The Yoga rules

By Joseph Van Moorleghem

Bikram Yoga can be classified as a distant cousin of Hatha Yoga. Its founder, Bikram Choudhury, is rumoured to have been inspired into creating this variant of Yoga after having suffered an injury in weightlifting. After discovering that Yoga postures greatly enhanced his recovery, he passed on his knowledge and other people suffering from various injuries experienced the benefits of recovering more rapidly from their ailments.

There are many reasons why the practise of Bikram Yoga can be beneficial to you. The advantages Bikram Yoga bring can totally change your life. This being written, Bikram Yoga is also known as "hot" Yoga and therefore can be considered a variant or westernised version of Ashtanga Yoga.

Compared with Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga depends on the individuals' own personal strength to muster the discipline of learning the eight limbs of practice. One of the main effects of Ashtanga Yoga is that it produced abundant amounts of body heat, which in turn provokes abundant sweating. This helps in detoxifying the body, a process necessary for the purification of the individual on the path to samahdi. The practice of Bikram Yoga differentiates itself from Ashtanga by the use of warmed rooms. Temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity levels of 40% help achieving the detoxifying of the body and speeds up the healing process of injuries.

Another good reason for taking up Bikram Yoga is that it has been "westernised", or adapted to the needs of western capitalistic society. While having been designed as a physical therapy for people with injuries, Bikram Yoga dispenses with the goal of achieving samahdi and concentrates on the immediate benefits of practising postures and breathing. Having modelled his distribution methods on the mould of franchising, Bikram Yoga soon became an American phenomenon while making its founder enormously wealthy.

More recently, the founder of Bikram Yoga hit the news headlines when he decided to obtain legal rights for his Yoga franchises. Most Yoga purists would sneer at this attitude, as this goes against the very foundation of post classical yoga, which aims at the liberation of all individuals. One could argue that Bikram Yoga is a form a physical therapy based on traditional Yoga without the constraints that the practise of traditional yoga impose. Having westernised his type of Yoga, its founder reaps the benefits and rewards for his strategy. Alas, he also has to confront the dangers that come with the commercialisation of his product.

Joe is webmaster for mahasaya.com and yogi4u.com where he pursues his passion for spiritual work, self-growth and self-realization. He is happy to make available his experience and 30 years of intense personal research, meditations and in-depth questioning around the three subjects mentioned here above and strives to create a network of like minded adepts. You can post on his two sites, either http://mahasaya.com or the blog at http://www.yogi4u.com and he looks forward to your contributions.

By Joseph Van Moorleghem

There is a vast ocean of knowledge on the subject of Yoga, so whether one is a beginner or considered a master, it is one of the subjects where one keeps on learning until one reaches the portal of illumination.

There are by default an equal amount of definitions on the subject of Yoga as there are individuals alive on earth and every single one of these definitions is the only correct one. Indeed, this very definition could be classified as a sutra, or "mind boggling" expression of a truth. Please note that I did not write "the truth", but "a truth". And I most certainly would not classify the above definition as a sutra, as it would be a lack of true modesty, which is a characteristic of the true yoga adept, or pupil on the path.

But it will do to demonstrate by example what sutras are. It has become clear to me that sutras have but one goal: give the mind a stupendous jolt. As the mind is responsible for your survival, it cannot but create a sense of "self". To help the pupil circumvent the veil that the mind creates to keep that sense of "self" as a tangible reality, the stupendous "jolt" will keep the mind busy, maybe long enough for the pupil to realize he has the opportunity to go and take a look behind the veil.

Indeed, truth is like a many faceted diamond: it changes when there is an minute difference of the angle from which one looks at it. Two people looking at the same diamond at the same time will definitely and invariably produce quite remarkably different descriptions of the same stone. No wonder diamonds are referred to as the masters of the mineral kingdom.

The first great Yoga master to use the technique of "mind boggling" expressions of truth (or Sutra) was Master Patanjali, who left us a treasure of sutras. It is rumored by adepts of Yoga that if one manages to understand them all, and there are several hundred, illumination of the pupil happens automatically.

The people who are born and raised in the West are ill equipped to deal with Yoga, that is easily understood. The extremely competitive environment, the continual repression of non scientifically proven fact, the speed at which people need to live to keep up constitutes a formidable barrier to surmount if one is to start with the practice of Yoga.

The benefits one can derive from taking up the practice of Yoga are too numerous to be addressed here, a number of posts on this particular aspect of Yoga will follow.

Joe is webmaster for mahasaya.com and yogi4u.com where he pursues his passion for spiritual work, self-growth and self-realization. He is happy to make available his experience and 30 years of intense personal research, meditations and in-depth questioning around the three subjects mentioned hereabove and strives to create a network of like minded adepts. You can post on his two sites, either http://mahasaya.com or the blog at http://www.yogi4u.com and he looks forward to your contributions.

By Joseph Van Moorleghem

Ashtanga Yoga is one of many branches of yoga and was developed by Master Vamana Rishi who described his method in a hand written work named Korune Yoga. The modern branch of Ashtanga Yoga was founded by Master K. Pattabhi Jois who received his initiation from Sri Krishnamacharia and is usually categorised under Hatha Yoga, which has evolved from the original Sutras of Patanjali. Ashtanga Yoga is also known as Eight Limb Yoga. It postulates that the path of purification is made up of eight limbs of spiritual practice.

The first four limbs that Ashtanga Yoga proposes to master are - yama (do, attached to a moral code), niyama (don't do, attached to purifying the body and study), Asana (Mastering Postures) and Pranayama (control of breath). These are considered cleansing practices which are externally correctable. The other set of limbs, - pratyahara (dissolution), dhyana (concentration), dharana (meditation) and samadhi (unity) are the internal practices.

All eight limbs can only be mastered simultaneously by the proper application of the Ashtanga Yoga method. This type of yoga method is viewed sometimes as quite dangerous to the mind. Considering that the goal of Yoga is to look beyond the veil created by the ego (to attain samahdi), which in turn is a creation of the mind, this seems only to comply with logic.

But ego was also created as a safeguard, and the mind was created by nature, which by analogy could be substituted by the word "God". As it is safe to suppose that God is perfect, so it would be safe to suppose that the creation of God, the mind, is also perfect. Again, by analogy, in order to get past the mind and bypass the ego it created, the candidate will have to be exceptionally well prepared if with his consciousness he is to look beyond the veil.

As opposed to intellectually inclined persons who would be able to attain samahdi (illumination) by the study and understanding of Patanjali's Sutras, so is Ashtanga Yoga more suited to physically rooted individuals, who will make use of the extreme discipline one is required to impose on the body to attain the same state.

Master K. Pattabhi Jois said that practicing these Eight Limbs and also its sub-limbs of external practices, which include yama and niyama, is not impossible. But in doing so, the body should be strong, so that it can perform the practices well enough. If the body is weak, and the sense organs are not functioning well, practicing will never allow for the ultimate goal (samahdi) to be reached.

However, practising this branch of Hatha Yoga (from witch also Power Yoga was derived) will always bring improved health and a stronger more vibrant body.

Joe is webmaster for mahasaya.com and yogi4u.com where he pursues his passion for spiritual work, self-growth and self-realization. He is happy to make available his experience and 30 years of intense personal research, meditations and in-depth questioning around the three subjects mentioned here above and strives to create a network of like minded adepts. You can post on his two sites, either http://mahasaya.com or the blog at http://www.yogi4u.com and he looks forward to your contributions.

By Paul Jerard

No overruling organization for yoga instructors determines official, professional behavior standards, or even certification. Yoga professionals still debate over where certain lines should be drawn. Yet, certain ethics are inherent in the yogic path, and yoga instructors will do well to adhere to them.

The most important thing to remember, as a yoga teacher, is that you are helping to shape the well-being of your students, through your instruction. Respect the place that you occupy as a teacher. Instructors have to keep a tenuous balance that can be quite difficult. A balance must be found between healthy objectivity and the role of transcendental guide.

Each student is on his, or her, own path to wholeness. This wholeness involves a gestation of physical and emotional matters, often leading to charged feelings in the students. The focus of the yoga instructor should be to allow students to seek, and find, solutions to their own needs, in the learning process. Instructors must not focus on their own desires; otherwise, the growing process of both the students and the instructors will be stunted.

The nature of a yoga class is intimate. There is a great deal of focus on the body and opening of the body and a measure of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual release. Instructors often must touch their students to assist or correct a physical posture.

All of the students are paying close attention to the movements of the instructor. Some students will become infatuated, or attached, as they associate their release of tension, and spiritual growth, with that person. A compassionate yoga instructor is a guide, who shows his or her students, that the true teacher is already within each student.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Jonathan Klemens

Yoga is one of the most famous and globally widespread of India's traditions. It has existed as a system of exercise, breathing, and meditation for over 5,000 years. The word "Yoga" means "to join or yoke together" - bringing the body and mind together into a harmonious experience. The exercises are designed to apply gentle pressure to the glandular system thereby toning the glands and improving total health. The breathing techniques are based on the principle that the "breath" is the source of life in the body. Meditation calms the mind and body and prepares one to handle stress.

The Upanishads (ancient Hindu texts) define Yoga as a state of gokumu jisho "extreme nothing self nature." Essentially, one's consciousness becomes himself. According to Tsuruji Sahota: "When the five senses stop their function and the judging mind stops its function as well, people call it the ultimate state. To control the organs of the body is regarded as Yoga." The organs are controlled and toned by drawing energy up through the seven major energy centers, or chakras. The ultimate goal is to reach the topmost chakra and achieve self-illumination. When certain postures and disciplines are followed, energies that have accumulated and stagnated are moved through the chakras. The practicing of Yoga releases these stagnant energies that would potentially cause various ailments (see below).

THE SEVEN MAJOR ENERGY CENTERS (CHAKRAS)

CROWN CHAKRA - SELF-ILLUMINATION RELATED TO BRAIN, PITUITARY AND PINEAL GLANDS

THIRD EYE CHAKRA RELATED TO EYES, PITUITARY AND PINEAL GLANDS

THROAT CHAKRA (ETHER) RELATED TO LUNGS, VOICE, EARS, NOSE AND THROAT

HEART CHAKRA (AIR) RELATED TO HEART AND CIRCULATION

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA (FIRE) RELATED TO DIGESTION

SACRAL CHAKRA (WATER) RELATED TO GENERATIVE AND SEXUAL FUNCTIONS

BASE CHAKRA (EARTH) RELATED TO GENERATIVE AND SEXUAL FUNCTIONS

Each chakra is related to a specific area of the body, such as the head, heart, sacral area. Some add an eighth Thymus Chakra.

Even though Yoga predates Hinduism by several centuries, it is often mistakenly associated with this religion. It must be emphasized that Yoga is not a religion it has no creed or fixed set of beliefs. One does not need to be concerned about conflicts with one's beliefs.

The scholar, Patanjali, compiled one of the earliest texts related to Yoga. He devised basic Yoga theories and practices in his text called Yoga Sutras as early as the 1st to 5th century B.C. Most forms of Yoga practiced today are based on variations of his system often referred to as Classical Yoga. Even though Americans were first introduced to Yoga during the late 1800's, it didn't become popular until the 1960's, and then as part of the youth culture. In recent years, many are realizing the value Yoga to manage stress, limber a stiff body, improve health and well-being and better understand oneself.

One can better decide if Yoga offers something of personal benefit by considering the eight steps of Classical Yoga:

1. "Restraint" - Refraining from violence, stealing, lying, hoarding and casual sex.

2. "Observance" - Attributes of purity, contentment, tolerance, remembrance and study.

3. "Physical Exercises" - The actual exercising step.

4. "Breathing Techniques" - Special breathing techniques.

5. "Preparation for Meditation" - Refers to "withdrawing the mind from the senses."

6. "Concentration" - Being able to hold one thing in the mind for a period of time.

7. "Meditation" - Being able to focus on one thing, or nothing, indefinitely.

8. "Absorption" - The realization of the essential nature of self.

Physical exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation are the core of most modern Western Yoga classes. Yoga practice is non-competitive. You proceed at your own pace. Relaxing the muscles and keeping them warm is very important. There is an old Yoga quote that states: "Even iron will bend when it is warm!"

There are actually over a hundred different schools of Yoga. Some of the more popular schools to consider include:

Hatha Yoga - Based on physical movements, postures, and breathing techniques (most

familiar school).

Raja Yoga - Called the "Royal Road," it incorporates exercise, breathing, meditation

and study (a well rounded school of Yoga).

Jnana Yoga - The path of wisdom (considered the most difficult path of Yoga).

Yoga is a system of techniques that can be practiced by most adults of any age or physical condition. Even those with physical limitations can benefit from yoga. Women menstruating, pregnant, or nursing should not practice Yoga. Ideally, the best way to start the practice Yoga is to find a qualified instructor. A second alternative would be to purchase a good book or tape. If you're not sure where to start your search for Yoga classes, check out adult education programs, holistic centers, family YMCA programs, health food or nutrition stores or community newspapers. CAUTION: A qualified instructor is essential to learn proper technique and to prevent injury.

By Paul Jerard

Yoga increases flexibility by stretching and lengthening the muscles of the body. Stretching is a big help for any kind of back pain. Yoga poses require students to stretch and hold their bodies in a variety of ways that lengthen interconnecting muscles.

Instead of just stretching the area that hurts, yoga affects the entire body. When a student decides to make yoga practice a regular part of his or her lifestyle, all the muscles of the body learn to work together. This results in providing longer lasting relief, which increases with regular yoga practice. Stretching also increases circulation, which relieves back pain.

In daily life, the muscles that support the back rarely get properly worked out. For proper support of the back, many muscles around the core of the body must be strong. Yoga strengthens these muscles and brings muscle groups into balance.

For most people who spend much of their day seated, facing their computer, and leaning slightly forward, their hips will take on much of the pressure. The hips are also staying mostly stationary and locked in position.

When the hips become weak and stiff from this day-to-day atrophying, proper posture and support is lost. Yoga poses, such as the triangle pose, open up the hips when properly done. Novice yogis must make sure to get in-person instruction from a competent teacher, before attempting any yoga pose.

An emphasis on yoga poses (asanas) is a science of good posture. Yoga instruction teaches the proper way to move between poses and hold a pose during class. Yet, the posture practice transcends the class into daily life, which teaches us to sit and stand in healthy ways, during the course of a day.

These lessons provide a comprehensive program of movements to stretch, strengthen, and retrain all areas of the body. Basically the body is being taught how to move again.

For example: Pelvic tilts, or the bridge pose, warm up the hips and lower back before progressing to more complicated postures. The cat-cow pose, and downward facing dog, are also recommended for back pain.

Cautiously practicing the forward spinal stretching of the plow pose, with proper guidance, relieves discomfort in both the upper and lower back and increases spinal flexibility. This pose is sometimes recommended to accompany the shoulder stand pose. As previously mentioned, the triangle pose helps back pain and posture. This pose is easier for less flexible yoga practitioners.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Paul Jerard

Yoga cannot replace the medical treatment that cancer survivors must experience. However, gentle, restorative yoga speeds the recovery process and provides therapeutic healing to a ravaged body.

Cancer does not discriminate, and strikes young and old with impunity. The good thing about yoga is that it offers an appropriate therapy, exercise program, and even life path, for anyone young, old, or in between. The benefits go far beyond improved flexibility and relaxation. Yoga sets cancer survivors on the road to healing, with a life-centered focus and a real way to cope.

Health care facilities, around the world, are now incorporating yoga therapy into their cancer recovery centers. Medical professionals are beginning to recognize the extraordinary benefits yoga provides to patients. The difficult road of recovery back from cancer is not always lit well enough within basic clinical care. Yoga focuses on the union of mind, body, breath, emotion, and spirit, to finally give cancer survivors a holistic leg to stand on.

People recovering, from most types of cancer, share at least a few maladies. Fatigue is the most common. Any time the body is subjected to high stress situations, such as - surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and pain, fatigue is an obvious result.

As part of the recovery process - The body has been fighting a disease and then fighting to heal. Regular yoga practice will increase energy levels, and allow those recovering from cancer, to feel able again. Yoga postures strengthen and tone core muscles in the body. This low-impact movement also improves circulation and mobility.

The particular postures and yoga routine, that will help someone recovering from cancer, will be prescribed on an individual basis. There are many types of cancers, and what may benefit one recovery, or individual, may not be as effective in the case of another. That is why highly trained, and expert yogis, are so important for therapeutic yoga and cancer recovery. Knowledge of particular healing or therapeutic properties, of each posture, breathing method, and other yogic healing aspects, is indispensable.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Sarah Noelle Williams

There are now variety of cuts and colors available for yoga pants to suit exactly every yogi's character and fashion desires. Some are in capris styles while others are in full-length. There are also leggings, bootlegs, and cropped ones. Companies nowadays also create pants from either cotton, linen, synthetic weaves, or silk. But what is it that really makes a good pair of yoga pants?

First, look for yoga pants that would work well with the different yoga exercises. Remember that flexibility is a fundamental factor in yoga sessions that's why it is important to pick an outfit that will let you move without limitations. Made of either cotton nor synthetic knits, what matters is that it should allow you to do a full-extent flexibility while it is also embracing your body. The idea is to assure that the yogi does the poses correctly and that it can be seen sharply. In that sense, you should opt for lightweight and stretchy ones - those which will make you feel like you are not wearing any pants at all. Consequently, such outfit can let your body breathe and discharge toxins.

You can also workout in style and comfort with flared yoga pants that are made out of bamboo stretch terry, which are the same materials used for sweatshirts. They don't just complement your body's movements; but they are also fabricated with a spacious and breezy fit. Thus, they are certified to flow with every yogi's bend and turn. Usually, these pants appeal most for people who adore natural fabrics. Keep in mind that it is a must to workout with clothes that are made with 100% cotton because it can absorb the moisture well enough, allowing your skin to breath. They won't just make you look good, but they will also let you feel great!

Moreover, an antimicrobial finish for your yoga pants is also a plus because they restrict the growth of bacteria in your garments. Even though they are particularly designed for for yoga classes, other people also wear them during gym workout sessions, aerobics and dance classes, and even martial arts. That's why bumping off the bacteria that causes foul odor helps a lot too.

So dress up fairly well during your next yoga session! Keep this simple thought when you're out in the market buying a new pair of yoga pants: stay free and relaxed no matter how tough it gets!

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

Become a SuperMember too! http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/community/super-member-page.asp

By Paul Jerard

Anyone can practice yoga and not eat a specific diet. Yet, devoted yogis have paid close attention to their diet, as a part of yoga practice, for centuries. For the whole health benefit of yoga, one must pay close attention to nutrition.

Discussions about yoga, and yoga benefits, are mostly centered on the movements of the practice. The focus on holistic nutrition is often swept aside. Yet, this is an essential element of whole body health. In a society where pre-packaged foods are easier to find than fresh vegetables and fruit, no wonder we have the health problems we do.

Paying attention to what you put into your body helps you listen to your body as well. The foods that are encouraged in yoga nutrition are whole foods, mainly of lacto-vegetarian origin. Whole foods are those that are as close to their natural state as possible. No alterations or pre-processing has been done to them.

Basically, they are the simplest, most natural form, of the food available. Whole foods should be eaten close to their original source, and in season, when possible. Buy foods in their natural form, not packaged. Know the source of your food, and make sure it is as chemical and additive-free as possible.

These processed, packaged, and "spoiled," are classified in the yoga diet as tamasic. Foods that contain excessive spices, or salt, are also classified as tamasic. These foods cause lethargy, laziness, and an intolerant temper. Sound familiar?

Have you ever felt this way after eating a meal high in salt and preservatives? You did so for good reason. These foods do not support the body's functions or the mind's balance. They do the exact opposite. Reason becomes foggy and emotions grow dark. Eating too much, which is nearly encouraged in our society, is also classified as tamasic. Isn't your well-being reason enough to look at a different way of eating?

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Sarah Noelle Williams

Fit and peaceful. Happy and energetic. No one can argue or deny the therapeutic benefits of yoga. We all know that it is an activity done to unite the body, mind, and spirit. It will make a person become more aware of his or her body's alignment, posture, and movement. Yoga also helps in making the body become more flexible and and relaxed even if you are halfway through stress and anxiety.

It has been practiced for thousands of years and researches were also done to exhibit the health benefits of yoga. Later on, yoga postures, breathing, and meditation were proven to be helpful in several categories: physiological, psychological, and biochemical. It increases a person's endurance and grip strength and helps in improving sleeping habits. Yoga also advances the amount of Vitamin C and hemoglobin in the body. More positive effects can be seen as it helps in improving mood, memory, and even learning efficiency!

The top benefits of yoga include the boosting of the immune system, reduction of stress, and detoxification of the body. It has a soothing effect that takes away stress as it stimulates the tissues, organs, and the muscles.

Doctors and practitioners agree when it comes to the healing powers and benefits of yoga; that's why most of them also propose practicing the activity as backup therapy for different illnesses. It can relieve back pain and other unhealthy conditions such as fatigue, asthma, and diabetes. Moreover, yoga does not only solve physical conditions. Research also says that even a terminal illness, such as cancer, also benefit from the practice of yoga. Cancer patients who go for this activity usually take a more relaxed and better sleep. Not only that, yoga can also defeat the chance of acquiring breast cancer for women.

Additionally, yoga is also for those people who want to lose weight. Yes! When done correctly and regularly, it can certainly give anyone a slim figure. That is, again, one of the magical benefits of yoga. It allows all the muscles in the body to work and by targeting areas like the thighs, abdomen, and waist, you can easily tone them evenly. That is why no one can underestimate what yoga can do. Aside from a long-term weight loss, it also helps in increasing metabolism and a person's will power and discipline, which are all major factors in a diet.

Emotional well-being is necessary in any recovery and yoga is a good remedy and answer to that! The health benefits of yoga and its calming effect give a great impact for the mind and the body. Because with yoga, you can relax and exercise at the same time. Generally, it is indeed a total healing.

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

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By Paul Jerard

Almost everyone has had some sort of back pain during the course of their lives. For most, it eventually goes away. For some, however, back pain never goes away. Yoga could be the answer to back pain.

Recent studies show that regular yoga practice can have an extraordinary effect on relieving the stiffness and agony of chronic back pain.

Yoga provides relief from back pain in several different ways. This has to do with the way the spine is affected by the alignment and function of all the parts of the body. The condition of the legs, hips, pelvis, shoulders and even the buttocks, influences the condition of the back. Due to this, as you improve strength and flexibility throughout the body, your back is in better shape.

The vast majority of people, do not pay terribly close attention to the way they move and hold their bodies, throughout the day. Sometimes we hold ourselves in ways that harm, rather than support our frame. Often we entertain poor posture or sit awkwardly most of the day in an office chair, allowing stress and tension to overtake our muscles and mind.

Studies reveal that yoga is better than conventional exercise because of this very element. Yoga involves a great deal of mental focus and a purposeful mindset. While performing poses, yoga students are instructed to pay close attention to their breath. Meditation and visualization create a direct link between the movements of the body and breathing. These interconnecting elements trigger high degrees of body awareness.

The result is that even when people are not doing yoga, they will still become aware of how they may have been moving and positioning their bodies in unhealthy ways. In turn, people who practice yoga make better and healthier choices in movement, consciously and unconsciously. They experience a higher degree of flexibility and range of movement. Not only that, yoga reduces overall muscle tension, which is a big cause of back pain.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Paul Jerard

Yoga, and Ayurveda, classifies food into three categories: Rajasic, Satvic, and Tamasic. Let's discuss two of those three categories.

Rajasic foods are stimulating and provide energy. Too much of these foods, which are sometimes high fat, can cause restlessness and weight gain. However, in moderation, they can be used in the yogic diet to perform their purpose. Foods in this category are sour or pungent foods, like onions, garlic, curry, meat, and beverages, such as coffee and teas.

The foods to focus, on including in your diet, are sattvic foods. These are the purest foods that promote health and provide an even energy. Honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, lentils, yogurt and other dairy, make up much of these foods.

Rice and grains are also in this category, providing fiber and assisting digestion. Little, to no preparation, is done to the foods before consumption. In this way, nutrition goes undisturbed with foods which are served raw or lightly cooked. These foods provide the highest degree of benefits and nourish the body. Sattvic foods keep the body balanced and are the most thoroughly absorbed and incorporated.

Impure, highly processed, and synthetic foods, not only isolate the nourishing benefits of foods - they also cause imbalanced conditions. These conditions cause discomfort, obesity, and disease. Most diseases are linked to diet in a major way. Seek to create balance in your body through your diet.

Any change in diet is difficult because it is a lifestyle change. Lifestyle changes are the only way to see long-term benefits. This is why fad diets are so terrible for the body. The more widely the pendulum swings, the less equilibrium you will experience.

Ancient yogis very much understood this and sought to balance their body, mind, and spirit, in all ways. While you will find great improvement through regular yoga practice, without intentional eating, it will be limited. Make the effort to create a new life balance for yourself through the yoga diet.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Ntathu Allen

If you are feeling stressed, anxious or tired, you may experience tension headaches, neck pain or discomfort. The practice of yoga is the ideal way to learn how to naturally enhance your physical health and emotional well-being. The following simple yoga stretches and breathing exercise will help to ease stiffness and tension in your neck, shoulders and upper back muscles.

As with any form of exercise, please exercise caution, respect and patience for your body and consult your GP before you embark on an exercise programme.

- Lower your head to your chest, breath in as you lift your head to look forward, then breathe out as you lower your head backwards. Repeat 3 - 7 times.

- Keeping your head erect, turn your head to look to the right, back to the centre, then all the way to the left. Repeat 3-7 times each direction. Taking time to breathe slowly and deeply with each movement.

- Raise your right shoulder, then drop it down. Repeat with left shoulder. Repeat 3 - 7 times each shoulder. Raise both shoulders at once, then lower them down again. Repeat 3 -7 times.

- Finally, link your fingers together and stretch your arms high above your head. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply for 3 - 5 times. Lower arms. Repeat 3 - 5 times.

Breathing to De-Stress

- Sitting comfortable on your chair, feet flat on the floor, straight spine, hands resting on your thighs. Close your eyes, relax your face. Relax your shoulders. Next:

" Breathe in slowly and fully through your nostrils for a count of four

" Hold the breathe for a count of four

" Exhale slowly for a count of four

Repeat this breathing pattern 4-7 times and then return to normal breathing.

Self Massage

Massage your Ears to relax and unwind:

- Sitting comfortably, straight spine, feet flat on the floor, gently "walk" your fingers around your ear lobes, gently pulling your ears as you massage the ears. Repeat 3 -5 times in both directions.

Repeat theses simple yoga stretches, breathing techniques and massage regularly during your day.

Registered Polarity Practitioner and Hatha Yoga Teacher, Ntathu inspires and supports you in your health and wellness journey. She offers private 1-2-1 yoga at home sessions, yoga at work and yoga for children. Through the practice and teachings of Yoga and Polarity Therapy Treatments, she helps you learn simple yoga stretches, meditation and relaxation techniques which you can use to release stress, boost your energy, relax and, feel more alive. Email ntathu@yogainspires.co.uk to sign up for your free Yoga and Polarity monthly enewsletter, "Healing for Soul" - full of simple health building exercises, relaxation techniques and inspirations which you can use to reduce stress, boost your creativity and experience inner and outer peace.

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By Sarah Noelle Williams

The procedure of yoga poses are meant to enhance both the mind and body. It takes discipline, dedication, and daily practice to carry out these poses. But the prize is always worth the patience and hard work. One can certainly gain strength and better health with the regular yoga exercises or the Asanas. It can boost resistance and build up the mental awareness too. All it requires is for you to learn the poses and deliver it slowly as you manipulate your mind and body.

Warming-up before the actual yoga poses is very substantial in the activity. You need to do it before a session starts so that your physical health and built would be appropriate for the exercises. It can also help to put your body together for tougher poses that you might want to try later on.

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

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

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

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

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

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By Sarah Noelle Williams

The ancestry of the classic Tantra started as early as the Indus Valley civilization. The principal goal is to integrate or unify the male and female perspectives within an individual in order to attain artistic thinking and spiritual conversion. According to the beliefs back then, one way to accomplish that aim is by doing the Tantric Yoga Positions.

By "Tantra", we mean expansion, while "Yoga" is concentration. Thus, the Tantric yoga positions pertain to directing and increasing a person's energy in order to carry out the goals of tantra. The act is more than just a training or an ordinary workout; it is also a principle of life. The practice can be found on different beliefs and ideas, such as Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and even the New Age Movement.

Tantric yoga positions and the practice itself also consider our universe as an expression of either the Cosmic Mother (Shakti), the Spirit, or even the life force, depending on what faith or religion they based it on. Frankly, it is not easy to become an expert on these because it cannot simply be understood through reading books. A yogi who wants to go through this practice must be fully-dedicated to the guru in order to win it out.

This is how typical tantric yoga positions and courses go: With a mind free from obscene or unclean ideas and yearnings, the guru just sits peacefully. The student, on the other hand, assembles his or her own life force with the use of perception and cognition. Then it moves up from the tail bone to the neck, and through the spine, and until it reaches the yogi's forehead. The accumulated results will then eventually be disposed from the forehead to create a frame of light and energy which will unfold until it becomes the size of a human being.

The fictitious frame of light and energy corresponds to the yogi's being and significance. Tantric yoga positions govern love towards it before taking it back to the person's forehead, and back down to the spine. Once the light bounced back inside, the yogi will experience spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

Tantric yoga positions and practices are good resolutions to get away from unfavorable habits like drinking and smoking. Indeed, it is a good way to maintain a good health and live a clean life. Only that, the yogi must have full certainty, purity, boldness, and commitment to the guru.

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

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By Rohit Tomar

Today's education system is highly stressful. And under stress, not only does the brain not function well, but children should be made to relax and improve their memory so that they do well. A relaxed brain leads to deeper insight. It is a well-known fact that Newton and Archimedes made their famous discoveries while they were relaxing, the former in a garden and the latter, in the bathtub. But in today's world, recreation alone cannot eliminate stress completely. The following yogic techniques improve memory, while providing the necessary rest to the brain tissues.

Sambhavi mudra:This position leads to the production of alpha brain waves immediately,indicating a relaxed mind. It can be practiced any time and in any position.

1 Roll the eyes up and cross them,look at the mid point of the two eyebrows.

2 Maintain the position of the eyes for a comfortable duration. Do not strain the eyes too much

Trataka:This is a form of meditation that de-stresses the mind.

1 Sit down in cross-legged posture, keeping the back straight.

2 Place a lighted candle in front of you at an arm's distance.

3 Close your eyes and still your body.

4 Concentrate on your natural breath for 2-3 minutes.

5 Open your eyes and look at the brightest spot in the candle flame.

6 Gaze steadily without blinking for 2-3 minutes(close your eyes before they start to water).

7 You will see the after image before the closed eyes.Concentrate on that image till it fades.

8 Open your eyes.This is one round. Practice three times.To rest the tired eyes,rub palms till they are warm and place them on your closed eyes for 8-10 seconds.

This should not be done for more than a month at a stretch,to protect the delicate retina.Some object such as a black dot, a flower or God's image can be used alternately.

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By Sarah Noelle Williams

Kundalini yoga concentrates on the controlled discharge of the serpent power or the Kundalini energy which is located at the base of our spine. It is said to take the form of a snake. As it is awakened, it is then moved from the spine all the way up to the brain, resulting to a magnificent state of euphoria and enlightenment. That's why at present, it is known to be the most competent type of yoga. Its practice includes meditation, the standard chants and poses in yoga, as well as the coordination of one's breath and movement. However, what makes this practice unique is that the stress is given on the breathing and chanting, and not on the poses alone. And its benefits for the yogis? A sense of unity and spiritual conversion.

Moreover, it was Yogi Bhajan who presented Kundalini yoga to the west in 1969. It is directed more on Pranayama and Mantra; and the revived Kundalini passes through the centers of counsciousness, or the Seven Chakras, in the human body. Each of these Chakras gives a particular gift and adventure when triggered.

For a full understanding of Kundalini yoga and the maneuver of the so-called "snake", you should also have a sufficient education on the nervous system, especially on the spinal cord. It is concluded that the Seven Chakras are located in this particular part of the human body.

But how does one start with Kundalini yoga? There are several ways. First, of course, is the preparation, assembly, and exercise of the mind; then one is free to seek the assistance of an expert in the field. Going back to the basics of Pranayama, Mantras, and Asanas can also be a good onset. You can also do it with the practice of Jnana, Bhakta, and Hatha yoga. However, do not forget that it can begin from the simplest steps such as benevolence and mental inquiry.

It is not advisable that one should go start with Kundalini yoga with the wrong steps. If one forcefully tries to awaken the Kundalini energy, it will definitely result to dangerous symptoms; because just like the genuine snakes, it strikes hard when provoked. That's why it should be handled in a professional manner. These are just some of the negative when the practice is done the wrong way:

-Stress & depression
-Irregular breathing
-Epilepsy
-Mental confusion & immoral behavior
-Headache or a heavy feeling in the head
-Psychosis
-Intensive mood swings

Kundalini yoga does not really require too much effort, since only the basic attitudes are needed - commitment, diligence, and determination to the practice. They say it is the mother of all styles of Yoga. Some yogis also consider it to be the most powerful type of yoga they ever got into. True enough, it brings paramount and worthy effects, but they can also be brutal when not delivered properly.

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

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By Katie Carwell

While it is undeniable that the benefits of yoga are endless and far reaching many are still skeptical of a new trend being called yoga facial toning. The yoga element will definitely produced positive results but does it actually give you a face lift without the surgery? This may indeed be one of those things you may just have to tryout to find the answer for yourself.

Yoga facial toning is considered to be a specific exercise program which stimulates, firms, and lifts every muscle of the face and neck. The claim is that by exercising these muscle there will be a reduction of sagging skin and the disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Many also believe the stimulation of the facial muscles will also lead to a clear complexion.

During a yoga facial toning class the face is ultimately the focus but be aware of the fact you will not just be sitting in a chair making faces at your instructor, it is generally believed that proper form involves your heart being higher that your head. The facial poses are often combined with yoga body poses and breathing techniques to allow for an increased flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to all parts and aspects of the head including the face, neck, scalp and brain.

The facial poses are very precise as technique and form are considered key. In general terms some of the facial expressions utilized are looking surprised, puffing out your cheeks, looking like you are kissing someone, and wagging your tongue. The premise is that exercising the muscles of the face and neck will result in drastic improvements of an aged face and also prevention of further damage. All muscles in your body regardless of where they are located will experience atrophy when not used and stimulated.

There are additional side effects of facial yoga that may indeed lead to a younger appearance. Yoga is centered around the body, mind and spirit connection and the balance of ones vital force. When you leave a yoga class you will definitely experience an unexplainable combination of feels including increased energy, at peace, free of stress, and a sense of clarity which leads to a shift in awareness. If you feel more vibrant you will most certainly look more vibrant. In addition, we most certainly wear stress on our faces, therefore it stands to reason we should also see in the face when this stress is alleviated.

Whatever the reason, many people swear by facial yoga toning so it may require some experimentation on your part to determine for yourself if this is a trend you want to be a part of. If yoga facial toning does indeed return the toted results it is definitely a great alternative to the cost and risk that surgery offers. At the very least it would offer the proven benefits of total body yoga not to mention laughs and good hearted fun, where else can you stick out your tongue and not get a disapproving look.

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