YOGA FOR COVID ™

In the spring of 2020, I contracted COVID19. I was debilitated with fatigue, body ache, headache, and low-grade fever that would come and go. I had conjunctivitis for weeks and a ‘foggy’ brain. I was pretty much immobilized from exhaustion. The symptoms lasted for eleven weeks. The fatigue persisted and was last to go.

However, throughout I had been able to maintain a gentle yoga practice. My lungs and throat remained unaffected and my Doctor at Mt. Sinai strongly suspects it’s due to my yoga and Pranayama (breathing techniques) practice. I believe it is. I was pleasantly surprised when he suggested I teach yoga and breathwork to people who have or suspect they have COVID19. He sent me a few of his patients and was struck by their remarkably quick recovery, with regular application.  

Today I am honoured to collaborate with scientist and researcher, Dr. William Bushell and Yoga teacher and author, Eddie Stern, on the healing effect of Yoga and combatting COVID and infectious diseases.

It is with great joy that I share the breathing techniques and restorative postures that have helped me maintain healthy lungs and increase lung volume and strength. Breathing is of paramount importance in yoga. The ancient yogis said that the breath is the link between mind and body. If we are in charge of our breath, we are in charge of all aspects of our being. 

Prana (life force) Ayama (expansion) is the practice of increasing prana in the body to optimize health and reduce disease. We will explore the physiology of breathing and experience how lung volume and volumes of blood gases are altered in various breathing exercises and postures. I guide the students into asanas (postures) supported with cushions, blankets, bricks and/or straps, where they experience a deeper connection with themselves, calming the nervous system while expanding, strengthening and draining the lungs of fluids and stale air. 

This class is suitable for all, even if you are in good health. Different methods of breathing can have a calming effect on the autonomous nervous system, reducing blood pressure, stress and producing a greater sense of calm and stability. Learn to breathe properly, promoting pulmonary health and preventing mental and physical disease.