Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : May 6, 2025 12:41 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Himalayan Siddha Akshar
Pranayama And Heart Health: How Pranayama Supports The Cardiovascular System (Photo: Freepik)
Pranayama and heart health: There are many yoga techniques that are extremely beneficial for the health of the cardiovascular system, and among them is pranayama, which underscores the importance of various techniques of breathing. By learning to regulate your breath, you may be able to combat stress that will ultimately benefit your heart and protect it from chronic diseases. According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, an author, columnist, and the founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, there are 'different methods of harnessing life force', which balance the body and make it powerful.
"Pranayama practice helps to maintain a healthy mind and body. Ignoring the well-being of the heart and brain can lead to adverse health conditions like stroke, paralysis, diabetes, acute stress and anxiety. Incorporating yogic practices and positive lifestyle changes can promote a healthy heart," the yoga and spiritual leader says, adding that pranayama involves many breathing techniques that support the optimal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Here are five important things the yoga expert wants you to know:
Inhale deeply, fill the lungs with air, and exhale completely. Maintain an equal ratio of inhalation and exhalation.
Place the fingertips on specific pressure points on the face. Inhale deeply, filling the lungs, and while exhaling, create a 'humming bee' sound.
Inhale deeply and exhale with the 'Om' sound, forming an 'O' shape with the lips. Practise for as long as you can, feeling the body resonating with the vibration of the sound.
Close the right nostril with the thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Close your left nostril and exhale through the right nostril, then inhale through right and exhale through left, completing one cycle. Repeat this for at least 10 times.
Inhale normally and exhale with short, rhythmic, forceful breaths by contracting the stomach. The focus should be on the exhalation, as inhalation happens passively.
Disclaimer
The yoga practitioner states that one should be aware and cautious of pre-existing health conditions before adopting the practice. For instance, individuals with hypertension or heart conditions should practise at a slow pace and avoid kapalbhati, tivra bhastrika, and surya nadi shodhan. It is advisable to practise under proper guidance, especially if one is suffering from a heart condition.
