Hypertension is increasingly becoming a common health concern affecting many people globally. Hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to multiple health conditions effecting our overall health. These conditions may include:
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Raises risk of heart related diseases
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Peripheral artery disease
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Chest pain
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Kidney damage
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Vision problem
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Sexual dysfunction
While medical interventions are crucial to control hypertension, incorporating holistic practices like yoga can contribute significantly to managing hypertension.
Yoga, being an ancient practice entails physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation, to lower blood pressure and promote overall well-being.
Certain asanas, combined with healthy lifestyle choices and proper medical care, can help individuals manage their blood pressure and lead healthier, more balanced lives. In this article let’s look at eight such asanas.
1. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
Uttanasana is a standing forward bend that promotes relaxation and stress relief. It helps increase blood flow to the brain and calms the nervous system, supporting blood pressure management.
2. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana is a relaxation pose that encourages deep relaxation and stress reduction. By lying flat on your back, arms at your sides, and legs slightly apart, you allow your body to unwind and your blood pressure to stabilize. Focus on slow, steady breaths and release tension, promoting a calmer nervous system.
3. Sukhasana (Easy Pose) with Pranayama
Sukhasana is a comfortable seated position often used for meditation. Combining it with pranayama (breath control) techniques such as deep or abdominal breathing can help reduce stress and balance blood pressure. Regular practice can lead to a more harmonious body-mind connection.
4. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
Viparita Karani is known for enhancing circulation and reducing blood pressure. Lie on your back with your legs extended vertically against a wall. This asana helps improve blood flow back to the heart and encourages relaxation in the body.
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana involves lying on your stomach and gradually lifting your chest off the ground while keeping your pelvis grounded. This gentle backbend stretches the chest and stimulates the abdominal organs, promoting better blood circulation and alleviating stress.
6. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Dhanurasana involves lying on your stomach, bending your knees, and reaching back to hold onto your ankles. This pose stretches the front of your body and stimulates the kidneys and adrenal glands, which play a role in blood pressure regulation.
7. Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Anulom Vilom is a breathing technique that involves inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the other. This practice helps balance the nervous system, reduce stress, and regulate blood pressure. It encourages a state of relaxation and tranquility.
8. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Paschimottanasana is a seated forward bend that helps calm the mind and release tension in the spine. It also stretches the hamstrings and stimulates the abdominal organs, promoting better digestion and circulation.
The bottom line is practising yoga with other healthy lifestyle changes can help control hypertension, improve our overall well-being, and prevent many health complications.
