FROM MAT TO MIND: HOWYOGA PROMOTES LONGEVITY ANDHUMAN HEALTH

INTRODUCTION :

• The origins of yoga can be found in books from 1000 BCE that define the postures (asanas), breathing techniques, meditation, and spiritual activities in different ways.
• While Hatha yoga forms the basis of most modern practice, research today confirms that yoga benefits the body, mind, and spirit—making it a key tool for healthy aging and longevity.

“From Mat to Mind” refers to the transformation of yoga from a purely physical practice to a tool for comprehensive well-being that supports the mind, spirit, and body.

HOW YOGA PROMOTES LONGEVITY AND HUMAN HEALTH

1.Yoga and  Stress Reduction

• Stress leads to autonomic nervous system imbalance, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, underactivity of the principal inhibitoryneurotransmitter system, the gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) system, and an increase in allostatic load.
• Therefore, yoga activates the parasympathetic system, balances neurotransmitters like GABA, and reduces stress hormones. This calms the mind, lowers sympathetic overactivity, and slows cellular aging raise brain and contribute to Cell longevity

2. Yoga and metabolic health

• The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is rising alarmingly worldwide.Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and obesity are among the comorbid conditions that make up MetS.
• Yoga lowers blood pressure, lipid profiles, and enhances endothelial function. Yoga-based lifestyle modifications have also been found to improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, which are important aspects of controlling type 2 diabetes.

3. Yoga And Neuroplasticity

• The brain’s capacity to create new neural connections is referred to asneuroplasticity. The brain can heal from wounds, pick up new abilities.
• Yoga positions improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This enhances overall brain function and promotes the growth of new neurons.
• Asanas reduce cortisol and other stress hormones, which over time can damage brain cells. Yoga strengthens memory, focus, and emotional resilience.

4. Yoga And Cognitive Functions

• yoga and pranayama promote the synthesis of BDNF, a protein that aids in the survival and development of new neurons and cognitive function.
• Yoga improved stress management and neurocognitive resource efficiency, which promote two-way brain-body communication, may be the cause of yoga’s cognitive advantages.
• According to studies using neuroimaging, yoga practitioners had thicker cortical layers, larger hippocampuses, and improved functional connectivity in the parts of the brain that control memory and emotion.
• The cognitive benefits of yoga may be due to improved neurocognitive resource efficiency and stress management, which are associated with higher fluid intelligence.

5.Yogaand Immunity

The immune system changes as people age, and a number of degenerative diseases associated with aging are now clearly connected to immune function dysregulation but yoga strengthens the body’s defense system.

• Yoga is a spiritual and physical exercise that may help people with physical or mental health issues have stronger immune systems or be used as a preventative measure for vulnerable populations.
• Many age-related illnesses are caused by chronic low-grade inflammation, or “inflammaging.” Maintaining a regular yoga practice improves immune surveillance and lowers systemic inflammatory indicators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
• Yoga promotes resilient aging and disease resistance by reducing inflammation and regulating immunity.

6.Yoga Overall Well Being

• Longevity has both biological and psychological components. Emotional stability, awareness, and life purpose are all cultivated by yoga and are associated with better mental health and a more fulfilling existence.
• Yoga cultivates self-awareness, gratitude, and emotional stability, acceptance, which improves general wellbeing and aging capacity.

Conclusion –

• Yoga is a holistic practice that benefits the body, mind, and soul. It can reduce stress and increase immunity and brainpower.
• Evidence shows that yoga improves immunological, metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive processes while lowering inflammation and stress
• Yoga is an evidence-based, promising practice to improve quality of life and prolong health because of its multifaceted impacts.

References –

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