Yoga poses

THE HINDU YOGA - SALAAM

2010-04-21T02:25:00.000-07:00

SALAAM

The Western student is apt to be somewhat confused in his ideas regarding the Yogis and their philosophy and practice. Travelers to India have written great tales about the hordes of fakirs, mendicants and mountebanks who infest the great roads of India and the streets of its cities, and who impudently claim the title “Yogi.” The Western student is scarcely to be blamed for thinking of the typical Yogi as an emaciated, fanatical, dirty, ignorant Hindu, who either sits in a fixed posture until his body becomes ossified, or else holds his arm up in the air until it becomes stiff and withered and forever after remains in that position, or perhaps clenches his fist and holds it tight until his fingernails grow through the palms of his hands.

That these people exist is true, but their claim to the title “Yogi” seems as absurd to the true Yogi as does the claim to the title “Doctor” on the part of the man who pares one’s corns seem to the eminent surgeon, or as does the title of “Professor,” as assumed by the street corner vendor of worm medicine, seem to the President of Harvard or Yale. There have been for ages past in India and other Oriental countries men who devoted their time and attention to the development of Man, physically, mentally and spiritually. The experience of generations of earnest seekers has been handed down for centuries from teacher to pupil, and gradually a definite Yogi science was built up. To these investigations and teachings was finally applied the term “Yogi,” from the Sanscrit word “Yug,” meaning “to join.” From the same source comes the English word “yoke,” with a similar meaning.

Its use in connection with these teachings is difficult to trace, different authorities giving different explanations, but probably the most ingenious is that which holds that it is intended as the Hindu equivalent for the idea conveyed by the English phrase, “getting into harness,” or “yoking up,” as the Yogi undoubtedly “gets into harness” in his work of controlling the body and mind by the Will. Yoga is divided into several branches, ranging from that which teaches the control of the body, to that which teaches the attainment of the highest spiritual development. In the work we will not go into the higher phases of the subject, except when the “Science of Breath” touches upon the same. The “Science of Breath” touches Yoga at many points, and although chiefly concerned with the development and control of the physical, has also its psychic side, and even enters the field of spiritual development. In India there are great schools of Yoga, comprising thousands of the leading minds of that great country. The Yoga philosophy is the rule of life for many people.

The pure Yogi teachings, however, are given only to the few, the masses being satisfied with the crumbs which fall from the tables of the educated classes, the Oriental custom in this respect being opposed to that of the Western world. But Western ideas are beginning to have their effect even in the Orient, and teachings which were once given only to the few are now freely offered to any who are ready to receive them. The East and the West are growing closer together, and both are profiting by the close contact, each influencing the other. The Hindu Yogis have always paid great attention to the Science of Breath, for reasons which will be apparent to the student who reads this book. Many Western writers have touched upon this phase of the Yogi teachings, but we believe that it has been reserved for the writer of this work to give to the Western student, in concise form and simple language, the underlying principles of the Yogi Science of Breath, together with many of the favorite Yogi breathing exercises and methods. We have given the Western idea as well as the Oriental, showing how one dovetails into the other.

We have used the ordinary English terms, almost entirely, avoiding the Sanscrit terms, so confusing to the average Western reader. The first part of the book is devoted to the physical phase of the Science of Breath; then the psychic and mental sides are considered, and finally the spiritual side is touched upon. We may be pardoned if we express ourselves as pleased with our success in condensing so much Yogi lore into so few pages, and by the use of words and terms which may be understood by anyone. Our only fear is that its very simplicity may cause some to pass it by as unworthy of attention, while they pass on their way searching for something “deep,” mysterious and non-understandable. However, the Western mind is eminently practical, and we know that it is only a question of a short time before it will recognize the practicability of this work. We greet our students, with our most profound salaam, and bid them be seated for their first lessons in the Yogi Science of Breath.

From : THE HINDU-YOGI Science of Breath

THE MORAL RESTRAINTS - Part 1

2010-02-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

If Pramana, Viparyaya, Vikalpa, Nidra and Smriti may be called the painless functions of the Antahkarana, which are studied in general psychology, the other functions, viz. Avidya, Asmita, Raga, Dvesha and Abhinivesa may be regarded as the painful ones, because it is these that cause the unhappiness of all beings, and these form the contents of abnormal psychology.

The painful functions create pain not only to oneself but to others as well, because we have a tendency to transfer our pain to others. A personal affair becomes a social problem and the personal ego becomes a social assertiveness. One’s likes and dislikes may seriously affect others in society. The Yoga psychology takes this fact into consideration. Hence, before contemplating any method to frees the mind from its painful functions, it has first to be weaned from society and brought back home from its meanderings

The Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram, India
outside. Like a thief who is first arrested and then suitably dealt with, the mind has to be made to turn away from the tangle of the external world, and then analyzed thoroughly. Social suffering is the impact of these psychological complexities mutually set up by the different individuals through various kinds of interaction.

Social tension is the collision produced by individualistic psychological entanglements. This is the reason for everyone’s unhappiness in the world. No one is prepared to sacrifice one’s ego, but everyone demands the sacrifice of the egos of others. Yoga has a recipe for this malady of man in general, for this internal illness of humanity. It asks us to bring the mind back to its source of activity, and if all persons are to do this, it would serve as a remedy for social illness, also. Thus, though Yoga is primarily concerned with the individual, it offers a solution for all social tensions and questions.

Yoga alone can bring peace to the world, for it dives into the depths of man. Yoga is, therefore, a means not only to personal salvation but also to social solidarity. The mind is to be brought to its source. Unfortunately, we cannot know where the mind is unless it starts working, like the thief whose presence is known from his activities. The outer problems are manifestations of the inner fivefold complexity. Ignorance is the first cause. But it is a negative cause when one is merely ignorant or stupid. Man does not stop with this acceptance.

He wants to demonstrate his ignorance, and here is the root of all trouble. Affirmation of egoism is the first demonstration. When one wants others to yield to the demands of one’s ego which goes counter to the egos of others, there is clash of personalities and interests, and this circumstance breeds unhappiness in family, in society, and in the world. Yoga makes an analysis of this situation. Avidya affirming itself as Ahamkara and clashing with others produces the context of Himsa or injury. As Himsa is an evil which begets social grief of different types, Ahimsa or non-injury is a virtue. Ahimsa is akin to the Christian ethics which teaches us to ‘resist not evil.’ If even a single ego would withdraw itself, the friction in society would be less in intensity to that extent.

Himsa is born of Asmita, Raga and Dvesha, and hence Ahimsa is a moral canon. Ahimsa, or the practice of non-violence, is not merely a rule of action but also of thought and feeling. One should not even think harm of any kind. To contemplate evil is as bad as committing it in action. Contemplation is not only a preparation for activity but is the seed of the latter. ‘May there be friendliness instead of enmity, love instead of hate,’ is the motto of Yoga. By love we attract things and by hatred we repel them. Love attracts love, and hatred attracts hatred.

vision, love without attachment (Raga) or hatred (Dvesha). Ahimsa has always been regarded as the king of virtues and every other canon of morality is judged with reference to this supreme norm of character and conduct. The ego tries to work out its likes and dislikes by various methods, one of them being the uttering of falsehood in order to escape opposition from others.

The insinuating of falsehood in society is regarded as a vice. Satya or truthfulness is another virtue. Truthfulness mitigates egoism to some extent. Dishonesty is an affirmation of the ego to succeed in its ways in the world for its own good, though it may mean another’s harm. Truthfulness is correspondence to fact. Yoga stresses the importance of the practice of truth in human life. There are dilemmas in which we are placed when we find ourselves often in a difficult situation. Sometimes truthfulness may appear to lead one to trouble and one might be tempted to utter falsehood.

From The Yoga System

Scriptures give many answers to our questions on the issue. Truth that harms is considered equal to untruth. We have to see the consequence of our conduct and behaviour before we can decide whether it is virtuous or not. But, then, are we to utter untruth? A most outstanding instance on the point is narrated in the Mahabharata.

SURYA NAMASKAR - Part 2

2010-02-08T03:49:00.000-08:00

1. POSTURE OF THE FIRST NAMASKARA DAKSHASANA

Mantra: OM MITRAYA NAMAH
Procedure : In the first position of Surya Namaskara contemplate the virtues of Lord Surya with concentrated mind and feel that you are the friend of everybody and have friendship with every creature on the earth. Immersing yourself with these feelings stand erect stretching your hand, neck and all other parts of your body. Stretching both of your arms, touch your thighs with palms and inflate the chest and point your vision on the tip of the point your vision on the tip of the nose. This is a position of attention. Since you stand straight in 'Daksha' position hence this posture is named 'DAKSHASANA'.
BENEFITS -

a. Disorders of the skin and waists are corrected, the back becomes strength and new life and vigor are pumped into the legs. b. Focusing of the vision on nose helps to control the mind. c. The face becomes glorious d. It is an easy and effective way of attaining good health and development of personality for the students. e. Meditating with concentrated mind enhances confidence.

2. POSTURE OF THE SECOND NAMASKARA NAMASKARASANA

Mantra : OM RAVAYE NAMAH
Procedure : Fold together both of your hands in such a way that that both the thumbs begin to touch your chest. Expand your chest and pull in the belly as far as possible. Look straight ahead. The head, the neck and the body should remain in a straight line. Closing the mouth inhale the breath and hold it inside as far as possible and then expose the breath.
BENEFITS:
Disease of the throat is corrected and voice is enhanced. Both mind and body become healthy.

3. POSTURE OF THE THIRD NAMASKARA PARVATASANA
Mantra: OM SURYAYA NAMAH
Procedure: Raising the arms up, stretch whole of your body backward while gazing the sky with open eyes. Ben backward as mush as possible, expand your chest at the same time.
BENEFITS:
Both the shoulders and the food pipe (Esophagus) get exercise and diseases related to them are corrected. Eyesight is also improved.

4. POSTURE OF THE FOURTH NAMASKARA HASTAPADASANA
Mantra: OM BHANAVE NAMAH
Procedure: Inhaling the breath through nostrils retain it and bend forward without folding the knees. Ultimately rest both of your palms on the ground and touch your knees with your forehead or the nose and exhale the breath that you held so far with audible sound. If, in the beginning you are unable to rest your palms on the unable to rest your palms on the ground, simply touch the ground with finger and practice slowly.
BENEFITS :
a. Disorders of the belly and digestive system are corrected. The chest grows strong, hands too become stronger and your become well balanced, beautiful and good looking. b. Diseases of the feet, fingers are also corrected and new lease of life is pumped in week persons.

5. POSTURE OF THE FIFTH NAMASKARA EKAPADA PRASARANASANA
Mantra: OM KHAGAYA NAMAH
Procedure: Inhale the breath through nostrils and pull your right leg
backward in such a way that the knee and the fingers of the foot touch the
ground. Push forward your left leg pressing the abdomen (belly) hard. Then
raising your head as high as possible, look upward. Push down the waist and
hold the breath and stay in the osture as long as you can.
BENEFITS :
a. The posture stresses the small intestine as well as the seminal vesicles and these
are stretched. Thus this posture helps in correcting the constipation and diseases
of the liver.
b. Thinness of the semen is also corrected.
c. Diseases of the Throat are also corrected.

6. POSTURE OF THE SIXTH NAMASKARA BHUDHARASANA
Mantra: OM PUSHNE NAMAH
Procedure: Inhale the breath deeply and hold it and pull both of your legs
backward, so that the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touch each other.
Stabilizing the feet and keeping the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a
line bend forward and resting both the palms on the ground keep your body like a bow.
BENEFITS :
One get relief from the pains specially of arms, legs and the knees, Bulging waist is
trimmed and slimmed this posture is like a panacea for the abdominal disorders.

7. POSTURE OF THE SEVENTH NAMASKARA ASHTANGA
PRANIPATASANA
Mantra : OM HIRANYAGARBHAYA NAMAH
Procedure : Holding the breath, rest both of your knees on the ground. Touch
the ground with your chest and touch the lower part of the neck with chin. Also touch the
ground with the upper part of the forehead and the nose. Please note that the abdomen
should not touch the ground. It should be pulled in. Exhale the breath now, both the
hands (palms) must be kept on the sides of the chest (Fig.)
BENEFITS :
a. This posture makes the arms strong.
b. If ladies perform this Asana before getting pregnant, the breast fed babies could
be saved from the attacks of many diseases.

Yoga - THE AIM OF OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS part 2

2010-02-05T03:33:00.000-08:00

Yoga metaphysics holds that the body is not all, and even the five elements are not all. We do not see what is inside the body and also what is within the universe of five elements. A different set of senses would be necessary for knowing these larger secrets. Yoga finally leads us to this point.

When we go deep into the body we would confront its roots; so also in the case of the objects outside. When we set out on this adventure, we begin to converge slowly at a single centre, like the two sides of a triangle that taper at one point.

The so-called wide base of the world on which we move does not disclose the truth of ourselves or of objects. At this point of convergence of ourselves and of things, we need not look at objects, and here no senses are necessary, for, in this experience, there are neither selves nor things.

There is only one Reality, where the universal object and the universal subject become a unitary existence. Neither is that an experience of a subject nor an object, where is revealed a knowledge of the whole cosmos, at once, not through the senses, mind or intellect,-for there are no objects,-and there is only being that is consciousness.

Yoga is, therefore, spiritual, superphysical or supermaterial, because materiality is shed in its achievement, and consciousness reigns supreme. This is the highest object of Yoga, where the individual and the universe do not stand apart as two entities but come together in a fraternal embrace.

The purpose of the Yoga way of analysis is an overcoming of the limitations of both subjectivity and objectivity and a union of the deepest within us with the deepest in the cosmos.

From - The Yoga System by Swami Krishnananda

Yoga - THE AIM OF OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS part 1

2010-02-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

As all thoughts can be reduced to five types of internal function, all objects can be reduced to five Bhutas or elements. The five great elements are called Pancha-Maha-bhutas, and they are (1) Ether (Akasa), (2) Air (Vayu), (3) Fire (Agni), (4) Water (Apas) and (5) Earth (Prithivi).

The subtlety of these elements is in the ascending order of this arrangement, the succeeding one being grosser than the preceding. Also the preceding element is the cause of the succeeding, so that Ether may be regarded as containing all things in an unmanifested form. The elements constitute the whole physical cosmos. These are the real objects of the senses, and all the variety we see is made up of forms of these objects. Our sensations are the five objects. We sense through the Indriyas or sense-organs. With the sense of the ear we come in contact with Ether and hear sound which is a reverberation produced by Ether.

Touch is the property of Air, felt by us with the tactile sense. With the sense of the eyes we contact light which is the property of Fire. With the palate we taste things, which is the property of Water. With the nose we smell objects, and this is the property of Earth. There is the vast universe, and we know it with our senses. We live in a world of fivefold objects. The senses are incapable of knowing anything more than these element. The internal organ, as informed and influenced by the objects, deals with them in certain manners, and this is life.

While our psychological reactions constitute our personal life, the adjustment we make with others is our social life. The Yoga is primarily concerned with the personal life of man in relation to the universe, and not the social life, for, in the social environment, one’s real personality is rarely revealed.

Yoga is essentially a study of self by self, which initially looks like an individual affair, a process of Self-investigation (Atma-Vichara) and Self-realization (Atma-Sakshatkara). But this is not the whole truth. The Self envisaged here is a consciousness of gradual integration of reality, and it finally encompasses all experience and the whole universe in its being.

While the psychology of Yoga comprises the functions of the internal organ, and its physics is of the five great objects or Mahabhutas, the philosophy of Yoga transcends both these stages of study.

From - The Yoga System by Swami Krishnananda

SURYA NAMASKAR - Part 1

2010-02-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

What is SURYA NAMASKAR, Why SURYA NAMASKAR, How SURYA NAMASKAR

Surya Namaskar is included in the regular routine of prayer and worship. Means it must be practiced regularly. Its greater importance has been described in the scriptures. As per the scriptures, a single day worship of the sun has virtues equivalent to the bestowal presentation of one lakh milk cows. Like worship, Surya Namaskaras too has their own significance. Surya Namaskara means prayer (Vandana) of Lord Surya.

Surya Vandana is short. Surya Namaskara is an ancient system of Indian exercise. Stand facing the east at dawn and peacefully chant the mantras to pray Lord Surya and offer red sandals, flowers, rice grains (Akshatas) with water of simply the water alone as ARGHE (libation) and perform Surya Namaskara.

This whole process must be performed before the sunrise. Take water in a metal pot and mix all the available veneration materials in it and hold the pot in your fingers alone keeping the thumbs aside and facing the east and chanting the following Mantra offer the libation thrice. EHI SURYA! SAHASTRANSHO! TEJORASHE! JAGATPATE ANUKAMPAYA MAM BHAKTYA GRIHANARGHYAM DIVAKARA ! Now recite the following Mantra to pray Lord Surya.

DHYEYAH SADA SAVITRI MANDALA MADHYAVARTI NARAYANAH SARSIJA SANA SANNI VISHTHAH ! KEYURVAN MAKAR KUNDALA VAAN KIRITI, HARI HIRANYA MAYA VAPUR DHRIT SHANKHA CHAKRAH || NAMASKARA There are twelve positions or a posture involves in Surya Namaskara.

With all of these twelve positions, each and every part of the body gets ample execrsie. Surya Namaslara also enhances the vision. Among these twelve positions, ten are Asanas only. The first one and the last one are two positions. All these Asanas and position are very easy to perform and can easily

be practised by the people of all ages. Together these twelve positions constitute the process of Surya Namaskara and twenty-five Namaskaras form one Avriti (frequency). Surya Namaskar must be performed at some open and airy place. Perform Surya Namaskara slowly without feeling tired (fatigue) or panting and puffing, changing the feet every time, it must be performed on each of the feet successively. The completely procedure of performing Surya Namaskara is thus: It begins with the Mantras, one each for all the twelve Namaskara. These Mantras are as follows:

1. OM MITRAYA NAMAH
2. OM RAVAYE NAMAH
3. OM SURYAY NAMAH
4. OM BHANAVE NAMAH
5. OM KHAGAYE NAMAH
6. OM PUSHNE NAMAH
7. OM HIRANYA GARBHAYE NAMAH
8. OM MARICHAYE NAMAH
9. OM AADITYAAYA NAMAH
10. OM SAVITRE NAMAH
11. OM ARKAYA NAMAH
12. OM BHASKARAYA NAMAH

Basics Of Yoga

2010-01-04T21:15:00.000-08:00

BASIS OF YOGA - Strive Ceaselessly Have self-confidence. Develop independent judgment. Cultivate the indomitable will. Practise self-control and self-mastery. Do not argue. Strive ceaselessly for Self-Realisation. Kill this little ego. Develop pure love. Rise above all distinction of caste, creed and colour. Give up the idea of “I-ness” and “mine-ness”. Look within for the happiness which you have sought in vain in sensual objects. Happiness Within One anna of pleasure is mixed with fifteen annas of pain. Pleasure that is mixed with pain and fear is no pleasure at all. If you begin to analyse this one anna of pleasure, you will find that it is no pleasure at all. It is mere play or delusion of the mind. Milk gives pleasure to some and pain to others. Milk brings on retching in fever. The third cup of milk induces vomiting. What is this? This is play of Maya.

This is Indra-Jala of Avidya-Shakti. The Indriyas and mind are deceiving you at every moment. Beware. Wake up. Open your eyes. Develop Viveka. If you suffer from cancer of the stomach, can you enjoy Rasagulla and sweets even though you are a multi-millionaire? The doctor will put you on a diet of pepper-water only. If your wife dies, you are drowned in sorrow. You cannot expect happiness from finite, perishable objects that are conditioned in time, space and causation. Nitya Nirupadhika, Niratisaya Ananda, eternal, independent, infinite bliss can only be had in the Atman that is hidden in your heart. Search, understand and realise Atman. Need For Adhyatmic Knowledge The secular knowledge that you get from Universities is mere husk only. It serves the purpose of earning the bread only. It cannot give you peace of mind and salvation. It thickens the veil of ignorance only. He who says, “I am specialist in Biology and various logies” is only a fool.

One Mantra, one Sloka of the Upanishads will blow up the knowledge that you derive from colleges. Study the first Mantra of Isa Upanishad: “Isavasyam idam sarvam—The whole world is indwelt by the Lord.” Rejoice in Atman by removing the names and forms. Do not be covetous. Imbibe the ideas of this Mantra. Practise. Feel the indwelling presence. Live in the spirit of the Mantra. You will become a King of kings, Emperor of emperors, the Sun of suns, the Light of lights. Do not be puffed up with your University degrees. Be humble. Destroy scientific atheism. Have faith in the teaching of Srutis.

Do Kirtan in a chorus with harmony and concord, with one Svara and one Tala. Sing Rama Nama from the bottom of your heart with Bhava. I will make you realise the infinite peace and bliss this very moment. 1 Importance Of Guru Guru-Bhakti is absolutely necessary. Guru-Seva with Atma-Lakshya will take you to God immediately. People generally complain: “We do not get good Gurus these days.” This is a lame excuse. You can take even the worst possible rogue as your Guru. You will have to change your angle of vision. When you look at a coconut made of sugar, you have a double consciousness. You know pretty well that it is not coconut. In your heart there is Bhava, it is sugar and sugar alone. Even though you see the world, it is really not. This is the Nischaya of the Vedantic student. It is the determination. Even so, the defects of the ‘rogue-Guru’ do not exist for the disciple who has taken him as his Guru with Bhakti. The aspirant should deify and superimpose all the attributes of the Lord on the ‘rogue-Guru’. You should never look into the defects of the Guru.

You must deify the Guru. Guru, Ishvar, Brahman, Om, Truth are all one. You must strictly obey and carry out his orders. You must think that underneath the name and form of the Guru, there is the all-pervading pure consciousness. In course of time the physical form will vanish and you will realise your own self, the pure Brahmic consciousness that lies at the back of the physical form of your Guru. When once you have taken a man as your Guru, you should never change even if you get a man with greater developments or Siddhis. Then only you will have faith. Through strong faith, you will realise then and there, Brahman, the God in that Guru.

You must become the famous Bhakta, Pipa of the well-known Bhaktamala, who took a rogue Nata as his Guru and when he saw his Nata-Guru dancing on the bamboos in the open market, he took him as Guru, the Brahma-incarnate, prostrated before him and thus eventually had his Self-realisation through the form of the rogue-Guru, the Nata. Three Requisites Of Mukti Yoga is communion with Lord. The goal of life is Self-realisation. There are two ways for attaining God-consciousness. They are the Pravritti-Marga and Nivritti-Marga. Pravritti-Marga is the path of activity with detachment for attaining the cosmic vision in and through the diverse experiences of normal life. Nivritti-Marga is the path of absolute renunciation or Jnana-Yoga. Karma-Yoga is only Jnana-Sadhana, i.e., means for attaining Self-knowledge. Three things are indispensably requisite for attaining Self-realisation. They are: (1) Guru-Bhakti—devotion and Prema towards the spiritual preceptor, (2) Jijnasa—longing for liberation and (3) a taste for Satsanga.

He alone who is endowed with these three attributes can cross this ocean of Samsara (Bhava Sager). Four Kinds Of Temperaments There are four kinds of temperaments, viz., the active temperament, the devotional temperament, the mystic temperament and the intellectual temperament. The Four Yogas There are four Yogas, viz., Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. 2 YOGA IN DAILY LIFE Karma is suitable for people of active temperament, Bhakti Yoga for people of devotional temperament, Raja Yoga for men of mystic temperament with bold understanding and strong will-power. Bhakti Yoga is suitable for vast majority of persons as they are emotional.

Jnana Yoga is suitable for a microscopic minority only. Ladies can realise God quickly as their hearts are filled with devotion, Prema and affection. But it is very difficult for them to get Vairagya. Yogic Diet Food plays a very important role in exciting the senses and passions. An aspirant should be very careful in the selection of articles of diet of Sattvic nature in the beginning of his Sadhana period. Later on drastic dietetic restrictions can be removed. Havis Annam, which is a mixture of boiled white rice and ghee, is very conducive to Yogic practices. When white rice is boiled with ghee, white sugar and milk, it is called Cheru. This is a wholesome combination suitable for Sadhakas.

Milk Milk is a perfect food by itself, containing the different nutritive constituents, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, etc., in well-balanced proportions. It leaves very little residue in the bowels. This is an ideal food for Yogins during Pranayama practice. Fresh milk from a healthy cow, free from bovine tuberculosis, is preferable to scalded milk. Milk should be scalded or pasteurised but not boiled. The process of scalding is that the milk should be immediately removed from the fire, as soon as the boiling point is reached. Too much boiling destroys the vitamins, the mysterious nutritive principles and renders milk quite useless as an article of diet. Fruit Diet A fruit diet exercises a benign, soothing influence on the constitution and is very desirable diet for Yogins. This is a natural form of diet. Bananas, grapes, sweet oranges, apples, pomegranates are wholesome fruits. Bananas are very nutritious. Lemons possess anti-scorbutic properties and act as restoratives to blood. Fruit juice contains a form of nutritive principle, Vitamin C. Mitahara Take wholesome, Sattvic food half-stomachful; fill the quarter-stomachful with pure water; and allow the remaining quarter free for expansion of gas.

This is Mitahara, the ideal food for Yogins. This is the ideal for all who want to preserve health. This is quite hygienic and is in harmony with the dietetic principles of modern medical science. This is Mitahara prescribed for Yogis. “Nathyasnatastu Yogoasti na chaikantamanasnatah Na chaathisvapnaseelasya jagratho naivacharjuna”. “Verily, Yoga is not for him who eateth too much, nor he who abstaineth to excess, nor who is too much addicted to sleep, nor even to wakefulness, O Arjuna.” (Gita VI- 16).

From - YogaDaily

THIRD EYE & THE CROWN CHAKRAS

2009-06-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

SIXTH CHAKRA- THIRD EYE
The sixth chakra is referred to as the Third Eye. It is located above the physical eyes on the center of the forehead. This is the center for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of spirit and light. It also assists in the purification of negative tendencies and in the elimination of selfish attitudes. Through the power of the sixth chakra, you can receive guidance, channel, and tune into your Higher Self. When this chakra is not balanced you may feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Physical symptoms may include headaches, blurred vision, blindness, and eyestrain. When this chakra is balanced and open you are your own master with no fear of death, are not attached to material things, may experience telepathy, astral travel, and past lives. Sixth chakra body parts include the eyes, face, brain, lymphatic and endocrine
system. The main colors are purple and dark blue. The gemstones are Amethyst, Sodalite, and Lapis Lazuli. SEVENTH CHAKRA- THE CROWN The seventh chakra is referred to as the Crown. It is located just behind the top of the skull. It is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. This is also the center of connectedness with the Goddess (God), the place where life animates
the physical body. The silver cord that connects the aura bodies extends from the crown. The soul comes into the body through the crown at birth and leaves from the crown at death. When this chakra is unbalanced there may be a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy, and destructive feelings. Illnesses may include migraine headaches and depression. Balanced energy in this chakra may include the ability to open up to the Divine and total access to the unconscious and subconscious. The main colors for the crown are white and purple. The gemstones are Clear Quartz Crystal, Oregon Opal, and Amethyst.

THE EXOTERIC THEORY OF BREATH - part 2

2009-06-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

The blood starts on its arterial journey, bright red and rich, laden with life-giving qualities and properties. It returns by the venous route, poor, blue and dull, being laden down with the waste matter of the system. It goes out like a fresh stream from the mountains; it returns as a stream of sewer water. This foul stream goes to the right auricle of the heart. When this auricle becomes filled, it contracts and forces the stream of blood through an opening in the right ventricle of the heart, which in turn sends it on to the lungs, where it is distributed by millions of hair-like blood vessels to the air cells of the lungs, of which we have spoken. Now, let us take up the story of the lungs at this point. The foul stream of blood is now distributed among the millions of tiny air cells in the lungs. A breath of air is inhaled and the oxygen of the air comes in contact with the impure blood through the thin walls of the hair-like blood vessels of the lungs, which walls are thick enough to hold the blood, but thin enough to admit the oxygen to penetrate them. When the oxygen comes in contact with the blood, a form of combustion takes place, and the blood takes up oxygen and releases carbonic acid gas generated from the waste products and poisonous matter which has been gathered up by the blood from all parts of the system. The blood thus purified and oxygenated is carried back to the heart, again rich, red and bright, and laden with life-giving properties and qualities. Upon reaching the left auricle of the heart, it is forced into the left ventricle, from whence it is again forced out through the arteries on its mission of life to all parts of the system. It is estimated that in a single day of twenty-four hours, 35,000 pints of blood traverse the capillaries of the lungs, the blood corpuscles passing in single file and being exposed to the oxygen of the air on both of their surfaces. When one considers the minute details of the process alluded to, he is lost in wonder and admiration at Nature’s infinite care and intelligence. It will be seen that unless fresh air in sufficient quantities reaches the lungs, the foul stream of venous blood cannot be purified, and consequently not only is the body thus robbed of nourishment, but the wasteproducts which should have been destroyed are returned to the circulation and poison the system, and death ensues. Impure air acts in the same way, only in a lessened degree. It will also be seen that if one does not breathe in a sufficient quantity of air, the work of the blood cannot go on properly, and the result is that the body is insufficiently nourished and disease ensues, or a state of imperfect health is experienced. The blood of one who breathes improperly is, of course, of a bluish, dark color, lacking the rich redness of pure arterial blood. This often shows itself in a poor complexion. Proper breathing, and a consequent good circulation, results in a clear, bright complexion. A little reflection will show the vital importance of correct breathing. If the blood is not fully purified by the regenerative process of the lungs, it returns to the arteries in an abnormal state, insufficiently purified and imperfectly cleansed of the impurities which it took up on its return journey. These impurities if returned to the system will certainly manifest in some form of disease, either in a form of blood disease or some disease resulting from impaired functioning of some insufficiently nourished organ or tissue. From - The Hindu Yoga

Practice Mula bandha

2009-06-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

Practice Mula bandha 1. Sit in a comfortable meditative pose, preferably siddhasana (with one foot into root chakra, see diagram). Close the eyes, make sure the body is completely relaxed and the spine is erect. For men, the area just inside the perineum has to be contracted, so it is best to concentrate on this area for a few minutes. Women should concentrate on the cervix, as it is the cervix and vaginal muscles which have to be contracted. After a few minutes of concentration, start to gradually contract and release the muscles of the perineum/cervix. Contraction should last for a few seconds. Keep the breath normal. Contract, release twentyfive times. 2. Prepare as above. Contract the muscles of the perineum/cervix and hold. Hold the contraction for sixty seconds, then release. Practice five times. 3. Start off with a gentle or partial contraction. Contract just a little and hold without releasing. Then contract a little more. Continue like this, gradually increasing the tension and contraction ten times until full contraction is reached. Hold the full contraction for sixty
seconds and try to breathe normally. 4. Notice what happens when you activate mula bandha. Is it possible to contract and lift the pelvic floor and breath at the same time? Try it.
5. Take about a 30 minute period during your day and try to maintain mula bandha for the full
half hour. How many times did you come out of mula bandha?
From : ashtanga yoga manual

THE EXOTERIC THEORY OF BREATH - part 1

2009-05-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

In this chapter we will give you briefly the theories of the Western scientific world regarding the functions of the respiratory organs, and the part in the human economy played by the breath. In subsequent chapters we will give the additional theories and ascertained facts of the Oriental school of thought and research. The Oriental accepts the theories and facts of his Western brothers (which have been known to him forcenturies) and adds thereto much that the latter do not now accept, but which they will in due time “discover” and which, after renaming, they will present to the world as a great truth.
Before taking up the Western idea, it will perhaps be better to give a hasty general idea of the Organs of Respiration. The Organs of Respiration consist of the lungs and the air passages leading to them. The lungs are two in number, and occupy the pleural chamber of the thorax, one en each side of the median line, being separated from each other by the heart, the greater blood vessels and the larger air tubes. Each lung is free in all directions, except at the root, which consists chiefly of the bronchi, arteries and veins connecting the lungs with the trachea and heart. The lungs are spongy and porous, and their tissues are very elastic. They are covered with a delicately constructed but strong sac, known as the pleural sac, one wall of which closely adheres to the lung, and the other to the inner wall of the chest, and which secretes a fluid which allows the inner surfaces of the walls to glide easily upon each other in the act of breathing.
The Air Passages consist of the interior of the nose, pharynx, larynx, windpipe or trachea, and the bronchial tubes. When we breathe, we draw in the air through the nose, in which it is warmed by contact with the mucous membrane, which is richly supplied with blood, and after it has passed through the pharynx and larynx it passes into the trachea or windpipe, which subdivides into numerous tubes called the bronchial tubes (bronchia), which in turn subdivide into and terminate in minute subdivisions in all the small air spaces in the lungs, of which the lungs contain millions. A writer has stated that if the air cells of the lungs were spread out over an unbroken surface, they would cover an area of fourteen thousand square feet. The air is drawn into the lungs by the action of the diaphragm, a great, strong, flat, sheet-like muscle, stretched across the chest, separating the chest-box from the abdomen. The diaphragm’s action is almost as automatic as that of the heart, although it may be transformed into a semi-voluntary muscle by an effort of the will. When it expands, it increases the size of the chest and lungs, and the air rushes into the vacuum thus created. When it relaxes the chest and lungs contract and the air is expelled from the lungs. Now, before considering what happens to the air in the lungs, let us look a little into the matter of the circulation of the blood. The blood, as you know, is driven by the heart, through the arteries, into the capillaries, thus reaching every part of the body, which it vitalizes, nourishes and strengthens. It then returns by means of the capillaries by another route, the veins, to the heart, from whence it is drawn to the lungs.

Asana - Part 2

2009-03-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Some Tips
• Visualize yourself in the posture before moving into it. Some of our resistance is just a conditioned mental idea that we cannot do the posture. Change the mental idea.
• Never force it. Allow the breath to move you gradually deeper into the posture.
• Focus on the breath to bring lightness, ease, and fluidity into the movement. This is not about contorting your body into some frozen posture, there is always movement in the stillness.
• Be patient with yourself, notice that the more even your breath, the slower the breath, the easier the movement.
• Let the thoughts go by, notice them as just thoughts, and then let them go.
• Notice how persistent the mind can be.
• Feel the breath as an extension of the bandhas.
• What happens to your spine if you connect breath and bandhas as you move into a posture? And if you don’t?
• As you flex the front of your thigh (quadriceps), notice the extended stretch on the opposite side (hamstrings).
Fearasana
One of the greatest obstacles is fear. Go into the resistance, allow
the body to open. S U R R E N D E R.
from : ashtanga yoga manual

Asana - Part 1

2009-03-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

Asana is not a particular posture, but a state. Within the word asana itself are the connotations of strength and firmness, as well as the connotations of pleasantness and comfort. This is the balance we are trying to achieve, strength and flexibility, not only in the physical postures, but also in our mental state. Take The Ambition Out Of It Everybody is unique and their progression in yoga is going to look differently than the person next to them. It is important to allow the asanas to arise out of an internal place rather than some externally imposed idea of what the posture should look like. As long as you are working at your peak, combining breath, bandhas, and movement, and you are gaining that internal sense of stretching and strengthening, you are exactly where you need to be. In the beginning, the physical aspects of the postures will affect you the most. In time, and as you progress, you will become more aware of the flow of prana, life force, moving through your body. As your practice evolves, these subtle, but deep movements will reawaken your awareness and control of your body, leaving you both relaxed and full of energy. To Flex Is To Stretch By flexing your quads you will notice your hamstrings get a deeper stretch. As you pull your abdominals inward and upward you can feel the lower back lengthening. Maintain a flexed contraction within the stretch by engaging the opposing muscles. Don’t sink into your knees or lock them. Always lift up the kneecap by
flexing the quadriceps. Maintain awareness also of your elbows, shoulders, and wrists. The intention is to bring life energy into our bodies, for this we need awareness.
from : ashtanga yoga manual

Capturing Prana

2009-02-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

The Serpent Power
When kundalini shakti is awakened and arises from her sleep, she is the vehicle for the expansion of consciousness, enabling the individual to fully develop his innate potential and rise beyond the mundane realm of birth and death to the level of divinity. Chela Buddhananda.
Raising Mula Bandha
Mula bandha is the force or energy created by lifting the pelvic floor and controlling the breath. It is the root lock and calls the fire within that causes everything to come alive, to move. Mula bandha increases flexibility and stimulates heat. By contracting the perineum and drawing the energy up from the base of the spine, one can intensify and direct the life energy, cultivating a
sense of heightened awareness and increasing vitality. Mula bandha ignites the flame of kundalini (cosmic energy), the serpent power. By bringing awareness to the core of the body,
mula bandha helps prevent injury. It guides you to move from your center, grounding you so you can become light and fluid in your yoga practice.
From : ashtanga yoga manual

Standing Yoga Poses

2009-02-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

Several of the most effective poses are the standing positions. They provide superior stretching of the muscles and they have recognizable effects on the speed and efficiency of the nervous system. Most standing poses manage to enhance the asanas and they offer you an increased opportunity of mastering equilibrium, both physical and mental. In the following paragraphs we will take a look at two of the most significant standing poses, the Mountain pose and the Triangle pose.

The mountain pose (known as the Tadasana) got its name from a number of defining properties that share the symbols of the mountain. The pose benefits from a high level of relaxed strength and a sense of invulnerability. Very like a mountain, the person practicing this pose will be surrounded by tranquillity and will feel a heightened impression of balance. The clarity and profound vision offered by this pose permit you to go deeper in your inner emotions and unite with your inner self on a very deep level.

The mountain pose is achieved by placing the heels slightly apart, so that toes are parallel. Carry out a back and forth rocking movement on your toes and slowly come to a complete stop. Raise the ankles in order to consolidate the pose while also tightening the leg muscles. Thrust your tailbone towards the floor while lifting your pelvic area towards the navel. Your arms should be resting near your body while you are pushing your shoulder blades backwards.

The clear-cut positive effects of the mountain pose made it the basis of many other poses. Tadasana implies that the practicing yogi has to discover the meaning of balance and stillness before progressing further. For this reason, the mountain pose is one of the best ways to connect with your inner emotions while uncovering the subtle ways of yoga. The energy channels of the mountain pose traverse your whole body, following the spine, from the back of the neck and on towards the legs.

The next significant standing pose is the Triangle pose, or the Trikonasana. This comparatively easy pose has a satisfactory stretching effect on the spine, giving it a good lateral motion that complements the stretching of alternate forward poses. The straightness of the knees is essential while performing this pose, as this will allow your movements to be fluent and to stretch all the targeted muscles and organs. Bending to the left and right needs to be done gradually and fluently.

This is one of the yoga poses that is good for providing the foundation for the next levels of postures, which are more advanced and harder to perform. The stimulation of the spinal nerves is also useful and it improves complete body flexibility.

In order to enjoy the full advantage of the triangle pose you have to position your body properly. Your feet have to be spread apart while you are pointing to your toes. Try to alternate the pointing motion from your left foot to your right one while keeping a constant rhythm and perfect balance. After you extend your arms parallel to the floor you should breathe in deeply, allowing the energy to reinforce your movements. While exhaling aim to execute a slight bend to either left or right while sliding your hand down your foot. This motion requires a lot of flexibility in the lower back muscles area, so a good warm up session is completely essential before attempting the triangle. Yogis who try this pose often notice the sensation of a lighter body, joined with a feeling of mild warmth in the stretched muscles.
courtesy By: Felicity Walker

YOGIC DIET - Part 1

2008-11-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

A diet that is wholly conducive to the practice of Yoga and spiritual progress is called Yogic
diet. Diet has intimate connection with the mind. Mind is formed out of the subtlest portion of food. Sage Uddalaka instructs his son Svetaketu “Food, when consumed becomes threefold: the gross particles become excrement, the middling ones flesh and the fine ones the mind. My child, when curd is churned, its fine particles which rise upwards, form butter. Thus, my child, when food is consumed, the fine particles which rise upwards form the mind. Hence verily the mind is food.”
Again you will find in the Chhandogya Upanishad: “By the purity of food one becomes purified in
his inner nature; by the purification of his inner nature he verily gets memory of the Self; and by the attainment of the memory of the Self, all ties and attachments are severed.”
Diet is of three kinds viz., Sattvic diet, Rajasic diet and Tamasic diet. Milk, barely, wheat,
cereals, butter, cheese, tomatoes, honey, dates, fruits, almonds and sugar-candy are all Sattvic
foodstuffs. They render the mind pure and calm. Fish, eggs, meat, salt, chillies and asafoetida are
Rajasic foodstuffs. They excite passion. Beef, wine, garlic, onions and tobacco are Tamasic
foodstuffs. They fill the mind with anger, darkness and inertia.
Lord Krishna says to Arjuna: “The food which is dear to each is threefold. Hear the
distinctions of these. The foods which increase vitality, energy, vigour, health and joy and which
are delicious, bland, substantial and agreeable are dear to the pure. The passionate desire foods that
are bitter, sour, saline, excessively hot, pungent, dry and burning and which produce pain, grief and disease. The food which is stale, tasteless, putrid and rotten, leavings and impure is dear to the Tamasic.” (Bhagavad-Gita. Ch. VII-8, 9, 10).
Food plays an important part in meditation. Different foods produce different effects on
different compartments of the brain. For purposes of meditation, the food should be light, nutritious
and Sattvic. Milk, fruits, almonds, butter, sugar-candy, green gram, Bengal gram soaked in water

From - SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

YOGA AND ITS OBJECTS - Part 1

2008-11-13T02:40:00.000-08:00

Yoga Philosophy is one of the six systems of Hindu Philosophy which exist in India. Unlike
so many other philosophies of the world, it is a philosophy that is wholly practical. Yoga is an exact
science based on certain immutable Laws of Nature. It is well known to people of all countries of
the world interested in the study of Eastern civilisation and culture, and is held in awe and reverence
as it contains in it the master-key to unlock the realms of Peace, Bliss, Mystery and Miracle. Even
the philosophers of the West found solace and peace in this Divine Science. Jesus Christ himself
was a Yogi of a superior order, a Raja-Yogi indeed. The founder of the Yoga Philosophy was
Patanjali Maharshi, who was not only a Philosopher and a Yogi, but a Physician as well. He is said
to have lived about three hundred years before Jesus Christ.
Patanjali defines Yoga as the suspension of all the functions of the mind. As such, any book
on Yoga, which does not deal with these three aspects of the subject, viz., mind, its functions and
the method of suspending them, can he safely laid aside as unreliable and incomplete.
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “Yuj” which means “to join.” Yoga is a
science that teaches us the method of joining the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. It is the
merging of the individual will with the Cosmic or Universal Will. Yoga is that inhibition of the
functions of the mind which leads to the absolute abidance of the soul in its own real nature of
Divine Glory and Divine Splendour. It is the process by which the identity of the individual soul
and the Oversoul is established by the Yogi. In other words, the human soul is brought into
conscious communion with God. Yoga is the Science of sciences that disentangles the individual
soul from the phenomenal world of sense-objects and links with the Absolute, whose inherent
attributes are Infinite Bliss, Supreme Peace, Infinite Knowledge and unbroken Joy.
Yoga is that state of Absolute Peace wherein there is neither imagination nor thought. Yoga
is control of mind and its modifications. Yoga teaches us how to control the modifications of the
mind and attain liberation. It teaches us how to transmute the unregenerate nature and attain the
state of Divinity. It is the complete suppression of the tendency of the mind to transform itself into
objects, thoughts, etc. Yoga kills all sorts of pain, misery and tribulation. It gives you freedom from
the round of births and deaths, with its concomitant evils of disease, old age, etc., and bestows upon
you all the Divine Powers and final liberation through super-intutional knowledge

From - SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

The Fish Pose

2008-09-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Fish Pose is the natural successor of the shoulder stand, and it's recommended that you practice it as a counter pose to the stand. The pose involves a compression of the spine and neck as opposed to the stretch obtained while in the shoulder stand, or the Bridge and Plough poses.

There are several benefits of the fish pose. First of all, it helps you expand the chest cavity, enabling the lungs to breathe more air and to become more accustomed to deep breathing techniques. The neck muscles and nerves also become stronger and more responsive while the spine increases in flexibility.

Begin the pose by lying down on your back with the legs straight and close together and with the spine kept straight, parallel to the floor. The position of the arms is also important: they should be straight, positioned under your thighs. The palms rest together, stuck to the floor while the elbows are as close to one another as possible.

It is time to go into the pose. Press your elbows down on the floor and arch your back. Take a deep breath as you are doing this. Keeping the weight of your body on your elbows, move your head backwards until it reaches the floor. Exhale while holding the fish pose. Relax your legs and allow your chest to expand while taking in a long breath. In order to come out of the pose, try to slowly lift your head and only then release pressure from your elbows.

courtesy By: www.yogisutras.com

Yoga as a Lifestyle

2008-08-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

A person interested in health and wellness should take a look at what yoga can offer. They may be surprised to find that many of the beliefs they held about yoga are not true. Many people underestimate yoga as a way to better their health and wellness. However, many others have found the truth and are living a healthier and happy yoga lifestyle.

Yoga is a low impact workout, but can also offer an aerobic workout. There are some forms of yoga that offer an amazing workout for the cardiovascular system. The focus on breathing and intense poses give the body an unbelievable workout that can be compared to almost any aerobic workout.

Yoga is great for a person of any fitness level. Poses can be modified for a beginner and advanced for someone more experienced. It is an exercise routine that can grow with a person. It is varied and there are many different types of yoga, so a person will not become bored.

Yoga is an exceptional fitness activity for health and wellness. Yoga is the exercise where breathing and stretching take the forefront. A person practicing yoga is working both their mind and body to bring about an overall good sense of health and wellness. Many see yoga as a lifestyle more than an exercise regime because it is so easy to cross over into daily life.

Yoga involves poses and breathing. A person works through various poses, while concentrating on breathing and relaxing. It works the body by manipulating and stretching it and it works the mind by relaxing and clearing it.

Believing in good balanced diet, taking vitamins and minerals. Daily exercise, yoga, stretching, breathing exercises, drinking enough water, meditation, relaxation, positive thinking, and trying to be happy. http://www.preferedforms.com

Mastering Yoga Poses

2008-08-22T02:46:00.000-07:00

Yoga is an ancient practice that strengthens the body and mind. Learning about and engaging in yoga can relieve stress and help you tone all the muscles of your body. Master the art of yoga poses, and you will have a routine that you can engage in anytime, anywhere to help you deal with all of life’s little problems. Yoga is the key to empowerment in your life.

Before you can master yoga poses, you have to learn about and practice yoga positions and postures. These are the building blocks of the art of yoga. The right postures in yoga will help you to safely and effectively use yoga poses in the way they are intended. Yoga positions such as ananas will exercise the muscles, glands and nerves as they work to keeping the body and mind healthy.

Another important step in learning yoga poses is learning to breathe properly. Breathing is one of the ways yoga can reach beyond the physical realm and offer mental stimulation, relaxation and growth. You will find that pairing yoga with proper breathing will offer you a new level of mental and physical enjoyment through this exciting art form.

The most common form of yoga is Hatha yoga. This is the basic practice we know today. Hatha yoga uses healing yoga poses to refresh and stimulate your mind and body. Its popularity is a testament to its powers and it is a great way to ensure a more pain-free and relaxing existence.

In our health conscious world, it seems that there is always a new exercise trend. But yoga exercises have been around for thousands of years, so you know you can trust them to be a solid way to improve your health. Whether you need to rid your body of chronic pain, free your mind from the stress of day to day life, or you just want a refreshing daily routine, yoga poses are for you.

Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your yoga equipment needs, we have the information and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants, videos and journals as well as information on the different types of yoga, postures and the history of yoga. If you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher learn more about yoga instructor certification requirements in your city or state.

The Easy Pose

2008-08-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Easy Pose is a relaxation pose and is normally practiced after the Corpse Pose.

Also known under the name of Sukhasana, the Easy Pose is great for meditation. You only have to sit down on the floor or your yoga mat, bend your knees, clasp your arms around them and press them until they reach your chest and your spine straightens. Then, release your arms and place your legs in a crossing position, letting your knees fall down to the floor. Place your hands on your knees with your palms faced up.

It is important to keep your head up and the position of your spine as straight as possible. Just as with most of the yoga poses, breathing is important in the Easy Pose as well -- so make sure you fill your lungs with air and hold it as long as it is comfortable. It is advisable to always breathe through your nose. While in the Easy Pose, relax your face, your jaws and your belly.

Great for any age group and for frequent practice, the Easy Pose is, however, to be avoided after a chronic or recent knee injury or inflammation, as it might bring you discomfort. In order to add to your comfort level you can place a folded blanket either under your knees or under your hipbones.

This pose is highly recommended for meditation, as it is not difficult to perform and it promotes inner calm and relaxation.

The Cobra Pose

2008-08-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

When performing the Cobra Pose, the head and the trunk arch up gracefully. The spine stretches powerfully and the abdominal organs, together with the surrounding musculature receive a thorough massage. This pose is extremely recommended for pain and constipation relief, as well as for treating menstrual irregularities.

In order to proceed with the exercise, keep your shoulders down and your face relaxed, with your elbows tucked into your body. Then lie down with your legs together. It is recommended to place your hand palms under your shoulders and rest your forehead on the floor.

While inhaling, slowly move your head upwards, brushing first your nose and then your chin against the floor. Then, you need to lift your hands and make use of your back muscles to raise your chest as high as possible. After holding your breath for a few moments, exhale, slowly returning to the initial position.

While inhaling, gradually return to the previous position, only this time it is recommended to use your hands to push the trunk up. Push your body upwards until you are bending from the middle of your spine. Try to hold in that position for as long as two or three breaths and then exhaling, slowly come down.

Raise the trunk as before, inhaling deeply. However, try this time to bend your back until you feel it bending from the neck to the base of your spine. Hold the position for as long as you feel comfortable. Breathing normally, slowly return down to the initial position and relax.

courtesy By: www.yogisutras.com

The Bow Pose

2008-08-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

The Bow Pose involves raising both halves of your body simultaneously, through a combination of other yoga poses. You have to make use of your hands and arms in order to pull your trunk and legs up together to form a curve. This movement tones your back muscles and contributes to increasing the elasticity of your spine, while also increasing vitality and improving posture. The Bow Pose balances the weight of the body on your abdomen, which reduces abdominal fat. Furthermore your internal organs receive a powerful massage.

In order to proceed with this move, you need to lie down comfortably on your front, keeping your head down. Now, while inhaling, bring your knees up and reach back with your hands in order to hold your ankles. Remaining in the same position, exhale. Continue by inhaling, while raising your head and chest, and simultaneously pull your ankles up by lifting both your thighs and knees off the floor. While arching backwards, keep looking up. Maintaining the position, take three slow and deep breaths and then exhale and release your ankles.

In order to exercise the Rocking Bow Pose, you have to first come into the Bow position, and then gradually rock forward and backward. It is recommended to exhale, while rocking forward and to inhale, while rocking backwards. Your head should remain in a static position while you proceed with the Rocking Bow Pose and your head should be up. Normally, you should repeat the rocking up to ten times, and then completely relax your body.

courtesy By: www.yogisutras.com

Yoga Poses For Your Needs | Yoga Routine | Types of Yoga Poses

2008-08-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

Yoga Poses to Establish Your Yoga Routine

Practicing yoga poses means transforming the body’s stress, anxiety, ill health, unhappiness and anger into a peacefulness and energetic form of health. Yoga is a good way of relaxation because it can relieve the tension in your body and mind without experiencing tiredness and overexertion.

Yoga poses provides flexibility, reinforces the muscles and even decreases fat build-up and also develops the circulation of blood and performance of specific organs in your body. There are a wide range of yoga poses that can aid a person to achieve a high level of self-awareness, steadiness, and strength.

For practicing yoga poses, you need to concentrate on your body and mind. Yoga poses will recover your health and enhance your quality of life.

Let’s look at a few simple poses and the way to do them.

Mountain Pose:

The mountain pose is one of the most basic of yoga poses. This yoga posture is also known as tadasana. It is the initial and end point of all standing poses. In this yoga posture, when standing in mountain pose, the mind is calm, and the body will be strong and immobile, like a mountain.

This is a type of yoga pose that you can practice in your daily life. By practicing to stand properly will have a deep influence on your physical and mental conditions. It helps to reinforce the thighs and develops posture.

Method:

Mountain pose is a step-by-step procedure. So follow these steps.

This is a standing pose. Stand with your feet touching from the heel to the big toe, keep your back straight and press the arms a little against the sides with palms facing inward.

Slightly flex the muscles in the knees, stomach, thighs and buttocks keeping a stiff posture. Balance your weight uniformly on your feet. Breathe in through your nostrils and raise the buttocks off the legs bending the back and forcing the abdomen forward and incline the head as far back as possible.

Ensure that your body is straight. Elongate your neck and feel as your head lifted to the ceiling and shoulder bones relax.

This mountain pose is an opening of many other simple yoga asanas, so it’s important for you to learn and practice this yoga poses correctly. Many common discomforts can be noticed to poor posture.

It is better to practice this yoga pose once a day for several minutes. The mountain pose is also suggested before and following any other standing yoga postures. A beginner can practice this yoga pose against the wall so that you can actually feel your body getting into alignment.

Awkward Chair Pose

Another one of the yoga poses is the awkward chair pose, also known as utkatasana, starts with the mountain pose. Be in the mountain pose and bend your knees till your thighs are almost parallel to the floor.

Keep that stern end little down while getting the arms up towards the ceiling. It should be in such a way that there need to be a slight bend in the upper back. Breathe in and out deeply for five to ten times.

This yoga pose can obviously works on the muscles of the arms and legs, but it also motivates the diaphragm and heart. A beginner can practice on just bringing your thighs nearer and being parallel to the floor.

Bridge Pose:

One more popular yoga poses that is often practiced is the Bridge Pose. It is also known as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana. This type of yoga poses is classified as a back bend but don’t get scared away. For practicing this pose, first lie down on your back by bending your knees. Get the soles of your feet parallel on your floor or mat close to the buttocks.

Now raise your hips up to the ceiling. Interweave the fingers behind your back and straight the arms, pressing them down into the mat. After achieving this, first roll one shoulder and then the other. Now lift your hips higher.

Bring your chest near the chin however remember don’t move the chin towards your chest, placing your feet parallel. Liberate your hands and then slowly bring everything back down till you are flat on the floor.

This pose strengthens the backbone, opens the chest, develops spinal flexibility, and stimulates the thyroid.

Boat Pose:

The boat pose is theoretically called the Navasana and is a seated posture. This yoga pose will help increase abdominal and core strength. For practicing this pose, start with a seated position and get your legs up to an angle of 45 degrees. With this the body will naturally fall back; without letting the spine fall down, allow it to do so.

This creates an inverted shape with your body. Get your arms straight in line along with your shoulders. Ensure that you are balancing on your sit bones. For the beginners, try to bend your knees if essential, this is called the Half Boat Pose.

This pose strengthens the abdomen, hips, and spine and stimulates the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines.

Written By:-Alien Sheng
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

Yoga Poses For Spine Health | Types of Yoga Poses | Cat and Cobra Yoga Pose

2008-08-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Yoga Poses for Spine Health

Yoga is a mind body exercise system that helps you to maintain your spine healthy and also improves your spine problems. Most of the basic yoga poses are already in general use by physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals. Backache is one of the most common problems faced by most of the people today.

If you have had physical therapy for back pain, then most of the yoga poses that you are beginning to practice will appear very common. Maintaining a good spine is very important and a good spine health is a big part of our health.

Types of Yoga Poses for Maintaining a Healthy Spine

A regular practice of yoga poses will help reinforce the back and relieves from any back pain that you might have already, or keep you away from having back pain. Yoga offers a simple, effective yoga poses for you to maintain a healthy spinal column.

Cat

Here is the one very easy pose that will help your spine is a call the Cat. It works just as it sounds. You lay down on the floor with both your hands and legs just like a cat. Make sure that your calves and feet are more relaxed and your knees, hips, and shoulders are at 90-degree angles.

Drop you belly to the floor while inhaling and look up over your head. Push into your hands, exhaling while you bend your spine to the sky with your head looking at your belly. While you are doing this portion, try to exhale.

It is more important to link the postures with the exact breathing. It is better to hold these two positions for five to ten seconds.

Cobra

One more popular and effortless yoga pose to help your back and spine is the Cobra. This yoga pose is simple to perform however, if you feel difficulty in performing this pose in a traditional way, then you can make substitution of hands with elbows.

For practicing this pose, you lie flat on your stomach placing your palms down on the ground either beneath of the shoulders or just wider than the shoulders. See that your elbows are back and out with the body relaxed. Raise your body letting the back to bend and hold this pose for 10 to 15 seconds.

If you feel uncomfortable in performing the pose, then you can use your elbows instead of hands and it will provide your body a gentler stretch. This will stretch the abdominal muscles while the back muscles are relaxing. Gradually down the upper part of your body to the ground.

Another and last yoga pose appears to be the easiest one to start with. It is very simple, easy to perform, but more effective. Lie flat on your back and try to relax your body. Gradually, raise one knee towards your chest while placing your hands under the knee or the back of the leg.

Now drag gently toward your chest. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds. You should feel the stretch in the hamstring, don’t down your leg to the floor until you feel this stretch. Relax for some time and repeat this pose with the other leg.

Considerations While Practicing Yoga Poses

Ensure that practicing these yoga poses is not causing you any pain or discomfort. Also see that these yoga poses are not causing any tingling or numbness at all. If any of these happen when you are practicing your yoga routine, then you need to leave the pose slowly.

In order to feel comfort while practicing these yoga poses, you can make modifications that makes easier for you to practice. You can make modifications such as placing a blanket or pillow underneath the back of your knees when stretched out on the floor.

It is good to go for a skilled yoga instructor, if you have had back surgery or have chronic back pain, because he can suggest you some of the moderate yoga poses that will help you to maintain a healthy spine.

Written By:- Alien
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_188051_23.html

Namaste Yoga For Healing And Health

2008-08-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

Namaste yoga comes from the Indian greeting. The word means "I bow to you" and is often used when either greeting someone or when departing.

Namaste yoga is beneficial as is any other kind of yoga. It is based on that Hatha Vinyasa style of yoga, and with this type of yoga, the breath is the guide and the body then follows in time. Yoga is a wonderful exercise, and this kind of yoga is just one of the many different types of yoga that you can choose to participate in. History would relay that this system of healing dated back about three thousand years ago, Namaste yoga is a kind of Thai massage with roots that can be traced back in India.

The tell-tale Namaste yoga pose is to hold the hands in a praying fashion at the heart, and with eyes closed the head is bowed. In addition, the praying hands can start out at the third eye, which is in the center of the forehead. Then while bowing the head, the hands are brought down to the heart. It is often practiced at the end of a session because the mind and body are relaxed and detached. This is also in keeping with the fact that it is a gesture used in saying hello or goodbye.

Generally, the Namaste yoga practice is used in conjunction with other yoga practices. For example, a group could, as a sign of respect, hold the hands to together and bow the head to each other. Then, the group could proceed to do the sun salutation or any other yoga poses. Then, when the session has come to an end, the group again can use the Namaste yoga bow as a conclusion to the class.

I have a tendency to do too much and yoga is all about relaxing into the poses. The core of Namaste yoga is combined with the principles of Gautama Buddha, a guru from India and the father of Buddhism. The core of yoga is combined with the principles of Gautama Buddha, a guru from India and the father of Buddhism.

As with any kind of yoga, it should be remembered that it is a way of life, rather than just something you do to stay flexible and in shape. That's not to say that if you are not serious about yoga then you shouldn't do it. Of course, everyone can benefit from it. However, if you are interested in Namaste yoga you are likely not just looking to get in shape. Since properly performing the various yoga positions is difficult, it requires daily practice until you are able to perform with minimal difficulty.

Written By:-Rich A Fatooh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_A_Fatooh

Different Poses For Yoga

2008-08-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today brings the yoga of India into the known realm of many households. You are not without people who are wanting to lose weight using the yoga to do it. If yoga has been a mystery to you then you will like checking out the poses below.

1. Bound Angle is a seated pose. The pose is known as the Baddha Konasana. It is great for working the hips and groin area. This sitting pose will help to get better blood flow, stimulation to the stomach area, flexible thigh muscles, relief from feeling tires, and pain relief from the sciatica. It is also a good pose for those who have problems with their flat feet and those who have asthma.

2. Supported Shoulder stand will have you to move into an inverted pose. You will need a blanket to help strengthen your shoulders. The pose is known as the Salamba Sarvangasana. It will help you to get rid of stress, help the thyroid to become stimulated, stretch the muscles of t

he shoulders, tone the butt, lower tiredness, help you to sleep and make your asthma better. If you are having diarrhea, headaches, or are on your period, you should not try this pose until it is finished.

3. Half Moon pose is a standing pose. The known name is Ardha Chandrasana. It will help to make your legs and ankles stronger. It will also bring great things that will make the digestion and stress better in your life. It will also make stro

nger the thigh, spine, butt, ankle, and stomach. It should also stretch the shoulder muscles, the hamstrings, the groin muscles, the chest muscles, and the calf muscles. If you are experiencing problems with insomnia, reduced blood pressure, or diarrhea, you should not do this pose.

4. Seated Forward is a bending pose. The common name is the Paschimottanasana. This particular stance is great for the mind that is plagued with the environment that it is in. it gives great things to help with a persons digestive tract, infertility problems, speeding up the kidneys, stretching the hamstrings, relieving stress and lowering tiredness. You should also find that your appetite is heightened and this may help those who are looking to gain weight instead of loosing it.

For the intimate details of these yoga stances and others, you can go to http://www.yogajournal.com. You will be able to find that the importance is not just focused he weight loss but, it also focuses on the ability to use an alternative method to make you healthier all over.

Written By:-Wade Robins

Article Source:-http://www.isnare.com/?aid=199029&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Yoga: Poses And Postures

2008-08-08T01:27:00.000-07:00

Yoga has become a very popular form of exercise, however, some styles focus primarily on physically working the back, for instance: the most important Yoga poses in this case will differ from others, remaining the most important Yoga poses for another kind of Yoga. There are also very difficult one might focus on in other styles of Yoga designed to stretch and strengthen other specific parts of the body, and many that work the entire body, treating the body as left and right equals yin and yang.

There are specific Yoga poses for the floor parts of Yoga exercise, as well as the more familiar standing Yoga poses.

One of the most basic kinds of standing Yoga poses one will learn in Yoga is what is called the tree balance. In this balance you will:

1) Prepare as always by checking the posture and lifting through the torso, pushing your shoulders down.

2) Hold your eyes on one object diagonally or straight forward for the entire pose.

3) Stand with your feet together.

4) Lift up onto the balls of your feet.

5) Rock your weight back, onto your heels.

6) Strengthen the right leg shifting all of your weight and lift your left leg slowly up so that your foot lays flat, toes down, resting on your right inner thigh.

7) Your arms slowly lift up to what is called the prayer position: both palms meeting directly above the top of the head—the full body in perfect alignment. Meeting above the crown chakra and lengthening all the way through the body.

The benefits of practicing this posture are many. It will result in remarkably noticeable balance and grace.

The posture requires balance, focus and concentration—all the basic guidelines of Yoga—both spiritual and physical are involved in Yoga poses. The tree balance is one of the many Yoga poses where the key is to relax and clear your mind. Not thinking about the difficulty of the pose itself—releasing tension—that is the mental aspect of several complex positions—without which many Yoga poses would be virtually impossible to hold.

This is one of the most well known Yoga postures. However, there are many. Including, as I mentioned before, many floor Yoga poses. Focus and breath—this is how you remain in any of the Yoga poses.

One example of the floor Yoga poses is the snake:

1) Lay flat on your stomach with your hands on your shoulders.

2) Lift up by straightening the arms and focus up—as though your eyes were also a part of the arch.

3) Focus on pushing the pelvis down towards the floor—arching your back.

4) And keep your shoulders down, as with virtually all Yoga poses.

Remember, all Yoga poses are meant to be held. You do not just reach the posture. Instead you reach it and remain there—thirty seconds, a minute etc. Holding, breathing, the asana, and the pranayama, this is how the balance is earned. In all Yoga poses you will find that you can stretch further and further each time. There are many other yoga poses and techniques out there—go find the perfect kind of yoga for you!

Written By:-Anne Clarke

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

Why Certain Yoga Poses Require Lots Of Will Power

2008-08-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

The key of all yoga practices consists in the performance of yoga poses or asanas that open the door to plenty of metal and spiritual benefits. Many people feel overwhelmed by the multitude of yoga poses, particularly when getting a look at the many exercises explained online; yet, do not feel discouraged since yoga is actually a life long pursuit and challenges in the difficulty of poses are likely to appear on a regular basis. The thing is to stick to those asanas that are specific to your level of learning: start with simple yoga poses for beginners in order to gain confidence and get used to what this ancient practice is like.

Certain yoga poses require lots of will power and perseverance as well as daily practice, since they address not only the body but the mind too. Even if you took up yoga as a means of improving your health, you'll soon realize that the connection it establishes between the immediate reality and the deep inner self cannot be neglected or ignored. From this perspective, yoga poses will teach you how to increase resistance and develop a level of mental awareness that was unknown to you before performing the exercises.

Every session consists of several types of yoga poses depending on the yoga style you practice; yet there are common body postures that are meant to give you the mental and physical state for the performance of the more complex exercises. These are the warm-up poses that prepare the eyes, the neck, the limbs and the torso for the challenges of the real asanas. To put it in other words, warm-up yoga poses are a good training for all the body muscles, they help one stay fit and in a great health condition. Sometimes, many people choose to practice them separately from a yoga session, as a mere way of training the body.

How can yoga poses help to the improvement of the health condition? If you know what it is like to feel all your back, neck and shoulders stiffen with tension or bad postures, then you'll definitely feel the difference after a relaxing yoga session. The main benefits of the training are immediately noticeable in the condition of the spine, the position of the head and the overall health state. The safest way to pass from one level of difficulty to another is to have a teacher or a master to guide you along the way; failure to do so may seriously affect the correctness of the asanas and may expose you to injuries.
Written By:-Muna wa Wanjiru
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_545098_23.html

Some Different Types of Yoga Poses

2008-08-05T02:32:00.000-07:00

The most important part of yoga is the different poses and positions that you can place your body into. True yoga followers understand that this is an important step in their training. Through these different poses your body can promote its healing qualities and improve the energy flow within.

If you slowly execute these yoga poses with some amount of concentration, you’ll be succeeding in not only training your body but your mind too. A slow start and daily practice is the way to build up your body as well as the number of poses that you can master. Poses include different things such as warm-up, standing, seated, twist yoga, supreme, inverted postures, balance, backbends and finishing poses.

One of the most basic standing poses in yoga is known as the triangular pose or the trikonasana. In order to execute this pose you should be standing and position your legs somewhat farther apart than your shoulders while keeping your feet straight. Your arms should also be raised up to shoulder level. Next you should lower your right arm and stretch it as far down the right leg as you feel comfortable. You should also raise your left arm over your head too. After this you can straighten your body to the initial position you started from and repeat this for the other side of your body. What this pose will do for you is to tone your legs as well as abdominal muscles and promote your lower back health too.

One of the most popular yoga poses is the lotus pose otherwise known as the padmasana. The lotus pose is a seated pose and it requires flexibility too. You should start off by placing your right foot on your left thigh and keep this foot facing up. The next thing you should do is place your left foot on your right thigh and facing up too. The other thing you should do is place the palms your hand on their corresponding thighs facing up. Then place your left foot on your right thigh and keep that foot facing up too. You should then proceed with laying the palms of your hands facing upwards as well. Carrying this pose during meditation will strengthen your legs and ankles and increase your flexibility. It also helps in relaxation and promotion of good posture.

Another pose that functions by rotating the spine is known as the half spinal twist otherwise called the Ardha Matsyendrasana. To start you kneel down on your heels and place your legs together. You should also sit to the right of this pose and place your left leg over your right foot with your foot on the outer side of your right knee. Next you should try to keep your spine straight and bring your right heel much closer to your buttocks and stretch your arms out to your shoulder level. Next you bring your right arm over the left knee and hold your left foot close. After this you place your left hand on the floor right behind you. Twists as far to the left as you can, this pose ends up toning your spinal muscle and ligaments as well.

Another basic yoga pose is known as the king of the asanas (Sushasana), this is also known as the headstand. When performing this pose you start in a kneeling position and your hands and elbows placed on the floor before you. You then interlock your fingers and place your head in between your hands. After this you should push up on your toes and bring your legs to an extended yet upright position. Try to focus on a point that is in front of you and make sure your body remains straight and balanced. This pose strengthens the neck and back and reduces stress and fatigue too.

Written By:-Darren Williger writes for CoffeeZen.com, BeeYourself.com, and PrimeYoga.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Williger

Favorite Stress Relief Gifts - Seven Perfect Treats to Soothe Your Harried Loved Ones

2008-08-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Figuring out what gifts to give used to be hard. It's getting easier lately, if only because there's one common denominator we all have: Way too much stress. Which means that just about anyone will appreciate a stress relieving gift.

And it's not hard to find them. The Internet is awash with stress relief gifts that are not only affordable, they also provide an excellent escape for the user, and some of them are outright indulgent, which, of course, makes them the perfect gift. Spa, massage and aromatherapy items are great for all-over relaxation that calms the senses. Stress-relieving music and soothing sounds add to the experience. Scented candles carry the spa feeling throughout your house.

While most people buy some of those for themselves, there's always that niggling feeling of guilt - we don't treat ourselves to things that please us as much as we should. And that's why they make such ideal gifts: We can give them to each other! You can buy those stress relief gifts for your stressed-out friends, relatives and co-workers, even your boss. Chances are, some of them will return the favour sooner or later, and so you too may become the lucky recipient of your very own spa quality gifts.

Here are 7 favorite stress relief gifts that are sure to be welcomed by the recipient:

1. Stress relief in a barrel or a basket

There are several different styles available. For men, an ideal barrel might contain juggling balls, a finger punching bag, a slinky and some sweetness in a Pez container. For women, you can pick up a barrel or a basket containing tranquility candles, crossword puzzles, bath salts and specialty teas. Of course, be sure to include some sort of mini-massager.

2. Stress relief toys

The Internet is overflowing with odd shaped rubbery characters that are practically guaranteed to bring a chuckle or two. They stretch, they deform, they bounce, they stick, and they just feel good. In fact, they're ubiquitous as brandable gifts, so you can get some for your customers too.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the top favorites when it comes to stress relief. Certain aromas have a natural ability to bring relaxation to anyone who smells the scent. Lavender, lemon, cinnamon, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, grapefruit, orange, and pine are some of the essential oils that are known to bring relief.

4. Fun Slippers

Footwear made from soothing materials with amusing decorations make the perfect gift for around the house. Bunny slippers may still be golden oldies, but they've almost gotten hard to find among all the new options. Not only can your friends use them at home, but they can even tuck a pair under an office desk for some sneaky relief.

5. Yoga (and other Exercise) Videos

Exercise is a proven stress reliever, yoga being one of the first. Yoga stretches out the tight spots and improves the body's energy flow. You'll easily find a good selection of yoga CDs and DVDs online and off. Tai Chi is another exercise to relieve stress. Regular exercise videos work too, but be careful - this is supposed to be a gift, not a guilt trip.

6. Choke the Chicken

Buyer beware: be sure to know the gift recipient before choosing this one. Some people consider that soft fluffy chicken hilarious and one of the best stress relief products on the market. By pressing its wing and wringing its neck, you activate music that speeds up as you choke the poor thing and watch its eyes and tongue pop out. Some people, on the other hand, may feel quite turned off.

7. Flower bouquets

A beautiful bouquet of flowers may not be original, but it still makes an excellent gift for people in stressful situations, whether they're in a hospital or recovering from illness, or whether they are just struggling through a bad week. Not only are the flowers soothing and cheering, but the soothing built-in aromatherapy most flowers naturally come with is a huge extra bonus.

Need some stress relief yourself? Get Elisabeth Kuhn's FREE report with seven stress busting strategies. Or visit her eclectic self help blog for lots more resources for body, mind, spirit, and prosperity.

Yoga Stress Relief

2008-08-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

Yoga is an excellent exercise for stress relief. If nothing else, the deep breathing exercises that are part and parcel of yoga will help you find stress relief. Yoga is an excellent way to tune out the troubles of the world and relax, now take a deep breath …

Technology is increasing every day. We have all these labor saving devices that help us keep in touch with the business world, cell phones, pagers, faxes, you name it, we got it. Yet with all these labor saving devices, instead of our lives getting any easier, it seems to have gotten more complicated. We no longer have the simple disconnect from work that we once had. There are even people that take their cell phone to the beach and conduct business deals while soaking up the rays. Is it any wonder that we are more stressed out than ever before.

Now more that ever, yoga exercise as a method for stress relieve makes more sense than ever. Stress, from just trying to keep pace with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is killing us. There is more heart disease, strokes and other illness caused by stress than at any time in our history. Stress is the culprit in many health related problems from migraines to insomnia. It is a leading cause of weight gain, high blood pressure, poor digestion and other diseases. In fact, it has been said that stress is the leading cause of disease in America today.

With all the stress that the body is subjected to, it is no wonder that the nervous system of many people is completely shot, leaving us feeling depleted and overwhelmed. Yoga exercise can help relieve this stress. You concentrate on achieving the various poses, breathing deeply, and relaxing. You not only build up your strength and increase your flexibility, but equally important, you recharge your energy levels and reduce your stress levels.

Yoga is probably the best exercise method for reducing stress and improving your mental health. So, the next time you start feeling stressed out, just relax, take a deep breath and hold that pose. Your body will thank you for it.

Sydney Heiden is a practitioner of yoga and founder of Yoga and Meditation for Beginners. For more yoga tips and information, go to her website, http://www.Yoga.Cool-Home-Stuff.com