cold - remedy

COLD
Common cold (Acute Coryza) is that condition when the nasal mucous membrane is infected. It commences with the inflammation of the mucous membrane and the pharynx, swelling of the sinus cavities and their entrances, accumulation of mucous crusts in the nose, clogging of air passages, sneezing, nasal catarrh, slight fever or uneasiness.
Interestingly, irrespective of whether one takes any anti-cold medication or not, the ailment runs its course of a week or so. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure. You can take the following precautions to ward off cold.
Avoid drugs. Medications can never be long-term solution for cold. They do not treat the condition and only temporarily soothe the symptoms.
Always deal with cold at the initial stage. You can keep the body well insulated from draughts or cold winds. But don’t wear too many clothes.
Immediately after the first symptoms appear, seek rest in bed and have sound sleep. Partial fasting for a day or two will also help. You can also go on a liquid diet.
Practise nasal wash (Jala Neti) when you feel that cold may be affecting you. During the day you can practise Jala Neti several times.
Steam inhalation in acute instances loosens the mucus in the air passages. It also relieves blocked nose and sore throat.
Go for gargling with lukewarm water having a pinch of salt. It offers relief from sore throat.
Similarly before going to bed at night wash your feet with lukewarm water having a small pinch of salt. This practise helps cure cold fast.
Regularly practise Bahstika and Kapala Bhati. They clear the congested sinuses and nasal passages. They will also eradicate the susceptibility to catarrh and cold.
Yogic breathing exercises give you resistance to viral infection.
Regularly practise Chakrasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyasana, Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana and Sirshasana.
However, don’t practise these asanas if you are runnig temperature and/ or a running nose.
Don’t get exposed to excessive heat or cold. Avoid getting drenched in rain. If the cold attack is acute, avoid a head bath.
Don’t inhale air contaminated or polluted with fumes, dust or chemicals.

Benefits of Yoga

• Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation
• Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
• Bestows greater powers of concentration and self control
• Inculcates impulse Control
• Helps in rehabilitation of old and new injuries
• Intensifies tolerance to pain and enhancing mental clarity
• Boosts functioning of the immune system
• Enhances posture and muscle tone
• Improves blood circulation
• Results in healthy, glowing skin
• Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
• Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life
• Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony

Relaxation with breathing (inhale & exhale).

Simply bring your attention to your breathing. Observe the natural flow of the breath. Notice how it moves in and out, how it feels, how your body moves as you breathe. Take time to become aware of all the details of the experience of breathing. Not only does this remind you to breathe, but it can be comforting to connect with this natural rhythm of life.

"yoga purifies the mind and consciousness"