The rising number of heart ailments often ends up steering attention towards hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, receives little attention comparatively. Eating right and including exercise in your fitness regime are non-negotiable for healthy living. You can even try some yoga poses for low blood pressure to manage the condition.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure is a condition in which the flow of blood to one’s body organs is insufficient, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, increased thirst, shallow breathing, tiredness, chest pain, and nausea. This condition is caused by low blood volume, heart disease, and medications. You might be surprised to learn that hypotension can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and even shock.
Health Shots got in touch with Himalayan Siddha Akshar, Founder, Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre, who listed 5 yoga poses to take care of low blood pressure.
People with low BP should be careful. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Akshar says, “Yoga can play a big role in restoring your health. Therefore, it is very important for those with hypotension to practice slowly. Any physical exertion should be avoided, and practice must be done at a gradual and comfortable pace. This will give you numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. When combined with a sensible diet, yoga can help to eliminate stress, and aid in balancing your blood pressure levels. “
According to Akshar, here are 5 yoga asanas to manage low blood pressure:
1. Sukhasana (Happy Pose)
Formation of the posture
Sit in an upright position with both legs stretched out in Dandasana
Fold the left leg and tuck it inside the right thigh
Then fold the right leg and tuck it inside the left thigh
Place your palms on the knees
Sit erect with spine straight
Try sukhasana every morning revitalize your senses. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Vajrasana
Formation of the Posture
Begin straight with your arms by your side
Slowly bring your knees down and kneel on your mat
Place your pelvis on your heels with your toes pointed outward
Keep your heels slightly apart
Place your palms on your knees facing up in Prapthimudra
Begin by standing straight with your arms by the sides of your body
Bend your knees, lower your pelvis and place it over your heels
Ensure that your feet remain flat on the floor
You may either place your palms on the floor beside your feet or join them in front of your chest in a gesture of prayer
Spine remains erect
Try malasana to keep blood pressure in check. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Savithri asana
Formation of the posture
Kneel down gently on your mat and keep your pelvis off your heels
Back is straight
Stretch your arms up at shoulder distance and palms facing each other
Look ahead
Your arms, spine, hips and thighs should be in one straight line
5. Vrikshasana
Formation of the posture
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Begin by standing in Samasthithi.
Lift your right leg off the floor and balance your body weight on your left leg
Place your right foot on your lift inner thigh.
Place it as close to your groin as possible
You may support your foot with your palms to bring it in place.
After you find your balance, join your palms in PranamMudra at your heart chakra.
Raise your Pranam towards the sky.
Straighten your elbows and ensure that your head is in between your arms.
Repeat the same with the alternate leg
Hold eight to ten breaths
Make vrikshasana a part of your yoga regime. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Regular exercise through asanas, pranayama, and meditation, in addition to early detection for prevention, can put you on the path to holistic well-being. Before beginning yoga, consult with your medical doctor. To treat low blood pressure, practise all these yoga asanas mentioned above.
Other things to keep in mind:
Here are some of the other precautions you can take to avoid low blood pressure and maybe alleviate your symptoms.
If you are vomiting or if you have diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid hypotension due to dehydration. This helps in the treatment and prevention of its symptoms.
If you experience low blood pressure when standing for long periods, help yourself by taking breaks often to sit down. Avoid standing up too quickly, and use small movements to get into a sitting or standing position.
Most importantly, try to reduce your stress levels with pranayama or meditation practice to avoid any kind of emotional trauma.
Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information.
