Favorite Yin Yoga Poses for Allergy Season

My Favorite Yin Yoga Poses for Allergy Season ✨

Long-held, shallow stretches (like those in Yin Yoga) don’t just feel great— research shows they can actually lower systemic inflammation for up to 12 hours after just a 30-minute practice.

Here are 3 of my favorite poses when allergies flare:

1️⃣ Crocodile Pose + Blanket under your belly

✔️ How to do it:  Lie face down, hands stacked, forehead resting on top. Legs relaxed behind you, ankles mat-width apart. Slide a folded blanket under the soft part of your belly and breathe deeply. Hold for 6 minutes.

✔️ Why it works:  Deep belly breathing gently compresses and releases your abdominal organs, which are loaded with lymph nodes. This promotes lymphatic drainage, oxygenated blood flow, and venous return— all key for reducing congestion and inflammation.

2️⃣ Lizard Lunge

✔️ How to do it: From hands-and-knees, step your right foot to the outside of your right hand. Let your hips drape toward the floor and your back leg stretch long. Support your hands on blocks, or rest your forehead on stacked hands for a sinus massage. Hold for 4 minutes.  

✔️ Why it works:  Your hip creases are rich with lymph nodes close to the surface of your skin. A long-held stretch like this gently stimulates lymphatic flow and reduces inflammatory markers. (Bonus: sinus massage!)

3️⃣ Seated Twist + Neck Stretch

✔️ How to do it: Sit with your right foot on the floor and your left arm hugging your knee. Gently twist to the right, then drop your head toward your right shoulder. Depress your left shoulder for a deeper stretch.

✔️ Why it works: Twists naturally encourage lymphatic drainage. Adding a gentle neck release decompresses your cervical spine and soothes upper body tension— common during allergy season.

📌 Save this post to use the next time you’re feeling stuffy or sluggish.

📩 Want a personalized plan to support your immune system this season? 

Reach out to me about Yoga Therapeutics for allergies, asthma, and seasonal challenges.