The yoga poses are intended to complement what medicine has to offer and to avoid as far as possible the use of Angioplasty, Stent, or Grafting to treat heart conditions. And, even when these more extreme forms of treatment have been exhausted, the yoga postures are still beneficial.
Initially, the poses are based on supported backbends of the upper body with the intent of increasing the mobility and size of the rib cage. The increased space results in better lung function, so more oxygen in the blood reaches the heart. It also decreases the external compression on the heart, allowing it to work more efficiently. In the beginning, all positions are completely supported and are very restful. This allows the patient to completely relax. Many people experience immediate relief from angina simply by being in one of these positions for even a few minutes. Some of the beginning backbends are also mild inversions (any position where the heart is pumping downhill). Inverted positions are thought to be important for encouraging the opening of collateral coronary arteries (natural bypass). As time progresses and the body responds in a positive manner (perhaps every three months), the patient is introduced to new variations and additional postures until a normal to vigorous yoga practice is possible with no chest pain or shortness of breath.

Caution: Before doing the asanas consult your health care professional, and if possible, seek the guidance of a yoga teacher who is familiar with the postures and their variations.


Sequence of Asanas

1. Supta Virasana

2. Supta Baddha Konasana

3. Viparita Dandasana

4. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

5. Savasana

For best results, do the routine 5 times per week!

Supta Virasana - Reclining Hero Beginning variations with legs straight.
Equipment: Bench , bolster, pillow / foam blocks, 3-layered blanket. The pillow/foam blocks start at the lower back ribs (T12).
The supports are arranged in a stepped fashion.The bolster is tucked into the lower back. If this causes distress, tuck the tail to lengthen the lower back, move the bolster slightly away from the sacrum or use a lower/softer bolster. The head and neck are supported by the three-fold blanket. The forehead must be higher than the chin. The hands are turned up, which facilitates opening of the upper chest.

The posture must be completely comfortable. Relax the face and jaw. Hold for 5 - 10 minutes.

Supta Baddha Konasana - Reclining Bound Angle
Equipment: Strap, bolster, pillow/foam blocks, 3-layered blanket. Arranged as in previous pose, Supta Virasana.

If knees are off the floor and inner thigh muscles are stressed, the legs may be supported with a folded blanket, etc.
Usual variation. Note palms are up and the elbows are supported by the floor for greater relaxation. If the elbows do not reach, the floor the space should be taken up with a folded blanket, foam block, etc. (not shown).

The forehead, in all variations, is always higher than the chin.

Effects and benefits: The same as Supta Virasana, plus further opening in the lower abdomen and pelvis. The legs, being bound, limits blood flow to the lower limbs, thus making more available for the vital organs. In addition to this pose being part of their regular practice, patients at Kabir Baug are encouraged to relax in this position if they have eaten a heavy meal. Hold for 5 - 10 minutes.

Viparita Dandasana - Inverted Staff (supported variations).
Equipment: bolster, pillow/foam blocks, 3-layered blanket.
Bolster is centered on pillow or foam block. Note the space between the end of the bolster and the blanket.

Beginning variations start with arch centered under the pelvis. Subsequent variations move the opening up the body. The heart is now starting to pump downhill (with gravity), making this posture a beginning inversion as well as an upper chest opener. The head is level in the beginning.

The top edge of the bolster is at the bottom of the shoulder blades, and the shoulders are on the floor. If they do not reach the floor, either fill the space with blanket or use a lower/softer bolster. Notice how the neck is supported with an extra fold of the blanket. This arrangement is very conducive to relaxation. Hold for 5 - 10 minutes.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana Bridge/Shoulderstand
Equipment: Bolster(s), strap, blanket.
The tops of the shoulders are on the floor as in shoulderstand, and the back is supported from the shoulder blades down to at least the hips. The knees can be bent to keep the lumbar long. This posture is less intense than the previous stretch as it is near the end of the sequence.

This is a very enjoyable variation. Whenever possible, give the blanket which is under the neck an extra fold or two for support.
Hold for 5 - 10 minutes.

Savasana Complete Relaxation
Equipment: Two blankets
One blanket is folded to form a support for the spine. It is about 5 inches wide and perhaps 3 feet long. The second blanket is accordion folded to form a pillow and is placed on top of the spine support blanket.

Hold for 10 - 20 minutes.