Blood Pressure – Yoga Inversion And Twist

By Patricia | January 13, 2009
Yoga Inversions And Twists

Yes, you can do inversions and twists if your blood pressure is normal. Inversions are to be avoided only if you have low blood pressure. Inversions change the gravity on your body and shift the flow of blood towards your head. The major systems in your body that are affected by inversions are endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular and nervous. Inverted asanas help to boost your self confidence, improve stamina, reduce stress and anxiety, have a positive effect on your overall health, stimulate the chakras in your body, improve the brain functions, and increase concentration. Some of the inverted yoga asanas or poses are Sirshasana or the headstand, Salamba Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand and Viparita Karani or the half shoulder stand.

Regular practice of inversions keeps the brain healthy as the supply of oxygen increases when more blood rushes during inverted asanas or poses. It also helps to build and strengthen the muscles in your upper body thus improving your stamina. The lymphatic system of our body that is responsible for the fluid regulation in our body benefits greatly by inversions. This happens due to the fact that the white blood cells are distributed evenly throughout the body right from your head to toe when you practice inverted asanas. This helps to prevent bacterial infections as proper circulation of white blood cells strengthens the immune system and fights of the infections. Inversions should be done under the supervision and guidance of a qualified yoga teacher in order to prevent injuries to the neck and spine.

Twists are like wringing a cloth as the water moves to the sides when you wring a cloth, similarly during twists the harmful toxins from your body are pushed out. It also helps to relieve pain in the lower back, strengthens the spine, improves hip movement and is great for your upper body as well. Twists activate your internal organs and thus help in detoxification and also improve your digestion. Some of the twist asanas or poses are Ardha Matsyendrasana or the half spinal twist and Marichyasana or the sage twist. The Ardha Matsyendrasana or the half spinal twist helps to strengthen and lengthen your spine. It also benefits your kidneys, adrenal glands and liver. The Marichyasana or the sage twist benefits your spine and abdomen. Avoid doing twists if you have a serious spinal injury. Speak to your yoga teacher about it and only do these under proper supervision.

These yoga twists have several benefits such as:

  • They provide a massaging and cleansing effect for internal organs in the body.
  • They help in stretching and maintaining the flexibility of ligaments, tendons and spinal discs.
  • They aid in digestion and boost metabolism by getting rid of toxic wastes from the body.
  • They stimulate the 7 chakras in the body which are root, belly, solar plexus, heart throat, third eye and the crown.
  • They help in stretching and strengthening the spinal chord.
  • They help in improving respiratory functions by stretching and compressing the chest.
  • Specific twists are done to stretch and strengthen the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders and neck.
  • They also provide physical and emotional balance and help in relieving stress.
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