Can Yoga Increase Your Height?

It’s a clear fact that height is a crucial factor to one’s outlook in life. Being short definitely affects one’s confidence and self-esteem. That’s why there are a lot of methods available that promise to increase height. You might have heard of the idea that you can be taller through yoga.

These days, many people show interest in yoga for various reasons. But can yoga increase your height? This article discusses the positive effects that yoga can do on your spine. The idea that yoga can increase your height is partly true. Certain postures are designed to elongate the spine. As you stretch the spine, you increase the space between the vertebrae as well as develop muscles to support it. With constant practice, you’ll be standing taller over time.

But can it actually make you taller? Technically speaking, if you’re a full-grown adult, you cannot increase your height with yoga. The length of your bones determines your height. So if you’re past the growing stage, your limbs will not increase length anymore (unless you’re willing to undergo a very painful and expensive limb-lengthening surgery). However, since yoga postures elongate the spine and correct posture, constant practice will make you stand taller, and therefore, look taller. Most sitting and standing asanas are designed to develop core strength. With the development of core strength, posture will surely improve.
photo credit: vramak

If you want to practice yoga with the goal of increasing your height, you’ll want to concentrate on postures that elongate the spine. Here are some effective postures:

Cat Stretch Posture (Marjari-asana)

This exercise is designed to stretch the spine and improve blood circulation. Get down on the floor on your hands and knees. Keep the shoulders, hips and knees straight, while the calves and feet relaxed. Inhale slowly and deeply as you arch your back downward and lift your head to look up. Your back should remain concave as you breathe slowly and deeply. Hold posture for five to ten seconds. Exhale completely and lower the head to look at your abdomen. Raise your waist upwards. Hang your neck downward, making sure the chin touches the collarbone. Inhale completely and hold posture for five to ten seconds. Repeat the sequence for about ten times.

Cobra Posture (Naga-asana)

This is a simple exercise that’s very beneficial for your spine and lower back. Lie on your belly while you place your hands underneath the shoulders. The weight should be on the chest. Lift and tilt the head backwards to look up as you shift the weight on your belly. Hands should remain on the floor as you stretch the arms. Hold posture for five to ten seconds.

Half Tortoise Posture (Ardha Kurmasana)

This is a relaxing exercise that stretches the entire back. Sit on your heels with your knees and feet together. Place your hands on the thighs. Then raise and stretch your arms, locking the elbows as you press the palms together. Exhale completely and bend forward slowly, keeping the body straight and hands touching the ground. Try to make your forehead touch the floor. Relax and slowly inhale and exhale ten times. Slowly inhale and bring head and arms back up. Relax the arms and place hands on thighs, going back to starting position.

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