The Connection Between Yoga and Heart Health

In the medical world, the words “evidence-based” are required to make claims about the benefits of certain health treatments. Although Yoga has been practiced in various forms since ancient times, it has recently become the subject of a growing body of research. Indeed, the benefits of Yoga for improving one’s general well-being are numerous.

Studies show many benefits of doing Yoga

Vigorous studies and documentation to scientifically prove the benefits of Yoga may seem a bit extreme. Especially for those of us who willingly accept the benefits of Yoga through our own personal experience. Nonetheless, for more people to benefit from the practice, it is helpful for doctors to have reliable data. Consequently, doctors will be able to integrate Yoga into their treatment plans as needed.

A particularly helpful area of study has been in the domain of Yoga and Heart Health. For example, the Harvard Medical School published an article that states:

“…there’s good evidence dating back to 1990 that a lifestyle that includes yoga as one of its four key components (along with a low-fat vegetarian diet, moderate exercise, and the maintenance of loving, supportive relationships) can actually shrink blockages in arteries, without the use of medication.”

Also referenced in Harvard’s article, the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program for reversing heart disease is “so well accepted that Medicare has been reimbursing participants since 2010.” Interestingly, the stress-management portion of the program was developed by Nischala Joy Devi, a pioneer in the world of Yoga as therapy.

When it comes to cardiovascular exercise, a hot topic among those who aim to stay fit, researchers at the Harvard University Health Policy Program have found:

“The benefits of Yoga were on par with the positive effects of exercise such as brisk walking. Researchers found those randomly assigned to participate in yoga classes had improvements in their weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. This finding suggests that people do not have to ‘pound the pavement’ in order to improve their cardiovascular risk profile.” (European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, December, 2014.)

Heart Health is very important!

At Yoga Vista, we specialize in offering low-impact, Gentle Yoga to improve strength and mobility while also reducing stress. These attributes are all helpful for maintaining a healthy heart!

A common series in Yoga classes are Sun Salutations, which we’ve adapted to serve seniors and people with mobility challenges. Amazingly enough, eight rounds of seated Sun Salutations gives your heart and lungs as much of a cardio workout as walking a quarter mile. Try it in this video!

Cardio Fun! 8 Rounds of Seated Sun Salutations for your Heart and Lungs

Did you know that doing 8 rounds of seated Sun Salutations gives your heart and lungs as much cardio-vascular workout as walking a quarter of a mile? Feel your heat and breath as you move through this flowing sequence that will get you reaching, bending, twisting and feeling good.

I hope this sequence gets your heart pumping and feeling happy!

From my heart to yours,
Sherry

Chair Yoga for Heart Health – Release and Let Go!

Bend, Stretch and Move for Vitality and Health