Can practicing yoga increase height?
by
Kajal
When we're feeling overwhelmed or like our body are in knots from stress, many of us turn to yoga. Though a good yoga session can make us feel longer and stronger, does it actually cause physical growth in height?
In order to improve your posture, try doing some yoga or stretching. Unfortunately, it won't make you taller if that wasn't already your goal. On the contrary, it can help you display your height more confidently by encouraging you to stand up straighter.
Julie Barmore, E-500 RYT, C-IAYT, the lead yoga therapist and yoga programme manager, explains that while yoga won't make your bones longer, it will help you become stronger and more mindful of your body.
Your skeletal height stops growing about age 20, regardless of how much yoga you do.
Your height is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle. If you manage to lengthen your spine and gain an inch or two in height, the difference will be minimal at best and may fluctuate throughout the day as your posture and activity levels alter.
The strength gained via yoga practise, however, can also aid in maintaining an upright stance. The simple act of straightening your back and improving your posture can make you look and feel taller.
A few extra inches could be added to your height if you just try sitting up straight. This lengthening is most likely to be felt in the upper body, though it will also affect the lower body.
The elongation of the spine, the strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and the improvement of the posture can all be accomplished with the help of specific yoga positions like:
· Seated Forward Bend
· Tree Pose
· Cat and Cow Pose
· Standing Forward Bend
· Cobra Pose
· Wheel Pose
· Plow Pose