Archive for the 'Yoga' Category

The Benefits of Yoga

March 18th, 2009 -- Posted in Yoga | No Comments »

Yoga is an ancient system of poses. It is an exercise; basically composed of ancient principles and theories that explain the connection between the mind and body of human beings. The benefits of practicing yoga are well documented by modern science. Yoga is a short word, or can be said to be a nick name for the old word “Yogasana”. It benefits not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well. People practicing and doing Yoga are known as Yogis. To fully experience the benefits of yoga, one should have the firm belief that it will benefit him, as it is an exercise strongly connected to the human mind.

Yogis believe yoga brings health to the body and peace to the mind. So people practice yoga relax the body and mind and to improve health and fitness. Yoga is concerned with movements, patterns, postures and alignment of the human body. While yoga can be performed by people of all ages, it should be practiced under a teacher’s supervision when starting out.

Types of Yoga postures

There are many types of yoga postures. Some of the more well-known postures are discussed as follows:

  • Sukhasana or Lotus is a sitting pose of yoga and is easy to perform. It is often used as the starting position. It helps to open and strengthens the groin, hips and lower back bone.

  • Tadasana or Mountain pose is used to improve the balance of mind and posture of the body.

  • Virabhadrasana or Warrior is a yoga pose that can be performed after Tadasana or mountain pose. It stretches both arms and legs and strengthens the bones.

  • Uttanasana is a yoga posture in which the body is extended upwards and then bent in the forward position to touch the toes. It helps in stretching the neck, legs and back bones, while also provide relaxation to the heart and mind.

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog is a yoga posture performed by putting and maintaining forehead on the floor in front of you. It stretches the spine and hamstrings.

  • Bhujangasana or The Cobra posture is performed by laying down flat on your stomach on the floor. It opens the area around the chest and heart as well as strengthens and stretches the spine, legs, and arms.

  • Janu Shirshasana is head to knee pose of yoga exercises. It is performed by sitting on the floor and trying to touch your foot with your hand. Improves flexibility in the arms, spine and hamstrings.

  • Trikonasana or the Triangle is a yoga pose in which the body is bent in the form of a triangle by separating the feet 3-4 feet and then touching one foot with one of your hands. Improves spinal flexibility opens up the torso area.

  • Ardha Sarvangasana or Half Shoulderstand is a yoga pose that is formed by lying down on your back with elbows and lower arms on the floor and rise you legs up in the air. It helps in enhancing thyroid function and blood circulation in the body. It also provides strength to abdomen muscles and organs and provides stretch to upper back bone.

  • Sethu Bandhasa or the Bridge is that yoga posture in which the body is laying down on the floor with arms resting at its sides while the body is risen such that the head, neck and feet are on the floor but the middle part of the body including tail, tail bone and spine is raised in the shape of an arc. It helps with the opening of the chest and low back and abdominal strength and flexibility.

  • Hatha Yoga is the most difficult and demanding type of yoga postures as it requires very hard exercises and practices, immensely involving every muscles of the body.

  • Pranayama is a yoga posture that involves breathing exercises.

  • Dog and Cat posture helps in increasing the strength and flexibility of spinal cord.

  • Savasana or the Corpse posture is performed at the end of yoga exercises session to relax the body and also provides a refreshing effect on the mind. This is a relatively easy position to perform.

 

Benefits of practicing yoga

There are really countless benefits to practicing yoga. Some of them are listed below:

  • It increases the body’s healing power and boosts the immune system.

  • It enhances perception, improves concentration, and relaxes the mind.

  • It improves the body’s overall flexibility.

  • It improves memory and learning.

  • It promotes cardiovascular health.

  • It helps provide stability to the nervous system.

  • It decreases the pulse rate thus decreasing the blood pressure.

  • It increases awareness and improves brain function.

  • Improves endocrine and gastrointestinal function.

  • It increases energy level of the body so increasing the grip and equilibrium of the body.

  • Many people practice yoga to control their weight.

  • It improves balance.

  • Helps overcome depression and anxiety.

  • Helps lower cholesterol.

  • It can help control diabetes.

  • It improves muscle tone througout the body.

  • It has been shown to be helpful with a variety of diseases including insomnia, aids, asthma, and arthritis.

  • Practicing yoga can help to slow down the aging process.

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The Benefits Of Kripalu Yoga

March 8th, 2009 -- Posted in Yoga | No Comments »

Kripalu yoga stands for union and it denotes a union or balance between the spirit, body and mind so there is a state of harmony. This is the oldest method that enables a man to grow from within. This is a philosophy and a science that has been in practice for almost 5000 years now. This form of body conditioning emphasizes stimulation of the soul along with strengthening the mind and body.

A Yogi is a male kripalu yoga practitioner and Yogini is a female practitioner. There are six traditional systems of Indian philosophy and this is one among them which is the functional science of the body and the mind. It is not just sitting in the lotus position and chanting but a vast subject that can take a lifetime to understand.

Back problems and others arising from bad posture can be cured by kripalu yoga and it also reduces stress. People who have cancer practice this in addition to other therapies as it makes them feel good. Before the first meal in the morning is the best time to practice this discipline.

There are many types of this ancient practice, a few of them are stated below: Raja yoga is one of the four major paths of kripalu yoga which includes other ways to control ones body, power and mind and it is known as the ‘kingly’ form. Kundalini yoga is not stressful and is a safe method which brings about immediate results by practicing kriyas or special exercises. Hatha  yoga comprises of postures or asana, prayanama or breath control and it is also the basis for the disciplines that are posture based. Sahaja yoga is another very unique meditation method that is based on the actual experience of self realization which can occur within each and every human being. The precision of therapeutic kripalu yoga and the foundations of traditional kripalu yoga come together in a heated room under the system of Moksha hot kripalu yoga.

kripalu yoga stretching exercises is getting famous nowadays and is being practiced by both the young as well as the old people as it is good for people of all ages. kripalu yoga has become the fastest growing and most popular exercise trend of all because it isn’t something that is necessarily done to you as it is something that you do. Women are encouraged to perform it as it is one of the best activities that you can do during the time that you are pregnant. It is very gentle on the body which will help your to build up flexibility and endurance. Associated Press and Fit kripalu yoga claim the discipline is increasing in popularity among soldiers for improving stamina, mental focus and flexibility. The practice should not only be taken as an exercise but should also be accepted as a method to develop happiness and harmony from within.

 

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Basic Yoga – What Everyone Needs To Know Now

September 6th, 2008 -- Posted in Yoga | No Comments »

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.

To learn more go to Yoga Exercises advice and at What Is Yoga tips.

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The Advantages of Yoga Exercises For Women During Pregnancy

September 4th, 2008 -- Posted in Yoga | No Comments »

Yoga exercises, or asanas, are various types of modes or positioning or moving your body. There are diverse yoga exercises that can provide substantial benefits to women’s health particularly in times of pregnancy. Broadly differing in the range of style as well as implementation, these types of exercises smoothly stretch as well as effect all different parts of the body.

Around the time of pregnancy, yoga exercises provide a smooth way to keep a healthy balance in life. The exceptional effects of these types of yoga exercises while a women is in pregnancy show the effectiveness of yoga which helps to ensure a lower hazard of pregnancy, natural childbirth as well as an easier transition to the body shape in post-pregnancy period. This articles points out different factors that show benefits through the use and practice of yoga exercises while a woman is in pregnancy.

A Healthier Feeling

Yoga exercises have the ability to assist in relieving contractions and edema which typically happens through the last phases of pregnancy. These kinds of exercises assist in affecting the position of the baby and turning it in advance as needed. With the assistance of exercising, the muscles of the abdomen become stronger which in time promotes healthy and regular bowel movements.

Yoga exercises also help in elevating the energy level through the process of lowering the rate of a persons metabolism, which in turn, helps to restore a persons attentiveness as well as their calmness. Symptoms of mood swings, nausea, and morning sickness can help in being alleviated through the use of Yogic pranayama. These types of various exercises also assist in discharging the tension that occur in the birth canal as well as the cervix areas.

These assorted yoga exercises provide health benefits in differing ways. For instance, meditation assists in focusing a persons mind, which eventually helps the focus of a pregnant woman on the opening of the pelvis during the time of labor. At the time of post natal care, yoga exercises are known to be very useful.

These types of exercises assist in rejuvenating the uterus, pelvic floor, and abdomen while offering help in alleviating discomfort of the breast and tension in the area of the upper back. The practice of pranayama or better understood under the description of yogic breathing exercises.

This type of exercise ensures an ample supply of oxygen as well as an increased quality of life for the woman who is pregnant as well as her child. A devoted commitment to the practice of pranayama guarantees a high quality supply of oxygen and the prana or energy that is taken from the air to the baby developing within the expecting mother’s womb.

There are other kinds of yoga exercises such as Bandhas as well as Mudras which provide the psycho-physiological affect on a women’s reproductive organs. Then again, yogic nidra is a technique that is essential to acquire deep relaxation without the loss of conscious awareness.

Yogic nidra similarly with many other types of yoga exercises can furnish potential advantages particularly in the initial stages of pregnancy during which the women’s sleep is typically broken as well as being inconsistent. The significance of yogic nidra is recognized at this point in time with it’s providential contribution that features total body relaxation of mind, body as well as spirit.

To learn more go to Tantra Yoga advice  and at Types Of Yoga tips.

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Yoga Exercises Techniques for Beginners

September 4th, 2008 -- Posted in Yoga | No Comments »

There are many kinds of yoga exercises, all which seem to have derived from the original eight stages of reaching a state of bliss. The most popular kind of yoga is Hatha-Yoga, which focuses on the poses and breathing techniques thereby helping to encourage good health.

A nice thing about yoga is that you don’t need any fancy equipment in order to practice it. All you need is to bring yourself with a positive attitude. Clothing does not have to be special either. It best to wear loose fitting and nonrestrictive clothes.

You do not have to join a yoga class as any quiet spot in your house is perfectly fine to practice yoga. Ensure that there are no distractions, it is quiet, clean and has plenty of air flow.  A soft mat may be handy together with a blanket and a pillow which will help give you some form of support and added comfort for the laying or sitting down positions. Yoga is normally practiced barefoot, so you don’t need any expensive shoes though you may wish to wear some socks or soft shoes.

Try not to eat a heavy meal for at least two or three hours before doing any yoga exercises. Eating too much can leave you feeling too full which is not comfortable as you move through the exercises. You can eat some fruit or an energy bar and drink a glass of juice an hour or so before doing yoga. Drink plenty of water as you perform your yoga exercises as you will tend to get dehydrated.

Many people like to practice yoga first thing in the morning as it helps to revitalise the mind and body using the postures and breathing techniques. Some people prefer to practice their yoga exercises at night to help relax at the end of a stressful day. It is perfectly fine to do both. You just have to find the time that best suits you for yoga.

Yoga positions for beginners always start with easy poses, building up to the more difficult poses. Too much strain is not the goal as you should pause if you feel any pain or fatigue. It is beneficial to relax between difficult exercises.

Yoga is best done daily. You can do as little as 15 minutes of exercises and 15 minutes of breathing and meditation each day and you will start to reap the benefits.

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Yoga Certification – What You Need To Know

August 27th, 2008 -- Posted in Yoga | No Comments »

Yoga certifications should not be that easy to acquire. After all, the entire reason behind certification is to ensure the quality and certification loses all meaning when potential instructors that have lesser levels of competence and yoga schools that are questionable become certified. Certification standards that are poor will end up hurting the students due to improper technique and might lead to injuries and the students certainly will not be getting there moneys worth.

Accompanied along with the yoga craze that is sweeping the globe, the practice that was started in ancient India has been co-opted into becoming the basis of a multi-billion dollar industry. Just in the United States alone people end up spending in excess of 3 billion USD per year on classes for yoga and associated yoga equipment.

It’s no big surprise that numerous amounts of people with only minimal knowledge on the practice of yoga are attempting to get in on a piece of the action. As a result of this behavior, numerous McYoga type of schools or schools of yoga that are of lower quality have been springing up like so many pimples on a teenagers face all over the nation.

The desire for the would be practitioners of this sacred and ancient practice to learn which schools are legitimate and which are the ones that need avoiding have subsequently led to the practice of yoga certification.

Accreditation of Yoga Schools

Yoga certifications official bodies themselves are a highly discriminating sort. Some will if a particular school will end up teaching a specific type of yoga, for example. Some in depth research will help a person to reveal which yoga certification bodies will be of the greatest assistance for the type of yoga that a person  is interested in.

You will also find that there are general practice yoga certification groups for instance Yoga Alliance in the USA that might even assist you to locate schools that are properly accredited in any form or yoga in your local area.

When searching for a school for yoga or an instructor for yoga, always proceed with the same precautions that you would normally take if you were thinking of attending any other school. Yoga certification ought to be constantly checked and rechecked. If a certain school gets certification, always do more research on that certification.

There are some yoga certifications that can be purchased on the internet without having any true assurance of proficiency from the instructor or any type of quality from the school. When your own health as well as your own personal money is at stake, you can never take too many precautions to ensure a successful outcome.

Frequently you will find that there are some instructors that will claim to practice a specific form of yoga that they will claim to have created on their own. As such it is not probable that this type of practice will be given yoga certification from any official body that certifies orthodox yoga practices.

Even though there might be some instructors who are providing actual advantages with their particular system, it will be difficult to discern which do as numerous others will simply be hucksters who end up claiming to have created their own system so that they can dodge questions of certifications.

To learn more go to Yoga Classes advice  and at Power Yoga tips.

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