Yoga for Heart Attack Recovery By Celebrity Yoga Instructor Grand Master Akshar
The heart is the most important organ in the human body and needs to be mindfully protected and kept in a healthy functioning state. If in the unfortunate case of a heart attack, along with immediate medical attention; the heart needs to be stimulated towards recovery with the gradual practice of asanas, pranayama, meditation and mudras. Yoga is a holistic wellness practise which is very helpful for the body, mind and the soul.
Yoga recommends a gentle regular practice of salutations such as Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar. To aid the process of healing, it is also advisable to practice Tratak or focused meditation on a spot and Hriday Kriya – positive affirmations with music which are soothing and relaxing.
Follow these simple asanas and include them in your exercise routine a minimum of three times a week:
Pranamasana
Formation of the posture
· Begin with Samasthithi
· Stand with the spine aligned and your posture erect
· Relax your shoulders and join your feet
· Join your palms in front of your chest in such a manner that your elbows are aligned with your wrists.
· Look straight ahead
Benefits
· Promotes balance between both sides of the body
· Develops a sense of poise and respect for body and mind in preparation for the following postures
Word of Advice- Try to balance your body weight on both feet without leaning onto one.
Breathing Methodology - Breathe in normally as you inhale and gradually exhale
Tadasana
Formation of the posture
· Stand with both feet together, your big toes touching.
· Keep your heels slightly apart (so that your second toes are parallel
· Your body weight is balanced evenly on both feet.
· Turn in with the upper thighs.
· Imagine that you are lengthening your tailbone towards the floor. Simultaneously, think of lifting the pubis toward the navel.
· Keep your back straight and sternum lifted up gently
· Allow your arms to hang beside the torso.
Tadasana or Samasthithi is usually the starting position for all the standing poses. But Tadasana as an individual pose is also useful to practice. Hold the posture for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing easily.
Breathing Methodology - Inhale and exhale normally while practising this asana.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Formation of the posture
· Begin by standing in Samasthithi.
· Lift your left leg off the floor and balance your body weight on your right leg.
· Place your left foot on your right inner thigh.
· Place it as close to your pelvis as possible.
· You may support your foot with your palms to bring it in place.
· After you find your balance, join your palms in Pranam Mudra at your heart chakra.
· Raise your Pranam towards the sky.
· Straighten your elbows and ensure that your head is in between your arms.
· Focus your gaze forward.
· Repeat the same with the alternate leg.
Benefits
· Tones and burns fat from the sides of your waist.
· Improves sense of balance.
· Strengthens thighs and calf muscles.
· Mobilizes knees.
· Reduces stiffness of shoulders.
Breathing Methodology - Inhale and exhale normally while practising this asana.
