Yoga Therapy for Long-Covid

Yoga therapy is an integrative approach to managing the symptoms of Long Covid. While there is no cure, there are many tools for reducing the effect of the symptoms so that they do not dominate one’s life.

While the rishis knew it all along, modern scientific studies have shown that Yoga is an effective tool for reducing stress at all levels of the body. In Yoga-Therapy, we work through the Koshas, or layers of Being, to reduce stress on all levels. This allows for the individual to ground in homeostasis, and if a stressor arrives at one level of Being, the other levels remain stable and balance is more easily restored.

At the physical level of the body, Yoga Therapy supports those suffering from Long Covid by cleansing the physical system. The postures help to flush the lymphatic system, stimulate the vagus nerve (and other nerves essential for Rest and Repair) and encourage proper digestion which allows for essential absorption of nutrients and elimination of toxins.

The Yogic breathing practices of pranayama support the energy flow within the body. Prana means life force, and Yama means control or restraint. Therefore, these are practices of gaining control over one’s own life force. Modern-day laboratory studies show that these breathing practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing for a return to homeostasis.

Meditation is also a powerful tool in the Long-Covid toolbox. Not only does it reduce stress in the body and mind, it also promotes a connection to the body of Bliss, which increases one’s inner intelligence and promotes choices that support optimal health.

Additionally, those who practice pranayama and meditation are shown to have a lower respiratory rate, which is linked to a longer lifespan and a lower biological age. These effects are a great aid in the healing process at a cellular level.

In summary, Yoga Therapy is one of the best treatments for Long-Covid. By reducing stress at all levels of Being, the whole person is able to rest in homeostasis. From this point, the body’s own healing mechanisms are able to process the effects of COVID, and energy is freed up for living the rest of life.