Breathing exercises play a vital role in maintaining heart health, and experts advocate for yoga as a natural and safe approach to address health concerns, including prevention and recovery. Yoga integrates techniques like pranayama, mudras, and asanas, offering substantial benefits for cardiovascular well-being.
Akshar Yoga Kendraa Founder Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar accentuated the importance of a positive lifestyle in supporting overall health. Neglecting heart and brain health can lead to severe conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Hence, integrating yoga practices and positive lifestyle changes is crucial.
Akshar mentioned pranayama, focusing on breath control, significantly contributes to heart health. Here are some recommended pranayama practices to incorporate into your daily fitness routine:
Bhastrika Pranayama: Inhale deeply and exhale completely, maintaining a 1:1 ratio for inhalation and exhalation. For example, inhale for 6 counts and exhale for 6 counts.
Brahmari Pranayama or Bee Breath: Position your thumbs on the tragus (external flap outside your ear) and fingers as directed. Inhale deeply, creating a buzzing sound like a bee’s hum “mmmmmmm” while exhaling. Keep your mouth closed to feel the vibration throughout your body.
Vratakar Pranayama: Inhale deeply, visualising circles in front of your face, and draw imaginary circles with your right hand near your nose. Inhale and draw three clockwise circles, then exhale. Gradually increase repetitions as you become proficient.
Anulom Vilom Pranayama or Alternate Nostril Breathing: Gently close your right nostril with your thumb, inhale through the left nostril, close it, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat, alternating nostrils for 10 minutes.
Kapal Bhati Pranayama or Bellows Breath/Skull Shining Breathing: Inhale normally and exhale with short, rhythmic breaths, expelling air from the diaphragm. Inhalation happens automatically as you release your stomach.
Udgeeth Pranayama: Sit comfortably in Sukhasana, Ardhapadmasana, or Padmasana. Close your eyes, straighten your back, and place palms facing up in Prapthi Mudra. Inhale deeply, exhale while chanting “Oooooooommm” with lips forming a circle. Feel the vibration resonating throughout your body.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar also stresses the importance of a nutritious diet for heart health, advocating for fresh, home-cooked meals over processed foods to enhance immunity and overall well-being.
