The Easy Yoga Pose That Can Improve Your Circulation

Yoga is known for its many health benefits, making it a sensible addition to your daily routine. While you might typically associate yoga with flexibility or balance, it can also be useful for improving your circulation over time.

The circulatory system pumps 1.5 gallons of blood throughout the body daily, with blood vessels adding up to 60,000 miles (via Cleveland Clinic). The heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries work together to continuously pump blood through the body, providing oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to muscles, tissues, and organs. The circulatory system also works to remove waste from the cells and organs.

If you have poor circulation, you might experience symptoms that range from mild to severe (via MedicalNewsToday). Symptoms of poor circulation can include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, cold hands and feet, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, fatigue, joint and muscle cramping, and changes in your skin color.

Halasana, otherwise known as plow pose, is a yoga pose that's known for improving circulation, according to Healthline. It's an inversion, which means your heart is positioned higher than your head. Inverted poses improve blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, and boost circulation. Halasana can also stretch the spine and relieve tightness in the back. It's thought that being in an upside-down pose can also inspire new ways of thinking and bring new perspectives, so if you've been feeling stuck, it might be worth a try.

To get into plow pose, lie on your back with your palms pressing into the floor. Inhale as you lift your legs, then exhale as you hinge at the pelvis and lift your bottom off the floor, moving your feet over your head. Slowly lower your legs behind your head, placing your hands on the lower back for support. As you lower your feet behind you, walk your hands up your spine to elevate it further. It's okay if your toes don't reach the floor — go as far as you're comfortable. Hold the pose for two minutes, then lower your legs back down as you exhale. Halasana isn't recommended if you're menstruating or pregnant. Listen to your body and always make sure you practice safely.