Yoga for high blood pressure

If you suffer from high blood pressure, avoid all inversions, that is, all postures where your head is lower than your heart, and explore variations that will give you some of the same benefits of these poses.

Specifically, do not practice:

•   Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)

•   Sirsasana (Headstand)

•   Bakasana (Handstand)

•   Parsvakonasana (Side Angle Pose)

•   Trikonasana (Triangle)

•   Halasana (Plow)

•   Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

•   Downward Facing Dog

However, if you have high blood pressure but are taking medication and have it under control, the opposite applies. Inversions such headstand and shoulderstand are recommended for relieving headaches and helping control high blood pressure.

A gentle 30 minute yoga flow (holding each about five minutes) could include:

•   Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

•   Adhomukha Virasana – Supported Child’s Pose

•   Supta Baddhakonasana – Supported Reclined Butterfly

•   Bubbling Brook Reclined Posture

•   Viparita Karani – Legs up against the wall

•   Savasana