Top 5 yoga poses to boost the immune system

Some early research suggests this centuries-old discipline may benefit the immune system by increasing the circulation of blood cells, decreasing stress hormones, and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of toxins, but the findings are not definitive. A recent study suggests yoga may even strengthen an immune response at a genetic level. In fact, the data found that yoga may even be more effective than traditional exercise for increasing immunity.

Alexa Pozniak paid a visit to Roots Yoga in Burlington, Mass., where owner/instructor Ginger Boermeester demonstrates the following five yoga poses that she says can work to boost your immune system.

Downward dog: promotes circulation and helps to move white blood cells throughout the body. This is also an inversion pose, which helps to clear out the sinuses.

Cat-cow: a heart-opener pose that helps to improve circulation and clear congestion in the bronchials.

Cobra pose: stimulates the thymus gland nestled behind the breast bone, which sends out T-cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight diseases or harmful substances.

Boat pose: this pose also stimulates the thymus gland by opening up the chest.

Bridge pose: opens and expands the chest area, which also stimulates the thymus gland and improves circulation.

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