Yoga for COVID - 19.

Abstract

Yoga deals with the holistic principle of connecting the body, mind, and consciousness. Ancient Indian books like Vedas and Puranas have mentioned the healing properties of yoga. It has shown improvement in people with post-traumatic stress disorder, reducing fatigue in cancer patients, reducing blood pressure in hypertensives, reducing sugar in diabetic patients, and symptoms of menopause.[1] Several clinical trials have shown the effect of yoga in improvement in pulmonary function tests in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.[2] There are reports of achieving earlier sputum negativity in tuberculosis patients and an increase in CD-4 cell count in HIV patients by integrative yoga.[2] The three pillars of yoga are asana (body postures), pranayama (breathing exercise), and meditation with or without chanting mantras. It can reduce the fight or flight response of stress by increasing the vagal stimulation. Its anti-inflammatory activity includes reduction in natural killer (NK) cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), and T-cell cytokine (IL-12, IL-6), and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10).[3] Studies have shown that yoga may enhance the production and activity of melatonin, hormone-possessing antiviral, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory property. COVID-19 is among the most extreme stressors possible to be experienced not only by the patient, but also by the family members and healthcare workers. Psychosocial stress can reduce immunity against infectious challenges and overstimulate host inflammatory responses, leading to tissue damage and even death. COVID-19 is associated with an increase in inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP, ferritin, etc.). Yoga can reduce mental stress and anxiety in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients during home isolation or postrecovery and reduce burnout syndrome in healthcare workers.[4] It can also be used as a therapy in symptomatic patients with mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on face mask, high-flow oxygen cannula, or non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Various asanas and pranayama can be taught to patients virtually by telemedicine through computers, mobile phones, or tablets. However, clinical trials can prove the therapeutic role of yoga in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate ARDS. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.