The rise of Coronavirus has put the immune system of the whole world to test.

We have
learned now that precaution is indeed better than cure. Coronavirus does not have any cure
yet so the best way to dodge it boost your immune system. In yogic philosophy Viruses are
mentioned to be everywhere. It just that we cannot see then and also we can never get rid of
them. Viruses in Ayurveda are called “bhoota” which literally means ghosts. They only
defence against viruses is your immune system because eventually 80% of the population is
going to get it eventually. You might have heard that its more dangerous for old people but
that’s not true. It completely depends on your immune system. A lot of people ageing more
than 80 years have recovered from Coronavirus cases. To prepare your immunity you have
time until you don’t get this virus. Rishi Patanjali blessed us with the following pranayama to
enhance our immune systems practice these to boost your immunity.

BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA (the pranic humming control)

 Sit in a comfortable meditative asana. The spinal cord should be erect and the head straight.
Close the eyes and relax the whole body for a short time.
 Keep the mouth closed throughout the practice.
 Inhale deeply through both nostrils. Retain the breath inside and perform jalandhara and/or
moola bandha.
 After about 4 seconds practice release the bandhas and plug both ears with the index fingers.
Keeping the mouth closed, separate the teeth and slowly exhale, producing a long continuous
humming sound like a bee.
 The exhalation should be slow and steady.
 Feel the sound vibrations in the brain and be conscious only of the sound.
 This is one round.

Start with 5 rounds and slowly increase the number.

Precautions: Do not practise in the supine position.

Do not strain the lungs in any way.

Benefits: Relieves cerebral tension; removes anger, anxiety and frustration; and reduces
blood pressure.

Eliminates throat ailments; strengthens and improves the voice.

It also creates awareness of nada (psychic sound).

BHASTRIKA PRANAYAMA

Bhastrika pranayama (the bellows breath) Sit in any comfortable meditative asana. Hold the
head and spine erect. Close the eyes and relax.

Stage 1
 Place the left hand on the left knee and the index and middle fingers of the right hand on the
forehead. Put the thumb beside the right nostril and the ring finger beside the left nostril. Close
the right nostril by pressing the thumb against the side of the nostril.
 Breathe rapidly through the left nostril 20 times, expanding and contracting the abdomen
rhythmically. Then take one deep inhalation, close both nostrils by pressing both sides of the
nose with the thumb and ring finger, and perform jalandhara and/or moola bandha. Retain the
breath for a comfortable period of time, then release the bandhas and exhale.
 Close the left nostril with the ring finger. Breathe rapidly through the right nostril 20 times with
rhythmic expansions and contractions of the abdominal muscles.
 Then inhale deeply, close both nostrils and perform jalandhara and/or moola bandha. Hold for
some time and slowly exhale.
 This is one round. Practise 3 rounds.
 Then proceed to stage 2.

Stage 2

 Sit in the same position, hands on the knees.

 Breathe rapidly 20 times through both nostrils.
 Then inhale deeply, retain the breath and perform jalandhara and/or moola bandha. After a
comfortable period release the bandhas and breathe out.
 This is one round. Practise 3 rounds.
 This is the end of the complete practice of bhastrika.
 Advanced practitioners may increase the number of inhalation and exhalation up to 50 and the
number of rounds may also be increased up to 5 for each stage.

Precautions: A feeling of faintness or perspiration indicates that the practice is being

performed incorrectly. Avoid violent respiration, facial contortions and excessive shaking of
the body. If any of the above symptoms are experi and, then advice of a yoga teacher should
be sought. Relax during the practice and rest after each round. Bhastrika should be done
slowly for the first few weeks. Increase the speed of respiration gradually as the lungs
become stronger.

Limitations: Bhastrika is not for people with high blood pressure, vertigo or any heart
ailment. Beginners should practise cautiously and with expert guidance.

Benefits: This is a wonderful method to purify the lungs of unwanted gases and germs. It is
excellent for asthma, tuberculosis, pleurisy, etc. It removes inflammation of the throat as well
as any accumulation of phlegm. It increases the appetite by fanning the gastric fire. It induces
peace and tranquility of mind.

Note: In this technique the lungs are used like a blacksmith's bellows.

KAPALBHATI PRANAYAMA

 Kapalbhati pranayama (frontal brain cleansing) Sit in any comfortable meditative pose.
 Close the eyes and relax.
 Perform 60 to 100 rapid respirations.
 Unlike bhastrika, the inhalation should be spontane ous with the emphasis on exhalation.
 Then exhale deeply and perform jalandhara, moola and uddiyana bandhas simultaneously.
 Meditate on the void in the region of the eyebrow center, feeling the all-pervading emptiness
and calmness.
 Release the bandhas, inhale slowly and relax.
 This is one round. Repeat up to 5 times.

Duration: Advanced practitioners should extend the number of round to 10 or more. The
benefits are increased if the breath retention is long. However, do not maintain for an
excessive length of time. Slowly increase the period of retention over a few months.

Sequence: Practise immediately before meditation.

Precautions: Do not retain the breath longer than is comfortable. Same as for bhastrika.

Benefits: This process purifies the frontal region of the brain. Thoughts and visions are
automatically stopped, allowing the mind to rest and become revitalized. It is an thrombosis.
excellent technique for relieving cerebral

Note: This is a good preparation technique for meditation. It is also one of the six shatkarmas
used in hatha yoga.

SURYA BHEDA PRANAYAMA (the vitality stimulating technique)

 Surya bheda pranayama Assume a comfortable meditative asana. Make the spine and
head erect and place the hands on the knees.

 Close the eyes and relax the whole body.

 Raise the right hand, placing the middle and index fingers on the forehead and the
thumb and ring finger gently on each side of the nose.

 Close the left nostril with the ring finger. Inhale deeply through the right nostril.

 Close both nostrils, retain the breath and perform jalandhara and moola bandha.

 Maintain for as long as is comfortably possible.

 Release moola bandha then jalandhara bandha.

 Exhale through the right nostril by keeping the left nostril closed with the ring finger.

 This is one round. Repeat the same process.

Duration: Perform up to 10 rounds. Try to slowly increase the length of retention over a few
weeks.
Precautions: Do not practise before or immediately after meals, because the body needs the
energy for digestion. Should be learned cautiously under expert guidance.

Benefits: This pranayama activates pingala nadi and therefore gives the practitioner
dynamism to perform physical activities more efficiently.

THE GREAT SURYA NAMASKARA

This is not just one asana but is comprised of 12 different asanas. If you manage to perform
just this Sun salutation practice it would give improve your immunity more any yoga asana
there is. Everyone knows surya namaskara is the ultimate practice to boost metabolism and
burn fat. The topic of surya namaskara is so vast it needs special focus.
[Find complete knowledge of Surya Namaskara here]