PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is the third most frequent reason for hospitalizations (births are first and heart disease is second). Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, and other organisms.  Although the majority of pneumonias respond well to treatment, it could be quite dangerous in people with impaired immune systems, particularly AIDS patients, in whom pneumonia causes about half of all deaths. The elderly have lower survival rates;  In very young children about 20% of stillborn and very early infant mortality deaths are due to pneumonia;  Pneumonia poses a special hazard for pregnant women and  in people with diabetes,cancer,cirrhosis of liver etc.   
Most people who develop pneumonia initially have symptoms of a cold which are then followed by  high fever, shaking chills, and a cough with sputum production. The sputum is usually discolored and sometimes bloody. Patients may become short of breath. Chest pain may develop if the outer aspects of the lung are involved. This pain is usually sharp and worsens when taking a deep breath, known as pleuritic pain.
Under normal circumstances, the airways that take air in and pass through the upper part of the body have very effective mechanisms that protect the lung from infection by bacteria and other microbes. Large particles are first filtered out in the nasal passage;If the small particles succeed to enter , sensors along the airways trigger coughing or sneezing reflexes, which force many particles to back out. Tiny ones that are able to reach further down the passage are  trapped in a mucous blanket and  moved up and out of the lungs. Further, bacteria or other infectious agents that evade the airway defense system are attacked in the alveolar sacs by defenders from the body's immune system (large white blood cells) that literally eat foreign particles. These strong defense systems normally keep the lung sterile. If these defenses are weakened or damaged, however, bacteria or other organisms,can gain the upper hand, producing pneumonia.
In the management of this acute condition it is necessary to give big doses of suitable antibiotics. In addition, yoga and healthy life style with complete rest are important adjuncts for quick recovery with least damage .Taking antibiotics is like taking the help of the army from neighboring country when there is an invasion .But it is always the local brave soldiers of the country who have to do most of the job to destroy the enemy, repair and heal  the residual damage. This is possible only by keeping the immune system strong. This is the role of yoga. Even when the person is very sick there are very simple yoga relaxation practices which can help in speedy recovery. The deep rest (greater than in deep sleep) strengthens the immune cells by increasing their efficiency
What are the yoga practices that can be practiced during the acute situation?
Simple deep relaxation through  recorded audio tape played for 20 minutes  every two to three hours during the waking hours of the day will make the person feel much less sick, Also audio recorded tape of another 20 minutes of meditation technique called Mind Sound Resonance Technique(MSRT) will help in strengthening the immune system and clearing the  phlegm,MSRT can be repeated four times during the day even  when the person is bed ridden .As the person’s energy level increases which may take about a week of treatment the person can move on to physical asanas,breathing exercises combining breathing with chanting.
ln persons with chronic debility who tend to get frequent chest infections, regular long term practice of  a set of asanas, pranayama,chanting and  meditation for one hour can increase the resistance and stamina to fight and prevent the infection. THERE ARE SEVERAL RESEARCH REPORTS NOW AVAILABLE POINTING TO THE EFFICACY OF THESE TECHNIQUES IN IMPROVING THE IMMUNE STAMINA.

EKAPADA YOGA MUDRA 
one legged yoga mudra

Sin with legs straight