What Is Hypertension
Hypertension is nothing to worry about. A lot of people are suffering from it in this day and age and coping wonderfully, too. True, you may be rather young to be afflicted by the condition, but there are plenty of solutions at hand. One of them is this beautiful practice and science of Yoga that is getting more and more popular as a means of physical and mental fitness. Over the past few decades, more and more research studies are proving the efficacy of Yoga in improving health, its role as an alternative therapy in healing diseases, enhancing strength and flexibility and in effectively controlling health parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and metabolic rates.
Hypertension is nothing but the pressure in the body rising high enough to warrant some medical attention. Commonly referred to as high BP, it refers to the amount of pressure in ones arteries. Quite a few readings have to be taken to diagnose the exact BP and if it is found to reach or cross 140/90, then you are said to be having hypertension. But even this limit is nothing to worry about; it is completely controllable and, with a little help from Yoga, even curable, as studies have proven, time and time again.
The following Yoga Poses will definitely help with your condition. However, you would be well advised to know that Yoga isn’t the sole treatment for Hypertension. You must see your doctor from time to time, follow his advice and take regular medication together with your Yoga practices.
Yoga for Hypertension
Asanas (Yoga Poses)
- Warm-Up Poses: Shoulder Stretches, Bidalasana (Cat Pose)
- Seated Poses - Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
- Standing Poses - Stand Spread Leg Forward
- Twisting Poses - Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)
- Supine Poses: Double Leg Raises, Pavanamuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose)
Do these for some time, under expert guidance before moving to others.
Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)
- Mild Kapalabhatti (Skull cleansing)
- Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Let your diet be Sattvic (pure and simple) in addition to being low on salt. This means you should have a predominantly vegetarian diet that is high in fiber, fresh fruits and salads. Eat sparingly and the more natural and bland foods you eat the healthier and happier will you be.
Finally, do lots of Shavasana (Corpse Pose) wherever and whenever you get the chance. Hypertension is aggravated by stress and you would do well to relax as much as possible for which the Corpse Pose is ideal.
