Long Covid ?
Many of us had Covid some time ago now and whilst some of us are now feeling fully restored and recovered, many folk are left with either severe symptoms or mild symptoms that are not debilitating but they are very frustrating. Stress can also bring symptoms back temporarily. These symptoms range from insomnia, aching joints, breathlessness and waking up feeling exhausted after a good sleep – these are just a few.
In response to a couple of enquiries for for yoga therapy in such times, I set about doing some research to see what I could find that would help to ease lingering unwanted symptoms.
There are no specific magical poses or flows to share, however the good news is that the most common theme was regular pranayama (breathing techniques )and especially techniques involving breath retention – i.e. holding the breath after and inhale for a few beats before exhaling and vice versa.
Lying down in banana pose and taking 4 part inhales is a great pranayama and stretch and a perfect way to rebuild these breathing related muscles that weakened during Covid.
Pranayama practices with breath retention are commonly used in my classes as they helps to strengthen our diaphragms and keep our lungs open. However anyone wanting extra support can always contact me for 121 or a specific breathwork workshop.
Why does long covid occur? According to my research including the British Medical Journal, Covid acts like an inflammatory disease, triggering an immune-system response killing our healthy cells. So many of the symptoms are the result of inflammation in the lungs, brain and blood vessels. The inflammation can exacerbated by stress and so we can create our own circles of stressing about the symptoms which do not help the recovery.
I talk regularly about yoga decreasing inflammation and so our regular practice becomes essential as part of our recovery. Taking things slowly and working with more yin style postures rather than the yang flows are equally important. You can choose the postures at home that you know you like and that your body responds to by relaxing. This relaxation response or reflex is associated with so many physical benefits, including a calming of the body and mind – so easy to do at home or in a regular class. It makes no sense not to 🙂
By linking asanas (poses) and slow, even breaths, yoga can cause the body to respond with relaxation. Even just some cat/cow movements and slow floor work before bed and early in the morning will be very beneficial.
I had Covid in June and I was very surprised by the impact it had on my body and the time that it took to recover. I had to give in to it, respect it and learn not to try and fight or overcome it. Much easier than said! Remember the strength that we build on the mat in our muscles does travel off the mat too and that is how we train our minds at the same time – using the union of Yoga – mind, body and breath.
I have been quieter on my blogs since having Covid but I am still here, still teaching and slowly getting back to my routine so watch our for more blogs!
Love and light
Lorraine