Try these 4 easy yoga poses for a healthier heart!

Yoga contributes to cardiovascular health by increasing the capacity of the lungs and improved respiratory function as well as heart rate. It also promotes enhanced blood circulation, decreased inflammation and helps in building muscles.

Some 600,000 people succumb to heart diseases in the United States alone, every year according to the CDC. Among the major causes are high cholesterol, high BP and smoking. Poor diet, anxiety and stress are among the chief causes of higher cholesterol and high BP. Add to this the sedentary lifestyle and absence of physical activity, the picture becomes perfect. Exercise, healthy eating, and meditation are among the lifestyle choices recommended by the American Heart Association for reversal and prevention of heart diseases.

Yoga for heart health

Yoga involves physical activity emphasizing meditation, breath and focus. Through the practice of easy yoga poses, you can gain a deeper awareness of your mind, body and emotions. In turn, this allows you to tune in better with your mental and physical health.

The following are among the recommended yoga for a healthier heart:

• Padangusthasana or the big toe pose
• Janu sirasasana or forward bend (head to knee)
• Sethu bandha sarvangasana
• Supta Padangusthasana or the reclining Big toe posture

Apart from the above, Kapalbhati pranayama is another significantly helpful exercise that is significantly helpful in improving your heart health.

According to a report in journal Diabetes Research and clinical practice, studies conducted in India and Sweden have shown that biochemical changes due to obesity, high BP, and high blood sugar can be reversed through regular practice of yoga. The study further noted that study participants experienced a significant reduction in blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides and waist circumference.

On the other hand, they also observed a marked enhancement in the level of good cholesterol or HDL. A lot of research and case studies are also mentioned on one of the websites at http://www.nourishdoc.com. In countries like India, Yoga and Ayurveda have become the mainstream form of medicine to deal with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, GI related medical conditions and so forth.

Therapies such as Acupuncture, Acupressure have found the mainstream way into American medical system as well. Do you do regular Yoga to keep your balance?