6 Yoga Poses for the Monsoon

“Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.” - John Updike

The first rain after a hot summer isn’t just rain, it is a shower of blessings!! There is something very upbeat about the rains that makes the child in us want to run out and get wet!! But as enthusiastic as that thought may be, monsoons are also a time of illnesses and we need to take preventive steps to ensure good health throughout the monsoons.

It’s a happy coincidence that we welcome the onset of the monsoons with International Yoga Day which is this week. Ayurveda prescribes a different way of eating during the monsoons, and in the same way, there are also certain yoga poses that can boost your immunty and protect you from common monsoon maladies. Here are the most effective yoga poses for this monsoon.

6 Yoga Poses for the Monsoons

Bhujangasana

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Benefits: Improves blood circulation, reduces fatigue and improves asthma symptoms

1. Lie on your stomach with arms and legs extended down the body, toes on the floor.
2. Place palms under the shoulders, elbows close to the sides and lift chest and abdomen off the floor, inhaling.
3. Putting your weight on your hands, push your torso up and away from the floor. Turn head up and away from your shoulders.
4. Hold and stretch your spine, breathing deeply throughout. 

Setu Bandhasana

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Benefits: Improves digestion, improves immunity by stimulating the thymus gland

1. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet 10 inches from the hips and arms by your side, palms down.
2. Inhaling, raise your back and hips, anchoring your shoulders and pushing down on your palms.
3. Touch your chin to your chest and keep your back parallel to the floor, the muscles in your buttocks contracted. You may support your back with your hands. Hold, breathing and release.

Naukasana

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Benefits: Improves immunity and protects from common illnesses

1. Lie on your back, arms by your side palms down.
2. Inhale and exhaling, lift your upper back and feet off the floor, raisng your arms and pointing your fingers towards your feet.
3. Contract your abdominal muscles as you go into a V shape, not straining the shoulders too much. Hold, breathing, and release.

Adho Mukha Svananasana

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Benefits: Rejuvenates body, increases blood to the brain, calms the mind

1. From standing, come on all fours, resting your palms and feet on the floor.
2. Exhaling, straighten arms, pushing hips into the air to form an inverted V.
3. Keep heels and palms firmly planted, extending arms and legs.

Kapal Bhati Pranayama

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Benefits: Improves digestion and blood circulation, calms the mind, clears energy pathways

1. Sit cross legged in a comfortable position with your back straight, hands on the knees, palms facing up.
2. Inhale deeply.
3. As you exhale, pull in your stomach sharply. Pull the navel towards the spine, keeping your right hand on your stomach to feel the contraction.
4. Release as your lungs fill with air. Repeat for 20 rounds.

Supta Vajrasana

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Benefits: Improves digestion, respiration and boosts immunity

1. Sit on the floor kneeling, with big toes touching each other, hands on the knees.
2. Bend backwards a little and prop up the back with elbows, one at a time.
3. Pushing on both elbows, lower the head, arching the back.
4. Slowly lower the crown of the head towards the floor.

While these yoga poses are safe for people in general good health, it’s always a godo idea to consult an expert first, particularly if you are prone to frequent aches and pains. Pregnant women and seniors should take special care while performing these poses. With the right exercise and diet, you’ll be able to stay healthy and enjoy the magic of the monsoons completely!