Yoga is a wonderful practice for both mind and body. Regular practitioners report increased strength and improvements with issues such as depression as benefits of the practice. Increased flexibility and stress reduction are also benefits of regular practice, according to the Yoga Basics website. But the ancient Indian practice of pranayama, or breathing exercises, often practiced at the beginning or end of an asana session, can help protect you from colds and coughs as well.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a series of breathing exercises designed for a yogi to gain control over the body's involuntary functions, of which breathing is one. The word "prana" means "life force" in Sanskrit, and yogis believe that by learning to control the breath, a yogi can learn to control his life and world, according to Sri Swami Sivananda on the Yoga-Age website.
Techniques
The Yoga Sagar website recommends a few pranayama techniques to prevent a cough or cold. Alternate nostril breathing requires you to close one nostril with your finger while taking a deep breath through your other, open nostril. Hold the breath for a few seconds and block the open nostril while releasing the closed one. Release the breath through the now-open nostril. Repeat eight times, adding more repetitions as you become more comfortable.
Bellows' breath involves taking several quick, shallow breaths -- similar to the way a dog would pant -- before holding your breath for a moment by closing off both nostrils. Release through the right nostril while keeping the left closed. Repeat bellows' breath three times, adding more repetitions over time.
Chanting
According to "Yoga Journal," chanting and humming can help to open sinuses and keep them free of build-up. Chanting stimulates the sinus area with gentle vibrations. The "mmm" sound of the traditional "om" mantra resonates in the head and throat and may help to free blockages there. "Yoga Journal" also suggests holding a chant of "ahhh" to keep the lungs free of mucus and build-up, since this sound resonates in the chest cavity.
Yogic Diet
Many yogis also choose to follow a healthful diet that helps to protect you from some illnesses, according to Yoga Basics. Lean proteins, beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables aid the body's immune system to function at its highest level, warding off some strains of cough and cold and keeping you healthy.
