It’s no secret that Yoga offers many physical as well as emotional benefits. It has been practised for thousands of years. It has been thoroughly documented to enhance flexibility and strength, ease stress as well as calm the body and mind. Yoga has even turned into a popular prescription given out by medical practitioners for a wide range of conditions. And certain poses (or asanas, as they are called in Sanskrit) and practices can have a direct effect on your heart’s health in a positive way.
With more and more individuals taking on yoga as a way of life, the ancient Indian practice of physical exercise is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. It not only operates to stretch your muscles but also enhances mental health as well as the proper functioning of the heart, stomach and other internal organs.
Yoga’s positive effect for heart patients
According to a study done by Harvard experts, yoga can be just as efficient as cycling or brisk walking in reducing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. It has been found to be useful in managing and mitigating the risk factors which are associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, it can be a ‘potentially effective therapy’ for cardiovascular health.
This ancient practice can minimise your risk of developing heart disease as it:
- Improves the blood flow
- Decreases cortisol levels (stress is a known risk factor for heart disease)
- Been shown to reduce the levels of LDL (the “Bad” cholesterol)
Improving all of these things factors will assist with minimising your risk of developing heart disease.
Yoga asanas for improving heart health
Trikonasana
Trikonasana, as the name indicates, is a triangle-shaped asana, assists with stretching the spine so stimulating spinal nerves and blood circulation.
Dhanurasana
Dhanurasana, which is also known by the term ‘bow pose’, is a yoga exercise which is credited for expanding the chest, improving blood circulation and relieving stress and anxiety.
Looking like an archer’s bow, this posture encourages a powerful stretch along the front of the practitioner’s body and a deep opening at the heart centre. This assists with cultivating an attitude of fearlessness and grace.
Bridge Pose or Setu Bandhasana
This yoga asana is known for increasing blood flow to the chest region. In this way, it boosts heart health. It is responsible for regulating the flow of blood and prana (energy) to the heart, the glands in the neck and the head, and releases tension.
Yoga is a superb activity for those who haven’t exercised in years or people who aren’t very strong. A small but encouraging body of research suggests that yoga’s combination of stretching, gentle activity, breathing, and mindfulness may have unique benefits for people suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
If you want to learn about more benefits that yoga has to offer then you should have a look at our Yoga Teacher Certification Course. To learn more and to register, please follow this link.
