Alternative Medicine Natural Health » Yoga http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com Natural Therapies Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:55:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Mudra & Bandha http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/mudra-banda/ http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/mudra-banda/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:45:56 +0000 admin http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/?p=132 Research Maha Bandha (the great lock) & Trataka technique & explore how effects blood pressure & contraindications & benefits. Maha bandha is the fourth bandha. The first three are Mula bandha (base/root lock), Uddiyana bandha (abdominal lift lock) and Jalandhara bandha (throat lock). The bandha’s are locks that help contain Pranic energy within the body and [...]]]>

Research Maha Bandha (the great lock) & Trataka technique & explore how effects blood pressure & contraindications & benefits.

Maha bandha is the fourth bandha. The first three are Mula bandha (base/root lock), Uddiyana bandha (abdominal lift lock) and Jalandhara bandha (throat lock). The bandha’s are locks that help contain Pranic energy within the body and redirect its flow. Maha bandha is simply the combination of the first three locks actively used simultaneously. Maha bandha creates heat in the body and precautions must be taken when practicing this technique for instance persons with high blood pressure should avoid this as the compression and excess heat created could impact these conditions. Women who are pregnant can practice Mula bandha as this can actual help strengthen the base muscles which help support the excess pressure from carrying a baby. Additionally having strenghtened these muscles will help the mother once she has given birth, reducing the chances of bladder weakness and so on. Pregnant women should not practice Uddiyana bandha or Jalandhara bandas as these can create to much internal heat and pressure on the uterus.

The benefits of practicing the bandhas are as follows:
COMBINED BENEFITS:
• Restorative
• Increased energy through conservation, containing & redirecting energy
• Strengthening & lengthening
• Improves overall function of all bodily systems

MULA BANDHA
• Protects the muscles of the lower back & helps hinging action in forward bends
• Helps contain energy & reduce leakage of pranha
• Potentially enhances sexual experience

UDDIYANA BANDHA
• Internal massage of the digestive tract & organs
• Strengthens & lengthens the abdominal muscles creating space for the organs & helping to protect the back muscles through support & stability
• Upward lifting action assists the compression of the diaphragm against the inhalation pressure of the lungs
• Helps lymph move to its major organs

JALANDHARA BANDHA
• Squeezes into the Thyroid & para-thyroid aiding there functioning & can assist in regulating hormone production & energizing
• This final lock full assists the trapping of energy in the body building heat and increasing pressure
• Assists the spine to lengthen and release to help the pranic current flow easily up the spine, this is also good for the function of the CNS


Trataka technique
The Trataka technique is a form of meditation it involves centering one awareness on an object such as a candle whilst meditating. So one focuses the eyes on the object and gently gazing at it one settles into a meditative state. This is a great technique for beginners as it encourages single pointed awareness and focused concentration. This technique can improve eyesight and the optic function.

]]> http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/mudra-banda/feed/ 0 Ardha Matsyendrasana http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/ardha-matsyendrasana/ http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/ardha-matsyendrasana/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:03:40 +0000 admin http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/?p=124 Describe how the posture is performed 1. Bend your left leg and place your left foot over your right leg placing it down on the floor to sit in line with just above the knee. 2. If it is comfortable for you to do so then bend your right leg folding it in so your foot sits just beside your left hip. 3. Take a deep inhalation lengthening your spine and beaming your chest forward. 4. As you begin to exhale place your left hand to press the ground behind your buttock and twist around to gaze over your left shoulder. 5. To assist with the twist press the back of your right arm against the outside of your left knee in a stop sign position. (more advanced students may bind -providing there is no daylight visible between the body/arm and leg) 6. Take a deep breath in, keep your torso raised and your spine long as you exhale to twist a little further, relax the shoulders and focus on your breath. 7. Slowly bring your head back to the front of the room first and then slowly come back into Danasana. 8. Repeat on the opposite side.]]>

Ardha Matsyendrasana (ARE-dah MOT-see-en-DRAHS-anna) English: ardha = half Matsyendra = king of the fish (matsya = fish indra = ruler), a legendary teacher of yoga

Describe how the posture is performed
  1. 1.    Begin from sitting in Dandasana
  2. 1.    Bend your left leg and place your left foot over your right leg placing it down on the floor to sit in line with just above the knee.
  3. 2.    If it is comfortable for you to do so then bend your right leg folding it in so your foot sits just beside your left hip.
  4. 3.    Take a deep inhalation lengthening your spine and beaming your chest forward.
  5. 4.    As you begin to exhale place your left hand to press the ground behind your buttock and twist around to gaze over your left shoulder.
  6. 5.    To assist with the twist press the back of your right arm against the outside of your left knee in a stop sign position. (more advanced students may bind -providing there is no daylight visible between the body/arm and leg)
  7. 6.    Take a deep breath in, keep your torso raised and your spine long as you exhale to twist a little further, relax the shoulders and focus on your breath.
  8. 7.    Slowly bring your head back to the front of the room first and then slowly come back into Danasana.
  9. 8.    Repeat on the opposite side.

Iyengar. B.K.S, 2001 page209-210 http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/485
How long should the pose be held and why? Approx. 30 seconds to 1 minute for beginners is an adequate amount of time in this pose to give a good squeeze and soak. Several minutes for intermediate to advanced students is fine as they are perhaps more flexible and their body is used to this action and its intensity. http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/485
How many repetitions should be performed and why? Once for each side of the body are adequate for this pose providing it is held for an adequate amount of time. A second repetition can be useful as the body’s muscle memory may make round 2 easier and this can provide a deeper stretch.
Describe necessary preparatory poses for the asana and why it is of benefit. It is best to be somewhat warmed prior to commencing this twist to protect the neck and back muscles and also to achieve a deeper twist. Some good preparatory poses would be Ardo Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog) stretches out the necessary muscle groups, Uttanasana (standing forward bend) is a beneficial gentler pose as it also helps to lengthen the back. Utthita Trikonasana also stretches out the sides of the torso and is good in leading up to this pose.
Describe necessary counter poses for the asana (if any). Why are these important? Twists providing they are performed evenly on both sides for the same duration are counter balancing and do not necessarily need any counter poses. Some forward bending can be nice to release the spine and offer further compression and space for the abdominal organs. Janu sirsasana (head-to-knee) or Paschimottanasana (intense stretch of the west) or Upavistha Konasana (seated wide angle pose) can be useful as they are all performed on the floor. One feels safe and nurtured coming forward into these poses after what can be intense for some and being on the floor they sequence well with this posture.

AYA notes, Twists, page 6

& http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/485
Describe contraindications and explain why they are contraindicated in the context of the pose. Students who are pregnant should not practice this pose as soon as they know they are pregnant, as it places to much pressure on the uterus. People with back problems like slipped discs or herniated discs should avoid this posture alternative poses should be used depending on the injury. Other contraindications include any digestive issues like diarrhea, acid reflux etc. however Arda Matsyendrasana can relieve constipation as it stimulates and aids digestive function. When practicing Arda Matsyendrasana one should be careful not to force the neck by twisting it too far it is much better for the twist to occur through the back and for the neck not to be force to avoid injury. AYA notes, Twists, page 6 Kaminoff, Leslie, 2007, Yoga Anatomy, Human Kinetics, USA
Describe how the pose could be taught to a student less able For a beginner or someone with physical ailments the pose can be revised. One can practice with one or both legs stretched out. If both legs are stretched out the hand that is not placed behind the buttocks/back presses against the outside of the corresponding leg to assist with the deepening of the stretch. A block can also be placed behind the student to assist. The pose could also be performed on a chair, one arm behind the back and the back of the other hand pressing against the outside of the leg to assist with leverage in the twist.
Describe how the pose could be taught to more advanced students To bind in this pose certainly increases the stretch and deepens the twist, one could provide gentle adjustments to help a deepen the pose for more advanced students. More focus can be applied to the isolating muscle groups around the spine and the rotating of the torso and lengthening of the spine. Additionally, the pose could be held for longer. There are of course deeper twists also available to more advanced student such h as Marichyasana or revolved triangle pose. AYA notes, Twists, page 6
What are the major joints working? Spinal rotation, neutral extension. Top leg: deep hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation knee flexion. Bottom leg: moderate hip flexion, adduction, external rotation, knee flexion,. Front arm (stop signed): scapula in neutral, glenohumeral external rotation, slight abduction, and flexion moving toward extension, elbow flexion, wrist neutral extension,. Back arm: scapula neutral; glenohumeral external rotation, extension; elbow extension; wrist dorsiflexion.

Kaminoff, Leslie, 2007 page 96-97
Describe the major muscles involved in the asana and briefly describe how they are working in the pose
Major muscles being strengthened and contracted (YANG) are: Major muscles being strengthened and contracted are: Muscles of the legs:

  • ·1    Hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus & semimembranosus), gracilis, sartorius, popliteus, gastrocnemius, tensor facia latae, plantaris
  • ·2    Hip abductor muscles: gluteus minimus & medius, tensor fascia latae, piraformis, obturator externus.
  • ·3    Hip extensors: gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femorius, adductor magnus
  • ·4    Quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis)
  • ·5    Hips: adductor longus, brevis & magnus, pectineus,
  • ·6    Ankle dorsi flexors: tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorium longus, fibularis(perroneus) tertius
  • ·7    Calves: plantaris, gastroncnemius, soleus

Abdominals:

  • ·1    Rectus & transverse abdominis
  • ·2    Internal & external obliques

Muscles of the arms:

·1    Triceps Brachii(medial, long & laterial head) anconeus
(anterior)
·1   Elbow flexors: biceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis, pronator teres

Wrist/hand Flexors: Carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Carpi ulnaris, Digitorum superficialis

Wrist/hand Extensors:

Carpi radialis Longus, Carpi radialis brevis, Digitorum, Carpi Ulnaris Muscles of the neck, chest and shoulders:

  • ·1    Muscles of the upper back & shoulder: deltoid, infrapinatus,
  • ·2    Muscles of the anterior neck: sternocleidomastoid, trapezius and levator scapalae and sternohoid
  • ·3 Muscles of the shoulder external rotators: posterior deltoid, teres minor, supraspinatus, rhomboids major & minor, trapezius scapula, infraspinatus

Muscles of the neck, chest and shoulders: · Muscles of the anterior chest & shoulder: deltoid, pectoralis major & minor, internal & external intercostals · Muscles of the shoulder internal rotators: anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, subscapularis · Muscles of the posterior neck: splenis capitus, trapezius and levator scapulae Muscles of the spine: · Thoracic spine flexors: rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis, obliquus internus abdominis · Lumbar spine flexors: rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis, obliquus internus abdominis, transverse abdominis · Erector spinae

Major muscles being stretched and lengthened (YIN)are: Major muscles being stretched and lengthened are: Muscles of the legs:

  • ·1    Hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus & semimembranosus), gracilis, sartorius, popliteus, gastrocnemius, tensor facia latae, plantaris
  • ·2    Hip abductor muscles: gluteus minimus & medius, tensor fascia latae, piraformis, obturator externus.
  • ·3    Hip extensors: gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femorius, adductor magnus
  • ·4    Quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis)
  • ·5    Hips: adductor longus, brevis & magnus, pectineus,
  • ·6    Ankle dorsi flexors: tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorium longus, fibularis(perroneus) tertius
  • ·7    Calves: plantaris, gastroncnemius, soleus

Abdominals:

  • ·1    Rectus & transverse abdominis
  • ·2    Internal & external obliques

Muscles of the arms:

·1    Triceps Brachii(medial, long & laterial head) anconeus
(anterior)

·1 Elbow flexors: biceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis, pronator teres Wrist/hand Flexors: Carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Carpi ulnaris, Digitorum superficialis

Wrist/hand Extensors:

Carpi radialis Longus, Carpi radialis brevis, Digitorum, Carpi Ulnaris Muscles of the neck, chest and shoulders:

  • ·1    Muscles of the upper back & shoulder: deltoid, infrapinatus,
  • ·2    Muscles of the anterior neck: sternocleidomastoid, trapezius and levator scapalae and sternohoid
  • ·3 Muscles of the shoulder external rotators: posterior deltoid, teres minor, supraspinatus, rhomboids major & minor, trapezius scapula, infraspinatus

Muscles of the neck, chest and shoulders: · Muscles of the anterior chest & shoulder: deltoid, pectoralis major & minor, internal & external intercostals · Muscles of the shoulder internal rotators: anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, subscapularis · Muscles of the posterior neck: splenis capitus, trapezius and levator scapulae Muscles of the spine: · Thoracic spine flexors: rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis, obliquus internus abdominis · Lumbar spine flexors: rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis, obliquus internus abdominis, transverse abdominis · Erector spinae AYA-Muscular System 1, Neck, shoulders & chest, 2005, p.1-2. http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap/muscularsystem Kaminoff, Leslie, 2007 page 97-99
Describe the benefits of the asana
Skeletal Space is created between the vertebrae and discs in the Spine with this twist. This lengthens the spine and can improve the posture. The twist creates space and a rotational release in the thoracic spine. The movement of the spinal cord promotes synovial fluid coating and lubricating the joints. The rotation separates the vertebrae slightly allowing the discs to soak up fresh blood. Dr Raman, Krishna, East west books, Chennai (Madras) 1998A matter of health Kaminoff, Leslie, 2007 page 97-99 http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap
Muscular The muscles are stretched and contracted evenly on both sides providing the pose is mirrored. This allows for great balancing and strengthening of the Abdominal muscles, Latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominus, STM muscle, shoulder muscles and hamstrings. Therefore opening and creating space whilst also squeezing the organs of the abdominal and pelvic region. Twists keep your spinal joints, disks, ligaments, and muscles supple. So many muscles of the back are opened strengthened and lengthen in this pose, it is therefore is very good for encouraging a healthy posture. Dr Raman, Krishna, East west books, Chennai (Madras) 1998A matter of health http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2790
Lymphatic The lymphatic system is able to drain in this pose. The pressure of the squeeze/soak on the diaphragm is also assisting the movement of lymphatic fluids, as the major lymphatic organs (the spleen & the thymus) are based around the thoracic spine area, behind the diaphragm. The twisting action is beneficial to releasing any toxins from the lymphatic system.
Cardiovascular Arda Matsyendrasana opens the chest creating space in this asana. This assists in improving blood flow. The balancing effect created by twists in combination with controlled breathing increases Para-sympathetic dominance. Anxiety energetically sits at the heart, so a para-sympathetic state slows the heart rate and helps the person to relax the surrounding muscles of the heart and slow down the heart rate.
Digestion Twists compress abdominal organs including the liver, digestive system, pancreas and kidneys. The compression bring fresh oxygenated blood to these organs, enhancing their function and helping to move waste through the digestive tract. The opposing stretch and opening that occurs creates space and helps muscles around these organs to relax and function is thereby enhanced.
Endocrine Arda Matsyendrasana stimulates the endocrine system, particularly the abdominal organs. The pancreas is compressed and the gentle twist assists its function in hormone production and digestive enzymes. The ovaries also receive a good “squeeze and soak” through the compression teamed with a gentle twist. The chest is broadened in this pose helping to open up the thymus. Fresh oxygen carrying blood cells are delivered improving overall function to these areas. The bodies hormones are not depleted in the practice of yoga. Dr Raman, Krishna, East west books, Chennai (Madras) 1998A matter of health AYA notes, Asana Endocrine system, pages 1-8
Nervous system Twists are neutral in both creating heat and cooling simultaneously. They encourage us to harmonize our energies, and combined with breathing they encourage a para-sympathetic state of the nervous system. This can be extremely beneficial for people suffering from depression, anxiety and fatigue. The central nervous system is stimulated in that the spine vertebrae extend and open up allowing an increase of blood supply to all the tiny nerve endings along the spine assisting their function and the flow of blood and energy along the spinal column.

AYA notes, The nervous system, pages 1-8
Energetic anatomy Twisting are both heating (yang) and cooling (yin) and therefore can assist in creating balance between the inside and outside worlds. The more you relax into the twist on every out breath, the further the body can go. It is amazing how many extra inches can be found through totally letting go and releasing oneself into such a pose. Mental release (letting go) can also be encouraged through the compression of the digestive organs, which may assist with the digesting of experiences. The middle energy centers/ chakras are mostly impacted being the heart, solar plexus and sacral chakras. “The intense squeeze and soak” effect created through the internal organs pressurizing one side and stretching out another can perhaps assist with releasing any emotions sitting within these organs being impacted. For instance the liver (which really benefits from this in the winter “liver season”) could receive some rejuvenation and may release some repressed emotions such as fear,  anger or insecurity. Things can bubble up to the surface where they can be consciously processed and released.” The same applies to the solar plexus where people tend to store “emotional baggage”. It is central in the body, our inner sun and can store a lot of psychic emotional excess. The twisting/compression/stretching of this area could assist in releasing emotions that are being stored at a cellular level and no longer serving us. The sacral chakra is relative to twists, its compression can improve the function of sexual organs and assist with related ailments and can potentially help unlock creative energies.
]]> http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/ardha-matsyendrasana/feed/ 0 Benefits Of Yoga http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/benefits-of-yoga/ http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/benefits-of-yoga/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:05:16 +0000 Jo http://alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/?p=61 Yoga aims to promote well-being. It looks at the body and mind in a holistic way. All elements are inter-linked; lifestyle, behaviour, the physical being, the mind and the place in the world. Benefits Yoga is beneficial in helping many medical conditions, but should not be seen as a therapy for any particular ailment. Recognised benefits [...]]]>

Yoga aims to promote well-being. It looks at the body and mind in a holistic way. All elements are inter-linked; lifestyle, behaviour, the physical being, the mind and the place in the world.

Benefits

Yoga is beneficial in helping many medical conditions, but should not be seen as a therapy for any particular ailment. Recognised benefits include:

-stress relief-yogic breathing practices help to lower stress and therefore improve sleep and overall happiness. Fatique is also lowered and the body and mind feel invigorated. Those practicing yoga feel relaxed.

-anti-aging-with improved sleep and happiness, the skin also improves. It has been said that the face glows and the eyes sparkle!

-weight-loss-some types of yoga may not raise the heart rate enough to lose weight, such as lyengar yoga, inwhich positions are held for several minutes, with rest periods. it needs to be combined with other cardio-vascular exercise such as running or walking. However, ashtanga or vinyasa yoga will give an excellent cardio-vascular workout, aiding in weight loss.

-memory improvement-the mind becomes clearer and more alert. This aids in the retention of information and so is especially beneficial for students, those in the work force and those needing to be alert.

-illness reduction-you may find you suffer from fewer colds and other types of infection.

-body strength, toning and flexibility-muscles are built up and posture is improved. Whilst not a cure, these improvements may assist those with arthritis, bone conditions, and the elderly to maintain greater movement and with less pain. Those in a sedentary lifestyle could also benefit.

-

]]> http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/benefits-of-yoga/feed/ 0 Importance of Breathing in Yoga http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/importance-of-breathing-in-yoga/ http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/importance-of-breathing-in-yoga/#comments Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:23:24 +0000 admin http://alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/?p=20 To make your body fit there are many exercise, many equipments, and also medicines. But if want your body fit and fine without any trainer, without ant equipments and medicines. Then there is only way by Yoga. Here I am describing you some features and explanation about yoga. What is Yoga? The word Yoga comes from Sanskrit. [...]]]>

To make your body fit there are many exercise, many equipments, and also medicines. But if want your body fit and fine without any trainer, without ant equipments and medicines. Then there is only way by Yoga. Here I am describing you some features and explanation about yoga.

What is Yoga?

The word Yoga comes from Sanskrit. It is a Hindu traditional way of exercise by which we can make control on our body and mind. By doing yoga we can make our body physical and mentally strong. If you do yoga 45 minutes a day after doing that I can surely tell you that your mind and body feel relax. Now there is short information about types of Yoga.

Types of Yoga Position:

Free Spirit

Vinyasa yoga

Gym Rat
Bikram or Hot yoga
Power Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga

Gymnast
Ashtanga Yoga
Forrest Yoga

Injured
Iyengar Yoga

Mellow
Hatha Yoga
Integral Yoga
Kripalu Yoga

Self  motivated
Ashtanga Yoga

Singer
Jivamukti Yoga
Kundalini Yoga

Spiritual Seeker
Anusara Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga
Kundalini Yoga

Traditionalist
Iyengar Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Integral Yoga
Kripalu Yoga
Kundalini Yoga

Most Popular types of yoga:

Raja Yoga  It is Royal Yoga running from the time of king. It is a special Yoga for your mind (dyana) to make it relax. Sit in any position and close your eyes and do meditation. It makes your whole body and mind relax. Do it 45 minutes in one day.
Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga is widely performed in America. It uses body position (asanas), breathing style (pranayama), and Meditation (dyana). This yoga makes you physically and mentally strong.
Iyengar Yoga It is a form of Hatha Yoga, is completely giving primacy to the physical alignment of the body.
Bikram or Hot Yoga Bikram yoga is developed by Bikram choudhury. This Yoga is performing in hot room. This yoga systemically for wellness and restoration. There are 26 different poses in Bikram Yoga.
Pregnancy or Prenatal Yoga  This yoga is performing during the time of women pregnancy to make her body fit and in shape. It also best yoga for your baby. We enjoy performing this yoga in pregnancy period.
Laughter or Hasya Yoga  Hasya Yoga is physical oriented methods that remove your tension, out of this world and place in new world of peace. During this yoga people laugh for 30 to 40 minutes with noise of clapping and Ha Ha. People perform this yoga to make their mind free from their personal tension.
Ashtanga Yoga  Ashtanga yoga is a yoga therapy, realigns the spine, detoxifies the body, and builds strength, flexibility and stamina.

Following are the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga:

Yama (Restraints or Abstinence)
Niyama (Disciplines or Devotion)
Asanas ( Pose of Yoga)
Pranayama (Breath Control)
Pratyahara (Retraction of the Senses)
Dharana ( Fix of Attention)
Dyana (Meditation)
8. Samadhi (Deep Trance)

bodyhealthbeauty.org is a great resourceful website of getting useful information on Yoga, articles are written by Bella Mclaine – a freelance journalist who specialize in writing for quality websites.

]]> http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/importance-of-breathing-in-yoga/feed/ 0 The Eight Limbs of Yoga http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/the-eight-limbs-of-yoga/ http://www.alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/the-eight-limbs-of-yoga/#comments Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:51:43 +0000 admin http://alternativemedicinenaturalhealth.com/?p=5 Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It focuses upon developing a healthy mind and body, and on attaining self-awareness. The various practices and disciplines of yoga are available to everyone, no matter what their culture or other paths they may follow. Yoga practice also involves developing awareness on a universal [...]]]>

Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It focuses upon developing a healthy mind and body, and on attaining self-awareness. The various practices and disciplines of yoga are available to everyone, no matter what their culture or other paths they may follow. Yoga practice also involves developing awareness on a universal and personal level through the yamas and niyamas, a series of ethics and disciplines intended to cultivate living in harmony with others and in oneness with our true selves.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and consists of ancient theories, observations and principles regarding the connection of the mind with the body. The ancient Indian sage systemized yoga philosophy into eight paths or limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi. These limbs each express a different aspect of yoga and combined make up the path or yoga practice that unites the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of our being.

Yama – Yama are ethical disciplines that relate to how we can live in a shared world with peace and integrity. Niyama – These disciplines relate to the individual and focus on living a healthy, fulfilled and masterful life. Asana – The word asana means ‘to be’, in the sense of being in a posture. The asanas were developed for the maintenance of a healthy mind and body, with each posture affecting the body, mind and emotions in a unique way and working as a pathway to balance and wellbeing. Pranayama – In the practice of pranayama, we develop breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and strengthen lung capacity while also increasing the absorption of prana, or life force. In its simplest form, pranayama involves deep, full breathing. Dharana – Following on from pratyahara, dharana is the ability to be completely internally absorbed and focused. This practice of single-pointed concentration stills the mind and leads to profound quietness within. Dhyana – Following on from dharana is dhyana, or meditation – sitting where there is no focus, just stillness; no thoughts, only emptiness. Samadhi – In this state of absolute personal freedom there is union of the individual soul with the universal soul. It is the practice of living at one with all that is.

With regular yoga practice of yoga, you will get strength, flexibility and good health, the benefits of which flow into all aspects of life. Increased energy levels bring a new perspective on life, the increased feelings of self-love and inspiration lead us to discover talents and interests we never knew existed and problems that once seemed overwhelming become more manageable.

Yoga Supplies Online is your online resource for all yoga topics and yoga supplies. They have an amazing range of yoga straps, yoga blocks, sticky yoga mats, thick yoga mats, manduka mats, prenatal yoga dvds, yoga dvds and yoga down loads to guide you through your yoga practice and to providing high quality information regarding the questions you want answered about yoga and yoga supplies. For More Details, please visit – http://www.yogasuppliesonline.com

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