YOGA

Below is my article on YOGA which was very much appreciated by a British client:

   IS IT TRUE THAT YOGA KEEPS US YOUNG, VIGOROUS

BUBBLING WITH ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM,  ALL THE TIME.

Yes, is the emphatic answer.  Scientists are conducting exhaustive research to ascertain why the Sea Turtles live for 5 or 6 centuries and how their cellular mechanism enables them to stay alive that long.

But ancient Seers of the past have developed the system of YOGA , which does not involve  huge outlay in financing of such costly research projects. Yoga literally means getting united- union with the force that creates universe, maintains and sustains the same and ultimately destroys it.

In common parlance, yoga refers to a set of physical exercises, which, if we perform with concentration of mind, will energize the body, virtually making the time turn back, as it were. Whereas the ordinary

physical exercises draw the life force out, Yoga draws it in. Yoga accomplishes the apparently impossible task of preventing the aging

phenomenon by union of body and mind.

We all know that the spinal cord acts as the medium through which the brain’s commands are distributed to all nooks and corners of the body. Even when we sleep, the brain takes rest but the spinal cord acts as substitute of brain and its reflex action saves us from many dangers.

Yoga, by various exercises and postures keeps the spine supple. The

spinal cord which is protected by vertebrae is safe because the vertebral bones are kept elastic, which otherwise become brittle, due to age and age related diseases.  This is a very important anti-aging characteristic of Yoga.

By its subtle postures Yoga activates the endocrine glands which are responsible for very important life saving functions in the body- like for example, pancreas, secreting insulin, to burn sugar for releasing the energy required for the body, The other main glands are thyroid, pituitary, adrenal and sex glands, each carrying out very important functions. This important gland activation is due to the anti- aging properties of yoga.

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The nervous system, with brain and millions of neurons,  and the spinal cord, duly protected by the musculo-skeleton system, is the very basis of wellness of human beings and the system of Yoga keeps the bones supple and the nerves and the brain sharp, contributing to the stalling of the aging procedure. We are yet to see a Yogi,[a person practicing Yoga] with Alzimmers disease or Parkinson’s disease.

The axiom is prevention is better than cure. Many diseases are blocked by the yogic exercises. Yoga postures have been formulated to massage the internal organs of the body like stomach and colons. This massage stimulates them to perform their functions better and helps to prevent the onset of many diseases. When the diseases are prevented, automatically life span is enhanced. Not only the duration of life span but also its quality is improved. There is no use of having a long life in a vegetative state before dying.

The effect of Yogic techniques on our respiratory system can be gauged by the fact that breath control procedures contribute to a greater intake of oxygen in the lungs. This enhances the oxygen carried to all the cells of the body, thereby making them pure and the impurities are expelled adequately. Besides, all lung diseases like allergies, asthma, and bronchitis are also prevented.

We find that hypertension is a major cause for concern even in an advanced country like USA, where approximately 50 percent are affected. There are enough evidences available which point out that regular yoga practices of breath control and relaxation techniques have brought about lower blood pressure levels in people suffering from hypertension.

Gentle, rhythmic and deliberately slow movements of yogic techniques and associated deep breathing actually make the ligaments, tendons and joints supple and also correct the structural imbalances in the body. This aspect of yoga makes it possible to effectively fight debilitating diseases like Arthritis, back pain and other musculo- skeletal problems.

Appearance benefits are also ascribed to yogic practices. A wrinkle free face, gleaming hair, cheerful disposition, equanimity under even most trying circumstances are the attributes of yoga practitioners. Possessed with a supple body, graceful looks, and correct postures in any point of age, they spread cheer and joy to those who come into contact with them.

Thus we can confidently say that YOGA puts the clock back!