“Yoga is the fountain of youth. You’re only as young as your spine is flexible.” – Bob Harper.
The human body is like a holy temple where the soul resides. And what’s it worth if the abode of the soul is not healthy, fit and flexible? Unhappiness, laziness, complexity, negative thoughts and diseases slowly start to manifest and destroy what was once pure, fresh and inspiring.
Yoga, the ancient science of life which emanated from the laps of the Himalayas has long been a ‘buzzword’ when it comes to maintaining a sound body and mind. The holistic practice of yoga that promotes a natural way of living is in fact, a way of life rather than some mere discipline. Those who have the willingness and dedication to accept this harmonious way of living are sure to get blessed with a healthy body, calm mind and pure soul.
The best thing – yoga can be practiced by all irrespective of age, religion, caste, color and race. Yoga unifies all and teaches a person to live healthily, happily and spread love to others.
Let’s now have a look at 5 yoga poses that will not only usher in a life of health and happiness but, also keep you youthful and energetic well past your advanced years.
Plough Pose (Halasana)
- With arms by the side of the body, lie on your back and the palms should face upward.
- Take a deep breath, lift your legs in such a manner that they are at right angles to your body.
- Now support the hips with your hands and take them off the floor.
- Take your feet behind your head and place them gently above.
- Your back should be perpendicular.
- Hold the position for one minute and slowly release by exhaling.
Halasana is one of the best yoga poses for anxiety and offers a myriad of benefits including better metabolism, weight loss, improved digestion, reduced stress, improved flexibility and more.
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana 2)
- Stand in a straight position with a few feet of distance between your feet.
- Turn the left foot inwards and the right foot outwards by 90 degrees.
- Raise the arms in such a way that they are at line with your shoulders. Palms should face upwards.
- Inhale and while exhaling bend the right knee.
- Look towards the right by gently turning the head.
- Push the pelvis down gently and stretch your arms.
- Keep breathing and maintain the pose for at least a minute.
- Take a breath while coming out of the pose and let the air out while dropping your arms.
- Repeat the same with your left leg.
Apart from stretching and strengthening the ankles and legs, the Warrior II pose helps to stretch the groins, shoulders, lungs and chest. It increases stamina and helps with infertility, osteoporosis, flat feet, sciatica and more.
Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
- Lie on the back with the arms at the side and the legs straight.
- In one movement, raise your legs, back and buttocks in such a manner that your lower body is supported by the elbows and the shoulders bear the weight of the body.
- Keep the elbows close to one another and maintain a straight spine and legs.
- Take deep breaths and stay in the position for at least one minute.
- Lower the knees and gently release from the pose.
The Shoulder Stand is a popular pose that aids in calming the brain, relieving stress, stretching the shoulders and neck, toning the legs and buttocks, stimulating the prostate glands and more.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
- Stand straight with the arms placed by the side.
- Keeping the left leg straight, place your right foot on the inside of the left thigh.
- Take a deep breath, raise your arms above your head and join them in ‘Namaste’ position.
- Your gaze should be straight and the spine erect.
- Keep breathing and stay in the position for a minute.
- Gently release and repeat on the other leg.
Tree Pose or Vrksasana improves poise, balance and posture. The asana also helps with neuro-muscular coordination, loosing of the hip joints, enhances concentration as well as strengthens the eyes, shoulders and the inner ears.
Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
- With feet placed a few feet apart, stand straight on your mat.
- Rake your arms forward with the palms facing down. The arms should be straight.
- Bend your knees gently. Imagine that you are sitting in a chair.
- Take a comfortable position, keep the spine lengthened and smile.
- Maintain the pose for a minute and relax gently.
The asana is good for stretching the chest, spine and hips. Apart from toning the legs, Vrksasana helps with back pain and also stimulates the heart and diaphragm.
Indulge in yoga practice on a regular basis and witness the profound change in your health, mind and way of living. Stay happy, stay blessed!!!
Namaste!!!
