02.10.08
Yoga Turns Back the Clock
– By Glenda Twining
There is a fountain of youth - it’s not in a forest or hidden on some magic mountain - it’s a fountain that exists within you. I have seen the magic of yoga work, and not merely through the amazing results experienced through my students. I have also experienced these results firsthand. I am 52 years young. I am my own best testimonial. I have not suffered any of the, what is termed as “disabling process of aging”. On the contrary I have never felt better or more energized. Yoga is a beautiful experience with health-giving effects that will find their way into every aspect of your life.
Here are some of the ways yoga can help stop the aging clock:
Degenerative Spine
In Yoga there is an adage you are “young or old as your spine” Keeping your spine healthy is the most effective way to counteract the aging process. If we continually stretch and lengthen the spine for suppleness and flexibility, creating space between the vertebrae, the disks can return to more youthful and healthy condition. The creation of space between the vertebrae is vital for the health of the spine. Yoga prevents and corrects rounding of the spine and helps you regain spinal strength and flexibility.
Bone Loss
Bones are strengthened primarily through weight-bearing exercise. Yoga is a superior form of weight- bearing exercise because it uses your body weight as resistance. Bones go through a constant state of loss and growth so to prevent bone loss and build a strong skeletal system, consistent practice of yoga is key, coupled with a correct diet that builds bones.
Inflexibility
Running, cycling, golfing, and weight training without sufficient and proper stretching can be very aging. Muscles are shortened and tightened and range of motion is restricted Over time this is an invitation to injury. Yoga takes you through the full range of motion of each part of your body, stretching and lengthening your muscles and moving every joint, resulting in flexibility.
Excessive Weight
Being overweight makes people look old before their time. The glands that help regulate weight are the thyroid gland that regulates metabolic rate, pancreas that controls sugar and energy levels, and pineal and pituitary glands that control appetite and moods. Properly stimulated through a yoga program, the results will be quite profound, especially with weight control.
