It started early this week, a feeling of blocked sinuses accompanied by congestion at the back of my throat. A feeling of yuk that unfortunately had the affect of leaking testiness into my intimate relationships. Sadly, it took me fully a day to realise that physical symptoms of my cold and sore throat had blighted my spirit, too.
This is where forgiveness comes in handy. I know I still retain shreds of the superwoman mantle, so forgiving myself for not being one hundred percent fighting fit is an excellent practice. So is being willing to pardon my grumpy behaviour.
For the last few days, I’ve faithfully practiced the sequence for colds in B.K.S. Iyengar’s brilliant book, The Path to Holistic Health.
Just in case you experience feeling under the weather with a cold or sinus congestion at some time this season, here’s the sequence:
Uttanasana (Forward Fold Pose)
Prasarita Padangusthasana (Wide-leg Forward Fold Pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana x 2 (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
Sirsasana (Headstand)
Setubandhasana (Supported Bridge)*
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)
Supported Halasana (Plough)
Supported Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)*
Supported Halasana
Setubandhasana
Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall)*
Savasana
*Video clips of how you use props for these poses.