It’s widely recognized that yoga is beneficial for heart health, primarily through its ability to enhance circulation and blood flow. Studies have demonstrated that regular yoga practice contributes to lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels, as well as reducing heart rate. These combined effects significantly contribute to reducing the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. The practice of yoga, with its blend of physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, offers a holistic approach to maintaining and improving cardiovascular health.

In this practice video, De West shares another benefit of Yoga for your heart. The heart open practice is noticing what is happening and then being very kind to it. You’ll use your body to help you be more in touch with what you feel.


About the Author

De West, Certified Yoga Therapist and a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher is a leader in the Boulder, Colorado yoga community with over 29 years of teaching therapeutic yoga. She has developed a movement practice that allows people of all ages and abilities to experience a positive, relaxed, and transforming experience in both body and mind. Observation, listening, and respect of one’s unique anatomy contribute to her passion for helping students create more peace and freedom. De is the founder of Be Center in Boulder, CO. You can reach De at www.Be.Center.


If it’s time for a fresh start, yoga and meditation provide an ideal practice combo to bring you back to beginner’s mind – a sense of relaxation, effortlessness, and unconditional cheerfulness. We will alternate between meditation practices and yoga sequences to work with our mind and body in ways that can naturally bring us back to fresh start in this September retreat.

Fresh Start: Joining the Movement of Yoga with the Stillness of Meditation - A September Retreat at Drala Mountain Center