Every year in the United States, roughly 600,000 people die from heart disease. High blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol are key causes of heart disease. Stress, anxiety, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are key culprits of heart disease. Yoga builds cardiovascular health, increases lung capacity, and improves respiratory function and heart rate. It also boosts blood circulation, builds muscle, and decreases inflammation.
How to Use Yoga to Support Heart Health
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Align your feet and heels so they touch each other.
Rests palms on the side of your body in a comfortable position.
Inhale deeply.
Lift your hands and join your palms in a prayer position in front of your chest.
Lift your body and bend over to create a “mountain”.
Close your eyes and concentrate while holding the pose.
Exhale slowly while bent over.
Return back to original position.
Repeat 5-7 times.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Start in a straight pose.
Bring hands to the front of the chest.
Join palms in the prayer position.
Stretch hands upwards.
Bend left knee and place the left foot on the interior side of the right thigh.
Keep right leg straight.
Look straight
Relax.
Repeat with other side.
Repeat both sides 3-5 times.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie on your stomach.
Rest face on chin.
Close your eyes.
Rest your palms on the floor next to your body.
Exhale deeply.
Lift up your chest and face off the floor.
Inhale and close your eyes.
Remain steady and relaxed.
Release to the original position and exhale.
Repeat 5-7 times.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) Β
Lie on your back with your hands stretched sideways.
Bend knees with feet touching the floor.
Spread knees apart.
Raise body up from pelvis area.
Keep support from your hands.
Hold position.
Repeat 5-7 times.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Lie on your back with your eyes closed.
Arms by side of body and palms facing up.
Legs outstretched.
Let your ankles relax and fall outward.
Slowly start breathing.
Relax and allow your body to “melt” into the floor.
Stay in pose for 4-5 minutes.
