YOGA IS a combination of exercise and meditation, rooted in Hindu religious practices. It is a system of psycho-physical exercises that are designed to integrate mind, body and spiritual energies that improve our well being. It is commonly practiced throughout the world and holds an important place as a branch of medicine. The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony in both mind and body. Yoga teaches the basic principle of mind and body unity: if the mind is restless and agitated, the health of the body will be compromised; and if this is the case, mental strength and clarity will be affected. The practice of yoga can counter-act these ill effects. Alternative system of healing and its power is being widely harnessed to prevent and treat various diseases of the heart. Yoga is undoubtedly a reliable avenue for holistic health.

Disease is a manifestation of underlying disharmony in the mind and body. Yogic way of life offers a solution to elevate the health of body, mind and soul. Yoga is a cure for many diseases- diabetes, obesity and psychiatric illnesses - as much as it offers immense benefits to alleviate heart diseases.

Yoga has an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases that includes 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.

A complete yoga programme involves exercises (asanas),breath control (pranayama), sleep control (yoga nidra) and mind control (meditation).These are the tenets for cardiac health; also probably the reason why cardiologists universally, recommend yoga to their patients. The curative benefits of yoga enhances heart health, lowers blood pressure, reduces chronic stress, boosts the immune system and enhances cognitive ability.

Heart of the matter

Heart disease is a problem of the modern times. It is psychosomatic in nature. Improper lifestyle, faulty diet and negative thinking play an important part in triggering a heart disease. Our thoughts, feelings and emotions affect our body and mind. Negative emotions spark chemical processes throughout the entire body. Any irritation in the lining of arterial walls, which includes high levels of fats in the blood, smoking and high blood pressure can trigger heart diseases. The benefits of meditation affect your: Overall health, your emotions, your well-being and your powers of self-determination

Benefits of meditation : Less stress

One of the main benefits of meditation is that it helps you learn how to manage your stress and anxiety. Constant fear and worry does nothing but causes you pain and suffering, it makes your immune system weak and it can cause virtually any disease. Meditation will teach you to be still, or in the present moment, which will allow your mind to free itself of any ’ego’ or obsessive thinking. When you learn the benefits of meditation, you will also discover that you can be open to accepting whatever happens in your life, whether it be positive or negative.