According to reports from the World Health Organization, 31% of all deaths worldwide are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Taking care of your heart is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. Among various other factors such as diet and lifestyle, stress is one of the main reasons why it affects heart health. Before World Heart Day, let’s take a look at how yoga and spirituality together can work as the best tools to help alleviate stress and undue worry in life. ANI spoke with internationally renowned yoga teacher, philanthropist, lifestyle coach and author, Grandmaster Akshar, as he explained the importance of maintaining good heart health and how yoga and exercise can help maintain a healthy heart. . He said: “The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body and feeds it. We must take care of this most important organ by exercising regularly, eating nutritious food and getting enough sleep each night. “
“Yoga is a science that focuses on holistic wellness that uses various methods such as asanas, pranayama, meditation, mudras, chants, and more for individual wellness. It can eliminate depression, anxiety and stress, which are the major factors in high blood pressure and cardiovascular disorders, “added the yoga guru.
Hailing from the Himalayas, Grandmaster Akshar has also trained legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, wrestling champion sisters Geeta and Babita Phogat, international athlete Padma Shri Awardee Bajrang Puniya, to name a few.
Speaking of the benefits of yoga, he said: “Practicing yoga regularly leads to a strong body and mind. It boosts immunity, protects and strengthens your heart in the process. For heart patients, you can include the Hriday Mudra practice along with simple asanas like Dandasana (cane pose), Sukhasana (easy pose), Tadasana, and Vrikshasana (tree pose). “To prevent the occurrence of any heart condition, people are advised to practice Dhanurasana (bow pose) and Chakrasana popularly called wheel pose (also known as Urdhva Dhanurasana-upward bow pose),” added the renowned guru spiritual, Akshar.
By combining movement with breathing, yoga nurtures you from within. Practicing regularly at least three times a week helps improve aspects of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Follow these simple asanas in your daily exercise routine. You can hold each pose for up to 30 seconds and repeat the series 3 times. Grandmaster Akshar also shared six easy asanas to develop heart health: Sukhasana – Happy Posture Sit upright with both legs stretched out in Dandasana. Bend your left leg and tuck it inside your right thigh. Then bend your right leg and tuck it inside your left thigh. Place your palms on your knees. Sit upright with your spine straight.
Ardha Padmasana: Begin with Sukhasana and place your right foot on your left thigh facing upward. Push your knees toward the floor while straightening your back. Place your palms on your knees facing up and repeat the same on the other side. Padmasana Sit in Ardha Padmasana with the right foot on the left thigh. Lift your left foot and place it on your right thigh facing upward. Bring your feet closer to your hips. Place your palms on your knees facing upward. Repeat with the other leg. Keep your palms close to the ground, inhale and exhale.
Dandasana:Start in a sitting position and stretch your legs forward. Bring your legs together by bringing your heels together, keep your back straight. Tighten your pelvic, thigh, and calf muscles. Place the palms of your hands next to your hips on the floor to support your spine. Relax your shoulders. Padahasthasana begins at Samasthithi. Exhale and gently bend your upper body down from your hips and touch your nose to your knees. Place the palms of your hands on either side of your feet. As a beginner, you may need to bend your knees slightly to achieve this. With practice, slowly straighten your knees and try to touch your chest to your thighs. Hold this final pose for 10 to 30 seconds with normal breathing.
Vrikshasana: Stand on Samasthithi, lift your right leg off the floor and place your right foot on the inner thigh. Now, balance on your left leg supporting yourself with the palms of your hands if necessary. Join your palms in Pranam Mudra at your heart chakra and rise to the sky. Repeat on both sides.
Meditation for a calm mind: Simple and effective meditation techniques such as Ropan Dhyan, Sthithi Dhyan, Super Power Meditation, Aarambh Dhyan, Swaas Dhyan reduce stress and anxiety, allowing for better ability to control thoughts and behavior. When you include the practice of meditation, even for as little as 5-10 minutes a day, it increases coping skills, motivation, planning, and problem solving. Keep your heart happy The biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease include tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, the harmful use of alcohol, and inadequate physical activity. Physiological factors, including high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar or glucose, and high blood cholesterol can also trigger heart-related diseases. Leading a disciplined life, a clean life, healthy habits, and attention to your diet and sleep can make a difference. While there are millions of people who struggle to control the risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease, there are many others who are largely unaware of the potential risk they face. A large number of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, can be prevented through regular medical check-ups, monitoring your diet, following an exercise routine, and changing your lifestyle habits when necessary.
(This story was posted from a cable agency feed with no text changes. Only the title was changed.)
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