Hypertension is a condition that is characterized by the observation of elevated measurements of systolic and/or diastolic readings. When these measurements are elevated they can lead to health concerns such as stroke, heart attack, headaches and angina. While hypertension is treated as a disease, it is more of an observation of symptoms. With this point of view, stress management techniques can be used to lessen the symptoms that seem to be the cause of the condition.

Finding Chemical Balance

Chemical imbalances in the body can be a cause of hypertension. Imbalances in electrolytes and minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium can all lead to the observation of hypertension. If you have a deficiency in one or more of these minerals, then dietary supplements can be used to help the body find a better balance and to promote lower blood pressure. This balancing act needs to be done with the assistance of your primary physician. They will need to monitor our blood chemistry and help you to determine which supplements to take and what dietary changes you need to make.

Finding Physical Balance

If a chemical imbalance does not seem to be the cause of your hypertension then the problem can be stress. Stress can lead to high blood pressure by increasing heart rate and creating brain chemistry concentrations that stress the body and cause an increase in blood pressure. Fortunately, finding a physical balance is easier to do than finding a chemical balance.

The first method that can be used to reduce stress and blood pressure is to become more physically active. You can increase your physical activity by pulling on a pair of walking shoes and walking around your block after dinner. You can also take exercise classes or take up a new sport. If you are looking for a way to minimize anxiety, stress and your blood pressure, then consider more meditative exercises such as yoga, pilates or zen meditation.

Finding Emotional Balance

Emotional imbalance can also lead to stress and high blood pressure. Emotional imbalances can be caused by major life changes, by tragedies and by an overload of stress in your life. Finding emotional balance is difficult to do sometimes. However, it can be helpful to have a social support network to lean on when you are feeling overwhelmed. This support group can be made up of friends, family members, and mental health experts.

References

stress.org/topic-hypertension.htm

Now that you've started to master your sense of balance, it's time to challenge this new found skill to the next level. As a reminder, finding your center of gravity and sense of balance can be done by concentrating your gaze on an object several feet in front of you. Allowing your eyes to rest on a stationary object at a comfortable distance will serve to assist you in achieving a solid balance. Before you begin this pose, practice finding your balance several times. This skill will be very important when attempting the Hand to Foot Pose.

First, begin in a standing position. Slowly lift your right knee up towards your heart. Next, take your right hand and reach towards your right foot (now raised). Once your right foot has been grasped by your right hand, extend your leg outwards, straightening your knee. If your hamstrings are tight and you are unable to extend your leg and straighten your knee, you may need to use a strap. If this is so, wrap the strap around the arch of your foot and hold the ends in your hand, extending your leg outwards. Your goal will be to eventually complete the pose without the assistance of the strap, but depending on your hamstring's tightness, you may need to put some work into it.

As you stand with your leg out to the side, breathe deeply and continuously. Keep your leg extended for 30-40 seconds if you are able, and then slowly release your leg to the ground. Take a break in standing position as you ready yourself to enter the pose once more. When you are ready, try the pose again, this time with your left hand and left leg.

You may notice that this pose is easier to accomplish on one side of your body than the other-- this is completely normal and is usually the case in yoga. Bodies are not completely symmetrical and muscles vary in tightness and strength. Be aware of these differences but strive to equalize them over time.