Heart & Reproductive Systems

Question 1

What is the function of the heart?

Answer 1

To pump blood around the body which circulates oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Question 2

What are the 4 chambers of the heart?

Answer 2

Left and right atrium and left and right ventricle.

Question 3

How does the blood move through the chambers of the heart?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

How does asana benefit the cardiovascular system?

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

How does asana effect the function of blood?

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

How does asana effect the function of arteries and veins?

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

What are the systems of hypertension?

Answer 7

-High blood pressure
-Headaches
-Blurred vision
- End-organ damage.
Can result in heart and kidney disease, hardening of arteries, eye damage and stroke.

Question 8

What are contraindication for hypertension?

Answer 8

• Raising arms above the head
• Intra abdominal pressure
• Heat
• Inversions
• Strong backbends
• Static poses,
• Straining of face and neck muscles,
• Uddiyana and Jalandara bandhas

Question 9

What is therapeutic for hypertension?

Answer 9

Relaxation, forward bends, hip openers and humming bee

Question 10

What are the symptoms of hypotension?

Answer 10

• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadness or dizziness,
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Question 11

What are the contraindications for hypotension?

Answer 11

• Head below heart (standing forward bends), \
• Quickly coming out of inversions
• Extended inhalation
• Dehydration
• Strong vinyasa

Question 12

What is therapeutic for hypotension?

Answer 12

Strong twists and backbends, arms above the head, Tadasana (squeezing legs), eagle pose, Kapalabhati, Bandhas

Question 13

What is the function of white blood cells?

Answer 13

To flow through the blood stream and fight viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders that threaten the body’s immunity

Question 14

What are white cells produced?

Answer 14

Bone marrow

Question 15

How does yoga benefit the menstrual cycle?

Answer 15

• 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.

Question 16

How does yoga increase fertility?

Answer 16

• 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.

Question 17

How does yoga benefit menopausal symptoms?

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

How does stress impact on menstrual cycle and fertility?

Answer 18

• 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.

Question 19

How do back bends support the reproductive system?

Answer 19

energy, release tension through pelvis, increase circulation, releases strong emotions, stimulates appetite.

Question 20

How do inversions support the reproductive system?

Answer 20

Balancing endocrine system for stability of cycle each month

Question 21

How do forward bends support the reproductive system?

Answer 21

• Reduce tension and cramping through contraction of abdominal muscles
• Massages internal organs which encourages a healthy cycle,
• Increase relaxation that soothes nervous system

Question 22

How do twists support the reproductive system?

Answer 22

• Relieve cramps and lower back pain and pre-menstrual fluid
• Reduce fatigue

Question 23

How do hip openers support the reproductive system?

Answer 23

• Circulation to pelvic region

- Stimulate prostate health

Question 24

How does asana increase prostate health?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

What does the renin-angiotensin system do?

Answer 25

• A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
• When blood pressure is low the kidneys secrete resin.
• This stimulates angiotension which causes blood vessels to constrict and increase blood pressure.
• Aldosterone is also secreted causing the kidneys to increase the reabsorbtion of sodium and water into blood which also increases blood pressure.