Do you often experience lightheadedness, low energy, pounding heartbeats, weakness, dizziness or too much thirst? All these symptoms are often associated with low blood pressure or hypotension. Low blood pressure is a drastic fall in your blood flow which causes several complications in the body. When it happens your brain and all the organs of the body don’t receive adequate blood supply. Your body becomes oxygen deprived and begins to lose its ability to work well. In a long run, low blood pressure causes severe damage to heart and brain. By measuring, you can ensure if your BP is low.
A healthy measurement is 120/80. The blood pressure for each individual is measured in terms of systolic and diastolic. Upper measurement is termed systolic and lower, diastolic. Systolic blood pressure shows the pressure exerted on the arteries whenever the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure (80) measures the pressure exerted in the arteries when heart relax. A systolic reading below 90 and diastolic below 60 is marked as low blood pressure. It is considered dangerous for health. But how does the blood pressure go that low?
Low activity level, poor lifestyle, dehydration, unhealthy diet and weak heart are the major causes of low blood pressure. Other factors that may lead to low blood pressure are blood loss, being on medications, prolonged bed rest, the initial stage of pregnancy etc. In order to make your blood pressure healthy again, you have to get rid of all bad habits. Taking right step at the right time will save your body from any further damage or impending health condition. Yoga can be highly beneficial for normalizing low blood pressure.
Important Note: If you have any other health issue along with low blood pressure. Be careful about the contradictions for each pose mentioned in this article. Consult with your doctor before you start practicing. Practice only under the guidance of an experienced and well-versed yoga teacher. Discuss your health problems with your instructor beforehand.
6 Yoga poses for Low Blood Pressure
1. Padahastasana (Hand to feet pose): Bend forward in Padahastasana to let the blood circulate well in the upper part of the body. The heart gets strong by practicing this pose on a regular basis. Your low blood pressure will not be able to harm your heart anymore. Just make sure you don’t strain yourself.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog): Downward Facing dog stimulates the circulation of blood, especially in the region of the upper spine. It will help you strengthen your core making you healthy in general. Practice just for a few seconds in the beginning, gradually increase the time.
3. Shashankasana (Child’s Pose): Sit in Vajrasana and bend forward as far as you can and simply relax. Shashankasana is one of those poses that you would want to hold for longer duration. Due to its simplicity and relaxing effects on the body. And yes its ability to control low blood pressure.
4. Pawanmuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose): Pawanmuktasana is another easy yet effective pose to bring the low blood pressure back to its normal flow. Lifting the neck might be a bit challenging for you while you stay in wind relieving pose. But it will come easy after some time.
5. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): It takes time, patience and practice to master this pose. To stay still in shoulder stand, some level of strength, balance, and flexibility (in the neck) is important. Sarvangasana gives numerous benefits to the body including the solution for low blood pressure as well.
6. Shavasana (Corpse Pose): After completing your practice, relax the whole body in Shavasana. Relaxation is an important part of yoga practice as it removes the fatigue and energizes the body to start the day with enthusiasm. Relax for at least a minute in Shavasana to complete your practice.
Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)
Bhastrika Pranayama is an effective breathing exercise for those suffering from low blood pressure. Its practice helps the body to get rid of all the toxins. The lungs become stronger and you get a rich supply of oxygen to the body by practicing Bhastrika pranayama. Practice it before the yoga poses and remember to not strain.
Practicing yoga alone will not be as beneficial unless you make necessary changes. To experience better result you need to opt for a healthy diet, become more active, drink plenty of water, eat seasonal fruits every day.
Give your body the love and care it deserves.
Thanks for reading.
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