For a healthy heart

Team L&M

Living an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, obesity, a lack of sleep and exercise are some of the leading reasons for cardiovascular diseases. Having a healthy heart is most vital as our very life depends on it. Exerting yourself under too much stress and anxiety can also cause complications leading to serious heart conditions. Most of us take the heart for granted failing to give it the special attention it requires to keep it beating constantly.

Yoga relies on ancient and traditional knowledge of the scientific alignment of the body. Yoga is a holistic wellness tool that promotes physical, mental and spiritual health. Therefore, you should include these simple yogic practices in your daily routine to ensure your good health and well-being.

Apart from these practices, Chandra Namaskar or Moon Salutation can be performed with a sense of gratitude keeping the heart healthy.  The Sanskrit name Chandra translates to mean ‘the moon’ and Namaskar connotes ‘salutation is a flow practiced as an expression of thankfulness to the Moon.’

Pranamasana 

Formation
· 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

Hridaya Mudra

The practice of Hridaya Mudra (Heart Gesture) is beneficial for those who have suffered from any heart-related conditions including a heart-attack. The mudra is useful in balancing the Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra) with the pressing of the thumb (fire element), the ring finger (earth element), and the middle finger (space element) together at the tips. This combination of the elements of fire, earth and space and the pressure at the tips of these fingers imply a scientific significance. It helps to detoxify and cleanse the body. It increases the supply of oxygen to the heart thereby improving the heart’s power and function. A powerful mudra, the Hridaya Mudra is also called as Apan Vayu Mudra or Mritsanjeevani Mudra. It is known to help as a first aid for heart attacks.
Formation
· Sit down in a meditative pose such as Sukhasana or Padmasana and keep your back straight.
· Allow the tip of your index finger gently touch the base of your thumb. Join the tips of your middle, ring and thumb fingers.
· Straighten your little finger.
· Do this with both hands and place the back of your palms on your knees.
· Close your eyes and direct your attention to your breath.
Benefits
· This mudra helps to direct oxygen towards the heart and controls any problems related to the heart.
· Keeps blood pressure in check.
· Redirects prana towards the heart, controlling any problems related to the heart.
· Opens the heart at an emotional level too, balancing emotions and tensions

Yoga builds discipline not only for the body but also the mind. Through regular practice of yoga, we learn to react to situations in a more balanced manner.  It regulates our mood and mental health for calmness. This in turn eliminates stress, worry, and negative thinking etc. When we start living with a positive attitude, it keeps the heart light and stress-free. Combine these yogic techniques along with a proper diet and sufficient sleep to remain healthy and energised.

 The author is a philanthropist, spiritual master, lifestyle coach, yoga-preneur and an author