Can yoga help to control high blood pressure?
Yoga promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation as well as bodily awareness, so some people can experience help in this. Belly or diaphragmatic breathing reduces stress. Pranayama (controlled breathing) techniques, called Nadi Shodhana, are very helpful. Avoid the Shoulder Stand, Headstand and Downward Dog. Also approach the Warrior 1 and 2, the Mountain, Triangle, Half Moon, Tree, Standing Squat and Symbol of Yoga with care and do not hold these poses for more than a few breaths.
