Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, stress, anxiety and inactivity gives an open invitation to coronary heart diseases. Good part is – heart attacks are nearly always preventable, yet, people ignore it and go through immense emotional, physical and financial pain on its occurrence. Its never too late to adopt some healthy practices by heart for a healthy heart. Yoga is one of those healthy practices that goes a long way in decreasing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight.
Following yoga poses will help you in good blood circulation and a positive mind.
1) pranayama – pranayama involves various breathing which improves blood circulation that is the key to healthy heart. Practice pranayams like anulom vilom, bhastrika, kapalbhati, bahya and nadi shodhan to removes artery blockages and flush out toxins.
2) setu bandhasana (bridge pose) – it is a therapeutic pose for people with high blood pressure. The pose opens up the chest and helps in improved blood circulation throughout the body.
3) bhujangasana (cobra pose) – this yoga posture increases the stretch to the chest and requires more strength and stamina.
4) dhanurasan (bow pose) – the pose is stimulating and stretches the whole body. The bow pose opens and strengthens the heart region.
5) ardha chakrasana (standing backward bend) – it improves heart function and regulates blood pressure, improves respiratory problems, cures uterus problems, stimulates the abdominal organs and aids in digestion.
6) uttanasana (standing forward bend) – this pose challenges your heart to regulate the blood flow hence regulating the overall heart health.
7) janu sirsasana (head-to-knee forward bend) – this seated forward bend pose brings the head lower than the heart. The pose helps in heart rate reduction and allows the system to rest.
The yoga poses mentioned above are some of the most beneficial poses for a healthy heart. However, patients with heart diseases should avoid poses like some surya namaskar, sarwangasana, halasana, shirshasana (head stand) and its variations viz. Fast breathing. Vaman dhouti and shankha prakshalana (laghoo/purna).
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