Yoga & Meditation

Yoga and Meditation - Learn to Accept Change

2010-01-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Yoga and Meditation - Learn to Accept Change by Anthony D'Agostino
in Meditation (submitted 2010-01-25)

A few Saturday's ago was moving day for our 18 year old daughter Lisa, she's off to college. It was a very hectic weekend, filled with both excitement and tension for Lisa, and sadness for mom and dad. It's never easy letting go. Allow Yoga and Meditation to put things in perspective for you. Let Yoga Awakening show you the way!

The trip itself went well, considering that we moved all of her furniture and boxes in one day. We also managed to organize her room including putting together a new coffee table for her, and even found the time to set up a new laptop computer for her.

She is a big girl now and will learn a tremendous amount over the next few years about being responsible, and about how to get on in this big beautiful world of ours.

Change is a part of living and you need to acknowledge and accept it openly. You should not fear change, because it is a crucial part of living. You should also be aware that the future is unknown. Therefore it is a waste of time and energy to fear that which you can not know or understand. Yoga and Meditation will make things clear and put them in perspective.

We all fear the insecurity and uncertainty of change. That goes for our daughter Lisa, and mom and dad. We all want security, and want our lives organized into nice little bundles. We get very comfortable with the way things are. We form routines, and become very content living with-in the boundaries of those routines. As a result our lives become very limited. Our routines make us extremely mechanical human beings and, as a result, our minds become lazy and dull.

So I suggest that you embrace change with open arms. Realize that life is change, life is movement, life is relationships. It is our existence from one moment to the next- this is change. So focus on the present moment filled with all of its joys and passions. Let your expectations of the future go. Allow yourself to experience the present. Live life in the moment and you will eliminate stress, fears and anxieties.

This is what our daughter Lisa will do. This is what mom and dad will do. Through the practice of Yoga and Meditation you will come to realize that this is the only way to find true happiness. This is the legacy of Yoga and Meditation!

About the Author

For over 35 years I have researched and practiced both the physical and mental aspects of Yoga and Meditation. I am committed to helping people find relief from common psychological disorders like fear, stress and anxiety through the use of Yoga and Meditation. Enjoy a FREE Gift: a guided meditation tour down the "Lazy River" the mystical land of deep relaxation and tranquility. Simply click here now: http://www.yogaawakening.com

Yoga and Meditation - How Can You Prevent Work Related Stress ?

2010-01-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Yoga and Meditation - How Can You Prevent Work Related Stress ? by Anthony D'Agostino
in Stress Management (submitted 2010-01-25)

Follow these simply stress reduction techniques to improve you work day. Plan Regular Breaks. Plan short breaks during the day. Take a moment to stretch out, take several deep breaths, get up and take a short walk. Finally make sure to take a moment in reflective thought, and to apply the principles of yoga and meditation to your workday. Let Yoga Awakening show you how!

* Plan Regular Breaks. Plan short breaks during the day. Take a moment to stretch out, take several deep breaths, get up and take a short walk. Anything to clear your mind and change your environment for a few minutes will do. Especially at lunch, try to get away from the office for a while.

* Give Yourself Plenty of Time in The Morning. Don't rush. Give your self an extra 15 minutes to get to work each day. Don't add to your stress levels by having to worry about be late to work in the morning.

* Create Balance. Make sure that you have enough time planned for family, friends, social activities and personal pursuits. All work and no play is a recipe for increased stress.

* Prioritize. Make a spreadsheet, that lists three categories ranking from highest, most important (must do today type tasks) to lowest, least important (can do whenever I get around to it type tasks). Then tackle these tasks in order of priority with the most important getting your utmost attention first, and the lowest only getting your attention after all higher ranking tasks have been completed. Review your list periodically and clean it up. Discard those lowest ranking tasks that still haven't been completed. If they aren't important enough to complete after several weeks, let them go.

* Break large projects up into smaller ones. When a large project seems overwhelming, simply break it up into smaller bite sized components. Then prioritize the pieces and tackle each smaller task in order of importance until the entire project is done.

* Delegate. Let go of the need to control every aspect of the job. When others can handle a particular part of a task, why not let them? You will immediately release stress when you allow others to help.

On a more subtle level you can use the intelligence you gain from practicing yoga and meditation to help. Use your increased self awareness to attune to your emotions and their impact while, using insight and intuition to guide you in your decision making. Use your increased levels of self control to better adapt to your changing circumstances and job environment. Use your relationship skills to understand and react to others, while inspiring, and influencing those around you by becoming a strong positive role model.

Yoga and meditation provide amazing ways to reduce levels of stress and anxiety in the workplace. This is the legacy of Yoga and Meditation!

About the Author

For over 35 years I have researched and practiced both the physical and mental aspects of Yoga and Meditation. I am committed to helping people find relief from common psychological disorders like fear, stress and anxiety through the use of Yoga and Meditation. Enjoy a FREE Gift: a guided meditation tour down the "Lazy River" the mystical land of deep relaxation and tranquility. Simply click here now: http://www.yogaawakening.com

Yoga and Meditation - Why Should You Pay Attention?

2010-01-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yoga and Meditation - Why Should You Pay Attention? by Anthony D'Agostino
in Meditation (submitted 2010-01-25)

You never know when Yoga and Meditation will be helpful. Never think of Yoga and Meditation as something you do in private, away from others. The lessons you learn from practicing Yoga and Meditation are helpful every second of ever day, so don't exclude them from your day to day life. Let Yoga Awakening show you how!

By observing ourselves, we come to understand the way our minds work and the way we think. Imitation, judgment, comparison, and conformity, only serve to distance and divide us from every one else. This can only create conflict, and unhappiness in our lives.

Recently, my 18 year old daughter Lisa, started college. After saying our goodbyes, we were faced a long three hour ride home. The average vehicle speed on the expressway was about 80 mph. You would think that was fast enough for most people. Hmm think again. There were a large number of drivers that still wanted to go a lot faster than that.

The problem for these impatient drivers was that the expressway had only 2 lanes and was very crowded. A lot of other parents were also making the return trip from college. So there wasn't a lot of room for passing, and even when these drivers did manage to find some room to pass, they really didn't get very far. But yet they kept on trying to pass all of the other vehicles constantly jockeying for position.

I observed this behavior with amusement. It was really quite silly. I could easily see the impatient drivers in my rear view mirror, approaching, and zigging and zagging in and out of traffic. What were they trying to accomplish? What was their rush? Certainly what they were doing was very dangerous, and didn't seem to serve much purpose. The same vehicles that were zigging and zagging behind me would eventually cut in front of me, and then get stuck behind yet another vehicle. Their progress was almost non existent. But yet they continued on their quest to move forward, disregarding all apparent peril.

In observing all of this I started to pay attention and observe my own behavior. And wouldn't you know it, as an impatient driver approached from behind, I noticed that I was speeding up, to prevent them from passing me. I actually got some perverse satisfaction from doing this. By observing my self, I came to realize that I was basically imitating their reckless behavior, so I stopped.

Then as driver after driver cut me off, no longer trying to impede their progress, I began to feel a tinge of superiority. That is, I was now in control, and feeling superior, realizing the futility and danger, of their behavior and refusing to take part in it. Then upon further observation I realized that I was now judging their reckless behavior, comparing myself to them and determining that I was now some how better than they were. Clearly this attitude of superiority could serve no purpose and I quickly stopped doing it.

The point is that by observing your self through self analysis, you will find out the way your mind really works and the way you think. Yoga and Meditation will teach you that imitation, judgment, comparison, and conformity, only serve to distance and divide you from every one else. Only creating conflict, stress and anxiety and unhappiness in your life. This egotistical behavior leads to your miss-perceptions of the world and to your poor actions. This is what Yoga and Meditation will teach you. This is the legacy of Yoga and Meditation!

About the Author

For over 35 years I have researched and practiced both the physical and mental aspects of Yoga and Meditation. I am committed to helping people find relief from common psychological disorders like fear, stress and anxiety through the use of Yoga and Meditation. Enjoy a FREE Gift: a guided meditation tour down the "Lazy River" the mystical land of deep relaxation and tranquility. Simply click here now: http://www.yogaawakening.com

Toning Stomach Muscles

2009-03-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

Toning Stomach Muscles by Brian Shelton

If you are working on toning stomach muscles, here are a few things to think about.

1. Not everyone is born with the same set of abdominal muscles. 2. Toning muscles involves stretching as well as exercising. 3. Swimming is the best single exercise for toning stomach muscles. 4. It is easy to strain your back doing abdominal exercises

Abdominal Muscles:

That's right. Some of us simply don't have a pyramidalis muscle. This means that no matter how hard you go for the washboard effect, you will not have the same number of bulges. You'll get the six pack, but not the 8 pack.

Why are abdominal muscles different in some people? Doctors simply do not know. Consider that this will not just influence the all over number of toned muscles, but the lack of a pyramidalis will influence your ability to strengthen lower abdominals, as well.

Stretching:

Building exercises and toning exercises are not exactly the same thing. While you won't get toned stomach muscles without a workout that isolates this muscle group, you won't get the tone without doing a lot of stretching, as well.

People often neglect this as part of a routine. These are some of the easiest and most rewarding exercises to do. They are great for warm ups. As any athlete or aerobics instructor will tell you, they keep you from straining. Arm stretches, leg stretches, bending and twisting are all good ways to limber up before you hit the weights or machines.

A little Yoga added to your routine, with its exaggerated movements, can save hours of discomfort with torn or strained muscles, later.

Swimming:

The best addition to any routine that has focus on toning muscles is swimming. It is not only an all over good workout, with fantastic cardiovascular benefits, but it stretches and works those stomach muscles like no stationary exercise can. Almost every muscle in the body is used in swimming.

If you think it isn't what you want or you don't have time to add it to your routine, just look at those professional swimmers' bodies. They all have long, lean torsos, with well defined abdominals and v shaped bodies. They got those bodies by swimming!

Not only is swimming really good for you, it won't hurt you. Swimming is considered passive exercise. That means less strain on muscles and organs.

Risk of Injury:

Most crunches can be brutal on your back muscles, so don't add more than 2 additional repetitions to your current routine at one time. That is repetitions and not sets. When you add a new set to your abs routine, do it by adding 2 reps until you fill it out.

If your back hurts, use a brace, or switch to just ball exercises. You don't have to stop completely, just modify. Check to see that you are doing your exercises correctly, as this can lead to strain faster than anything.

A little common sense and effort will keep you toning stomach muscles till they look great. Just keep these 4 important things in mind.

About the Author

Summer will be here soon...When you go to the beach, don't you want nice Flat, Six Pack Abs?...Go to http://www.SixPackAbsGuide.com/ now!

Throw out excess weight with herbal diet pills

2009-03-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

Throw out excess weight with herbal diet pills by Jessica thomson

Obesity is one of the major problems in today's world. It's a human character to look and feel good. But most of the time we can see that we human beings are unhappy for some reason or the other. There is various reasons why we sometimes get drained in the dark side of life. A healthy body is a sign of a healthy mind is a common but a very relevant saying. It's an unhidden truth that a healthy person is always in an enthuastic mood and gives the vibes of energy. On the other hand a weak body is the reflection of dull mind which projects negativity in the backdrop. Therefore, many a times we see glooming face as one is overweight or underweight. But overweight or obese people not only undergo depression of looking oversize but these leads to various ill-healths. With time many solution has come like physical exercise, yoga, meditation, diet medicine etc.

Herbal Pills the best way to cut down the extra kilos:

There are many benefits of herbal medicine. Herbal medicine can treat almost any health problem known. It can also help you lose weight naturally. Herbs had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. Several herbs are often used together to enhance effectiveness and synergistic actions and to reduce toxicity. That is why weight loss pills usually consist of a list of herbal ingredients. But be sure to consult with herbalist or your doctor before you take any herbal supplement. When used correctly, herbs are safer than medications and have the same positive effect on human. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions. That is why we recommend you again and again to consult with herbalist or your doctor before you take herbal supplements

Lipobinds the right choice:

In the world of no time factor, many a time people even if they desire cant make for physical exercise because of the scarcity of time or tight schedules. Thus, for this group medicine is the only way possible, but is every pill gives the desired effect or safe from side-effect. The answer to all these question is one and only Lipobind.

The main benefit of taking Lipobind weight loss tablets is that the fat you ingest is removed from your body before it has a chance to be absorbed. This can help you keep weight from accumulating and can also help you lose weight that you already have.Morewover, it is a natural health supplement which is clinically proved to cut down the dietary fat and help suppress ones appetite. Thus, with time Lipobind is gaining ground in the market and to a great extent it has turn out to be a known name in its own field.

About the Author

For more insights and further information about herbal weight loss visit our site http://www.dietslimming.com/

How to relax when you're in an altered environment

2009-03-08T22:48:00.001-07:00

How to relax when you're in an altered environment

by Joe Keny

all deal with stress everyday, whether at work or at home. Learning to relax when you're in a stressful environment can be a useful habit to cultivate .

Breathe deeply through your nose and then exhale through your mouth several times. When it was stressed that we have a tendency to surface to breathe, which can actually increase anxiety. Breathe deeply for several minutes to calm .

can close your eyes and imagine a relaxing scene. For example, imagine walking on a deserted beach alone with their bare feet sinking in the sand and the gulls crying above. Imagine the smells, sounds and sights .

Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a handkerchief and carry it with you. When you are in a disturbing environment, take a few whiffs. The smell of lavender can soothe and soften .

Take chamomile tea bags with you. If you are feeling stressed, mix a cup of calming chamomile tea .

office a little yoga at your desk. These exercises calm your nerves and prevent muscle strain caused by sitting in a desk chair for too long.
This article is written by Article Marketing.

About the Author

The above article can be found in How to relax when you're in an altered environment

.Everthing about health.

Yoga At Home

2009-03-08T22:47:00.001-07:00

Yoga At Home by Anonymous

There is absolutely no need for expensive classes or teachers to get in your daily, weekly, or monthly yoga. This mind invigorating practice is great for flexibility, body toning, and joint mobility, and can be done in the comfort of your own home in a private, and more secluded environment. Join the thousands of people who are learning the practice in just minutes.

Some Quick Tips to Get You Started

http://hatha-yoga.suite101.com/article.cfm/yoga_at_home

Many times, a home study course is an extremely easy method of learning. Some good programs to get you started include the following.

The Ashtanga Yoga Home Study Course: http://mfeddema.yogacharya.hop.clickbank.net/ Runners Yoga: http://mfeddema.runnersyog.hop.clickbank.net/ Everything Laughter Yoga: http://mfeddema.sgendry.hop.clickbank.net/ The Ultimate Yoga Book: http://mfeddema.pposture.hop.clickbank.net/

Yoga is also an ideal practice for weight loss. When paired with a weight loss program, each practice will yield extremely efficient results. Learn a few simple changes you can make in your daily life, to make Yoga even more impactive. Fat Loss Advice is a great source for everyday people. Visit them at http://mfeddema.ibint.hop.clickbank.net/

Good Luck! Yoga is something that has the potential to change ones life mentally, physically, and spiritually. Indulge in yourself for once and get started today. Admit it, you owe it to yourself.

"You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon. To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions." -Adlin Sinclair

About the Author

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Low Female Libido Enhancers - Boost your Sexual Thoughts

2009-03-03T01:19:00.000-08:00

Low Female Libido Enhancers - Boost your Sexual Thoughts by Bryan Len

Libido simply means lack of interest in sexual activities including foreplay and the main - sexual intercourse. Loss of libido is seen in both; the male and the female. However, the cause of loss of libido depends upon various factors and come in various forms. When we talk about female libido, low female libido enhancers may work to boost the sexual thoughts, sexuality and other sex related interest or acts.

A woman loses her libido for a number of reasons such as it could be due to her age that she is not interested in sex anymore or it could be due to some hormonal imbalance or hormonal insufficiency, or it may be due to some disliking towards the sexual partners as the position he chooses may not be so comfortable and satisfying to the female partner and the list goes on. In many cases, the female does not like to give her sexual partner a blowjob but then when her male partner insists; it may bring some awkwardness due to which, there could be a loss of libido or maybe, if not a total loss, decrease in female libido.

Low female libido enhancers are the components that bring back the sexual thoughts and interest in women without affecting any other body systems and so their organs. Generally female libido enhancers come in many forms such as pills, capsules, granules as internal use and gel, cream, lotion, oil and spray as external use. However, in any case, the female has to continue the therapy of low female libido enhancers for a particular period to see good and satisfying results.

There are plenty of herbal extracts available as single herb or in some product as a combination that help in boosting the sexual thoughts in females. Herbs such as shatavari, Shilajit, lodra, ashoka, P.mirifica, gokhsura are considered to be potent sex-tonic and they also help in restoring the sexual hormones. In this way, they can be used as low female libido enhancers. There are plenty of products that contain above mentioned herbs in a different form. Using latest technology, there are also sprays available to enhance the female libido since the spray contains potential herbs that tighten the vagina and stimulate the local area that play significant role in sexually tempting the female.

Along with low female libido enhancers, it is also very important to pay an attention towards the dietary pattern, the lifestyle and lots of other expects. The female has to openly talk about what exactly can make her sexually satisfied and her partner should follow it to have a good sexual events and so healthy sexual life. Eating fresh fruits, dark, green and leafy vegetables etc are said to enhance the bodily enzymes and hormones that may help to restore the interest in sexual activities.

Some exercises such as yoga and aerobic is also very helpful to keep the body in harmony of enzymes and hormones. They all help in restoring the body systems and ensure the healthy functioning. Female libido can also be enhanced by practicing such exercises on daily basis.

About the Author

For more useful information visit Female Libido Enhancement and Irregular Menstruation at http://www.herbal-supplements-for-you.com

Natural Treatments For Panic Attacks And Anxiety

2009-02-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

Natural Treatments For Panic Attacks And Anxiety by Nick Nikolis

Anxiety and panic attacks can be one of the most frightening experiences in a person's life. Rapid heartbeat, a feeling of losing control, fast breathing, sweaty hands, shaking uncontrollably. All of these are symptoms of anxiety.
Just the thought of these symptoms can trigger some people to have a panic attack. It is certainly not ideal to live life in fear, but neither is having to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on medication. So what's the alternative? Natural treatments, such as meditation, exercise, certain herbs, and relaxation techniques.

First take a look at what is causing the anxiety issues. Figure out if there's a way to eliminate those trigger aspects. If there is a way to get rid of the cause without too much of an impact on daily life, that's great. If there's no way around the situations that cause the anxiety, find a treatment that works best for you.

People have been meditating for thousands of years. Meditation is not only used for religious purposes. It can also be used to center oneself and relax the body. By sitting quietly in one spot and focusing on the breath, the body relaxes and can relieve the symptoms of an anxiety attack.

By shifting the mind from focusing on the trigger point to focusing on the rhythm of breathing a calming effect takes over. It may be difficult at first to stop thinking about the issue, but with practice and focus, it will become easier.

It might also help to silently repeat a mantra to yourself. For example on the inhalation say to yourself "calm", "slow" and on the exhalation say to yourself "breathing helps". Focusing on words in addition to the breath requires more attention and helps to keep your mind on the task at hand.

Exercise is also a very good way to overcome anxiety and panic attacks. If the feelings of anxiety are becoming more noticeable, that is when it's time to take action. Before the attack gets too overwhelming, stop whatever activity is going on and go for a short walk around the block. Sometimes that's all it takes.

A regular exercise routine can help stave off the effects as well. Exercising just three or four times a week can release the pent up anxiety before those feelings take hold and can manifest into a full blown attack.

There are certain herbs that have been said to help relieve anxiety. The herb kava has been known to calm the mind without affecting a person's clarity, even though it is a tranquilizer. It can be taken in either pill form or be brewed as a tea.

Valerian is sold as a nutritional supplement and works best for anxiety if it is used over a long period of time. To help with mild anxiety California poppy is a good herb. It also helps with relieving pain. Hops, which is commonly used in brewing beer, can help with restlessness and sleep disorders.

The herb passion flower is helpful in relieving worry and insomnia as well as anxiety. Lemon balm can be brewed as tea or may be used as aromatherapy. It has mild sedative properties and has a calming effect. The herb chamomile not only helps with relieving anxiety, it can also help to settle upset stomachs.

An odd sounding alternative is catnip. This herb which is usually used in cat toys can relieve tension headaches and help with falling asleep.

Some relaxation techniques that can help with anxiety and panic attacks are: writing in a journal, reading a book that holds your attention, drinking a cup of hot tea (herbal or not), taking a hot bath with scented candles.

Or just plain laughing is a good way to relax. Laughing increases endorphin level and decreases the amount of stress hormones. Sometimes there's nothing to do but laugh. Calling up a good friend or relative and letting the conversation relieve the worries and troubles of the mind is also a good relaxation technique.

Rather than being in a drug-induced stupor to relieve anxiety, the better alternative is one of the natural remedies mentioned above. Remember to check with a doctor before starting any type of exercise routine.

About the Author
Nick Nikolis is writing about Self help, Business, Hospitality Industry and destinations. Check here about Greece Villas Greece Apartments.

Why You Should Never Practice Meditation

2009-02-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

Why You Should Never Practice Meditation by Erica Rich

Meditation has millions of definitions. Some refer to it as thoughtless awareness, others consider it a state of mind where the excessive and stress producing activity of the mind is neutralized without reducing alertness and effectiveness. Spiritual gurus refer to the goal of meditation as enlightenment; scientists consider meditation to be focused mental concentration. Finding one clear definition of this activity is nearly impossible. That's because in order to define what meditation is, you have to do it. Meditation is a tool used to refresh, replenish, calm, and soothe.

It is the highest act of self-care because it can be done anywhere, at any time, for any length and still produce immediate and long-term results. It is a way to bring your attention to the moment, connect with all of your senses, and not get caught up with mental chatter. Through consistent mediation practice you will be able to confront situations with an attitude of acceptance, and act when you need to with confidence.

I know what you're thinking. The title of this article is "Why You Should Never Practice Meditation." You should never practice meditation without first understanding what type of medication is best for you.

There are two forms of meditation: exclusive-restrictive or inclusive-mindfulness.

Exclusive-restrictive forms of meditation involve the person focusing on one internal or external object. Focusing on the flame of a burning candle during meditation is a great example of this.

This form of meditation:

• Minimizes distractions

• Develops concentrated attention

• Uses an internal or external object that may be a mantra, chant, sound, or phrase that is continuously repeated

Examples of exclusive-restrictive forms of meditation are Transcendental Meditation and The Relaxation Response.

Inclusive-mindfulness meditation involves:

• Bringing attention to the present moment

• Includes the distractions in the environment

• May also begin with a mantra, sound, or phrase

• May be practiced in any setting and during daily activities (washing dishes, walking, gardening, etc.)

• Person remains noncritical, nonjudgmental, and accepting of their emotions, body sensations, and other mental activities through moment-to-moment awareness

• detached awareness

The benefits of mindfulness meditation are:

1. Mindfulness practice is portable, it can be practiced anywhere

2. It is a form of self-care that trains you in the ability to be centered and focused under a variety of conditions

3. You become more aware of thoughts as they come and go

4. Over time it makes you receptive to any and all situations that develop

5. No need to control thoughts, sensations and emotions, but not having to be controlled by them

Meditation is the oldest, most researched mind body technique. It has been around for centuries and is represented in every culture, religious tradition, and spiritual practice. A recent study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined 20 different clinical trials on the effectiveness of meditation techniques in the treatment of illness. They found that meditation was effective in treating epilepsy, and reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Studies also showed meditation helped to improve mood and anxiety disorders.

About the Author

Erica is a mind body expert and author of Be Health Rich, Secrets for Healthy Rich Living. To download your free copy visit http://www.BeHealthRich.com

Yoga Tips for Busy People

2009-01-20T00:19:00.000-08:00

Yoga Tips for Busy People by Shish

Most of us live very busy and hectic lives. If you are married, have children, have a job, you are going to be busy and even if you don't have all these commitments, you are probably busy nonetheless. Throw in other activities you may be participating in, such as higher education, a fitness routine, other hobbies & interests, sports, blogging etc., and 24 hours starts to seem like awfully little time per day. Unfortunately, what seems to often get sacrificed in keeping up with the rat race is the one thing that should not, your daily spiritual practice. So in this article I will give some handy tips on how you can get more Yoga and Meditation practice into your busy lives by doing some clever multitasking.
Of the many yoga pranayama breathing exercises there are, I think the following 2 stand apart: Breath of Fire Yoga Pranayama & Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama. These 2 pranayamas have an encyclopedic list of benefits and what's best about them is that they are both simple to do and easy to incorporate into your daily life, specially when you are driving!

Yes that's right, driving. Obviously DO NOT do these breathing exercises if it at all affects your driving, but, generally speaking since driving is mostly automatic for most of us, it provides the perfect opportunity for getting in some additional spiritual work.

A car really is pretty conducive for such pranayama practice. You are already sitting up, so just straighten your spine (use a lumbar cushion if you need to), you have music available so put on some inspirational tunes, you have a clock to time yourself and you even have a fan to stay cool. What more can you ask for?

If you have family in the car with you, great, you can all practice together, why not :-). Both Breath of Fire pranayama and Kapalbhati pranayama are breathing exercises that activate energy pathways within you and increase your energy, so there is no risk of them making you sleepy or drowsy. Really, no significant modification is needed to practice either pranayama while driving so take advantage of this time and give it a try.

To practice Breath of Fire, ..... for more please visit http://www.medcarelive.com

About the Author
Medcarelive is an idea that India's traditional knowledge systems can provide valuable answers to solving modern problems.

Meditation and Meditation Techniques

2009-01-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

Meditation and Meditation Techniques by Leslie Baxter

There are many different meditation techniques that have been taught around the world. Each form of meditation has a different goal, whether it is to improve and unlock the abilities of your own mind, or to soothe, comfort and balance the soul. Many meditation techniques are even designed to help you obtain physical awareness and improve the health.

When you are trying to determine which meditation techniques are right for you, you need to consider the religious and spiritual ramifications of those techniques. Many meditation techniques are based off of religious and spiritual teachings, which may not be suitable for those of certain religions. However, there are also techniques that do not involve any spiritual teachings at all, which is suited towards Atheists or those who do not want their meditations to interfere with the religions they have chosen. Before you begin any meditation technique, you should consider whether or not there are any religious teachings that may conflict with your lifestyle.

Unlike some people would believe, meditation techniques usually involve some change to your lifestyle. Many meditation techniques will require that you spend time meditating at least once or twice a day, between twenty minutes to an hour per session. This can cause scheduling conflicts for some, although there are many benefits that often outweigh this disadvantage.

Some of the benefits of meditation include a development and refinement of patience and tolerance, the ability to more calmly view problems, a reduction in stress, and a sense of peace and serenity. These emotions are often credited with the overall improvement of health. In more physical forms of meditation, such as Yoga, the body is stimulated, as well as the mind. This can help with weight loss and improve self esteem.

Making use of meditation techniques will not only improve your personal life. It will also aid with improving your career. As many meditation techniques assist in focusing the mind and allowing your thoughts to settle, it is easier to create resolutions to problems you face during your standard work day. This type of focus also aids in raising levels of creativity, which can also assist in boosting performance at work.

Some popular forms of meditation techniques include Japa meditation, Merkaba meditation, Transcendental meditation and Zen meditation. There are also forms of meditation such as guided meditation, which is taught in group settings, and often practiced as a group.

Many meditation techniques can be practiced at the home, and can be done by virtually anyone.

About the Author

Leslie Baxter is an expert on Meditation and Spirtuality. For the best information on Meditation Techniques check out Leslie's website http://mymeditationtechniques.com.

How to Find a Good Prenatal Yoga DVD

2009-01-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

How to Find a Good Prenatal Yoga DVD by Jill Borash

Finding a good prenatal yoga DVD that is safe for you and your baby can be challenging. There are many DVDs out there that can help you keep fit and healthy during this time so how do you find one that works for you and fits your lifestyle? Here are a few things to look for that can help.

Make sure that you are only looking at prenatal yoga DVDs. Other yoga DVDs offer great exercises but there are exercises on those DVDs that are not safe during pregnancy. There are several different yoga poses that could potentially hurt you or your baby. A good prenatal yoga DVD will be sure to stay away from those poses and will even offer modifications for poses that may become more difficult later in your pregnancy. It is better to be safe and underdo your exercise routine during pregnancy than to overdo it.

Look for reviews of the prenatal yoga DVD that you are looking at. Amazon.com is always a good place to find product reviews. This will help you get an idea of what other expectant mothers thought of the DVD and how it worked out for them. It can also help give you a better idea of the content of the DVD and if it is appropriate for you. If you have practiced yoga before your pregnancy, there may be a prenatal yoga DVD that is more appropriate for you than if you have never practiced yoga before. Getting a DVD that is appropriate for your comfort level is important and reviews from others can often help you in this area.

Do some research on the company that produced the prenatal yoga DVD and the instructor for it. There are several different forms of yoga and they all have a somewhat different format. Researching the company that produced the DVD and more importantly, the instructor who is teaching on it will help you understand the type of yoga being taught. That can help you make a decision about whether or not the DVD will work for you. Some forms of yoga incorporate more a spiritual component than others and it is helpful to know that before you buy a DVD.

About the Author

Finding a good prenatal yoga DVD that works for you is important for both you and your baby. Doing a little research on the DVD and the instructor can help you make a more informed decision. Get more free tips on prenatal yoga at http://www.PrenatalYogaDVD.net

Yoga: Work - Life Balance and Yoga

2008-10-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

Yoga: Work - Life Balance and Yoga by Nicholas Tan

After a surge of interest during the consciousness-conscious '60s, yoga began to fall out of favor. Exercisers apparently lost patience with the activity, which offers slow but steady results, and turned to the fast pace and quick shape-up of aerobics. Now yoga is back-less mystical than in the past, less reminiscent of gurus in pretzel positions, and more attractive than ever to people who are interested in working out rather than working toward some spiritual goal.

Once you step out of the metaphysical atmosphere, yoga is a great stretch and flexibility program. Yoga is increasingly being used by those who are having a trouble in balancing their work and personal life. A stressful working environment and a hectic schedule has a telling impact on the personal lives of the modern day executives and so they are turning to yoga to bring about a peace of their mind and to adopt a perfect work-life balance.

Also, many disgruntled runners, weight trainers and aerobic dancers complain that instead of reducing the stress in their lives, their exercise regimes add more.

People rush to work out every day at lunch, force themselves to keep up and then rushed back to work. Surely, it does something good for them, but it is just another pressure. Yoga is less competitive, less stressful, and above all gives a wonderful feeling of being.

Indeed, the healing aspect of yoga is a key to its renewed popularity. The strained knees, aching backs and neck pains generated by the push for fitness and the stress of making it in a competitive world have inspired a packaged set of a book and audio cassettes. Some orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors and neurologists are now referring patients to specific yogis during treatment.

Growing interest in the mind-body connection is fueling a major comeback of the ancient practice, boosted by research suggesting it can reduce stress and blood pressure, improve work performance, even slow effects of aging.

Several techniques are now being taught in mainstream hospitals and businesses; books about them are brisk sellers and discussion groups have sprung up on the Internet.

Even the Army is interested - it has asked the National Academy of Sciences to study meditation and other new age techniques that might enhance soldiers' performance.

Details differ, but a common theme is relaxing the body while keeping the mind alert and focused - on an object, sound, breath or body movement. If the mind wanders - and it always does - you gently bring it back and start again

Stress-related problems account for 60percent to 90percent of U.S. doctor visits, and mind-body approaches often are more effective, and cost-effective, than drugs or surgery. For example, 34percent of infertile patients get pregnant within six months, 70percent of insomniacs become regular sleepers and doctor visits for pain are reduced 36percent.

About the Author
Nicholas has been involved in Article Writing, providing Free Articles, Internet Marketing, for more than 5 years and designs and develops websites. Submit your free articles and get your articles noticed! Get your Free Articles here! Submit Articles! We provide free articles and information. Check us out at Free Articles!

yoga |tantric yoga |yoga positions |bikram yoga

2008-08-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

yoga |tantric yoga |yoga positions |bikram yoga by yoga

The Unified Field of Einstein is the Brahman of the Vedists and the Tao of the Chinese", says Dr Fritjof Capra in his famous book.The Tao of Physics". The Vedists called this Unitary Power by the name Prana. This Cosmic Energy can be used to heal and healing via this Cosmic Prana came to be known as Pranic Therapy.This article is a continuation of the earlier article Pranic Therapy Part IV.
Attunement to Biorhythms

Along with regulation of food,sleep,exercise and relaxation, the spiritual aspirant should learn to attune his psychosomatic machine to his own biorhythms

"Biological clocks " were discovered in animals in the late 1950s & Bio- rhytms were understood as a result. When the Moon rose ( which caused the flow of tide ), mussels & crabs which live on seashores were found to open their shells or become active even when they were moved to a distant place. "Circadian rhythms" in the human body were discovered later.

There are daily biorhythms, lunar rhythms and solar rhythms.

Circadian Rhythms

It was found that level of sugar in the blood , body temperature, BP, production of hormones & enzymes changed according to a cyclic, regular & recurrent pattern. While some have have 24 or 25 hour cycles others have 36 or 48 hour cycles. Even emotional sensitivity & intellectual creativity increase & decrease according to biorhythms, apart from physiological activities

Lunar Rhythms

In the case of lunar people the 11th day of the lunar month ( Ekadasi) or the day of the full moon ( Pournami ) or the day of the New Moon ( Amavasi) may act as the pivotal point of change in their biorhythms. Some people have 28 day cycles irrespective of the movement of the Moon.

Solar Rhythms

The Appollonians ( as the solar people are called ) are more sensitive to changes of solar seasons than the lunarian changes. With the onset of winter, spring, summer & autumn they may find profound changes taking place in their physiological processes & mental activity.

The existence of these biorhythms were confirmed by research even though superficial minds may not be able to detect these biorhythms. A spiritual aspirant should recognise his biorhythms & adjust his prayer, meditation & acitivities in accordance with these rhythms. Minor stomach upsets, pain in joints, disturbed sleep, change of mood etc are associated with biorhythms & the seeker shoud not be upset by these minor changes..

Why holistic health practices fail or succeed partially

Main reason for the failure of holisitc health practices is that Prana or Life Energy does not flow freely within the individual or between the individual & the universal life, owing to the presence of obstructions within.These obstructions are caused by Samskaras, psychic memories or residual traces of our past actions and experiences. Samskaras are of two kinds, those which only produce memories ( smriti ) of past experiences and those which produce impulses or drives to repeat these experiences ( vasanas) . These two are interlinked to form complex patterns of love, hate, fear etc. It is these complexes that obstruct the free flow of Life-Energy in us.

Removing Mental Blocks

Many of these complexes are formed in childhood and adolescence. When unpleasant or traumatic experiences take place, the tendency of a child or teenager is to repress them. Repression is a form of pushing the psychic memories into the unconscious regions of the mind. The growing youth may not be able to recollect those psychic memories again, but the repressed samskaras lodged in the hidden recesses of the unconscious go on creating psychological and psychosomatic problems for him.

All psychosomatic disorders cannot be cured by holistic health tech- niques unless these repressed complexities are ferreted out and confronted. The past samskaras should be deactivated. For this the seeker has to dive deep into his unconscious & encounter the past experiences and deactivate them.

Most people find it difficult to do it without the active help of a competent guide. Those who depend on the Ocean of Consciousness ( the Absolute or God ) may , however, find that these inner blocks are removed by Divine Grace. This is the rationale behind faith healing & miraculous cures.

Extension of Consciousness

Life,a gift from the Divine, is a great healing power. Nothing ever begins to be; Substance merely undergoes a parallel transformation into conditions which pre-existed in other conditions. Life, similarly, does not begin to be. As Energy, as per the Law of Conservation of Energy or Matter cannot be created or destroyed, so too is Life Eternal.

At the physical level, the eternal healing power of life manifests itself as

a) Self-renewal b) The immune system.

For many years it has been known that the body can filter and re-use its fluids & repair damages to tissues, especially skin and bone, by growing new cells. Modern Science has shown that self-renewal is constantly taking place in every part of the body. Almost all the cells in the body are constantly being replaced by new ones. Somebody said " I am not the same person I was one year ago"! The entire body gets renewed in this way every year & this shows that it is never too late to regain your health. By changing one's basic attitudes and way of living, the damage to the body caused by years of misuse & neglect can be overcome.

One the great marvels of the universe is the human immune system. Those who are aware of the biochemical processes going on in the body will agree with Walt Whitman " To me every hour of the day & night is an unspeakably perfect miracle". Dr Walter Cannon said " The Wisdom of the body is the most precise of all selective refinements" !

The Components ( Four Units ) of our Immune System

The fourfold immune system consists of the following units;

1 The granulocyte-macrophage unit

2. The lymphocyte unit

3. The antibody unit

4. The complement unit

. The first two are varieties of white blood corpuscles, wherein the last two are chemicals, proteins. All the four units of our immune system launch a concerted attack on the invaders as soon as a few bacteria break into any tissue in the body. ( The antibody unit has been defined as an army of one million) Western medical science is wondering who masterminds this attack or who plans these strategies. Common sense, logic, intuition & experience suggest that somewhere behind all this there must be a master control. Why do sometimes cells become malignant and attack neighbouring cells ? Why it goes awry, sometimes,when our defence units attack innocent cells mistaking them for enemy microbes ? Western medical science is researching hard to find answers to these difficult questions.

Please Feel Free To Vist Our Site http://learnmoreon.com/yoga/ Know More About benefits of yoga

About the Author
http://learnmoreon.com/voip/

Yoga For Relaxation

2008-08-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

Yoga For Relaxation by Kimberly Thomas - www.theskinnychic.com

People practice yoga for a variety of reasons. Many yoga practitioners are interested in the health benefits that come from regularly performing the routines. Others want a state of harmony between inner and outer self. Still others practice yoga primarily to relax.
A State of Harmony

The profound relaxation available through yoga includes a state of clarity of mind, and of harmony with and understanding of the world. If such a state of relaxation is your goal, you will need to use most of the yoga techniques available. Pay special attention to breathing, diet, correctly performing the exercises, and meditating.

The deep, prolonged breath one learns through yoga helps the brain stay oxygenated, which contributes to mental clarity. Diet influences the structure of our body as well as our brain. The exercises (called asanas and pranayamas) were developed thousands of years ago to produce beneficial results.

To have the desired effects, yoga routines must be carried out correctly. Poor yoga practices will likely produce disappointing results.

The Keys

Your attitude and your focus are the keys to making your yoga experience deeply satisfying. Entering the profound stage of relaxation and synchronization between your inner and your outer self can occur only with appropriate action.

Relaxation is actually a necessary part of every yoga routine. The body needs to relax after practicing the exercises, especially the more demanding ones. Certain asanas require an unusual positioning of the body, which can result in discomfort if the relaxation stage is omitted.

Bridging Worlds

Yoga connects the spiritual and material worlds, and relaxation is the bridge that brings the practitioner back fully to the present reality.

As a general rule, during relaxation exercises, you will lie down comfortably and meditate. Your yoga trainer will suggest ways for you to gradually move and position your feet and arms. Yoga routines may have different relaxation exercises, but they all have the purpose of cushioning the shock of contact with the surrounding reality. Relaxation also helps to maintain a certain degree of peacefulness created by the routine.

But talk is never enough. The only way to be sure of the relaxation benefits of yoga is to try it yourself. The only thing you have to lose is your tension.

About the Author
article writer for the www.theskinnychic.com

Massage Therapy: An Education In Touch

2008-07-08T01:22:00.001-07:00

Massage Therapy: An Education In Touch by Pj Germain

Do you like to work with people and enjoy making them feel better? A career in massage therapy may be just the field for you. With a basic massage therapy education, you can do interesting work in a variety of settings. Massage therapists work in resorts, spas, health clubs, on cruise ships, and in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. After you gain some experience, you might even want to become a massage therapy education teacher, teaching courses in massage therapy at a community college or healthcare education facility.
What Massage Therapy Education Teaches You

Your massage therapy education courses will teach you a wide variety of massage techniques. Some of the basic techniques covered, and what they involve, are:

*Mud baths, where the massage therapist applies hot mud to the client's skin, conditioning the texture of the skin and allowing heat to penetrate deep into joints and muscle tissue.

*Hot and cold packs, where the passage the therapist alternates heat and cold to stimulate and suppress the flow of blood to a particularized area of the body.

*Full body massage, or Western massage, where the therapist kneads the muscles, using long strokes to soothe the client's sore muscles and relax the client.

Advanced massage therapy education classes cover more sophisticated techniques that are offered at high-end spas and resorts. If you complete your education in these massage therapy techniques, you can to pursue a massage therapy career in exciting locations like cruise ships, exclusive spas, and luxury resorts.

One of these advanced techniques is aromatherapy, where the massage therapist uses scented oils ease the friction of the hands on the skin. Aroma therapy actually involves all five senses. An aroma therapy massage therapy treatment room is dimly lit, with soft music playing in the background, appealing to the client's senses of sight and hearing, respectively. The spa serves herbal tea or warm lemon-flavored water to please the client's sense of taste. In addition to using the scented oil, the massage therapist lights candles or incense to intensify the aroma for the client's sense of smell, and the massage therapist provides a special aroma therapy massage technique, applying the sense of touch.

An Advanced Massage Therapy education should include aroma therapy classes as well as classes in yoga massage, Shiatsu massage therapy, and la stone massage therapy. Finally, a complete massage therapy education should also include basic medical courses, like medical terminology and anatomy, and courses helpful in a massage therapy practice, like safety, regulation, and ethics.

About the Author
Pj Germain, CMT

Copyright 2008 Massage Therapy Education
Content May be Reprinted so Long as this active link remains fully intact.

Stop Smoking With Hypnosis - But How Does it Work?

2008-07-08T00:58:00.000-07:00

Stop Smoking With Hypnosis - But How Does it Work? by Joe White

Smokers will try anything to try to cure themselves. One promising method from the East is acupuncture. Can a few pins and needles really help you to quit smoking? Find out in this article.

We are slowly realising that western medicine does not have all the answers. We can see the positive effects from yoga, meditation and some herbs. Could acupuncture offer an alternative, drug free way of curing a smoker of their addiction?

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China and involves placing needles on the body. The theory goes that there are special lines and points on the body where "energy" flows and if you place needles in the correct spots, the body will produce a physical response.

For instance, acupuncture is often used for pain relief. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, placing needles in the right places can, for example, cure a painful bad back.

How Can It Help Smokers?

Acupuncture specialists claim that it can help cure many ailments and not just pain - including smoking. The idea is that by placing the needles, the cravings can be reduced.

Quite why or how this happens is not clear. Some people claim that this is due to production of endorphins, the brain's "pleasure chemicals" which help to calm the person and eliminate the cravings. Anatomically, there is no explanation for this.

To help quit smoking, acupuncture needles are typically place on one of the ears.

Does It Work?

I believe in keeping an open mind and if you look then you will find many testimonies from patients who leave acupuncture specialists and stop smoking. They say that they do not physically feel any cravings so the initial quit is much easier.

However, it is widely known that the cravings are only taken away temporarily. Unless you have regular acupuncture treatments then the cravings will come back within days or weeks. Most smokers find this to be too much and they start to smoke again as many studies have shown.

So, while the quit rate at one day after treatment might be excellent, the quit rate after 6 months or one year is very poor and not unlike using willpower alone. Again, this is because the cravings eventually comeback - you might say that the addiction itself never actually goes away.

One study even did a double-blind trial where one group was given "sham" or fake acupuncture. Guess what, the short term quit rates for sham or real acupuncture were the same! So there was no evidence that real acupuncture made a difference. You might infer from this that the reduced cravings are simply in the mind of the believer?

Can An Addiction Really Be Broken?

Yes it can. There are thousands of people who quit every year by breaking their addiction forever and not just distracting it or pretending that it doesn't exist. These people are a silent minority that are rarely heard of in the press or modern media but they are not special, they were just taught the right way to quit.

I know, because I am one of them! Honestly, when I look around and see the scandal of big businesses and government trying to corrupt people into using cures and methods that have no better than a 5% chance of success in the very long term then it saddens me deeply. But at least now you know (if you didn't already) that there are other, better ways to quit smoking.

About the Author
Get more tips, advice, free reports and details of CBT/NLP programs at http://www.QuitSmokingAdvisory.com

Yoga for Computer Users: Releases Lower Back Pain

2008-06-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yoga for Computer Users: Releases Lower Back Pain by Adam W

Yoga for Computer Users: Releases Lower Back Pain

Twenty percent of all those who undergo surgery for lower back pain will get no relief. The remaining 80 percent will have problems ranging from mild to severe. All will have trouble with spinal flexion.

Yoga does not offer cures. It simply promises that if you faithfully practice these asanas every day, there will be no pain and you will build up a strong and supple spine, restructuring posture and body image. Once you have back problems you must remain conscious all through the day of how you stand, sit and lie down. Here are a few guidelines:

Always sleep on a firm (not necessarily hard) bed, with a flat pillow under your head and a thicker one under your knees. This will help the spine to reposition and adjust itself.

Do not wear high heels as this promotes lumbar lordosis and throws the spine out of balance.

Do not go in for break-dancing, strenuous aerobics, jogging, running or anything where you need to bounce or jiggle. Guarded activity is the key here.

For lower back pain, sitting is the most painful. Sit on a firm seat, not squashy cushions, and sit on your buttock bones. Do not loll back on the tailbone or lower spine. Wedge a rolled towel or small cushion behind your back to keep you upright. Sit as often as possible in The Diamond Posture (Figure 1) in order to benefit the sciatic nerve and to cure a convex or a lateral curvature of the spine.

When the pain is acute and you can neither sit nor stand in comfort, rest in bed, take whatever anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications your physician prescribes, and wait until the pain is milder before starting on these postures.

All these asanas have healing and curative properties. They will act as a form of mild traction, gently stretching the spinal muscles in safe extension postures. Strength will be gradually built up in the paraspinal muscles and buttocks, abdominal organs will be toned and strengthened, and pressure points all along the spine will be stimulated. Practice each asana to the point where mild pain is felt.

About the Author
Adam works from home and practices yoga with his wife. Click Here! for great info recommended by adam and his wife sarah.

Yoga

2008-04-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

Yoga
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses such as Yoga postures, see Yoga (disambiguation)

Statue of Shiva performing Yogic meditationYoga (Sanskrit: योग Yoga, IPA: [joːgə]) is a group of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. According to Gavin Flood, Academic Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies[1] it has been defined as referring to "technologies or disciplines of asceticism and meditation which are thought to lead to spiritual experience and profound understanding or insight into the nature of existence."[2] Yoga is also intimately connected to the religious beliefs and practices of the other Indian religions.

Outside India, Yoga is mostly associated with the practice of asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga or as a form of exercise, although it has influenced the entire Indian religions family and other spiritual practices throughout the world.[3]

Hindu texts discussing different aspects of yoga include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Shiva Samhita, and many others.[3][4]

Major branches of Yoga include: Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga.[5] [6] [7] Raja Yoga, established by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and known simply as Yoga in the context of Hindu philosophy, is one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of thought.

Contents [hide]
1 Etymology
2 History of Yoga
2.1 Indus Valley seals
2.2 Literary sources
2.2.1 Bhagavad Gita
2.2.2 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
2.2.3 Hatha Yoga Pradipika
3 Yoga in other traditions
3.1 Yoga and Buddhism
3.1.1 Yogacara Buddhism
3.1.2 Ch`an (Zen) Buddhism
3.1.3 Tibetan Buddhism
3.2 Yoga and Tantra
4 Goal of Yoga
5 Notes
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Etymology
The Sanskrit term yoga has a wide range of different meanings.[8] It is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, "to control", "to yoke", or "to unite".[9] Common meanings include "joining" or "uniting", and related ideas such as "union" and "conjunction".[10] Another conceptual definition is that of "mode, manner, means"[11] or "expedient, means in general".[12]

[edit] History of Yoga

[edit] Indus Valley seals

A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization, showing a figure in meditation posture.Several seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1700 BC) sites depict figures in a yoga or meditation like posture. There is considerable evidence to support the idea that the images show "a form of ritual discipline, suggesting a precursor of yoga"[13] according to archaeologist Gregory Possehl. He points to sixteen specific "yogi glyptics"[14] in the corpus of Mature Harappan artifacts as pointing to Harappan devotion to "ritual discipline and concentration." These images show that the yoga pose "may have been used by deities and humans alike."[15]

The most widely known of these images was named the "Pashupati seal"[16] by its discoverer, John Marshall, who believed that it represented a "proto-Shiva" figure.[17] Many modern authorities discount the idea that this "Pashupati" (Lord of Animals, Sanskrit paśupati)[18] represents a Shiva or Rudra figure.[19][20] Gavin Flood characterizes the Shiva or Rudra view as "speculative", and goes on to say that it is not clear from the 'Pashupati' seal that the figure is seated in a yoga posture, or that the shape is intended to represent a human figure.[21][22] Authorities who support the idea that the 'Pashupati' figure shows a figure in a yoga or meditation posture include Archaeologist Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, current Co-director of the Harappa Archaeological Research Project in Pakistan[23][24] and Indologist Heinrich Zimmer.[25]

In 2007, terracotta seals were discovered in the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan. Punjab University Archaeology Department Chairman Dr. Farzand Masih described one of the seals as similar to the previously discovered Mohenjodaro seals, with three pictographs on one side and a "yogi" on the other side.[26][27]

[edit] Literary sources
See also: History of Yoga
Ascetic practices (tapas) are referenced in the Brāhmaṇas (900 BCE and 500 BCE),[28] early commentaries on the vedas. In the Upanishads, an early reference to meditation is made in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad,[29] one of the earliest Upanishads (approx. 900 BCE). The main textual sources for the evolving concept of Yoga are the middle Upanishads, (ca. 400 BCE), the Mahabharata (5th c. BCE) including the Bhagavad Gita (ca. 200 BCE), and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (200 BCE-300 CE).

[edit] Bhagavad Gita
Main article: Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita ('Song of the Lord'), uses the term yoga extensively in a variety of senses. Of many possible meanings given to the term in the Gita, most emphasis is given to these three:[30]

Karma yoga: The yoga of action
Bhakti yoga: The yoga of devotion
Jnana yoga: The yoga of knowledge
The influential commentator Madhusudana Sarasvati (b. circa 1490) divided the Gita's eighteen chapters into three sections, each of six chapters. According to his method of division the first six chapters deal with Karma yoga, the middle six deal with Bhakti yoga, and the last six deal with Jnana (knowledge).[31] This interpretation has been adopted by some later commentators and rejected by others.

[edit] Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Main articles: Raja Yoga and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
In Indian philosophy, Yoga is the name of one of the six orthodox philosophical schools.[32][33] The Yoga philosophical system is closely allied with the Samkhya school.[34] The Yoga school as expounded by Patanjali accepts the Samkhya psychology and metaphysics, but is more theistic than the Samkhya, as evidenced by the addition of a divine entity to the Samkhya's twenty-five elements of reality.[35][36] The parallels between Yoga and Samkhya were so close that Max Müller says that "the two philosophies were in popular parlance distinguished from each other as Samkhya with and Samkhya without a Lord...."[37] The intimate relationship between Samkhya and Yoga is explained by Heinrich Zimmer:

These two are regarded in India as twins, the two aspects of a single discipline. Sāṅkhya provides a basic theoretical exposition of human nature, enumerating and defining its elements, analyzing their manner of co-operation in a state of bondage (bandha), and describing their state of disentanglement or separation in release (mokṣa), while Yoga treats specifically of the dynamics of the process for the disentanglement, and outlines practical techniques for the gaining of release, or 'isolation-integration' (kaivalya).[38]

The sage Patanjali is regarded as the founder of the formal Yoga philosophy.[39] The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are ascribed to Patanjali, who, may have been, as Max Müller explains, "the author or representative of the Yoga-philosophy without being necessarily the author of the Sutras."[40] Indologist Axel Michaels is dismissive of claims that the work was written by Patanjali, characterizing it instead as a collection of fragments and traditions of texts stemming from the second or third century.[41] Gavin Flood cites a wider period of uncertainty for the composition, between 100 BCE and 500 CE.[42]

Patanjali's yoga is known as Raja yoga, which is a system for control of the mind.[43] Patanjali defines the word "yoga" in his second sutra, which is the definitional sutra for his entire work:

योग: चित्त-वृत्ति निरोध:
( yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ )
- Yoga Sutras 1.2

This terse definition hinges on the meaning of three Sanskrit terms. I. K. Taimni translates it as "Yoga is the inhibition (nirodhaḥ) of the modifications (vṛtti) of the mind (citta)".[44] Swami Vivekananda translates the sutra as "Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Citta) from taking various forms (Vrittis)."[45] Gavin Flood translates the sutra as "yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations".[46]

A sculpture of a Hindu yogi in the Birla Mandir, DelhiPatanjali's writing also became the basis for a system referred to it as "Ashtanga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga"). This eight-limbed concept derived from the 29th Sutra of the 2nd book became a feature of Raja yoga, and is a core characteristic of practically every Raja yoga variation taught today.[1]The Eight Limbs of yoga practice are:

(1) Yama (The five "abstentions"): nonviolence, truth, non-covetousness, chastity, and abstain from attachment to possessions.
(2) Niyama (The five "observances"): purity, contentment, austerities, study, and surrender to god
(3) Asana: Literally means "seat", and in Patanjali's Sutras refers to seated positions used for meditation. Later, with the rise of Hatha yoga, asana came to refer to all the "postures"
(4) Pranayama ("Lengthening Prāna"): Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, "āyāma", to lengthen or extend
(5) Pratyahara ("Abstraction"): Withdrawal of the sense organs from external objects.
(6) Dharana ("Concentration"): Fixing the attention on a single object
(7) Dhyana ("Meditation"): Intense contemplation of the nature of the object of meditation
(8) Samadhi ("Liberation"): merging consciousness with the object of meditation
They are sometimes divided into the lower and the upper four limbs, the lower ones being parallel to the lower limbs of Hatha Yoga, while the upper ones being specific for the Raja yoga. The upper three limbs practiced simultaneously constitute the Samyama.

It details every aspect of the meditative process, and the preparation for it. The book is available in as many as 40 English translations, both in-print and on-line.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] [9]

[edit] Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Main article: Hatha yoga
Hatha Yoga is a particular system of Yoga described by Yogi Swatmarama, a yogic sage of the 15th century in India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Hatha Yoga is a development of — but also differs substantially from — the Raja Yoga of Patanjali, in that it focuses on shatkarma, the purification of the physical as leading to the purification of the mind (ha), and prana, or vital energy (tha).[47][48] In contrast, the Raja Yoga posited by Patanjali begins with a purification of the mind (yamas) and spirit (niyamas), then comes to the body via asana (body postures) and pranayama (breath). Hatha yoga contains substantial tantric influence,[49][50] and marks the first point at which chakras and kundalini were introduced into the yogic canon. Compared to the seated asanas of Patanjali's Raja yoga which were seen largely as a means of preparing for meditation, it also marks the development of asanas as full body 'postures' in the modern sense.[51]

Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations is the style that most people actually associate with the word "Yoga" today.[52] Because its emphasis is on the body through asana and pranayama practice, many western students are satisfied with the physical health and vitality it develops and are not interested in the other six limbs of the complete Hatha yoga teaching, or with the even older Raja Yoga tradition it is based on.

[edit] Yoga in other traditions

[edit] Yoga and Buddhism
Main article: Yoga and Buddhism
Yoga is intimately connected to the religious beliefs and practices of the Indian religions.[53] The influence of Yoga is also visible in Buddhism, which is distinguished by its austerities, spiritual exercises, and trance states.[54][55]

[edit] Yogacara Buddhism
Yogacara (Sanskrit: "Practice of Yoga [Union]"[56] ), also spelled yogāchāra, is a school of philosophy and psychology that developed in India during the 4th to 5th centuries.

Yogacara received the name as it provided a yoga, a framework for engaging in the practices that lead to the path of the bodhisattva.[57] The Yogacara sect teaches yoga in order to reach enlightenment.[58]

[edit] Ch`an (Zen) Buddhism
Zen (the name of which derives from the Sanskrit "dhyana" via the Chinese "ch'an"[59]) is a form of Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahayana school of Buddhism is noted for its proximity with Yoga.[55] In the west, Zen is often set alongside Yoga; the two schools of meditation display obvious family resemblances.[60] This phenomenon merits special attention since the Zen Buddhist school of meditation has some of its roots in yogic practices.[61] Certain essential elements of Yoga are important both for Buddhism in general and for Zen in particular.[3]

[edit] Tibetan Buddhism
Yoga is central to Tibetan Buddhism. In the Nyingma tradition, practitioners progress to increasingly profound levels of yoga, starting with Mahā yoga, continuing to Anu yoga and ultimately undertaking the highest practice, Ati yoga. In the Sarma traditions, the Anuttara yoga class is equivalent. Other tantra yoga practices include a system of 108 bodily postures practiced with breath and heart rhythm. Timing in movement exercises is known as Trul khor or union of moon and sun (channel) prajna energies. The body postures of Tibetan ancient yogis are depicted on the walls of the Dalai Lama's summer temple of Lukhang. A semi-popular account of Tibetan Yoga by Chang (1993) refers to Dumo, the generation of heat in one's own body, as being "the very foundation of the whole of Tibetan Yoga" (Chang, 1993, p7). Chang also claims that Tibetan Yoga involves reconciliation of apparent polarities, such as prana and mind, relating this to theoretical implications of tantrism.

[edit] Yoga and Tantra
Main article: Tantra
Tantrism is a practice that is supposed to alter the relation of its practitioners to the ordinary social, religious, and logical reality in which they live. Through Tantric practice an individual perceives reality as maya, illusion, and the individual achieves liberation from it.[62]

This particular path to salvation among the several offered by Hinduism, links Tantrism to those practices of Indian religions, such as yoga, meditation, and social renunciation, which are based on temporary or permanent withdrawal from social relationships and modes.[62]

During tantric practices and studies, the student is instructed further in meditation technique, particularly chakra meditation. This is often in a limited form in comparison with the way this kind of meditation is known and used by Tantric practitioners and yogis elsewhere, but is more elaborate than the initiate's previous meditation. It is considered to be a kind of Kundalini Yoga for the purpose of moving the Goddess into the chakra located in the "heart," for meditation and worship.[63]

[edit] Goal of Yoga
There are numerous opinions on what the goal of Yoga may be. Goals can range from improving health and fitness, to reaching Moksha.

Within the monist schools of Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism this perfection takes the form of Moksha, which is a liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) at which point there is a realisation of identity with the Supreme Brahman. For the dualistic bhakti schools of Vaishnavism, bhakti itself is the ultimate goal of the yoga process[64], wherein perfection culminates in an eternal relationship with Vishnu or one of his associated avatars such as Krishna or Rama.[65]

Look up Yoga in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.[show]v • d • eYoga
Classic Yogas Bhakti yoga · Karma Yoga · Jnana Yoga · Raja Yoga
Other Yogas Agni Yoga · Bharat yoga · Anahata Yoga · Anusara Yoga · Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga · Bikram Yoga · Dream Yoga · Hatha yoga · Integral yoga · Iyengar Yoga · Kriya yoga · Kundalini yoga · Natya Yoga · Sahaja Yoga · Satyananda Yoga · Sivananda Yoga · Six yogas of Naropa (Tummo) · Surat Shabd Yoga · Viniyoga · Yantra Yoga · Yoga in Daily Life · Yoga Nidra
Texts Bhagavad Gita · Yoga Sutras · Hatha Yoga Pradipika · Gheranda Samhita · Shiva Samhita
Raja Yoga limbs Yama · Niyama · Asana · Pranayama · Pratyahara · (Dharana · Dhyana · Samadhi) · (Samyama)
Lists Yoga schools and their gurus · Hatha yoga postures
Related topics Ayurveda · Chakra · Mantra · Tantra · Vedanta · Yoga (alternative medicine) · Yoga as exercise · Nadi
Category

[edit] Notes
^ Note: Definition given by Gavin Flood, Academic Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies ochs.org.uk
^ Flood (1996), p. 94.
^ a b c Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 13)
^ Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance - Page 268 by Garri Garripoli
^ Pandit Usharbudh Arya (1985). The philosophy of hatha yoga. Himalayan Institute Press; 2nd ed.
^ Sri Swami Rama (2008) The royal path: Practical lessons on yoga. Himalayan Institute Press; New Ed edition.
^ Swami Prabhavananda (Translator), Christopher Isherwood (Translator), Patanjali (Author). (1996). Vedanta Press; How to know god: The yoga aphorisms of Patanjali. New Ed edition.
^ For a list of 38 different meanings of the word "yoga" see: Apte, p. 788.
^ For "yoga" as derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj" with meanings of "to control", "to yoke, or "to unite" see: Flood (1996), p. 94.
^ For meaning 1. joining, uniting, and 2., union, junction, combination see: Apte, p. 788.
^ For "mode, manner, means", see: Apte, p. 788, definition 5.
^ For "expedient, means in general", see: Apte, p. 788, definition 13.
^ Possehl (2003), p. 144
^ Possehl (2003), p. 145
^ Possehl (2003), p. 144
^ Marshall, Sir John, Mohenjo Daro and the Indus Civilization, London 1931
^ Flood (1996), pp. 28-29.
^ For translation of paśupati as "Lord of Animals" see: Michaels, p. 312.
^ Keay, p. 14.
^ Possehl (2003), p. 143
^ Flood (1996), pp. 28-29.
^ Flood (2003), pp. 204-205.
^ Kenoyer describes the figure as "seated in yogic position" with "the heels...pressed together under the groin." Around the Indus in 90 Slides by Jonathan Mark Kenoyer
^ Around the Indus in 90 Slides copyright information
^ Zimmer describes the figure as "seated like a yogi." Zimmer, Heinrich, Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. Princeton University Press; New Ed edition (May 1, 1972). ISBN:978-0691017785
^ Malik, Mansoor Rare objects discovery points to ruins treasure, Dawn newspaper, Pakistan, May 8, 2007.
^ Ruins identical to Mohenjodaro, Harappa possibly exist in Pakistan, Malaysia Sun, May 8, 2007
^ Flood, p. 94.
^ Flood, p. 94.
^ Flood, p. 96.
^ Gambhirananda, p. 16.
^ For an overview of the six orthodox schools, with detail on the grouping of schools, see: Radhakrishnan and Moore, "Contents", and pp. 453-487.
^ For a brief overview of the Yoga school of philosophy see: Chatterjee and Datta, p. 43.
^ For close connection between Yoga philosophy and Samkhya, see: Chatterjee and Datta, p. 43.
^ For Yoga acceptance of Samkhya concepts, but with addition of a category for God, see: Radhakrishnan and Moore, p. 453.
^ For Yoga as accepting the 25 principles of Samkhya with the addition of God, see: Chatterjee and Datta, p. 43.
^ Müller (1899), Chapter 7, "Yoga Philosophy", p. 104.
^ Zimmer (1951), p. 280.
^ For Patanjali as the founder of the philosophical system called Yoga see: Chatterjee and Datta, p. 42.
^ Müeller (1899), Chapter 7, "Yoga Philosophy", pp. 97-98.
^ For the Yoga Sutras as a collection dating to second or third century, see: Michaels, p. 267.
^ For dating between 100 BCE and 500 CE see: Flood (1996), page 96.
^ For "raja yoga" as a system for control of the mind and connection to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as a key work, see: Flood (1996), pp. 96-98.
^ For text and word-by-word translation as "Yoga is the inhibition of the modifications of the mind" see: Taimni, p. 6.
^ Vivekanada, p. 115.
^ For "yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations" see: Flood (1996), p. 96.
^ Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice - Page 42 by Christy Turlington (page 42)
^ Guiding Yoga's Light: Yoga Lessons for Yoga Teachers - Page 10 by Nancy Gerstein
^ Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath Body & Mind - Page 6 by Frank Jude Boccio
^ Yoga: The Indian Tradition By Ian Whicher, David Carpenter (page 8)
^ Hatha Yoga: Its Context, Theory and Practice By Mikel Burley (page 16)
^ Feuerstein, Georg. (1996). The Shambhala Guide to Yoga. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
^ The Yoga Tradition: its history, literature, philosophy and practice By Georg Feuerstein. ISBN 8120819233. pg 111
^ "Yoga," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007 © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Exact Quote : "The strong influence of Yoga can also be seen in Buddhism, which is notable for its austerities, spiritual exercises, and trance states."
^ a b Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 22)
^ Encyclopedia Britannica Article: Yogacara
^ Dan Lusthaus. Buddhist Phenomenology: A Philosophical Investigation of Yogacara Buddhism and the Ch'eng Wei-shih Lun. Published 2002 (Routledge). ISBN 0700711864. pg 533
^ Simple Tibetan Buddhism: A Guide to Tantric Living By C. Alexander Simpkins, Annellen M. Simpkins. Published 2001. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0804831998
^ The Buddhist Tradition in India, China, and Japan. Edited by William Theodore de Bary. Pgs. 207-208.ISBN: 0-394-71696-5 - "The Meditation school, called Ch'an in Chinese from the Sanskrit dhyāna, is best known in the West by the Japanese pronunciation Zen"
^ Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (Page xviii)
^ Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 13). Translated by James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter. Contributor John McRae. Published 2005 World Wisdom. 387 pages. ISBN 0941532895 [Exact quote: "This phenomenon merits special attention since yogic roots are to be found in the Zen Buddhist school of meditation."]
^ a b Title: Mesocosm: Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal. Author: Robert I. Levy. Published: University of California Press, 1991. pp 313
^ Title: Mesocosm: Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal. Author: Robert I. Levy. Published: University of California Press, 1991. pp 317
^ Narada-bhakti-sutra Text 18 "Mukti, or liberation... is also not the ultimate goal... devotional service [bhakti] surpasses all other forms of liberation."
^ Brittanica Concise "Characterized by an emphasis on bhakti, its goal is to escape from the cycle of birth and death in order to enjoy the presence of Vishnu."

[edit] References
Apte, Vaman Shivram (1965). The Practical Sanskrit Dictionary. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. ISBN 81-208-0567-4. (fourth revised & enlarged edition).
Chang, G.C.C. (1993). Tibetan Yoga. New Jersey: Carol Publishing Group. ISBN: 0-8065-1453-1
Chatterjee, Satischandra; Datta, Dhirendramohan (1984). An Introduction to Indian Philosophy, Eighth Reprint Edition, Calcutta: University of Calcutta.
Donatelle, Rebecca J. Health: The Basics. 6th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc. 2005.
Feuerstein, Georg. The Shambhala Guide to Yoga. 1st ed. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications 1996.
Flood, Gavin (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-43878-0.
Gambhirananda, Swami (1998). Madhusudana Sarasvati Bhagavad_Gita: With the annotation Gūḍhārtha Dīpikā. Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama Publication Department. ISBN 81-7505-194-9.
Harinanda, Swami. Yoga and The Portal. Jai Dee Marketing. ISBN 0978142950.
Jacobsen, Knut A. (Editor); Larson, Gerald James (Editor) (2005). Theory And Practice of Yoga: Essays in Honour of Gerald James Larson. Brill Academic Publishers. ISBN 9004147578. (Studies in the History of Religions, 110)
Keay, John (2000). India: A History. New York: Grove Press. ISBN 0-8021-3797-0.
Michaels, Axel (2004). Hinduism: Past and Present. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-08953-1.
Mittra, Dharma Sri. Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses. 1st ed. California: New World Library 2003.
Müeller, Max (1899). Six Systems of Indian Philosophy; Samkhya and Yoga, Naya and Vaiseshika. Calcutta: Susil Gupta (India) Ltd.. ISBN 0-7661-4296-5. Reprint edition; Originally published under the title of The Six Systems of Indian Philosophy.
Possehl, Gregory (2003). The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. AltaMira Press. ISBN 978-0759101722.
Radhakrishnan, S.; Moore, CA (1967). A Sourcebook in Indian Philosophy. Princeton. ISBN 0-691-01958-4.
Saraswati, swami satyananda. November 2002 (12th edition). "Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha" ISBN 81-86336-14-1
Taimni, I. K. (1961). The Science of Yoga. Adyar, India: The Theosophical Publishing House. ISBN 81-7059-212-7.
Usharabudh, Arya Pandit. Philosophy of Hatha Yoga. 2nd ed. Pennsylvania: Himalayan Institute Press 1977, 1985.
Vivekananda, Swami (1994). Raja Yoga. Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama Publication Department. ISBN 81-85301-16-6. 21st reprint edition.
Zimmer, Heinrich (1951). Philosophies of India. New York, New York: Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-01758-1. Bollingen Series XXVI; Edited by Joseph Cambell.

[edit] External links
Yoga links at the Open Directory Project

[show]v • d • eIndian philosophy
Topics Logic · Idealism · Monotheism · Atheism
Āstika Samkhya · Nyaya · Vaisheshika · Yoga · Mimamsa · Vedanta (Advaita · Vishishtadvaita · Dvaita)
Nāstika Cārvāka · Jaina (Anekantavada · Syadvada) · Bauddha (Shunyata · Madhyamaka · Yogacara · Sautrantika · Svatantrika)

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga"
Categories: Yoga | Meditation | Mind-body interventions | Sanskrit words and phrases | Exercise | Spirituality

Warming-up for the Yoga Poses

2008-04-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

Warming-up for the Yoga Poses by Sarah Williams

The procedure of yoga poses are meant to enhance both the mind and body. It takes discipline, dedication, and daily practice to carry out these poses. But the prize is always worth the patience and hard work. One can certainly gain strength and better health with the regular yoga exercises or the Asanas. It can boost resistance and build up the mental awareness too. All it requires is for you to learn the poses and deliver it slowly as you manipulate your mind and body.
Warming-up before the actual yoga poses is very substantial in the activity. You need to do it before a session starts so that your physical health and built would be appropriate for the exercises. It can also help to put your body together for tougher poses that you might want to try later on.

The eye exercise is the primary step when warming up for the yoga poses. Just like the other muscles in the human body, the eyes must also be exercised once in a while to keep it clear and healthy. Normally, you only switch stare from left to right, with the littlest movement, then just turn your head when desiring to view a different angle. But what really toughens the eye muscles is when you move your eyes in all directions, without actually turning your head. This stops eyestrain and corrects eyesight too.

Most people usually place the pressure in their necks and shoulders. More often than not, it causes headaches, bad posture, and stiffness. However, doing the neck exercises are also recommended before doing the yoga poses to aid tension and develop flexibility. Simply maintain a straight spine and do them in a slow manner. Relax your neck and as your shoulders are facing forward, drop your head at the back then in front. After that, just keep your head up, then turn it to the right, then center, then to the left. Next, drop your head in front then roll it around in circles and do it again in the opposite direction. Now, raise your right shoulder then drop it and do the same with the left. Finally, lift both shoulders at the same time and bring them down.

Stretching the shoulders is also an excellent way to calm the tension and stress on the shoulders and upper back. It will require everyday practice for a few weeks before you start seeing the changes. In addition, the cat yoga poses are also necessary in the practice since they teach you to launch movement from your center and to harmonize your breath and movement - two of the most essential keynotes in yoga.

Even though yoga may seem a bit simple to look at, it is also a very powerful activity. The truth is, it can be harmful if the yoga poses are not done properly, more so if you do not perform warm-up exercises before a yoga class.

About the Author
Sarah Noelle Williams is an active member of ABC-of-Yoga. For more information, you can go to http://www.abc-of-yoga.com

Feel free to join our friendly community in http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/forum

How to choose right yoga mats?

2008-04-09T01:54:00.000-07:00

How to choose right yoga mats? by yogabestbuy

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.

Yogabestbuy.com provides you the best quality yoga mats and products online. Where you can find great offers best prices and good products.

About the Author
Yogabestbuy.com provides you the best quality yoga mats and products online. Where you can find great offers best prices and good products.

Improve Your Life With Yoga Instruction

2008-03-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Improve Your Life With Yoga Instruction by Thomas T

Yoga instruction can be the first step in changing and improving your life and creating a whole new you. When one comes to the decision that they are in need of a real life change, there are many ways to accomplish this, but few will be as beneficial as Yoga. Yoga is a means in which you can improve yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually as well as improving your physical body. The benefits of Yoga are immense; you will become stronger, healthier and feel better about yourself when you commit yourself to Yoga instruction.
The health benefits alone are enough to get many people started with yoga instruction, but there are many reasons why yoga can help you to change your life for the better. Yoga is a type of all in one approach to life change, though alone it cannot work miracles to help better your life, it can be a great foundation for a start.

Aside from health, there are other ways in which yoga instruction can help to improve your life. It could help you to earn more money. Yoga can provide you with the ability to manage stress, and this alone can assist you in the workplace, but it can also aid you in your concentration skills. The better you can concentrate, the more you can get accomplished. Another advantage of learning Yoga is increased energy. Many people claim that they begin to feel more refreshed and energized after they begin practicing Yoga. This translates into more energy to devote to your interests, as well as family and friends. There is little doubt that our loved ones and those things that absorb our interest is what really make life worth living. Imagine a life in which only a small portion of your energy and thoughts are used for work, and the rest is saved for what is most important to us. This alone could help change your life for the better.

Coping with depression is another area in which Yoga can be of use. Yoga postures are designed to stretch, compress and massage your internal organs and glands. This stimulation is thought to help balance hormone levels in the body, which can help to attain a more balanced emotional condition. Maybe you would like to stop smoking, or conquer some other habit that may be harming you. Yoga will increase your motivation, energy and focus, which will aid you in changing whatever habit you set out to change. Yoga instruction can truly be beneficial for those who are looking to make some meaningful life changes.

About the Author
Thomas T is the owner of www.Yoga-Instruction.NET. Lots of free info about Yoga Instruction at {a href=" http://www.yoga-instruction.net" title="Yoga Instruction"} www.Yoga-Instruction.NET .

Quick Tips on Weight Loss!

2008-02-26T03:14:00.000-08:00

Quick Tips on Weight Loss! by Dana Liani

In a time where obesity and obesity-related Diabetes is running rampant in the USA, there are lots of people looking for that "quick fix" in order to lose weight. Well, as I am sure many of you are aware, there is NO quick fix!
I have probably gained and lost 200 lbs. over my lifetime. However, I have been able to maintain a normal, healthy weight for the past 5 years. At the beginning, it was difficult, but once I adjusted my lifestyle staying slim and healthy became an easy part of my every day life.

We all know a few things about weight loss:

1. You have to reduce your caloric intake. 2. You have to increase your physical activity. 3. You have to commit to living a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.

What a lot of people do not know is that stress can also lead to weight gain. A lot of us worry about our children, jobs, bills (this list can go on and on) all of the time. Some of us may eat more as an indirect result of all of this worrying! But what stress also does is slow down some of our other body's functions, such as, our metabolism. A lowered metabolism leads to weight gain and then we stress about our weight gain so we eat. Do you see the cycle? Well, most of us will not stop stressing out about our lives just because I said it would make you gain weight; however, there are things we can do to reduce some of the stress in our lives.

Have you tried meditation, yoga or just counting to the number 10 when you are feeling overwhelmed? I truly believe some of these methods of stress reduction are the essential ways to beginning the weight loss process.

However, the most effective weight loss tool is finding a SUPPORT SYSTEM. They are even available online! Whether it means it's one person or a whole support group, a support system is essential. Your success rate will skyrocket! So find a buddy and get to work!

About the Author
Dana Liani writes about weight loss, health and parenting related issues. You can see more by visiting her blog at http://keepoffthepounds.blogspot.com/

The Different Aspects of Yoga Instructor Training

2008-02-13T01:44:00.000-08:00

The Different Aspects of Yoga Instructor Training by Paul M. Jerard Jr.

Training to become a yoga instructor consists of many different aspects, such as learning about proper diet, asanas, relaxation and meditation, enlightenment, pranayama and others. Each is equally important in order to become a well-qualified yoga instructor. A good training program will not omit these aspects from their curriculum.
Asanas Aspect

Asanas are basic positions used in yoga. They are relatively easy to perform. They are used by beginner yoga students, but must be taught properly in order to avoid injury. Asanas can be seated positions, standing positions, balance positions, among others. Asanas are used to open energy channels through the body in order to purify the body and strengthen it. Performing asanas should be comfortable, firm, and relaxed. You receive a good stretching through asanas positions, but avoid straining your muscles.

Relaxation and Meditation Aspect

Yoga is equally used to strengthen your body as well as help you find inner peace and spirituality. For this reason, learning to teach proper relaxation and meditation techniques is essential in training to be a yoga instructor. The goal of meditation is to bring your mind to a central focus and keep it there in order to block out any irrelevant thoughts. If the mind starts to wander, you must bring it back to that center focus.

Pranayama Aspect

Pranayama, simply put, is the act of being able to control your breathing. Pranayama was developed by yogis long ago. Their breathing techniques have been carried through the ages and are still used today. Pranayama is used to clear and cleanse one's mind in preparation for meditation. It is also used to prepare for asanas in order to gain the most benefit from the postures.

Enlightenment Aspect

Enlightenment is coming to the realization of yourself or being conscious of your being. It is becoming aware of your existence. This is done through awakening the psychic force within you that is called kundalini. It is believed that by eating properly, keeping your body clean and staying fit, you bring yourself into better unity with your higher being.

Chakras Aspect

Chakras are energy centers within your body, as they pertain to yoga. The spine and human energy fields contain charkas, and when taught how to release them properly, bring peace even when facing the challenges of life. This in turn helps individuals' live purposeful and fulfilling lives.

Bandhas Aspect

Bandhas are muscle locks. These locks are used to direct the flow of prana in the body to release spiritual energy. They work by forcing prana to flow up the spine, rather than release it in the lower body. A person training to be a yoga instructor must learn how to teach bandha techniques properly to students, otherwise improper technique may cause injury.

Mudras Aspect

Mudras are positions, usually of the hands, that lock and guide energy flow to the brain. They also send reflexes to the brain. The key to proper mudra technique is to apply enough pressure to feel energy through the psychic channels, but not cause the fingernails to turn white. There are 10 basic mudras that a yoga instructor in training must become very knowledgeable about in order to teach the techniques to students.

Yamas and Niyamas Aspect

Yamas and Niyamas are a set of ten guidelines that help you live a happy and healthy life. They are not designed to be your conscious, but let you discover your own conscious and awareness.

Yamas are guidelines on how we should react to the outer world and those around us. They consist of:

* Ahimsa * Satya * Asteya * Brahmacharya * Aparigraha

Niyamas are how we react to our inner world. They consist of:

* Shaucha * Santosha * Tapas * Swadhyaya * Ishwara-Pranidhana

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

About the Author
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

How To Practice Naked Yoga

2007-12-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

How To Practice Naked Yoga by Vivasa Yogi

There are four main methods of practicing naked yoga: self-directed nude yoga practice, nude partner yoga, private naked yoga lessons, and group naked yoga classes.
Self-directed nude yoga practice

Self-directed naked yoga is as simple as taking off your clothes and doing the yoga you normally do, whether a vinyasa flow, holding poses, or some combination. Depending on the type of yoga you practice, pranayama and meditation may also be part of your naked yoga session.

Beginners and advanced yoga students alike can benefit from watching a yoga DVD during their self-directed practice from time to time, but this should not be the basis of a self-directed practice, whether naked or not, for it draws the attention outward rather than inward.

For the solo naked yoga practitioner, an uncluttered practice area is very important. You may want to think beforehand of the poses you would like to do, or simply see what asanas the prana (life force) leads you into. Be sure to leave some time for relaxation, and have blankets nearby in case you get cold.

Nude partner yoga

Practicing yoga in the nude with your partner is a wonderful way to build trust and intimacy. Not only that, but naked partner yoga allows you to explore the asanas in new and different ways, getting deeper stretches with less force.

In fact, many partner-yoga poses you simply can't do on your own, for they depend on four hands, four feet, or the balancing of body weight of more than one person.

There may be partner yoga classes already in your area, if not, yoga teachers sometimes offer partner yoga weekend workshops or private partner yoga lessons. You can take what you learn home to practice in the nude. There are also a number of quality books and videos on the subject, though some of the videos are more entertaining than instructional.

Private naked yoga lessons

One-to-one nude yoga lessons can be very helpful for your yoga practice, as you will have individualized attention to your breathing and alignment while in different asanas. It is much easier to see alignment without the restriction of clothes. For a case study, see Nude Yoga (not safe for work).

Practicing nude yoga in front of someone also invites you to drop your inhibitions. At first it is very scary to "open up" so much in front of another person, but this can also be very freeing, inviting us to be more accepting and less judgmental of ourselves. In turn, we become more accepting and less judgmental of others.

To find a yoga instructor who will have a nude practice session with you, your first stop would be the yoga teacher who already leads a naked yoga class. If there isn't one in your area, you might check advertisements on Craigslist or advertise there yourself. Be careful with such classifieds, however, for they often attract people who are looking for sexual encounters rather than actually practicing yoga.

Other yoga teachers in your area who don't offer nude yoga classes already may be open to one-to-one naked yoga private sessions, but don't expect them to shed their clothes (although some may be willing). Remember, this experience isn't about seeing others free of clothing, it's about setting yourself free and coming into the uninhibited experience of your own body.

Group naked yoga classes

Whether straight or gay, male or female, group nude yoga classes are highly recommended.

Though it's a fairly easy thing to practice nude yoga in the privacy of your own home, it's an entirely different thing to get naked in front of a dozen or more strangers.

Again, it can be liberating, allowing you to let your guard down and stop judging yourself and others by the surface layer. Rather, you feel a part of a close community, sharing deeply.

A quick Internet search will show you the nude yoga classes near you. If there aren't any, you might look on Craigslist or Meetup.org for other people interested in naked yoga classes. If you can get a few people together, you are more likely to convince a yoga teacher to conduct a clothes-free or clothing-optional class.

About the Author
Vivasa Yogi is a nude yoga practitioner who maintains a beautiful but not-safe-for-work (NSFW) web site dedicated to naked yoga: Nude Yoga. The site complies voluntarily to parental controls.

Yoga Info

2007-10-29T00:48:00.001-07:00

Learn About Yoga For Kids - Childrens Yoga by Franchis Adam

Children today are under a lot of stress. Homework, pressure to compete with other children, endless after-school activities, over-scheduling -- it all adds up. And just like their parents, kids today are turning to Yoga to help them relax. Everyday is stressed in some way. Yoga teaches you how to deal with this stress. With different stages of yoga it will help anyone, beginner, intermediate or advanced. Yoga has had a positive effect on people, including pregnant women. It helps them to handle the pain of pregnancy, labor and childbirth as well as proper breathing techniques. But what about yoga for kids? It makes since that they are stressed with school, peer pressure, sports, and all the other everyday stress that comes with life.

Yoga for kids is an excellent way for a child to exercise and has many other benefits for a child's health. Not every type of yoga can be used as yoga for children though. It must be taken into consideration that children's' bodies are still growing and cannot cope with the strenuous exercises of intense yoga sessions as it can affect both their bodies and minds.

Yoga has also been popular for kids lately and it is having a positive response. With yoga kids learn new techniques and ways to deal with stress. Instead of reacting before they think it out yoga is teaching them how to deal with it mentally and physically before they handle the situation. Yoga is helping the kids become more in touch with their self. They learn how their body and mind reacts to everything and then they are taught to handle it in a very positive way.

The Benefits Of Yoga for Kids

* Yoga enhances the stamina, ability and mental balance. * It enables you teach the kids alphabets and numbers in a singing mode and they can learn about their body in a fun manner. * The songs and the chants that they practice in yoga classes improve their speaking skills. * Yoga strengthens the digestive system and helps get rid of various internal complexities like, gas and constipation.

What is a child yoga program like?

The main focus of a child yoga program is on fun. Often the children will pretend to be the animal for which the pose is named. For instance, when they are doing Cat Pose, they become the cat and may even meow. If they are doing Downward Facing Dog with their butts high in the air, they will often bark, as they become the dog. The children are encouraged to fully participate in and enjoy the 'game of yoga.' Sometimes the instructor will create an entire story about the poses that the children are in so as to make the class interesting and to fully engage them. The children don't realize how much they are benefiting from the practice; the only thing they know is that they are having a good time.

If teaching children who are not your own, it is often a good idea to avoid mixing strong religious messages or opinions with the yoga lessons. The children's parents may have different religious views than you, and thus may not want you teaching their children your views. Religion can be a very sensitive subject for some people. For the same reason, if you are sending your children to a yoga class or buying them some sort of yoga media, you may want to review it first and make sure you find its messages suitable.

If you decide to let your children do yoga, there are many ways to start them. You can find classes that offer yoga to kids. You can also find Yoga for kids videos, as well as other media. You can even do the yoga routines on the videos at home with your children. Good luck and have fun!

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Learn About For Pregnancy Yoga - Prenatal Yoga by Franchis Adam

Yoga has increased in popularity in recent years. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve sleep and digestion, strengthen muscles and joints, and increase flexibility. Yoga removes impurities from the body through the breath, sweat, liver, kidneys, and digestive system. People who practice yoga regularly report that they feel less stress and more peace in their lives.

Yoga has been used for centuries to help center a person and relive stress. In many countries yoga for pregnancy is considered the only option. Yoga can be a great way to stay flexible, relive stress and prepare for birth.

The Practice of Yoga can help you prepare your mind and body for labor and birth as this helps you focus, concentrate and keep you healthy. The Yoga Poses are gentle ways of keeping your body active and supple and minimize the common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and constipation. It can also help in ensuring easier labor and smooth delivery by relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal and by opening the pelvis. The Breathing Techniques can also become handy during labor.

Yoga is a form of exercise that gently stretches the muscles without pulling them beyond their limits. Yoga can also prepare a woman for birth because it relieves the pressure and tension that is associated with the weight of the baby. Carrying a baby puts the body in stress as the ligaments stretch and pull with growth. During labor, when you become tense, uptight and excited all at the same time your body tightens up. This makes pain more intense because your body has reached its maximum.

Yoga teaches a woman to relieve stress and tension with simple breathing techniques. When you feel stress and pain you may hold your breath. Yoga teaches you different breathing techniques in order to relax your body. These techniques can be the difference between intense labor pain and mild controllable pain. Although it will be a challenge to keep reminding yourself of these techniques when labor pains become more frequent and more intense it will be worth it as you practice your breathing.

Although yoga is very beneficial during and after pregnancy, there are a few practice guidelines as general precautions. * Listen carefully to your body. If you feel any discomfort, stop. You will probably need to modify each pose to your body's physical changes.

* Avoid all compression of your abdomen.

* When practicing twisting poses, twist more from the shoulders and back to avoid putting any pressure on your abdomen

* Avoid any poses on your back after the first trimester as that can cut blood flow to the uterus.

Safety guidelines

Starting yoga is no different to starting any other form of exercise - the same advice applies. If you are not used to regular exercise then you should start slowly. If in doubt consult your doctor or midwife.

According to Andrea Fox, any position which feels uncomfortable should be left out. Ms Fox points out: 'Lying on the front soon becomes inappropriate. Strong back bends are to be avoided, as are postures that involve using the tummy muscles strongly, such as the boat pose, or supine leg rising. Any posture involving balance should be tackled with great care.'

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Yoga Techniques and Yoga Health Information by Franchis Adam

Yoga and Health are closely related. Yoga is a popular aid in improving both physical and mental health. This is basically the most common goal of people who practice Yoga - for health reasons. They want to ease their back pain, find a method to ease stress, or learn ways to deal with their health problems.

Yoga practice helps to bring about total relaxation of the body and the mind, which enables healing to occur at a deeper level of the human personality.

The healing science of yoga is a centuries-old tradition of practices for personal fulfillment and self realization, while living a healthful and stressfree life. Modern medical research suggests that correct and regular practice of Yoga can help prevent or treat many types of ailments while promoting general well being.

Yoga provides a holistic approach that benefits every system in the body without the danger of adverse side-effects.

Yoga has proved itself as the factor to regain health and remain juvenile. Even in the Western World there is a wave of persons practicing Yoga in their daily life. There are success stories where individuals have sorted out their issues and manage stress through yoga. Yoga in fact is an ancient technique to optimize the mind and body and maintaining the health equilibrium. Today in the USA alone there are several Yoga centers where numerous peoples from all classes and standards are practicing Yoga. Endocrine System: Yoga helps improve the functioning of the endocrine system that regulates metabolism and growth. Regular Yoga practice can be of immense in dealing with various health problems including diabetes and obesity.

Health benefits of Yoga

From the physiological point of view, prolonged yoga practices can cure pulse rate decreases, respiratory and blood pressure dysfunctions, it can contribute to stabilizing the nervous system equilibrium, to normalizing gastrointestinal functions and endocrine function, to increasing the joint range of motions, endurance level, energy level, immunity to diseases and cardiovascular efficiency, to improving eye-hand coordination, reaction time, dexterity skills, depth perception, sleep, etc.

Respiratory System: Yoga helps manage respiratory ailments as well as the various physical and emotional factors that aggravate or trigger the problem.

Digestive System: Yoga helps you deal more effectively with various digestive disorders including heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.

Regular performance of meditation

The body is linked to the mind. Many of the diseases of this era are psychosomatic. Stress and anxiety take their toll on our physical health. Meditation is a mental exercise which, among other things, allows a person to detach him or herself from the worries of life.

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Yoga Therapy - Benefits of Yoga Therapy For Health by Franchis Adam

The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to combine the practices of yogasanas, pranayama and meditation.

Yoga can help slow down the aging process. Wonder what the secret to looking young is as you look at famous celebrities like Goldie Hawn, Madonna and Sting, it isn't plastic surgery it is yoga. The aging process is a brought on by autointoxication of our minds and bodies. Get started with yoga to help keep your body clean and improve your flexibility which will keep your joints lubricated and this will slow the catabolic process which is the deterioration of the cells. While yoga will not reverse the aging process it will slow it down.

Practicing yoga on a regular basis can help alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders, arthritis, chronic fatigue, asthma and heart conditions to name a few. This has been scientifically proven with laboratory tests showing that yogis (people that practice yoga) have an increased ability to consciously control their body's involuntary functions such as their body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Yoga is very helpful in alleviating pain, especially for people suffering with Sciatica, but it is helpful to know the cause of the problem. Very often the cause of Sciatica is a herniated disc, but this is just one of many conditions, which can cause Sciatica. Spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, nerve root compression, tumors, and bone spurs can also be another cause.

The physiological benefits of yoga include:

* pulse rate * respiratory and blood pressure dysfunctions * it can contribute to stabilizing the nervous system * normalizing gastrointestinal functions and endocrine (hormonal) function * increasing the joint's range of motion

Regular practice of yoga for about 20 minutes a day can yield long lasting benefits. Beauty fitness is possible with yoga - a flexible and agile body. You can rid yourself of abdominal fat and obesity. Eating disorders can also be tackled with suitable Yoga practices. Yoga is not a religion but a simple yet powerful practice that has answers to many modern-days ills. Our section on Yoga will capture some of the essential features of this ancient system. The articles will carry informative capsules on the benefits of yoga and some of the better-known asanas. We will also understand the various yogic systems such as hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga and kundalini yoga."Yoga therapy" utilizes yoga techniques and adapts them to specific musculoskeletal injuries. This way, an individual program is created to maximally benefit each patient's rehab goal.

Yoga provides physical benefits as well - stretching and strengthening the major muscle groups as well as the deeper postural muscles. Flexibility, joint and spinal mobility, proper functioning of internal organs and overall health can all be improved with continued practice. Yoga is an ideal alternative pain management strategy because this mobility helps to alleviate the tension that can cause chronic pain. Trauma treatment centers often find yoga to be very beneficial because of its benefits in chronic pain, as this pain is sometimes caused by trauma. This practice of yoga is one of the most effective alternative pain management strategies available.

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Yoga Breathing - Breath Control Pranayama by Franchis Adam

"Pranayama is control of Breath". "Prana" is Breath or vital energy in the body. On subtle levels prana represents the pranic energy responsible for life or life force, and "ayama" means control. So Pranayama is "Control of Breath". One can control the rhythms of pranic energy with pranayama and achieve healthy body and mind.

The importance of Prana is emphasized throughout yoga. Many yoga masters illustrate this by demonstrating the importance of breath for sustaining life. A very effective illustration comes by comparing the time people can survive without food (a few weeks), water (a few days) with the amount of time one could survive without air (only a few minutes). Efficient and effective breathing is essential to take in the required amounts of oxygen in order to sustain daily activities.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRANAYAMA

1. Place for pranayama should be clean, peaceful and airy. 2. Pranayama should not be performed under a fan on full speed. 3. Pranayama should be done in morning hours preferably before the dawn. 4. Body must be cleansed before sitting for Pranayama. 5. Duration of Pranayama should be increased gradually and gradually. 6. One should not sit for Pranayama after meals. At least a gap of 3-4 hours is essential. 7. Pranayama should be practiced after Asans and before Meditation. 8. One should not strain the body.

Pranayama (According to the Gita)

Apane juhvati pranam pranepanam tathapare; Pranapanagatee ruddhva pranayamaparayanah (Gita, Ch. IV-29.). Others offer Prana (outgoing breath) in Apana (incoming breath) and Apana in Prana, restraining the passage of Prana and Apana, absorbed in Pranayama. Pranayama is a precious Yajna (sacrifice). Some practise the kind of Pranayama called Puraka (filling in). Some practise the kind of Pranayama called Rechaka (emptying). Some are engaged in the practice of Pranayama called Kumbhaka, by impeding the outward passage of air, through the nostrils and the mouth, and by impeding the inward passage of the air, in the opposite direction.

What are the benefits

At the anatomical level Pranayama aims to improve the strength of the diaphragm and the capacity of the lungs to improve the efficiency of the respiratory system, helping to increase fitness and increase the amount of oxygen entering the blood stream per breath. This oxygen helps to provide essential energy for muscle and brain function.

On a more detailed level pranayama is though to:

* Open the Nadis and remove blockages to energy flow in the body

* Increase relaxation and calmness by releasing tension.

* improves focus and concentration

* Strengthen and gain control of the diaphragm - improving abdominal tone, singing capacity, and health.

Here are some tips to help along the way:

During the practice of yoga postures, shift your awareness frequently to the flow of breath. When you can hold a posture comfortably, let the breath become your primary focus and explore the effect of the posture on respiratory muscles and on breath flow.

Spend generous amounts of time in the crocodile pose, learning to fully relax tension in the abdomen and lower back.

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