Nurturing a Strong Heart
- In modern societies cardiovascular diseases are increasing every decade. The chance to die from a heart problem according to the WHO is 32%. The side effects of cardiovascular problems are manifold and affect the whole life. Work, social activities, family plans and physical action are limited and leave your wishes unfulfilled, your potential unlived. These problems accumulate over time and you will have experienced many symptoms already before you get diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease. In modern medicine the pathogenesis has been emphasized with increasing methods to treat illnesses via chemicals and surgeries. But the bigger part of self-responsible health management is the salutogeneis which focuses on the biological pathways and regulation of healing processes and how to enhance these natural workings. Prevention of CVDs means maintaining holistic health through lifestyle and mentality. Medical studies show that maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is crucial for our overall health and vice versa. Yoga, including breathing techniques, is part of different studies as a preventive intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases (Study)
Breathwork and Health Management
Yogic exercises have holistic benefits on body and mind. Especially Pranayama, an ancient yogic practice of controlled breathing, is well studied in regard on its effects on cardiovascular health. Pranayama has been used for medical treatment in the yogic as well as in the Ayurvedic tradition since 500 a.D. where different breathing techniques are described in their effects on healing ailments.
Taking the advantages of the ancient knowledge of yogic breathing techniques
In the last decades more and more yogic wisdom has surfaced and inspired millions of people to walk the path of the truth-seekers. Practicing the ancient wisdom creates a self-determined life of free will and insights into the workings of nature and the cosmos. Our body-mind connection and communication improve and a natural biofeedback awareness is created. Symptoms become language and discomfort space for expanding of wellness. Our own role becomes clearer and we take responsibility for our states and deeds, knowing how to address different situations in body and mind. We don´t have to live in a monastery or withdraw from the world in order to heal. We can take the advantages of the old wisdom and integrate our individualized practices into our daily routine. Thus, we preserve health and well-being on a holistic level.
Pranayama is a well-proven way to prevent and treat CVDs. With the right guidance an overall healthy cardiovascular system can be attained.
Effects of Pranayama on Cardiovascular Diseases
1. Enhanced Oxygenation and Blood Flow with Pranayama
Through Pranayama techniques, the oxygenation in all body tissues improve. With deep and slow breathing a relaxed state of mind is achieved which leads to relaxation of the muscles. Tension around the heart releases and vessels don´t get squeezed anymore which promotes efficient oxygen delivery to the heart and other vital organs. This enhanced blood flow supports a healthy cardiovascular system and overall health.
2. Pranayama and regulated Blood Pressure
Nowadays we´re exposed to many environmental toxins. By lifestyle, medical treatments or pollution we take in poisons on a daily basis. Yet, many of these substances are new to our Neolithic bodies and cannot be easily washed out. Over our lifespan the contaminants accumulate in our body and degrade our vitality and natural healing processes. A regular fasting and cleansing routine is advised for everyone who wants to remove these blocks. With Pranayama breathing techniques, the increase in oxygenation allows the body to detox from various poisons such as aluminium, lead, mercury, glyphosate, nanoparticles, microplastic and other common modern environmental noxious substances. Increased flexibility, improved skin texture, faster healing and a balanced hormone system result from the yogic Pranayamas and lead to rejuvenation and more life energy.
3. Pranayama Impact on Balances Heart Rate Variability
The vedic techniques were developed taking our uniqueness into account. For every constitution there are different sequences and protocols for specific symptoms and goals. A huge effect of the yogic breathing methods is the overall regulation of the blood-pressure. For irregularities there are balancing techniques, elevating techniques when someone suffers from low blood pressure and a whole spectrum of exercises to lower high blood pressure. The Pranayamas can be used as prevention and as treatment for self-regulation. An experienced guide has to supervise the practice and the life-style has to be adjusted in terms of nutrition and physical exercise. As powerful and healing the yogic breathing techniques are, they are various and can cause harm when not applied in right manner. Many studies have shown that regular practice of Pranayama helps regulate blood pressure levels and has become a vital part in heart disease treatment.
4. Pranayama and decreased Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
The overall balancing effects of Pranayama also shows in increased Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV shows variations in time intervals between heartbeats and is an indicator of resilience to outer stressors. HRV is key to cardiovascular health and an indicator for your biological age. With a balanced HRV we have a resilient and adaptable cardiovascular system. The risk for heart attacks, cardiac arrests, arrythmia etc. declines and our physical performance improves.
5. Pranayama and Detoxification
As mentioned above, Pranayama promotes detoxification. The oxidative stress reduces and inflammatory events become less likely. It´s often chronic inflammation, unhealed illnesses and oxidative stress that cause and contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The body gets acidic, loses its strength to protect itself from pathogens and lacks the strength to heal mutations and injuries. It has shown that nervous, hormonal and oxidative stress reduces with the right Pranayama practice, protecting to the cardiovascular system.
6. Pranayama and Impact on Minimizing Stress
Pranayama practices effect body and mind. Reduced stress levels are felt on the mental, emotional as well as on the biochemical level. Overall stress reduction is one of the strongest benefits of regular breathing practice. Stress is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular problems and has to be avoided in patients. Yet, life still hold its challenges and we have to learn to deal with the everyday stress. Many Pranayama techniques focus on conscious, deep breathing, activating the parasympathetic nervous system's and stimulates relaxation and healing. Long term stress hormones get reduced and our nerves can recover and be nourished by Prana- life energy. The cortisol levels decline and we allow our autonomous nervous system to balance. By promoting relaxation and invoking recovery, Pranayama lowers stress levels and decreases the strain on the cardiovascular system.
7. How Pranayama enhances Cardiac Efficiency and Endurance
When we feel exhausted it´s often because our body is lacking oxygen. The blood vessels are blocked by tension or toxins and can provide the organs, muscles and nerves with energy. Removing these blocks and intensifying the breathing pattern allows the body to nourish itself. Thus, Pranayama practices enhance cardiac efficiency and endurance over time. The physical as well as the mental performance improve extremely and more flexibility comes into the body. The respiratory muscles are strengthened and the increasing lung capacity increases. With more oxygen and improved respiratory function, the heart can work more efficiently, reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system during physical activities. Therefore, Pranayama techniques and breathing exercises are implemented in the training of top sport athletes nowadays.
8. How Pranayama effects weight loss and metabolic regulation
A common civilization disease is obesity. The numbers of overweight people in western societies have strongly increased over the last decades. 34% of adults are overweight, suffering from the long-term effects and showing various symptoms. In the vast science of breath there are manifold techniques available to address any disturbance in the body or the mind. There are methods to increase as well as to decrease the metabolism, which will result in different food intake. Metabolic disturbances that can lead to overweight or weight loss can be tackled with Pranayama by harmonizing hormones and nervous activity in the body. By using personalized breathing sequences, you can balance your body weight into a normal and healthy range while you eliminate the accompanying effects of your weight problems. With the right guidance overall health and well-being can be regained and stabilized.
Integrating Yoga Science and Pranayama into daily life has a profound impact on cardiovascular health. By improving oxygenation, regulating blood pressure, balancing heart rate variability, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and supporting stress reduction and balancing the metabolism, Pranayama nurtures a strong and resilient heart. The bliss of a journey towards health and well-being starts with your first conscious breath. You can join our Pranayama Teacher Training or book a Personal Consultation.
Comentários