Use Yoga to Ease COVID Vaccine Side Effects: Part 2
After receiving my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, I went through a myriad of side effects. They were so strong that I ended up taking four days off from work and another three days until I felt back to my usual energy.
Catch Part 1 Here
Here’s the side effects that occurred:
Overnight woke with: a fever, whole body muscle aches, strong headache, and overwhelming fatigue Slept for hours and hours and hours for several days
Nausea-unable to eat except for bananas and very plain sandwich
The fatigue, headache, and whole body aches made it difficult to do simple things; I was exhausted after walking my dog up to the barn and ended up laying down on the kitchen floor. When I would go back to bed mid-morning I fell asleep instantly and slept deeply for hours.
Here’s what helped:
Banana: very easy to digest and often recommended by doctors as an easy-to-digest food. They are a good source of potassium; a mineral and electrolyte that helps our heart to beat regularly. Read more about the science of bananas for health here:
Electrolytes: This was a game-changer for me. I like the brand Hydrant. Ample sodium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc with just enough sugar (as compared to many bottled drinks which have loads of artificial colors and way too much sugar). Learn more about Hydrant here.
Kombucha: When purchased from a reputable source these can be a good source of probiotics; live bacteria and yeast that help your digestive system. They also contain polyphenols which decrease inflammation. Other good stuff in kombucha: B vitamins, some essential minerals, and antimicrobial acids like glucoronic and D-Saccharic acid. Happy tummy=less inflammation=better immunity
Read more about kombucha from then Cleveland Clinic here.
Pregnant or folks who are immunocompromised should refrain or consult with your doctor prior to consuming kombucha.
Yoga Nidra: deep relaxation. This intentional rest will help move your nervous system into a restful state that promotes healing. It’s like super-powered rest and sleep booster! This practice is called yoga nidra or yogic sleep. It's a powerful and simple boost to provide you with abundant energy, mental clarity, and to allow your body to integrate the immune system shock into increased immunity, rather than derailing your wellness. Do this daily, especially if you have more severe symptoms.
Here's one that I made that is ten minutes
Here's a longer one that will take you into a deep and restful state!
Ask for help: “Just being kind, for instance. A study in New Zealand of diabetic patients in 2016 found that the proportion suffering severe complications was 40 per cent lower among patients treated by doctors rated high for compassion. As one observer put it, that is ‘comparable to the benefits seen with the most intensive medical therapy for diabetes’.” ― Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants
Mantra: Regular repetition of a mantra like om shanthi can help down-regulate your nervous system so it can move into a powerful state of rest and restore. Mantras help coordinate all the areas of the brain, regulate your nervous system, and regulate the prana (vital energy). If you are prone to anxiety or fear, mantras like Om Shanthi are especially useful to dissipate your anxiety and move you into a grounded and peaceful state. Listen to my explanation of how to use this mantra here
After the storm passes: Now is the time for gentle yoga! I made this practice especially for recovery mode days! Gentle movement promotes circulation, encourages lymphatic movement and drainage (part of your immune system), eases body aches, and balances the shock to your system so your physical body can feel ease.
Tai Chi or Qigong: Highly recommend Ken Cohen, wonderful training, available online!
This information is only for your education and personal development. Always consult with your doctor before embarking on any wellness protocol. This information is not meant to treat, prevent, or cure disease; and it does not take place of care or treatment by a licensed health care professional.