Yoga is a traditional physical and mental discipline which originated in India. In Sanskrit, yoga literally means to control, to contemplate and to unite. Yoga is an ancient practice which strives to create a sense of union and balance between the body, mind and spirit.Article by Grow Taller
Though ancient, the practice of yoga is still very much relevant in today's society. At least 11 million Americans are enjoying the health benefits of yoga. As a mental discipline, yoga promotes relaxation and better concentration through breathing exercises. Spiritually, yoga promotes the interdependence of the body, mind and spirit.
Yoga is also a physical discipline. The postures in yoga, called asanas, are extremely effective in increasing flexibility and suppleness of joints, ligaments and tendons, toning muscles and detoxifying in the body. Physically, yoga helps create a toned and flexible body which improves physical performance.
As discussed in previous articles, the body needs to develop and strengthen the spine and the muscles to grow taller. Yoga, having been proven to be able to do these, is a great way to grow taller while becoming mentally and spiritually balanced.
Ideally, people can make the most out of increasing their height with yoga during their puberty – the age of awkwardness, hormones and growth. The stretching postures of yoga actually stimulate the release of the Growth Hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. However, people past their growth years can still benefit from yoga. Even if you are no longer growing, certain yoga postures can help elongate the body and accelerate metabolism to have better height.
The breathing exercises in yoga also helps relieve the tension and stress of the back muscles. Aside from relieving tension, yoga also stretches the back to its full range of motion, mimicking a variety of stretching exercises which decompress and strengthen the spine. A strong spine will also help maintain good posture, another key to growing taller. The benefits of good and pro per posture will be further discussed in later articles.
Yoga emphasizes flexibility, and while many may not be too keen to start yoga as an exercise, GrowTaller4Idiots shows that you don't have to be an experienced yogini to do the yoga postures that will help you grow taller.
1. Sukhasana
Sukhasana is the most basic of yoga postures from which all other forms are based. The Sukhasana helps to open up the hips, relieve mental and physical tension, and most important of all, lengthen the spine. It also helps control breathing and tones the lower back.
The Sukhasana is quite similar to sitting cross-legged on the floor. However, instead of slouching, keep your spine straight and aligned by pushing your buttocks on the floor, your knees steady and aligned to the floor and your arms resting on your knees. Separate your knees and maintain a comfortable space between the feet and the pelvis.
While in this position, take several deep breaths. As you inhale, raise your arms over your head. Slowly bring your arms down as you exhale. Try to keep your hips, legs and torso still as you do this. Repeat for at least 5 times.
If you have a hard time doing the Sukhasana, start by sitting on a cushion to elevate the hips. This will make the pose more comfortable.
2. Trikonasana
The trikonasana, also known as the triangle pose, is a great way to stretch the muscles of the entire body. It is also stimulates blood circulation to the spine, aiding in increasing its flexibility while targeting the spine and abdominal muscles. With a properly developed back and abdomen, the body gains additional inches in height.
Begin by standing with your feet apart and parallel to each other. Raise your arms at shoulder level, with the palms facing downward. Slowly turn your face to the right, simultaneously turning your right foot 90 degrees outward while inhaling.
Slowly exhale and bend sideways. Reach for your right ankle with your right hand while extending the left arm upwar ds. Try to maintain the position for 15 seconds before coming back up to the starting position. Repeat the process, this time mirroring the position on your left side.
3. Ardha Matsyendrasana – Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
This pose is also known as the seated spinal twist. Seated twists have a variety of benefits, including the lengthening of the spine, increasing spinal rotation and developing back muscles. It also helps to open up your shoulder and hips which help you stand taller.
Assume the Sukhasana pose to begin. However, instead of having your knees aligned to the floor, position the right foot outside the left thigh. Bend the left knee and position it near the right buttock.
Rest your left arm on your right knee and bring your left hand up near the left ear. Place your right palm on the floor behind you.
Slightly twist your body by looking over your right shoulder. Do not overturn your neck – the twist must come from the torso and not the neck. Take a deep breath while stretching the spine and exhale when twisting. Make sure the right foot remains flat on the floor as you do this pose.
Hold the twist for at least 15 seconds before switching to the other side.
If you find it hard to perform the Ardha Matsyendrasana, try sitting on some padding to ease the stretch. Also, you can keep your left leg extended to make the position more comfortable.
You can get started with these three yoga postures at any time. The idea of using yoga to increase height is to explore the body's limits and not to overexert one's self. Once you feel stronger and more flexible, you can always try out more height increasing postures in GrowTaller4Idiots.
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