How Yoga Can Improve Your Looks (And Your Sex Life)

Siobhan is not around this morning because she’s in New York shooting The Doctors, yes this Doctors! So, let’s all send her good thoughts and in the meantime read her awesome post on GOOD, with equally awesome art from Brianna. Is it me, or do these not look like Matisse for yoga postures? (Also, any yogis here?) Ok, here we go:

You’d need several pairs of hands to list all the benefits yoga can have on your health, but what can it do for your looks? Turns out, a whole lot. Those who have been reading this column for some time will know that we advocate lifestyle and diet changes as much as we do using nontoxic cosmetics; the three are inseparable when it comes to living a cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle. A natural shampoo is great, but it won’t do much for your stress level, which can wreak havoc on your skin if it’s not kept in check. Similarly, you could chow on the best organic produce available, but if you’re using a petrochemical-loaded moisturizer, we’re going to bet your skin won’t be as supple or silky as it could be.

When it comes to exercise, stress relief, and overall health, very little beats out yoga. Here’s why: Contrary to the belief that yoga is a lot of lying around and ohm-ing, it can be a rigorous full-body exercise regimen that strengthens the body (and the mind!) and brings with it all kinds of unintended side benefits—like glowing skin, slower aging, and, yup, better sex.


It makes you better at other sports Yoga is proven to help prevent injuries by increasing flexibility and focus—but it’s also proven to bebetter than some sports in its ability to reduce anxiety and bad moods. The fact that it complements so many other sports—from dance and hockey to soccer and basketball—makes it a great supplemental workout for athletes and gym rats alike. And for those of you who think yoga is for wimps, look no further than Shaq and Amani Toomer—yogis both.

It helps you sleep better And sleeping better makes your skin (and your entire body) function more efficiently. A study at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center came to the conclusion that just 20 minutes of yoga a week helped cancer patients fall asleep faster and sleep longer. More sleep means giving your face muscles a rest, while also promoting cell turnover—which happens more at night that during the day.

It helps your sex life There are some obvious benefits here like strength, greater flexibility, and more comfort with your body, but there are some real studies behind the idea that yoga can better your bedroom life, too. One study showed that 75 percent of the women who practiced yoga experienced better orgasms, and a recent Harvard study found other sexual benefits. For men, a 2007 study where men were offered Prozac or yoga as a tool to counter premature ejaculation, those who chose the latter “had both subjective and statistically significant improvements” as compared to the guys who picked the drugs (though those helped, too).

Keep reading over at GOOD.

Comments
One Response to “How Yoga Can Improve Your Looks (And Your Sex Life)”
  1. Margot says:

    Yes, Yes, and Yes!!!

    I’ve been practicing for 15 years, and I know the difference it has made in my own well being.
    Increased physical strength and grace, emotional comfort, spiritual growth, internal peace – yoga is full of wonders.

    And, I must thank you for this blog – it is excellent!

    Namaste.

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