Yoga Journal's Yoga for Flexibility (Beginner's Practice) [VHS]

Yoga Journal's more advanced offering of yoga stretching exercises presents two routines for flexibility: back stretches and front stretches. Each routine begins with a short warm up, though if one is not already well practiced in yoga stretching techniques, not to mention already flexible, some of these stretches should not be attempted. Even the so-called "moderate" poses for those with less strength and flexibility are difficult to achieve. Patricia Walden encourages the viewer to practice often and work toward the stretching goals, and conscientiously demonstrates the stretches in a methodical manner. The principles of balance and strength in all parts of the body (achieved by practicing both front and back stretches) is a lofty goal for many, but one to work toward in small increments. The two distinct routines in this video are conveniently presented separately so that they can be combined or practiced alternately. (If you're not already on your way to yogic flexibility, in the beginning you may be sitting out a good part of this video.) The production value, like the other Yoga Journal offerings, is consistently good and even. Certain stretches require props such as yoga blocks, but chairs and phone books are a good substitute for the home user. --Gilia Angell

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Yoga Could Alleviate Fibromyalgia Symptoms - allvoices

Researchers indicate yoga could help with fibromyalgia associated symptoms

A brand new pilot study has indicated that a little yoga may just aide in symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The “Yoga of Awareness” pilot program has revealed that patients who stretch and meditated just once a week has shown noticeable improvements in associated symptoms such as pain, fatigue and depression compared to those patients who were on the wait list for the program, stated by Dr. James Carson, at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland Oregon along with fellow researchers.

Their results can be found in the journal Pain.

Dr. Carson states that the findings in this study show promising initial support for beneficial results of yoga in patients with fibromyalgia. Literature of the benefits provided by yoga has been growing. Especially in patients with fibromyalgia. Yoga just may be able to provide exercise and coping skills.

Fifty-three female patients with fibromyalgia were enrolled in this study. They were randomized into two groups, either eight week “Yoga of Awareness” program or on a waiting list and receiving standard care. Women were picked for this study due to the fact the rate of fibromyalgia is higher in the female sex. Some of the women were taking medications to alleviate their symptoms.

Each class had included forty minutes of gentle stretching, twenty-five minutes of meditation, ten minutes of breathing exercises and twenty minutes of lessons on how to apply yoga principals to coping strategies along with twenty-five minutes of group discussion.

The women in the study also had been told they could practice yoga at home. The average age of women in the study was 53.7 years and average time since being diagnosed was 11.6 years

Established on the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, general improvement largely endorsed those in the yoga program. The women in the program had shown greater improvements of symptoms. They also indicated better improvements in the areas of pain, fatigue, stiffness, depression, poor memory, anxiety, tenderness, poor balance and environmental sensitivity.

Information based on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale, yoga had displayed greater general improvements along with strength gain, coping, pain and problem solving.

Relating to terms of potential system for the association, researchers stated that yoga enriches an acceptance and a willingness to learn from pain and other situations of stress.

Yoga has displayed similar results as those of aerobic exercise, which possibly improves the fatigue which goes along with fibromyalgia symptoms.

This pilot study shows promise in support of the possibility of benefits from yoga for women with fibromyalgia.

Most persons today with fibromyalgia seek out alternative treatments to aide in this condition. Below are a few of the more common ones.

Chiropractic

In 2009, the Foundation of Chiropractic Progress had announced that chiropractic care demonstrated its ability to decrease excruciating pain, constant fatigue along with joint stiffness all of which are symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Chiropractic care has grown in immense amounts for those who suffer with this debilitating condition. It has been proven to greatly reduce the chronic widespread pain and return patients to living healthier lives.

Fibromyalgia involves the central nervous system which produces a situation known as central sensitization which causes increased nervous system responses. Chiropractors deal with a persons nervous system and proficiently trained in this area. Chiropractors aim to correct the misalignment of the spine and pelvis using hands-on approach to adjustments. As joint motion improves the chronic pain decreases and in some cases can be totally eliminated. Chiropractors may employ numerous techniques including exercises and Tens Units. Therefore, chiropractic care is a very viable option for those with fibromyalgia.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can reduce pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. It has been noted in some cases to improve functioning in the joints and decrease stiffness. Several massages can be used in association for fibromyalgia and its symptoms.

Swedish massage is the more popular massage used in fibromyalgia patients. It increases the oxygen that goes to the muscles in the body. This in turn helps the body rid its self of toxins while it improves the range of motion. Long quick motions over the body are used by therapists.

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Wine, Yoga and Ayurveda - Indian Wine Portal (blog)

To some, yoga and wine may not seem to have much in common. One is an ancient practice that gradually trains your body and mind to be in a constant state of peace. The other might be considered a fleeting remedy, which can temporarily raise your spirits and relieve your inhibitions. But if you take a closer look, you'll discover that yoga and wine have far more in common than you might think. In my research on the topic, it seems that there has been a wave of wine and yoga-related workshops sweeping the USA in recent years. "Yoga teaches you how to age gracefully just like a great bottle of wine ages gracefully," explains David Romanelli, an instructor in California who teaches yoga and wine workshops across the country.

Yoga has many meanings and is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj", meaning "to control", "to yoke" or "to unite". Other translations include "joining", "uniting", "union", "conjunction", and "means". Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines that originated in India nearly 5000 years ago. Yoga exercises are based on the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses or "asanas" yoga creates harmony.

So imagine that you just completed a fulfilling yoga practice and you are fully in tune with your body, and then at the end of the practice you assume the relaxation pose, usually savasana (corpse pose). Feeling fulfilled and relaxed, you then take a sip of your favourite wine, complete with retro nasal breathing to get the full aroma and bouquet of the wine; just imagine how much better that wine will taste.

Not everyone agrees with the concept of wine and yoga. The purists truly believe that the mere fact that you have taken up yoga suggests that you are seeking the truth and enlightenment. No alcohol should pass your lips, some diehards believe. For me, take everything in moderation.

Some do Yoga for exercise, others as alternative medicine; there are those who are on their journey seeking their own enlightenment and understanding of consciousness. As the popular saying goes: 'To each, his own'.

The above article in Jamaica Observer is food for thought.

Not many people are aware that in India, yoga and wine have the same roots - the Vedas. While Yoga is well known as an exercise regimen, it is more of a holistic path for union with one's source/divinity. Ayurveda, (Ayu means life in Sanskrit, Veda means wisdom,) the Indian medicine system, revealed to meditating sages some thousands of years ago, has a living tradition of red wine - Draksharishth. It is made by fermenting grape juice and herbs. Its role has been to sustain health. Draksharishth is recommended as a tonic and to increase the digestive fire. It is especially useful in anemia. Not many people, (that includes Indians too) are aware of the wine and yoga connection anymore. Wine was used as medicine. To the extent that wine was used as a food item was because in Ayurveda, proper food or Pathya is used as preventive medicine. Yoga and Ayurveda serve the holistic purpose of assisting a person reach one’s full potential in health and spirituality, among other benefits.

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Fibromyalgia Sufferers May Get Relief From Tai Chi, Yoga - Sure Start News

Two new studies suggest that gentle stretching and meditation exercises, such as some forms of yoga and Tai Chi, may help those that suffer from Fibromyalgia.

58 women were enrolled in the yoga study. 25 of those participated in a two hour yoga class once a week, for eight weeks. The class was designed specifically for women with Fibromyalgia, and included gentle stretches, poses, instructions on coping with fibromyalgia, and group discussions. The remaining 28 women were told they were on a waiting list, and served as a control group.

Participants in the class were “somewhat apprehensive”, according to lead study author James Carson, a clinical psychologist and pain specialist at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, “but once they got into the rhythm of it they found it to be very helpful.”

At the end of the study, 4.5% of the participants said they felt “very much better”. 77% said they were “a little better”, 4.5% reported no change. In the control group, none reported “very much better”, 19.2% reported “a little better”, and 38.5% reported no change.

The study was published in the Oct 14th issue of the journal “Pain”.

In August, a study published by The New England Journal of Medicine  found that the slow and meditative practice of Tai Chi can be helpful to women with Fibromyalgia. Tai Chi is an ancient art form, rooted in the practice of martial arts such as Kung Fu, but done slowly and with a focus on the health benefits rather than fighting.

Participants took two Tai Chi classes each week, and received a DVD to practice with 20 minutes each day. Compared to a control group, which participated in a stretching and education class, the Tai Chi students demonstrated more weekly improvement using the  Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, according to the studies authors. One-third of the Tai Chi students stopped using medications during the course of the study, compared with one-sixth in the stretching/education group.

Researchers noted that both studies were small, and that more research was needed with larger numbers of participants and different instructors, to see if successful ratios held up.

Short URL: http://www.sure-start.com/?p=1693

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Yoga benefits Kent State faculty and staff

Yoga benefits Kent State faculty and staff
A tropical beach getaway is closer than faculty and staff may know. That’s exactly where Mary Ann Devine, associate professor in the department of foundation, leadership and administration, feels like she is when she attends yoga classes at the Women’s Resource Center. “This class offers a great mid-day escape,” she said. “It’s like you get to go to the beach for an hour to be calm and relax …
Read more on Kentwired.com

Playboy nude yoga angers Hindus
A leading Hindu statesman has taken aim at Playboy bosses over a racy new yoga video in which a naked Playmate shows off her body.
Read more on Jam! Showbiz

Some like it hot: Style of yoga warms body, spirit
On a crisp October evening several people shuffled into the Blazy Mall’s Kenai Yoga studio to sweat it out. The room, at a sizzling 90-some degrees, takes a minute to get used to. But the students of Laurie Winslow’s hot yoga class had no problem acquainting themselves with the heat.
Read more on Peninsula Clarion

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Yes, you can get into that yoga position - Belleville News Democrat

WHAT: Yoga originated in India and is used to attain optimal health. There are several branches of yoga with a main goal of creating a balance in body and mind. Postures have specific physical benefits and can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement, or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect alignment. Poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher trained.

BENEFITS: Yoga will help build strength and stamina, improve balance and increase flexibility. It can reduce aches and pains, help lower blood pressure and improve the ability to find peace and relaxation. "Yoga enhances our life because of techniques that make the body strong, the mind clear and sharp, and the emotions steady and calm," instructor Jan Rule said.

GET STARTED: Many local YMCAs and gyms offer yoga classes. Stillpointe Wellness Center, 2135 Dorothy Drive off of Townhall Road in Belleville, has classes at 8:30 a.m. Mondays, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For changes and more classes, check their online calendar at www.stillpointe.org. Lotus Arts Studio, 6966 W. Main St. in Belleville, also offers classes daily. Check their schedule at www.lotus-arts.net. Information on local YMCA classes is available at www.ymcaswil.org.

COST: Classes are free to members of most local gyms and YMCA's. Stillpointe Wellness Center charges a $10 drop-in fee or $80 for 10 sessions. Lotus Arts Studio holds six-week sessions and charges $60 for one class per week, $105 for two classes a week and drop-in options for some classes at $12 per class. Yoga instructors recommend you bring your own mat, towel and water, but some locations have mats available for new students. Mats start at about $20.

FITS YOU WELL is a weekly look at the range of fitness activities available to you in the metro-east. To suggest an activity, call us at 239-2470. See past installments and the fitness calendar at bnd.com/fitsyouwell.

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