With yoga against allergies? Can yoga dampen discomfort from allergies? Yoga postures for allergic rhinitis? A small group of researchers from Thailand and the USA have now obtained evidence in a small study that regular yoga practice has a positive effect on allergies.

Thus, symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be dampened.

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How did the study go?

For the study, 27 sufferers with allergic rhinitis to dust mites were divided into two groups.

The control group did not change anything in their previous lifestyle. The other subjects completed a regular Hatha yoga practice for eight weeks. One hour of yoga was practiced three times a week.

At the beginning as well as at the end of the study, all study participants were asked to rate the severity of their allergic symptoms on a scale of 0 to 3, from no symptoms to severe symptoms, for specific individual symptoms.

Examples included sneezing, itching, and a stuffy or runny nose. In addition, the researchers measured the airflow when inhaling through the nose and analyzed the blood flow in the nose and messenger substances in the nasal secretions.

What was the result of the study?

The subjects who practiced yoga had significantly increased nasal airflow after the eight weeks. All recorded individual symptoms improved on average.

The researchers believe that the participants’ improved physical fitness was due to the pranayamas, breathing techniques, that are part of hatha yoga. The relaxing effect of yoga is also thought to contribute to the positive effect.

The small study is a hope for allergy sufferers that yoga practice will help alleviate the discomfort of allergies. This could reduce medication. However, due to the size of the study, it is necessary to follow up with more.