LETS UNDERSTAND WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE.......
Blood pressure is the force of the blood in the arteries. When our heart beats, it pumps blood around the body to give energy and oxygen. In this blood flows against the walls of arteries. This strength of flowing blood is called blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high then it may lead to heart problems like heart attack and blockages in arteries. This high blood pressure is called as hypertension.
High blood pressure is a serious condition identified by increased pressure in the arteries, the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This pressure can damage the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Hypertension can cause fatigue, chest pain, loss of strength, dizziness, poor vision or blindness, insomnia, headaches, and breathing trouble. It can also be fatal.
Cause of high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Stress
- High amount of salt in food.
- No exercise.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Weight gain.
Readings of blood pressure
Blood pressure recorded as the Systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and Diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). BP is measured in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).
- In healthy person the BP is 120 mm / 80 mm, that is systolic 120mm and diastolic is 80mm.
- lower blood pressure – below 90/60mm.
- High-normal blood pressure – between 120/80mm and 140/90mm.
- High blood pressure – equal to or more than 140/90mm
How Yoga Helps
Regular exercise and stress-reduction techniques can help to decrease the risks of hypertension. Strengthening your heart through physical activity helps it pump blood more efficiently. Physical activity improves circulation, bringing fresh, oxygenated blood to your working muscles and brain. This helps your brain absorb more oxygen — decreasing stress, increasing clarity, and allowing you to regain emotional balance. A vigorous yoga practice with pranayama (breathing exercises) will work your heart and lungs, increasing and strengthening your body’s capacity to take in oxygen.
Yoga teaches an awareness of the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Combined with meditation, this awareness is a lifestyle technique that can decrease stress and anxiety levels even when you’re "off the mat." Becoming aware of toxic thought patterns and habits can be the key to making positive changes in your life.
Practicing yoga involves three factors, all of which play a part in managing high blood pressure:
Benefits of yoga for controlling high blood pressure
- Yoga relaxes body, mind and soul.
- Controls blood pressure.
- Cures depression,stress and anxiety.
- Improves blood circulation in the body.
- Reduces heart problems like heart attack and strokes.
- Strengthens the mind.
- Cures Insomnia (sleeping Disorder)
- Removes toxins from the body.
- Gives positive energy.
- Helps to control anger.
- Supplies more oxygen and blood to various organs of the body.
- Yoga helps to manage your lifestyle.
- Increases positive thinking.
- Improves immunity.
- Improves concentration.
Yoga poses (Asanas) for high blood pressure
- Balasana – Child pose
- Vajrasan
- Paschimotanasan
- Pawanmuktasana – wind removing pose.
- Shavasana – Sleeping straight on back
- Marjarisana- Cat pose
- Sukhasana
- Setubandhanasana
Pranayamas
1. Kapalvati
2. Anulom Vilom
3. Bharmari
Precautions for high blood pressure or Hypertension.
Yoga isn’t a miracle cure, but it can help you find balance within the stresses of everyday life. Take these tips to heart, but also talk with your instructor before class about your state of health and well-being. He or she may recommend specific relaxation techniques to keep you on an even keel when times are tough. With practice, the benefits of yoga will extend to all areas of your life.
- Consult your doctor first before practice yoga. Practice yoga under expert guidance.
- A high blood pressure patient should not overdo any exercise. All pranayama should be done slowly.
- Women should not practice during periods.
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