Yoga has various physical, mental and spiritual advantages. It can significantly improve heart health by promoting good circulation. There are seven key poses enhancing blood flow and decreasing one’s risk of cardiovascular complications.
Why Is Circulation Important?
Before exploring the poses, we must assess the importance of adequate blood circulation. Many individuals believe this is solely a concern for the senior population. However, everyone can experience complications throughout their lifetimes, ranging from a leg falling asleep to blood clots.
Enhancing your blood circulation is essential to protecting your heart. It is also important to evaluate because it may signify underlying health conditions. You can observe poor circulation by looking out for the common symptoms.
Numbness and tingling of the arms and legs are the most recognizable signs of inadequate blood flow. Differentiations in body part temperatures also display circulation limitations. Memory loss and concentration difficulties additionally signify a lack of blood flowing to the brain.
Circulation limitations may derive from conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes one’s arteries and vessels to tighten. It increases the likelihood of plaque buildup, increasing an individual’s risk of stroke and heart attack.
Varicose veins also decrease blood flow. The condition causes veins to enlarge because of heart valve failure. Overweight individuals are more likely to develop the disease, and they can prevent it by regularly practicing yoga.
1. Uttanasana, Forward Fold
Uttanasana is one pose that significantly increases one’s blood flow. It helps individuals elongate their spines while stretching out the lower back muscles. You can practice uttanasana by inhaling, bringing your arms straight overhead and slowly folding over your legs as you exhale.
2. Ardha Kapotasana, Half Pigeon
Ardha kapotasana is a hip and leg opening pose, increasing circulation in the lower half of the body. You may achieve half pigeon by starting in a downward-facing dog. Next, shift your right foot forward, placing the sole of your foot by your left hand and lowering your leg down.
Shift your weight to the floor, making complete contact between the top of your left leg and your mat. Individuals can leave their palms on the earth, pushing upward, or lower their upper bodies to the floor. Ardha kapotasana loosens the leg muscles, increasing mobility and relieving sciatica pain.
3. Parivrtta Sukhasana, Seated Twist
Parivrtta sukhasana also improves circulation by twisting out the spine and stretching the back and abdominal muscles. You can practice the twist by finding a comfortable seated position on your mat. Hold your arms straight overhead.
Next, place your right hand behind you, acting as a second spinal support. Your left hand may come to the outer edge of your right thigh, helping you slowly twist with each exhale. Individuals may hold the pose for five to seven breaths, elongating their spines with each inhale.
The seated twist pose is a dynamic stretch, increasing circulation by slowly moving the body up and around. It also promotes the flow of synovial fluid through one’s joints.
4. Agnistambhasana, Stacked Fire Log
Agnistambhasana is another seated circulation enhancing pose. It stretches the groin and thighs while building abdominal strength. You can practice agnistambhasana by taking a comfortable seated position on your mat.
Shift your right foot under your left knee. Using your hands, place your left foot on top of your right knee. As you inhale, you elongate your spine, reaching the crown of your head toward the sky.
When you exhale, shift your weight forward while keeping your sit bones connected to the earth. After a few breaths, you can repeat the pose on the opposite side. The stacked fire log pose increases mobility, helping people engage in other circulation-enhancing activities.
Engaging in a Circulation-Enhancing Lifestyle
You can enhance your daily activities by improving your flexibility. Yoga is an aid to developing an active lifestyle, decreasing circulation-limiting health conditions. Over time, regular yoga practices can improve blood flow and mood, enhancing overall well-being!
