As you get older, you may begin to wish there is a magical fountain of youth to keep beat back some of the effects of growing older. Some people turn to operations, supplements and extreme diets, but many people believe that yoga is the true fountain of youth. Does this ancient practice hold the secret to long life for you?
An Ancient Art
Originating in India, Yoga is at least 5,000 years old. According to ancient manuscripts, yoga appears to have begun as part of a religious routine. Over hundreds of years, yoga developed into more than just chanting. When yoga became a physical exercise isn’t clear, but by the late 1800’s it began to turn into a way to reach enlightenment while cleansing the body and the mind. By the late 1900’s, masters of this ancient art were traveling around the world teaching yoga as a way to be more physically and mentally fit.
The Physical Benefits Of Yoga
You’ve seen the yoga instructors in movies or on the television and after watching them contort themselves into pretzels, you’ve convinced yourself that you can never do yoga. You may say to yourself, “I’m not in good enough shape, I’m too old, I’m not young, and there’s no way I could bend my leg like that,” but the truth is that you don’t have to be able to put your legs behind your head in order to practice yoga. Even practicing gentle yoga three times a week can give you many of the wonderful benefits yoga can offer anyone of any age or physical condition.
It is a well researched fact that yoga affects the body in many ways. It goes well beyond flexibility, although that is a great benefit. If you practice yoga a few times a week, you will begin to see stronger legs, arms and shoulders. You may lose weight, breathe easier and deeper and have more energy. Your heart will be stronger, the blood in your body should flow better and you will likely notice things like edema going away. A healthy body is like discovering the fountain of youth and yoga is one of many ways to be healthier.
Yoga Helps Keep The Mind Relaxed
An alert mind is just as important as a strong body to keep you young and strong. Stress can kill and yoga can help you alleviate some of the tension and pressure that has built up in your body. Yoga instructs you to focus on your breathing and let your problems fade away. Releasing the negativity within and around yourself lets your mind be calm and more focused.
A serene mind decreases chances of a heart attack, a stroke, an aneurysm, or a number of other conditions that are related to age and stress. Don’t sit at home with a tense body, angry at something that happened 50 years ago, accept the peace and forgiveness that yoga can offer.
Whether or not yoga is for you, is all dependent on how you want to live your golden years. If you feel that a calm mind and a strong body are the epitome of health and youthfulness, then it is possible that you will find that yoga is your fountain of youth.