Yoga Day 2019: 5 Asanas that will help you keep your blood pressure in check

A regular routine of Yoga helps in maintaining blood pressure and ensures proper circulation of blood to all parts of body. As it involves breathing consciously and deeply while simultaneously synchronizing with body movements, blood flow to different areas of body can be controlled and thus stress can be eliminated naturally. Asanas can soo nerves and help slow down an abrmal heart rate while it also increases immunity and reby reduce chances of heart attacks and strokes. Yoga gives positive energy to body and mind. It makes you happier and more hopeful in life. In long run, this helps to regulate blood pressure levels.

With International Yoga Day around corner, here are some Asanas that will help you maintain your blood pressure and keep it in check.

1.  Supta Padangusthasana:

Supta Padangusthasana or Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe pose involves one to firmly lie on floor with legs extended strongly. With one thigh firmly grounded, pose requires person to lift or leg at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular) and touch big toe of foot with hands, performing a stretch. It involves looping a strap to extended leg(at heel) and holding ends of strap with both hands. leg needs to be tightly hugged to chest.

This asana increases blood flow to different parts of body, including hips, prostate organs, knees, elbows, and hands. In addition to it, it also helps smooth functioning of digestive system and secretion of hormones.

2. Virasana    

Virasana or hero pose is a kneeling asana that stretches thighs, knees, and ankle thus strengning arches of foot. process involves several forward and backward bends and certain twists. Virasana may also be used as an alternative to or seated asanas such as 'Padmasana' (lotus pose) for meditation. pose is entered by kneeling down with knees toger, and separating feet so that buttocks can rest on floor.

It helps cure high blood pressure, asthma and flat feet. It increases circulation of blood to lower part of body ( legs, knees, and feet) and provides relief to tired legs.

3. Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana or seated forward bend involves a four-step procedure that includes person to touch his calves, knees, and toes initially with ir palms and eventually with tip of ir se or forehead. exercise begins with person stretching ir legs and swinging ir upper body back and forth. With each swing, person is required to touch knees, calves, and toes in a sequence followed by which foot/toe has to be touched with forehead, making it a full stretch. 

Paschimottanasana increases blood circulation to all major abdominal organs such as kidneys, intestines, liver, and pancreas. This boosts metabolism as well as improves digestion ability. Daily practice of this asana can alleviate symptoms of Mepause. It increases blood circulation to pelvic region reby urishing organs in lower part of body.

4. Uttanasana

Uttanasana or standing forward bend where toes are grasped from a standing position. pose is entered from standing position of Tadasana, bending forward at hips until palms can be placed on floor, ultimately behind heels. exercise begins from a standing position from which person is required to bend down to touch knees and n toes and is finally complete when both palms are placed on floor behind heel. 

It allows direct blood flow to head which increases influx of blood cells and rejuvenates mind. asana has qualities that can give relief to high blood pressure and it also stimulates kidneys, liver, and spleen, thus giving person physical comfort and relief from any pain.   

5.  Vajrasana

Vajrasana or diamond pose involves  practitioner, who sits on heels with calves beneath thighs, and re is a four finger gap between kneecaps, and first toe of both feet touch each or and person sits erect. Usually, breathing exercises like Pranayama, Kapalabhati, and Anulon Vilom are done sitting in this position, and it is said that in doing so, body becomes as strong as a diamond. position should be maintained for 5-10 minutes in order to get maximum benefit. 

Vajrasana helps better blood circulation in body. It modifies blood flow by reducing flow in lower portion, especially in legs and increased blood flow to digestive organs resulting in better efficiency of digestive system. 

YOGA DAY | Watch: PM Modi's Animated Avatar Demonstrates 'Utarasana' Ahead Of International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day is observed and celebrated worldwide on June 21. 

(In picture, clockwise from top-left: Virasana, Paschimottanasana, Vajrasana, Supta Padangusthasana, Uttanasana)