There is clear evidence now to demonstrate the relationship between emotional stress, health, immunity and the depletion of our immune system. Research shows how our immune system appears to benefit from the practice of yoga by encouraging ‘coherence’ in the rhythm of the heart beat, as opposed to ‘chaos’.
We have two types of immunity – natural and acquired. Natural immunity is non-specific, and you could say that someone with a ‘strong constitution’ probably has good natural immunity. In contrast, the body can also acquire immunity, through its response to infection or vaccination. It is through the breathing practices and their effects on the heart that yoga strengthens both types of immunity.
How is this happening? This is the science bit. In the body, the main agent of our immune system is our blood, which is basically a clear fluid (plasma) containing red and white blood cells. It is the white blood cells that inhibit the invasion of the blood stream by bacteria and viruses. A major function of the immune system is the production of antibodies which is carried out by special white blood cells called B cells (B lymphocytes).
These antibodies can be triggered by and directed at foreign proteins, microorganisms, or toxins – collectively called antigens. When an antigen is introduced into the body, a specialised immune protein called immunoglobulin is produced which possesses the remarkable ability to combine with the very antigen that triggered its production. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the body’s front line defence against infectious agents. IgA is present in all the mucous membranes of the body.
What’s the result? This is the amazing bit. When volunteers were asked to recall an occasion when they became stressed or angry, and by doing so induced a chaotic heart rhythm, their secretions of IgA dropped for an average of 6 hours.
Negative emotions appeared to have a negative effect on the immunity of the volunteers, unless they had learned how to induce ‘coherence’. Research showed that those who had learned simple techniques for quieting their heart and brain through yogic breathing techniques could maintain coherence in the heart rate, and thus reduce the likelihood of a drop in their IgA levels.
Relaxation and breathing form a key part of the My Yoga Buddy classes, held online every Wednesday morning. You can join in person or use the video later. Book a class HERE.
Resources:
1. A link to more explanation from the NHS: https://www.nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind/handling-stress/how-stress-symptoms-affect-your-body/
2. Living Life to the Full – a free course to help you deal with stress. https://llttf.com/
3. The Role of Yoga in Inflammatory Markers – Science Direct 2022.