Heart & Reproductive Systems Flashcards
What is the function of the heart?
To pump blood around the body which circulates oxygen and nutrients to the body.
What are the 4 chambers of the heart?
Left and right atrium and left and right ventricle.
How does the blood move through the chambers of the heart?
Comes in through right atrium, moves into right ventricle, then heads through pulmonary valve and out to the lungs where it gets re-oxygenated and comes back through the left atrium, left ventricle and then through the aorta.
How does asana benefit the cardiovascular system?
- Stretches out the heart muscle which allows for more blood and nutrients in circulation.
- calms nervous system allowing resting heart rate and lower constriction of blood vessels.
- Connects to directly to the anahata chakra, our energetic body.
How does asana effect the function of blood?
- Stimulates higher levels of haemoglobin which oxygen binds to
- Creates greater blood volume decreasing the heart’s beat per minute.
- Increase of blood flow means body rids pathogens and absorbs nutrients sooner
How does asana effect the function of arteries and veins?
- Places a healthy stress on the system itself which keeps the blood circulating through these places.
- Reduced cholesterol which reduces blood pressure and less stress on vascular system
What are the systems of hypertension?
-High blood pressure
-Headaches
-Blurred vision
- End-organ damage.
Can result in heart and kidney disease, hardening of arteries, eye damage and stroke.
What are contraindication for hypertension?
- Raising arms above the head
- Intra abdominal pressure
- Heat
- Inversions
- Strong backbends
- Static poses,
- Straining of face and neck muscles,
- Uddiyana and Jalandara bandhas
What is therapeutic for hypertension?
Relaxation, forward bends, hip openers and humming bee
What are the symptoms of hypotension?
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadness or dizziness,
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
What are the contraindications for hypotension?
- Head below heart (standing forward bends), \
- Quickly coming out of inversions
- Extended inhalation
- Dehydration
- Strong vinyasa
What is therapeutic for hypotension?
Strong twists and backbends, arms above the head, Tadasana (squeezing legs), eagle pose, Kapalabhati, Bandhas
What is the function of white blood cells?
To flow through the blood stream and fight viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders that threaten the body’s immunity
What are white cells produced?
Bone marrow
How does yoga benefit the menstrual cycle?
- Calms the nervous system
- Circulation of nutrients like magnesium that helps with muscular cramping
- Strong back bends to energise from fatigue
- Rebalance of hormones which reduces PMS symptoms.
How does yoga increase fertility?
- Stress reduction through relaxation
- Letting go of a set plan
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones
- Stimulating circulation through groin area
- Pranayama relieves emotional blockages in pelvic region
- Chanting to restore communication issues.
How does yoga benefit menopausal symptoms?
- Increases bone density as osteoporosis is very common
- Cooling pranayama for hot flushes
- Mula bandha for vaginal wall staying strong,
- Lengthening of spine prevents scoliosis which is common
How does stress impact on menstrual cycle and fertility?
- Neuro-chemical changes can prevent maturing and releasing of eggs.
- Low in weight which can prevent cycle happening at all.
- Sleep deprivation can alter hormonal rhythms which normally increase infertility.
How do back bends support the reproductive system?
energy, release tension through pelvis, increase circulation, releases strong emotions, stimulates appetite.
How do inversions support the reproductive system?
Balancing endocrine system for stability of cycle each month
How do forward bends support the reproductive system?
- Reduce tension and cramping through contraction of abdominal muscles
- Massages internal organs which encourages a healthy cycle,
- Increase relaxation that soothes nervous system
How do twists support the reproductive system?
- Relieve cramps and lower back pain and pre-menstrual fluid
- Reduce fatigue
How do hip openers support the reproductive system?
- Circulation to pelvic region
- Stimulate prostate health
How does asana increase prostate health?
The prostate gland is required for erection and ejaculation and if not functioning properly, can lead to infertility.
Hip openers stretch the muscles around the prostate gland and open the hip region helps to promotes circulation of blood to the area which improves prostate health.
