Stress Management

Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Heart Disease

Yoga

Relaxation through yoga may help some patients control their blood pressure. Yoga may also improve the blood flow and make arteries and veins more elastic. Yoga can help reduce the stress, a major contributor to heart disease.

A number of poses and breathing techniques are useful in managing cardiovascular health.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) is the preferred yogic asana for relaxation. Lie down quietly on the floor in a mat, flat on your back with your arms by your sides. Concentrate on the flow of your breath. Inhale and exhale, inhale and exhale. During the natural stops in breathing after exhalation (and before inhalation) and after inhalation and before exhalation, stay quiet, silent, for a few seconds, This practice brings tranquility and rest, which are healing to the heart. Remain in savasana pose practicing this quiet breathing for 10 to 15 minutes.

More on Savasana from Holisticonline.com Yoga Infocenter

See Also: Yoga Nidra - Yoga Relaxation

Sun Salutation: This set of yoga exercises are recommended for cardiovascular health. Do at least 6 to 12 cycles a day. It will help to strengthen the health of the heart and help to prevent heart attack.

If you are already suffering from heart problems, the Sun Salutation may be too strenuous and is not recommended. In this case, you may substitute the following postures instead:

• Locust

• Lotus

• Bridge

• Cow

• Camel

• Bow

• Cobra poses

• Forward Bend

• Standing on One Leg-the Palm Tree pose.

We recommend that you consult your physician before you undertake any exercise programs.

Learn more about Sun Salutation from Holisticonline.com Yoga Infocenter

Learn more about yoga asanas from Holisticonline.com Yoga Infocenter

Breathing Exercise

A deep breathing exercise such as ujjayi pranayama is helpful for cardiovascular health.

More on Pranayama - Yoga breathing from Holisticonline.com Yoga Infocenter

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