach community in Long Island, New York.
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