Yoga for Malaria

Yoga does not treat or prevent malaria. It cannot kill the parasite. Treatment with antimalarial medicine comes first. Gentle practice may help with recovery only after the fever has settled and a doctor agrees.

When not to practise

• During fever, chills or vomiting
• When you feel dizzy, confused or very weak
• During the first days of treatment
• If you have severe malaria or have been in hospital

Rest is the right choice at these times.

When to start

Wait until you have been fever-free for a few days, can eat and walk normally, and your doctor has said you can resume activity. Malaria leaves many people tired for weeks, so go slowly.

Gentle options in recovery

• Diaphragmatic breathing: slow belly breathing while lying or sitting, for 5 minutes
• Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing): gentle, without holding the breath
• Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining pose): supported rest
• Viparita Karani (legs up the wall): for 3 to 5 minutes if it feels comfortable
• Shavasana: lying relaxation for 5 to 10 minutes
• Short, slow walks: build up from a few minutes

What to avoid

• Hot yoga, fast flows, inversions and strenuous practice
• Breath retention and fast breathing techniques while weak
• Practising with anaemia symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness or palpitations

Pregnancy and children

Pregnant women should practise only with a doctor and a trained teacher. Children do not need a yoga plan for malaria recovery.

Key point

Yoga is optional and only for recovery. Stop at any dizziness or tiredness and speak to your doctor.