Stress is not an illness itself, but it can cause serious illness. Yoga and mindfulness meditation is the easiest cure for that. Stress is a normal part of life. But excessive stress can lead to emotional, psychological and even physical problems – including heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pains or irregular heart beats. Stress can affect how you behave, feel, think, and how your body works. When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives signals that something is wrong. These physical, mental, emotional and behavioural signs of stress should not be ignored. They communicate you that you need to slow down.
Both physical and mental stress can cause significant elevations of blood pressure. You may experience headaches, muscle tension or pain, or dizziness. Stress causes a surge of hormones in your body. These stress hormones are released to enable you to deal with pressures or threats – the so-called “fight or flight” response.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) found that yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise in its positive effect on mood and anxiety. Age-related stiffening of the arteries is a key contributor to high blood pressure and the propensity to develop blood clots. Yoga and mindfulness can increase the flexibility of the arteries. However, before starting yoga practice, always check with your doctor first if you have high blood pressure or any condition. Then proceed with caution and listen to your body and breath. Spotting the early signs of stress will also help prevent it getting worse and potentially causing serious complications.
Blood pressure above 140/90 is consider as hypertension. The top number (the systolic pressure) refers to the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or contracts. The bottom number measures the diastolic pressure, or how much pressure remains in the arteries between beats, when the heart is relaxed.
Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. Gentle Kapalbhati Yoga breathing exercise is effective for lowering blood pressure. The flexibility and increased circulation gained through regular yoga practice has a positive impact on arterial elasticity, which helps keep blood pressure normal. Standing and seated forward folds yoga poses are highly beneficial for lowering blood pressure. Blood pressure is effectively lowered by mindfulness meditation. Downward-Facing Dog Pose Standing Forward Bend Pose and Bridge Pose are the three most important yoga poses for stress reduction.
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