|
|
Reflections
|
|
|
|
Reflections
|
|
Say Yes to NO!
(NO=Nitric Oxide) Today, my inbox from YogaUOnline had a link to a fascinating article on Nitric Oxide (not to be confused with nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”). I’m no biochemist, but my interest in nitric oxide was piqued by the title of the article: “Hum Your Way to Health.” Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas that our bodies produce. It causes the smooth muscles surrounding arteries to relax, which can lead to dilation of those arteries and lowering of blood pressure. It also relaxes the muscles in the trachea and bronchioles of the lung, so we breathe better. But there’s more! Nitric Oxide helps our immune system fight against infections. It is starting to be investigated in the fight to stop the spread of Covid-19. As the article notes, you can do two very simple things to increase the production of NO in your body.
By the way, humming has many benefits, including activating the “rest and digest” (calming) response and potentially improving lung function. There’s a breathing practice called Bumble Bee Breathe, or “Brahmari Pranayama.” To do this, you’ll be inhaling and exhaling through your nose. Take a slow breath in, and on your exhale, make a low humming sound. As always, make sure your exhale is at least as long as your inhale, and even better if it’s a little longer. As you hum, allow yourself to feel the vibrations in your throat, mouth, nose, head, and chest. Repeat this 4-6 times. Then pause and notice how you feel. OR – just hum throughout your day! See how you feel. And know that you’re humming your way to greater NO. The nose knows to produce NO. (I couldn’t resist!) What’s your favorite song to hum? There is some optimistic news these days, as more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and we see a future in which we can be with our friends and loved ones indoors, without masks, if we are fully vaccinated. My hope was buoyed yesterday as I received my first dose. I breathed in gratitude for science and scientists, and especially for the women and men who have contributed to the vaccine development.
Speaking of science, I just read a paper published last July (see reference below) that reviewed research on yoga and meditation practices and how we might use them to support our bodies and minds in this time of COVID-19. The authors looked at the possible role of yoga and meditation in (among other things): • Reducing inflammation • Elevating melatonin levels • Positively affecting well-being This is just a starting point for looking at how yoga and meditation may help in this new COVID-19 world. And in fact, it was published 8 months ago, which seems like eons ago in this pandemic. But it is exciting to consider scientific research into respiration, inflammation, our immune system – and even epigenetics and intergenerational trauma – and yoga practices that may support us in our health journey. As noted by the authors: “…it is a time to enlist all manner of assistance in resisting and combating the multiple threats associated with [the pandemic].” Here’s to our health. Consider yoga! The full reference is here: Bushell, W., R. Castle, M. Williams, K. Brouwer, R. Tanzi, D. Chopra, and P. Mills. (July 2020) “Meditation and Yoga Practices as Potential Adjunctive Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: A Brief Overview of Key Subjects,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 26 (7) 541-556. |
Until I considered yoga, I was always searching for the thing that would make me feel good in my body, mind, and soul. As I age, I want to embrace life and feel well every day.
|