YOGA FOR HEALTH

Dr R NAGARATHNA and 
Dr H R NAGENDRA teach you to 
combat hypertension and heart 
diseases with yoga

In what way does yoga help?
Since 1960s researchers have shown (through short term and long term controlled studies) the beneficial effects of yoga such as Savasana or Pranayama or meditation, practiced regularly for 20 to 30 minutes per day on reducing blood pressure significantly in mild and labile hypertensives. When it comes to moderate or severe essential hypertension or CHD, the problem which is psychosomatic in nature seems to have moved on several steps ahead to cause organic changes resulting in coronary blockage (CHD) or permanent changes of arteries (hypertension). Hence yoga practice for 30 to 60 minutes in 24 hours without a total change in the approaches and attitudes may not correct the cardiac problems. Realizing this, life style change programmes have been advocated with remarkable changes in the state of health. The degree of blocks in the coronaries have reduced significantly after one year of life style change programs.

VRKSASANA
(Vrksa: tree posture)
Sthiti: Tadasana (with eyes open.)
PRACTICE:
* Catch the left foot with the left hand and bring it up to press against the inner side of the right thigh, just above the level of the knee.
* Stretch the arms above the head to Namaskara mudra.
* Focus your vision at a point in front of you.
* Maintain normal slow breathing for about one minute. Come down without over stretching.
* Repeat the same with the otherside.

(The writers are with Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation and can be contacted on 6612669 or vkyogas@vsnl.com. Simple yoga books at affordable prices are available at the Institute.)