yoga for a cold?

Every year I get asked the same question:

"I think I am getting a cold, should I come to yoga?"

My personal answer would be no. I have several reasons for my answer, let's start with looking at ourselves.

When an adult gets sick it takes 2 to 4 days for symptoms to show up after exposure to the cold or flu virus. In that time your immune system is kicking into overdrive trying to eradicate the foreign bodies as they had multiplied so much in the last few days.

When we fold, twist, press, compress and simply move, that gets fluids in our bodies to flush around. This can be helpful when your body is on the up. However, as your immune system is kicking into high gear, it can become more overwhelmed with other waste you may have sloshing around your lymphatic system which can make your body take longer to heal. Also, your body will expend LOADS of energy as it gets the upper-hand in it's battle. So, if you went to that heated power class and your muscles need to repair, something is going to have to take a back seat for the energy to heal. The most effective way for your body to get better is the thing we are most resistant to: rest. From articles I have read, gentle movement can feel good and help us feel better mentally, but that's where that grey area lies.

SO other factors to consider:

Think about your community. The flu is most contagious in the first 3-4 days after your illness begins, some will be infectious 1 day before symptoms even begin. According to the CDC both colds (rhinoviruses) and flu (influenza) are most spread by the air. (Ujjayi? EWj-jayi. ammiright?!) With the flu being less likely to be transmitted by touch compared to a cold. By emitting respiratory particles in a closed, warm place the average adult will still be able to spread their contagion five to seven days after becoming sick.

This is for the average "joe," try to be extra mindful of those who may be immunocompromised that you share your sacred space with.

"But Jackie, sweating helps me get this out of my system!"

There has not been any evidence shown that sweating will shorten a duration of infection. Your body will excrete it's wastes in many ways as you recover, sweating may be one way, but excess sweating does not seem to clear out more waste. If the heat just simply feels good, try taking a hot, steamy shower. In fact, staying hydrated is beneficial to healing.

A quick aside, is that a cough may linger after you or your fellow yogis heal. This is called a "Post-viral cough" and is usually not something that will spread further illness. So, you don't have to ostracize Amy from the sangha if she has been over her headcold, but is still coughing.

For the record, I am not a doctor or versed in pathology. This is just some thoughts i have had on a topic I get asked about a lot. If you want to know more and have a dialogue with someone who is medically educated make an appointment with your doctor. They know much more than I! Please take a look a the articles linked throughout this post.

Let's be cool and keep our friends and co-workers safe and healthy! If you really want to take some gentle movement, I will post a "yoga in bed" video here! Feel free to use it or a meditation when you are feeling under the weather <3 Stay healthy!