According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, causing about 1.5 million heart attacks each year. Recent research has shown yoga and meditation to reduce blood pressure, lower the pulse rate, improve the elasticity of the arteries, regulate heart rhythm, and increase the heart’s stroke volume. All of these factors can help prevent and control heart disease.
Yoga Postures
Use our Pose Sequence for Heart and Chest as a general practice, and adding or emphasizing from our complete list of Postures for Heart Disease.
Pranayama
Use Dirga and Nadi Sodhana Pranayamas to slow the heart rate, regulate the heart rhythm, oxygenate the blood, and induce a feeling of calm and well-being.
Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind, and studies have shown that a daily meditation practice can reduce the amount of fatty deposits in the arteries, as well as lower blood pressure. Use one of the following by itself and/or at the beginning and end of your yoga practice: Yoga Meditation or Heart Chakra Meditation.
Articles
Yoga for Heart Health
Yoga and Meditation 3 Times a Week Improves Heart Disease Risk
Heart to Heart
Books and Videos
Yoga: the Path to Holistic Health
Yoga as Medicine
Yoga Therapy
Yoga for Wellness
Web Resources
Heart Disease Health Center
Heart Disease Prevention
Yoga is not a substitute for conventional western medication; please consult your medical professional before starting a yoga practice.
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