Yoga For Hypertension And It's Health Benefits
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2025
Benefits of yoga for hypertension
Hypertension is one of the most commonly occurring serious health conditions. Hypertension is also known as the silent killer as it does not have any symptoms. Nearly 30 percent of Indians suffer from the problem of hypertension. There is a belief that hypertension can only be managed through medications but this notion is wrong. Yoga provides an excellent way to manage hypertension naturally. Doing yoga not only improves the overall health but it reduces the high blood pressure level as well.
There are asanas in yoga that leads to conscious and deep breathing along with synchronizing the movements of the body. This reduces the stress level in a patient which is considered as one of the primary cause of hypertension. Yoga provides a soothing experience to the nerves along with bringing down the abnormal heart rate. Obesity is also one of the major causes of hypertension. Yoga helps in reducing the fat deposited in the abdominal region which leads to weight loss and normalized blood pressure. Yoga improves the blood circulation in the body which leads to a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to the heart. Given below are some of the asanas in yoga that help on the management of hypertension
Yoga asanas for hypertension
Downward Facing Dog Pose
Standing Forward Bend Pose
Posterior Stretch Pose
Plow Pose
Conclusion
Apart from doing yoga, a person needs to take a healthy diet if he/she wants his/her blood pressure to become normal. A person suffering from the condition of hypertension should replace their diet with the DASH diet. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is essentially a diet plan which comprises of fresh vegetables, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and fruits. The food products are also rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This diet helps in lowering the blood pressure as it contains less salt and sugar in comparison to a normal diet. People suffering from hypertension should use olive oil in the preparation of their food as this oil has greater health benefits.
People suffering from the condition of hypertension need to avoid food products like frozen pizza, fried chicken, junk food, pickles, and canned soups. Apart from the changes in the diet a person also needs to make some changes in their lifestyle, for instance, avoiding alcohol and smoking. Medicine for hypertension must be taken regularly as advised by the doctor. Yoga in conjunction with medicine and a healthy diet help a person in maintaining normalized blood pressure level.
References
- Wolff M, Sundquist K, Lönn SL, Midlöv P. Impact of yoga on blood pressure and quality of life in patients with hypertension–a controlled trial in primary care, matched for systolic blood pressure. BMC cardiovascular disorders. 2013 Dec 1;13(1):111. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
- Okonta NR. Does yoga therapy reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension?: an integrative review. Holistic nursing practice. 2012 May 1;26(3):137-41. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
- Patel CH. Yoga and bio-feedback in the management of hypertension. The Lancet. 1973 Nov 10;302(7837):1053-5. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
Table of content
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors