Dear ,

As Coronavirus affects our lives more each day, we thought it might be useful to remind ourselves of all the health-giving practices which we share at Dru which build immunity. Our meditation, yoga, ayurveda and walking are doing a really good job of keeping us full of vitality!

Here’s some of the science behind the power of these practices.

In the next few weeks we will be offering more online classes and courses to support you at this uncertain time.

Please do keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram (@druworldwide) for details of how to receive these nuggets of wisdom.
 

   
Meditation

Here at Dru we teach thousands of people to meditate and become the master of their thoughts and emotions. There are a large number of studies showing the positive effects of meditation on our health.

One research project by Harvard Medical School in 2016, found that all the meditators showed significant positive changes in the markers of immune function. In addition, meditation and yoga can boost immunity, and regular practice seems to promote more complex genetic effects related to healthier ageing.

Try the Dru Meditation for Anxiety

Yoga

Dru Yoga has been shown in randomised trials to improve back pain, wellbeing and decrease stress in a number of settings. So does that effect apply to immune function?

An article in Psychology Today considered 15 randomised controlled trials that examined whether regular practice of hatha yoga postures could strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Scientists examined the immune system response and found an overall pattern that yoga had a positive effect on the immune system and yoga has a promising anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
 

Try the Dru Yoga Vitality Sequence

Walking

On our retreats and training courses in Snowdonia we love taking people out for walks in the fresh air. We all know how much better we feel after a bracing walk, but what evidence is there that this benefits our health?

Another 2018 Harvard study came to conclusion that walking can help protect immune function during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder.

Now...

make sure you have a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes every day, come rain or shine. Mindfully notice all the beautiful things you can see, and feel them energising your body and mind.

Ayurveda

This is India’s ancient system of health and at its heart it focusses on improving immunity (ojas) through improving digestion (agni), and reducing toxins (ama). A traditional recipe to improve immune function is cumin, coriander and fennel (CCF) tea, which delivers the medicinal effects of the herbs and spices directly to your body's tissues.

This revitalizing blend of spices is traditionally believed to improve agni, and help remove ama, which in turn builds immunity. It has a mildly bitter taste to help detoxify the body and is also thought to soothe the mind.  

Pour freshly boiled water in to a one litre flask, then add ¼ teaspoon of organic whole cumin, coriander and fennel seeds. Let it infuse for 20 - 30 minutes, then sip the tea throughout the day.

Laughter

Keeping our sense of humour is important in any situation, but especially when there’s a feeling of anxiety and fear around viruses! Did you know that even laughter has a positive effect on the immune system?

A study was done at Loma Linda University's Schools of Allied Health (SAHP) and Medicine, which showed that laughter has a positive effect on modulating components of the immune system including increased production of antibodies and activation of the bodies protective cells.

With much love from all the team in Snowdonia.

Jane Clapham