Physical Education · Ch 3 — Yoga as Preventive Measure for Lifestyle Disease
Vakrasana
Vakrasana
Vakrasana
Vakrasana (twisted pose) is also recommended as a preventive asana for hypertension, which is why the CBSE Class 12 Physical Education textbook lists it again here. To avoid repeating the same posture, the book does not re-describe it in this section.
Its full name-meaning, step-by-step technique, breathing pattern, benefits and contraindications — along with its posture figure — are given earlier under section 3.3.7 (Asanas to Prevent Bronchial Asthma). The textbook marks this with a short cross-reference: See 3.3.7.
Why Vakrasana helps manage hypertension
The seated, controlled twist in Vakrasana is performed slowly, breath by breath, with no sudden exertion, exactly the quality of movement that keeps blood pressure stable rather than spiking it. The gentle compression and release of the abdominal organs as the body twists is also thought to support the adrenal and thyroid glands, which, as the main description notes, helps maintain a balanced hormone level; since adrenal hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol directly influence blood pressure, this hormonal balancing effect is particularly relevant for hypertension.
Specific benefits for hypertension
- A slow, seated twist that calms rather than excites the nervous system.
- Tones the internal organs and supports balanced adrenal and thyroid hormone levels, both linked to blood-pressure regulation.
- Strengthens the neck and straightens the upper back, easing the postural tension common in long-term hypertensive patients.
- A gentle complement to the more static, seated hypertension asanas such as Shavasana and Sarala Matsyasana.