Strike a Yoga-Pose, Keep Your Heart in the Right Dose!

Yoga your way to a healthy heart! This blog shares five poses to keep your ticker ticking. Strike a pose and say namaste to good health!

Yoga is good for your body. It is practised by over 300 million people in the world. The regime keeps one fit and has been used for thousands of years to improve everything from mind to body.

It is a holistic approach to wellness that incorporates physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana), to promote overall health and well-being.

Having gained immense popularity worldwide, it is now recognized as a powerful tool for improving physical and mental health.

Roots of Yoga

The roots of yoga can be traced back to the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago, where it was used as a way to connect the individual with the divine.

The word ‘yoga’ was mentioned initially in ancient texts called the Rig Veda – the earliest among the vedas and a collection of a thousand hymns in ten chapters, known as mandalas, which Vedic age priests used.

Sages refined and developed yoga, documenting their practices in the Upanishads, a monumental work containing over 200 scriptures. It is amongst the six schools of philosophy in Hinduism. It is also a significant part of Buddhism and its meditation practices.

It is a great way to keep your heart healthy and strong, as it can help to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve circulation. So grab your mat, and let's explore some of the best yoga asanas (poses) to improve heart health! 🧘

1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Tadasana is a standing pose that helps improve posture and strengthens the legs, arms, and core muscles. It is a simple pose with a lot of health benefits.

To perform Tadasana, stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Inhale and lift your arms above your head, reaching towards the sky. Hold this pose for a few breaths, then exhale and release your arms, bringing them back down to your sides.

2. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

Virabhadrasana II is a standing pose that helps strengthen the legs, hips, and core muscles.

To perform Virabhadrasana II, stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step your left foot back about 3-4 feet, turning your left foot out at a 90-degree angle. Bend your right knee, keeping it over your ankle. Open your arms out to the sides, reaching further through your fingertips. Hold this pose for a few breaths, then release and repeat on the other side.

3. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Setu Bandhasana is a backbend that helps stretch the chest and strengthens the legs and core muscles.

To perform Setu Bandhasana, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet completely flat. Press your feet into the ground and lift your hips up towards the ceiling. Interlace your hands underneath your back and lift your chest towards your chin. Hold this pose for a few breaths, then release.

4. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Paschimottanasana is a forward bending pose that helps stretch the hamstrings, spine, and shoulders. It also helps calm the mind and reduce stress, which can positively impact heart health.

To perform Paschimottanasana, sit on the ground with your legs straight. Inhale and reach your arms towards the ceiling, then exhale and fold forward, reaching towards your toes. Hold this pose for a few breaths, then release.

5. Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Shavasana is a relaxation pose that helps reduce stress and calm the mind. It is a great way to end a yoga practice and allow the body to relax and rejuvenate fully.

To perform Shavasana, lie on your back with your arms and legs extended out. Close your eyes and remember to focus on your breath, allowing your body to relax. Hold this pose for as long as you like, then slowly sit up and return to a seated position.

Life is short, and you must care for your heart to live a healthy life. Remember to have a good diet coupled with exercise to ensure so. Do these five yoga asanas twice a week to improve your heart health.

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