Whether it is your bones or your brain, you can defy the effects of time with these alternative anti-ageing secrets
Build your bones
As we age, not only does our body begin to wear, but our ability to produce elements that construct and repair our bones diminishes. “A common misconception is to increase calcium intake to strengthen bones and joints,” Although calcium is vitally important for joint and bone health, it is regularly supplemented without people releasing that calcium is particularly hard for our body to absorb. Unless you are also getting enough magnesium, this is simply a recipe for premature joint issues. Magnesium absorbed through the skin is a great way of getting higher levels into the body quickly. A clinical trial by Cardiff University showed magnesium is absorbed well through the skin, feeding every cell really effectively.
Relax
The body ages when tellers, the microscopic ends of our DNA that act like a bookend to our chromosomes, become too short through repeated cell division. Put simply, cells become old before their time as a result of repeated bouts of unmanaged stress. Scientists have found that stress management is the most effective way to stop telomeres shrinking.
Try these quick stress-busting fixes to save your DNA:
- Breath in deeply and elongate your out breath. For example, breathe in for four counts and then out for six counts.
- Next repeat the following: ‘I observe myself feeling…’ Use whatever emotion you are currently experiencing and simply acknowledge that feeling. By Acknowledging it you will experience immediate relief and east off any pressure.
Feel your Feet
This traditional Chinese therapy combats aging by clearing blockages and rebalancing qi or energy in the body. Therapists apply pressure or gentle massage to areas of the feet and hands which correspond to different parts of the body. By massaging the acupressure point at the base of the thumb you stimulate the energy circulation to the stomach. This helps to rebalance the energy system and detoxify the body, ridding it of the free radicals which can speed the aging process. You can repeat this as many times as you feel necessary.
Wear a Rainbow
Colour therapists use the vibrational power of color to combat aging on a cellular level by clearing the body’s energy paths or meridians. Some of the health-boosting properties colors are said to have include:
Magenta: Strengthens the kidneys, circulation, reproductive organs and promotes a more youthful appearance overall.
Red: Activates vitality, metabolism, and digestion. Increases heart strength and stimulates circulation.
Turquoise: Harmonises all circulation processes and boosts skin rejuvenation.
Orange: Encourages the building of new tissues.
Yellow: Strengthens your nervous, lymph and digestive systems.
Green: Aids respiratory health, also stimulating the brain and digestive system.
Blue: Its coolness helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate infections.
Get the moves
there are countless studies that show tai chi, the traditional Chinese body-mind exercise where movements are deliberate, slow and continuous, can keep you young in a number of ways. The latest research from Tufts University School of Medicine revealed that it can improve physical functioning and pain relief for those with osteoarthritis.
Turmeric
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin is not only a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant but also exerts a strong neuroprotective activity. So a tasty healthy curry is a simple way to youth-boost your brain.
Strike pose
Yoga asanas (postures) help the body remain strong and agile and encourage the internal organs to function efficiently. Downward dog helps increase the blood supply to the brain, temporarily reversing the effect of gravity, promoting strong core and upper body muscles and increasing digestive fire (which will aid digestion).
Eat less
The best thing you can do to age-proof your life is the controversial calorie restriction diet. Its the most powerful anti-aging dietary intervention scientifically proven so far. Several studies have reported that it is anti-inflammatory, can help reduce cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, and it may also improve heart function.
Get more sparkle
Moonstone can help you with the transitional effects of getting older. It is a brilliant crystal to use for a little encouragement and nurturing, to help you to accept the natural cycles of life. It is great if you are overly emotional, and will inspire you to love and value yourself wholeheartedly. Use the gem any time you are struggling to accept change (whether it is getting older; letting go of your children or dealing with a break-up) to help you embrace what’s happening and prepare for what’s to come. It is also thought to promote harmonious relationships between family members and lovers, as well as helping you deepen the most important one of all with yourself.