Yoga to Turn Back the Clock
As time passes natural signs of aging are only to be expected. Many people will look for ways to slow down these signs or even seek ways to turn back the clock. This can be expensive, however, practicing yoga can help combat the signs of aging for a fraction of the cost.
Practicing yoga regularly is an affordable and realistic solution to help minimise and slow down some of the many signs of aging.
Asanas combat some of the physical effects of aging both internally and externally they improve muscle tone, strength, flexibility, posture and circulation. They also encourage the internal organs and systems to function efficiently raising levels of health and vitality.
Over time the lungs can lose elasticity which means that their capacity reduces and the blood contains lower levels of oxygen. As oxygen is the bodies main source of fuel, high oxygen levels enhance how the body functions. Regular pranayamas will maintain strong, healthy and flexible lungs, whilst increasing oxygen levels, improving circulation and raise levels of prana (vital life force).
Meditation and relaxation practices will help remove physical and emotional stress and tension. They will help clear and focus the mind and encourage emotional balance. In turn this could help relax some muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines caused through stress and worry.
Muscle Tone
As muscle tone diminishes yoga can help keep the body toned and strong. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog), Dolphin and Plank will keep the muscles in the upper arms and chest toned. Navasana (the boat) will work wonders for the core muscles and standing balances will tone the legs and not to mention improve physical balance helping to prevent trips and stumbles.
Agility and Mobility
The loss of flexibility that occurs with age can be the cause of many problems such as reduced mobility, stiffness, poor posture, joint pain and other minor aches and pains. If these symptoms are left ignored they can greatly reduce levels of health and vitality and be the root cause of other major conditions. A Yin or Restorative Yoga class will help maintain agility and mobility.
Posture and Alignment
Yoga is also a great way of improving and maintaining correct alignment. As the body ages changes naturally occur to both alignment and posture. The shoulders often roll forward, the hips and lower back become tight so the body might stoop. Yoga postures such as Matsyasana (the fish) and Ustrasana (the camel) will help to release and open the chest and shoulders.
Yoga provides awareness so that it is possible to make corrections to the way we move, stand or sit. Focussing on correct alignment and weight distribution in postures such as Tadasana (the mountain) and Badha Konasana (bound angle pose) and moany other postures, will help eliminate any bad habits that have developed.
Face and Neck
Learning to relax this area whilst performing basic yoga asanas will help to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles and relax a tense brow.
Eyes
To help keep the eyes healthy, relaxed and refreshed make sure you practise few simple eye yoga exercises during your asana practice.
Digestion
Overtime the digestive system can become sluggish, this can be caused by poor posture, diet, stress and the constant functioning of these organs. Muscular contractions help to move waste through the intestines performing postures that twist, stretch and fold the torso will help to eliminate toxins and keep the digestive system functioning efficiently.
Don't forget that a good night’s sleep is vital for maintaining that youthful feeling, it relaxes body and mind and provides the time and space for deep rejuvenation.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
