Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, is renowned for its innumerable physical and mental health benefits. Over the past few years, it has received significant attention for its ability to promote cardiovascular health.
Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of specific yoga asanas on heart health.
7 yoga asanas to keep your heart healthy
Let’s learn about seven key yoga asanas that have shown remarkable cardiovascular benefits.
1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Tadasana is the basic asana of all standing asanas. It involves standing tall, planting your feet on the ground and stretching your arms overhead while focusing on steady breathing. This asana enhances posture, improves circulation and promotes a sense of balance and stability, which are important for heart health.
2. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikshasana involves standing on one foot and placing the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh or calf of the standing leg. It helps improve concentration and balance and strengthen leg muscles. This asana also encourages a sense of centeredness and peace, helping to reduce stress and promote heart health.
3. Paschimottanasana (Sitting Forward Bend)
Paschimottanasana is a seated forward bend in which you extend your upper body forward to reach your feet. This asana stretches the spine, and hamstrings and stimulates the abdominal organs. It is known to reduce stress, anxiety and high blood pressure, making it beneficial for the heart and overall cardiovascular system.
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana involves lying on the stomach and raising the upper part of the body with the help of your arms. It stretches and strengthens the chest, lungs and shoulders. This pose can help open the heart, improve lung capacity, and increase blood circulation, all of which contribute to a healthy heart.
5. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Setu Bandhasana is performed by lying on your back, bending your knees and lifting your hips towards the ceiling. It strengthens the muscles of the legs, buttocks and lower back. This pose can help reduce stress, anxiety and mild depression, which is beneficial for heart health.
6. Marjarasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
Marjarasana is a gentle movement somewhere between bending and rounding your back, looking like a cat and a cow. This dynamic pose improves spinal flexibility, massages the organs and calms the mind. Regular exercise can help manage stress and maintain blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health.
7. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Shavasana is a relaxation pose that involves lying straight on your back and consciously relaxing each part of your body. It helps in deep relaxation, reduces stress levels and promotes a calm mind. This rest is important for heart health because it allows the body to heal and rejuvenate.
Including these yoga asanas in your daily routine along with a balanced diet and regular exercise can play an important role in maintaining a strong and healthy heart.
However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise, especially if you have any pre-existing medical problems.
Yoga, when practiced mindfully and regularly, can be a valuable contribution to your cardiovascular health journey.
(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.)