Do you know practicing Yoga increases your longevity by delaying the ageing process?
Yoga and Pranayam combined with regular meditation helps in having a balanced lifestyle free from stress which helps in increasing longevity. Yoga is the best way to maintain a healthy mind and body. Yoga is a way of life which can be adopted irrespective of age, race or gender.
Research has shown that regular practice of Yoga has a tangible effect on the ageing process. Ageing has physiological effects such as reduction in elasticity, stability, speed, strength and endurance. All these can be countered by a consistent practice of Asanas along with Yogic breathing (Pranayam) and Meditation. These have a calming effect on the mind and rejuvenates the body cells by improving blood circulation and increased lung capacity. Yoga also helps in balancing hormones and boosting immunity.
Practicing Yoga also helps in maintaining muscle mass and bone density, which contribute to longevity. Lunge poses such as Warrior Pose and side angle pose help in building muscle strength in the legs, while balancing poses such as the tree pose (Vrksasana) and crow pose (bakasana), help one in balancing body weight and protecting against falls.
IMG – https://www.jackcuneo.com/blog/2014/8/14/vrksasana-tree-pose
Yoga is also good for Arthritis patients since it helps in reducing joint pain and improving flexibility. It also reduced inflammation. Practicing Yoga is very good for spinal health as it helps in building strength and flexibility and well as better postural habits. It also helps in maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
“Yoga is the fountain of youth. You’re only as young as your spine is flexible.” – Bob Harper.
This article is part of a series on the Health Benefits of Yoga.