Yoga for better living

Amazing benefits of Yoga Teacher

2012-01-17T23:06:00.000-08:00

Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the fitness professionals industry had an amazing 85% job satisfaction rate according to an Idea Health & Fitness survey.

Job Satisfaction

In the same survey, 98% of those interviewed felt that "My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment." Lack of personal satisfaction is the most frequent reason why people leave a job. These statistics make it obvious that this is an extremely harmonious atmosphere to work in.

For many of us who worked in the corporate world and shifted into the health and fitness industry, the energy felt in a health club, ashram, or wellness center is similar to being on vacation. There's always something to do, but the job itself is very gratifying.

Rewards of Helping Family, Friends, Students, and Co-workers

Your self esteem improves as you find solutions for the pain management of others, ailments, fitness, stress management, positive thinking, etc.

The list goes on, as you continue your own journey of self improvement, but the feeling of gratification you get from helping someone find the right path, is beyond words.

You will always remember: That student who reaches their ideal body weight, the physically impaired student who finds that they, too, can live a better quality life, and the student who leaves your class without the headache or backache they came in with.

Your Own Health

As a practitioner of Yoga, you have become more aware of your daily ups and downs. You monitor your breath, posture, moods, diet, and exercise on a daily basis.

As a Yoga teacher, you are setting an example to your students and teaching them to live a quality life. This path will enable you to live longer and live better.

There is no Shortage of Work

When the working world is in the "9 to 5" mode, you have many opportunities with Corporate Accounts, The Fitness Industry, Senior Centers, Medical Centers, Referrals, etc. This is when you to teach them, with any free time you have.

Once I became totally self-employed, there were more daytime off-site Yoga teaching opportunities than I had time for in a geographic area that has many active Yoga teachers and studios. One of my best students, who became a Yoga teacher through our on-site program, inherited an area that I could no longer service due to time restraints.

The object is to contact them. This is where your post cards come in handy, if you don't have a personal referral.

Continuing Education

Yes, learning new things keeps your mind stimulated and healthy. You will never tire of subjects to study, explore, and investigate. There are so many facets of Yoga, that one life span, is just not enough time to learn it all.

It's not a race, but it is a journey. You will find friends, colleagues, and students who are on the same path. This makes giving, receiving, and sharing a wonderful thing along the way.

Time

You will have time to stop, think, breathe, relax, or meditate. You can always fill your plate beyond its limits, but you no longer have to.

You can determine whether or not you will be stuck in traffic during rush hour. You decide what hours you will work and what days you have off. You will come to the realization that your time is your own.

Independence

Everyone wants control of their own life, but very few achieve it. Being in business for yourself, can help you control your own destiny and that of your family.

Sure there are limits to what one person can accomplish, but it is better to try than to have never tried.

Success

No matter what you want, if you write down your short-term and long-term goals, you will make great progress toward them.

You should keep these goals in a place where you can see them daily and visualize yourself accomplishing your goals. You should be specific about time frames and ethical methods used to meet them. You can even use them in meditation.

Review your long-term goals at least once every season and every year. Review your short-term goals daily. You will see yourself make rapid success in this way.

Lastly, goals do not have to be material at all. For example: You may want to start teaching Yoga in a year, and the following year, get a part-time Yoga teaching position. This type of goal setting is realistic and beneficial to mankind.

Many benefits of Yoga

2011-12-18T22:52:00.000-08:00

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that has been known to keep the mind and body healthy. However, its effectiveness in weight loss has been questioned time and again. However, it has been proved that is effective.
This form of exercise does not produce too much sweat. The process is slow and works of the principle of deep breathing and slow movements to induce weight loss steadily. Doctors and trainers all over the world agree with the fact that yoga, if done properly, cannot only help you lose weight, but also tone your body and calm your mind while increasing concentration.
Types of Yoga
There are various types of yoga that helps you to burn out calories. Power yoga, like Vinyasa yoga and ashtanga yoga, are some types that help in quick weight loss. Your body can burn as much as 200-350 calories per hour depending on the form of yoga you are practicing. These types of yogas create a fusion by combining yoga poses with dance steps and kickboxing.
Benefits of Yoga
The benefit of yoga is not only burning calories and losing weight. It also helps you to understand your body signals. Your mind and body become attuned to each other and identify food that is unhealthy for you, when you must not eat and what foods make you unwell. You begin to understand your body's food requirements and thus, your food habits become healthy resulting in a healthier and fitter you.
Yoga and Weight Loss
Practicing yoga of all types helps you to reduce your weight. It also regulates your breath and restores your body's natural digestion and balances the hormone levels. There are some yoga exercises that scan burn calorie and strengthen muscles by speeding up the body's metabolism. The endocrine glands responsible for the body's metabolism are stimulated to function properly.
Yoga for Emotional Well-being
For those who practice yoga for weight loss, it must be said that the regular practice also helps your body to achieve mental calmness and emotional well being. You can understand when you are eating to fulfill your body's demand for food and when you eat to as an emotional response. Practice yoga postures such as spinal twist, fish pose, up and down facing dog and shoulder stand et al for a healthy body and calm mind.
There are many places around the world to try out and possibly get into regular Yoga Studio Classes.

Significance of Yoga

2011-11-28T22:51:00.000-08:00

Yoga originated from India and is based on the Indian word "Yuj" which basically means "to unite together". The basic idea behind it is very clear, if a person wants to be happy in his surroundings, he should make sure that his mind, soul and spirit work together in harmony. The yogis, in the past, devised a program, which followed mediation, proper breathing and exercise in order to maintain one's health and create a balance in one's life. Performing and incorporating yoga into one's life is very essential and there are many benefits of yoga.

Firstly, it helps in increasing the flexibility in one's body, by enhancing the range of motion and stretching it. It also helps in building strength as you are forced to weigh your body with the support of one leg or arms, etc. Many people do yoga in order to avoid pain, especially pains related to the back.

Another major benefit of yoga is that it involves not only the participation of your whole body but also requires attention from your mind. This involvement of the mind helps people to become calm and more relaxed when performing yoga postures. Yoga helps people to forget about the world affairs and places concentration on uniting mind and soul, which are very beneficial for health.

Stress is very dangerous for health and can lead to disorders like blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. One of the most important benefits of yoga is that it acts like a stress releaser. As mentioned above, it requires the participation and integration of mind, soul, spirit and body thus making people forget about all their worries. So, mundane problems and quagmires, which affect the life badly, can be avoided easily by adopting this routine.

Yoga involves breathing techniques, which need to be mastered and done properly. Once you get the hang of this, you will start taking part in meditation, which helps in cleaning the mind and focusing on the postures. Besides this, it helps in improving the health by decreasing blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and increasing cardiovascular efficiency, respiratory efficiency, and improves excretory functions. It also helps in improving eye and hand coordination, reaction time and improves one's strength, flexibility and increases the immunity. The benefits of yoga are numerous and uncountable. This is one of the reasons why many people have this routine in their lives because they know its importance and significance. Whether it's your favorite celebrity or a house wife, nobody can deny its significance in the life.

Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

2011-11-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

There are many different types of yoga in the world today, and one is the Kundalini yoga. Just like any other type of yoga, the purpose of Kundalini is to bring spiritual enlightening familiarity of deep peace, a wide knowledge and understanding of the Universe and an unstoppable energy for you. This is one of the natural ways in which you can attain health and beauty. Many people would ask what yoga can do for beauty. The answer is simple, through this natural method of making the inner body, mind and soul healthier, the outer aspect of the person comes next.

The benefits of this type of yoga come from awakening your Kundalini. As what people who practice this believes, awakening the Kundalini is the path to the unlimited energy that can assist you to go beyond the ego. This type of yoga is also known as the yoga of awareness. The primary focus of this type of yoga is to improve the sensory awareness of the person and to raise the consciousness for it to be able to merge with the inestimable consciousness of God.

The Kundalini yoga is believed to be only for the people who have already mastered the 21 different yogas. In short, this may not be for beginners. This practice is one of the most advanced ones which can help you increase your consciousness and vibration every day. There are a lot of benefits of this type of yoga to a person's health. There are even medical institutions now that are applying some of the meditations and exercises of Kundalini yoga for the benefit of their patients.

It can heal diabetes, asthma, pain, memory problems, diseases related to stress, addictive behaviors and even mental disorders. Though it cannot totally heal the health condition, it is still a contributing factor for the healing of the patient. Practicing yoga is one of the most acceptable and effective ways in attaining health naturally and having natural beauty.

There are now a lot of medical researches regarding Kundalini and its benefits to the health and beauty of a person. This is good news because through these researches, a lot of people will now know that there is an activity like this that they can do to and have a lot of benefit from it. Yoga is not only a simple activity that one can do for fun. It is rather more challenging because you are going to discipline your body, mind and soul. And that will be more challenging but satisfying if you have decided to pursue Kundalini yoga.

Benefits of hot yoga

2011-10-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

Many claims are made about the benefits of hot yoga. These ideas are often publicized by enthusiastic hot yoga devotees expressing their fanatic love of the program of their guru. To evaluate the truth of these claims it's necessary to move beyond bias and take an honest look at the nature of hot yoga.

According to the teachings of Patanjali, the 'father of modern yoga', the asana is one part of an eight-limbed system leading to greater understanding. Asana is meant primarily to purify and strengthen the body, preparing it for lengthy meditations and raised levels of energy. In this setting, hot yoga is best suited to assist in the removal of ama, or waste.

Ama is considered the cause of all diseases. It is a byproduct of improper metabolic processes. This is not only related to digestion, but also includes the creation of all parts of entire body. Ayurveda clarifies that there are seven tissue systems formed in the making of the human body. Any fault in the creation of these tissues can result in the accumulation of ama, causing disease. Heat helps to stoke the Agni, and aids in the efficient fabrication of these building mechanisms.

The body removes ama in three ways: sweating, urination and defecation. Hot yoga improves metabolism, which helps to direct toxins to their proper removal areas. Only small amounts of toxins are actually sweated out. Most leave in urine and feces. The urinary system is the body's temperature regulator, so practicing hot yoga will promote frequent urination, thereby expelling the ama that has been stored in this system.

Hot yoga directs added heat to the digestive fires, insuring that food will be broken down properly and ama removed. Cleansing through asana is not limited to the physical realm. Once the gross ama is removed, prana, subtle energy, is allowed to surge freely throughout the energetic body. Subtle ama is also known as karma. Removing karmas from the subtle body is the overall goal of any asana practice. This starts the awakening process described by Patanjali.

A person who practices yoga is called a yogi, someone aspiring toward higher understanding. Yoga demands that you look closer at your actions and intentions. Enjoy your asana class, but be careful not to become complacent. Explore the rich wisdom at the foundation of yoga. The benefits of hot yoga are the top most tip of the iceberg.

Yoga benefits for Women

2011-09-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

There are a number of healthy benefits a woman can receive from practicing yoga. Through this form of exercise women are able to build on their strengths and focus on bettering themselves through a calming method of breathing, meditation, and gentle poses.

Here are just some of the healthy benefits that women can get from yoga:

1) Yoga can help enhance your immune system and decrease chances of illnesses. It is believed that yoga can greatly enhance the function of your immune system. This will lead to the more effective curbing of a number of diseases that women normally get. Yoga is also known to be very effective in controlling the level of cholesterol in the body as well as a woman’s blood pressure.

2) For those women who can’t seem to find the time to perform exercises that will help control their cholesterol level and blood pressure, yoga could be very advantageous. This is because yoga makes use of breathing exercises and meditation that could help in calming down nerves that have been stressed by work or daily activities.

3) Yoga can help bring about a more healthy pregnancy. Although pregnancy brings with it a great deal of happiness, it can also lead to experiencing a lot of discomforts. Yoga can help alleviate these discomforts, which could include backaches, morning sickness, and mood swings. Yoga exercises can also help greatly in maintaining an ideal weight during pregnancy. There are different prenatal poses being practiced in yoga that are recommended for women who are pregnant. These are intended to aid women in preparing their bodies for their babies’ birth.

4) Yoga helps decrease pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms. Menstruation is known to cause a number of hormonal changes among women. These changes as well as the inconveniences they bring often make women uncomfortable. Because of these changes, pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms could also be experienced before, during, and after a menstrual period. These include cramps, mood swings, depression and irritation. These symptoms can be considerably reduced through practicing yoga, which has some poses that could aid in the reduction of pain during menstrual periods.

5) Yoga helps women deal with stress and depression. Because women are emotional in nature, it is expected that they fall victim to stress and depression more than men do. Yoga makes use of meditation, which is a great aid in decreasing the stress and tension levels in the body. Practicing yoga will also help stimulate positive levels of energy.

6) Yoga also helps make the body more flexible. Women tend to lose the flexibility of their bodies faster than men. This is because most of the work that really requires brute physical strength is done by men. Because of this, men’s muscles are known to remain more tight and flexible longer than those of the women. Aside from this, women also lose bone density faster than most men because of the rigors that they go through during childbirth, which could make them lose more calcium, thus leading to making their bones very fragile. Because of this, a woman’s body will begin to lose its flexibility during her thirties. However, this can be delayed by doing yoga exercises.

Learn Yoga and be an Instructor

2011-08-13T01:25:00.000-07:00

Yoga has allowed countless numbers of people all over the world the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health. There are many modalities and methods in practice and anyone can do it. Indeed, there is a style that is applicable for just about any body type, desired end goal or belief system. However, for some, simply being committed to yoga as a regular form of exercise isn't satisfying enough - they want to do or know or learn more.

An easy way to gain a deeper knowledge of yoga is to become a teacher of yoga. Being inspired by your own body and health improvement is a wonderful feeling, but delving into teaching yoga instead of just practicing it is generally uncharted territory. How do I become a teacher? What credentials are required? Do I need to take special course at a special school?

As a teacher you will need to focus on exactly what type of yoga it is that you want to teach. It may be a simple as wanting to teach what you already know and have been taught, or perhaps you're looking to teach as a way of branching out. Either way, being focused is the key. Knowing exactly what style you want to teach will be helpful in getting started properly.

If you're considering teaching yoga you're likely fairly advanced in your ability, but there is always room to improve or supplement your established ability level and knowledge-base. Head to your local library and see what kinds of books or instructional videos are available, the additional practice will only serve to solidify what you currently know and add to your overall ability. If you've got friends who practice different types or styles of yoga, ask them to show you some poses or techniques that are not part of your normal regimen. Practice makes perfect!

Find out what kind of yoga workshops are available in your area. While these may be a bit more intense than your usual one hour-three times a week regimen, they are an invaluable way to learn a lot. And the best part is, you'll likely be learning from highly qualified, experienced individuals - this will go a long way in assisting you in your teaching goal.

If you have the opportunity, approach the instructor(s) at the workshop and explain what you are seeking to do and see what kind of advice they might offer you. Find out where they received their training. If you live in an area with no available teacher-training programs, consider doing an intensive program at a yoga institute or ashram.

Once you feel comfortable in your physical abilities and your knowledge base has been spread out, you can start looking at options to obtain official certification. This part of becoming a teacher will vary greatly depending on where you live - you may be able to complete certification courses locally, or you may need to take them away from home. It may even be possible to gain certification on-line.

Explore all of the options available to you and logistically possible in the context of your day to day lifestyle. Be aware that certification credentials may differ greatly from state to state. Make sure you know exactly what you need and then you can determine an appropriate course of action.

In the U.S., the teacher-training programs that meet specific standards are registered and recognized by the Yoga Alliance, a national organization. There are two levels of Yoga Alliance certificates you can obtain - 200 hour and 500 hour, the numbers refer to the length of the program. New trainees will first be expected to complete a 200-Hour program, which most yoga studios require as the minimum training for their teachers. Some teachers then opt to continue their studies by undertaking the 500-hour training. Newly certified teachers who have completed a Yoga Alliance registered teacher-training program may use the acronym RYT (which stands for - Registered Yoga Teacher) after their name.

It may seem like common sense, but it would be wise to know the cost of any training upfront. Be prepared for financial obligations that may be higher than you might've expected - certification that allows any individual to teach others is not likely to be inexpensive. Before signing up for time intensive teacher certification courses, make sure you have met the instructor and that you feel as though you will get along with personally as you'll be spending a lot of time with them you will want to ensure you are compatible.

Becoming a certified, professional yoga teacher is certainly not for everyone, but if you've decided to become a teacher chances are you're already well aware of the time and discipline required. Eventually, you will be able to teach others the power and healing that yoga can grant the human body and mind.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra

2011-07-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yoga Nidra is the deepest form of relaxation - experienced by Yogis during states of meditation. It is commonly described as bringing an incredible calmness and clarity to the mind, and often referred to as a form of 'Yogic sleep.' While in the state of Yoga Nidra, you are beyond a waking state, past a dreaming state, and in a form of sleep state, while you are actually awake.

Yoga Nidra can be difficult to achieve, but with regular practice, and a devoted attitude, it can occur at every meditation session, if a practitioner chooses to do so. When Yoga Nidra is practiced regularly, it brings a deep state of calm to the practitioner, which transcends into everyday life. Even strenuous mental and physical activities will not feel as stressful when you have achieved this state of calm.

As a result, you will become more effective in everything you do, as your mind is no longer so clouded by unnecessary or negative thoughts, and you can focus on doing the task at hand. This renewed calmness in your life, and the ability to clear your mind, can also lead to better, more restful sleep at night - translating into a positive cycle that creates a healthier being.

The state of Yoga Nidra creates a powerful mind and body link, unlike any other. While it is being practiced, the mind makes the entire body relax, promoting better circulation of the blood and easing the pains of the body, such as the ones that occur with headaches or backaches.

One of the amazing aspects of Yoga Nidra is the fact that you can actually restructure your personality in a positive way and wipe your "emotional baggage clean." This ability to let go takes place because you are in such a state of relaxation and emotional well-being. By spending your time in Yoga Nidra, while focusing on a positive thought, you can make this positive thought override your mind, and become a permanent aspect of your being.

Being in the state of Yoga Nidra also makes it easier to learn new things, as it opens the mind to new thoughts and experiences. As a result of this, and the states of relaxation it promotes, Nidra is an effective treatment for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. It has been also known to lessen or cure such ailments as depression, asthma, migraines, and ulcers.

By harnessing the power of your mind in this deep sleep conscious state, you can become a more intelligent and peaceful person overall - not to mention experiencing a whole new state of being.

Yoga postures for a stiff necks and shoulders

2011-05-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Facing the computer screen all day can be very stressful. Not only does it strain the eyes, it also leads to common complaints of stiff neck and painful shoulders. Poor posture further compromises these conditions. When we allow our shoulders to sag and our backs to bend as we carry our bodies in the performance of day-to-day activities, it takes on the force of habit. Over time, the misaligned joints and muscles show the effects of the strain. This is usually evident in the stiffness and pain experienced in the neck and shoulder areas.

In Yoga, the affected areas are stretched and freed to make them more limber and facilitate blood flow. With constant practice of Yoga postures for stiff neck and shoulders, the muscles and joints are placed to where they should rightfully be. Pain and discomfort gradually diminishes as well. Following the method taught by B.K.S. Iyengar, a modern pioneer of Yoga, Mira Mehta, in her book How to Use Yoga, gives the following Yoga postures for stiff neck and shoulders. These poses can be used even by beginners. You will need a block to accomplish these poses.

Pose I: Triangle Pose

Stand against a ledge and place a block on one side. Inhale deeply and the spread the legs so that your feet are about 3 ½ to 4 feet apart. Raise your arms to the level of your shoulders as you spread your legs. Keep your palms facing down with both feet facing forward. Then, turn the left foot about 15 degrees inward and the right foot about 90 degrees outwards so that the right heel is exactly the opposite of the left instep. Turn the left foot in and rotate the left leg outwards. As you turn the right foot out, the whole leg must also be rotated in the same direction. Knees must be tight as you lift the trunk. As you exhale, take the trunk down sideways to the right and place one hand on the block. Grip the ledge using the other hand so you can turn the trunk more. Look up. Stay in this position for 20 to 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.

Pose II: Lateral Angle Pose

Stand against a ledge with a block on one side. Breathe in deeply and spread your feet about 4 feet apart while raising your arms to the length of your shoulders. Rotate the right foot about 15 degrees inwards and the left foot 90 degrees outwards. In this position, the left heel stays opposite of the right instep. When you turn the right foot in, the right leg must be turned outward. However, when you turn the left foot out, the whole leg must also follow in the same direction. With your right leg straight, bend the left leg to 90 degrees with the shin perpendicular to thigh parallel to the ground. As you exhale, take the trunk sideways down to the left. Grip the ledge with your left hand and turn the trunk with the help of your hands. Stay in this pose for 20 to 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.

Yoga exercise for runners

2011-05-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

Although running and Yoga may seem like activities that are on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, they are complementary practices that work beautifully together. Running is a great way to aerobically exercise your whole body, at a relatively high level of intensity. One of the primary benefits to running is great cardiovascular health and muscular strength, particularly throughout your legs. Running, however, can be stressful to your joints, ligaments and muscles.

It is estimated that with each mile, your feet will strike the ground a thousand times, and this is only over a distance of one mile. If you run twenty miles a week, each foot will strike the ground twenty thousand times. This repetitive impact affects your legs, hips and feet, which can lead to stress fractures, pain, and stiffness on a regular basis. In order to counteract the stressful affects of running and maximize the positive benefits, practicing Yoga poses before and/or after your run will help you to stay limber, flexible, balanced, and less prone to injury.

Basic Sun Salutation Series

This is the best Yoga exercise for runners and an excellent series of poses. The Suns Salutations are a great way to warm up all of the major muscle groups in your body.

Stand tall with hands in namaste mudra, while your feet are hips width apart from each other, and your elbows are flared to your sides. Take three, deep complete breaths. On your fourth breath inhale and raise your arms over your head with your hands in prayer position. Look up at your hands and feel the stretch all along the sides of your torso, arms and shoulders. With your exhale, bring your hands down past your hips and forward to touch your toes. If your hamstrings are tight, you may need to bend your knees a little. Hold for ten seconds while breathing evenly.

Now, move into a suspended push-up position, this position is called Plank position because you maintain the straightness of your body like a board. Hold for five to ten seconds. The holding will build upper body strength very quickly. With an exhale, come down onto your mat and inhale up into a gentle cobra pose with your hands next to your chest, elbows in, and palms flat on the floor. Only come up to where you are comfortable. Hold for ten seconds stretching out the front of your chest, throat and shoulders.

Slowly come down and push back into an inverted "V" shape. This pose is called Downward Facing Dog, just like the pose a dog does when he or she wakes up from a nap. Keep your hands shoulder distance apart, fingers spread out, elbows slightly cracked (not locked), and your upper arms gently rotated a little bit inwards towards your chest. This pose will stretch out your hamstrings, Achilles tendons, back, shoulders and arms. Hold for five breaths.

Slowly bring your feet to the front of your mat and come up to your original standing position with your arms overhead. As you exhale, bring your hands slowly back down to your sides. This is one round of the Basic Sun Salutation. Repeat three to five times. It is a great way to warm up prior to your run.

Keep fit your knees through Yoga

2011-04-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

Fortunately for us, the knee is a very mobile joint. It takes us up, down, forward and back throughout each day. Imagine your life if knees didn't bend! Inherent to this mobility, however, is the knee's instability, making it susceptible to injury.

Repetitive movement of aerobic and muscle-training exercise puts stress on joints. (Keep reading, and don't let that last sentence motivate you to cancel your gym membership.) Numerous and substantial health benefits of regular, well-balanced exercise far outweigh any skeletal risks for most healthy adults. The key to keeping fit and injury-free is to perform exercises that strengthen muscles crossing over the knee, thus helping stabilize the joint. Because the knee joint is complex, there are several types of knee injuries. If you have a knee injury, consult your healthcare provider so you can recover effectively and efficiently. In terms of injury prevention and decreased flare-ups, yoga can help.

Yoga is ideal for strengthening muscles without the repetitive impact characteristic of other exercise modalities. Certain yoga poses directly target knee stability. Below are two poses that you can do anytime, anywhere to avoid injury and keep you on track toward your fitness goals.

First, an anatomy tidbit. Four muscles of the quadriceps extend along the front side of the thigh bone. They meet at a tendon that crosses over the knee and attach to the lower leg. The kneecap resides within this tendon, so the quadriceps muscle is responsible for correct alignment and tracking of the kneecap. Three hamstring muscles extend from the pelvis and cross the back side the knee, also attaching at the lower leg. Strong quadriceps and hamstrings support the knee joint. Other muscles are involved, and knee stability is linked to hip stability, but for now we'll keep our focus on these two muscle groups.

Tree pose (Vrksasana, a one-leg standing balance) simultaneously generates force in the quadriceps and hamstrings. Quadriceps shorten, pulling upward on the kneecap. Hamstrings lengthen, keeping the hip and knee joints in alignment. Chair pose (Utkatasana, essentially a squat held at the lowest position) requires force generation in all lower body muscles, including quadriceps and hamstrings. In this pose, quadriceps lengthen, and hamstrings shorten.

A complete yoga practice (one or two classes a week) can perfectly balance your other fitness endeavors. If this doesn't suit you, a few minutes anytime during your day will suffice. Tree pose and chair pose are two great examples, but most standing poses that engage the leg muscles serve the same purpose.

How to do tree pose: Begin standing. Shift your weight onto your left foot. Place the right foot sole against the left inner calf with, or use your hands to bring the right foot up to the left inner thigh. Right toes are pointing downward. Avoid pressing the right foot into the left knee; go above or below. Simultaneously open your right knee to the right and left hip to the left. Root your supporting foot strongly into the floor, and lift the crown of your head to the ceiling. Engage your abdominals by pulling your navel to your spine, and it is helpful to gaze at a focal point. Hold for 3-5 breaths. Come out of the posture repeat on the other side.

How to do chair pose: Begin standing with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees, lowering your hips into a squat position. Tuck your tailbone slightly and squeeze the back of your thighs and inner thighs into the thighbones. Pull your navel to your spine. Feel strong and lengthened from the crown of your head drawing upward, and your tailbone drawing downward. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat one or two more times.

Yoga is highly beneficial

2011-03-04T23:33:00.000-08:00

Reaping the benefits of yogic breathing

In addition to relaxing the body and calming the mind, yogic breathing offers an entire spectrum of other benefits that work like insurance, protecting your investment in a longer and healthier life. Here are six important advantages of controlled breathing:
It steps up your metabolism (which helps with weight control);
It uses muscles that automatically help improve your posture, prevention the stiff, slumped carriage characteristic of many older people;
It keeps the lung tissue elastic, which allows you to take in more oxygen to nourish the 50 trillion cells in your body.It tones your abdominal area, a common site for health problems because many illnesses begin in the intestines;
It helps strengthen your immune system;
It reduces your levels of tension and anxiety.
Warm-up exercises
Always start your session with warm-up exercises and be safe from injuries. It's not about injuries or any damage, by the way, because you get a lot from warm-up exercises, while it:
Brings awareness and presence of mind;
Allows you to test your body before executing the postures;
Increases the temperature and blood supply to your muscles, joints, and
connective tissue;
Prepares your body for more challenging demands and reduces the possibility
of muscle tear or strain;
Enhances the supply of oxygen and nutrients, thus providing more stamina
for the practice;
Prevents muscle soreness.
Benefits of yoga postures
1. The easy posture: Sukhasana
The easy posture is a steady and comfortable sitting position for meditation and breathing exercises. The posture also helps you become more aware of and actually increase the flexibility in your hips.
2. The thunderbolt posture: Vajrasana
The thunderbolt posture is one of the safer sitting postures for students with back problems. Vajrasana increases the flexibility of your ankles, knees, and thighs, improves circulation to the abdomen, and is good for digestion.
3. The auspicious posture: Svastikasana
The svastikasana improves the flexibility of the hips, knees, and ankles and strengthens the back. The following instructions help you get the hang of this posture.
4. The perfect posture: Siddhasana
The siddhasana improves the flexibility of your hips, knees, and ankles, and strengthens the back. The posture is considered the perfect meditation posture for those practicing celibacy. Siddhasana is also beneficial for men with various prostate problems.
5. Shoulder Stands
It improves circulation to your legs, hips, back, neck, heart, and head. The postures all stimulate your endocrine glands and improve your lymphatic drainage, enhance elimination, and produce a calming and rejuvenating effect on your nervous system. The wall provides a useful prop for the easier two variations; when you're ready, you can then advance with confidence to viparita karani, the half shoulder
stand.
Yoga benefits for pregnant woman
Yoga can make a major difference in your pregnancy experience. The increased self-awareness that Yoga brings is very helpful during this special time when your body is continually undergoing change. Yogic practice provides the many benefits during that special time in your - and your baby's - life.
Yoga:
Relaxes your whole body;
Helps with back problems;
Relieves nausea;
Reduces swelling and leg cramps;
Improves mood;
Provides focusing and breathing techniques for labor;
Provides a sense of community and social support through prenatal and postnatal Yoga classes.

Finding Yoga Classes online

2011-02-21T00:24:00.000-08:00

The internet is full of online yoga classes you can watch to learn about this very popular practice. Yoga is an ancient art that keeps the body in a full range of motion and the soul in balance. More and more people become interested in practicing it, as they realize that keeping your body healthy, flexible and strong is extremely important. Yoga will help you make sure that all of your joints, muscles and tendons will work as they should and will help you focus and learn better.

People who practice yoga don’t ever need a doctor. The body is kept in such a good shape that illness simply seems to stay away. The amazing thing is that people can begin yoga at any age and it can still do wonders for them. If you hear how passionately people talk about yoga and the way it changed their life you will feel like buying into the first class that come your way and start doing it immediately.

There are many online yoga classes available but finding good ones is tricky. Some of them are in video form and some are documents with images and many step-by-step instructions. Therefore, whether you prefer a video class, or would rather learn from 'scripture' there is always something available for you. Be very careful about the websites that offer online yoga classes, as many of them are just spam sites looking to fill your life with ads. There are some legitimate free ones out there however. The key is to take some time to look for them, as they are not always obvious in the long list of Google results. At the same time, you cannot be really sure that actual certified instructors offer the online yoga classes you find on the internet. Ultimately, it may be better to seek out advice from someone who has studied yoga and check their credentials. Learning from someone in person is usually better. An instructor can point out the mistakes you are making and he or she can keep you motivated. It is pretty easy to ignore your online yoga classes, but it is harder to forget about a set, weekly yoga class you paid a subscription for.

Every time you find some new online yoga classes check the credentials of the people who are offering them as there are many con artists out there looking to make a quick buck and they will pretend they are just about anything. Ensure you are practicing techniques that are safe and which will not push your limits too much. Take things slow and ease into your new form of exercise. Pushing anything too far, too fast is bad for your body and will result in you hurting yourself.

If you start following some online yoga classes, you will sometimes lose your patience and will want to quit. Don't let the negative parts discourage you, as yoga can be one of the most beneficial exercises that you can do for the rest of your life. Just remember that maybe millions of people live a healthy, fulfilling life, not needing a doctor due to practicing yoga.

Yoga Poses

2011-02-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

Regular practice of yoga strengthens the body and the mind. There are some poses in yoga which should be practiced only after one has mastered the easy yoga asana, that is, if one has a good hold on all the arm balances, inverted poses and backward bends, it is time to move on to the next level of poses which are called advanced yoga poses. A yoga practitioner should master the basic and intermediate yoga positions before moving on to the advanced ones.
One major difference between the advanced and other ones is that the former needs immense strength and flexibility which is achieved only after regular practice of the basic as well as intermediate yoga poses for a considerable period of time. They are often very demanding and involve twisting of the body to look like some object or being from the nature.
The ability to balance the body properly is another aspect of them as almost all the advanced asana require the practitioner to balance and control the body to a great extent. And for a proper balance during difficult poses, it is essential for the mind to work with the body which is possible only for the veterans.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the advanced yoga poses take the individual or the aspirant to the next level of existence. The advanced yoga poses involve deep levels of meditation, which allows the mind to be free from all the worldly thoughts and which also paves the way for spiritually enriching experience.
Some of the popular advanced yoga poses are:
Compass Pose or Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana
Crow Pose or Bakasana
Eagle Pose or Garudasana
Firefly Pose or Tittibhasana
Flying Crow Pose or Eka Pada Galavasana
Flying Crow Pose or Eka Pada Galavasana
Forearm Stand or Pincha Mayurasana
Forearm Stand or Pincha Mayurasana
Headstand Pose or Salamba Sirsasana
King Dancer Pose or Natarajasana Pose
Monkey Pose or Hanumanasana
One Legged Kind Pigeon Pose or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Revolved Half Moon Pose or Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana
Scorpion Pose or Vrschikasana
Side Crow Pose or Parsva Bakasana
Wheel Pose or Urdhva Dhanurasana
It is very important for any yoga enthusiast to understand that rushing into advanced yoga poses will not help much, as the foundation of any yoga course is the performance and practice of yoga poses. Each yoga pose has its own benefits and it is important to not strain one's body during yoga which becomes a possibility if one rushes into the advanced yoga poses.

Importance of Yoga Pants

2011-01-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

Yoga pants are considered to be one of the most basic and yet the most important gear for every yoga practitioner. These pants come in all shapes, sizes, and in different designs, but all share the same basic features including flexibility and ease of movement. The attribute of these outfits, which set them apart from other types of garments for other forms of exercise or sports, is that they are designed or embroidered in such a way that they are fashionable. They can also be used outside and not only for yoga practice.

The length of each pant depends upon the choice of the practitioner and upon the temperature of the studio, as well as the intensity of the exercise. Shorter pants are mostly used in studios which are colder, or when the exercise is not so intense, while longer pants are utilized in studios, which are warmer in temperature or during intense sessions.

Yoga is an exercise where body form is very important. Thus, the pants are mostly made out of synthetic knits or cotton, which provides not just comfort and ease of movement, but more importantly, it hugs the body of the practitioner to allow poses to be clearly executed. Therefore, it aids in the checking of posture and form.

Because of their exceptional qualities, people in other activities, which are not related to exercise or fitness, use them. Today most people who work in massage clinics also wear them so that they can move more freely and more comfortably when working.

Yoga Teacher

2010-12-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Lately, there has been a fuss over who has a right to become a Yoga teacher; but let's look at some of the variables to consider if you desire to teach Yoga. Consider the following questions, "from both sides of the Yoga certification debate."

Do you have the correct Yoga lineage? This is interesting because - what exactly is the correct Yoga lineage? There are so many styles of Yoga and many sub-styles of those Yoga styles. In general, you should know who your Yoga teachers were and possibly, who their teachers were.

However, Yoga traveled outside of India in a variety of ways. Although there have been many famous Indian Gurus, who helped Yoga flourish worldwide, the British carried Yoga abroad, as well. There are competent Yoga teachers, who trace their Yoga lineage back to Englishmen, who served in India.

Some of the first non-Indian Yoga teachers did not have extensive Yoga training under the guidance of a Guru, but a few did. Consider this idea: If you know nothing about Yoga, but I know a little something - I can show you what little I know. This happens with any form of shared knowledge, and the person who knows a little more about Yoga, becomes a Yoga teacher.

Granted, we are considering the beginning of Yoga's worldwide proliferation, but now we have 21st century Yoga teacher certification in a fast-changing world - with a variety of styles and approaches to overall health.

There are many new forms of Hatha Yoga being created and evolving at this moment. If you have a traditional Yoga lineage, that's wonderful, but times change, and so does Yoga.

I can remember when some traditional Yoga teachers did not believe in the Yoga teacher certification process. For example: The master Yoga teacher did not have a Yoga teacher's diploma, and would not fill one out for their long-time students, who worked as "substitute Yoga teachers," in the ashram.

Some of these substitutes had over twenty years of experience in Yoga practice, and taught classes when the master teacher was on vacation, but the master Yoga teacher would still not certify them.

Meanwhile some Yoga certifications were obtained, over a weekend Yoga teacher training intensive, by people who just needed a quick Yoga certification for a health club.

So, who has a right to become a Yoga teacher? Anybody, I guess, but Yoga certification bodies should stick to the 200 study hour minimum standard for graduates of their Yoga teacher training programs.

Yoga teacher interns should have at least two years of steady practice, under the guidance of a Yoga teacher, before entering the Yoga teacher certification process. Correspondence and distance learning, for Yoga teachers, should also conform to the 200-hour minimum standard.

Yoga means union

2010-12-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

Yoga means "union."

Yoga is a positive way of life that teaches relaxation, positive thinking, truthfulness, proper diet and healthy living.

Hatha Yoga combines breathing with physical postures, or asanas, which are done slowly and mindfully. As the breath is coordinated with the postures and the body is moved and stretched in wonderful ways, you come to realize a state of mental and physical health and well-being.

Physical Benefits of Yoga

Regular practice of yoga has many wonderful physical benefits. Yoga can improve muscle tone, digestion and the immune system. It can help increase oxygen intake so the lungs operate more efficiently. Body alignment and balance can improve. Yoga gives you energy and helps you relax and stay relaxed. Yoga helps to improve all systems of the body including the glands and nerves. Yoga can even help slow down the effects of aging. Many health concerns such as arthritis, headaches and digestion problems can improve with a regular yoga practice.

Yoga is great for athletes.

A regular practice of Yoga helps develop focus, concentration, strength and flexibility. Many hockey players and basketball players include Yoga into their fitness program. The Edmonton Oilers NHL Team and Ottawa Senators NHL Team have included yoga into their programs as well as tennis player Maria Sharapova.

Anyone can practice Yoga

The beauty of Yoga is that you can do it at your own pace and always receive the benefits regardless of your individual level of flexibility and strength.

There is a yoga pose for everyone and all poses can be modified to fit a person's body. Sometimes props are used to help a person do a pose and after regular practice they may no longer be needed.

Yoga is invigorating

Yoga can make you feel alive and energetic. You're moving your body the way it was meant to move - bending and stretching, increasing strength with wonderful moves that don't wear you out. One of my Yoga students who had arthritis once told me Yoga made him feel like a kid again. Yoga will make your body feel alive and put you in touch with your true self.

Joy and Contentment

Yoga is a wonderful way to feel joy and contentment. This is one of the most wonderful benefits that I discovered many years ago. I was practicing in my living room every morning learning the poses and I experienced a sense of peace, or equilibrium that seemed to help me get through life's challenges. It's contentment no matter what happens.

Peace and stillness

Regular Yoga practice can help you to slow down and discover the peace and stillness in your heart. Everything seems to fall into place when we listen to our heart, when we take time to listen to the silence.

Yoga is a form of human art

2010-12-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

Education is the cornerstone towards gaining knowledge of yoga poses. For a lasting outcome an attitude of perseverance must be set in order to become trained in yoga. Becoming disheartened is a common trend amongst beginners in any starting practice and loosing focus happens but with persistence one can attain long term lasting results with yoga. To be able to practice the art of yoga by the book effectively,

Your body and mind must be relaxed through breathing to start with. Built up tension or stiff muscles may delay progression and the end result is not achieved. If you have doubts and concerns at the time of your yoga session just dissolve them in the moment as if there's nothing else to think about but breathing and the flow of movement. The trick is to realize the power of now and to dissolve all anxieties with the rhythm of the breath. To separate oneself from physical and mental bondage's of this world the practice must maintained, with an attitude aimed toward the cultivation of lasting joy and physical well being. Pursuing knowledge in the form of yoga increases ones desire to reach the unattainable a burning passion is ignited to excel beyond the current state of being. Development of dormant attributes is another side effect of yoga.

Coming into balance with one's mind is a gift that only the Gods can give,yoga allows this gift to be received in full. Significant changes can emotionally be felt and visible changes noted.Polluted thinking is broken down and blockages that restrict physical development and conscious evolution are removed with continued practice and dedication.It 's an art form of many benefits and can fulfill the lacking void in one's life. It is a life saver in many ways and will continue to change many bodies and minds for years to come.

Know Your Yoga

2010-11-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Yoga is quickly becoming one of the most popular fitness activities in the world and it's not a surprise. Yoga is a great way to maintain your physical, mental, and spiritual health. While there are several types of yoga in existence today, western society generally focuses on three types. These types of yoga are generally the ones that you will find in wellness centers, gyms, and other places that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Below you will find these three types of yoga listed by degree of complexity, starting with the easiest and ending with the more complicated. Decide which type of best for you and start there. Eventually you will be able to work your way to more complicated yoga traditions.

Hatha Yoga: The best place to start is obviously the beginning which makes Hatha yoga the most popular place to begin your yoga experience. Hatha yoga is the most basic form of yoga and acts as a foundation for the more complex types that you may encounter if you delve deeper into the world of yoga wellness. Hatha yoga incorporates postures or poses (Asanas), breathing regulation (Pranayama), and meditation (Dhyana and Dharana). The combination of these focus points results in an excellent way to maintain your physical health while working to eliminate or cope with everyday stress. As you progress through Hatha yoga your goal should be to execute positions in a slow, serious, graceful, and meaningful manner. The overall effect of this type of yoga should be to relax, therefore, it's not necessary to overexert or physically exhaust yourself during your session.
Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga Yoga is a more challenging type of yoga and is meant for those who are experienced in yoga practices. While Hatha yoga focuses on relaxing the body through a combination of poses, breathing, and reflection, Ashtanga yoga focuses on raising the heart rate and is ultimately more physically challenging. Ashtanga yoga is achieved by combining synchronized breathing with a succession of physically taxing poses or postures. These things combined raise the internal temperature of your body causing you to sweat. If is believe that this sweat cleanses your organs and muscles while improving your flexibility, circulation, and stamina.
Power Yoga: Power yoga is basically the westernized version of Ashtanga Yoga. While the general concept is the same, the session is accompanied by physically demanding activities not generally associated with yoga practices. For example, it is very common to find push-ups, toe touches, and various other forms of aerobic movement during Power Yoga sessions. Because of the heavy influence of aerobics, power yoga is a lot similar to a well choreographed exercise routine with one movement leading into the next and so on. It the most simplistic terms, power yoga is a combination of yoga and aerobic exercises resulting in a form of yoga that is physically demanding workout more so than a relaxing slow paced experience.

What You Should Know

Yoga is a personal journey. Regardless of what type of yoga you choose, it's important to work at your own pace. The goal of the experience is to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual health. This cannot be achieved if you are in pain, feel inadequate, or are pushing yourself too far too fast.

It is a general rule to attend yoga in a empty of almost empty stomach. You will feel better partaking in the yoga experience with only juice, tea, or coffee in your stomach. Anything extra may result in the inability to fully execute postures.

Yoga requires a lot of movement and therefore you should always wear loose fitting clothing that allows you complete flexibility. There are several clothing lines that make apparel for yoga, but a jogging suit or leggings and a t-shirt will work just fine.

While you may choose to wear socks to your to your class, it's generally advised that you don't wear them during your session. Some postures require a great deal of balance and socks can cause you to slip and lose traction while executing your poses.

As with any exercise regime it's recommended you don't' wear jewelry and that you tie long hair back.

If you experience any medical problems that may prevent you from benefiting from the yoga experience you may want to speak to your physician before attending classes.

The Power of Pranayam

2010-10-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

The person who wrote the song "Love's In The Air" must have known some of the secrets behind the power of our breath. Besides being simply a romantic love song, I think this is one song who is discreetly exalting the wondrous cosmic energy underlying our breath.

Human beings can survive weeks without food, days without water, but not more than a few min without breathing. Is there some Universal secret behind this often taken-for-granted fact?

If there is, the ancient Vedic masters definitely knew about it. Apparently, they have been using Pranayam Yoga for centuries to heal the body, rejuvenate the soul, remain youthful regardless of biological age, and even to attain enlightenment.

Pranayama Yoga itself can be practiced for longevity, vitality and restoration of health. Even if the person has serious physical injuries, handicaps and/or mobility problems, Pranayama Yoga can be practiced for improved health.

No matter what level of wellness a person starts from, the health situation has a chance to improve upon incorporating Yoga.

Breath is something we often overlook in life. Most rejuvenation exercises, healing, stress management and emotional management workshops incorporate some kind of breathing in the cirriculum. They are intelligently using the power of Pranayams to manage emotional states.

Within the school of Pranayam Yoga itself, there are varying techniques of practising. They can be different in terms of where it is done from - breathing through left, right nostrils vs mouth; how it is being done - the pattern of recurrence; locks - which basically means contracting certain muscles in the body, frequency, rhythm/speed and many more. The list goes on, and I'm pretty sure there could be more which could be undiscovered by modern humans yet.

Speaking from personal experience, I know for sure that Pranayams work, anytime, anywhere without fail. By varying my breath patterns, I am able to change my moods and manage emotional states.

And more incredibly, when various Pranayam techniques are used in conjunction with Yoga postures, I feel miracles taking place within. And these miracles are projected outwards because we are no more than manifestations of everything that is within.

A simple experiment to conduct on yourself would be to consciously take 5 long deep breaths when you are feeling stressed and/or tired. Consciously means to empty your mind and focus on nothing else but the action of breathing only - the drawing in and out of air through your nostrils.

And suddenly, you feel better, more stable, more in control, and more grounded. For someone who is eating simple foods, or better still, a large of raw vegan foods, you may even feel love!

This love is, mind you, not the usual kind of conditional love we all experience in everyday life. This love is the vibrational force emanating from Mother Earth - who is Divine and Pure Love in essence.

Learn different types of Yoga

2010-10-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in the Western world today. The number of places holding Yoga classes is on the increase and there is a plethora of different types of Yoga. With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more it can be easy to get confused

The article will help you to understand the difference between the most popular types of Yoga so you can choose which type is right for you.

Hatha Yoga - in Sanskrit (an ancient classical language of India) "Ha" means "sun" and "tha" means "moon". This type of Yoga is relatively slow paced, gentle type of Yoga and is a good place to start if you are completely new to Yoga and don't know any of the asanas (poses). Like all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.

Ashtanga Yoga - this is the type of Yoga that I practice on a regular basis and means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit. It's a fast moving, intense style of Yoga practice and is based on a progressive set sequence of asanas, synchronized with the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding as you constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the next, so you'll find that it will improve your stamina as well as your flexibility and strength..

Power Yoga - this is a western interpretation of Yoga and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses without stopping and starting.

Iyengar Yoga - This type of Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the correct alignment and form of the body. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time rather than moving constantly from one pose to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses props such as blocks and straps to help align the body into the different poses.

Vinyasa Yoga - Vinyasa means breath synchronized movement and is another fast paced type of Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice each pose is balanced with a counter pose.

Bikram Yoga - otherwise known as "Hot Yoga", is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

If you're just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, I recommend trying a few different types of yoga to find out what you like best.

Remember, there's no rule that says you have to stick to one type of Yoga. I like Ashtanga Yoga best, but I also go to occasional Iyengar and Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety.

Weight loss through Yoga asanas

2010-09-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

For those that have decided that they want to be in better shape both physically and mentally, there are few better options than Weight Loss Yoga Asanas. This special form of yoga is designed in such a way that many have found it to be perfect for losing fat. Though this may come as a surprise to some especially when you consider the fact that it mostly consists of holding different poses for extended periods of time, it is very effective nonetheless.

There are several reasons why Weight Loss Yoga Asanas is possible. One of the main reasons is how well this form targets the entire body. By involving the entire body in difficult stretches and positions, you are expending a great deal of calories. Not only that, but it goes a long way in strengthening the core, which is crucial in weight reduction. It also helps the respiratory system a great deal, which translates to improved breathing and endurance. Stamina is also greatly affected, and that can help you in other types of exercises like running and biking which can be instrumental in weight loss.

One of the most popular things about the yoga form Asanas is the fact that has a great variety of different positions. What this means is that it is great for those that like to mix up their daily routine. It also means that there are several levels of difficulty to overcome and there is something for those of all different skill levels. So if you are looking for Weight Loss Yoga Asanas is one of the best options to choose from. You will find that it is not easy to do some of the more advanced poses, but through patience, practice, and dedication it is possible.

Everyday Pranayam recomended by Ramdev Baba

2010-09-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

A few of Pranayama exercises that Swami Ramdev recommends for everyday practice are:

Bhastrika Pranayam

Bhastrika Pranayam

Procedure: Take deep breaths and then completely breathe out.

Kapal Bhati Pranayam

Kapal Bharati Pranayam

Procedure: Push air forcefully out. Stomach will itself go in.

Duration: Start with 30 times or 1 min. increase upto 5 mins min. upto 10 mins max.
Benefits : aabha, tej, obesity, constipation, gastric, acidity, Croesus(liver), hepatitis B, uterus, diabetes, stomach problems, cholesterol, allergic problems, asthma, snoring, concentration, and even cancer and AIDS.
Tips : heart and high BP patients, and weak people do it slowly.
Swamiji says "dharti ki sanjivini hai kapal-bhati pranayam" and that it "cures all diseases of world".

Baharya Pranayam

Baharya Pranayam

Procedure: Breathe air out, touch chin to chest, squeeze stomach completely and hold for a while. then release chin, breathe in slowly.

Duration: 3 times to 5 times normally. max upto 11 times. and extremely max upto 21 times (in winters).
Benefits : stomach(udar), hernia, urinal, uterus
Tips : not for heart and high BP patients

Anulom Vilom Pranayam

Anulom Vilom Pranayam

Procedure: Hold your right nasal with thumb, breathe in from left. Now open right nasal and close left nasal with middle and ring finger and breathe out from right nasal. Now breathe in from right nasal. Now close right nasal and open left and breathe out and in from left nasal. and so on.

Duration: atleast 10 mins.
Benefits : heart, high BP, heart blockage, vat-cuf-pit, arthritis, cartilage, bent ligaments, sinual fluid reduced, parkinson, paralysis, neural related, depression, migraine pain, asthma, sinus, allergy
Tips : breathe into lungs not to stomach. no organ in stomach absorb oxygen. Do not hurry. Do it slowly. Rest whenever needed (in any pranayam).

Bhramri Pranayam

Bhramri Pranayam

Procedure: Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.

Duration: 10 mins
Benefits : tension, hypertension, high BP, heart, heart blockage, paralysis, migraine pain, confidence, concentration

Udgeeth Pranayam

Udgeeth Pranayam

Procedure: Breathe in deeply, and chant 'Om'kar. OOOOOOm ( long O and small m )
Duration : 10 mins or more
Benefits : meditation

Bikrama Yoga

2010-09-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

Most people view yoga as a serene form of exercise involving sedentary poses with no sweat. Bikram yoga is different all together. So, start sweating it out with Bikram yoga! You will notice quite the change in your body.

Bikram yoga consists of 24 poses. The main difference between this and other forms of yoga is that it is practiced in a hot room. Temperatures generally range from 95 to 105 degrees. The heat allows your body to become more flexible. This enables you to go deeper into a pose in a safe manner.

This causes the body to sweat profusely, so you must be in relatively good health to practice. This causes you to get healthy in other aspects of your life in order to practice this form of yoga. You will find that if you if you truly devote yourself to practicing Bikram yoga, your need for unhealthy vices will diminish. As strenuous as the practice is, you will not typically want to come to a class with a hangover or sleep deprived.

Another benefit is that sweating during this type of yoga helps to clean your body of harmful toxins. It also eliminates the risk of injury because your muscles are warm from the very start of the practice. Sweating will also increase your blood circulation and help you lose weight.

This form of yoga does have its critics. They often say that it is too extreme and potentially dangerous. However, practiced with a certified instructor, Bikram yoga can be fulfilling and deliver you great results.

Bhujangasana

2010-07-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Bhujangasana, or Cobra pose (Sanskrit: ), is a hatha yoga posture. The name comes from the Sanskrit words bhujanga (snake, serpent) and asana (pose).

Bhujangasana may strengthen the spine stretch the chest, shoulders, and abdomen, firm the buttocks, and relieve stress and fatigue.

Traditional texts say that Bhujangasana increases body heat, destroys disease, and awakens kundalini. Bhujangasana is often followed by Salabhasana.

Bhujangasana

Common postural errors during this pose include over-arching the neck and lower back. One recommendation is to keep the gaze directed down at the floor and focus on bringing movement into the area between the shoulder blades (the thoracic area, or middle back).

Ashtanga Yoga For Strength And Flexibility

2010-07-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Ashtanga is a more physically intense form of yoga than most, which is one of the reasons for its' immense popularity. This can make it more challenging to learn however. There are two main ways it is taught - a more traditional approach pioneered by Pattabhi Jois in India, and an adapted form of the primary series developed by teachers here. One of the questions many beginners may have, is do they actually need a class to learn this style anyway? An associated question is what makes it so different? By addressing these issues, it is much easier to learn ashtanga in a way that promotes true benefits, as well as avoiding some of the frustrations that beginners may face.

Pattabhi Jois was a lifelong student of Krishnamacharya, one of the most well known Indian yoga teachers this century. Krishnamacharya may have developed the system of ashtanga, but it was Jois who adopted it as his own. Through Jois' patronage, ashtanga became popular in India and the West. When students traveled to Jois' school in Mysore, India, they were taught as much as they could do of the Primary Series at a time.

The Primary Series is the first series of asanas. There are later, more advanced series, but everyone starts with this one. However, because of its' dynamic and athletic nature, the Primary Series is generally too much for a beginner to learn in one session. So, Jois would teach one, or a few, poses, and once a student had mastered those, he would give them another. Thus, new asanas were gradually introduced, until the whole series was completed.

This was a somewhat slow way to learn ashtanga, and perhaps influenced by the way other styles of yoga are taught, many Western teachers taught beginners a different way. They maintained the essence of the series, but left out some of the more challenging poses until later, and included adaptations of some poses so beginners could do them. Thus, they were able to give beginners both standing and floor postures in one abridged session, all linked by the characteristic vinyasa flow.

In many ways, this approach is actually more true to the way Jois' teacher, Krishnamacharya, taught. Krishnamacharya had a great belief in the principle that yoga was not a 'one size fits all' proposition. He tailored it to people's individual needs and circumstances. Indeed, the reason he created the ashtanga practice to start with was because it was intended for adolescent boys for whom the more introspective hatha yoga practice would be unsuitable due to their energy and teenage distractibility.

Though ashtanga is different to hatha in a number of ways, it would be a mistake to think that it did not develop introspection. The asanas may not be held for as long, but they still require practice and focus. The acrobatic nature of some of ashtanga actually requires a certain degree of coordination, focus and strength. Though beginners may find these aspects challenging initially, if the practice is modified in the way many local teachers do, then these qualities can be developed gradually. In this way, all the benefits can be enjoyed as we learn ashtanga yoga.

Finding a teacher is highly recommended. It is very difficult to describe the way the vinyasa sequence is done, even more so when explaining the use of the bandhas (also called a 'root lock'). Even with the visual aid of a DVD, nothing can quite replace the way a beginners class or workshop provides the opportunity for feedback and corrections with postures. For those more experienced students however, DVD's are perfect.

Ashtanga is an energetic sequence that provides many of the benefits of a traditional fitness program. By approaching it in a way that takes into account any personal injuries, and initial limitations with strength, it is possible to learn ashtanga and enjoy every minute of it.

Easy Tips to Teach Yoga to Children

2010-07-06T23:11:00.000-07:00

Teaching kids is no cakewalk. No matter what subject you try to teach to kids, you're very certain to face a tough time. After all, making a baby concentrate on one single thing for long isn't anything less than an ordeal. Teaching fun activities such as yoga to children could additionally be equally challenging. If you desire your child avail the benefits of yoga, it makes sense to teach him / her the same. Here are a handful of tips that can make the yoga teaching process a lot easier.

Teaching yoga to children is any day far better than teaching gymnastics to little ones. Cause of the same being contrary to gymnastics, yoga is beneficial for both mind and body. It is suggested to update your child about the numerous merits of the yoga practice. This could help extend the interest of the child to pursue the practice further. However, ensure that you speak about just those benefits that the child may readily understand.

For example, in case you tell your kid that yoga practice may help remove the acne woes, your child is more likely to practice the same. In case your kid is nursing severe acne, you can seek help of products like Clearpores Skin Cleansing System. Stay away from using the product for your kid until prescribed by a doctor.

Another simple way to make teaching yoga simpler for children is to add an interest element in the same. It's a well-known fact that kids will not be interested in learning something that is very boring. Even small things such as making funny faces and cracking jokes could help bind the interest of children and can encourage them to practice yoga. Attempt to do what a particular yoga pose stands for. For example, you can make sound of a cat when practicing cat pose or could make barking noise when performing downward dog yoga pose. This can add some interest and fun to the yoga classes.

Opting for a theme for the yoga class could also aid in making it more fun for children. Instead of teaching the young ones yoga in a sequence of positions, you could center the session on a specific theme. The ideal way to do so is to narrate yoga adventure stories while teaching them corresponding positions. For the theme, you can select anything including alphabets, opposites, shapes etc.

An additional sure shot means to develop child's interest in yoga would be to incorporate partner poses in the session. Children are more likely to enjoy activities which they may perform along with others. Make sure that you repeat partner poses during the yoga session. Children will love to rehearse such partner poses and will also develop on their talents like cooperation in the process.

If you desire your child to be physically fit and lively, then teaching him yoga will be more advantageous than to have him walk on the treadmill. So, even if you must put in a bit of effort into the same, do not hesitate.

Protect Your Body Against Viral Infections With Yoga

2010-06-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yoga, though known all over the globe,is not yet that popular as a defense against common illnesses and a protection of the immune system.

Our immune system is an intricate structure that causes bewilderment to the numerous bacteria, toxins, virus and parasites habitually attacking the body. A strong immune system speaks of a healthy body, thus its efficient functioning is vital to our health.

A breakdown in the immune system is caused by many variables. These could be inadequate exercise, poor diet, anxiety, external and internal toxins(food), or undue consumption of alcohol. A deteriorating immune system could be restored by yoga and brought back to its regular efficiency.

Yoga can benefit the immune and other systems of the body in various ways - enhanced blood and oxygen circulation, making for smooth transport of energy around the body, bolstered lung power, recharging of internal organs, relaxing of nervous system and enhancing immune response, to name a few.

The thymus gland is the place in the immune system which is the entry point for germs or infectious agent. It lies between the heart and breast bone and in charge of producing the T-cells. This is a group of cells crucial in the body's defense against invasion by foreign organisms.

The yoga positions that emphasize chest opening, upper back bends and deep breathing provide stimulus for the thymus. Among these are the cobra, fish, bow, bridge, pigeon and boat.

Upside-down postures like shoulder stand, head stand, plow and legs up the wall facilitate the course of lymph and immune cells all over the body through increased passive movement of the lymph system. The lymph is the watery material formed when interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic system. It's not like the blood that gets pumped into the body, instead its flow depends on the constriction of skeletal muscles. It is critical in carrying oxygen, food and water to the cells and removal of waste products out of the body.

Another organ in the immune system with similar function of taking out undesirable substance from the blood and guarding against infection is the spleen. Along with lymph nodes and other secondary organs of the immune system, the spleen is triggered by twisting yoga positions and hip openers. Postures like the seated twist, prayer twist, bound angle, seated angle and pigeon all serve to motivate these secondary organs.

Regular performance of yoga improves circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which is a vital function of the immune system. Oxygen is essential to the body cells' operation of their basic roles. So an improved flow of oxygen results in improved transport of energy from nutrients to cells, thereby providing greater ammunition to the immune system against germs.

The relaxed positions of yoga, together with deep pranayama (meaning directed and controlled breathing) assist the nervous system and bolster immune reaction.

Through its effects of stress reduction, massage and stimulation of internal organs, harmonizing and strengthening the nervous system Yoga has a very important role in holding back the onset of viral infections and common illnesses like colds and flu. In this way, Yoga serves to balance the immune system besides providing it strength to combat illness.

Yoga Reduces Depression, Returns Energy, Eases Aches and Pains Caused by Stiff Bones

2010-06-02T00:54:00.000-07:00

What are the benefits of Yoga? To be honest I would not even attempt to try and list all the good things about yoga. Do not get me wrong that I do not want to but it is having the time and the fear of going down with an aching wrist that holds me back. Nonetheless further down I have pieced together a list of some important benefits of yoga for adults the elderly and kids too.

If you know your body is not 100% healthy and would like it to be, and you know deep down that it Is crying out for change, and needs yoga, then what are you waiting for...go and join a yoga class today and reward your body with the benefits it deserves

It is sad to see people losing out all because they are oblivious to the full extent of the healthy benefits that can be achieved from doing yoga. Why some people with ailing bodies that know about yoga but choose not to take it seriously, is beyond me, when yoga exercises can work wonders easing aches and pains, if not ridding them altogether. Should those oblivious people know how yoga helps the mind and body as much as it does they would be queuing up at the door to take up this widely popular worldwide fitness routine?

Why deny yourself having a pain free body and peace of mind. Doing specific yoga exercises may help rid any discomforts that could be stopping you from enjoying life to the full.

Yoga can better a persons overall health beyond imagination

The good thing about Yoga is, it is not restricted to one age group; like that of body building in the gym where you usually see grown up men and women throwing dumbbells up over their heads. Yoga is in fact fabulous for old people with stiff aching bones, and young kids too. Some parents with troubled children turn to yoga and enrol them in to classes to do specially devised set routines. Kids yoga can help youngsters overcome and cope with any disturbances in their life and this goes for adults to (Depending on the problem.)

There are lots of ways to find about the benefits of yoga; however there is nothing quite as good as actually participating in yoga classes or doing the exercises at home to better learn about techniques and understand what is involved before that of reading about it in books, or watching yoga videos.

Yoga is aimed to bond the mind, the body, and the spirit

For your yoga experience to be a success you need to be comfortable in what you wear for exercise sessions, but more importantly comfortable with the particular yoga program you have chosen to follow. You can only be content and relaxed using the right yoga kit and wearing the right yoga clothes. As this is a therapeutic quest then you will want it to stay that way. You do not want to be loosening clothes while you work out, or maybe having to stop what you are doing to go and lend a yoga mat.. Upsets of this nature can disturb your whole routine, not to mention, frustrating,

There are many types of different yoga exercises so it is wise to speak with an expert about what would be best for you. The yoga teacher will take into consideration your reasons for wanting to take up yoga and advise appropriately.

Yoga helps you to become more aware of your posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It allows the body more flexibility and encourages relaxation even in the most stressful environments. A common reason why so many people regardless of the colour of their skin practice yoga daily is usually down to depression and the pressures in their life.

Join a yoga class today and get back that lost energy, be happier and peaceful

Yoga is not a new craze that has suddenly popped up overnight; it has been around for thousands of years. It includes various ancient speculation, observations and principles about the mind and body correlation which has now been verified by modern medicine.

Below is just a few of the benefits of yoga we spoke about earlier. Remember there are a lot more. If you want more information about this or want to know more about the types of yoga you have to choose from the website given below you may find helpful.

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

It is a common benefit to see a drop in anxiety and depression, and is this not what a great many of us want rid of out of our lives.

Hostility decreases

Concentration improves

Memory improves: Aside from the aches and pains caused by seized up bones, this is another reason why old folk practice yoga. Of course this applies to a lot of younger people also.

Well-being improves

Self-acceptance increase

Depth perception improves

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

Glucose lessens

VLDL cholesterol reduces

Hemoglobin increases

Lymphocyte count raises

Total white blood cell count lessens

Thyroxin increases

Vitamin C increases

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

Pulse rate decreases

Respiratory rate reduces

Blood Pressure decreases

Cardiovascular efficiency increases

Respiratory efficiency augments

Gastrointestinal function normalizes

Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion ups

Breath-holding time betters

Grip strength gets stronger

Better Posture

Energy level ups

Weight stabilizes

Sleep improves and much-much more.

Looking at the number of people with yoga in their lives is living their lives as it should be lived, peaceful and happy.

Yoga Benefits For the Mind, Body and Spirit

2010-05-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular forms of exercise and fitness, yoga benefits almost everybody cutting across age groups due to its unique philosophy. The word 'yoga' comes from the word 'yug' that means to 'unite' and yoga serves to do just that. It serves to unite the body; mind and spirit into a single powerful consciousness that helps you achieve an active lifestyle among many other benefits.

Yoga Benefits

There are six different kinds of Yoga each with its unique set of benefits:

Hatha Yoga: Ideal for beginners, Hatha Yoga is also called the Yoga of postures. It includes pranayam or breathing techniques, meditation as well as different levels of Asanas as they are referred to. It includes various sub styles which include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Jiva Mukti and Kripalu, each being the same with different interpretations. This is also the best yoga for health.

Bhakti Yoga: This form of yoga is meant for people who are looking for a path to god. Also called the Yoga of devotion, it is commonly practiced amongst 'yogis' in India and its goals are spiritual and not fitness.

Raja Yoga: Also called the yoga of self control, Raja Yoga is the yoga that is based on the teachings of the Eight Limbs of Yoga and is ideal for building discipline of the mind.

Jnana Yoga: This form of yoga is centered on a man's intelligence and is also called yoga of the mind. It gives utmost importance to learning and wisdom and not so much to physical aspects.

Karma Yoga: Karma means service and Karma Yogis work towards a better tomorrow by doing good actions. This form of yoga teaches you to perform selfless service during your lifetime.

Tantra Yoga: This form of yoga is often misinterpreted as a form of sex and is much in demand. Unfortunately sex is only a small part of this yoga of rituals which is really about sacred experiences.

Each form of yoga's benefits depends on what you are looking to achieve. It is important to find a guru well versed in the kind of yoga that you want to learn. There are many commercial courses available for Hatha Yoga but for the rest, yogis are more difficult to find. Yoga has become a lifestyle statement amongst celebrities who swear by its benefits. The truth is that yoga has a very special place in today's stressful existence. In the modern day pressures, it is easy to lose oneself and succumb to depression. Yoga is a form of holistic healing that helps you become stronger in mind and body from within. Yoga benefits also include a fitter and more flexible body which helps you lead a more active and enriched life.

It is important to read up on the kind of yoga that you want to learn before embarking on this journey. For many, yoga is about weight loss while for many others, it's just the latest trend. Unless your reasons for learning or following the path of yoga are honest, it will be difficult to reap the complete yoga benefits.

How Yoga Helps Women with Menstrual Problems

2010-05-17T02:13:00.000-07:00

A woman’s menstrual cycle is both a sign of one’s complete womanhood and an indicator of the onset of various problems. Menstruation signifies complete womanhood because it is a testament to a woman’s ability to bear children and give life. However, menstruation is also a time when a woman experiences numerous unpleasant feelings that are both exacting and demanding to one’s tolerance. Some of these problems that women experience during menstruation are vaginal dryness, hot flashes, changes in one’s sexual desire, sleep disturbances, menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, palpitations, and even backaches.

The most common treatment that women use in combating difficulties experienced during menstruation is to take medications. However, it has been found through various researches that yoga is also beneficial in treating menstrual problems of all sorts. This is because yoga allows a person to make the body physically fit by enhancing one’s breathing and by helping one better control her mood. Moreover, doing yoga affords women a form of diversion should menstrual problems become too much for them to bear.

How Yoga Counters Menstrual Problems

1)Yoga teaches a person various breathing techniques. The goal of these breathing techniques is to find a breathing process that provides the greatest relief to the body. Such breathing techniques relax the body, which is helpful especially if one is under stress such as during menstruation.

2)Yoga promotes body flexibility. This flexibility is due to performing the various positions that form part of the yoga routine. With it the muscles become supple. Thus eliminating pain due to menstrual cramps and other causes.

3)Yoga provides a different approach to assessing one’s well-being. The exercise is a great way for women to realize the importance and significance of the menstrual stage including the problems they frequently experience. For one, yoga teaches women not to focus too much on the problem, rather it teaches them to learn to accept the inevitable changes in life.

4)Yoga, being a physical breathing exercise, promotes good blood circulation. As a result, one’s menstrual cycle will not be a problem anymore, thus minimizing pain.

How Often Should Yoga Be Done

Unlike other physical exercises, yoga is not too exacting on one’s health. One may do yoga as often as she wishes. However, the key factor to consider here is to perform yoga regularly. This will allow the body to reap the maximum benefits of yoga.

A woman may practice yoga by herself or in the company of friends. Either way, one must consider the place where yoga exercises will be held. It is important to do yoga in areas where there is sufficient fresh air or in places where one will not be easily disturbed. This makes yoga even more beneficial because it will allow one to relax easily, free from the disturbances from the outside. Likewise, one must make sure to be sitting on a comfortable mat to ensure better yoga performance and to achieve better results.

Yoga and Stress Relief For Busy Women

2010-05-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

Are you stressed and fed up with the constant demands from your family? How often during your day do you hear the words "mom, can I....." or "mom, do you know where my.... is?" Have you lost count of the amount of times you have argued with your partner/children about whose turn it is to load the dish-washer or to wash-up and put the dishes away?

Have you ever thought, 'I wonder what it would be like to close shop for a day, to sit back and just relax? To have someone else cook, clean and shop for you - just for a few days whilst you spend some time alone, maybe with your girlfriends to rest, get your strength and energy back.

As a busy working mom, it is hard for you to find time to care for yourself. Family commitments and social obligations tend to be your first priority. Making time for you - to have a spot of Me-Time seems like a luxury.

Well, believe it or not, given the multitude of things you do, it is essential you find time during your day to care for and nurture yourself. If you keep on reacting to everyone else's schedule and neglecting yourself, changes are by the end of the day you are ratty, snappy and grumpy...and definitely not in the mood for a romantic interlude with your partner! All you want to do, is eat shower and go to bed.

That is no way to live. You are naturally a vibrant, cheerful woman, yet somehow life has got you down. You used to gain a lot of satisfaction from work, now it just feels a chore and another thing to think about. You love your family and being about right about now it all feels too much for you.

If this sounds like you, don't worry. Stress relief is on its way. Take a few minutes to sit down and read the following five fun tips. They are short and sweet and designed to support you rediscover the joys of rest and relaxation.

Five Fun Tips To Relax And Over Come Stress

1. Rest your eyes. Your eyes are unique and eye care is often neglected. Gently close your eyes and place cupped palms over your eyes. Stay still and take a few rounds of slow deep breathing. Make sure your jaw is relaxed as you breathe in and out through your nose.

2. Play music. Classical, rock, R & B or good ole country music. Whatever style of music relaxes and turns you on, play it, sing along and feel good as you reconnect with your inner heart song.

3. Learn to trust your intuition. Stress happens when you do too much and don't take time to relax, rest and recharge your batteries - you get overwhelmed and stressed-out. Learning to say no, to stop and trust your intuition often prevents you agreeing to do something which in the long run is detrimental to your health and well being.

4. Relax your body. Lie down in a quiet and if possible darkened room. Slowly tense and relax first your legs, then your arms, your buttocks, stretch your shoulders up to your ears, close your eyes, scrunch up and relax your face. Take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out. Try and lay still for at least 10 minutes before getting up and reengaging with your day.

5. Give yourself a big bear hug. You deserve it. As you hug yourself, smile and be happy for being the special person you are. Spend a few minutes sitting quietly recalling pleasant, happy thoughts.

So, next time you feel frazzled, frumpy and grumpy; take a few minutes to rest and recharge your batteries by practicing any of the five fun quick tips above. You will feel refreshed, clam and revitalised; more able to give your best to friends, family and at work. I would love to know how you feel do any of these exercises. Please drop me a line and let me know how you get on.

Grow Taller Naturally Using Yoga

2010-04-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

Yoga is defined as a combination of both mental and physical disciplines that originated in India. Yoga has several major branches of discipline and it is important to note that not all - not even most - types of yoga will help you grow taller.

Yoga can increase height by encouraging correct posture and proper alignment of the spinal column. Additionally, yoga strengthens the support muscles and supports the loss of potentially harmful abdominal fat, which can also lead to bad posture.

Yoga is one of the fastest growing types of exercises in the world and there are many more advantages to it besides its height increasing capabilities, although yoga is now considered to be one of the most important stretching exercises to increase height.

In addition to being an excellent height increase exercise, yoga is also great for:

Insomnia - Sleep is one of the most important factors for increasing height at any age and yoga is extremely good for promoting restful, productive sleep.

Appearance - Want to know how to appear taller fast? Yoga will improve your posture so that you stand taller and more confident almost immediately after starting.

Flexibility - When you set out to grow taller naturally, you will be asking your body to bend and flex and become stronger in ways that it's probably not used to. While this is completely normal, you may encounter soreness and some muscle fatigue along the way. Yoga can be instrumental in easing your body through this transition.

Though yoga is only one of the many ways to get taller, it should be seriously considered because of the multiple benefits it has not only for your height but your overall health.

Yoga Breathing Exercises

2010-04-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Learning to breathe correctly is an essential part of yoga. In yoga, breathing exercises are known as Pranayama (control of the breath) and form the cornerstone of your yoga practice. Before you can practice Pranayama it is essential you learn how to take a full yogic breath using your abdominal muscles.

The following abdominal breathing exercise will enable you to prepare safely and correctly for more advanced breathing exercises.

1. Lie on your back on the floor or on your bed with your legs hip distant apart and arms out to your side at a 45 degree angle. Make sure your palms are facing up. Take a slow steady breath in and gently close your eyes. If your lower back is sore, rest on your back with your feet flat on the floor and knees pointing up and draw your lower back as close as possible to your heels. Stretch your shoulders up to your ears and relax, slowly roll your head from one side then over to the other side and back to the centre.

2. Rest both hands on your abdomen, (over your navel area) with your fingertips slightly apart. Spend a few minutes allowing your breath to settle and then take a long steady breath in through your nose and slowly exhale, again through your nose. As you inhale, focus your attention on your hands and see if you can feel your abdomen rise and your hands draw apart from each other.

3. Slowly exhale, again through your nose and notice your hands move down and fingers come back together again.

4. Repeat this simple breathing in and breathing out routine for 5 - 10 rounds.

5. As you become more familiar with abdominal breathing, gradually breathe in for a count of three and slowly breathe out for a count of 6. This will enable you to get a full and real feel of the movement of your abdomen and diaphragm. You will also notice how calm and quiet your mind becomes as you focus on deep abdominal breathing.

Once you have mastered the art of practicing abdominal breathing you are ready to move onto the next stage of your breathing practice - the Full Yogic Breath.

The Full Yogic Breath

The Full Yogic Breath makes full use of all your respiratory muscles. Like any muscle, the more you use it correctly, the greater efficiency it has. To practice the Full Yogic Breath:

1. Sit on a chair or on the floor. Relax your body and gently close your eyes.

2. Place one hand on your chest, just below your collar bones and the other hand flat on your abdomen.

3. As you breathe in, breathe in through your nose, feel your abdomen expand as you draw energy up from your abdomen and up to your rib cage and finally up to your upper hand resting below your collar bones.

4. As you exhale, relax the abdomen first then lower the rib cage and then the lungs.

5. It takes a while to get used to breathing in and out from your abdomen but with practice you can master the Full Yogic Breath and use it anytime you feel stressed, overwhelmed or tired. You will instantly feel refreshed and energised and more able to concentrate.

Now that you have the hang of these two basic yoga breathing exercises you are ready to practice Pranayama breathing exercises which help to balance your nervous system.

Yoga of Sri Chinmoy

2010-03-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

In the west yoga has become synonymous with the aspect of physical exercises known as Hatha Yoga. However Yoga is a wide ranging set of spiritual teachings which seek to bring an aspirant closer to the Universal Self. The word yoga means "union" and in this case it is the union of a seeker with God or union with the transcedental consciousness. Sri Chinmoy says the essence of yoga is " Yoga is our union with Truth." Sri Chinmoy's path encompasses all aspects of Yoga. The principle strands of Yoga being

1. Hatha Yoga - physical exercises

2. Karma Yoga - Yoga of selfless action

3. Raja Yoga - Yoga of gaining control over mind

4. Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of love and devotion

5. Jnana Yoga - Yoga of wisdom

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is the science of practising different yoga postures for the improvement of physica health and general well being. It has been well documented that regular practise of Hatha Yoga can also improve posture and also contribute to an improved state of mind.

Hatha Yoga is not an integral part of Sri Chinmoy's yoga. Meditation and spiritual growth depend primarily on a seekers sincere inner cry. Sri Chinmoy says of Hatha Yoga

"If your aim is just to keep the body relaxed and fit, then Hatha Yoga will certainly help you. But if you want to complete your course in the inner life, you have to enter into the school of concentration, meditation and contemplation."

But Sri Chinmoy does place great stress on the importance of physical health. A healthy body is of great benefit in the spiritual life. To this end Hatha Yoga can complement meditation very well. Several of Sri Chinmoy's students offer Hatha Yoga classes such as Lotus Yoga in Ireland and Yoga centres in San Francisco and Seattle.These hatha yoga classes are held independently of meditation classes, but often there is an overlap with people benefiting from both.

Karma Yoga

Karma yoga is the yoga of dedicated action or selfless service. The aim of Karma Yoga is to engage in activities without attachment to the result. An example of this selfless service is the humanitarian aid programme founded by Sri Chinmoy called "Oneness Heart Tears and Smiles." Staffed by volunteers from the Sri Chinmoy Centres the OHTS has collected aid for distribution in over 100 countries. In the spirit of Karma Yoga the OHTS programme aims to be more than charity but to extend a feeling of oneness with those less privileged in material needs.

Sri Chinmoy says of Karma Yoga

"Karma Yoga is desireless action undertaken for the sake of the Supreme. Karma Yoga is man's genuine acceptance of his earthly existence. Karma Yoga is man's dauntless march across the battlefield of life... Karma Yoga claims that life is a divine opportunity for serving God" (3)

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga sometimes known as ashtanga Yoga is the yoga of gaining control over the mind in order to achieve liberation. In Raja yoga the aspirant practices concentration and meditation in order to still the mind. The great proponent of Raja yoga was Patanjali who described the various practices in a series of aphorisms. Sri Chinmoy's approach to Raja Yoga and meditation is to take a path of simplicity. Sri Chinmoy recommends focusing on the spiritual heart. It is here in the spiritual heart that a seeker can gain access to the inner wealth of peace, love and happiness. By meditating in the mind it is more difficult to be unemcumbered with thoughts.

"Our path is basically the path of the heart and not the path of the mind. ... The heart is all love.
The mind is quite often all confusion. When we say the heart, we mean the spiritual heart, which is flooded with divine love."

- Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy Centres offer free meditation classes in cities around the world. The courses are aimed at beginners of meditation and are based on the meditation teachings of Sri Chinmoy. The classes are free at the request of Sri Chinmoy that spirituality should be available to all and not have a monetary fee.

Bhatki Yoga

Bhakti yoga is known as the yoga of devotion. Here a seeker seeks to attain union with God through an attitude of love, devotion and surrender. Sri Chinmoy's yoga places great emphasis on devotion. For example his numerous songs emphasize a strong devotional approach, as does his early poetry.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana Yoga is the yoga of wisdom. In Jnana yoga the aspirant strives to understand the mystery of the transcendental truth.

"A Jnana yogin declares: Neti, neti. "Not this, not this." What does he mean? He means that there is a higher world than this sense-world, a higher truth than this earthbound truth. "

- Sri Chinmoy

In one sense Sri Chinmoy does not give great importance to the mind, advocating instead the path of the heart. However his prolific literary output serves as a guide for those seeking to overcome mental obstacles. In particular his short aphorisms and poems (which number over 100,000) and designed as spiritual instruction.

Adho Mukha Svanasana

2010-01-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading my articles, you know the many ways in which yoga is a natural and simple method to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although yoga can be an all purpose body workout, it can also be a great way to get a tight booty. In this article you will learn how to do the Adho Mukha Svanasana, which is a beginner exercise you can try at home to help with your targeted bottom workout.

Chances are you have heard of the Adho Mukha Svanasana by its more commonly used name, the "Downward Facing Dog." Here is how we do it:

Start in a standing position and kneel to the floor. Next, place your hands on the floor to where they are directly under your shoulders (meanwhile your knees should be under your waist). This is the beginning position.

From there, shift your weight to your feet and hands then lift your butt into the air. Yeah it is really that easy. If you did this right your body should look like an upside down "V," with your butt sticking in the air. If you can, try to keep your feet flat to the floor with your legs and arms relatively straight. You might not be flexible enough yet so do not get your panties in a bunch; just do the best you can. Proper form will come with practice. It is also good to concentrate on keeping your back straight. Again, this may be difficult for beginners.

When starting out you need only hold the pose as long as you can. Ideally, you will want to hold this pose anywhere from thirty to sixty seconds. Advanced yoga practitioners often maintain this position for as long as five minutes. Increase the number of your repetitions or the length of your repetitions as your body gets stronger.

Downward facing dog is proven to help you get the type of firm booty that many "yoga hotties" enjoy. However, the best thing about this asana, as with many other positions, is it does not just exercise your butt. The downward facing dog helps tone your arms, back, hips, and legs to give you that healthy sexy look no matter what you wear.

The Basics of the Yogic Head Stand - Sirsha Asan

2009-12-30T03:41:00.000-08:00

Yoga is an art that is entirely Indian in origin and practice. The origins of Yoga are buried in antiquity, but most famous saints and rishis have practiced this art. Yoga has two dimensions which are physical as well as spiritual. This is peculiar to the exercise systems that originate from the orient. The western world cannot fathom how an exercise system can have spiritual overtones as well.

The science of Yoga is an ancient science that has been practiced in India since time immemorial.The Vedas allude to this and many men even after decades of study have not been able to unravel the mysteries of this system.

The physical side of yoga concerns a set of poses that are to be retained for some length of time for their beneficial effects to take place. Western physical exercise systems like weight training require repetitive sets, but yoga has nothing like this and consists of retaining a pose for some time. These poses are called asanas.

Yogic asans can be divided into elementary, intermediate and difficult. But bear in mind that all these asans need to be done in the correct way for the benefits to accrue, otherwise there is a chance that you could in the extreme case even harm yourself.

Out of all the yogic poses the sirsha asana or head stand is the king of all asans(poses). It is also the most advanced and difficult. Ancient seers laid great stress on this asana as it was also supposed to lead to nirvana -eternal bliss. But I will caution a beginner who wishes to perfect this pose. Firstly a degree of physical fitness is essential to do this pose. I will recommend that to learn this pose it is best to consult an instructor or join a Yoga school. In the 21st century the western world has realized the benefits of Yoga and a lot many teachers and schools are available to teach Yoga.

The Sirsha asan consists of a basic pose of standing upright on your head. It is also called the inverted pose as the human body is inverted with feet up and head resting on a floor or mat. For this pose it is desirable that you have a mat.I will not advise doing this pose on a concrete floor. You could also do this pose in the garden with the soft grass acting as a cushion for your head.

I will also caution people to attempt this pose only if you are fit and have no serious problems like low or high blood pressure. In such cases the Sirsha asan is to be avoided at all costs. The benefits of the asan are many and have stood the test of time.Basically this pose strengthens the back bone and neck as well as acts as tonic to the brain and other systems of the body. Regular practice of this asan can also act as a rejuvenator of your sex life as well as.

The sirsha asan is done in a simple way. Invert your body and put your hands under your head. Stretch your legs and give an upward push so that your body rises up with the head resting on your palms as the base. The best way to describe this is to practice half a somersault and raise your feet up instead of rolling over. The pose itself can be mastered by doing it repeatedly. The trick in this pose is to retain it for some length of time. I recommend that initially you try and keep the pose for 15 seconds and then gradually increase the timing to 2 minutes.

The sirsha asan has another peculiarity. In case you are celibate and you do the head stand for some time regularly then the as per the learned Yogis the sperms of your body are supposed to go slowly up the spine and form a Lotus flower at the base of the brain. This is supposed to give the person ESP sensations. But nobody has verified this scientifically.

Forgetting the spiritual part a yogic head stand has many beneficial properties that will certainly invigorate your body, strengthen the spine and make the brain sharper. But some external guidance or a guru must be contacted to master this pose. Sirsha asana can also be safely done by women, though some experts do not recommend it during menstruation.

Practice Jnana Yoga for Optimum Mental Health

2009-12-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Anyone who cares about their health often focuses on keeping his or her body in peak condition. Who considers the health of the mind? A psychiatrist or a psychologist is concerned with behavior, and mental health, but how can Yoga help you?

We have all heard Yoga is a good "mind and body exercise," but how does a Yoga student exercise his or her mind through Yoga practice. How can Yoga help you develop mental strength? Let's look at one of the many styles of Yoga, to find answers, and acquire optimum mental health.

Jnana Yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit, through acquired knowledge. It is true that reading will make your mind sharp, but what do Jnana Yogis read? Traditionally, Jnana Yogis read Hindu scriptures to expand their knowledge.

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. The Brahmin caste would have had more access to Yogic philosophy, and the scriptures (Vedas), than the average person, at that time.

This same parallel can be made to any holy man of any religion. Access to written knowledge, books, and Holy Scriptures was not common place, in any religion, hundreds of years ago. There was a time when the average person was forbidden to have a copy of the Bible. The early Bibles were very big, expensive to produce, and not meant for the public to interpret. Whether we like it, or not, this is a part of history.

Now, let's fast forward to the 21st century. Millions of new computer users are accessing the Internet every year. So, how is it that more people, than ever, are disconnected from their mind, body, and spirit? We have attention disorders, multi-tasking, and many distractions to keep us far from tranquility.

Even in a Yoga class, you may hear a cell phone go off - despite the fact there are rules and a sign on the entrance of most Yoga studios. The sign might read, "Turn your cell phone off," but people do not see it, even if it is right under their nose. Why?

Unfortunately, people do not read or pursue vital information. Cable television has hundreds of channels and the Internet has millions of sites. Do you really think the masses are trying to expand their minds by reading?

Jnana Yoga practice, and regular meditation, raises the "Level of Consciousness." Yet it seems that prosperity seems to breed poor mental and physical health. When given the choice, children would rather play video games than watch the History Channel. Therefore, many adults must be getting in touch with their "inner child."

Now, let's come full circle. Entertainment is a wonderful thing, but we should be deliberate in our efforts to challenge our minds. Creativity cannot be found in games that are programmed or in viewing stories where you can easily guess the ending.

Your mind must be challenged on a daily basis by reading good quality writing and watching entertainment that is true art. The modern Jnana Yoga practitioner has much more access to education, information, art, and entertainment. However, he or she must be much more selective than ever before.

Starting With Yoga at an Early Age

2009-12-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Children, these days, are exposed to a lot of unhealthy practices. Peer pressure, access to the Internet and lack of social interaction are adding to the woes of young children. As a result, an increasing number of school going kids are suffering from stress. A high stress level in kids is detrimental to their health. Stress is commonly associated with a number of psychological and neurological disorders. These may include headaches, anxiety, stomach aches, mood swings, irritability and muscular pains. Research now shows that the solution to these problems lies in Yoga. Therefore, it is a good idea to introduce kids to Yoga at an early stage.

In the initial stages, children may learn simple Yoga. They may decide to learn some simple yet useful breathing techniques. These techniques are useful to attain complete relaxation of both body and mind. According to some of the Yoga exponents, learning Yoga at an early age prepares the body and mind to respond positively to the immediate surrounding. Not only does it make the body fitter and flexible it also increases concentration in children. Children of all age groups and sizes can perform Yoga. For instance, they may want to emulate the poses of certain animals such as the lion or tortoise.

Notably, the popularity of Yoga can be also found in a number of schools where school authorities are also finding Yoga as an effective medium to stay fit. According to some elementary school officials, Yoga and circus skills are some of the fun activities that are becoming quite popular among kids. Given the positive effects of Yoga on young children, school authorities are encouraging kids to sign up for Yoga classes. It is widely believed that in the days ahead, Yoga will gain further popularity in the United States of America. At a time when parents are losing sleep over their child's irritable behavior, Yoga seems to be the best option.

Yoga for Physical and Mental Wellness

2009-11-23T00:19:00.000-08:00

The meaning of Yoga is to connect the Soul with God. Moksha (Salvation), freedom from all types of pain by living a balanced life is the ultimate goal of Yoga. Doing away with mundane and trivial desires arising in the mind is Yoga.

Yoga is a technique through which man exercised control over his physical and mental being, to attain hitherto unachieved states of bliss and to be able to conjecture on God or The Supreme Soul, the Parmatma, and to dwell upon the creation and existence of this world. Yoga offers a path to final Salvation as well as a more temporal kind, temporal in terms of relieving unhappiness, the kind that certainly results from poor health.

The practice or process of Yoga are very beneficial for the maintenance of health. It helps to maintain both physical and mental health, which cannot be done by either taking pills or drinking potions. Yoga helps one overcome mental depression as well as attain equilibrium between body and soul. It increases the capacity to work and benefits the brain by increasing retention power and memory.

Yoga is known as Astanga or eight-faceted Yoga and these eight facets are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

Yama: It stands for Ahimsa, benevolence to all living beings, respect and tolerance and objectivity in all feeling, doing and observing.

Satya (Truth): One must always speak and think truthfully.

Asteya (Abstaining from Stealing): One who overcomes such act is showered with precious stones.

Brahmacharya (Celibacy): It is when the mind fuses with the Parabrahma or the highest level of consciousness. Brahmacharya would include doing away with: thinking about sexual partners, singing about attractions, about ladies, meeting, interacting with other potential partners, other ladies, coitus and voyeurism, viewing entertainment with titillating content, reading books or discussing or viewing material with pornographic content, and Kriya Nispathi.

Rutu Kala: One must not indulge physically with any other than one's lawfully wedded wife or husband and that too only during Rutu Kala, the period which starts on the fourth day after menstruation and ends on the sixteenth.

Aparigraha: Although enjoyable, many things we do and are addicted to, such as some of the foods that we eat, are not good for us and must be given up.

Niyama: It encompasses the five concepts of Cleanliness, Contentment, Penance, Swadhyaya and Ishwari Pranidhana.

Santoshadanuttama Sukha Labha; to be truly happy and contented is a state of mind.

Vidhinoktera Margena Kricchra Chandra Yanadibhi:|

Sareera Soshanam Prahu Stapa Sasta Pa Uttanam||

This advocates leading an austere life.

Karyendrisiddhirasuddhi Kshaya Staasa:|

Practice the Vedas and Mantras of which the Gayatri Mantra is the root, strictly in accordance to the procedure prescribed in the Shastras.

Kamatos Kamatospi Yatkaromisubhasubhi|

Tatsarvam Twayivinyasya Twatparata Yuktaha karomyoham||

One should devote one's soul to God and dedicate one's work to Him regardless of whether one's work brings any material gains.

Samadhi Siddhirswareeswara Pranidhanath|

By practicing Yama and Niyama and the Asanas of Yoga, one is able to gain control of one's body, mind and soul, and thereby gain control over disease.

When the focus of practice is on the Antaratma, the inner spirit of the soul, it is called Hathayoga, and when this focus is on the Atma or one's own mentality, it is called Rajayoga.

To sum up, the Yoga Asanas help to condition the body, the mind and the soul so that one can overcome impervious to disease, but before Asanas may be practice, a suitable state of mental readiness must be achieved.

The practice of Yoga involves the imposition of considerable self-discipline in one's diet and in the activities one pursues. A Satvic diet is advocated for those who wish to take up Yoga as a practice. The practitioner's diet must consist of foods that are healthy and provide strength and well-being, foods of the quality comparable to those that are offered to Gods.

Yoga may be practiced at various levels, and so, it is a beneficial activity. The place for practicing Yogasanas must be clean and airy but not windy. It should not be performed in an unclean or offensive smell area and also never on the roof or in a basement.

Before the conclusion of the session, the practitioner should have work up a light sweat. At this stage, he or she should rub down the perspiration on the body itself before bathing. At the conclusion of a session of Yogasanas, the body should not be exposed to breeze for at least an hour, otherwise it will sap strength. Perspiration should be rubbed down on the body itself, before a bath in tepid or hot water. One should not be on a fast or without nourishment when practicing Yoga. Yoga practitioners should respect and obey God, their elders, the Gurus and parents.

The practice of Yoga is beneficial for all ages and genders, from the time when a child is about eight years old. Practice of Yoga is not advised for pregnant women. Regular practice of Yogasanas rejuvenates the body. It gives relief to ailments of both the body and the mind.

Asanas in Yoga and their Benefits:

The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara):

A proper starting point for the practice of Yoga is the Surya Namaskara or a salutation to the sun. The Sun Salutation provides happiness to the body, the mind and the senses. It is good for the heart. The regular performer will live long, be hale and hearty, with a strong and a sturdy body and keen intellect.

Kurmasana:

This exercise will reduce the formation of phlegm in the chest and throat. It is also beneficial for the heart, lungs and the cardiovascular system, besides strengthening the chest and the back.

Padmasana:

It improves the consciousness and the intellect, and brings about mental stability. On the physical level, it will reduce the fat in the thighs.

Sarvangasana:

This exercise stimulates the thyroid glands and the genitalia of both males and females. It is also useful in conditions of haemorrhoids, hernias and menstrual disorder. But it is not to be practiced by people suffering from cervical spondylitis.

Matsyasana:

It provides benefits to sufferers of bronchial asthma and Diabetes Mellitus.

Bhujangasana:

This exercise is good for developing the ligaments of the back and beneficial for the sufferers of backache. It also benefits those with cough and respiratory disease, besides ridding the body of fat or adipose tissue around the abdomen.

Dhanurasana:

This exercise is meant for the relief of stomach disorders and to improve digestion.

Shirsasana:

This exercise, which culminates in a headstand, enhances blood supply to the brain, besides providing a high level of conditioning to the body. It stimulates the thyroid and pituitary glands and is good for relieving a condition known as orchitis, as well as dysfunction connected with virility. It enhances blood flow to the brain and so benefits all brain functions. But it is not to be practiced by people suffering from high blood pressure, otitis media and eye diseases.

Shavasana:

It is good for relieving alleviated levels of blood pressure, inducing sleep and maintaining a tranquil state of mind, and creating a sense of peace.

Vajrasana:

It provides the benefits of relieving stiffness in the knees and legs and in relieving oedema.

Hansasana:

It improves digestion, relieve constipation and stimulates the pancrease, this exercise helps the wrist joints to relax and strengthens the arms.

Mayurasana:

This exercise promates abdominal secretions, relieves indigestion and digestive disorders and conditions the muscles of the abdomen.

Pavanamuktasana:

It relieve constipation and digestive complications.

Sputa Vajrasana:

This exercise brings relief to stiffness and pain in the back and the joints.

Chakrasana:

This serves to stimulate the nervous system, and also provides benefits for conditions of asthma, constipation and diabetes. But it should not to be practiced by people suffering from stomach ulcers, slipped discs and heart disease.

Swasthikasana:

This helps the lower limbs to shed fat while removing stiffness in them. It is also good for the stimulation of the circulatory system and the mind.

Bhadrasana:

It shapes the thighs and is beneficial for the bladder and the genitor-urinary system.

Simhasana:

This is an exercise for the throat, the salivary glands and for sufferers of tonsillitis.

Siddhasana:

It is a classic pose for meditation adopted by multitudes of sages over the years.

Kukkutasana:

It is helpful for those suffering from constipation and retention of urine.

Gomukhasana:

This exercise is beneficial for the spinal cord, in treatment for abdominal disease and it aids in digestion.

Facets of Yoga (Samadhi):

This is the eighth facet of Yoga, enabling the practitioner to reach a state from which salvation is possible. This is the ultimate objective of the practice of Yoga. Samadhi can take two forms:

Samprajnata Samadhi: Samadhi achieved by spurning attachments to the material world is called Savikalpa or Samprajnata Samadhi.

Asamprajnata Samadhi: It is the point of conclusion, when the mind dissociates from the material world, all the afflictions vanish along with image, sight and senses.

Classification of Yoga:

There are a number of ways of developing consciousness. All are Yoga of one sort or another. They may be classified as:

1. Jnanayoga: Attaining realization through knowledge.

2. Karmayoga: Attaining realization through action.

3. Bhaktiyoga: Attaining realization through devotion.

4. Mantrayoga: Attaining realization through Mantra.

5. Rajayoga: Attaining realization through meditation.

6. Hathayoga: Attaining realization through practice and meditation.

Thus, with Yoga, both mental efficiency and activity improve. Yoga preserves and protects health by producing antibodies in the blood and by regulating the mind.

In the modern world, with pollution in air and water and declining nutrition in foods due to adulteration and synthetic production, health threats abound. Yoga and meditation are proven to have beneficial effects on health and this is gaining worldwide recognition and popularity.

Anjali Mudra ( Salutation Seal)

2009-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Anjali is a gesture of respect, blessing and salutation. Therefore this asana gesture seals the energy in the body and also seals the relationship with the divine. This is even at times known as the Hridyanjali Mudra, Atmanjali or the Heart Seal or the Salutation Seal.

This asana thus can be performed as follows:

Sit comfortably in Siddhasna or Tadasana.

Inhale and bring your palms together with the thumbs resting on the sternum.

Pressing your hands against each other.

Now bow your head slightly, placing the crease of the neck towards the center of the head.

Now lift your sternum onto your thumbs and lengthen it down along the back of the armpits, making the back elbows heavy.

Anjali Mudra is an excellent way to induce a meditative state of awareness. Start your practice sitting in meditation in Anjali Mudra for 5 minutes.

You can also use this hand position in Tadasana prior to beginning the Sun Salutation sequence, contemplating the "sun" or light of awareness the yogis say is resident in your heart.

Therefore stay in this pose for about 5 - 10 minutes. Breathing normally.

The benefits of this asana are:

Helps in relieving stress.

Reduces down anxiety.

Produces calmness in the brain.

Brings about flexibility in the hands, wrists, fingers and arms.

Opens your heart up.

Also beneficial in resting the wrist joints.

It helps in shifting of the focus of attention away from the chatter of the mind and into the silence of the heart.

It connects us to the heart chakra which is a powerful centre of energy located in the middle of the chest.

As spirituality resides in the heart. Heart and spirituality are inseparable. Therefore it leads you to the path of spirituality.

Brings unification of the body and mind by pressing the hands together.

It helps in reminding us of our eternal oneness with our highest self, with God and it helps us to reclaim that oneness.

Yoga is like sex

2009-10-21T01:01:00.000-07:00

Yoga is like sex. You can read about it, hear about it, and watch other people do it, but until you experience it first hand, yourself, you don't really get it. So what's the excitement all about? Why is yoga showing up everywhere from auto ads to executive meetings? Why are airlines presenting it to their passengers and why is it featured on Oprah? Kids are doing it in schools; buff athletes are doing it, even pregnant women and the wheelchair-bound. There must be something very seductive about yoga!
If you do yoga, you know that it's seductive. That delicious feeling of stretching from the inside out; that soothing sensation like warm honey flowing through energized limbs; and the "big payoff" at the end of a practice: floating away into the infinite. You can't access this in pictures, and yoga isn't a spectator sport. The real experience is only available to you if you actually do yoga.
Yoga is not just about the beautiful bodies of diehard yogis and yoginis, although fitness is definitely one of the major payoffs, yoga is a path to that illusive center we are all seeking...it's a path to inner peace. We're being drawn to yoga by the thousands because we need it; we crave what yoga offers and deeply need the body-mind-spirit connection we experience when we practice the 5000 year old art of yoga.
Increased strength and flexibility, relief from headaches, back problems, sleep troubles, and stress related issues; deep relaxation, feeling energized, powerful, peaceful and centered... Sounds good? These are only a few of the myriad benefits of a yoga practice. Life is so much easier when we feel comfortable in our bodies, relaxed in spirit and come from a peaceful place of power within. Our days become more enjoyable and more relaxed. Our relationships become deeper and more sensitive. The world seems to be more manageable and, rather than reactive, we become positively proactive.
Many people first come to yoga for physical reasons. They want to find relief from back pain or they want to lose weight. They see the external benefits of a yoga practice, but like sex, the internal experience is what keeps them coming back for more.
"This all sounds good," you say, "but I haven't bent forward and touched the floor since I was 12. Sure, seems like a good thing to try, but I haven't exercised since high school! I'd be embarrassed to be seen in those tight yoga clothes... or worse, in a yoga class. I'd make a fool out of myself!" I've heard it all... and there's always a way. Don't allow your chattering mind or your fragile ego to keep you from discovering the treasures you'll find through yoga. Yoga is accessible to everybody. All you need to do is make a decision to go for it.
Regardless of your physical ability, yoga can be adapted to be accessible to you. If you are physically challenged, you can do yoga seated in a chair. Even those who are bedridden can do yoga and we can all benefit greatly from "pranayama," the yoga of the breath.
Too busy? Weave it into your day with seated stretches at your computer, in the airplane, or while standing in line at the bank. Yoga can be subtle, internal and powerful. As you might suspect, I never take "No" for an answer. There's always a way to do yoga.
Here are a few tips to ease your entry into the world of yoga:
The first step is commitment. My first yoga class was a rude wake-up call. Every injury I'd ever had was talking to me. I thought I was in pretty good shape at 44, but my body's ability to do those poses was beyond discouraging... I hated it. There was voice inside my head that screamed, "Get me outta here!" But there was a more persistent little voice inside of me that said, "You don't have to like this, just do it." I knew, on some level, that I'd be really sorry if I quit so I made a deal with myself to keep going back to yoga class twice a week for a month. No judgments, no analyzing, no deciding "like it or not." So I pre-paid the classes and took my body to yoga class. After that month, I was hooked. I highly recommend this approach... It changed my life.
Once you get yourself into yoga class, the next biggest challenge is self-acceptance. A yoga teacher of mine once said, "Begin where you are and stay there." Wise words, and a big relief! After all, there's no other place to start than by accepting ourselves right where we are and realizing that we'll never be exactly there again. Every yoga practice is different because we are different, day-to-day, and minute-to-minute. One of the basic lessons we learn from a yoga practice is not to judge ourselves. For most of us, that's a hard one. Our culture trains us to be competitive. We want to compare ourselves with each other, with the teacher, and especially with our image of what we think we should be able to do. If you want to enjoy your yoga practice, judge not! Watch yourself from the inside; explore the sensations and the new feelings. Experience yourself from the inside out.
Another big hurdle is overcoming the goal-oriented, "Type A" personality approach to yoga; the attitude that the body must conform to perfection and each pose must be the textbook ideal. Give it up! Not a good idea for a number of reasons. First, no body does perfect poses. Not even the teacher, even though you may think so initially. There is no perfect pose. Yoga is a process, not a goal. The perfect pose for your body is different from the perfect pose for my body, or for any other body. The pose that is most integrated and balanced, that give you the best stretch and honors your body's limits... that is your perfect pose.
Secondly, yoga is a process of unfoldment. The symbol of yoga is the Thousand Pedaled Lotus that keeps opening its petals deeper and deeper toward its center. Every time you do a pose, it will be a bit different; you'll do it at a different level and from a different place within yourself. Allow for those changes and patiently let yoga bring you to deeper levels of each pose as time goes on. After a while you'll discover that the real yoga isn't about the external form of the poses, it's about how you move the energy in your body to create them from the inside out.
And third, honor your body. It's not about pushing to your limit in every p

Preventing swine flu with Yoga

2009-10-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Every now and then there is a new virus which affects people and this time the one affecting the lives of many across countries is- Swine Flu. The H1N1 virus has become a menace and the death toll is increasing day by day.

Yoga has the answer to most health problems as advised by all yoga experts and followers. Yoga helps one develop the immunity levels and makes the body more resistant to being infected by virus. It always helps to develop a natural defence mechanism so that the body is strong enough to fight against all diseases.

It is a well known fact that the virus after entering our system takes some time to breed and affect us. It multiplies in our bodies and after that it attacks the system. Thus, the solution lies in regular cleaning of the internal system of the body. Here is where, Yoga comes in aid.

There are several yoga techniques and practises which help us to cleanse the inner body and mind. These are known as Kriyas. With the practise of the Kriyas like the Neti or Nasal cleansing one can build the defence system and keep away from all ENT diseases. Other Kriyas include the enema which clean the large intestines and purify by clearing all toxins, gases and impurities. One can also perform many breathing exercises like Pranayama, Kapalbhati apart from others. These are breathing activities which involve inhaling, exhaling and holding the breath. These also clear the body of impurities. All the six yogic Kriyas helps one develop the immunity system by cleaning the body and mind of all dirt, impurities and virus and keeping it off from all diseases and infections.

Apart from regularly doing the cleansing practises and Pranayam it is also advised by Yoga experts to use masks in public places in order to further avoid infections. Keeping the inner and outer body clean is the key to a healthy life free of infections and fighting the new terrorism attack called "Swine Flu".

How to Control Diabetes Through Yoga

2009-08-23T01:14:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a disorder that is normally caused by the incapability of the body to control the quantity of sugar in the blood. An individual who suffer from diabetes is not capable to use blood glucose due to inadequate amounts of insulin produced by the pancreas in the body. In simple terms, it can be defined as a problem of the metabolism that can damage the nerves, kidneys, and eyes. It can even cause gangrene, stroke, and heart disease.

In last few years different diabetic treatment methods have been used to control diabetes. While many nutritionists suggested for different techniques for dieting, many doctors also recommended for regular exercise to control sugar level. However, recent studies have shown that yoga too can produce major health benefits for diabetics. Yoga has shown some beneficial results in controlling diabetes. Not long ago, many people were familiar with yoga as a succession of movements or poses. But, today it has emerged as one of the most convenient options to control diabetes.

Yoga as Diabetes Treatment Method

The yoga exercises that are prescribed for curing diabetes are different from hatha yoga exercise. It usually involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as meditation and relaxation. Yoga can stimulate the pancreas and stimulate insulin production. Regular practice of yoga actually reduces the blood sugar levels, the blood pressure, and the rate of progression to the complications. While most diabetics need to lose or at least maintain a certain weight limit, yoga is an excellent choice to accomplish these twin goals. The symptoms are also reduced to a large extent, and so is the number of diabetes related hospital admissions. Apart from this, some studies have also shown that certain yoga poses have the effect of massaging or stretching certain internal organs which actually led to the increased insulin production.

How Yoga works?

Generally glucagons secretion is enhanced by stress. Now when we perform yoga, it effectively reduces adrenaline, noradrenalin in blood, which is termed as 'stress hormones' and this in turn helps in reducing glucagons and possibly improving insulin action. In addition to this, recent studies have also shown that blood pressure also plays a vital role in the development of diabetic and related complications, which is proven to be benefited by yoga. When we perform yoga, it helps in muscular relaxation and improves blood supply to muscles which further increase insulin receptor expression on muscles causing increased glucose uptake by muscles and thus reducing blood sugar.

The Purpose of Yoga - Creating Happiness From Within

2009-08-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

The ancient Yogis created a science of breathing, which we know as Pranayama, but very often new Yoga students do not see the higher value in this practice. The new Hatha Yoga student may only see a value in the physical Yoga postures.Therefore, it is up to Yoga teachers to guide their students toward happiness with the aid of Pranayama. The body and mind become linked, in awareness, through the steady practice of Pranayama.Awareness brings about a realization of the true value of life, but Pranayama is the driving force, which opens the gateway to happiness, euphoria, and tranquility.Happiness transcends far beyond power, money, material, and lust, but many people confuse it for a one dimensional possession. Money and power can help or destroy us. The choice is up to us, because in reality, we are only the temporary custodians of money and power.Why is happiness so hard for some us to grasp? Happiness is not something in a remote location, at the beach, or in beautiful mountains. Visiting any or all of these exotic places may make you happy, but happiness is a lot closer than most people realize.In fact, happiness exists within all of us. You can easily make a case that happiness is a choice. Some people make statements, such as: "My life is boring; all I do is work," "My life isn't fair," and "When I make a million dollars, I'll be happy." Sorry to say, the problem of "unhappiness," in the previously mentioned statements, lies within the individual. In each case, happiness was a matter of choice.If we have a job, we are doing better than someone who is unemployed. Life is not fair, but it is not all bad. Even in the worst of times, people of exceptional character rise up with courage and vision. The person, who sees a "bench mark" of material wealth, as a gateway to happiness, has "missed the boat."While he or she was chasing a million dollar dream, his or her family ties were lost. Children do not raise themselves. Wives, husbands, and good friends do not stay "on hold," until you are ready for them.One dimensional people will usually find their "Golden pot at the end of the rainbow," but they will also lose many more valuable parts of life along the way. Never allow a hectic and busy lifestyle to raise your children and nurture valuable relationships.The fifth Yama, Aparigraha, or non-attachment is the key. Happiness is found in the heart, soul, and mind. Over consumption of worldly possessions will only create a society of "spoiled children," who demand more possessions, but never find true happiness.

Basic Yoga Postures

2009-08-09T01:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the basic yoga postures are quite easy to learn and do? Many people who are new to Yoga do not know what the yoga poses really are. There is absolutely nothing to worry if you are new to the practice.

Yoga is a practice where unification of the body, mind and spirit takes place. This total sense of unification of the body mind and sprit can be achieved through the constant and repeated practice of yoga postures and techniques.

Many people who are new to yoga are always dumb struck when they see others doing the various postures and often wonder how to do them. A beginner to this kind of practice will want to know which yoga positions would be most suitable to them.

People who are yoga exponents or Yogis as they are referred to are of the firm opinion that yoga helps to unify the body and mind. This opinion has not undergone any change even after so many years. It is believed that when one does the yoga poses, the body gets healed automatically especially when one is in an environment which is serene.

Doctors are of the opinion that yoga has many therapeutic benefits and those people who are suffering from incurable illnesses have actually benefited from practicing yoga postures. If you are new to yoga and have been suffering from a long time illness then doing the basic yoga postures is really going to help you get better. To get yourself relieved from the disease you must have complete faith that doing yoga is going to rid you of it making you feel all the more healthy.

Yoga is not an exercise system that has been around for centuries and has been practiced and tried by many who have benefited from it. Research and investigation into the system of yoga has proved beyond doubt that it indeed heals the body.

People who are new to yoga and have just begun to practice the postures have found that their joints have become very flexible. The yoga positions meant for beginners are simple exercises which can bring about a healthy change in their present lifestyle. But the benefits become manifold the more they practice.

A new yoga student will find that the exercises are not only easy to perform but are also stimulating and interesting. Yoga helps to massage the internal organs and glands thus making them work efficiently. It also stimulates those parts which are hardly put into use.

Yoga positions for beginners can be learnt from home or at any yoga school nearby. The basic yoga poses for beginners include exercises like standing postures, sitting postures, forward and back ward bends, balancing and twisting. Once the student has mastered these easy yoga postures then they can move on to the more difficult poses which will certainly be not that difficult when they begin to practice them.

The beginners are not made to hold the yoga positions for longer periods as most will find it difficult to do so. Also they would need enough rest in between each posture so that they will have enough energy to get into the next position with ease.

Self discipline is very important for a beginner in yoga. Yoga does not mean just performing the poses it is much more than that. If you are a beginner make sure that you learn the basic poses well before you proceed to learn and master the more difficult positions.

Breathing technique for Yoga

2009-06-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

How should you breathe when you do yoga? Yoga instructors will often say "breathe" as if you were not already. Breathing is usually a natural process that takes little effort, either physically or mentally. However, there are times when breathing correctly, while moving the body through space, is as important as knowing how to do the yoga pose. Sometimes yoga students will unintentionally and unconsciously hold their breath while doing a pose. A case in point, is the prowling tiger pose where you are on one knee and the opposite arm with the other leg and arm stretched out in front and back. The prowling tiger is a fairly difficult pose to hold for any length of time because it requires the use of strong back muscles. A beginning yoga student will tend to hold their breath when doing this pose because, in the first place, they are unaware of their breath. This is why an experienced yoga teacher will say "breathe."

Being aware of the breath is a learning process that gets easier with practice. Awareness becomes almost instinctive, in that the breath "flows" with the movement, without having to think about it. In the beginning, learning to be aware of the breath is more like watching the breath. When holding a pose and even while moving from one pose to the next, being the observer of the breath is more of an intentional act than an instinctive one. It isn't until the student finally becomes a yogi that he is aware of the breath. So, the question is, how do you become aware of the breath?

If you are relatively new to yoga, begin by feeling the difference between positive and negative forces when you move your body. For example, from a standing position slowly squat down and then slowly stand back up. The movement down into the squat is a negative force and the act of standing up is a positive force. In weight lifting they call the standing up movement, concentric (positive force) and the going down into the squat, eccentric (negative force). Pressing a barbell up off of your chest in bench pressing is a concentric movement and lowering the barbell is an eccentric movement. It is not necessary to know the terminology but what is important is to be able to feel the difference between positive (concentric) and negative(eccentric). The general rule for breathing correctly is to breathe in while performing a negative force movement and breathe out while performing a positive force movement. This is true for 98% of all yoga moves. By intentionally breathing in while doing a negative force movement and breathing out while doing a positive force movement is the first part in learning to be aware of breath. Do a push up and intentionally breathe in while going down and intentionally breathe out while pushing up. This simple exercise will demonstrate how breath influences movement.

The act of breathing out engages the abdominal muscles, the diaphragm, and the muscles of the pelvic floor. When these muscles contract, the core of the body is strengthened and the transition between poses becomes easier. By practicing intentional breathing in yoga, the sense of union with body and breath will become apparent. Before long, the union of body and breath will become automatic and instinctive. When that happens, moving through yoga poses will occur naturally without thinking.

Yoga Clothing and Yoga Wear

2009-06-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yoga has really increased in popularity in the last couple of years. Widely held as a great form of exercise for both your body and your mind, people have been adopting this ancient form of meditation all over the world. As far as equipment is concerned there is very little required to get started.

As time goes by you will improve your technique, posture and that's when you start enjoying your routines a lot more. Even though there are no 'props' required for yoga, you will find certain specific forms of clothing that help you in performing these exercises. Not only will these clothing items make you feel more comfortable and confident in your training, but they should also assist you to improve your style.

One of the very important things to remember about yoga is that this practice has its roots in Hinduism which has been around for centuries. In its eastern form, there was no recommended attire. However, in the western form of this practice, it is not only the style of clothing that is important, but also the quality of the fabric that is used. There are also traditional stitching patterns and methods that are part of the yoga tradition and if you are serious about getting legitimate yoga clothing then you should make sure that you are getting real yoga stitching as well. This will require you to go to a high quality and serious manufacturer who really is dedicated to the art of yoga.

For those who are doing their own research on this topic please keep in mind that yoga attire includes monks meditation robes, sitting jackets, sitting pants, kimono and jubon. There are also western adaptations of these eastern traditional garments. Besides the clothing, there are also meditation cushions and traditional bags that can also help you with your development and commitment to yoga as an art.

At the very least you should look to make sure that the yoga garments you are considering purchasing are made from one hundred per cent pre shrunk cotton. You will also have to ensure that you can dry them on a clothes line after washing, or on the lowest temperature of your dryer.

You can get your yoga clothing in a variety of colours and also different weights depending on the weather conditions that you think you will be practising in. There are usually two weights, a light one for spring and summer, and a warmer heavier one for the winter and fall. The costs will vary but you should not expect to pay extortionate prices unless you are really looking at something special.

Yoga for cancer patients

2009-05-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

yoga:- Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning yoke or union. I interpret it a the union of body, mind and spirit - or- a way to achieve wholeness. It is a time-honored system of self care dating back 5,000 years. Yoga involves a gentle series of stretches and poses (or postures), done slowly and with attention to your breath and related sensations.For the healthy population, yoga helps take of your body in the prevention of illness

or disease. The benefits are many: physically, it increases flexibility and muscular strength; mentally, it helps us learn to work beyond our physical limits through increasing levels of awareness. With continued practice, yoga helps us read our body signals and helps us honor the messages it send us in order to heal.For those of us with medical challenges, the practice can help us move beyond a restricted mindset of always being sick. Continually thinking of yourself as being sick can evolve into a long-term, negatively reinforcing message to your body on how its supposed to behave. With lack of exercise over time, disuse atrophy or degeneration can set it. Muscle tone is lost, particularly in the legs, the skeletal muscles weaken and become more prone to injury - not to mention depression.The beauty of yoga for cancer patients is it can practiced anywhere and from any position - a hospital bed

, chair or wheelchair, if standing isn't possible. When starting out, you may wish to limit their practice to 10 minutes a day, as stamina builds. Most seasoned yoga practitioners go 1-1/2 hours or more each day.As a thyroid cancer survivor, found yoga incredibly beneficial from both a mental and emotional standpoint following my diagnosis. It provided me with a wonderful calming feeling and put my stress, and sometime sheer terror, in check. yoga can help energize - even if you are exhausted! Specific postures can provide help for the following physical symptoms:backachefatigueindigestionheadachestress

Yoga Diet To Keep Your Body And Soul Healthy

2009-05-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Basically a Yoga Diet is a totally vegetarian diet. The spiritual reason behind it is the fact that people who practice yoga gain some consciousness of mind which does not allow them to eat meat of living beings. They practice kindness to all animals and lay emphasis on the benefits of vegetarian diet.

Yoga Diet has been able to stand the test of time and has been around for a number of years. It primarily consists of whole grains, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits. Practicing it not only takes care of your health but also helps in rejuvenating your soul and spirit. Also it helps you to lose weight and remain healthy, thus making you feel better.

The main contents of a Yoga diet and the ways and means in which you can stay healthy with a yoga centered diet are discussed here.

As the yoga diet is typically a vegetarian diet without any meat or fish, the protein requirement of your body is taken care by the incorporation of beans and legumes in your diet. A good quantum of salads, sprouted beans, lentils, bean soups and dishes made from lentils and beans are instrumental in providing you the much needed protein intake. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt etc. are allowed and are helpful in providing energy to the body. Seasonal and organic vegetables are the main source of nutrition. Dishes such as curries, appetizers and entrees can be made out of such fresh vegetables.

Plenty of water intakes are recommended for a healthy mind and body. According to the prescription of a Yoga Diet, your body should get at least 2 liters of water everyday which may be consumed in the form of plain water or fruits and vegetable juices, nut milk, soy milk and other liquids. Mainly recommended food are those which can be digested easily such as juices, fruits, vegetables, milk, honey etc.

Foods which are difficult to digest must be avoided. The main concept of yoga is to keep your immune system in good shape and if you intake lots of heavily processed food which cannot be digested easily then the whole purpose of Yoga diet will be defeated. You should avoid consuming food made with white flour or white sugar and packaged food which are added with preservatives to keep them fresh for a longer period. This type of food can be detrimental to your health.

Yoga diets also prescribe that you must eat your food slowly and chew it properly before swallowing so that it can be digested easily. Fibrous foods and green leafy vegetables are most recommended for easy digestion.

If you follow a proper yoga diet and supplement it with yoga workouts, you are sure to stay fit and lose weight at earliest. This is also sure to reduce the chances of heart attack, kidney diseases, stroke and cancer. Meat lovers are more prone to cancer and heart attacks than those who follow a balanced vegetarian diet.

A well chalked out yoga diet provides all the necessary protein and minerals to your body and the yogic exercises practiced along with pure vegetarian diet provides you with spiritual rejuvenation thus making your body, soul and spirit work in the right union and yield positive results.

Prenatal Yoga

2009-05-11T23:04:00.001-07:00

Prenatal yoga is an excellent form of exercise to utilize while going through your pregnancy. If you have never exercised before or are looking for a form of exercise to implement while pregnant, prenatal yoga is your answer. Because of yoga's natural ability to reduce stress level and help with various aches and pains, practicing prenatal yoga will help with all the minor or major aches and pains women experience while being pregnant. Prenatal is one of the only forms of exercise that can give you ways of coping with your pregnancy pains as well as labor pains. Because prenatal yoga deals with breathing techniques, you are learning a method of breathing you can incorporate into your routine when going through contractions. Many women have said that the breathing they learned while practicing prenatal yoga exercise helped immensely in the delivery room. When it comes to your labor, it can be scary, so knowing right away a way to help decrease your pain is a great advantage given to you by prenatal yoga. Even if you have never practiced yoga before becoming pregnant, you can practice prenatal yoga as a method of exercise during your pregnancy. Because prenatal yoga doesn't require any fast paced movements, it is perfectly safe for you and your baby. In fact prenatal yoga will help you to stretch out any stiffness and lower back pain you may be experiencing. Through a series of poses and postures specific to prenatal yoga, you will stay fit and feel great through out your pregnancy. Again this form of exercise is perfectly safe and harm free. During your pregnancy most women want to stay in shape and do what is the absolute best for their baby. Prenatal yoga is just the form of exercise to use. There are prenatal yoga classes at your local gym you can utilize. There are also exercises DVDs that are strictly for prenatal yoga. There are certain poses and postures you can practice during prenatal yoga that are specific to the trimester you are in. If you decide to partake in a yoga class that is not a prenatal yoga class be sure to tell the instructor that you are pregnant right away to be sure you are not going to be over exerting yourself during the exercise routine. Of course before beginning prenatal yoga or any form of exercise it is important to consult your doctor. If you are a high risk pregnancy or supposed to be on bed rest, prenatal not any other type of exercise is recommended. After your pregnancy is over yoga is still a great way to feel fit and stay healthy. There are many different types of yoga other than prenatal yoga that can be very beneficial to you and your health, physically, mentally and spiritually. Be sure to give yourself the proper amount of time after giving birth before picking up with your exercise routine if you aren't sure what the right amount of time is consult with your doctor.

Kriya Yoga

2009-04-20T01:58:00.000-07:00

Kriya yoga is a system of Indian yoga that was first popularized in the West by Paramahansa Yogananda. The system consists of a number of yogic techniques that purportedly hasten the practitioner's spiritual evolution and help to bring about a profound state of tranquility and god-communion within one's own self.
According to Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi, kriya yoga was well-known in ancient India, but was eventually lost. In 1861 however, the book continues, the immortal yogi Mahavatar Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga. Lahiri Mahasaya then revived the practice, and it soon spread throughout India. Paramhansa Yogananda, a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri who was himself a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, then brought Kriya Yoga to the United States and Europe during the 20th century. Since that time it has spread throughout the world through various lineages, most of which claim descent from Lahiri Mahasaya.

Paschimottanasana

2009-04-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Paschimottanasana: Yoga for Diabetics

Here we focus on a yoga program for Diabetics. Although genetic factors are also involved, a diet over- rich in carbohydrates, obesity, not enough exercise and stress also contribute to a large extent to this disease.

Yoga, with its amazing range of practices, can not only give you an exercise program to help reduce blood sugar but also realign, revitalize and improve the functioning of the Endocrine System and the organs and glands that are involved in diabetes.

Yoga for mind, body and spirit

2009-03-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

For years yoga has been used in many forms for healing and relaxing mind, body and spirit. Yoga has proven benefits for one's overall health and well being. The popularity of yoga enhances enormously as the scientific crowd is coming up with substantiating evidences for the benefits of yoga.

Yoga helps tone and strengthens the body and builds muscle over time. It also benefits cardio and circulatory system too. Another benefit of yoga is its power to ease muscle and joint pains.

Body focused yoga includes – Bikram yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar yoga and Vinyasa yoga. These type of yoga benefit deferent the body in different ways which include strength and grace.

Mind focused yoga includes - Bhakti yoga, Mantra yoga and Raja yoga. The benefits of mind yoga vary just as mush as body yoga. The benefits include patience and concentration and can have the same effects as meditation.

Yoga helps in attaining absolute peace. Some of the basic spiritual benefits of yoga are improved concentration, regulated breath and clarity of mind. The improved concentration and clarity of mind assist to enhance your skills and increase productivity.

Other spiritual benefits of yoga include the psychic control, mind control and thought control. The relaxation in the thoughts will help you gain the knowledge. The control over the thoughts will help to suppress the materialistic pressures of the life. However the ultimate spiritual benefit of yoga will be the self realization. The understanding of self will help assure the healing of the pain of the body as well as the mind.

Yoga is an exercise and an art that anyone can do no matter their age. It can give you health, strength and a sense of well being for the rest of your life.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Control nervous system in your age through Yoga

2009-02-25T00:52:00.000-08:00

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise and assists in controlling and balancing various aspects of the body and mind. Yoga helps you in the control of your Central Nervous System and more. Enjoying yoga will promote many positive changes including a boosted self-esteem, a reduction in stress levels as well as discovering strength in your body and improved overall health
. For more than 5000 years, people have enjoyed yoga. Yoga derived from the Indian nations, and through time has now allowed many people in the western world take control of their body and mind. Yoga when enjoyed on a regular basis is a great method to help you with the many pressures of today's society. Yoga combines spirituality, exercise, positive thinking, and breathing and so on to help you enjoy healthy ageing. The Benefits of Yoga Yoga is a valued practice for many people worldwide. Yoga incorporates fitness, health, gymnastics, and training in a set of rules. Yoga helps you to maintain or lose weight along with strengthening and toning to the muscular system. Yoga is a stress reducing machine. Yoga will train your mind, as you learn to control your thoughts through meditation and breathing. Breathing correctly is essential to mastering yoga. When you practice this form of exercise, you are connected with your inner self. You learn to balance your mind and body, which leads to good health.Through practicing yoga, your emotions are also controlled, meaning that fears, doubts, and other negative influences will not take control of your life. Rather you will have control. As you practice yoga, you will feel comfortable with both yourself and others around you. The world will become yours, as you learn to communicate effectively and stop sweating the small stuff.As there are many forms of yoga, be aware that some types of yoga training may not be right for you. Sometimes you may have to modify the workouts to benefit your body type and to withhold the workout suited for your strengths. You have to determine the beginners level in whatever yoga form you participate in, and allow to progress naturally. Your instructor will provide you with the necessary steps to receive the utmost benefit to you and your body. How To Get Started With Yoga The first thing you should do is seek medical approval from your practitioner. Make sure you are able to enjoy the type of yoga you choose. Start out slowly and progress only when your body is comfortable. Guide your way into mediate exercising. Yoga will put you in connection with your spiritual side, so prepare to find a new you. When you first begin yoga, perhaps you would benefit from joining groups that practice yoga at the appropriate level. The group sessions will inspire you to continue your journey to healthy ageing. Having support is essential for all of us, and these yoga groups can become your support team on your journey. If you cannot find a group in your area, visit your local library. You can also purchase books, videos and dvds that provide instruction on how you can both enjoy and benefit with yoga.Where do I go after learning yoga? After you have taken the steps to get started and learn and discover the correct methods to perform the yoga exercises, you will need to find a quiet area where you feel comfortable. You want to avoid interruptions while practicing yoga to receive the most benefit from your workout. As yoga involves both physical and mental connection and balance, the benefits from the meditation and breathing will be tantamount to your results, stimulation and healing. When will I notice the change in me?Be patient. As with almost everything in life, you may not notice a change right away. It takes time to notice or feel the changes. If you practice yoga on a regular basis changes will occur gradually and soon you will be amazed how your emotional and spiritual connections will begin changing your life in leaps and bounds. Keep in mind that yoga is teaching you how to control your mind, body and emotions. Work with yoga and yoga will work with you. Yes, promote healthy ageing with the benefits of yoga.

How to choose right Yoga mats?

2009-02-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

A very important decision for you as you commence on the yoga path is to choose the right yoga mat. First let's have glance at the qualities of the perfect yoga mat. In terms of practice, it must be offer traction. In other words it should allow your body parts to grip it firmly without slipping. This is essential in doing yoga poses that have to be held for extended periods. Next, it should lie flat on the floor when you spread it out. It should be soft enough to cushion you body yet firm enough to give support. And you should be able to clean it easily.

Yoga mats are generally a very thin mat. They are used in order to make the ground or floor more comfortable for sitting and lying yoga moves. A mat is a good investment and it may be one of the first yoga accessories you wish to purchase. There are many different types of yoga exercise mats and rugs, including:
CLASSIC" Yoga Mat
"DELUXE" Yoga Mat
Cotton Chemical Free/Organic Ashtanga Yoga Mats
OM Logo MAT
"DELUXE" Yoga Mat Roll
UTOPIAN YOGA MAT
Yoga Blanket/Serape
All these factors depend on the material. When it comes to yoga mates, you have the choice of natural or synthetic. Natural materials such as jute or cotton are sometimes known as yoga rugs. Synthetics such as latex or PVC are sometimes known as sticky mats. Yet other mats are made from a blend of jute and natural rubber. All types of mats have their pros and cons.

Yoga exercises are performed on the floor usually with bare feet. The postures may lead to loss of balance especially in the beginning stages and may result in a fall. You need something that will avoid direct contact of your body with the bare floor that will also protect you in case you lose balance and fall. Yoga exercises can make you sweat a lot, in turn introducing a tendency to slip easily. Mats can help you here and minimize the potential to slip and also protect you in case you do. A yoga mat is designed with precisely these requirements in mind, and is an invaluable accessory for serious practitioners of yoga. Yoga mats can be purchased online. Compared to most of the sports and other physical activity that you can think of, Yoga requires very little by way of accessories. However, you may need to pay attention to the little that is needed because of some peculiarities of Yoga.

Dhyana Yoga

2009-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

In Hinduism, dhyana is considered to be an instrument to gain self knowledge, separating maya from reality to help attain the ultimate goal of moksha.

The Bhagavad Gita, thought to have been written some time between 400 and 100 BC, talks of four branches of yoga:

Karma yoga: The yoga of action in the world
Jnana yoga: The yoga of Wisdom and intellectual endeavor
Bhakti yoga: The yoga of devotion to God
Dhyana yoga: The yoga of meditation

Dhyana in Raja Yoga is also found in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Practiced together with Dharana and Samādhi it constitutes the Samyama. Depictions of Hindu yogis performing dhyāna are found in ancient texts and in statues and frescoes of ancient India temples.

The Bhagavad Gita talks of only two main modes, Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga (not to be confused with physical exercise, or Hatha Yoga). Meditation is a subset to attaining Jnana since you realize the one Advaita principle.

Breathing Your Way To Health

2009-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

A Brief History of Pranayama and Qi Qong:

The Indians developed the idea of Prana, a semi-mystical life force that pervades the body, which is responsible for life, health and transcendence. The Chinese developed the idea of life force being Qi, a force that helps maintain end extend life. The Chinese concept is not as mystical as the Indian, but both arrived at a system that could benefit the body and mind using similar techniques.
Pranayama is a 'Sanskrit' word meaning 'control of breath'. Its essence lies in the modification of our normal process of breathing. Breathing is an act in which we take air from the atmosphere into our lungs, absorb the oxygen from it into our blood, and expel the air again into the atmosphere together with carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Pranayama consists of modifications of the breathing process, which we bring about deliberately and consciously. We can modify breathing in three different ways:

By inhaling and exhaling rapidly, taking shallow breaths.
By inhaling and exhaling slowly, taking long or deep breaths.
By stopping the act of breathing altogether.

We are primarily concerned with No 2. This type of breath control will allow us to create the necessary extra Qi(chee) our bodies need to increase fitness levels and a clearer mind.
The original Prana breathing methods were part of the ancient Indian Vedas some 1200 to 1500 BC. The most sacred Indian text of the second century BC the 'Bhagavadgita' mentions Pranayama as a means of spiritual enlightenment. Although the process of spiritual enlightenment is far less easy to quantify, the use of Pranayama as a means of strengthening the health is well documented.
Pranayama breathing techniques are often used as a precursor to meditation.
Qi Qong, is similar to Pranayama in that Qi (chee) means breath or breath of life and 'Qong' means mental control over the body. It is believed that Qi Qong is even older than Pranayama and early breath control practices became an important part of Chinese medicine. When you next yawn, which might be now, seeing how we have mentioned it. Observe how you feel when the yawn has finished, your body will be relaxed, if you had any pain or discomfort, this would be alleviated for a few seconds. This is an example of how the changing of your normal breathing pattern can bring a change to your body conditions. The Chinese believe it is the disruption of the flow of Qi within the body that causes many diseases and the re-establishment of the Qi (energy) flows that can bring about an upturn in our well being.
Using these practices on a daily basis can give us a good platform for strengthening our immune systems.
A word of caution, be very mindful when performing this Pranayama (Yoga Breathing Exercise), and return to normal breathing if you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint. Remember we only need the basic breath control here, if you think Pranayama can bring you more benefits then look for one of the many good books available or better still join a class.
Posture:
There are several postures recommended for Pranayama breathing exercises, most include the type of sitting with crossed legs that can be seen in many books or TV programs. Not many people have the time to spend learning how to achieve these postures, although they can prove beneficial. But to start your basic breathing exercise there is only one rule, 'NO slouching'. If you prefer to sit, keep a straight back, this will allow for the free passage of air between the throat, lungs and abdomen. Keeping a straight back will also keep your mind more alert. Although you can lie down if necessary, it is more difficult to do deep breathing while on your back, initially anyway. If you wish to learn about the other postures recommended, there are many good books available on Hatha Yoga.
Breathing:
Unless stated all inhalations and exhalations should be through your nostrils, this allows the body greater control over respiration

.
Belly Breathing:
To do yoga belly breathing properly you should allow your lungs to fill from the bottom up, this will assure you of maximum air penetration and absorption. The lungs lay just behind the rib cage and are attached to the ribs, they are therefore pulled open and closed by them. If you are breathing only with the top half of the chest, the top of your lungs will open first so that the air fills them only up at the very top. If on the other hand you push your belly out as you inhale you will expand your diaphragm first. The lower ribs will then push out and open the lower portion of the lung first. The air will then rush down into them to fill the vacuum there and so fills your whole lung chamber from the bottom to the top. When you exhale, you are in effect reversing the process, by pulling the belly in at the end of the exhalation. This last movement pushes the air complexly out of the lower portion of your lungs and so pushes all the toxins of the used air out of your lungs.
Don't worry if takes you a little time to practice and feel right when using this breathing method.
Re-Cap.
Deeper, steady breathing can increase the amount of oxygen the body can use to burn out disease.
The use of Pranayama increase the amount of 'chi' the body can use, for health and spiritual matters.
'Chi' can be used by the Inner and Higher-Self to help manifest your desires.
Start to breathe deeper when relaxing during the day and see what a difference it can make to how you feel.

Understanding Yoga and Its’ Health Benefits

2009-01-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

Understanding yoga is not easy. In fact, anything that had been in existence for more than about thousands of years is not easy. The origins of this unique form of physical act or exercise are not very clear. However, experts feel that the origins of yoga were found either in ancient Egypt or ancient India.

As we all know, yoga has gained tremendous popularity since last few decades. The different types of postures of yoga have helped many people to promote healthy mind, body, and soul. It has been proved as an excellent means of relaxation, which proffers a sense of inner peace and balance.

These days, the art of yoga has become a never ending rage among youngsters, children and the old. With celebrities like Madonna embracing yoga for health benefits, the craze for this unique form of exercise is here to stay.

A) What is yoga?

Yoga involves a series of different postures in conjunction with stretches. This is practiced within a holistic mindset and deep concentration that results in emotional, spiritual mental, physical and health benefits.

Most people who have been practicing yoga for a long time have understood yoga as a form of meditation. The more one tends to practice this art, the more one feels enlightened and experience transforming effects. Yoga works towards gifting and developing an individual’s inner as well as outer personality. It also helps in transforming one into a good human.

B) Yoga as a way of life

Yoga can be understood as a lifestyle or a way of life. It is an art of righteous living. Experts would like to refer it as an effective system to benefit the body mind and inner spirit. This unique are was originated ancient years back.

You can find some excellent references to yoga in ‘Puranas’ and ‘Upanishads’. These were beautifully composed by Indian Aryans in the later vedic and post vedic period.

The principles of yoga were described in full fledged eight fold yogic discipline. This is explained by Patanjali in his ‘yoga sutra’. It was composed almost two thousand years ago! The eight important stages of yoga recommended by Patanjali are as follows:

These are the stages of yoga discipline:

a) Yamas - Restrains and abstentions

b) Asanas - Physical exercises or postures.

c) Pranayama - Total control over vital energy or breathing pattern.

d) Niyamas - Observances such as contentment, study, austerities, purity and surrender of the ego.

e) Dhyana - Meditation

f) Partyahara - Withdrawal of the senses.

g) Samadhi - Attainment of the super conscious state

h) Dharana - Contemplation or concentration of the mind.

C) Superb health benefits of yoga

There are several health benefits of practicing yoga.

a) Weight loss and Weight control

b) Enhances immune system and blood circulation in the body

c) Control over anxiety

d) Relief from asthma, multiple sclerosis, headaches, blood pressure and carpal tunnel syndrome.

e) Reduces arthritis pain, depression, stress, heart disease, chronic fatigue and back pain.

f) Helps in removing toxins from the body.

g) Heals several diseases and body ailments

h) Enhances concentration power and creativity; Reduces stress and tension

i) Allows better thinking, enhances flexibility and balance.

j) Leads to spiritual fulfillment.

Yoga for your heart

2008-12-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a fresh viewpoint about Yoga's holistic approach toward heart health.

Are you tired of watching commercials about how your "bad diet" causes all of your heart problems? What about people who eat healthy and have heart disease?

These commercials are usually prescription drug advertisements, which profile everyone with heart disease in a negative light. They profile you as negligent, and smother you with guilt, by giving you a solution to all of your problems with a pill.

Let's face it - there are times, in life, when each of us may have to take a prescription. Pharmaceutical drugs save lives, whether we want to take them or not. Yet, there are adjunct solutions to heart health, and Yoga is one of them.

Yoga has many ways to address your heart health. Most of the Yogic methods address stress, and anxiety, that can damage your heart over time. Many people do not realize the amount of heart damage that stress causes over the long term.

In Yoga, there are healthy vegetarian diet options, which you can adopt for life. Most people will readily admit that vegetarian diets will extend your life and decrease your chances of heart attack. This does not mean that a vegetarian diet insures that you will never have a heart attack.

Sorry, there are no "guarantees by the manufacturer" on your heart. Sometimes, the heart just stops. Your heart runs on electricity, and without it, your heart will stop. Some newborn babies have congenital heart defects. In fact, the heart is a very fragile mechanism.

Yet, what if you eat a vegetarian diet and have a genetic heart defect in your family tree; are you still at risk because of genetics? Unfortunately, heredity can override the positive conditions you place on your heart. Yet, giving up is not an option, if you want to live.

Therefore, a diet with reduced, or no meat, increases your chances of heart health. If you come from a meat-eating culture, this can be difficult, but not impossible. At home, you can substitute veggie dogs, veggie sausage, and veggie burgers, for meat. There are many competing brands these days, and they offer many choices.

Even restaurants offer more vegetarian choices than they did ten years ago. At most local restaurants, you can easily order meals without the meat. Last year, I noticed many new vegetarian choices in the parks at Disney World.

Obviously, keeping your body in motion will help your heart. Yoga asanas and flowing posture sequences will help, but these methods also purge your mind of negative thoughts. With that said, practice any time you have the time.

If you are new to Yoga, please find a local instructor to teach you how to meditate, the intricacies of Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep), and Pranayama (Yogic breathing). All of the above methods will reduce your risk of heart attack.

Weight loss with Yoga

2008-12-21T03:52:00.000-08:00

Weight loss with Yoga is possible but also involves eating a balanced diet and performing some postured based exercises. There are cases where obese individuals have lost weight while performing Yoga, but the primary requirement is dedication. If one simply performs Yoga without a change in lifestyle, you will be greatly disappointed.

O It reduces weight in a lasting and permanent way without causing any side effect to health, beauty and physical or mental condition. O It doesn't cost to correct obesity. There is no disturbance to your normal life or a possibility of regaining the same weight even if yoga practice is discontinued.

Yoga's balanced and multi-dimensional approach to health and wellbeing, ensures that the weight loss is not just rapid, but is also natural and safe. One should always begin with warming up the body including a bit of stretching and relaxation exercises. If you lie on the floor with arms at the sides and with legs slightly apart, it is a good start.

The holistic and energy oriented Pranayama combines using the BODY, BREATH and MIND to help you lose weight and attain your ideal body. Ayama means the control of the Prana, which signifies life or breath which indeed is the key to life.

Everyone has to breathe to live. Breathing is a physical action that allows one to absorb oxygen from the air. The process also allows you to remove the excess carbon dioxide. In yoga, breathing is a vital part of the process. One should start to practice breathing in from the nose and not from the mouth. While breathing is usually accomplished with the use of chest muscles, one can also take deep breaths using the abdominal muscles. The abdomen can pull down on the diaphragm and this will ensure a deeper breath and ensure more oxygen. This movement also helps with the function of the intestine and process of food absorption.

The middle part of the chest (thorax): Put the hands on either side of the ribs. Inhale slowly inflating the sides thoroughly, then exhale and repeat several times. The process purifies blood, improves circulation and calms the heart. The upper part of the chest or collar bones (clavicle): Put hands on each side of clavicle. Contract the stomach slightly. Inhale slowly pushing the clavicle upwards, then begin to exhale pushing it downwards. Repeat several times. The process cleans and fortifies the upper chest.

Meditation is the ability to develop a stable posture and then allow the mind to concentrate. The process allows one to control the body. People, who meditate for years, have great ability to control various bodily functions like blood flow, breathing, and calming of the nerves. There are many postures for meditation. The simplest is to the Padmasana. Here you place the right foot on the left thigh and then the left foot on the right thigh. The hands should be placed on the knees. With the body straight and rigid, one should start the breathing exercises.

Rules to practice Pranayama or Yoga O Start practice not before the age of eight to ten years. O Yoga exercise is equally useful for both sexes: male and female. O Always practice in a peaceful, calm, noiseless and airy environment. O Wear clothes which are sufficient to protect the body. O Avoid wearing tight clothes.

Yoga should be done on empty stomach. Therefore eat at least 2-3 hrs before your practice. Children under the age of 12 years should be guided by an Instructor. Normal breathing should be maintained while performing yoga postures.

Prior to beginning any Yoga classes, it is important that one warm up. This means stretching the muscles of the hands and legs. While any form of stretching exercise can be done to warm up the body, one can also for briskly for 10-15 minutes to get the same result. Once the Yoga classes are complete, it is important to rest and let the body cool down. Most people will feel relaxed, agile and calm after a yoga exercise. Some describe the feeling as flying in space. Individuals who are obese or over weight should not risk jogging for fear of causing joint injury or falls. Some exercises like weight lifting can also lead to excessive damage of the joints.

O Cool down after exercising a session with slow and gentle stretches. O Consult a doctor or a yoga teacher before embarking on any yogic exercise program, especially when you are above 45 years of age, pregnant, have a personal or family history of high blood pressure or heart problem. Too much and too fast yogic practice does not provide instant results; these simply lead to injuries, aches and pains.

How Yoga Can Enhance Your Life

2008-12-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Although Yoga is very old, it has only recently achieved more mainstream focus. The celebrity endorsement from people such as Madonna has helped it grow in popularity.

However, Yoga is more than just the latest celebrity fad. It can hugely enhance our lives and give us many physical and mental benefits.

Yoga actually massages internal organs. Many of these including the prostate barely receive any stimulation during the lifetime. Yoga can actually massage these and reduce risk of disease or provide warning signs at the first possible instance.

Yoga features many different positions and exercises. These positions work many different ligaments, tendons and joints and hugely increase the practitioner's flexibility. They will use joints that has never really be used or effectively exercised before. Yoga also assists with lubricating joints.

Because Yoga can be quite intensive exercise, it can provide high levels of toning to the body. We have seen the likes of Madonna and how it has massively kept her in shape as she enters her fifties.

Yoga can help clean out the body of toxins by assisting with effective blood flow to all of the parts of the body.

The great thing is that all of these benefits that are offered from practicing Yoga come as a by product. Yoga offers huge benefits of harmonising the body and the mind. This can be done through meditation which helps the practitioner to achieve detachment.

Once you have taken classes for a while, the great thing about Yoga is that it can be done anywhere. As well as the long term physical benefits of Yoga, it will help you to become more relaxed and centred.

Yoga for all round health benefits

2008-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Yoga is way of exercising your body and mind. It is now a world famous and extremely popular technique but its origin makes a humble story. It was practiced by Indian sages thousands of years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that it is at least as old as the Indus valley civilization. It was the ancient Indian sage Patanjali who proposed this method of wholesome exercise. The word “yog” means union; usually, “yoga” means union God or the divine being. The objective of a yogic exercise is to unite the individual with the divine through a series of body postures meant to control the body and the mind. Yoga in India is now a part of the everyday routine of most Indians.

Yoga in India has many benefits. It helps in cleansing the body of numerous toxins, toning the muscles, strengthening the digestive system and improving the circulation of blood. It also helps in correcting body postures. But unlike other forms of exercise like aerobics and workouts at the gym, it also promotes mental peace, freeing the practitioner from stress connected with day-to-day life. There are also those who undergo yoga purely to attain moksha or salvation.

There are eight stages that yoga consists of
1) Yamas - where one learns abstinence and restraint
2) Niyamas – where one learns to live in contentment
3) Asanas – where one learns the exercises
4) Pranayama - exercises related to breathing
5) Partyahar – exercise connected with the withdrawing of senses
6) Dhrana – where absolute concentration is achieved
7) Dhyana – the satge of meditation
8) Samadhi – achieving moksha or salvation.

Yoga is not only endorsed by its practitioners; even modern science agrees that it is a form of exercise that can help you attain all-round health benefits. As such, Yoga in India is now a vital theme of her tours and travels. There are various centers in all corners of the country- Chennai, Rishikesh, Hardwar, Shivpuri and Uttarkashi are well-known centers. Apart from these places, there are many professional instructors who have been specially trained in the field and they have their private practices. They can be easily located by searching online

Astanga Vinyasa Yoga

2008-11-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Astanga, or sometimes spelled ashtanga Yoga is actually taught today by a man named Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India. He has brought astanga yoga to the west about 25 years ago and still teaches today at 91 years of age. Astanga yoga began with the rediscovery of the ancient manuscript Yoga Korunta. It describes a unique system of Hatha yoga as practiced and created by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi. It is believed to be the original asana practiced intended by Patanjali.

The Yoga Korunta emphasizes vinyasa, or breath-synchronized movement, where one practices a posture with specific breathing patterns associated with it. This breathing technique is called ujayyi pranayama, or the victorious breath, and it is a process that produces intense internal heat and a profuse sweat that purifies and detoxifies the muscles and organs. This also releases beneficial hormones and nutrients, and is usually massaged back into the body. The breath ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.

There is a proper sequence to follow when practicing Astanga yoga. One must graduate from one sequence of postures to move onto the next. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body, purifying it so that toxins do not block. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels, allowing energy to pass through easily. The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the grace and stamina of the practice, which calls for intense flexibility.

It is best to find a trained and knowledgeable teacher to assist you through this discipline. It is an intense practice that is rigorous, six days a week. You are guaranteed to find inner peace and fulfillment with each breath you take.

Yoga for improving your figure

2008-11-21T23:52:00.000-08:00

In presenting various Yoga asanas, I must impress on you that these alone will not make you lose weight. Yoga you see is a way of life not just a system of physical culture.You must study Yoga as a whole and let it pervade every part of your life. Let it gradually alter your way of thinking and in time it will affect your attitude towards food. For many people food is a social occasion or a means of chopping up the day. To very many others, it is a form of sheer solid comfort in times of stress or anxiety. To still others it is a hobby or a release from boredom. They don't know what to do with themselves so they eat-and grow fat.I do not suggest that you try drastically to alter your eating habits. Let Yoga gently do that for you. Practice Yoga as a complete science and very slowly adjust your eating habits according to your state of mind. By this I mean that, at the moment, maybe food is of major importance to you. It is right that you have this incentive to eat for it is necessary to take food in order to live, but many people, far too many, take far more food than they need. This results in a gradual build up of fat in the body until there you are-two, three, or even more stones overweight.It is never easy to take off weight and Yoga is not a short cut by any means, but this much I promise you. Once you have slimmed the Yoga way, you will be able to eat as you please and not gain an ounce. Yoga, in affecting the glands, establishes a rhythm in the body so that you do not feel a desire for food that you do not need. You want to eat only enough to keep superbly fit. Your new calmness of mind will make it unnecessary for you to turn to food for comfort or as a means of relieving tension or boredom. As I have said, Yoga will affect your way of life, even against your will; it will alter your attitude towards many things and one of these things is the food you eat.Having warned you that I have no magic formula dreamed up by the ancient Yogis with regard to recovering a slim, beautiful figure, let me discuss the first step in this 'battle of the bulge'. Here is a Yoga asana which will help you on your way. It is called the SIDESLIP and it should not present too much difficulty if you spend the first couple of days limbering up your torso with the following simple movements.Limbering up Exercises Stand up straight, feet together, arms raised to shoulder level. Holding your arms steady, swing them as far as possible round to the right. Twist your body to the maximum to bring your right arm as far round as you can and at the same time turn your head to look over your right shoulder so that you twist your neck to the utmost; as you turn slowly, bend your left arm so that when the swing to the right is at its height your left thumb should touch your right shoulder. Hold this position for a few seconds and then repeat the swing to the other side. You can repeat these swings ad lib but at first it is as well to limit yourself to a maximum of six if you have never taken any exercise before.Two points to remember. These swinging movements from side to side should be performed slowly and rhythmically. Emphasis is on the full sweep of the arms and the twisting of your torso to the utmost rather than on speed. Speed isn't a word used in Yoga, rather substitute the word pressure. At the extreme points of the twisting movement, you can exert a slight pressure to enhance the value of this limbering exercise. And having practiced it for a day or two you should graduate with no difficulty to a more advanced lateral twist called THE SIDESLIP POSTURE.Sideslip Posture 1. Kneel down on the floor and sit back on your heels. Raise your arms above your head, clasp your hands together and turn them palms upwards. Slide your body off your heels to the right and at the same time gently swing your arms towards the opposite side. You should not bend forward while performing this movement but move from the waist to the side only. Now raise your body off the floor, swing it slowly and gently to the other side and at the same time swing your arms over to the opposite side. Try to keep your knees together throughout the Sideslip Posture, but if you find this difficult or impossible at first, you may hold your knees apart to maintain your balance, but at all times endeavor to bring your knees together.Many people, while attempting this asana for the first time, have difficulty with stage 3, that is the lifting of the body off the floor and the swinging it to the other side. In fact some people have trouble in getting themselves off the floor at all in this position and others, if they do succeed, land with a great thump on the opposite side and have difficulty getting up from there. Be patient. This exercise is not quite so easy as it looks. Graceful, and a great favorite with women everywhere, it looks simple enough but in actual fact it requires a high degree of muscular control and concentration.Remember your head while you are doing the SIDESLIP POSTURE. It should bend the same way as your arms which you should, throughout the movement, try to press backwards as far as possible to avoid any possible sagging forward of your body.This asana is one of the finest in the entire Yoga range for slimming the waist and reducing that pad of fat which often settles on top of the hipbones. You will feel a powerful stretch from your hips to your armpits and if you do this exercise correctly you will feel rather sore in the region of your hip joints the next day. This is normal and it will prove to you that this Yoga exercise has already begun to work for you. While one side of your body is being stretched the other side is being powerfully contracted. You can feel it squeezing the fatty tissue. It also imparts a healthy massage to the organs and muscles of the abdomen and helps the torso towards a new suppleness and grace.When you can perform the SIDESLIP POSTURE at a moderate speed and with some degree of muscular control, then try to slow down the whole process so that it becomes a study in slow and gentle motion. This calls for a much higher degree of muscular control and thus the benefits of the posture are greatly enhanced. When you have perfected your movements in slow motion, regulate your deep breathing so that you lean to one side while inhaling and to the other while exhaling. Rhythm and slow motion are the final keywords in this exercise.In its perfect form, the Sideslip Posture should be as follows. Lean to the right while inhaling. Remain immobile as you complete your inhalation and hold your breath for as long as possible. When the impulse to exhale appears, do so, as you raise your body off the floor and swing it to the other side. Remain immobile as you complete your exhalation and remain holding your breath for as long as possible before inhaling again. This constitutes one round. Perform up to a dozen rounds a day, starting with four and adding two rounds per week.Like the Sideslip Posture, this next exercise is not so easy as it looks. It is called AROHANASANA or in English THE RAISED HEAD AND LEGS POSTURE. This asana wages war on that bulging abdomen. Lie flat on your back with your legs outstretched and your feet together. Lace your fingers together and place them at the back of your head just above your neck. Inhale very slowly and deeply and at the same time raise your head, shoulders, and legs off the floor, remembering to keep your knees straight. Hold this position until you have completed your inhalation. After holding your breath for a few seconds, very slowly return to the original position.Those two words 'very slowly' in connection with the lowering of the legs will catch most of you out at first. You will want to plop your legs down on the floor in a great rush, but try as hard as you can to resist this impulse. It is the easy way out and you will gain nothing from employing it. You want to reduce that abdomen don't you? Then do please remember that there is no hurry at all in this exercise and the slow s-l-o-w lowering of the legs is precisely what strengthens, tones, exercises, and reduces those flabby abdominal muscles and helps to reduce fat in this area.This is an exercise that requires a lot of patient practice before you can perform it perfectly. As it is a strenuous posture, do not do it more than twice a day for the first few days and after that very gradually increase the number of times you do it up to six.In addition to toning and strengthening the abdominal muscles and reducing excess fat, this exercise also helps to relieve constipation, so it is doubly beneficial to the would-be-slimmer. The back and shoulders are also strengthened by the slow motion lifting and lowering of the head and shoulders.A word of warning. This is not an exercise for women during pregnancy or who have any internal disorders, and people with hernia should practice it with extreme caution.For those readers who find the Arohanasana too strenuous or simply beyond you, here is a similar though much easier exercise which is called UDHITTA PADASANA or THE RAISED LEG POSTURE.1. Lie on your back with your legs outstretched and feet together. Inhale slowly and deeply and at the same time raise your right leg, keeping the knee straight until it is at right angles to your body.2. Remain thus as you complete your inhalation, hold your breath for a few seconds while keeping absolutely still, your other leg flat on the floor.3. When the impulse to exhale appears, do so, and at the same time very slowly lower your leg. Repeat with the other leg.This simple exercise may be performed once or twice a day until you feel you are ready to try it with both legs at once. This exercise, like the previous one, will help to break up fatty tissue in the abdominal area. I must warn beginners to this and the previous exercise, that they might find their abdominal muscles a little sore the day after starting as you are using muscles which may never have been used in that way before. Do not worry about the discomfort. It means that Yoga is working for you so you should welcome it as a sign that you were performing the exercise properly. Remember always to lower your legs s-1-o-w-l-y.Let us now try a standing posture for the improvement of the figure. This one will keep your spine healthy and supple, reduce abdominal fat, tone up sluggish bowels, and slim your waist. It is called THE WOODCUTTER Exercise.Stand erect, feet far apart. Stretch out your arms, lace your fingers together and imagine that you are holding a very heavy axe. Inhale slowly and deeply and at the same time slowly raise the 'axe' above your head until you are leaning back as far as you can without losing your balance. Remain in the backward bend as you complete your inhalation, remain immobile for a few seconds holding your breath. When the impulse to exhale appears, swing the 'axe' down slowly as though there were actually a log in front of you and you were chopping it up. The downward movement should be a very powerful one, but do not stop when you reach the imaginary log, but let your hands follow through your legs.Repeat this exercise six times, and do watch the following four points. Firstly that your elbows should be straight throughout, secondly that your feet should be firmly planted on the floor without moving, thirdly that you do not move your buttocks whilst you are bending down, and lastly, that all the movement should be done from above the waist. The lower half of the body should remain absolutely still.A word of warning. This is a rather strenuous exercise and I do not recommend it for women with internal complaints or people with weak hearts. This exercise should not be done during menstruation.The next posture for reducing abdominal fat is called THE TRIANGLE BEND.Stand erect with your hands clasped together behind your back. Your feet should be far apart with your knees straight. Inhale slowly and at the same time turn your torso, from the waist upwards, slightly to the right. Continue with your inhalation as you bend your head slowly until your forehead touches your right knee. Your hands should still be clasped behind your back. Remain in this position for as long as you comfortably can without exhaling and, when the impulse to exhale appears, do so, at the same time slowly straightening up. Repeat the movement to the other side, bending your head towards the left knee.That is the Triangle Bend. Repeat it twice each way at first but when you are limbered up you can perform it up to half a dozen times. Did I hear some of you say 'impossible'. I'll admit that if you are very stiff or very much overweight, the Triangle Bend may well seem so, but again I must ask you to practice it, without straining, and you will soon be pleasantly surprised at how easy this exercise really is. It reduces fat on the abdomen, waist, and thighs.And now for another posture which has a similar name. This is TRIKONASANA or THE TRIANGLE POSTURE, and you may find it easier than the previous one. It is one of the most effective Yoga asanas for reducing fat round the waistline, the hips, the upper arms, and the thighs, and it should present little difficulty even to the beginner.Trikonasana Stand erect, feet far apart, and your arms extended sideways at shoulder level. While keeping your head in the same position (that is not turning it), bend slowly to the right until your right hand touches your right foot. You will have to bend your right knee a little to do this and at the same time your left leg should remain outstretched to maintain balance. Your left arm should be gradually brought up and over your head as far as possible. Remain in this position until you have completed your inhalation. When the impulse to inhale appears, do so and at the same time slowly return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise to the other side.The most important feature of this exercise is the gradual increase of the stretch of the free arm, which should be brought over farther and farther each time you practice this exercise. It should be performed four times a day at first and, when you become more flexible, it can be performed up to a dozen times a day. The accent is on slow and rhythmical movement, as this exercise is much more beneficial to the health and the figure when performed slowly and gracefully. The breathing should also be carefully timed to coincide with the appropriate movements. Trikonasana is not a very strenuous posture but, all the same, I do not advise it for women with any kind of internal disorders or for people suffering from hernia.This being the last of the so-called 'slimming' Yoga asanas, I should like to lend a helping hand to those of you who, with the best will in the world to practice Yoga and grow slim, feel that you cannot find the time to practice. I know it isn't always easy especially if you go out to business, as the mornings are filled with rushing about, and breakfasts and bath water, and if something has to be left out-well that's Yoga isn't it? This is one of the main reasons, I find, why would-be devotees of Yoga do not pursue the subject.In view of the fact that Yoga asanas should be done on an empty stomach, it is usually convenient to perform your practice schedule first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. You may feel you are too sleepy to do them then but you will find that some of the asanas are very bracing owing to their stimulating effect on the nervous system and soon give you a wide-awake feeling. And once you have established the habit of doing Yoga postures first thing in the morning, it should become as much a part of your routine as having your morning bath or cleaning your teeth.So, starting with one of those bracing exercises, here is a ten-minute practice schedule which is not beyond the means of anyone. All you do is get up ten minutes earlier. Ten short minutes each day-so very little time to devote to Yoga, but how rich will be the rewards, so rich that I feel convinced that many of you will soon want to get up even earlier to devote yet more time to this healthful study.Ten-Minute Practice Schedule 1. Limbering up for Sideslip -1 minute2. Sideslip - 3 minutes3. Raised Head and Legs Posture - four times 2 minutes4. Leg Raising Posture 5. Woodchopper - six times 1 minute6. Triangle Bend - four times 1 minutes7. Triangle - six times 2 minutesThis ten-minute practice schedule can be varied of course, according to your individual needs and the amount of time at your disposal. There may be one exercise which you find you like better than some of the others, in which case, do spend more time on that one. The schedule I have set out is a mere indication of what can be done with a few minutes set aside for Yoga practice. Do not omit the correct breathing as you perform these exercises and if you would slim do please avoid constipation, as this is one of the worst enemies of the body and of the figure. Yoga will do wonders for your health and your appearance and for your figure, but do please give it a helping hand by watching your diet.

Ashtanga Yoga

2008-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

Yoga is a philosophy of the life, which has also the eventual to create a healthy body and vibrantly spirit. The yoga of Ashtanga vinyasa is a method of the yoga which has it's origins in a known ancient document under the name of korunta yoga. Ashtanga refer specifically to eight the practical spiritual ones described by wise Patanjali in Sutra yoga. It is advisable to note that the experts of the majority of the modern externats of yoga of hatha, including pattabi jois, draw from yoga sutras de patanjali and thus practise the yoga of ashtanga. Means of yoga of Ashtanga exactly "eight-limbed yoga," as described by wise patanjali in sutras yoga.

The yoga of Ashtanga aims at purifying the body by the eight members or stages of yoga. It starts outside with yama which is the order and niyana which is the codes of conduct. They are manners that we trade and with what we can act one on the other with whole reality and ourselves at the same time. These stages cannot be practised but they are the exits morals. This way you can produce environments which supports the constructive increase. The yoga of Ashtanga concentrates on the concept that breathing is essential with the life.

Majority of people who are not able to emit decently simply the catch approximately half of their complete possibilities of lung. Help of asanas too you cut your force and cholesterol inferiors of blood and obtain a robust eye and remain in good health. In terms of mental physical form they lower the effort and the tension in our lives. The four other stages cannot be practised. These stages are about creating the superlative conditions which provide you the true meditation. The fifth stage is known as will pratyahara or withdrawal of your directions. Dhara is concentrated on you to help to concentrate you in a simple direction. Dhayna is a not stopped meditation and Samadhi is about being completely with the art of the self-portrait and to test full absorption.

Mayurasana

2008-11-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

‘Mayur’ is a Sanskrit word and it means peacock. Thus, mayurasana is a posture which assumes the shape of peacock during the asana. In this posture one has to hold his whole body on like a stick on both his elbows. It is also known as peacock feather pose and bent arm balance.

Steps of performance

Sit on the both of your upper scales and place your knees on the ground. Now, stretch your fingers on your hands and place your palms on the ground. At that time fingers will remain stretched and pointing backward. Now, place your elbows on either side of navel and do the whole process gently. Slowly and gradually stretch the both legs together and come little forward comfortably. Now, raise the upper part of your body. After raising upper part of your body, straightens your legs like a stick and also it should keep horizontally. Keep straight your neck, chest and also head. Hold the position for few minutes. Return to original starting position with slowly folding your legs and placing the knees on the ground. Now, raise your hands from ground and sit comfortably on the soles.

Benefits of mayurasana

Mayurasana is the best exercise to awakening the Kundalini Shakti. This is an effective method for weakness of semen. It is also useful for congestion of vagina and also makes semen thick. It is also helpful for those women who have menstrual disorders. Mayurasana counters food poisoning. If one having problems with lower abdomen, it provides relief then.

Mayurasana is a good exercise for liver as well as pancreas. It is very helpful for diabetic patients also. It is best asana for strengthen arms, shoulders, abdomen and back. Mayurasana is helpful to improve balance. It develops the chest. This exercise has good effect on the expelling action of the colon. It is beneficial for obesity, constipation and piles.

Mayurasana is very regenerative and also quite stimulating. This asana is very effective for digestive organs. In this posture blood is concentrated and sent to the digestive organs and which is toned up by the intra-abdominal pressure.
The asana stimulates and enhances the pranic flow to the pericardium meridians.
This asana is a very good measure against visceroptosis and dyspepsia. After few months practice of this posture, it provides total orgasm at the time of intercourse. Mayurasana is very beneficial to cure many illnesses. It is helpful to calm the brain and helps relieving stress and mild depression.

Ayurveda for Sleep Problems

2008-11-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Yoga and Pranayama is an important measure to reduce work place negativity, tension, anxiety and so many other problems. Sleep problems are some of the most common problems parents face with their kids. Some children may have chronic sleep difficulties, and many children are actually going through their days sleep-deprived. Many people complain that they can't fall asleep or stay asleep, or that they are sleepy during the day, but few consider these to be symptoms of a sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation is a symptom of a sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, are best treated pharmacologically, whereas others, such as chronic and primary insomnia, are more amenable to behavioral interventions. Many childhood sleep problems are related to poor sleep habits or to anxiety about going to bed and falling asleep. Persistent sleep problems may also be symptoms of emotional difficulties.

Sleep problems may be caused by or the result of disorders in various systems of the body. Sleep apnea, for example, is a respiratory disorder while narcolepsy is a neurological disorder. If a person has experienced sleeping difficulties for a month or more, this is called persistent or chronic insomnia. Some children will do all they can to prevent separation at bedtime. However, to help minimize common sleep problems, a parent should develop consistent bedtime and regular bedtime and sleep routines for children. Parents often find that feeding and rocking help an infant to get to sleep. However, other medical specialties also offer treatment for sleep disorders. Regular practice of pranayam and yoga cures insomnia and sleeplessness and gives better health. If every person follows this regime, this will eradicate diseases from world.

Ayurveda on Sleep Problems:

According to the Ayurveda, sleeplessness results in laziness, tiredness, inertia, dizziness, feeling of heaviness, body ache etc. Head ache, high temperature, cough are the results of continued untimely sleep. Ayurveda also says that over sleep can cause diabetes. People having depression, schizophrenia, and similar psychological disorders have been found to improve their condition if they get enough deep sleep.

Yoga and the Heart

2008-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Although I began watching my parents practice with B.K.S. Iyengar when I was three, and joined them at age seven, it took me years to fully absorb this basic lesson. For the first 13 years of my yoga practice, my effort was directed at physically mastering pose after ever more difficult pose. In my late teens, I often practiced seven hours a day, many days in a row. Staying half an hour in Headstand and an hour in Shoulderstand would leave my neck so stiff that I could not even turn it the next day! In some sessions, I would perform 150 or so poses! By age 20, I had a repertoire of hundreds of poses, including high risk asanas rarely seen and almost never taught. I brought enormous energy to my practice, but it was more in service to my ambition and ego than to a higher and deeper purpose.

Then, helping a friend lift some crates, I ruptured two disks in my lower back. For what seemed like an eternity, I was unable to sit, stand, or walk without experiencing excruciating pain. When I could finally do asana again, I had to start from the beginning. The muscles around my pelvis, legs, and spine had seized up to protect my back, and I was stiffer than most beginners. This whole experience was a great lesson in humility, and it began the transformation of my asana practice to the much more heart-centered approach that is now the core of my teaching.

The second catalytic experience that transformed my practice was when my wife, Mirra, developed a critical illness. Three times I saw her almost die and be revived. I was once again forced to search for the deeper meanings of my life and the place my daily asana practice had in it. Watching the woman who mattered so much to me struggle for life made me question the haughty attachment I had to my body and the asanas it could do.

Assisted by the penetrating and often astonishing insights my wife had gained through her trials, I began to discover what was for me an entirely new approach to yoga practice, an approach that included yet transcended my old one. My teachers and several ancient texts had already introduced me to this kind of practice, but I suppose I was unable to heed their guidance until experience had softened my heart. And the heart was at the core of this new approach: the surrender of the brain to the heart as well as the lifting of the pelvic energy to the heart. My wife Mirra explained to me time and time again the importance of opening the heart center. Speaking from the depths of her own inner experience, she reminded me that it was the heart that held the secrets to self knowledge and the heart that was the portal to the universe within.

Now as I teach, I no longer ask students to make the performance of the postures their primary focus in yoga. Instead, I ask them to discover, explore, grasp, and then lift the awesome power of the pelvis into the heart center, giving the heart attention, energy, and nourishment. As they work in the poses, I also teach them techniques to help them enlist the intellectual, analytical abilities of the brain in the inner quest that takes place within the heart. For example, Revolved-Head-to-Knee Pose ("Parivrtta Janu Shirsasana") is an excellent way to learn this heart-centered approach, because performing the pose with elegance and openness requires you to discover and harbor the power inside the pelvis, to lift that power into the heart center, and to open the chest in a wide, resplendent expression of the heart's inner luminosity.

Yoga Can Help in Lowering Cholesterol

2008-10-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yoga will surely help you get rid of the cholesterol and you will be highly satisfied when after two months you go to check the level and find them impressively low.

The main factor with cholesterol is that the fats in your body don't get burned up due to lack of physical activity or improper life style.

The cholesterol flows in the blood and an increase in its amount make the cholesterol deposit on the walls of the blood vessels. The result is clogging of the blood arteries.

Yoga, uses exercises (asanas) to relax and tone the muscles and to massage the organs, breathing techniques (pranayama) to regulate the body's energy levels, meditations to calm the mind, and relaxation postures to reduce and eliminate stress and anxiety.

The practice of yoga improves the blood and oxygen flow around the body which aids in the removal of toxins and waste. For yoga to be truly beneficial to the lowering of your unwanted bad cholesterol it must be practiced on a regular basis.

Also Yoga reduces stress hormones, which in turn lowers cholesterol. That’s why meditation is similar to yoga in its cholesterol-lowering power.

Yoga will surely help you get rid of the cholesterol and you will be highly satisfied when after two months you go to check the level and find them impressively low.

Yoga and Ayurveda

2008-10-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

Yoga - The perfect way to perfect health

Regular practice of yoga provides us with immunity against all diseases. Lakhs of People in the west have appreciated the benefits of yoga and are now regular practitioners of this form due to the benefits it brings. Though yoga was an offshoot of Hindu philosophy and was intended to bring human beings in union with the creator, it has now been practiced primarily to improve the physical and mental health in an individual. Yoga Sutra, written 2000 years ago by Patanjali, provides us with the earliest and the most authentic treatise on yoga. He dwelt at length on all aspects of yoga and has also described the eight stages of yoga discipline.

Eight principles

1- Yamas- Restraints

2- Niyamas- Observance of austerity, purity, contentment, study, surrender of ego.

3- Asanas- Physical postures or exercises.

4- Pranayama- Breathing control.

5- Partyahara- Withdrawal of the senses.

6- Dharana- Concentration of the mind.

7- Dhyana- Meditation.

8- Samadhi- Attainment of the super conscious state.

Rules and Regulations

As yoga is a time tested and proven scientific system meant for physical, spiritual and mental excellence, certain rules and regulations are to be followed for successful results.

1- Though there is no specific time for doing yoga, morning is the best time to perform yoga. One should then stick to this time regularly and should practice regularly for 15 minutes each day, 5 days in a week.

2- The place where one practices yoga alone should be neat, clean and airy.

3- Yoga should as far as possible be practiced on an empty stomach. In case one has consumed food, he should wait for at least 2 hours before practicing yoga. Hot and spicy foods, excess intake of tea, coffee, alcohol and drugs are best avoided.

4- One should relax for 5 to 10 seconds between asanas.

5- One should be neat and clean both in person and also in his dress and should neither be tired nor under physical stress.

6- The mind should be free from worries, tension and anxiety while practicing.

7- Women should avoid practicing yoga during their menstrual periods and pregnant women should practice moderately.

Asanas

Asanas are certain body postures that an individual takes in the course of performing yoga and these form an integral part of the yoga. These asanas are designed to promote the physical, spiritual and mental well being in an individual. There are several asanas and each one has a special name, form, offer particular benefits, and have a distinct way of performing. Asanas are highly beneficial and help to overhaul, rejuvenate and bring the entire body constitution in to a state of equilibrium. We give below a few of the common asanas that are widely practiced in India.

1- Surya Namaskar. This means greeting and bowing to the sun. This is the most widely practiced asana. And all asanas usually begin with greeting the sun. This form is useful in nourishing and energizing the upper part of the human body.

2- Uttham Pada Asana. In this form of asana one lifts the legs upwards. This posture is particularly beneficial in strengthening the spinal cord.

3- Paschimothan Asana. Also called the forward bend, this completely stretches the entire back of the body. Though a bit strenuous, this is a very helpful pose for the entire body right from the skull up to the heels.

4- Bhujanga Asana. This is called the cobra pose and is done to give flexibility to the spine.

5- Salabha Asana- This is known as the locust posture and is helpful in strengthening and activating the lower part of the body from the waist downwards. And to derive maximum benefit from this posture, one should practice it after the cobra pose.

6- Sarvanga Asana. This is considered as one of the most important of the asanas. In this posture the weight of the entire body is made to rest on the shoulders. This also helps to stretch the neck and the upper back regions to the maximum.

7- Matsya Asana. Also called the fish pose, this form helps to fill the lungs with air and improve the ability to float in water. It is recommended that this asana be performed after the sarvanga asana.

8- Dhanur Asana. This pose helps to give a backward bend to the spine and all the muscles of the back from neck to the lower back. It is advised that dhanur asana be performed together with the locust pose.

9- Hala Asana. This is called the plough pose. In this form the person bends forward to the maximum. This is highly useful in providing strength and flexibility to all parts of the back and neck.

10- Shava Asana. This is called the corpse pose as the position adopted resembles the posture of a corpse. This is one of the most commonly practiced asanas and is helpful in giving relaxation to the body and mind.

Benefits

Regular practice of yoga provides immense benefits to all who practice it. Its wide acceptance throughout the world is a measure of its efficacy and the help it provides in improving the physical, mental and spiritual health in an individual. Yoga alters brain wave activities reflecting in increased relaxation and a better focused mind. It is effective in preventing heart diseases. Yoga also helps lower blood pressure. It guards against insomnia and improves memory and strengthens the muscles. It brings in psychological changes that will reflect in the overall health and well being of an individual. Yoga techniques are being increasingly used as a supplementary therapy for such diseases as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma etc. It helps to kick the habit of smoking. The modern world has much to gain from yoga. Yoga is the way and the means

Yoga for pregnancy

2008-10-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a low impact exercise. This is important during pregnancy in order to keep both you and your baby safe. High impact forms of exercise are generally not safe for you or your baby while you are pregnant. Yoga for pregnancy can still give you a great workout without putting you or your baby in harm's way.

Yoga teaches proper breathing techniques. This is good for both your mind and your body. The unique form of breathing that is done during yoga (in some practices called ujjayi breathing) can help calm the mind and the body. In any yoga for pregnancy video you get, there will be a focus on your breath. It can focus on how to calm your breath, how to breathe into different parts of your body and how to breathe away tension and stress. This kind of focused breathing is also great for helping you prepare for childbirth.

Yoga stretches your body. This aspect of yoga for pregnancy is great for helping you get rid of any tension and stress in your body. As your body grows and changes during pregnancy, you will have aches and pains in places that you never have before. The stretching that yoga provides can help you work out these kinks and relieve the tension in those areas that get particularly stressed. Your back, legs and feet are definitely areas that will need some extra stretching during pregnancy.

Yoga incorporates relaxation techniques. At the end of most yoga classes and videos, you will find a relaxation section. When you are doing yoga for pregnancy, this is can be an especially wonderful time to connect to your baby and to let your body fully relax. Focused relaxation is always important but even more important during pregnancy when your body is undergoing so many changes. It also gives you a chance to shut off your mind and just be. When you do this fully, there are no worries or concerns, you are simply in the moment with your baby, which is a magical and wonderful experience.

Cure Diabetes Through Yoga

2008-10-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Diabetes in various forms affects up to 5percent of the world population with 12 million diabetics in Western Europe alone. Of the different ways in which diabetes presents, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most commonly encountered genetic disease. NIDDM or Type II diabetes is multifactorial, depending also on environmental factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyles and nutritional imbalances.

Yoga has shown some beneficial results in curing diabetes. The yoga exercises that are prescribed for curing diabetes is different from hatha yoga exercise because it involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as meditation, relaxation and stretching exercises.

One of the studies conducted to cure diabetes was the one set up by the Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded in 1982 by biochemist Dr Robin Monro, and an Indian yoga research foundation which discovered that practicing yoga for 30 minutes a day for one month helped reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics.

The yoga patients took part in one or two 90-minute sessions a week and were asked to practice at home. The classes included the specific yoga exercises of the spinal twist, the bow and abdominal breathing.

At the end of the 12 weeks blood sugar levels fell significantly in all patients in the group and were slightly raised in a control group which had not joined in the yoga sessions. Three yoga students managed to reduce their medication, including one man who had not changed his drug regime for 20 years.

It has been known for a long time that exercise is helpful for diabetics. Yoga therapy may help reduce stress levels which could play a part in maturity onset diabetes. But one drawback is that some patients would find it hard to keep up the regular sessions needed to sustain the benefit. All the patients said they would like to see these classes set up on a permanent basis but we don't have the money.

It is not necessarily the exercise component of the yoga therapy package which is most important, because there is not enough physical exercise to account for the changes, but stress reduction has a lot to do with it. Stress hormones increase sugar levels in the blood. People also benefit from the stabilization of their moods which yoga brings, an increased feeling of well-being and a feeling of being more in control, which may help with their diet control.

Breath is life

2008-09-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

The 4th part of Raja Yoga defines all breathing techniques, which show us how to conquer the mind and therefore control the body and senses. Unless we control the breath we will never be able to control the mind and body.

Breath is life and life depends on breath. We take it for granted and rarely think about our inhalation and exhalation of air which we think happens automatically, until the time we find it difficult to breath and we have to make an effort. When we have the flu and our sinuses are blocked or are suddenly frightened by something our breath becomes short and unstable, we then realize how fundamental the breath is to our existence and how out of our control breathing has become.

Beyond this point, which is more obvious to most people, is the other more hidden problem, which is- most people are not breathing properly to benefit their mind and body on any deeper level, which in turn is causing many illnesses in our world. Watch yourself breath for a time and you will realize as you are going about your business all day, a lot of that time you are taking very quick and short breaths or much of the time you are just holding your breath while under some sort of tension. From the way you clime out of bed, the way you eat your food or the way you speak, the breath is not controlled and is being held or shortened continuously. Many clients of mine when coming for treatments say to me " Much of the time it feel as if I have stopped breathing for a long time." As this way of unconscious breathing becomes a habit due to all the pressure and stress we feel all day long, over time if not treated with better habits and yogic breathing practice of Dirgwa Swasam* it will turn into an illness or disease. Short, interrupted or breathing that is held is the root of most modern diseases.

Modern doctors in general are not trained in herbal medicine or any eastern natural cures such as Yoga or Ayurvedic medicine so they will not be looking for any signs of illness due to bad breathing habits. In the practise of natural medicine one of the first things a therapist will be looking at will be how deeply and frequently a person is breathing, during silence and when talking and how their pulse is. Do you find yourself running our of breath when talking? Do you know how you breathe when eating? From the depth of how someone breathes comes much information about what kind of health problems they may have or will be prone to in the future. If very short you will have issues such asthma or depression if very fast bone issues and nervousness.

We know we cannot live without the breath but we take it for granted that it will never stop until the day we are to leave the planet. This is true, but how we use the breath can on one hand give us maximum health and on the other side take our mind further and deeper into unknown territories. With good use of the breath we can go further into the mind and bring about many changes, which were though of as impossible before. With all the various yoga techniques and breathing practises, one can gain command of what is passing in the mind to control it and change it for healthier, kinder and more compassionate thoughts.

One of the things that happens when we do not breath correctly is that our nervous system suffers and we become quick tempered, impatient and less understanding of other people. This in turn leaves us unsure and exhausted a lot of the times thinking we are fighting the world when we are really only fighting ourselves.

The health of the mind and body will rise as the breath deepens and slows down to match the rhythm of the heart. If the heart is excited too much due to the habits and excesses of life then the breath will become uneasy and difficult, but if the heart is pleased with peace and calmness then the breath will lead you into happy times.

Remember to breath deeply and to follow the breath as you go about your daily life- this will teach you more about who you are.

Yogi Cameron

*Dirgwa Swasam is a full yogic breath, which is how we should be breathing at all times. On the inhalation the stomach comes out, the chest expands and the shoulders raise a touch. On the exhale the shoulders relax, the chest moves in and the stomach is sucked in a little.

Meditation and Yoga

2008-09-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a science of proper breathing and proper blood circulation in the body. Yoga helps in keeping the body fit and healthy. There are many kinds of yoga techniques like Lom- Vilom, Bhastrika, Bhramri. Kapal Bhati. Most famous of them is Lom Vilom, which is practiced by millions all over the world. The origin of yoga comes from India where Rishis, Tapasvies (Gurus) do continuous yoga daily from thousand of years back. One of the famous Rishis and Saints was Guru Gorakh Nath, Baba Balak Nath, Vyas Rishi. Because of the yoga they used live for more than hundred years before taking Smadhi (divine departure of soul). Today most famous Guru in Yoga teaching is Guru Ramdev. He has taught it to millions allover the world. Even the doctors in are recommending yoga these days. More over one has to spent only small piece of time while performing it. It helps in proper circulation of blood, curing breathing problems, curing heart diseases and sugar diseases. But if a person is already suffering from any chronic disease like heart problem then one should consult his Doctor or Yoga Teacher for proper guidance. The best time to do yoga is in the early morning to get the best results.Meditation is done for spiritual healing and for curing stress related problems. Meditation is very good for the people who are working in very high stress environment like software, marketing, banking, teaching and medical professions. Meditation is also helpful in knowing thyself. Yoga and meditation are both complementary to each other

Everyone needs to know basic Yoga

2008-09-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

Basic yoga is very simple to learn. There is no exercise equipment required. You jut need to spend roughly 30 minutes at the most completing all the necessary movements. All that you really need is a yoga mat and some extra space and unless you have issues of mobility, you can begin immediately. It is no secret that the human body is a highly resilient and astonishing piece of machinery. It has the ability to do things that can literally astonish us.
There are things that are bodies can do that we are not even aware of. Yoga is a great case in point. Odds are, if you have ever noticed pictures of asanas or poses for yoga, you have witnessed the practitioners of yoga accomplish things that in normal cases, you would not believe possible, yet there they are doing it.
The odds are, you have the ability to accomplish these things as well, only not immediately. Attempting any one of the advanced asanas if you have before done any conditioning can end up in severe injury. The appropriate as well as persistent practice of primary techniques of yoga is essential so that you can make these types of advanced movements achievable.
Over the 5,000 years that yoga has been in existence there is said to be in excess of 8,400,000 asanas or positions of yoga that were compiled by the masters of yoga. For the majority of novices of yoga, substantially less are needed to get started. The amount of primary yoga asans that are recommended by instructors differs yet typically there are a little more than 12 primary movements of yoga positions that are trained to beginners.
Even if a person is not so inclined to have the ability to execute the more advanced and complex types of asanas, there are numerous benefits to practicing basic yoga exercises, regardless of the school of thought you may choose to follow. The initial and most clear benefits are that of improved flexibility, balance and strength.
One of the less obvious benefits of practicing yoga is that of an increased awareness of oneself as well as that of nature. Additionally, yoga has demonstrated to provide benefits to your health such a heightened internal functions of your organs, an increased immune system, reduction of the various symptoms of numerous types of diseases as well as numerous other types of benefits. All different kinds of yogas, which include basic yoga, assists in relaxation as well as lowering stress without any fatigue and too much exertion.
Yoga Body Movements
Basic yoga involves seven main types of movements while exercising that include flexion, rotation, circumduction, adduction, extension, as well as hyperextension. Various combinations of these kinds of body movements are utilized to make the yoga positions and stances. These movements are accompanied with breathing exercises as well as various levels of concentration.
A persons breathing is also the guide in basic yoga for arriving into an asanas, as well as coming out of it. All of the various movements are ideally completed in a graceful manner. To educate yourself on how to complete basic yoga, search for an instructor that is qualified or the next step would be to search for educational videos that might help you out.

Yoga For Inner and Outer Beauty

2008-09-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Sometime back I read an anecdote concerning Bill and Hillary Clinton. It seems that one time, many years ago, Hillary dragged Bill to a yoga class. Bill remarked that he was the only man in the class. In many countries, that is the way it is, with women being the primary enthusiasts at yoga classes. One of the main reasons for this may be that yoga is seen as a way to lose weight and become more beautiful. Let's take a look at this and see what role yoga has to play in making someone look beautiful.

No doubt yoga can help a person to become healthy, and fit. If someone practices the postures, does meditation, and follows the yogic prescriptions for eating, sleeping, hygiene and exercise it is almost certain that he or she will end up in great shape and look better.

In fact, our concept of beauty is in large part biological and part of the evolutionary process. Clear skin complexion, for example, is an indicator of good health and for our ancient ancestors it made good sense to choose partners who were healthy and could pass on their genes to future generations.

However the beauty of a person is not just based on physical factors alone. Just as internal physical factors, such as digestion and the proper functioning of physical organs, are reflected in the outer "look" of a person, there are internal psychic and spiritual factors that play a big role in how we feel and how others see us.

Although the physical practices of yoga, such as yoga postures (asanas) are the best known part of yoga, at the heart of yoga is a moral code which defines a way of life in which a person can live in harmony with herself and with society. This set of lifestyle instructions is know as Yama and Niyama.

Yama which means "that which controls" has five parts and the main function of these five practices is to help an individual achieve harmony with his or her external environment. One of the most important parts of Yama is a practice known as Satya.

Satya is loosely defined as "truth" but in fact there is no exact English equivalent for this term. In his book A Guide to Human Conduct, my guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti defines satya as "action of mind and right use of words in the spirit of welfare." That is, we should do whatever we can to promote the welfare of others, by keeping good thoughts in mind and by speaking in the spirit of helping others.

Someone who practices satya and always keeps positive thoughts in mind develops will power and straightforwardness. This practice is actually going on in the subconscious mind, and results in an internal effulgence or glaze known as Ojas. This inner effulgence is expressed outwardly as a vigor that definitely contributes to the attractiveness of a person. If you practice satya you will achieve a glow that cannot be duplicated or achieved with any kind of makeup!

When you are twenty years old you are helped out by Mother Nature, as the hormones of your body are helping you to blossom and enter your years of peak physical well-being. However, this help from Nature is not indefinite and also must be supported by a proper way of life.

If you practice the outer aspects of yoga (postures, diet, fasting, hygiene) then you will be able to make the most of what God has given to you in the way of a physical body. If you practice the inner aspect of yoga (meditation and balanced conduct) you will bring forth an inner effulgence and beauty that will remain with you long after you physical body begins to wind-down.

Yoga and Children

2008-08-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

Yoga has many benefits for children. Helping their bodies build muscle and retain flexibility as they grow can give them better health going into adulthood. Yoga can also benefit a growing child’s brain by allowing them to learn to control their stress and emotions. Yoga and children is a great avenue for any child that needs help in any of these areas.

If you are planning to become a certified yoga instructor, consider getting your yoga for kids certification. Working with yoga and children will give you the satisfaction of knowing you are impacting a child in a real way. Teaching yoga to kids will be fun and interesting, and you will find it very rewarding.

Health and fitness is very important for children. Many kids today are showing signs of health problems due to a lack of exercise. A yoga and children program can combat and prevent these problems. Yoga is a fun activity, making it a great choice for children who are not much into exercise. The low impact nature of yoga gives kids the chance to get physical fitness in their routine without causing them any injury.

Children with disabilities will find yoga to be a fun and exciting activity. And the parents can take comfort in the fact that they are helping their differently challenged child improve their motor skills and overall health. Parents and children can both benefit from a class that allows kids and their parents to learn yoga together. A yoga and children program is a great choice for your child.

Ayurveda And Yoga Management

2008-08-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine holds out to the world the promise of a healthy long life. Ayurveda is the best way to teaches us to keep away these unwanted materials and toxins by creating a shield in the body. Ayurveda was first described in text form by Agnivesha, in his book the Agnivesh tantra. An ancient healing system is best for treating the urinary tract infection caused by bacteria in the urinary tract as it balances the infection-fighting properties of the urinary system. Yogic practice like like Angle Balance, Stick Posture, Supine Knee Squeeze, Pose of Tranquillity, Pose of a Child, The Cobra, Half Moon, Spinal Twist, Half, Sun Salutations, Humming Breath, are necessary to improve the digestion. Apanasana gives a mild massage to the abdominal region thereby improves digestion. Regular yogic use of abdominal respiration heals the pain of the IBS sufferers and one is advised to inhale and exhale profoundly. Aerobic drill are useful as it is warming and helps in construction digestive power. Swimming, Skating, bicycling, dancing, skating, walk, rollerblading are too recommended. Agni Sara is a drill in hatha yoga and if one practices daily will be blessed with a powerful digestive ability, provides with vitality and leads to a lucidity in thought procedure. If there is disruption in the flowing of prana or living vitality. An a descending flowing (apana), a balancing campaign around the navel it leads to IBS. Inverted postures assist in the apana releasing, profound loosening in pranayama stabilizes the samana. Meditation helps to reconcile the vitality glows and reduces the strain related problems. Thus Yogic use which includes physiological postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation treats IBS by striking at its origin reason. Ayurvedic herbs like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Chandan (Santalum album) are the efficient normal cures. Gomukhasana , Pawanmuktasana , Ardha Matsendra Asana are few helpful yogic practices to defend UTI. Low back pain is one of the almost popular pain disorders today. It is a chronic circumstance characterized by a determined boring or steep pain per the lower backwards. Treatment in Ayurveda is to take the vitiated 'dosha' backwards to the country of balance and thereby to the country of health. Ayurvedic massage is a form of treatment for various age related and other common disorders. Some of the advantages which can be cited are pain relief, improved circulation, stress relief, better sleep, flexibility, athletic performance and emotional benefits.

Laughing Yoga For Better Sexual Health

2008-08-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

How do sex and energy co-exist and blend with yoga? They are a twin-ship, even if we don't see them that way. Let's begin with the ancient practice of yoga. Yoga means to yoke - to blend mind, body and spirit. And now - sex. Think of it - when the mind is busy, busy, busy, we stay unaware of our sensations, our perceptions, the smells, sounds, and tastes all around us. Good sex is letting go of the mind and getting into, really into, the sensations/pleasures/feeling of the experience. People are born with an innate awareness of these senses - but as we get older, we lose that primitive, wonderful sense of our internal self. And so basically, for the sexual experience to be a high, we need to forgo all thought and get into the energy of the experience, feel it in all of you.

"Chi" energy contains two polar forces: yin and yang. In everyday terms, yin is often connected with female energy, yang with the male. But each of us, male and female, contain both. As such, what is needed, for both is balance. Unbalanced, you are in a state of dis-ease. Too much yang is the overly-active person, always on the move, can't stay still; too much yin, the opposite.

The formation of all sexual energy is Prana - the driving force of sensuality, vital energy, and passion. Prana means breath and is an innermost belief in Yoga offering enriching, escalating sexual activity. So- look at your Prana and Chi. Are you out of balance - too much of one thing - too little of another? Too little laughter, too much work?

Yoga combined with laughter creates an increased energy body response by enhancing circulation, increasing the heart rate, and exercising muscles of the face and stomach. Laughing is jogging for the heart, mind, body and spirit.

1. Laughing tones your abdominals, (making it easier to perform intercourse),
2. Increases your circulation (which makes it easier for your man to get an erection)
3. Enhances your immune system increasing your opportunities to enjoy sex with your partner because you'll both be healthy. "

Laughter is much more effective when you have someone to laugh with. Try this laughter exercise from the bonus section of the yoga DVD, Yoga Chi for Energy with your partner.

Caution: Side effects include:

* Increases production of love - happy hormone dopamine
*Boosts immune system
*Enhances circulation
*Strengthens abdominals
*Ventilates Lungs

The laughing hyena

1. Stand facing each other and look into each others eyes

2. Loosen up your mind, body and spirit by gently shaking your arms, legs, wiggle your hips and bend & straighten your legs.

3. Keep looking at each other and begin to make a laughing sound. Soon genuine laughter will bestow you both and you will produce the same hormone that raged in your bodies when you both fell in love.

4. Laugh for at least 2 full minutes and end by giving each other a hug. Make the change and live the richness of life as it was intended: one of balance, joy, pleasure and the new exquisite awareness of who you truly are.