Watch your heart during winter! Do these 5 yoga poses to keep it healthy

Winter may seem like a time for celebration and indulging in warm snacks and sweets, but it may be hard on the heart. A lot of people may complain of blood thickening, clotting and raised blood pressure when the temperature starts dipping. All of these increase the risk of a heart attack. Fortunately, a few yoga poses for heart health can reduce the risk.

Why do heart attack cases rise in winter?

The winter months may see an increase in heart attacks. People are more at risk and should exercise caution, especially those who already have existing heart issues. In fact, a study by cardiologists at Leeds General Infirmary indicated that severe heart attacks occur more frequently in colder months than in warmer ones and are more likely to be fatal.

In order for our bodies to perform optimally throughout the winter, various physiological and biochemical changes are made. As the oxygen content of the air decreases in the atmosphere, our heart’s need for oxygen rises. Plus, the cold weather makes arteries contract, which lowers the quantity of oxygen getting to the heart. As a result, it elevates blood pressure. This entire scenario makes the heart work harder, which may cause a heart attack.

Health Shots got in touch with Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, Himalaya Yoga Ashrama, and World Yoga Organization, to find out how heart patients can reduce the risk of heart problems during winter.

Akshar says, “Since the heart is the most vital organ in the human body, it must be carefully preserved and maintained so that it may continue to function normally. Practising a few yoga poses can make your heart stronger and minimise the risk of any issue such as heart attack.”

Here are 5 simple but effective yoga asanas to make your heart stronger

1. Pranamasana (Prayer pose)

Here’s how to perform it:

• Start with Samasthithi, stand tall with your posture straight, relax your shoulders, and unite your feet. Then, join your palms in front of your chest so that your elbows and wrists are in line.
• Look directly ahead.

2. Tadasana (Mountain pose)

Here’s how to perform it:

• Stand with your big toes touching and your feet together.
• Maintain a tiny distance between your heels so that your second toes are parallel.
• Your weight is distributed equally over both feet.
• Squat with your upper thighs.
• Visualize stretching your tailbone toward the ground. Consider elevating the pubis toward the navel at the same time.
• Maintain a straight back and a light sternum raise.
• Let your arms dangle down by your torso.

3. Vrikshasana (Tree pose)

Here’s how to perform it:

• Place yourself in Samasthithi to start.
• Lift your left leg and put your right foot on the inside of your raised thigh.
• Hold it as close as you can to your pelvis.
• Once you’re stable, place your palms together in Pranam Mudra.
• Keep your elbows straight and check that your head is positioned between your arms.
• Keep looking forward.
• Carry out the same motion with the other leg.

4. Padmasana (Lotus pose)

Here’s how to perform it:

• Lift your left foot and position it on your right thigh facing up as you are seated in Ardha Padmasana.
• Put your palms on the floor with your knees bent, and then repeat with the second leg as you bring your feet closer to your hips.

5. Pawanmuktasana (Wind releasing pose)

Here’s how to perform it:

• Lay down on your back.
• Take a deep breath in and slowly raise your legs off the ground.
• Keep the knees and ankles close together while bending both legs at the knees and resting the thighs against the abdomen.
• Holding the elbows on either side, wrap both arms around the knees.
• Chin resting on knees with neck bent. Maintain posture while breathing properly.

It is always good to take precautions to shield oneself from medical emergencies. On our end, we may also minimize the stress that anxiety, worry, and other negative thoughts put on our minds and hearts. Regular yoga practice keeps the heart and mind open and stress-free. Make sure you eat the right things and get enough rest to stay active and healthy at all times.