Millions are affected by hypertension, or high blood pressure, across the globe—a serious state that’s been notorious for spawning further health complications if left unchecked. While it’s common to see doctors prescribing medication to keep high blood pressure at bay, harnessing the potential of yoga on a daily basis could help too. This article shines light on five yoga poses that could ease your hypertension naturally.
Why Yoga Helps Tackle High Blood Pressure
A holistic blend of physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation, yoga has proven beneficial on several fronts. Predominantly, it can assist in stress reduction, blood pressure moderation, and bolstering overall cardiovascular health. Yoga, as part of your daily regimen, can be instrumental in both managing your blood pressure and enhancing overall health.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Often regarded as the Mountain Pose, the ‘Tadasana’ is a straightforward yet potent yoga pose; one that
can bolster posture and enhance blood circulation. As you stand in an upright position – feet together, arms relaxed by the sides, and palms facing forward, breathe in deeply, arms reaching towards the sky as you elongate your spine. Hold the pose, breathe, and then release. Tadasana can help in calming the mind, reducing stress, and regulating blood pressure.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
The ‘Vrikshasana’, or Tree Pose, is a balance pose known for improving concentration, focus, and balance. Stand upright with your feet hip-distance apart, then shift weight onto your left foot, placing your right foot on your inner left thigh. With your palms together near your heart center, hold the pose for a few breaths before switching. The Tree Pose helps to reduce anxiety, improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Also known as the Cobra Pose, the ‘Bhujangasana’ is a backbend pose working wonders for strengthening the spine, opening the chest, and enhancing respiratory functions. To practice, lie on your stomach with your palms beneath your shoulders, next inhale and lift your chest off the ground – elbows clung to your body. Hold on to this posture, breathe, and then release. This pose aids in reducing stress, boosting lung capacity, and managing blood pressure.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
The ‘Paschimottanasana’, or Seated Forward Bend, is a calming pose perfect for relieving tension in the back, hamstrings, and shoulders. Sit on the floor, legs stretching out in front, then inhale and straighten your spine, next exhale and lean forward from the hips. Hold in that position, breathe, finally, come back up slowly. The Seated Forward Bend helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Also known as the Corpse Pose, the ‘Savasana’ is a posture of relaxation where the body and mind are deeply rested. For this pose, lie down on your back, arms and legs extended, palms facing upwards. Close your eyes, let your body loosen up, surrendering to the present. Stay in this pose for a few minutes, focused on your breath, releasing any form of tension. The Corpse Pose aids in relieving stress, easing relaxation, and moderating blood pressure.
Rolling yoga into your everyday habit can wield immense power in naturally reducing high blood pressure. With regular practice of these highlighted yoga poses, you can anticipate improved cardiovascular health, less stress, and enhanced overall wellness. But don’t forget, if hypertension is your concern, always discuss with your healthcare provider before jumping into any new exercise routine. Kickstart your health restoration journey with yoga today!
