According to Dr. McCall’s book, Yoga as Medicine, heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the modern world. Millions of people suffer from disease of heart and blood vessels, which are called cardiovascular diseases. The heart, considered the strongest muscle in the body facilitates circulation of blood throughout all parts of the body. The circulatory system also plays a vital role in nourishment of tissues.
There are a variety of contributors for cardiovascular diseases. Included in the more common contributors like poor diet, smoking, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure other factors such as negative thinking, anger and hostility, a focus on achievement and a sense of urgency about time have also contributed to the stress placed on the heart. Other psychosocial factors such as job loss, marriage difficulties, and loneliness have also been attributed to difficulties in the heart. Recently inflammation and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gingivitis have been determined as another major contributor in heart disease.
It is important to have a healthy Circulatory System, making sure nothing obstructs the blood vessels and arteries which transport oxygen and other nutrients to the whole body. A consistent yoga practice can be beneficial to the Circulatory System because as a practice it deals with the body as a whole. Yoga can help assist in transporting oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body, assist in lowering blood pressure, and improve circulation, increase strength in the heart muscles as well as reduce stress. Samadhi can only be attained if there is harmony in the body, mind and spirit. Because of their effects on both the physical and energetic bodies, specific types of yoga postures can be used to control and prevent heart disease.
Following is a list of additional asana practices that encourage opening in the chest to improve heart function and respiration
• Simple Supported Backbend (restorative) antidote to habitual posture of rounding forward, reducing stress and blood pressure with bolster under upper back and roll under the neck
• Trikonasana (triangle pose)- promote cardiovascular health, breathing and stability
• Padmasana (lotus pose or half lotus) – for meditation and quieting the mind – an alternative for beginners would be Sukhasana (easy pose)
• Tadasana (Tree pose)- strengthen thighs, calves, ankles and back. Increases flexibility in hips an groin. Improves balance and concentration, quieting the mind.
• Yoga Nidra (yoga conscious sleep) – encourages calmness, quietness and clarity in the mind.
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