Undoubtedly, the most cherished ornament of the Indian pot of treasures is Yoga. The eternal shine of this ornament can be seen from every part of the world. Even the West is now fascinated by the art and science of healthy living powered by Yoga.
The first image that pops into our mind when we read the word is that of postures. Here, we must note that Yoga as a spiritual discipline consists of both postures and meditation among other rigid practices that have been laid down by thinkers of ancient India.
Luckily, you wouldn’t have to embark on a snowy mountain and become a Yogi to tap into one of the wonders of practicing Yoga: reversing ageing.
We often wish how we would like to retain our glass skin and radiant faces even when are at the age of counting the beads of rosary. Not only does it affect our appearance, but ageing also impacts our physical health. Among other benefits, research into the Yogic practices points to how this cherished dream can come true.
A study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity indicated that 12 weeks of a basic yoga program slowed cellular aging. The program consisted of 90 minutes of yoga that included physical postures, breathing, and meditation for five days a week over 12 weeks. Research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information analyzed data to conclude that practicing yoga does have a positive impact on mobility, balance, mental health, cognitive decline, and reversing ageing. Yoga can de-accelerate and reverse the harmful effects of aging and stress on the body and mind.
SKINCARE FOR ANTI-AGEING
The most evident and early sign of ageing is wrinkling as the skin loses its elasticity. Here are some tips for you to regain the radiance:
- Sirsasana or Yoga Headstand
Better known as the King of Yogic postures, aids and regulates blood circulation leading up to a glowing face free of wrinkles.
- Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand Pose
Sarvangasana is a great alternative to the headstand. It helps in removing waste products from the blood, preventing skin diseases, wrinkles, pimples, and early ageing signs.
- Kapalbhati Pranayama or Skull shining breathing technique
Dr. Sejal Shah, a Sri Sri Yoga teacher is of the opinion that practicing pranayama releases 80% of the body’s toxins. Kapalbhati Pranayama eliminates the strain from our eyes and prevents dark circles. It improves the flow of the Prana or the vital energy in the body leading to a radiant face.
YOGIC POSTURES FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH
- Simhasana or Lion Pose
This yogic posture is a tool for enhancing the functioning of your thyroid gland. This gland of our body is responsible for regulating our metabolism, heart rate, among other important bodily functions.
- Ardha Matsyendrāsana or Half Spinal Twist Pose
This yogic posture regulates the digestive juices and helps relieve constipation. Additionally, it will also make your spine flexible and relieve shoulder and back pain.
- Halasana or Plough Pose
This asana is the full package for a flexible body. It prevents tension in the neck, shoulder, back, arms, and legs and enhances muscle and joint mobility. It also helps control blood pressure which shoots up high during ageing.
- Utkatasana Yoga exercises
Dand and Baithak are two different categories of exercises that aid stamina and make muscles stronger. They also keep the body weight under control and tones arms and legs to maintain a shapely appearance.
- Surya Namaskara
This yogic practice does not need an introduction. Among the many benefits that people are already aware of, practicing Surya Namaskara helps patients with diabetes and improves the overall health of the body. Venture into the new decade of healthy living!
- Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Dog Pose
This asana is well-known to prevent osteoporosis which causes bones to become weak and brittle. It also helps in relieving headaches and insomnia and controlling high blood pressure.
KILL THE STRESS!
Chronic stress does not only affect the nervous system and the digestive system, it also speeds up ageing. It is rightly said that a worrying head wakes up with a grey strand of hair the next day.
We understand that the work culture of the modern age hardly permits us to relax. Further, with everything shifting to the online world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not only have work schedules become tighter, there are fewer options for recreation.
However, there is a light at the end of this tunnel as well! Yoga and Wellness retreats offer you to relax and learn more about yourself by flying you off to places that are close to nature.
If imagining lush green trees, a salty ocean, and a nice warm sunset is your go-to comfort place, these retreats are for you! Yog Amore offers wellness getaways to the most perfect places where you can engage in activities aimed at holistic wellness.
DAILY MEDITATION
We would agree with you if you are of the opinion that meditation and sitting completely still with your thoughts is hard. However, even beginning with 10 minutes of meditation every day can actually benefit you in numerous ways. One of them is definitely reversing ageing.
Daily practice is known to revitalize skin and release toxins. It also helps us address our bottled-up emotions which are a cause of anxiety and stress. The mental peace and clarity associated with meditation are blissful. Finally, it boosts enthusiasm which, undoubtedly, is a mark of a youthful body and mind.
True yogic meditations are ones that are guided. You can easily find these on the internet.
Meditations also help us focus on our patterns of breath. Breathwork techniques facilitate emotional and mental well-being. If you have a strong intention of reversing your age with yoga, Shamanic BreathWorks can help you achieve this goal. Also offered at Yog Amore, Shamanic BreathWorks can truly heal you and help in unlocking your true potential. Book a private session today to try them out!
SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES: LIVE SIMPLY AND AUTHENTICALLY
Undeniably, food habits play a major role in the physical and mental health of individuals. You must have also heard the popular saying, “You are what you eat.” Therefore, it is only wise that for a youthful life you take good care of the food you consume. Contrary to what most people believe, simple living, healthy food, and eating adequate portions are neither boring nor complex. To achieve your aim of reversing your age, the first step is to let go of all the fad diets that have clouded your mind. These fad diets that juggle between eating and starving in the name of anti-ageing foods do more harm than good.
Ayurvedic cooking that has originated from ancient India is medicinal in nature. It is rich in nutrients and vitamins that stimulate the energy flow in the body. This type of cooking has three aims: healing, health care, and prevention. In addition to being healthy, Ayurvedic food boosts immunity, speeds up digestion, and aids a youthful life. You can now safely remove those anti-ageing tablets from your shopping cart!
While Ayurveda categorizes food into sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic, the simplest way to attain harmony is to balance sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent.
Yog Amore also believes in the ideology of living simply and authentically. This does not mean disassociating from the real world but simply adopting practices that let you focus on true wellness.
Some cooking tips to remember are:
- Using cultured ghee as a substitute for cooking oils.
- Refraining from combining fruits with grains or dairy as they are digested at a different pace in the body.
- Including anti-inflammatory spices to your dishes like cardamom, ginger, and turmeric.
- Becoming friends with khichari as it is a healthy and convenient whole meal.
- Maintaining a positive state of mind while cooking.
EXPLORE THE FACETS OF YOGA
Most of us who have not explored the school of Yoga are riddled with avidya or ignorance. Yoga as a school of thought lays down a number of practices that can help an individual realize their true self and in the process, live a youthful and rich life.
Luckily, we won’t ask you to read lengthy books for knowledge. At Yog Amore, different styles of Yoga are combined to offer individuals unique combinations of benefits.
It is only wise to try out these yogic practices and embark on a journey of self-exploration.
BE CONSISTENT- YOU CAN DO IT!
The key to reversing ageing with these tips is consistency. Yoga is not a one-day endeavor, it requires dedication and practice. However, it is safe to say that is not a big challenge to master! Believe in yourself and you can embark on a journey of healthy and youthful living.
That being said, it is also important to note that ageing is a natural part of the human cycle. You must learn to embrace the strands of grey hair for a peaceful life and all other experiences that you may find in this next chapter of your life.
Above all, yogic practices are treasures that are worth finding at every stage of life!