Top 5 Yoga Exercises to Boost Blood Circulation in Your Legs

Yoga has been one of the oldest forms of practice that has been linked with numerous benefits. It is believed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. It is helpful for back pain relief, easing arthritis symptoms, helping create relaxation to aid better sleep, managing stress, brightening the mood, and strengthening the heart. Experts have recommended the following yoga poses for those who suffer poor blood circulation in the legs.

Leg-Up-The-Wall Yoga Pose

This is also known as “Viparita Karani”. To do this pose, you must lay on your back and extend your legs vertically up against a straight wall. This pose will allow gravity to initiate blood circulation from your legs back to the heart thus improving circulation and reducing swelling. This pose can also strengthen your lower body. You can take up this pose at any time of the day but experts recommend that you do it after sitting for a while and after waking up in the morning.

Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Also known as “Adho Mukha Svanasana”. This classic pose will strengthen your entire body and also encourage blood flow into the upper and lowest parts of your legs through the reversal of the usual blood flow direction. The yoga pose will particularly stretch your hamstrings, Achilles tendon, and calves while boosting blood flow.

Forward Fold

Also referred to as “Uttanasana”. This yoga pose involves bending your body forward from your hips while standing, thus allowing gravity to boost blood circulation to your legs. This yoga pose will also help you strengthen your back muscles and bones. It is one of the best yoga poses to boost your inner core strength.

Warrior 2 Pose

Also known as “Virabhadrasana II). This is one powerful standing pose that will strengthen your legs while you open the hips. It helps improve blood circulation efficiently in the arms and legs. Maintaining this pose for several minutes a day will help you strengthen your leg muscles and bones. For the best results, you should practice the pose at least twice daily.

Seated Forward Bend

Also referred to as “Paschimottanasana”. This yoga pose allows you to sit on a flat surface, then bend your body forward and maintain the position for a few minutes. The pose will stretch your spine, hamstrings and calves, thus boosting your inner core strength. It also creates a calming effect while improving blood circulation to your legs. With the pose assisting you to compress the abdominal region, it will lead to a venous return which also stimulates blood circulation.

Conclusion

Repetition is the secret to achieving success with yoga poses. You should aim at starting with two or more different poses daily and repeat several times. If you are always busy, you should aim at one yoga pose repeated several times in the early morning or before bed. You should also pay attention to your body’s reaction, you don’t want to injure yourself in a bid to boost blood circulation to your legs. Start slowly and increase the intensity as your body adjusts to the poses.

While Yoga is a proven activity to boost blood circulation in your legs and other parts of the body, you can achieve more by eating blood circulation inducing foods. Expert nutritionists recommend foods rich in nitrites, especially leafy greens like Spinach, to help further boost blood circulation and keep you fit. Similarly, you can also combine yoga exercises with other activities such as moderate aerobic and anaerobic exercises. You should indulge in activities you love, including cycling, swimming treadmills and weightlifting.