[nraosoc-yoga] Yoga could be good for heart disease

[Marie Glendenning]

From:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/family-health-guide/updates/yoga-could-be-good-for-heart-disease

"Hatha yoga's path to balancing the mind and the body involves three 
interconnected threads: physical postures called "asanas," controlled 
breathing, and calming the mind through relaxation and meditation.  The 
three work together.

How could this improve cardiovascular health?  Getting into the various 
postures during a yoga session gently exercises the muscles.  Anything 
that works your muscles is good for your heart and blood vessels. 
Activity also helps muscles become more sensitive to insulin, which is 
important for controlling blood sugar.  The deep-breathing exercises 
help slow the breathing rate.  Taking fewer but deeper breaths each 
minute temporarily lowers blood pressure and calms the sympathetic 
nervous system, which is responsible for generating stress hormones. 
The postures and deep breathing offer a kind of physical meditation that 
focuses and clears the mind.  Meditation and the mindfulness of yoga 
have both been shown to help people with cardiovascular disease."

Marie