Yoga is the Fountain of Youth

“Yoga is the fountain of youth.  You’re only as young as your spine is flexible.” –Bob Harper


Bob is on to something here.  In my last post 3 Common Misconceptions About Yoga, we discussed some reasons why people may not choose to practice yoga based on false notions.  As a follow up, it’s important to bring to light proven ways that yoga can be beneficial for your health at any age and at any level of practice: beginner, intermediate or advanced.
So, if you are wondering what yoga can do for you, here are 35 ways yoga facilitates better health, as both prevention and treatment, as supported by scientific evidence.

1. Relieves pain
2. Lowers need for medication
3. Promotes weight loss
4. Increases flexibility
5. Strengthens muscles
6. Releases unconscious muscular gripping
7. Improves balance
8. Improves posture
9. Improves immune function
10. Strengthens bones
11. Lowers blood sugar
12. Lowers blood pressure
13. Thins the blood
14. Improves lung function
15. Leads to slower and deeper breathing
16. Increases oxygenation of tissues
17. Improves joint health
18. Nourishes intervertebral disks in the spine
19. Improves return of venous blood, the veins that run from organs to the heart
20. Increases lymph circulation
21. Improves foot function
22. Improves proprioception (the ability to sense the position and location and orientation and movement of the body and its parts)
23. Conditions the cardiovascular system
24. Relaxes and improves the function of the nervous system
25. Improves brain function
26. Activates the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for positive emotions
27. Changes neurotransmitter levels
28. Lowers level of the stress hormone Cortisol
29. Improves levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (the good stuff)
30. Improves bowel function
31. Increases the control of bodily functions
32. Uses imagery to effect change in the body
33. Fosters healing relationships
34. Fosters spiritual growth
35. Encourages involvement in your own healing

As you can see, by practicing this ancient art we can increase the level of our body’s health and well-being.  Yoga truly is the proactive, mindful magic potion of the fountain of youth.

Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing  by Dr. Timothy McCall, M.D.

(*viaZenFriend)