Yoga Resources

Discover the benefits of yoga to improve heart health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia!

In this article we help you discover the benefits of yoga t0 improve heart health. Recent reports suggest that heart disease is on the rise. The Sydney Morning Herald highlighted a concerning statistic in January 2023, revealing that more than 10,200 Australians died of Ischemic heart disease in the first eight months of 2022, representing a 17% increase compared to a normal year.  Ischemic heart disease is primarily caused by blockages in the blood vessels, which lead to damage in the heart muscle and ultimately heart failure.  You can read the full article here:  https://www.smh.com.au/national/fatal-heart-attacks-have-surged-in-australia-here-s-why-20230117-p5cd22

One of the leading contributors to heart failure is high blood pressure!

Chronic stress plays a significant role in elevating blood pressure levels. When individuals experience stress, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released, causing an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Prolonged periods of stress can be particularly dangerous for those with existing blockages in their blood vessels. However, research indicates that high and consistent levels of stress can even lead to heart attacks in the absence of blockages. Promoting heart health requires effective strategies. One such approach is the practice of yoga. Yoga has the potential to reduce the risk of heart attack by reducing effects of stress. Regular yoga practice fosters psychological equanimity, cultivating peace of mind regardless of circumstances, and promotes compassion for oneself and others. Yoga offers specific tools, such as breathing techniques (pranayama), which can help in managing anger and preventing its escalation to the fight or flight response. Pranayama has been shown to improve cardiovascular conditioning and lung function, enhancing oxygenation. Consequently, even in cases where partial blockages compromise blood flow, more oxygen can reach the heart muscles. Additionally, yoga postures (asanas) can aid in weight loss, not only due to the calories burned during practice but also because lower stress hormone levels decrease appetite. Regular yoga practitioners also tend to develop a heightened awareness of their eating habits and make more conscious choices regarding their nutrition.

A significant benefit of yoga is to improve heart health

Regulating the nervous system helps to reduce high blood pressure. Personal experience serves as a testament to this effect. I myself, who previously led a highly stressful life and did not have time for regular yoga practice required four times the dose of blood pressure medication than I currently take.  With the incorporation of daily yoga and meditation into my routine, I felt a remarkable transformation. By practicing diaphragmatic breathing and oxygenating the body, I was able to restore balance to their nervous system and reduce the medication dosage, with doctor’s approval. The positive changes experienced by individuals through yoga are truly remarkable. This is why  yoga teachers are passionate about sharing the knowledge and teachings of yoga. By equipping students with the skills to incorporate yoga into their lives, they aim to help them bring about positive transformations. Discover the benefits of yoga t0 improve heart health here: https://purewellnessyoga.com.au/yoga-classes/ It is important to note that practicing yoga and meditation does not mean that stressful situations will cease to exist. Life will undoubtedly present challenges, but yoga and meditation provide invaluable tools to cope with stress and restore balance to both mind and body. By embracing these practices, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their heart health and overall well-being. More activities to promote heart health can be found here:  https://www.acls.net/heart-health Reference: Yoga as Medicine – The Yogic Prescription for health and healing by Timothy McCall, M.D. ISBN 978-0-553-38406-2  

What are the benefits of chair yoga for seniors

The population is aging at a rate never seen in human history.  We are moving towards a time where we are seeing a rise in age-related cognitive impairments as well as a decline in physical ability.

Drugs are ineffective to stop this, they can relieve pain and suffering to a certain extent, but will not bring lasting improvements.  It is now known that preventative interventions can bring about better wellness, without the side effects of drugs.

Yoga is rapidly gaining popularity in the West (it has been used in the East for thousands of years).  The benefits of a gentle chair based yoga and meditation practice will help with:

• stress-reduction,
• clarity of mind and creating a sense of inner peace
• greater awareness and cognition
• flexibility
• better range of movement
• easing stiffness of joints and
• improving posture
• balance of mind and body

Being part of a regular yoga group for seniors has the potential to offer social interaction and a feeling of belonging. Watching my participants who attend regular classes becoming more mobile and some even glowing, is why I teach mindful chair yoga.  I have a lady who was stooped and we never saw her face, to now moving with her head held high and her beautiful smile out there for all to see.

Is 50 too old to start Yoga?

Above all, I love researching everything yoga and my latest research has predominantly been around how yoga can benefit the ageing body and mind.  I myself have practiced yoga since my 30’s sporadically .  Surprisingly my yoga teacher training begun in my 52nd year of life.   I am convinced that this has significantly changed my life for the better – physically, emotionally and mentally.

Here are 5 great reasons why it is absolutely fabulous to begin Yoga in your middle years:

1. Mobility, strength & flexibility

Tailored yoga classes for your age specific group will address the issues of mobility, flexibility and core strength, all very important to remain healthy, strong and vibrant into the golden years.

2. Prevention is better than cure

We have all heard the saying “prevention is better than cure” well surprise, this is truth.  Prevention aims to promote population health and well-being, as a means to prevent disease and harm before it occurs, yoga is a gentle form of exercise with benefits to both body and mind.  Yoga is a mind-body experience.  This helps to ease the burden on the health care system and for the individual, it can help to lessen the trauma of being ill or needing surgery..

3. Bone density

Now let’s talk about menopause and bone density  – the sad fact is that once your hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone start to dwindle, this has a negative effect on bone density.  Yoga has a component dedicated to increasing bone strength and improving balance to prevent falls.  Without the need to push heavy weights in the gym.

4. Health & happiness

A Curtin report titled “To Health & Happiness” says that the number of people reporting feeling very good or excellent health is declining with age.  Of those aged 45-54, 39% felt healthy & happy,  aged 55-64 was 44%  and for the 65 + people only 26%. It was found that around 2/3 of GPs were suggesting their patients use yoga or meditation as a means to achieve better wellbeing.

5. We are living longer than ever before

Because people are living longer than ever before, it is essential to maintain your health.   My goal is to provide quality of life to those who can benefit the most from the ancient teachings of yoga and meditation, proven over thousands of years to be effective. I provide a  holistic mind/body path to health for the over 50’s.  So people can reduce the need for ever increasing amounts of drugs (which often come with side-effects) in order to stay mobile, strong, happy and healthy.  Empower yourself in your health decisions by discussing options like yoga, meditation and mindfulness with your doctor.

It’s never too late to begin gentle yoga classes.

Namaste

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