While the benefits of Yoga, for maintaining physical fitness and optimal health are fairly well known, the practice may have more subtle effects, as well. Not only does Yoga tone muscles and improve circulation, but it also helps to reduce stress and improve moods. According to some experts, one of the key elements to aging gracefully, and maintaining beauty, is eliminating negative emotions, which calms the mind and body.
Some experts claim that lowering stress through relaxation can cause as many as 250 different genes to change the way they express themselves – creating positive improvements in the immune system and reducing inflammation, which is caused by high cortisol levels.
The presence of excess amounts of cortisol, contributes to the loss of elasticity in the skin, decrease in bone density, reduction in muscle mass, and poorly functioning neurons in the brain. On the other hand, positive feelings – like love, happiness, compassion, and gratitude – relax muscles, enhance blood flow, and increase prana, or vital energy, within the body. Yoga brings awareness, and awareness in itself creates change. » Read more: Yoga For Beauty