As we begin to get older, issues related to health and longevity take on greater significance. For some, this is one of the things that lead them to the practice of yoga. The desire not only to live longer, but to live healthier and have a greater span of quality life is a driving force in looking to ancient and natural health and healing practices.
The issue of longevity relates to yoga because the practice improves the function of the body and systems of the body. The respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems benefit from yoga and the practice is effective for removing toxins from the body.
Yoga can be adapted for many health conditions, fitness and age levels. The increase in strength and flexibility after beginning a yoga practice is noticeable. People often find the stiffness and aches that can seem like normal parts of the ageing process are improved soon after beginning the practice. You will find you are able to move more easily and don’t feel as stiff.
In yoga, there is a focus on detoxifying the body. A complete yoga practice is designed to stretch, twist and compress all areas of the body, internal organs and spine to help squeeze impurities from the body, flush toxins and improve general health. It is important to rid not only the body of toxins, but the mind as well and to develop awareness.
Increasing awareness, relaxation and stress reduction are benefits of yoga that can enhance longevity. Stress is often dismissed as a normal part of life or used as a cliché, but stress is a killer. Reducing stress through yoga practice has many benefits for the physical and mental health and increases the quality of life.
To seek only longevity by the lengthening of the life span is to miss a large part of the picture in yoga. Quality of life in both the physical and spiritual aspects of life is an essential part of the practice. When the body, mind and spirit are in balance, the quality of life is improved.