Yoga has an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases that include the recurrence of heart attacks, hypertension and coronary heart diseases. Yoga influences the hypothalamus directly, the area of the brain that controls endocrine activity, and helps prevent heart attacks.

Links to the study articles:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,137950,00.html

http://www.medindia.net/yoga-lifestyle/yoga-heart.htm

Today, with the fast pace of life, repeated changes in jobs, homes, frequent divorces and marriages and advancement in modern technology with which we cannot keep pace, numerous tensions are created. We are the victims of a monster we have created for ourselves, the monster of progress and sophistication. In this unrelenting struggle for existence, we try to keep a calm exterior but conceal a disturbed mind. Mental stress and strain is the penalty we pay for becoming more civilized…The real problem is that mental stress and strain plays a vital role in the lives of millions today…”

– “Yoga & Your Heart” – Dr. Datey et al

… AND we have learned to live with it, self-medicating with drinking, smoking, television, or other addictions. We hear that healthy habits like yoga and meditation and simply breathing (by golly!), can really help us.

Do you ever wonder “how”, exactly?

A recent Yale Study showed that people who practiced yoga and meditation at least three times a week may reduce their blood pressure, pulse, and risk of heart disease. Volunteers that participated in a six-week yoga and meditation program saw a 17% improvement in blood vessel function (the way the vessels contract and expand to aid blood flow), and participants who had heart disease saw close to a 70% improvement. The group’s average blood pressure decreased from 130/70mmHg to 125/74.

And the best news, it doesn’t require a lot. The participants in this study saw these dramatic changes with 40mn yoga, 20mn deep relaxation, 15mn of yoga breathing and 15mn of mediation, (1.5 hours total) over a six-week period. Even 15-30mns a day consistently will create long-term benefits.

If you’re concerned about heart disease in your life, remember that this is a problem of modern times. Heart disease is psychosomatic in nature. Improper lifestyle, poor diets and negative thinking play an important part in triggering heart disease. Our thoughts, feelings and emotions affect our body and mind. Negative emotions spark chemical processes through the entire body.

So start with observing your thoughts, keeping them positive and practice quiet activity like yoga with joy and gratitude. Most importantly, LOVE YOURSELF.