I'm a sap for Valentine's Day. I just love that there's a special day set aside when we can do both the silly and the sincere to demonstrate our love to the special person or people in our life. There’s something magical about the collective expression of love that raises the positive energy around us.

It's a fact that our thoughts affect our body, especially our cardiovascular and immune systems. Negative thoughts and feelings have a detrimental effect, and love and happiness have a beneficial effect.

That’s where the practice of yoga and meditation comes in. It’s like Valentine’s Day for our health and happiness, and specifically for our heart.

Sadly, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US, accounting for 24% and 23% of deaths respectively (cdc.gov). Stress plays a major role in the development of heart disease. It constricts the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the likelihood of blood clots that can lead to a heart attack.

Dr. Dean Ornish, MD, global authority on heart disease and its reversal, believes that yoga is one of the most effective stress-reduction methods ever invented.

Mindfulness of the breath and body cultivated in our yoga practice naturally carry over into our daily lives. This is the lasting impact of our yoga practice. By being more mindful and less reactive, we gain more control over our emotions and circumstances, ultimately reducing stress.

Reduced blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart arrhythmias, as well as decreased anxiety and depression, all make yoga a good choice for heart health.

I invite you to do this simple gesture called Anjali Mudra - a powerful act of mindfulness. Anjali Mudra is synonymous with returning to one’s heart. As we bring our hands together at our center, thumbs touching our breastbone, we create a connection between the right and left hemispheres of our brain, forming an energetic circle between our heart and our mind. Add to this closing your eyes, take a few breaths in and out through your nose, and allow yourself to turn inward-to focus on you and the miracle that you are.

And back to Valentine’s Day – break out the dark chocolate (70% or above). Research has shown it is heart healthy, decreasing blood sugar and bad LDL cholesterol, and raising good HDL cholesterol.

I would love to hear from you about your favorite heart opening yoga pose, or ways in which yoga has made your heart healthier and happier.

Namaste

Janet