One of the most beneficial aspects of yoga is that it improves blood circulation. Good blood circulation is important as it promotes healthy oxygen flow in the body and prevents numbness, aches and pains, memory glitches, hair loss, breakouts, fluid retention and swelling. It is also beneficial for those who are prone to anxiety and depression. According to this article, there is a vital connection to the mind and the heart with symptoms commonly found amongst those diagnosed with depression.

Poor blood circulation will also affect your mental clarity, your eyesight and your emotional balance and wellbeing. If you’re one of those people who are feeling lethargic day in and day out and for no particular reason, you could be suffering from poor blood circulation. Thankfully there is a simple solution to this and we at Pranasanti Yoga recommend doing simple stretches for 10-15 minutes every day to get the heart going and to get the blood pumping.

Yoga will help as all the stretching, pulling and bending will compress and decompress the veins, move the blood about and carry away toxins and impurities as fresh blood carries in oxygen and positive energy into the system.

Here are some simple poses you can do at your own pace at home:

  1. Legs in the air

Lie down with your tailbone and your shoulders flat onto your yoga matt.  Lift your legs up towards the ceiling and feel your leg and thigh muscles stretch. This movement will facilitate blood circulation and push blood from the legs and pelvis towards the heart. This is a great and easy pose to try especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day.

  1. Downward Dog

This is a great position as your hips will be higher than your heart which will push blood flow to your brain and upper body as you stretch your inner thighs, hips, and groin area. Start by getting on all fours on your yoga mat and then gently move into the Downward Dog position.

  1. Forward Fold

Stand straight with both your feet planted on the ground. As you exhale, slowly fold forward from the hips as you hold on to each elbow with opposite hands. Hold the pose for one minute and as you do, lightly sway your head from side to side.

  1. Triangle

The Triangle Pose will help to tone the legs and increase stability. It is a form of deep stretch for hamstrings, groin and hips and reduce stress and anxiety. Stand with your feet apart and at different angles. Hold out your arms parallel to the floor. Inhale and reach down with your torso in place. Hold the pose for 1 minute and then repeat on the other side.

Do try these simple poses out at home and let us know how you feel. Come and join us here at Pranasanti Yoga for our retreats and day tours, where in addition to practising yoga, you’ll also learn all about “real” Bali and the Balinese culture that is over 2000 years old. Take the opportunity to add one more growth factor into your life as you learn, grow, heal and create joy. To find out more, please email [email protected] or simply visit our website at www.pranasanti.com.