Is a handstand the best way to relax your heart?
This is a very common but misunderstood statement. In general, handstands are not the "best" or "most recommended" exercise for relaxing your heart, and they can even be risky for many people.
Let's explain in more detail:
The Short-Term Effects of Handstands on the Heart and Circulation
When we're upright, the heart must overcome gravity to pump blood to the head and upper body. In a handstand, the situation is reversed:
1. Blood Redistribution: A large amount of blood is instantly drawn to the head and upper body due to gravity, increasing pressure on the blood vessels in the head, neck, and chest.
2. Changes in Heart Response:
· For a healthy heart, this temporarily increases the workload on the heart and cardiovascular system. The heart needs to adapt to this sudden change in pressure.
· Because the head is filled with blood, some people experience a feeling of "relaxation" or "release," but this is more a subjective experience caused by changes in blood circulation in the head, rather than a reduction in the heart's workload. In reality, when doing a handstand, the heart's working mode changes to counteract increased blood flow back to the lower extremities and maintain stable blood pressure in the head. This isn't simply "relaxing."
Why is it not the "best" and even risky?
1. Not universally applicable: A handstand is a demanding move that requires strong core, shoulder, back, and arm strength. Most people cannot perform it properly and safely.
2. Health risks:
People with hypertension: Absolutely prohibited. A sudden surge in blood pressure can increase the risk of cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
People with high intraocular pressure or glaucoma: Head congestion can significantly increase intraocular pressure, aggravating the condition.
People with heart disease: It increases cardiac stress and may induce angina or arrhythmia.
People with cervical spondylosis: Improper handstands can put tremendous pressure on the cervical spine, leading to serious damage.
People with otitis media or cerebral arteriosclerosis are also not suitable.
So, what is a truly good exercise to "relax the heart"?
"Heart-relaxing" generally refers to exercises that gently strengthen heart function, lower resting heart rate, and improve cardiovascular health over the long term. These exercises are characterized by being aerobic, low-to-moderate intensity, and long-lasting.
Better options include:
1. Walking and brisk walking: These are the safest and most universal exercises. They effectively promote blood circulation and strengthen myocardial contractility without placing excessive strain on the body.
2. Jogging: If your physical condition allows, jogging is a classic aerobic exercise that can significantly improve cardiopulmonary function.
3. Swimming: The buoyancy of water reduces joint strain, while the pressure of water promotes blood circulation, making it very heart-friendly.
4. Cycling (including stationary cycling): Another excellent example of aerobic exercise.
5. Yoga and Tai Chi: These exercises emphasize the coordination of breathing and movement, which can help lower heart rate and reduce stress, thereby indirectly allowing the heart to "rest" and regulate. (Note: Headstands in yoga are advanced poses and should be performed under the guidance of a professional teacher. They are not intended primarily for "relaxing the heart.")
Conclusion
· Don't deify headstands: They are not a "miracle" exercise for relaxing the heart. For those who are healthy and capable, they can be part of a diverse training program to improve circulation, strengthen core strength, and more, but they are by no means the "best" exercise for relaxing the heart.
· Safety first: If you don't have a long-term exercise foundation or have any health issues (especially high blood pressure, heart problems, eye problems, or cervical spine problems), avoid attempting headstands.
· Return to aerobic exercise: If you want to protect and strengthen your heart through exercise, focus on low-to-moderate-intensity aerobic activities like walking, jogging, and swimming, as mentioned above, and maintain consistency.
Final advice: Before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns, consult a doctor or a professional physical therapist.
Need the best herbal remedies to boost heart health? Buy at: leojim@mqtech1.com
---------------------------
#heart
#cardiac
#cardiology
#myocardial
#coronary
#artery
#ischemia
#angina
#infarction
#myocardialinfarction
#heartattack
#arrhythmia
#tachycardia
#bradycardia
#atrialfibrillation
#ventricularfibrillation
#heartfailure
#cardiacarrest
#cardiomyopathy
#endocarditis
#pericarditis
#myocarditis
#valvedisease
#coronaryarterydisease
#atherosclerosis
#cholesterol
#hypertension
#bloodpressure
#cardiovascular
#stroke
#thrombosis
#embolism
#plaque
#angioplasty
#stent
#bypasssurgery
#echocardiogram
#electrocardiogram
#ECG
#EKG
#troponin
#nitroglycerin
#beta-blocker
#ACEinhibitor
#anticoagulant
#aspirin
#statin
#cardiacsurgery
#pacemaker
#defibrillator
#cardiacrehabilitation
#chestpain
#shortnessofbreath
#palpitation
#fatigue
#edema
#cyanosis
#riskfactors
#obesity
#diabetes
#smoking
#stress
#familyhistory
#diet
#exercise
#cholesterolleve
#bloodtest
#oxygenlevel
#CTangiography
#MRIheart
#cardiacmonitoring
#holtermonitor
#bloodflow
#oxygenation
#ventricle
#atrium
#septum
#aorta
#pulmonaryartery
#vein
#capillary
#endothelium
#inflammation
#oxidativestress
#free radicals
#lipidprofile
#metabolicsyndrome
#preventivecardiology
#cardiacsymptoms
#cardiacriskassessment
#hearthealth
#cardioprotection
#earlydiagnosis
#lifestylemodification
#cardiaccare
#emergencyresponse
#firstaid
#CPR
#resuscitation
#AED
#intensivecare
#ICU
#cardiologist
#cardiacnurse
#cardiactechnician
#heartmonitor
#cardiacsupport
#rehabilitationprogram