Hypotension is blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg (millimetre of mercury).
In adults the normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. When your blood pressure falls, there is insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the organs. The blood pressure tends to get low when we sleep, and soars again upon waking. People who exercise regularly tend to have blood pressure towards the lower end which is completely normal.
Hypotension is a medical concern only if it causes symptoms of or is linked to a serious condition, such as heart disease. The various conditions that may lead to hypotension include blood loss during injury, impaired circulation, weakness, dehydration, endocrine disorders (diabetes, adrenal insufficiency or thyroid issues).
Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, cold and sweaty skin, fatigue, blurred vision, and nausea. In extreme cases, hypotension can lead to shock. However, certain yogic exercises are helpful in managing this condition.
Vipareeta Karani Asana (inverted posture)
Lie flat on the back with the legs and feet together in a straight line. Place the hands and arms close to the body with the palms facing down. Relax the whole body.
Raise both legs, keeping them straight and together. Move the legs over the body towards the head as you push down on the arms and hands, raising the buttocks. Roll the spine from the floor, taking the legs further over the head.
Let the top of the hips rest on the palms. The hands cup the hips and support the weight of the body. Keep the elbows as close to each other as possible. Raise both the legs to the vertical position and relax the feet.
In the final position, the weight of the body rests on the shoulders, neck and elbows, the trunk is at a 45-degree angle to the floor and the legs are vertical.
To return to the starting position, lower the legs as you bend your knees and lower the spine and hip. Slowly let go of support and bring the hands next to the hip. Finally stretch the legs out straight. Relax the body in Shavasana (corpse pose).
Note:
Beginners should practise for a few seconds only, gradually increasing the time over a period of 4-6 weeks to a maximum of 2 minutes.
Inhale while in the lying position. Retain the breath inside while assuming the final position. In the final position, breathe normally. Retain the breath inside while lowering the body to the floor.
This posture should not be practised by people suffering from enlarged thyroid, liver or spleen, cervical spondylitis, slipped disc, high blood pressure or other heart ailments, weak blood vessels in the eyes, thrombosis or impure blood. It should be avoided during menstruation and advanced stages of pregnancy.
It is advisable to learn the posture under the guidance of a professional before practising on your own.
PRACTICE OF THE WEEK
The following sequence is beneficial for hypotension when practised regularly.
Begin with a set of 15 sun salutations.
Hasta Moordhasana
Parvatsana
Vipareeta Karani Asana
Matsyasana
Shavasana
Next Week: Yoga to manage hypotension - 2
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