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Reversing Heart Disease

Dean Ornish, MD, author of Reversing Heart Disease,proved that a combination of dietary changes and practicing Hatha Yoga could not only stop the process of Heart Disease, but actually reverse it. Reversing heart disease or reducing atherosclerosis is a fact that was thought impossible until his famous study. His program actually decreased plaquing in the coronary arteries significantly in one year. Dr. Ornish knew of the many relaxing benefits of yoga, which is why he included it in his program. Learning to reduce stress and relax in general also provides numerous psychological and physical benefits. Breathing is a tool that can help.

Conscious Breathing

I breathe all the time, you say. Well, conscious breathing is different. By bringing your attention to your breathing and learning to use the muscles of respiration, the diaphragm, intercostals, and abdominals, we can actually learn to calm down and relax. This is a technique that can benefit all of us. Deep breathing while practicing Hatha Yoga sends a direct message to the autonomic nervous system. More specifically, according to Coulter, “quiet breathing influences the autonomic circuits that slow the heartbeat and reduce blood pressure, producing calm and a sense of stability. Our ability to control respiration consciously gives us access to autonomic function that no other system of the body can boast.” A greater awareness of breathing also helps us stay more present and mindful of how our body moves. This greater awareness can help foster mindfulness to help us in daily life events. Baron Baptiste says, “When we start to open our eyes to our patterns of reaction in our yoga practice it helps us to recognize and slow the reactiveness cycles in our everyday lives.” When you are cut off in traffic by the inconsiderate driver making that extremely important cell-phone call, maybe, instead of a graphic hand gesture and getting stressed you will take a deep breath and relax.

Although we all know that taking care of our bodies should be a priority, it can often be difficult finding an activity that we enjoy and is equally as challenging. In this stressful world, it's important to find the right form of exercise that will help you achieve more balance in mind and body. Hatha Yoga is just one type of yoga that will help you achieve more balance while increasing flexibility, strength and breath awareness, aiding in stress reduction and relaxation. Hatha Yoga is also a great fit for people who are not exercising and trying to move in the right direction.

David Aukamp is the director and co-founder of Springs Yoga Studio with his wife, RuthAnn Martin. A doctorate in Chiropractic and certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, David can be contacted 404.781.YOGA (9642).