It never occurs to a lot of people what blood pressure is! Until they hear about someone suffering from high or low blood pressure or worse they theirself goes through it. It is quite simple, blood travels through the whole body inside blood vessels. Our heart pumps the blood so it can move forward. As the blood moves, it exerts some pressure on the walls of blood vessels which is a normal phenomenon. When this pressure goes higher than a specific range, it is termed as high blood pressure or hypertension.
Many people may not experience the symptoms of high blood pressure. They come to know about it when they get it measured. It is quite shocking, as they feel completely normal and wonder how can they have high blood pressure. Some people suffer from hypertension for years without even knowing it. After the body suffers for such a long time, it becomes vulnerable to heart attack, stroke, kidney disorder or loss of vision.
The reasons behind the cause of high blood pressure are many such as poor lifestyle, eating unhealthy food, being physically inactive etc. But the biggest cause is actually emotional stress. Long term suppressed feelings develop an emotional state that affects the functioning of the heart. The constant stress puts constant pressure on heart making it work excessively which leads to high blood pressure. In a research, it was found that heart attack patients have been going through an emotional stress a year or longer before they had a heart attack.
One may indulge in lifestyle changes that will take the burden off the heart. Relaxing is an effective way to release all the stress and negativity. Most people who suffer hypertension are usually work oriented. They work excessively to fulfill their professional goals and become incapable of relaxing. Merely relaxing and being away from all the stress and worries can bring wonder to those suffering from high blood pressure. The following poses focus on relaxing, thus allowing the heart to take off all the burden and work peacefully for at least some part of the day.
5 Yoga Poses for High Blood Pressure
1. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Strengthen your heart by practicing Paschimottanasana blood pressure. Try to move forward from your hips in this pose to let the spine stretch from the very base.
2. Marjariasana (Cat Stretch Pose): Give your torso a gentle stretch by contracting and expanding the spine. Marjariasna enhances the circulation of blood and relaxes the body.
3. Titli Asana (Butterfly Pose): Butterfly pose is actually a preparatory practice for Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose). But it offers similar benefits and is a bit easier. It stimulates the heart and
4. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): Vajrasana is a meditative posture. It develops a sense of collectiveness in the practitioner. It stops the mind from wandering in restless thoughts. Helps you stay in present.
5. Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Shavasana might seem like the easiest poses in yoga but trust me it’s not. You ought to be aware of your whole body in Shavasana. A few people end up falling asleep in this pose which means they were unable to stay awake. Practice it right and each inch of your body.
Important Note: Strictly stay away from even the slightest inversions such as Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward Dog Pose) and Pahastasana (Hand to feet pose). Never indulge in the practice of shoulder stand, headstand or arm stand.
Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Anulom Vilom Pranayam is one of the most effective breathing exercises to lower high blood pressure. Keep the breaths as slow and deep as you can while you practice, never strain. In the beginning, you might find it hard to concentrate so start with a few minutes of practice. Gradually increase the time, practice for 15 minutes to see better results.
Combine yoga practice with healthy eating habits and a rich lifestyle. Walk often, try to be more active. If you sit at a desk all day, go for a short and gentle walk after lunch. Drink more water, include seasonal fruits in your everyday diet. Spend more time with your beloved ones. It is the fastest way to the road of recovery else it might be too late to make things right. Give your body the love, care and respect it deserves.
