Yoga and Wet, Windy, Wintery Weather

Jun 2, 2013 | Health, Yoga practices | 0 comments

windy weather
Like most people, we wanted real estate with a beautiful outlook. So, we had our home built on the top of a rise. We can see mountains to the west, wildlife in the forest, green pastures and distant water views.
What we also got as a result of being so elevated is full exposure to the blustery  wet winds that have been hammering Mitchells Island today.
I wouldn’t trade our magnificent outlook for the windless quiet of a sheltered dell. I love being able to see broad horizons and big skies. But, just at the moment, I’m mindful that this is the sort of weather that makes the transition from autumn to winter unpleasant, even unhealthy. It can weaken one’s immune system and lead to colds, coughs and flues.
In Chinese medicine, there are acupuncture points on the neck and shoulders which are called the wind gate points. These are supposedly entry points to muscles and joints where a cold chill can travel into your muscles. Exposed to boisterous wind conditions, you might end up with sharp neck pain and restricted movement, as well as cold symptoms like chills, headache and a runny nose.
My neck is pain-free so, happily, I can do headstand and shoulder stand. Some of the best poses for colds, sinusitis, and just generally for your immune system are inversions. Even if you’re not a fan of headstand, shoulder stand and plough poses, there are very good inverted substitutes: downward facing dog pose, wide-leg forward bend, supported (on bolster and blanket) bridge, and legs up the wall.
If you are high up on a windy hill like us, or even in one of those urban wind tunnels created by high rise buildings, be prepared.  For the winter, rug up, muffler up, and go head down, bum up.

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