The Immune System:
Your immune system as you likely know is the bodies defence system. It is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body.
The immune system has two main parts:
The innate immune system, which we are born with.
The adaptive immune system, which is developed when the body is exposed to microbes, bacteria, viruses and parasites.
The immune system works by targeting invaders for destruction and removal from the body. When a foreign invader has been identified the body will go to work increasing T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and B-cells (which play a role in identifying the specific immune response necessary) The body temperature will also rise either at the site of invasion or throughout the entire body to assist in the healing process.
Culturally we are used to prescriptions and quick fixes... and while labels touting things like 'immune boosting" seem like attractive options, the immune system is far more complex and intricate than simply adding a fortified yoghurt drink to your diet can take care of.
Let's look at some of the causes of a weakened immune system:
Too much processed foods and poor eating habits
Prolonged periods of mental and emotional stress
Sedentary lifestyle with little time spent outdoors
Neglecting the need for proper sleep
Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
Bolstering the Immune System:
What we really want is to support the immune system. Working to cultivate a deeper relationship with the body and in doing so becoming more responsive when it comes to recognising the things that weaken it, and more intuitive in taking time out to practice what helps it to function well.
What are the Kosha's?
The Kosha's are the energetic layers or sheath's which represent the various layers of our being. There are 5 layers which help us connect with our own individual physiological and psychological function.
1. Annamaya kosha
This represents the physical body, the skin, muscles, connective tissue, fat and bones.
2. Pranamaya kosha
The second layer represents the subtle body the circulatory system for prana (life-force)
3. Manomaya kosha
The third goes deep into the mind, emotions and nervous system.
4. Vijanamaya kosha
This is the wisdom body. Where we develop awareness insight and consciousness.
5. Anandamaya kosha
This is the pure and radiant bliss body.
How do the Kosha's relate to our immune health?
Drawing inspiration from this ancient wisdom we have created a framework through the Kosha's as a way to explore the practice of supporting the immune system using yoga therapy, breathwork and meditation.
Want to know more????
Áine Ní Fhaoláin yoga therapist and educator and I (Ana Maria Conneely, yoga teacher and massage therapist) Invite you to join us for an online retreat experience where we will take a deep dive into the function of the immune system, the theory of the Kosha's, how they can be used as a tool for health and healing.
Aswell! You will learn...
1.How to self-evaluate so you can respond to the areas in your life that require your attention.
2.Take time out of your usual routine, learning movement and breathing based on scientific research that boosts immunity while relieving stress.
3.Meditation which works to change inner patterns of thinking while connecting you to your own true source.
These are life long learning skills which lead to better health, increased joy, contentment and compassion.
The practices we share are an elixir to dis-ease, and can teach you how to recognise and respond to stressors, thereby supporting the immune system and your overall wellbeing.
Some comments shared by our beautiful community about our previous retreats.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful Retreat on Saturday. I felt so relaxed afterwards I fell asleep for 2 hours! It was a very well planned and run workshop and I got a lot out of it. I have thought about the things that you covered in the session and found the Kosha Wheel and the breathing exercises especially enlightening." - Frances
"It was lovely to practice yoga this way and have time to explore all the different aspects in such a thorough practice. I thought you both complemented each other really well as teachers, and it was great to learn something of the “theory” of yoga at the outset, and then apply it through many different facets of the practice. The exercise on assessing where you are at in terms of the 5 koshas through the wheel was really useful and I had a really interesting journalling session on it after. " -Sarahis morning retreat you will learn how to self-evaluate so you can respond to the areas in your lif
"Thank you for a calming and uplifting morning. Well-paced and flowing, it was an excellent experience. Well done on the organisation and coordination of the content." -Annetha
t require your attention. Taking time out of your usual routine, you will learn movement and br "I'd like to hear Aine's mantra again and learn it. The yoga nidra is very nice too, the feeling of space it creates inside and outside is one of the most beautiful and sought after by me.
Ana Maria's movements in offering “the cup of tea” were pure harmony and I'd like to do it again and learn them well.
When I can, I follow Ana Maria's meditations and Aine's mantra chants on Instagram, a very nice way to start or even end the day"-Claudiaat -_Clahing based on scientific research, that boosts immunity while relieving stress. The meditation works to change inner patterns of thinking while connecting you to your own true source. These are life long learning skills which lead to better health, increased joy, contentment and compassion.
Stress, in and of itself, is not harmful, in fact, short bursts of stress have been shown to boost immunity. When stress is prolonged however, it is highly destructive to our immunity, leaving us susceptible to illness. These Yoga Therapy practices are an elixir to dis-ease, and can teach you how to recognise and respond to stressors, thereby supporting the immune system and your overall wellbeing.
In this morning retreat you will learn how to self-evaluate so you can respond to the areas in your life that require your attention. Taking time out of your usual routine, you will learn movement and breathing based on scientific research, that boosts immunity while relieving stress. The meditation works to change inner patterns of thinking while connecting you to your own true source. These are life long learning skills which lead to better health, increased joy, contentment and compassion.
Stress, in and of itself, is not harmful, in fact, short bursts of stress have been shown to boost immunity. When stress is prolonged however, it is highly destructive to our immunity, leaving us susceptible to illness. These Yoga Therapy practices are an elixir to dis-ease, and can teach you how to recognise and respond to stressors, thereby supporting the immune system and your overall wellbeing.