September 30, 2011
Added Flexibility Improves Heart Health?
We’re all used to thinking of improved flexibility as something that primarily benefits the muscular and skeletal systems in the body. We start practicing yoga to relieve back pain, or are prescribed stretches to help with sciatica. We add stretching to our workout routines in hopes of improving sports performance or intuitively stretch to counteract the pain and stiffness of working at a computer all day.
However, just as important as these benefits of stretching out the muscles and improving joint flexibility are the really exciting results of stretching the arteries and veins of the cardiovascular system, the nerves of the nervous system and the lymph ducts of the lymph system. As detailed in this article, science is now supporting stretching for improved flexibility as having a whole host of health benefits.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-soram-khalsa/yoga-health-the-flexibili_b_570848.html
So improved flexibility seems to equate to improved heart health, not just in more flexible arteries and veins; but also there seems to be a direct correlation between improved flexibility and lower blood pressure.
That means today a yoga practice, begin a regular stretching routine or come see me regularly for Thai Yoga Massage; and help not just your muscles and joints feel better, but help improve your heart health!
Suzanne Andrew is a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and Wellness Coach in St. Petersburg, FL. Contact her directly to schedule a customized session. Suzanne@TryThaiYogaMassage.com, www.TryThaiYogaMassage.com or 727-641-6941
