Do you know that a particular immune cell can destroy the fat deposits and plaques created in arteries by atherosclerosis? Thumbs up to research. And by practicing yoga therapy to boost the production and transportation of this specific immune cell across blood vessels, patients living with atherosclerosis can enjoy life again. This immune cell called “neutrophil” clears the arteries of atherosclerosis by activating a cell death that kills all arterial plaques and the cells keeping them. Hence if done regularly, the systemic neutrophil-boosting action of yoga therapy is potent in reversing the effects of atherosclerosis. It also eliminates risk factors such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, rendering the resulting cardiovascular and circulatory upshot caused by atherosclerosis inexistent.

Are you atherosclerosis-free? This information can help you to keep it away. Atherosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body become blocked due to a build-up of plaque. This plaque is a result of cholesterol and other substances in the walls of the artery. The following yoga poses alleviate arterial blockage by expanding arterial walls and boosting immunity: 

Upward Facing Dog Pose

• Lay flat on your stomach.
• Extend your legs and hips wide apart behind you.
• Place your hands on the floor next to your sides so that your upper limbs rest on them.
• Lift your head slightly up but not backward.
• Push your thighs up so that only your palms and feet are on the floor.

By expanding the chest, this yoga pose increases resistance to arterial blockage and improves the flow of oxygenated blood to the cardiac vessels. This also stimulates neutrophil production to reduce cardiovascular inflammation.

Extended Triangle Pose

• Stand in an upright position.
• Place your right foot three to four feet ahead of your left foot.
• Turn your right foot at 90 degrees from the left.
• Press into your inner right foot and outer left heel.
• Spread your arms wide apart so that your right arm is down.
• Place your left arm straight up toward the ceiling stabilizing your shoulder-blades on your trapezius muscles.
• Tilt your gaze and right thigh muscle upward.
• Take five full breaths while pressing firmly into the soles of both feet.
• Repeat the pose with your left foot in front.

The triangle pose stretches the upper and lower limbs and makes the major arteries of the body –– the subclavian, axillary and femoral arteries dilate. This improves blood flow in the circulatory system and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Yoga therapy for atherosclerosis increases blood flow to the organs by neuromuscular action. As blood flows to various parts of the body carrying oxygen, immune cells and nutrients across the circulatory system, it also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which increases the relaxation responses of the arterial lumen. This reduces the thickening of the arterial walls. While practicing these yoga therapies regularly will alleviate the incidence of atherosclerosis, it is also vital to observe adequate rest and eat healthily.

Oladimeji Ewumi is a biochemist and freelance writer who helps companies within the healthcare, AI, wellness and medical sub-industries communicate effectively with their target audience. He is passionate about novel innovations in bio-pharma and emerging medical technologies. Oladimeji’s works have been featured in publications like Thrive Global (VIP), Datafloq, Under30CEO and Dataconomy. Follow him on Twitter.