Exercise

Best Yoga Positions for Blood Pressure

In the past, we have frequently written that yoga is amazing for blood pressure health. Hypertension is when the force of your blood against the artery walls is too high. It can be caused by several factors. Two possible causes are stress and chronic pain. Chronic pain can lead to heart problems and cause adrenalin spikes. The good news is that yoga can help with both of these problems. Some yoga poses are more helpful than others.

The slow stretching in yoga increases blood flow that can help lower blood pressure. It also eases muscle strain and can help ease aches and pains. The uttanasana pose improves blood flow in the legs and hips. Standing straight, you stretch your arms upward and then bend at the hip, touching the palms of your hands to your toes without bending your knees.

If a move like that sounds like too much, that’s okay. Not everyone is flexible enough to pull off every yoga pose! It’s important to try new things and get your body moving in new ways. If you have mobility or balance concerns, it’s better to try yoga in a class with supervision where a fall is less likely.

Downward dog is perhaps one of the most well-known yoga poses. You start on all fours and straighten your legs and spine. The move helps align your spine. It also opens up your chest and helps ease stiffness in the shoulders. It increases blood flow. Viprit karana is not as well known, but it might be easier. However, you do need a wall. You lie on the floor with your arms stretched out to your sides with your palms on the floor. Then lift your legs up, propping them on the wall. You lift your legs using your hips, elbows and palms. The move can help your nervous system and aid blood flow and blood pressure.  

The bridge pose is a great move to help oxygen flow to the lungs. For this position, you lie on your back and then arch your back, bracing yourself on your elbows. You don’t put pressure on your neck as you bring your diaphragm up. It helps bring more oxygen to the lungs and releases tension from muscles.

These four poses can all help to lower blood pressure. Yoga is a soothing daily exercise that can help your overall health and fitness level. It’s a great way to add relaxation to your day and can help you lower your stress levels as you ease muscle pain and gain flexibility and strength.  

Banner image: Nikola Murniece via Unsplash

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