An Age-Old Practice Wikipedia labels a certain age-old practice as "exercise or alternative medicine.
" This mind body fitness practice can heal the body, still the mind, and in the process, relieve stress.
In addition, it has documented anti-aging benefits.
All of this is achieved through breathing, poses or postures, and simple meditation.
For the author, the first yoga classes, led by an experienced instructor, were ultimate peacefulness and calm.
Yoga As Alternative Medicine If you have not tried yoga, you most likely have no concept what state of mind the focused concentration on body movement can create.
It is what Eckhart Tolle describes in The Power Of Now as "no thinking" or "no thought.
" Through this focused movement, you clearly stay in the present moment and achieve true tranquility.
This peaceful state, coupled with breathing naturally through the belly, will dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
Aha! Yoga and breathing produce the exact effect as some pharmaceutical drugs designed to lower blood pressure.
Yoga As An Anti-Aging Therapy According to dermatologist Dr.
Cynthia Bailey's blog, the anti-aging benefits of yoga are truly amazing.
She writes - "From what I have experienced, yoga has uped the odds that I'll age as a fit, functional, vital woman.
I won't join the ranks of the frail elderly without a fight and yoga is one of the powerful puzzle pieces I've found to help me.
" Scientific studies have shown that practicing yoga regularly can produce the following benefits: * Improve balance.
* Straighten spinal kyphosis (excessive hunching over).
* Improve muscle strength and reverses the muscle loss that happens with age.
* Improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms ("oil" through controlled movement).
* Decrease anxiety and depression.
* Increase flexibility.