Ashtanga and Cardiovascular Health & Coronary Heart Disease

David,

I had the good fortune to meet you in a recent workshop. I'd be very grateful for your advice.

I am prompted to ask for your help having had a heart attack 3 months ago followed by a surgery. I've been a student of Iyengar yoga for 5 years and 3 years ago discovered the joys of Ashtanga, slowly building a regular practice 3-4 times a week while also pursuing a basic Iyengar teacher training. I'll be 54 years old in January. My herbal doctor is also concerned about the heat created by the Ujjayi breath.

In particular, bearing in mind Western medicine's emphasis on aerobic exercise and raising heart rate, is an Ashtanga practice::

• 1. An adequate form of "exercise" to maintain normal cardiovascular health?
• 2. An appropriate form of "exercise" for someone with coronary heart disease/ bypass?

I'd be very glad to have any advice you may have time to send. Hope you're well and to see you again soon,

R

Dear R,

Thank you so much for your message. I am sorry to hear of your surgery. I hope you are recovering well. Not being a Physician I cannot give you medical advice but rather some general suggestions concerning the practice of Ashtanga Yoga in relation to Cardio Vascular Health. You should consult your medical doctor before beginning any physical activity. Here are a few general suggestions. The practice of Ashtanga may be approached in myriad ways. By adjusting the pace or speed of practice one may control the overall working of the heart. If it feels like too much the practice may be slowed. One of the unique facets of Ashtanga is the vinyasa. During vinyasa the heart is placed above and then below the heart as one flows through upward dog and downward dog on the journey through each Sunsalutation as well as during each vinyasa in the seated sequence. This calls upon the heart to regulate the blood pressure. This is a great conditioning factor of the practice. The vinyasa does also increase the heart rate. To adjust the practice one need only leave vinyasas out or modify them to suit individual needs.

Exercise is good. Our bodies need to move to maintain a healthy state of existence but everybody is different so we must apply the exercise to the needs of the individual. Ashtanga must be approached in the same way. It is a therapeutic practice and it should be utilized as such. What is an appropriate approach for one may not be for another. It may be likened to walking or running. Walking and Running are excellent exercises but must be done with awareness of personal levels of fitness. For one person to run 10 miles is not difficult if they have been training for it. If another person were to try it there attempt could result in injury. Ashtanga is the same. It may be approached slowly to determine appropriate levels of practice and then through a regulated regimen that level will evolve. The concern about heat is not one I have seen to be a problem other than those suffering from MS where it is not recommended even to take a hot bath. If you feel like you are overheating then calm the breath and slow down. I have had many people approach me with stories of amazing health recovery through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. It definitely works as an aid to improving health on many levels but it should be applied with awareness and patience. Impatience is one of the greatest obstacles to personal progress. Another thing to consider is that aerobic exercises and Ashtanga Yoga are not mutually exclusive. You could try a bit of Yoga Cross Training. Use Ashtanga one day and go for a brisk walk the next or even do both in one day. Just listen to your body. It will speak to you. Move with awareness and patience in whatever endeavor you choose and evolution is assured. I hope this is not too general of information but without being near you to monitor your approach this is the best I can offer. I hope it is helpful. Breathe deeply and enjoy each day!

Namaste,

David