The blood flows through the human body with certain pressure, but if the pressure is higher than the normal range then it is an ailment, which is called High Blood Pressure. Sometimes the blood pressure drops below the normal range, then it is called Low Blood Pressure. This pressure is created because of contraction of heart. Sometimes for various reasons these blood pressure increases, like fearful situation, anger, anxiety, excessive thinking, mental tensions or even for physical exertion. During these situations the heart comes under extra workload. But when the situation changes and comes to normal, so does the blood pressure. This temporary change in blood pressure is not any disease but when this Blood pressure remains high always, it becomes a serious ailment. However, proper practice of Yoga asanas can cure the trouble of high blood pressure.

There are two types of high blood pressure. The primary hypertension is also known as essential hypertension and is commonly caused by stress and injury. primary hypertension has no specific symptom. Other causes comprise emotional disturbance, climatic condition, heredity, obesity, and smoking and alcohol intake. Secondary hypertension results from kidney infection, malfunctioning of the endocrine gland, arterial problems like arteriosclerosis, and even pregnancy. Since hypertension has no specific symptom, it is considered as a silent killer. If not detected at an early stage, it may lead to arterial cardiac and renal damage. Few symptoms of high blood pressure include mild and pounding headache, hazy vision, giddiness, ringing in the ears, and disturbed kidney functioning.

Sometimes because of improper functioning of kidneys, heart related problems or diabetes blood pressure can go high, so if these diseases are treated then blood pressure also comes to normal. The reason for high blood pressure cannot be found on physical plane but can be traced to mental activities. High mental strain often results in high blood pressure. Yoga certainly helps achieve the stress free mind and also treats the underlying reasons of high blood pressure. There is no solution except removing all the strains on mind and control the mental activities. Yoga asanas, Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga Nidra greatly help to achieve the mental peace. In order to manage hypertension, Yoga Lifestyle is one of the best ones that treat through mind and body activities.

Some of the essential Yoga asanas to manage high blood pressure are as follows -

Seated Poses like Sukhasana is one of the classic Meditative Poses and is usually performed after doing Savasana. Sukhasana helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping the mind still.

The warm-up poses like shoulder stretches are great in relieving stress and tension on the shoulders, as well as the entire upper back. One should practice them daily for several weeks.

Standing Poses like stand spread leg forward fold can strengthen and stretch the inner and back legs and also the spine. People with lower back problems should avoid doing this asana.

Bidalasana or the cat pose initiates movement from the center and co-ordinate the movement of the breath.

Half spinal twist or Ardha Matsyendrasana strengthens the spine. It is also beneficial for the liver, kidneys, as well as adrenal glands.

The wind relieving pose or Pavanamuktasana is derived from the Sanskrit word `pavana`, which means air or wind, and `mukta` which means freedom or release. The Wind Relieving Pose works mainly on the digestive system and helps in eliminating excess gas in the stomach.

Anuloma Viloma is also called the alternate nostril breathing technique. One has to inhale through one nostril, retain the breath, and exhale through the other nostril.

Makarasana or the Crocodile Pose is beneficial in Asthma and high blood pressure. Abdominal muscles get automatic massage and the respiratory tract is benefited.

Uttanasana soothes the mind and relieve stress. The pose helps to alleviate mild depression and stretches the hamstrings, calves, and hips. Uttanasana reduces fatigue and anxiety. Those with asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sinusitis may be assisted by this posture.

Pranayama is an excellent solution to high blood pressure. It controls the breathing and blood circulation system. In Pranayama the breathing is controlled and the rate is reduced, it reduces the strain on heart and also the rate. This increases the stability of mind and mental activities that are controlled. Yoga Nidra is psychic sleep that helps remove physical, emotional and mental strains very easily and effectively. It also helps focus the mind and removes negative elements. This Yoga Nidra is easy to practice and given results in short time.

A paralytic attack is directly related to or connected with Blood Pressure. The amount of blood that passes through the blood vessels in a given period of time is called blood flow. Thus, immediate steps should be taken to control the blood pressure. Daily yoga practices such as asanas (poses) and pranayamas (breathing exercises) along with a simple Yoga diet can go a long way in controlling hypertension, after a paralytic attack and even as preventive measures. Amongst Pranayamas, Kapalabhati, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Sitali and Brahmari are the best procedures for High blood pressure patients. Savasana is probably the most important asana that relaxes the body and relieves the person from stress and tension. It produces a prolonged relaxed state of the whole body as well as the mind.

DISCLAIMER - The Yoga asanas prescribed above should be strictly performed under the supervision of an experienced Yoga teacher.