Yoga is a philosophy that originated in India thousands of years ago. Practitioners of yoga --- yogis --- strive for a healthy mind, body and spirit through regular practice of breathing and stretching poses. By engaging in this practice, yogis improve the health of their vascular system, according to Dr. Kapur, an assistant professor of medicine at Bayor College of Medicine.
Savasana
Savasana is also known as corpse pose, because to practice this pose you release your body into a relaxed horizontal position. According to "Yoga Journal," you will help lower your stress levels and blood pressure by practicing Savasana. To get into the pose, sit down on your mat and slowly lean back on your forearms. Use your hands to release your back and head all the way down onto the floor and stretch your legs away from you. Rest your arms at your sides with the palms of your hands facing the sky. Remember to breathe evenly while you hold this position.
Paschimottanasana
Another yoga pose that is therapeutic for blood pressure and also for relieving pain caused by menstruation is called Paschimottanasana, which translates to seated forward bend. To practice Paschimottanasana, sit down on on a flat surface and stretch your legs in front of you. Inhale and lean forward from your hip joints. Stretch your hands forward as far as you can comfortably go. If you can, wrap your hands around your feet and pull your body farther forward. Remember to breathe as you hold this position, and then slowly roll your body back up to sitting to release it.
Utkatasana
Yoga Journal suggests practicing Utkatasana to stimulate your heart, and therefore your blood flow. To get into Utkatasana, stand on your mat and sweep your arms up to the sky, raising them up near your ears as you inhale. As you exhale, bend at your knees. Keep your feet together and lean forward as you hold your abdominals and shoulder blades in. Tuck your tailbone and hold this position, breathing as you focus on opening your chest. This position is also known as chair pose, and you may should feel as though you are sitting down into an invisible chair while you hold it.
Supta Padengusthasana
Supta Padengusthasana, or reclining big toe pose, is another yoga posture that benefits high blood pressure by relieving stress and anxiety. To begin this pose, lie on your back on the floor and extend one leg, pushing it against the ground. Bend the other leg into your chest and then straighten it to the sky. Pull your raised foot back toward your head using your hand if you can reach, or a strap if you need more space. Breathe while comfortably stretching your elevated foot toward your body. After you have stretched one leg up, lower it and stretch the other to remain balanced.
Member Comments