Step Onto A Yoga Mat For Longevity
Yoga is an excellent anti-ageing tool that can be the most mentally, physically and spiritually rewarding to a dedicated practitioner.
A regular practice can help defy age and positively shape our years ahead.
How does yoga promote longevity?
Yoga increases GH and DHEAS
As we grow old, two critical biochemical markers of healthy ageing: Growth hormone (GH) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) decrease significantly in our body. These markers are related to cell generation and health.
A group of scientists from India did a study to test whether regular yoga practice can increase levels of GH and DHEAS. The standards were measured in the blood serum of the participants at the beginning of the program, after 6-weeks, and finally at program completion (12-weeks).
The results were very encouraging. The results revealed that both men and women had significant increases in their blood serum GH and DHEAS values from baseline to the end of the 12-week yoga program. The yoga practice also helped to reduce their body mass index (BMI).
Yogic breathing restores heart health
In a highly stressed life, our breath has inadvertently become short and shallow, which can wear away our heart, lungs and other organs. Improper breathing affects longevity, as heart disease is a killer in both men and women. Regular yoga practice is great for our heart health. It trains us to breathe slowly and more deeply. More deep breathing is the trick to get more oxygen into our body effortlessly, which also helps the heart by reducing heart rate, blood pressure and other stress symptoms.
Yoga for flexibility and strength
One of the effects of ageing on our bodies makes all our muscles, joints, and connective tissues stiff and tight. It also compromises our bone health.
However, disciplined yoga practice with its full range of postures helps water and other nutrients to flow freely into spaces in joints, spinal discs and cartilage to positively impact flexibility. The yoga poses also load the bones and joints, making the tissues of our joints healthy and stable enhancing our joint health.
Yoga as a therapy for "Letting go."
Ageing may bring to our conscious awareness: thoughts, emotions and feelings that we may have kept repressed for years. For a joyful journey ahead, it is essential to let go of these old beliefs, emotions and disappointments, which only block energy flow in our body.
Yoga can be very therapeutic as the different asanas help release negative tension stored in the body as pain and tightness by offering deep muscular and emotional release.
Yoga for deep self – connection
In a youth-obsessed society, it can be challenging to maintain a positive attitude about ageing, as everything in the outside world only glorifies youth.
However, yoga encourages us to turn our focus within. With every posture and every breath, we can forge a deep connection with our selves. A dedicated practice can help us gain more insight into our authentic nature and feelings. From this space of deep self-awareness and self- love emerges an ageless spirit that is forever empowered and positive.
So, like yogis, let us step onto our yoga mats and defy age. Whether it is heart health, bone health, good mood or more growth hormone, well-balanced yoga practice is bound to benefit us in many ways.
Today, on this 'World Yoga Day' let us vow to dedicate an hour to yoga every day. Let us become "Yogilicious"!
Love & Light - Lovina
