With the change of seasons, many people fall prey to different types of allergic conditions. Be it exposure to direct sunlight, the pollen from flowers, budding trees, the latex of blooms or fruits, or close proximity to dust or dirt, allergies are quite common throughout the year and are experienced by the most of us. 

Allergic rhinitis, medically termed as Hay fever is a common allergic condition that happens when a person is exposed to certain allergens or foreign particles. On sudden exposure, the human body tries to shield itself by producing histamines. This chemical released by the body is usually characterized by inflammation of the nasal passage, sensitivity or reddening of the eyes, swelling, watery nose, sore throat, dark circles, headache, sneezing, coughing, skin blisters, and fatigue. Apart from common allergens like dust, pollen, latex etc, allergic rhinitis can also happen due to unhealthy dietary choices, stress and environmental factors. Also Read: Hay Fever: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

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Although sudden allergic rhinitis is usually treated by taking anti-histamines, there is a more traditional remedy that bolsters the body and makes it immune to allergens. Yoga is an absolute timeless remedy, that offers a natural solution to almost all conditions. Certain yoga poses when practiced effectively not only improve breathing and immunizes the body against allergies but also strengthens the lung muscles, enhances the mental state and promote overall stamina. Also Read: Lung Problems: 5 Incredible Yogasanas To Ease Breathing Difficulties

Foray through this article to learn about these easy yoga poses that provide relief from allergic conditions.

Yogasanas For Allergic Rhinitis

Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)

Stand straight on the floor. Bring both your arms in front of the chest and join the palms in a prayer position. Now keeping the palms joined, stretch both your arms upwards. Bend your right knee and place the sole of your right foot on the interior side of the left thigh. Keep your left leg straight and hold the position as long as you can. Relax for a minute and do it on the other side with the left foot. Repeat 5 times.

Benefits:

The Tree Pose has numerous benefits. Not only does it improve the spinal column and enhance both balance and poise but also expands the shoulders and opens the heart, making one feel confident and happy. Practicing the tree pose regularly improves blood circulation, keeps heart ailments at bay and also improves breathing.

Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder-Stand Pose)

Lie flat on the ground with your legs laid side-by-side and both arms resting on either side of the body. Swing your legs up in such a way so that your legs, buttocks and hip is up in the air and support your body with your elbows attached to the ground. While settling into the pose, ensure that the hold your body properly keeping your legs and spine straight. Hold the pose for 30-40 secs while breathing normally. Slowly bring down your legs back to Shavasana pose and repeat 2-3 times.

Benefits:

Famed as the “Mother of all Poses”, the shoulder stand pose is extremely beneficial to soothe the nerves and calm the mind. Not only does it provide relief from allergic rhinitis, but also reduces insomnia and irritability. It even improves blood flow in the lungs and helps in boosting immunity.

Veerabhadrasana (Warrior pose) 

Stand straight on the ground looking in the forward direction. Move your feet about 4 inches apart in the forward direction. Turn your left foot out by 90 degrees and right foot in by about 15 degrees. Lift both the arms sideways till it levels with the shoulders. While breathing out, bend your left knee. Slowly turn your head and look to the left. Keep breathing and stretch your hands further apart. Gently push your pelvis down and hold the posture with the determination of a warrior. Repeat with the other side with the right foot forward. Do it 3-4 times keeping a minute in between for relaxation.

Benefits:

The warrior pose improves balance in the body and increases stamina. It also relieves stress and enhances overall blood circulation. By keeping the heart rate at a check, it reduces the risks of arrhythmic conditions. By opening blocked channels throughout the body, the yoga also improves respiration.

Halasana (Plow Pose)

Lying on your back, raise both legs above the stomach. Bend your body and try to extend your legs above the head to touch the ground with the toes. Hold this posture for 10-15 seconds, relax for a minute and repeat again.

Benefits:

One of the best asanas to help strengthen and open up the chest. It improves one’s mental and physical state. Practicing the plow pose on a daily basis, hold high significance in managing stress and boosting respiration.

Matsya Asana (Fish Pose)

Lie on your back and fold your arms underneath your body. Lift your head and chest up, breathe in, and then rest the crown of the head on the ground while arching your back. Maintain the balance of your whole body using your elbows. Inhale and exhale deeply opening up the chest. Maintain this position for as long as you are comfortable.

Benefits:

Touted as “Destroyer of all diseases”, the Fish pose promotes deep breathing by stretching and strengthening the lung muscles. It also supports the body balance and helps in better circulation and distribution of blood throughout the body. It is pivotal in relieving allergic conditions and promotes overall immunity.

Apart from incorporating yoga postures in your daily lifestyle, allergies can also be kept at bay by introducing some natural herbs in your regular diet to reduce inflammation and prevent allergic symptoms altogether. We bring you 3 such herbs that fortify the body’s immune system and treats various allergic symptoms.

Neem

The wondrous benefits of neem leaves are not alien to us. The abundance of anti-inflammatory properties in neem leaves not only relieves respiratory issues like inflammation of nasal passage, congested throat, cough etc. It even remedies allergic symptoms of the skin.

Use a paste of neem and rose water to treat skin allergies and breathe in vapours of neem oil to treat respiratory symptoms.

Nettle

Touted for its anti-histamine properties, nettle leaves are thought to have the ability to effectively block histamine activity and other pro-inflammatory molecules involved in hay fever within the body. Instead of overacting to the presence of allergens, nettle leaves make the immune system ignore the allergens.

A tea made of nettles leaves and aloe vera has a natural cooling effect, and helps to calm any irritation.

Chamomile

This pretty daisy like flower is not only a stress-reliever but also an absolute remedy for hay fever. Powered with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, chamomile not only soothes the symptoms caused by the body's extreme reaction to allergens but also provides relief from upper respiratory tract allergic symptoms.

Inhale chamomile oil or petals of the flower in steaming hot water to clear excess mucus from the lungs as well as reduce inflammation during high pollen season.