Old age is that stage of life when you have more time for family, leisure, recreation and relaxation. It is also the stage when you have more time to yourself which can be utilised to combat common ailments that one is susceptible to as one ages. Some ailments linked to old age include:
• Aches and pains/Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Digestive disorders
• Diabetes
• Insomnia
• Heart ailments
This list can go on endlessly for people who don’t realise the importance of being fit and healthy. Since the degeneration of the body sets some limits to the type of exercises one can do in his or her old age, milder forms of exercise such as brisk-walking and yoga can be easily practised.
Yoga ensures long-lasting effects when practised regularly. It is a form of exercise that adapts to your needs and abilities. Since it works on your whole body, it makes you fitter, calmer and more relaxed. Yoga also helps to control or prevent emotional problems linked with old age.
Yoga postures and breathing techniques are designed to normalise your blood pressure, balance the nervous system, improve circulation and digestion, minimise aches and pains, and are essential in the prevention of heart ailments.
The breathing techniques refresh you and cleanse the air passages which can help prevent respiratory ailments. Practising yoga regularly also ensures a stronger immune system.
Titaliasan (The Butterfly Pose)
Procedure:
1. Sit straight with your legs spread wide in front of you.
2. Bend your knees, place your feet together and hold your feet with your hands.
3. Pull them close to your body so that you feel the stretch.
4. Move your knees up and down as high and low as possible.
Note: Beginners can use cushions to support the knees.
Benefits:
1. The butterfly pose is good for the spine, lower back and hip joints because it helps relieve pain associated with sciatica.
2. It strengthens the muscles of your hips and legs and makes your hamstrings more flexible.
3. This pose helps to open up the hips and genital areas and is very good for pregnant women with frequent sciatic pain. Regular practice of this posture can help in easing the pain associated with natural childbirth.
4. This posture is also beneficial to the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland, and ovaries.
Caution:
If you have suffered spinal injury or are experiencing pain and discomfort in knees and hips while performing the posture, please consult your doctor and yoga teacher to know if it is safe for you to practise this pose.
