Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Yoga for Neck Pain
Everyone gets a stiff neck sometimes. Often yoga can help. Of
course, before you do anything, it's important to know if your
neck pain is the sign of something more serious. Make sure to
see your doctor if: * Your neck pain persists for more than
three days or keeps coming back. * You suffer from neck pain
after a fall or accident. * Pain radiates from your neck down
your arms or legs. * Neck pain is associated with nausea or
dizziness.
Yoga Exercises for Neck Pain If you determine you simply have a
stiff neck, specific yoga exercises will help strengthen muscles
and increase flexibility in the neck. Even gently exercising
your neck helps lubricate and speed nutrients to the area. Here
are a few exercises for your neck that are particularly helpful.
Neck Stretches Follow these steps when practicing neck
stretches: * Start in seated position (cross legged) * Sit up
tall, reaching up through the top of the head * Draw shoulders
back * Exhale, drop chin towards chest, keeping elbows and
shoulders pulled back * Inhale, raise the head back to center *
Do this five times, then on the last exhale, drop the chin and
stay in this position for three breaths, breathing through the
nose * Inhale, raise head back to center * Exhale, slowly drop
right ear towards right shoulder * Inhale, raise head back to
center * Do this five times, then on the last exhale, drop the
ear towards the right shoulder and stay in this position for 3
breaths * Inhale, raise head back to center * Repeat on left side
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Yoga for Neck Pain
course, before you do anything, it's important to know if your
neck pain is the sign of something more serious. Make sure to
see your doctor if: * Your neck pain persists for more than
three days or keeps coming back. * You suffer from neck pain
after a fall or accident. * Pain radiates from your neck down
your arms or legs. * Neck pain is associated with nausea or
dizziness.
Yoga Exercises for Neck Pain If you determine you simply have a
stiff neck, specific yoga exercises will help strengthen muscles
and increase flexibility in the neck. Even gently exercising
your neck helps lubricate and speed nutrients to the area. Here
are a few exercises for your neck that are particularly helpful.
Neck Stretches Follow these steps when practicing neck
stretches: * Start in seated position (cross legged) * Sit up
tall, reaching up through the top of the head * Draw shoulders
back * Exhale, drop chin towards chest, keeping elbows and
shoulders pulled back * Inhale, raise the head back to center *
Do this five times, then on the last exhale, drop the chin and
stay in this position for three breaths, breathing through the
nose * Inhale, raise head back to center * Exhale, slowly drop
right ear towards right shoulder * Inhale, raise head back to
center * Do this five times, then on the last exhale, drop the
ear towards the right shoulder and stay in this position for 3
breaths * Inhale, raise head back to center * Repeat on left side
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Yoga for Neck Pain
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Over Hauling Your Complete Self With Yoga
I have heard a lot about yoga lately, and there are two reasons
people seem to like it. It is a great form of exercise, and it
is also supposed to be great for clearing your mind and learning
how to relax. I have thought about getting into yoga quite a few
times but I haven't quite gotten there yet. I'm still dreaming
of it though, and I do hope to start soon, and I hope to make it
something that I can do with my daughter. She may not understand
what it is, but I am hoping it will help her in the same way
that I hope it helps me.
What I have learned about yoga so far is that there is more to
it then just bending, stretching, and holding poses. If you do
want to start a program, you should search the Internet for
information about yoga. If you want to get your children
involved, you do have to keep certain safety issues in mind. As
I was learning about yoga for my daughter, I wrote an article on
it because I found a lot of information that perhaps not a lot
of people know.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Over Hauling Your Complete Self With Yoga
people seem to like it. It is a great form of exercise, and it
is also supposed to be great for clearing your mind and learning
how to relax. I have thought about getting into yoga quite a few
times but I haven't quite gotten there yet. I'm still dreaming
of it though, and I do hope to start soon, and I hope to make it
something that I can do with my daughter. She may not understand
what it is, but I am hoping it will help her in the same way
that I hope it helps me.
What I have learned about yoga so far is that there is more to
it then just bending, stretching, and holding poses. If you do
want to start a program, you should search the Internet for
information about yoga. If you want to get your children
involved, you do have to keep certain safety issues in mind. As
I was learning about yoga for my daughter, I wrote an article on
it because I found a lot of information that perhaps not a lot
of people know.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Over Hauling Your Complete Self With Yoga
Monday, March 19, 2007
Yoga a blend of Spiritual and Physical Exercises
Yoga, the brainchild of the ancient Hindus is a form of
mysticism, whose origin is impossible to trace, dating back as
it does to thousands of years before recorded history. One of
the six schools of Hindu philosophy, Maharishi (or Sage)
Patanjali, its founding father lived a full three centuries
before Christ. A great philosopher and grammarian, he was also a
physician, with a considerable body of medical work attributed
to him, though this work has been lost in the pages of time.
Though founded by Patanjali, yet Yoga existed as a distinct
teaching and system of life long before him.
A traditional Indian system of healing the mind and body,
through a series of mental, spiritual and physical exercises,
Yoga is designed to yoke or unite or fuse individual
consciousness and awareness (atma or the human soul) with super
conscious awareness (Paramatma or the Supreme Being), which is,
but a natural state of mind for both. Ultimately, this yoking
process leads to a realisation of identity, and by integrating
mind, body and spirit; it enhances physical and mental health
and well-being, even as it helps attain spiritual insight and
harmony, a union with the divine.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Yoga a blend of Spiritual and Physical Exercises
mysticism, whose origin is impossible to trace, dating back as
it does to thousands of years before recorded history. One of
the six schools of Hindu philosophy, Maharishi (or Sage)
Patanjali, its founding father lived a full three centuries
before Christ. A great philosopher and grammarian, he was also a
physician, with a considerable body of medical work attributed
to him, though this work has been lost in the pages of time.
Though founded by Patanjali, yet Yoga existed as a distinct
teaching and system of life long before him.
A traditional Indian system of healing the mind and body,
through a series of mental, spiritual and physical exercises,
Yoga is designed to yoke or unite or fuse individual
consciousness and awareness (atma or the human soul) with super
conscious awareness (Paramatma or the Supreme Being), which is,
but a natural state of mind for both. Ultimately, this yoking
process leads to a realisation of identity, and by integrating
mind, body and spirit; it enhances physical and mental health
and well-being, even as it helps attain spiritual insight and
harmony, a union with the divine.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Yoga a blend of Spiritual and Physical Exercises
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Understanding the Types of Yoga
If you are looking to add yoga to your healthy lifestyle you may
be wondering what type to choose. We are here to break down the
many styles of yoga and help you decide which path is best for
you. Below is a brief overview of the most popular yoga
practices today.
Vinyasa - Movements and breaths are coordinated in a fast pace
type of yoga. Each asana (pose) is balanced with a counter pose
to create a harmonized mind and body. Vinyasa yoga has
influenced many other styles of yoga that all keep the idea of
balance and synchronicity throughout.
Ashtanga - This is a type of Vinyasa yoga that follows a series
of asanas that constantly flow, allowing each movement to
receive a breath. Ashtanga is a Sanskrit (an ancient language in
India) work meaning "8 Limbs". Ashtanga yoga is sometimes better
known as "power yoga" because of the demand on the body.
Iyengar - This a type of yoga designed by the famous yoga guru
B.K.S. Iyengar. His style of yoga places a great emphasis on
proper alignment by encouraging the use of yoga props such as
bands, blocks, pillows, etc. while holding each pose for a
longer amount of time than most other yoga styles. This style is
great for beginners or those who have not exercised in a while
because the props help to compensate for any lack of flexibility
that comes with continued practice.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Understanding the Types of Yoga
be wondering what type to choose. We are here to break down the
many styles of yoga and help you decide which path is best for
you. Below is a brief overview of the most popular yoga
practices today.
Vinyasa - Movements and breaths are coordinated in a fast pace
type of yoga. Each asana (pose) is balanced with a counter pose
to create a harmonized mind and body. Vinyasa yoga has
influenced many other styles of yoga that all keep the idea of
balance and synchronicity throughout.
Ashtanga - This is a type of Vinyasa yoga that follows a series
of asanas that constantly flow, allowing each movement to
receive a breath. Ashtanga is a Sanskrit (an ancient language in
India) work meaning "8 Limbs". Ashtanga yoga is sometimes better
known as "power yoga" because of the demand on the body.
Iyengar - This a type of yoga designed by the famous yoga guru
B.K.S. Iyengar. His style of yoga places a great emphasis on
proper alignment by encouraging the use of yoga props such as
bands, blocks, pillows, etc. while holding each pose for a
longer amount of time than most other yoga styles. This style is
great for beginners or those who have not exercised in a while
because the props help to compensate for any lack of flexibility
that comes with continued practice.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Understanding the Types of Yoga
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Learning All About Beginners Yoga
All raga must be entirely put aside. We must separate ourselves
from it. We must acquire the opposite condition, where every
passion is stilled, where no attraction for the objects of
desire remains, where all the bonds that unite the man to
surrounding objects are broken. "When the bonds of the heart are
broken, then the man becomes immortal."
How shall this dispassion be brought about? There is only one
right way of doing it. By slowly and gradually drawing ourselves
away from outer objects through the more potent attraction of
the Self.
The Self is ever attracted to the Self. That attraction alone
can turn these vehicles away from the alluring and repulsive
objects that surround them; free from all raga, no more
establishing relations with objects, the separated Self finds
himself liberated and free, and union with the one Self becomes
the sole object of desire.
But not instantly, by one supreme effort, by one endeavour, can
this great quality of dispassion become the characteristic of
the man bent on Yoga. He must practice dispassion constantly and
steadfastly.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Learning All About Beginners Yoga
from it. We must acquire the opposite condition, where every
passion is stilled, where no attraction for the objects of
desire remains, where all the bonds that unite the man to
surrounding objects are broken. "When the bonds of the heart are
broken, then the man becomes immortal."
How shall this dispassion be brought about? There is only one
right way of doing it. By slowly and gradually drawing ourselves
away from outer objects through the more potent attraction of
the Self.
The Self is ever attracted to the Self. That attraction alone
can turn these vehicles away from the alluring and repulsive
objects that surround them; free from all raga, no more
establishing relations with objects, the separated Self finds
himself liberated and free, and union with the one Self becomes
the sole object of desire.
But not instantly, by one supreme effort, by one endeavour, can
this great quality of dispassion become the characteristic of
the man bent on Yoga. He must practice dispassion constantly and
steadfastly.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Learning All About Beginners Yoga
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Keeping Fit And Healthy With Pilates Yoga
Joseph Pilates, a German immigrant, developed the famous and
highly popular Pilates exercise program, designed to get you fit
without the bulky muscle of the Mr. America type. He spent many
years, beginning as an adolescent, studying various body
disciplines in his search for a program of exercises to promote
health and fitness with a lean look and a graceful demeanor.
Among the disciplines he studied was yoga, which he integrated
into his method. Developed in the late 1920's, Pilates yoga
today is a well respected and wildly popular form of this
ancient art and body discipline.
Although Joseph Pilates did not achieve fame in his lifetime,
his work was practiced and carried on by a small group of
devotees to his methods, for decades, before the recent
explosion of Pilates exercise programs and Pilates yoga. Today,
Pilates' form of yoga is at the forefront of exercise and self
discipline regimes. Pilates yoga is especially popular with
dancers and athletes, as well as celebrities who've caught on to
the superior benefits of Pilates' methodology.
Pilates yoga requires an instructor to have expertise in human
anatomy and movement, physiology and the principles of yoga. In
order to evaluate the knowledge and integrity of the yoga
instructor, several yoga organizations offer online information
on choosing a qualified yoga instructor. There are even
certification programs which require months or even years of
study.
Continue To Read Full Article Here : Keeping Fit And Healthy With Pilates Yoga
highly popular Pilates exercise program, designed to get you fit
without the bulky muscle of the Mr. America type. He spent many
years, beginning as an adolescent, studying various body
disciplines in his search for a program of exercises to promote
health and fitness with a lean look and a graceful demeanor.
Among the disciplines he studied was yoga, which he integrated
into his method. Developed in the late 1920's, Pilates yoga
today is a well respected and wildly popular form of this
ancient art and body discipline.
Although Joseph Pilates did not achieve fame in his lifetime,
his work was practiced and carried on by a small group of
devotees to his methods, for decades, before the recent
explosion of Pilates exercise programs and Pilates yoga. Today,
Pilates' form of yoga is at the forefront of exercise and self
discipline regimes. Pilates yoga is especially popular with
dancers and athletes, as well as celebrities who've caught on to
the superior benefits of Pilates' methodology.
Pilates yoga requires an instructor to have expertise in human
anatomy and movement, physiology and the principles of yoga. In
order to evaluate the knowledge and integrity of the yoga
instructor, several yoga organizations offer online information
on choosing a qualified yoga instructor. There are even
certification programs which require months or even years of
study.
Continue To Read Full Article Here : Keeping Fit And Healthy With Pilates Yoga
Monday, March 05, 2007
Yoga As Part Of An Anti-Aging Plan
While the topics under discussion are obviously yoga and having
or making an anti-aging plan, it has become obvious over the
last few years that anything done to improve personal health,
increase flexibility, optimize the cardiovascular system,
improve strength, increase the efficiency of organs and glands,
and/or keep a person mentally alert and feeling glad to be alive
has a place in any anti-aging plan.
Even though my contention is certainly going to be that yoga can
produce all the effects mentioned, and maybe more, some people
will simply not be attuned to donning a leotard, lighting
candles, chanting to the tunes of other-worldly CD's, and
attempting to bend their bodies into positions they know they
cannot attain anyway!
There will be people interested in the aging process who are
genuinely willing to do a lot to create an effective anti-aging
plan but who are just not interested in yoga. While I cannot
address each possible consideration in such a short article
which is dedicated to the specific topic of yoga, I can say that
any exercise program or regular activity can produce many
similar physical results. Regularly challenging the mind, by
puzzles, by learning new skills, or by placing oneself in social
situations rather than withdrawing from them can certainly help
maintain not only intellectual vigor but encourage physical
activity and help defend the body against the effects of an
unrestrained aging process. Attention to proper nutrition is
valuable in this process as well.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Yoga As Part Of An Anti-Aging Plan
or making an anti-aging plan, it has become obvious over the
last few years that anything done to improve personal health,
increase flexibility, optimize the cardiovascular system,
improve strength, increase the efficiency of organs and glands,
and/or keep a person mentally alert and feeling glad to be alive
has a place in any anti-aging plan.
Even though my contention is certainly going to be that yoga can
produce all the effects mentioned, and maybe more, some people
will simply not be attuned to donning a leotard, lighting
candles, chanting to the tunes of other-worldly CD's, and
attempting to bend their bodies into positions they know they
cannot attain anyway!
There will be people interested in the aging process who are
genuinely willing to do a lot to create an effective anti-aging
plan but who are just not interested in yoga. While I cannot
address each possible consideration in such a short article
which is dedicated to the specific topic of yoga, I can say that
any exercise program or regular activity can produce many
similar physical results. Regularly challenging the mind, by
puzzles, by learning new skills, or by placing oneself in social
situations rather than withdrawing from them can certainly help
maintain not only intellectual vigor but encourage physical
activity and help defend the body against the effects of an
unrestrained aging process. Attention to proper nutrition is
valuable in this process as well.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Yoga As Part Of An Anti-Aging Plan
Sunday, March 04, 2007
The Purpose Of Yoga
Yoga, or its ancestor, first appeared somewhere around 5,000
years ago. Since then, it has gradually evolved into the modern
form. However, its "modern form" is neither completely modern,
nor is it the only form of yoga. In the western world, when we
speak of "yoga" we are commonly referring to Hatha Yoga, a
branch of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th
century. To keep it simple, Yogi Swatmarama saw Hatha Yoga, not
as an end in itself, but as part of a pathway to a higher state
on the yoga journey. Hatha Yoga concentrates more on the
physical training, conditioning, and "preparation" aspects of
yoga. So, as we talk about the purposes of "yoga", please keep
in mind that we are talking only about one portion of the entire
range of disciplines encompassed by the word.
We sometimes hear of someone who learned to become more relaxed
by the practice of yoga. Or, maybe we have heard of someone who
became more invigorated and energetic as a result of their
practice. Perhaps someone else was able to play a competitive
sport better than before they began practicing yoga, or perhaps
they were able to lay aside the competitive aspect of their
nature that had been driving them into bad health and broken
relationships. We may have even heard all of these types of
stories. I have! This, and all the claims made about the
practice of yoga, creates a very confusing picture even in the
minds of those willing to believe what they hear. For those who
have doubts already, the multitude of claims can sound like
those of an old-timey snake oil salesman.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : The Purpose Of Yoga
years ago. Since then, it has gradually evolved into the modern
form. However, its "modern form" is neither completely modern,
nor is it the only form of yoga. In the western world, when we
speak of "yoga" we are commonly referring to Hatha Yoga, a
branch of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th
century. To keep it simple, Yogi Swatmarama saw Hatha Yoga, not
as an end in itself, but as part of a pathway to a higher state
on the yoga journey. Hatha Yoga concentrates more on the
physical training, conditioning, and "preparation" aspects of
yoga. So, as we talk about the purposes of "yoga", please keep
in mind that we are talking only about one portion of the entire
range of disciplines encompassed by the word.
We sometimes hear of someone who learned to become more relaxed
by the practice of yoga. Or, maybe we have heard of someone who
became more invigorated and energetic as a result of their
practice. Perhaps someone else was able to play a competitive
sport better than before they began practicing yoga, or perhaps
they were able to lay aside the competitive aspect of their
nature that had been driving them into bad health and broken
relationships. We may have even heard all of these types of
stories. I have! This, and all the claims made about the
practice of yoga, creates a very confusing picture even in the
minds of those willing to believe what they hear. For those who
have doubts already, the multitude of claims can sound like
those of an old-timey snake oil salesman.
Continue To Read The Full Article Here : The Purpose Of Yoga
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Safe Yoga for Seniors
Yoga has become a popular means of exercise for older adults.
And no wonder. It makes their bodies fitter and their minds
calmer. Seniors benefit from improvements in balance, stronger
muscles, reduced joint pain and more energy.
Modifications should be made to the various yoga poses for
seniors with ostoporosis and joint problems. Instructors should
be knowledgable about these necessary modifications.
Here are some pointers for older adults to consider when
participating in yoga:
* Keep proper spinal alignment with each pose.
* Avoid poses that require forward flexion (bending forward at
the waist).
* Move slowly and gently from one pose to the next.
* Poses should feel comfortable and steady.
Continue To Read Full Article Here : Safe Yoga for Seniors
And no wonder. It makes their bodies fitter and their minds
calmer. Seniors benefit from improvements in balance, stronger
muscles, reduced joint pain and more energy.
Modifications should be made to the various yoga poses for
seniors with ostoporosis and joint problems. Instructors should
be knowledgable about these necessary modifications.
Here are some pointers for older adults to consider when
participating in yoga:
* Keep proper spinal alignment with each pose.
* Avoid poses that require forward flexion (bending forward at
the waist).
* Move slowly and gently from one pose to the next.
* Poses should feel comfortable and steady.
Continue To Read Full Article Here : Safe Yoga for Seniors
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