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