After the long wait, we’ve been finally blessed with the first monsoon showers of the season, giving us the much-needed respite from the heat. As much as they make us happy, rains are not great for our health. Allergies, colds, waterborne diseases and digestive problems start rearing their ugly heads. Immunity is also at an all-time low during the monsoons. To stay hale and healthy in the rainy months, it’s important that we build our strength from within. Dr. Surya Bhagwati from Dr. Vaidya’s New Age Ayurveda lists down some of the best pranayamas and asanas for the rains.

Kapalbhati Pranayama

Kapalbhati literally means ‘shining skull.’ As the name suggests, its primary benefits are for the head and the mind. It’s also a cleansing exercise, helping you release toxins from the system and remove sluggishness. To perform the Kapalbhati, you need to sit in a Sukhasana posture and breathe in and rapidly exhale. Here’s a video to assist you.

Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama

Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama is one of the best yogic breathing exercises for mental peace. Apart from the obvious mental benefits, Anuloma-Viloma also helps in promoting overall well-being by opening up all the nadis or energy channels. Here’s how you can perform Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama.

Bhramari Pranayama

Bhramari means a black bee. The unqiue nomenclature of the pranayama is a result of the humming bee-like sound created while performing the breathing exercise. To perform the pranayama, take a deep breath while sitting in a Sukhasana position. With the mouth shut, place the tip of the tongue between the teeth. Close the ears with the thumb, place the index fingers between the eyebrows, take a deep breath all the way to the stomach and exhale slowly, making a 'hmmm' sound like a bee. Here’s a video to assist you.

Naukasana

Naukasana or the boat pose helps with digestive disorders seen during the monsoons. To perform this asana, lie flat on the mat with your feet together and arms on the sides. Breathe deeply and as you exhale, lift your chest and feet off the ground and stretch your arms towards your feet. Your entire weight should be borne by your buttocks. Your eyes, hands and feet should be on the same line. Here’s a video to assist you.

Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana or the cobra pose improves digestion and blood circulation. It is an easy yogasana performed by lying down on the belly and touching the chin to the ground. By placing the hands close to the body, touch your palms to the ground. Straighten your arms and lift your chest and upper back while inhaling. Watch the video for detailed instructions.

Savasana

Savasana may seem like one of the easiest asanas to perfom but it is quite challenging because it requires you to focus. The asana helps relieve problems of the nervous system and relaxes fatigued muscles of the body. To reap the benefits of this asana, you have to lie flat on your back and bring awareness towards each body part until you relax completely. Here’s a video to guide you through savasana.

Although there’s no ideal season for doing yoga, these pranayamas and asanas can be beneficial during the monsoon months. They promote overall well-being and boost the digestive system that can get sluggish during the monsoon season.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2018 10:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).