Many studies have shown that many risk factors related for heart diseases such as hypertension, blood pressure, bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and stress can be significantly lowered with the help of regular yoga practice. Different poses and techniques practiced in yoga helps for improving the blood circulation and strengthening the heart muscles and hence helps in the overall development of the heart. Healthy heart is the major factor that keeps the rest of the organs work properly with a continuous flow of blood circulation. Hence it is required to take a little bit of pain to make the heart healthy. Following are few poses which are especially meant for improving the heart’s health and their benefits.
Hand to foot pose(padahasthasana): There are numerous benefits which can be reaped by regular practice of this pose. There is a great emphasis on the flow of blood to head without difficulties presented in other postures in this pose. It improves the blood circulation from head to toes and makes the respective parts active and healthy. Few more benefits of this pose include toning of the abdominal organs, spine is made resilient, straight and flexible, the muscles in the back of the body are strengthened and energized.
Seated forward bend pose(Paschimottasana): This posture helps to increase the appetite, reduce obesity and to cure many diseases. It is also said that this posture gives good results for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia and sinusitis. It is more helpful to calm the brain and to relieve stress and depression from heart and other body parts. The body posture in this pose helps in strengthening the spine, shoulders and hamstrings. It also stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries and uterus.
There are more poses and techniques which are followed to increase the health of the heart. However, it is important to get an expert advice before following any of the poses in yoga to yield good results.