Yoga Exercises For a Sound Sleep

It is rightly stated, "A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book." The universal remedy for various ailments lies in a sound relaxed sleep. After the day's hectic schedule, our body and mind gets drained off and we need to recharge them with energy and vitality. Sleep provides the much-needed rest, which serves the desired purpose. Having sound sleep is not easy, as today we are living in a highly competitive world. Stress, is an unavoidable part of our lives and we are in a mad race to achieve more and more. Never ending desires and expectations make us dissatisfied and stressed.

Yoga: The ancient Indian healing art has proved to be quite effective in ensuring relaxed and sound sleep. The yoga exercises or asanas help in reducing anxiety and calming down an individual's tensed mind. They act as natural tranquilizers and soothe our mind. Apart from relaxing mind, yoga exercises facilitate our body to get rid of lethargy, tiredness, and exhaustion.

The breathing exercises -- the pranayams, help in providing oxygen to all the tissues and organs of our body and detoxifies them. Proper breathing relaxes us and induces sound sleep. Padmasana and savasana also help in calming down our exhausted bodies. What matters most, is not the duration but the quality of sleep. Our body alignment is reflected by the quantity and quality of sleep. Regular yoga exercises will help you get sound sleep at night.

Doing power yoga and ashtanga twice a week will be a good choice. Light exercises should be done before retiring to bed. Breathing exercises act as cleanser for wiping out daily clutter and chaos. A few stretching exercises relax the body and drain out tensions. A harmonious balance is established between our mind and body and we are re-energized to meet the upcoming challenges of life. The yoga breathing exercises help in relaxing the wandering active mind, and make our body composed, thereby easing our journey to dreamland.

Regular yoga exercises improve self-awareness and self-regulation, the key factors inducing sound restful sleep. The yoga exercises help you to introspect yourself, analyze every action carefully and assess the steps taken, all in a controlled and calm environment. They wash away all you tensions and worries and you are fit to retire to bed comfortably. By following yoga exercises, sound sleep will become a habit and it will no longer be an "effort thing". Sound sleep will come naturally to you. You will relish the cozy luxury of sweet slumber, shedding and discarding your worries on bed. Incorporate yoga in life, it will help you combat stress-related insomnia effectively.

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Yoga Exercise for Alleviating Asthma

Yoga exercise including the poses, inhaling and exhaling, and relaxation routines set you in charge of your mind and feelings, making you more stimulating and enabling you to inhale and exhale easier. It will also allow your lungs to work much better and improve airflow during Asthma attacks.

Asthma is an ancient Greek word meaning "panting, gasping or short-drawn breathing". It is among the most upsetting of respiratory system conditions, known to affect approximately 5% of the planet's older population and 10% of children. In this ailment, the air passages of the lungs are limited, causing tightness in the chest, bouts of coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. The inflammation of the nasal airways can become long-term. Asthma is generally the result of allergies or anxiety. Yoga has come a long course to relieve and deal with asthma.

The particular exercise involves Asanas (body postures) and Pranayama (technique of breath control), among which of its physical uses are to eliminate stress-related problems, ease circulatory and respiratory system disorders like Asthma and Bronchitis, and enrich over-all health and wellness. These breathing exercises are really beneficial to fortify and relax the muscle tissues of lungs. In the course of the asthma attack this proves to be very beneficial. It reduces the nerve activity within the air passages causing less bottlenecks during the attack. It helps detoxify the air passage to breathe without difficulty. It aids in stabilizing the independent nervous systems. Thus, the typical lifestyle involved in Yoga exercise may serve as a good treatment for respiratory difficulties. A healthy diet plan can develop your resistance against cold, allergic reactions, and other ecological causes of Asthma, Bronchitis, and various chronic respiratory system ailments. It likewise encourages a non-smoking lifestyle. Tests accomplished at Yoga Therapy Centers, across the world, have shown significant results in alleviating asthma. In some cases it has also been discovered that attacks can actually be averted, without the help of medicines, just by means of yogic techniques. There's adequate research proof to establish the idea that the exercise of yoga helps make the treatment so much more positive. These days, even allopathic as well as homeopathic medical doctors have arrived at the comprehensive agreement that yoga is a great alternative cure for asthma attack.

Furthermore, based on yoga philosophy, a relaxed mind results in normal breathing and relaxed body. Thus, inhaling and exhaling exercises can without a doubt help those with asthma. Some types of yoga exercises help out with calming your entire system (including your torso muscles), and also increase the capacity of your lungs -- promoting an effective manner of inhaling and exhaling during and immediately after asthma attacks. Several special breathing techniques that would help in preventing this disease includes the most popular which is the Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma. Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma involve a mixture of deep and shallow breaths which help to trigger a nourishing flow of deep breathing. Some other yoga exercises that would relieve asthma out of your life are: Dandasana, Baddhakonasana, Upavista Konasana, Virasana, Supta Baddhakonasana, Supta Virasana, Setubandha, Sarvangasana, Adhomukha Svanasana, Uttanasana and Tadasana Samasthith.

Since yoga exercise claims that the brain is core to a diseased condition, pacifying and placating it might, by itself, help treat the disease to a large degree. The practice of yogasanas, yogic kriyas, pranayamas, relaxation and meditation calm down the whole system. This, subsequently, facilitates proper assimilation of meals and strengthens the lungs, digestive and circulatory system. In a period of time, that checks attacks and also cures the condition of asthma.

There are lots of practitioners online who offer informative advice in yoga exercise and everything else about yoga. Only a known yoga guru can provide you with the best services.

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Yoga Workouts to Help Digestion

Yoga is one of the ancient and reliable methods to lose weight and stay fit and healthy. Yogasanas or postures intend to gently work on your organs and help to maintain perfect balance between mind and body. Several asanas act subtly on the digestive system thereby eliminating the problems related to stomach. Many studies suggest that yoga is an ideal solution to many digestive problems. You can get rid of your digestive problems like acidity, acid reflux disease, and other digestive disorders in a natural way, without the use of medicines. Practicing yoga relaxes your mind and in turn reflects on the digestive system. You can see the results within a few weeks.

Among the important Yogasanas meant for digestive disorders, listed below are a few of them.

Yoga Mudrasana or Psychic Union Pose: You should sit in lotus pose or easy pose, sukhasana. While inhaling, take your hands to the backside of your body, raise your hands and hold the fingers tightly. Exhaling, bend your head and try to touch the ground with your forehead. Remain in this pose as long as you are comfortable. Relax and come to the starting point. Try to do it two to three times.

Benefits: Helps in relieving constipation, improves body metabolism.

Udarakarshanasana or Abdominal twist pose: first kneel and then you need to sit on your toes. Push the left knee towards ground. While exhaling, pass left hand over left knee, while you are holding the knee down. Now inhaling, pass your right hand over right knee and press it hard to the left. Exhaling, you need to look over your right shoulder. Inhaling, come to the starting position. You need to do it three times. Rest for a while and do the same procedure, with the other leg.

Benefits: This pose squeezes your stomach muscles and the blood flow to stomach increases. It helps to relieve constipation and other digestive problems.

Supta vajrasana or lying thunderbolt: Beginners can start with the other asana called matsyasan or fish pose. In this pose, inhale and sit on the heels. Exhale. Again while inhaling, lean back with the support of your hands, gently to the ground and rest your head on the ground. Your back and neck should not touch the floor. They will be in an arched position. Place your hands at the chest in a Namaste posture (Indian way of greeting, by joining your hands). Knees should touch the floor. Remain in this position as long as you can. Return to the start position. This is an advanced pose. If you have knee problems, you are not advised to do it.

Benefits: The abdominal stretch increases the body metabolism and helps digestion.

Breathing exercises: Apart from the above listed asanas, several breathing exercises that are a part of to yoga, benefit your digestive system. Slow and relaxed breathing helps to control your thoughts and de stress you. When you are calm and relaxed, the overall effect will be shown on your body's capacity of digestion as well.

Relaxation postures like shavaasan also help to control your thoughts, de stress your body and help you to maintain peace and stability.

Several reputed yoga teachers conduct classes. Many boot camps also offer yoga sessions once in a while.

Kya Cassiuss Victoria is a Sydney personal trainer. If you want to register with a Boot Camp Rushcutters Bay, visit Sydney Personal Trainer.

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Build Muscle Strength Through Yoga Exercises

Yoga. Just the sound of the word can turn people off. I can picture my mom with her floor mat sitting cross legged and stretching her facial muscles and believe me the memory is not one I really care to have, so believe me when I say yoga and strength training are not two things I thought really belonged in the same sentence. But I can admit when I am wrong, and I am wrong on this one. Yoga isn't what I remember and to be honest, I think twenty or thirty years ago, it didn't get a good introduction to America.

As I said, times have changed. Now most gyms offer yoga classes and they aren't just about stretching, although 'just' the act of stretching can increase your strength and fitness all by itself. Yoga is a total mind-body connection experience that can really take you by surprise as you exit the class for the first time. You will be challenged and you will use muscles that you didn't even know existed. And you will be challenged no matter what type of yoga class you take.

So with that let me also say that all yoga is not created equal. There are classes that challenge you more and are more 'athletic' as opposed to stretching and breathing. If you take bikram, vinyasa, 'power yoga', or ashtanga yoga you are in for an endurance building challenge. Those are among the yogas that will give you more of a strenuous workout and can improve your core strength and give you cardio-vascular conditioning. That is accomplished by constant motion between the asanas (poses).

Because yoga techniques generally only work with body weight the entire practice is more 'gentle' with its demands upon you. For this reason it is often used as a therapeutic method to help with healing injuries and pains. The stretching combined with strengthening can help with all sorts of injuries from repetitive strains to back pains. As with any sort of training you don't want to just jump in without checking first with your doctor or therapist, but generally speaking, because of the nature of yoga, it is complimentary to most recommended courses of action for physical therapy.

Yoga classes can be found at most gyms, but you can also find a lot of instruction and videos that can take you through routines at home. I would recommend taking a class with an instructor for anyone who is interested in getting into it, because a certified instructor can help you understand the routines better and help prevent bad habits before they can start. Form is very important in all training and yoga is no exception.

So if you are looking for something to break up your regular routine (and I highly recommend changing up fitness habits to challenge your body) think about checking out a few yoga classes. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and glad you did.

The right food choices will also make a huge impact on your quest for better health. I lost over ten pounds in the first 21 days of following the Every Other Day Diet and it was simple and easy, and I didn't give up real cheese steaks, burgers, lasagna or any of my other favorite foods. My Ideal Diet
more health and fitness info: All Health Network

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Facial Yoga Exercises - Don't Waste More Time

How many instances did you check out your sagging cheeks within the mirror this month, and take a hold of your face to provide it a 'little lift.' Just to see what you'd look like with a 'younger face?'

Maybe you are a lady and have mastered the art of having the ability to tie up your hair to the tightest point potential and help to portray the impact of a youthful face line. Whilst this action helps to lift your skin making it appear more toned and youthful. The unhappy reality it's merely a brief measure. Your sagging cheeks need facial exercises to get them into shape, they usually need them now...

What can Facial Exercising do for me?

It's no secret that facial exercises may help you to restore youth, by making your skin look extra toned and fuller. When your face starts to sag, your nose starts to develop little wrinkly folds; your face muscular tissues look akin to a baby drooling - and your different facial muscle tissue comply with closely in line. All these elements enable you to to look previous, and aged.

When your cheeks begin to drop its evident that your muscle mass within the facial area can't assist your pores and skin structure correctly, and they're missing tone. Growing old happens to one of the best of us, however those which can be in a position to catch the signs, and act now will beat the aging clock and help to turn it again just a little bit further.

Facial exercises are nice to tone and eliminate the inform tale indicators of wrinkles. If your muscular tissues are toned; they can maintain your skin, making it look a lot younger. There shall be minimal sagging, and wrinkles will maintain again for years!

Not so good in Remedies

Let's face it, in 2011 we're more egocentric, more youth obsessive, men and women struggle the identical battle with age. Everybody actually wants to be younger - it's about being contemporary faced, youthful - and flaw free. Botox, beauty surgery and photo store enhancing are ways that you would be able to assist to show again the clock. However a couple of easy facial exercises is a a lot better methodology of combating anti getting older, against pulling into your life savings and looking for the assistance of your native beauty surgeon.

Face lifts will damage interval; people who turned to the cosmetic surgeon to have a facelift typically remorse their actions. Unlike facial exercises, you actually can't flip back with a face carry! It's so apparent once you look in a crowd and observe, you can spot one of many face raise victims a mile away.

Their eyes look barely oriental as a result of their pores and skin has been dragged and tightened to the point of no return. Their lips go up at both sides, nearly as though they're smiling a forced faux smile; however they aren't!

This is because the beauty surgeon pinned again their face so much to cease the saggy neck impact and pin up that double chin. If someone had shared with them the facial exercises that would have saved them heaps of cash, while serving to to revive their facial muscle tone; boy you may wager that they would have turned to facial exercises as a substitute of the painful surgery that they've just gone through. Not solely is it painful, you actually can't lie when somebody asks you in the event you had a face carry you may simply shy away and ignore, or say yes!

I know what you're considering - Botox is just an injection? Sure you're right but it's additionally an injection that helps to freeze your facial muscles! Have you ever ever seen the TV the place the celebrities smile a smile that doesn't need to occur? They need to change their facial features however merely can't. Not because they don't have completely different emotions and feelings to change their face, just because the Botox has 'frozen' the facial muscles, and so they couldn't move their mouth for cash!

Photograph store editing is perfect to take out imperfections, however do you actually wish to must ask the photographer to edit your family picture and take out wrinkles?

Would you be shocked to learn that droopy necks, jowls, pouches and saggy cheeks actually don't need the invasion of a surgeon, or paralysing Botox injection fillers? There actually is a way to get your face lifted, your muscle groups tightened, and your youth shining back via into the mirror. It takes jiffy of your time each day, and the results are that of your plump, cheeky little face 10-15 years ago!

How?

Quite just by performing facial exercises, not any previous train the secret of youth in thumbs and fingers! Manipulated movements that help to contract your face and tone our facial muscles.

It's high time that you simply awaken your muscle tissues, and get again your youth. While you flip to facial exercises your skin seems to be rejuvenated, as if you just bought the most costly and effective facial scrub on the market. You really didn't must although because the secret of the workouts is promotion of blood move, extra oxygen to the face, plumper muscle groups on account of firming work outs. You'll have the ability to enhance your attractiveness, and assist to maintain them there as soon as again.

You don't need to purchase special tools to accompany the regime, you need yourself - your face and the time to discover ways to perform, the every day regime of facial exercises.

If you want to learn more about this method, and how to learn these exercises, you can find more information in Facial Exercises

Also if you interested in other skin related topics, have a read at my personal skin care blog Perfect Skin Club

Best Regards

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Yoga Exercises for Weight Loss

I recently attended a class focused on yoga exercises for weight loss. This was a Bikram style class combining classic yoga asanas with a heated workout space. The floor area maintains a constant temperature of 104 degrees. This workout approach is a good methodology to follow for those seeking a fitness routine based around yoga. Whether following a Bikram specific routine or other yoga discipline the following conditions are ideal as part of any weight loss program:

Heated Floorspace

A heated workout area provides immediate benefits when exercising as your body can warm up quickly. This minimizes the chance of injury and allows you to put your body into deeper poses. Yoga exercises for weight loss involve a strenuous and active workout and a heated practice area provides increased gains in flexibility and muscle development.

Oxygenated Blood

Although not immediately noticeable to the practitioner, the increased heat profile of the practice space provides a constant flow of oxygenated blood throughout a person's body. This is because it is easier to get into a deeper stretch when doing a pose. This has a positive effect on contracting the muscles more completely and the result is a more pronounced flow of blood throughout the body. That has the effect of carrying more oxygen and allows you to perform at a higher, more aerobic level. In layman's terms you can push yourself harder and you will see a weight loss benefit.

Constant Routine

One of the key things to look for in utilizing yoga exercises for weight loss is how constant the workout routine is. The class I participated was led by an instructor that moved from pose to pose, relatively constantly. A yoga pose was shown, practiced by the class and then repeated - usually 3 times. Once completed the instructor moved the class to the next pose with very short breaks occurring only every 20 to 30 minutes. This had a fairly aerobic effect simply due to the pace being practiced.

Maximum Workout with Minimal Impact

Certainly a complete and very active workout occurs using this type of exercise routine. But perhaps the greatest benefit is the minimal impact to the body's joints, ligaments and tendons. This workout, while very aerobic, did not add unneeded stress or pressure to these critical parts of the body.

I cross train regularly practicing different yoga postures with other physical fitness activities. The positive benefits described here occurred due to the fact that this was a strenuous and active workout approach. Embrace the right yoga exercises for weight loss, increased flexibility, and muscle strengthening as they play an important role in an overall fitness regimen.

Heath Jackson writes about health, wellness and living a natural life. Learn more about his approaches to sensible dieting and weight loss at yoga asanas for weight loss or Click Here for information, tips and ideas on how to incorporate yoga into your weight loss exercise routine.

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The 3 Best Yoga Exercises For Healthy Weight Loss

Yoga exercises are one of the best ways to lost weight, burn fat and get healthy. There are many excellent yoga poses and techniques to help you achieve your weight loss goals and in this article today I am going to detail 3 of these poses for you. But, before I jump ahead to the exercises, I want to first point out 3 great reasons to use yoga for weight loss.

1. No Negative Side Affects:

Yoga is a completely natural and safe way in which to get healthy and lose weight. Unlike using pills and other more intrusive methods, with yoga all the side affects you have are positive. This is why holistic sciences and alternative medicines are getting so much attention even by mainstream doctors these days.

2. Permanent Weight Loss with Yoga:

Experience of the yoga therapy programs to treat obesity have shown that weight lost from yoga has proven to be permanent. This is certainly not the case when you use pills and other gimmicks. The weight lost by those methods tends to return quickly once they are discontinued. This is not the case with yoga, as long as you maintain at healthy diet. These diets are almost always a part of the treatment in general, and these diets are such that they can be maintained comfortably throughout one's life. They are not extreme or unreasonable diets.

So when you use yoga for weight loss, the body is gently brought back into alignment and underlying causes for the weight gain, whether they are emotional or bio-chemical, are also resolved. Also, since yoga works with the body, the excess weight once shed is no longer regained when the yoga is stopped. I would though recommend continuing the yoga practice if you can, so you can continue to obtain all the other benefits that such practice bestows.

3. Yoga Weight Loss Solution is for Free:

Why pay for a solution, that is going to create bad side affects and not going to work in the long term anyway, when you can have a successful weight loss solution from yoga for FREE. Articles like this one and many websites on the web will give you plenty of information on how to practice yoga safely for achieving your weight loss goals. In addition, there are many good YouTube video channels as well, where you can get nice video demonstrations of yoga sets and yoga exercises.

Three Great Weight Loss Yoga Exercises:

Below you will find 3 excellent yoga exercises for weight loss. These exercises can be done by almost anyone, but be sure to check with your doctor prior to starting a new practice or fitness routine.

1. Yoga Single Leg Rotations:

a. Instructions:

• Lie flat on your back.

• Raise your right leg up to about 45 degrees.

• Point your feet and toes away from you.

• Do 2-10 rotations in 1 direction and then without resting rotate the same leg in the other direction (counter-clockwise).

• Repeat with the left leg.

b. Duration:

You can build up to 1 minute / leg. You can start with 2-4 rotations per leg, per direction and build up from there.

c. Benefits:

• Builds your Navel Center and strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.

• Builds willpower and strength of character.

• Loosens and opens up the hips.

d. Practice Tips:

• To modify the exercise bend you knees or do fewer rotations at a stretch.

• Start with just normal breathing and only incorporate Breath of Fire once you feel ready.

• You can also take rest as needed.

2. Kundalini Yoga Cobra Pose:

a. Step-by-Step Instructions for Cobra Pose:

• Lie flat on the floor, stomach down and feet extended.

• Place your hands near your shoulders and then raise your upper body and torso up off the ground. The upper thighs should remain on the floor. You back should arch up.

• Turn your head up and look upwards as well. Stretching your neck.

• As a variation, you can go up and down in cobra pose. Coming up and breathing in, holding the position for a few seconds and then coming back down and exhaling.

b. Duration:

• 15 Seconds - 7 minutes.

• Start slowly and build up your time steadily from there.

c. Benefits:

• Massages all the digestive organs improving both digestion and elimination. Fixing the digestive system is one of the first steps in getting healthy.

• Very good for improving the health of the back and spine. Good for toning all the back muscles and tissue related to the vertebrae.

• Works on all the nerve junctions that lie along the spine, as well as the important psychic channels that run through the spinal cord.

• Works on improving functions of the ovaries and reproductive glands.

• Builds upper body strength. Specially the shoulders (deltoids), triceps and chest (pectoral) muscles. This is more true if you use the modified version of cobra pose where you go up and down.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Cobra Pose:

• Careful with your lower back! Do not over strain.

• Going up and down in cobra pose is excellent for building strong arms, shoulders and chest muscles without risking injury.

3. Yoga Bow Pose Practice Details:

a. Step-by-Step Instructions for Yoga Bow Pose:

• Start by lying on your stomach with your chin on the floor.

• Next, bend your knees and bring your heels towards your buttocks.

• Beginner Yogis: Reach back and grasp your ankles, keeping the rest of your body on the floor. Pull your heels into your buttocks.

• Intermediate Yogis: Raise yourself up off the floor as shown in the illustration above, by pressing your ankles away from you. Your chest and thighs should be raised off the floor.

• Advanced Yogis: Rock back and forth in bow pose, inhaling as you come forward, exhaling on the way back.

b. Duration:

• 15 seconds - 5 minutes.

c. Benefits:

• Excellent for your respiratory system, to relieve breathing problems and ailments such as asthma, etc.

• Good for the entire spine and back.

• Great pose for improving flexibility.

• The ultimate yoga pose to improve and perfect your digestive system.

• Good for weight loss.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Bow Pose:

• Progress gently towards the advanced version. For some, even the beginner version is difficult to get into, in which case just bring your heels as close to your buttocks as you can, and reach as far back with your arms as possible.

• Do not eat for at least 2-3 hours before practicing this posture, or you will be quite uncomfortable.

• Careful of your knees and back when doing this pose.

Yoga Exercises for Weight Loss Summary:

The following 3 exercises will get you started on your weight loss journey. Add to these poses over time and increase the length of your yoga practice. This is one of the ways to not just lose weight and get healthy, but also one of the best ways to increase the length of your life.

Anmol Mehta is a modern Meditation and Yoga Master. Find the Best Yoga Exercises for Weight Loss set on his huge free yoga and meditation website Free Kundalini Yoga and Guided Meditations Blog.

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The Benefits of a Hatha Yoga Practice

The Western world only now understands the benefits of yoga. The greatness and efficacy of yoga and its principles are being understood around the world and more and more people are enjoying its benefits. If you want to make yoga a part of your life, there is no better way to start than with the simple Hatha Yoga.

What is it?

Hatha Yoga had its inception way back in 15th century India. The primary reason why Hatha yoga was constituted was as a means of strengthening and purifying the body. The term 'hatha' is used to denote two separate words: the sun and the moon. Hatha yoga comprises of breathing exercises and postures and poses with the view to strengthen the body of human beings. Hatha yoga is basically a slow and calm form of yoga. It is extremely suitable for those people who want to prepare themselves, their bodies and minds for a higher level of meditation and also those who want to relieve stress from their lives.

Hatha yoga asanas, postures and positions

Since yoga is now being practiced in many forms all over the world, it may become confusing for novices to understand what the different forms mean and whether they are all beneficial. The truth is that hatha yoga is the primary form of performing yoga, its postures and positions, also known as 'asanas'. Almost every yoga posture and postions can be done and practiced by everyone, including those who do not have too much flexibility or strength. If you are a beginner in yoga, it is a good idea if your hatha yoga session lasts for anything between 30 and 45 minutes. But if you happen to be an advanced yoga student, your session may easily last from 90 minutes to a couple of hours. The only requirements of practicing hatha yoga are comfortable clothing and a quiet room. You don't need any special equipment or props to practice this form of yoga. You can even do it in your hotel room if you are going on a vacation, so versatile it is!

Benefits of Hatha yoga

Yoga has many benefits to it, both physical and mental. Making it a part of your life will fill you with a new purpose and give you a spring in your steps every day. Following are the most important benefits of hatha yoga:

- Increase in strength and flexibility

- Posture correction and strengthening of the spine

- Betterment of any condition in the muscular- skeletal structure, like scoliosis, weak knees, sore shoulders and neck

- Improvement of the endocrine, respiratory, immune, digestive and circulatory systems of the body

- Improvement in attention span and concentration levels

- Improvement in muscle- joint mobility

- Alleviation of back pain

- Enhancement in grace, stamina and balance

- Decrease in stress levels

- Increase in awareness levels towards the outside world and the inner self

- Relaxation of the mind and the body

Logan Chierotti is a Denver, Colorado resident who has had experience as a real estate agent and currently works in the Yoga industry. Logan Chierotti enjoys writing about real estate, yoga, fly fishing and much more.

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End Chronic Fatigue With Three Simple Yoga Techniques

Simple techniques found in yoga can help to ease fatigue -- as a practitioner of Yoga, I'm often ask questions that pertain to Yoga. I feel most of the questions could be effectively clarified through meditation rather than from another person, but there are a few areas not often addressed with mainstream yoga techniques that I am pleased to share my thoughts and ideas about. Yoga techniques that helps to alleviate fatigue is one of them.

However, before I go into the actual yoga techniques, let me ask you a question: What is Yoga? Without over analyzing it, where's the first place your mind went? Although I personally don't associate yoga with an institutionally organized form of spirituality, I do honor the Sanskrit meaning of the word yoga, which translates into "yoke" commonly believed to refer to "Union." To me, union can have many meanings - more than the physical fitness aspect commonly associated with the word yoga.

That in mind;here are Three Yoga Techniques to ease Fatigue: The yoga techniques I'm sharing here are for everyone, even those of you who've never practiced Yoga. My reason for sharing yoga techniques that alleviate fatigue is simple, it wasn't until this year, 2011 that I gained an entirely new appreciation for the concept of fatigue. At the start of the year, I had the feeling that I was in the best shape of my life. Working out 5-6 days per week for 90 minutes at a time, and going on walks that lasted 2-4 hours on just about a nightly basis helped me think so. I had never been feeling better until I decided to clean up some of the more destructive habits, which I will not elaborate on now, from my life.

That's when disaster hit. In a matter of two weeks I was practically unable to practice any yoga techniques of any kind for even 20 minutes without tired to the core style agony - and even a simple short walk around the block was completely draining. With such a drastic drop in activity, I started gaining weight and feeling even worse about the situation.

Fast forward to now;my, things have transformed quite radically! I'm able to practice the yoga techniques I loved close to the level I was before a personal energy crisis hit. Additionally, going on walks is something that lifts me up energetically - and I feel divinely human throughout the day. What I'm about to share are the three unconventional yoga techniques that have helped me the most going from bunk and bashful to awesome:

Keep in mind, Yoga = Union - and union can mean much more;Here's the Yoga Techniques:

#1) Eat Real Foods:

Just about all of us, if we have even a small bit of common sense, would agree that infecting (the DNA of) our foods with unpredictable viruses isn't good for us. That is part of the process of genetic modification of foods. Currently, Corn, Soy and Wheat are the most commonly genetically modified foods "on the market." If you read the ingredients on just about any the packaged foods you could buy, chances are, you'll find at least one of the ingredients listed. Also, when we consume fish, poultry, and meat, rarely do we wonder just what those animals have been fed.

That being said, I decided to do something many of us would consider a tad radical - even unrealistic. I pretty much eliminated fish, poultry, meat, corn, soy and wheat from my diet. Some would think of this as vegan, but I just think of it as a way of eating that carries with it a lot of freedom. As soon as I start name calling and labeling, I'm "locked in" and that becomes part of my identity. Even thought that last bit may be besides the point, so far, I've had great results. After the second week my energy more than doubled and weight that I had gained is quickly disappearing. The e-book I wrote about eating gives an easy to follow explanation, but the important thing, in my case, is that I feel better!

#2) Just Breath:

It's not like we're never heard this before and I know the statement can seem cliche. But think about stress for a moment; As kids, growing up in the states, most of us had times of feeling carefree. As we grew physically and age-wise, into adults, much of that freedom was replaced with responsibility - even the underlying expectation that we all have to live up to a set of standards that create the need to sacrifice our freedom. While the last pat of that statement may have been vague and done with the intention to cause you to think, that doesn't change the fact that many of us are stress cases to the extent of feeling worn out.

Another way I have though of stress is as constriction, or Subtle Tightness in or around the space our body occupies. If we are always walking around with tension, it's only a matter of time before something gives. Unfortunately for many of us, as I discovered, it's often our vital energy level. There are many reasons we become stressed or tight, and what I think of as "Intentional Breathing" provides an opportunity to simply focus on breath, going in and out of the body, as well as the sensations within.

It's simple yoga technique to practice. I suggest laying flat on your back, placing the tip of your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth and breathing first into your belly, then as that fills allowing the breath to expand the ribcage. When full, simply exhale through your nose and repeat. After a (very) short time, its common to feel a greater sense of ease, less stress and greater relaxation. It's simple.

#3) Sit in a way that aligns your spine:

Of all the simple yoga techniques you would do, a reduction in internal pressure could be one of the best and most effective ways to boost your energy levels quickly. The way you posture your body has a lot to do with the way you feel as well as the way your internal organs function. Unfortunately for most of us, our posture often constricts and reduces the space our internal organs have, in turn causing discomfort, stress, constriction - even pain. Alignment is simple practice that I learned from the American Yoga Foundation. In fact, it can go hand in hand with "Intentional Breathing" if you would like it to. Since learning Alignment in 2003, I have made may adjustments to my posturing and felt a lot better as a result. Since a recent bout with fatigue, this yoga technique, being aware of my sitting posture and applying Intentional Breathing to my sitting posture has made all the difference in the world when I am sitting for an extended time.

Practicing is simple while you are sitting, elongate the back of your neck, dropping your chin towards your collarbone, allow the ribcage to "lift" so that you can comfortably breath, by default, into your lower stomach and do the best you can to identify, with your mind areas in your body where you feel tense. As you feel these areas, simply focus on your breath and do what you can to find a greater sense of comfort. You may find that with every exhale you can become more comfortable. I'm not certain exactly how you'll choose to go about practicing, but whichever you choose, I wish great results to you.

Paul Bunting enjoys Yoga, Natural Foods and Sharing. www.PaulBunting.net for more...

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The Power and Growth of Hot Yoga

At the request of President Nixon and the encouragement of his teacher Bishnu Ghosh, Bikram Choudhury came to the United States in 1973 to "heal" the bodies of the west. His sequence of 26 poses in a hot room has done more than just heal the bodies of his students. It has fueled a yoga economy like no other.

Since 1973 Hot Yoga has been the largest growing trend in the Yoga field. When studios began to open in Asia, they operated Hot Yoga classes for the first 3 years before other styles of yoga began to gain interest and popularity. This has developed into a trend that began in the West Coast USA and has been growing ever since, with studios opening internationally and inspiring new styles of Yoga such as Bikyasa, or Hot Power Vinyasa, as it is commonly known on yoga schedules.

Hot Yoga creates amazing effects in the body. Whether you seek to lose weight, detoxify the body, promote healing of injuries, open up the body from muscular restrictions, or to practice increased mind-body awareness, hot yoga provides many unique opportunities and challenges to any practitioner.

From the very beginning, Bikram targeted professional athletes and Hollywood stars whose bodies have been subjected to years of tension. Kareem Abdul Jabbar publicly stated that Hot Yoga healed his injuries, while Madonna hailed Hot Yoga before she began her Ashtanga Vinyasa practice. Since then, many other professional athletes and stars have added hot yoga to their regular training routines in order to increase strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, and focus. Hot yoga allows one to push body, mind, and spirit to the edge, enabling growth and a strong connection to one's inner-self with each practice.

Practicing in a heated room warms up the body from the inside out, allowing muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and all body systems to retain warmth and to function at a more optimal level. Heat enables increased flexibility and range of motion with a lower risk of injury, allowing one to reach maximum flexibility in a shorter amount of time.

The Ashtanga Vinyasa system creates heat through intense breath awareness, while Hot Yoga creates that heat through modern technology. Heat in the body activates cellular metabolism, enhancing weight loss. The heat stimulates circulation, making the heart stronger. It helps bring fresh new blood and oxygen to all body parts, flooding cells with nourishment, which is vital to their healthy functioning.

In the last decade, recognizing the benefits that lie from the Bikram system as well as the Vinyasa model, a new style of Yoga has evolved; a style that combines the benefits of both of these practices. This style is known as Bikyasa - a hot yoga flow experience, combining Ashtanga principles of breath-coordinated movement, which ishow heat is produced internally, with external heat and aspects of Bikram's 26 pose sequence.

Bikram Classes are easily found in any authorized Bikram studio, though today Bikram Hot Yoga is also taught in CorePower Yoga and other studios under the name Hot Yoga. CorePower uses a different dialogue and does not restrict the class to 90 minutes. CorePower, along with many other studios around the world such as Haute Yoga out of Southern CA, Absolute Yoga in Thailand, and Bodhi Yoga international to name a few, are studios out of many who offer Hot Flow yoga classes, which are a mix of Bikram and Vinyasa - Bikyasa Yoga.

While they might not be using this term, Bikyasa is a term coined by Gabriel Azoulay, international Yoga professional who has been developing teacher training programs for large yoga brands around the world, and who has been teaching both Bikram and Ashtanga for over a decade. Bikyasa Yoga is a practice that intelligently combines silence with music, and Bikram's healing power, which is scientifically proven, with Vinyasa breath principles, which are also scientifically proven to enhance and heal the body. Bikyasa Yoga classes are found in Sumit Yoga studios throughout AZ and the world and Intentional Yoga Studios throughout the Midwest and the East coast.

Besides numerous physical benefits, heat adds an element which can challenge both the mind and spirit. Finding and maintaining focus despite the challenging environment can make one stronger and more balanced, building willpower, determination, and concentration. The body works hard, but the mind works harder, and following a hot yoga class practitioners often experience a sense of complete relaxation and surrender.

Bikyasa is an amazing practice that can lead to personal transformation on many levels. With that said, heat is not for everyone, so individuals with any concerns should speak with their physician before beginning a practice.

Gabriel Azoulay was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel. At the age of seventeen, Gabriel moved to Durham, NC, and at the age of twenty, while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a book by Tom Robbins sparked an interest in India's religious studies. His first book on yoga, checked out from the University library was Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, from there Gabriel embarked on a yogic journey that continues to this day.

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Is It Ok to Do Yoga When Pregnant Even During the First Trimester?

Yoga is an exercise that many individuals take part in for a variety of reasons. It can be helpful to relief stiffness, reduce stress, and some women continue or begin the exercise during pregnancy. Its relaxing benefits may prove helpful in relieving stress that can come from pregnancy as the body goes through changes that may make women uncomfortable. No matter their trimester, whether first, second or third, women have found success through this practice.

Restorative yoga is a common form of the exercise for women who are pregnant, as well as those who are still trying to conceive. It is a form of restful yoga that uses props such as blocks, pillows, blankets, chairs, walls, and others to put the body into certain poses. By using these props to hold the body in a specific position, little to no exertion is required. Note that restful is not the same as sleep, however, as the stretching and relaxation can benefit the body as women go through changes throughout their pregnancy.

If you're pregnant, make sure that you inform your instructor before your class. Some classes are designed specifically for women during pregnancy, but it is still a good idea to let the instructor know which trimester you're currently in. He or she may offer alternative stretches for you that suit your condition so you do not injure yourself or the baby.

For instance, women should be aware of their shifting center of gravity during their pregnancy. Poses that you may have done with ease in the past may become more difficult as you put on more weight and you begin to show more and more. If something doesn't feel right, stop immediately. It's not worth getting in that pose at the risk of falling or getting injured. Listen to your body and do not push yourself. It's best to avoid poses that require you to stand on one foot, or that otherwise require you to balance yourself.

You should also avoid poses that put you on your stomach. Also try to avoid any twists or jumps, and do not hold your breath or breathe more rapidly. Breathe normally or practice the breathing that you'll have to do while giving birth. Do not assume any pose that will put you upside down, and after your first trimester your doctor may encourage you to avoid poses that put you on your back. It's a good idea to consult your doctor before you begin any routine to get some general guidelines.

Arianna has discovered more information on strengthening and breathing during pregnancy with restorative yoga. Take a look at your convenience at http://www.DomarCenter.com for pain and stress relief and see how it helps during a pregnancy.

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So, What Is Yoga About Anyway?

A little history...

Yoga is a combination of physical and spiritual exercises came to us through the centuries. Designed twelve thousand years ago by ancient sages of India, yoga has not lost its popularity today. Nowadays most of the exercises included in a fitness program that has a positive effect on body shape.

There are several types of yoga - hatha yoga, classical yoga and therapy yoga. The basis for all types of practices is same- strengthening of physical health, improving mental abilities, mental balance and strong-willed attitude. Yoga is is not a religious cult or way, but rather a spiritual study about how to "live" and to appreciate yourself and the whole world.

Tips for Beginners

If you want to always look neat, orderly and fun, forget about back pain and other "troubles", turn yourself to yoga practice. Do not worry if you are not physically prepared, it is important to have a strong desire and will to succeed.

Exercises in yoga are called asanas, and are suitable for people of all ages. It is recommended to start practicing yoga under supervision, and later you can continue practicing at home, following tips and guidelines achieved at class sessions.

Do not rush. It is important to feel each pose with the whole body and your consciousness. Sharp, quick movements will not provide the required result. Complex movements designed for body understanding, and this takes time. If you have never done string stretching and rapidly try to make it...? Bdoy won't be very happy about it. You will feel pain and possible injury may occur. You would not teach higher mathematics to the newborn, skipping the alphabet? At the beginning of yoga practice you are a newborn and your success depends on the step by step learning. From how to crouch to running marathon. For example, you perform a certain asana, do not rush and concentrate your senses on every movement of the body, fell every organ and muscle.

Learn how to listen to your body. If you feel tense, stop and take rest. Relax and try to smile. Gain strength, try again, and each time you will perform better. Over time you will be surprised by the abilities of your own body.

It is also important not to wait if something can be done today. Large gaps between classes can lead to unmanageable burden. But when you practice regularly, the efforts are evenly spread and taken much easier. The slow rhythm of execution of asanas helps improving stamina. No muscle ignored and holding pose strengthens muscles and improves their tone.

Interchangeably with "asanas" Pranayama is performed, i.e. breathing exercises. Yoga teaches us to monitor breathing, especially during exercise. Try to breathe only with the nose that helps to enrich the body with oxygen and increase vitality.

Also carefully chose the place for doing yoga. You do not need special equipment and clothing, perhaps a yoga mat and of course quiet environment and desire. In records stores there are plenty of music for yoga practice. Choose the kind you like. The mood should be calm and relaxing. While doing yoga exercises you will learn about positive thinking, clarity of thought and concentration. Problems and daily routine will remain in the background. You will feel the "smile" of life.

You can perfect your yoga technics perfect with my new site.

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Yoga Improves Mood, Reduces Inflammation and Relieves Chronic Diseases

As it turns out, yoga is no longer just a gentle stretching for aging hippies. Ongoing research shows that this ancient ritual improves mood, helps breast cancer survivors, reduces inflammation and counteracts fibromyalgia.

It's common knowledge that yoga improves mood and shrugs off stress, but until recently, we didn't know why. Chris Streeter, MD, and his colleagues from Boston University School of Medicine discovered that it may be because of yoga's ability to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous antidepressant neurotransmitter present in the brain.

They followed several healthy individuals who were divided into two groups. The first group practiced yoga over a 12-week long period, while the participants in the other group walked for the same period of time. At the end of the study, researchers evaluated psychological state of both groups and found that subjects who practiced yoga experienced a greater decrease in anxiety and more significant improvements in mood than those who walked.

"Over time, positive changes in these reports were associated with climbing GABA levels," explains Streeter. The findings of the study demonstrate that yoga is superior to other types of exercise in its positive effects on anxiety and overall mood.

Yoga reduces inflammation and helps chronically ill

According to last year's studies, yoga exercises may have the ability to improve recovery of breast cancer survivors and combat fibromyalgia:

• Conventional cancer treatments leave many women in pain, immobilized, depressed and tired. That's why Amy Speed-Andrews from University of Alberta decided to examine how a 10-week session of Iyengar yoga makes a difference in the recovery of women struggling with breast cancer. The results were impressive as 94 percent of study participants experienced improvements in their quality of life and 87 percent reported being happier. 80 percent also said they were less tired.


• Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by fatigue and chronic widespread pain. Fortunately, the journal Pain published a study comparing 53 female subjects that proved that an eight-week yoga program can combat a wide variety of fibromyalgia symptoms. Participants of the study experienced a reduction in depression (up to 42 percent), pain (24%) and fatigue (30%).

Furthermore, yoga also reduces the amount of cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the blood. This compound is associated with the body's inflammatory response and plays one of the key roles in a host of debilitating diseases. "We know that inflammation plays a major role in many diseases. Yoga appears to be a simple and enjoyable way to add an intervention that might reduce risks for developing heart disease, diabetes and other age-related diseases," says Ron Glaser, a co-author of a study that revealed the link between yoga and inflammation.

For the study, the scientists analyzed blood samples of 50 women, age 41 on average. As a result, those who had regularly practiced yoga for one or two years had significantly lower levels of inflammation than novices. They were also better able to limit their stress responses, too.

"People need to be educated about this," says Bill Malarkey, one of the co-authors of the study. "They need to be taking responsibility for their health and how they live. Doing yoga and similar activities can make a difference."

As someone who lost three years of his life to chronic disease called Candida albicans, James Schreiber decided to raise awareness of 'invisible' conditions and natural approaches for better health. Since then, he has authored dozens of articles on the cutting edge of lifestyle and diet modifications. "Life is too short to suffer from Candida, or any other illness," says Schreiber, who recently completed a beautifully illustrated guide to the Candida diet. "I'm committed through my experience, research and writing to help others live life to the fullest - not in spite of having chronic disease, but because of it."

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Yoga for Weight Loss - What Is Needed to Lose Weight With Yoga?

There are many reasons to implement a yoga routine into your weekly schedule. Many people focus on the increase of flexibility and balance that is sure to be seen by those who practice yoga regularly. While it is definitely true that avid yoga participants are more flexible and balanced than when they first begin, there are other physical benefits of yoga. There are many different methods for attempting to lose weight, but if you want to appreciate all the other spiritual, mental and physical benefits of yoga, you can choose this as your method of weight loss. The reduction of weight you experience will be based on what type of yoga you choose and the diet you adopt.

There are a couple types of yoga that are specifically geared toward helping participants lose weight. One is called hot yoga. By practicing yoga in a room that is well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit with an instructor who has hot yoga certification, you can see a quick drop in pounds. Of course, this is primarily water weight since you will sweat more performing hot yoga than other forms. Many people love this method because it loosens up your muscles and helps you relax. You cannot count on the temporary, quick loss of pounds offered by hot yoga, however.

For a more intense weight loss program, you can choose power yoga, also known as ashtanga yoga. Athletes and others who want to see a quick and permanent physical change choose this type of yoga for its increased emphasis on cardiovascular activity. This is also a great type of yoga to pursue if you want to obtain training to be a yoga teacher. The sequences of poses you learn will help you be able to practice yoga wherever you are and whenever you want.

Your diet will also be critical for you to lose weight. You may try to eat things you know are healthy, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free, organic products, but the simple fact is that the earth's soils are not what they used to be. The combination of genetically engineered food and the depleted nutrients in the soil is leading to less and less healthy foods, even if they are organic. That is why your yoga for weight loss should be coupled with as healthy of a diet as you can muster along with the right dietary supplements to help counter the nutrient-lacking foods available today.

Few careers deliver the flexibility and satisfaction of becoming a yoga teacher. Yoga teacher training offers the support and guidance necessary to acquire your official yoga instructor training.

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Best Yoga Warm-Up? Somatic Movement Might Be the Answer

Do you really need a warm-up for a yoga session? Isn't yoga gentle enough on its own? If you need a little kickstart, how about just doing some sun salutes? The answers are, respectively... Maybe not, probably, and yes, often that's enough... But haven't you ever got a couple of postures into your routine and thought that something's just a little sticky? Maybe there's one little bit of your back that feels a tad locked, or the hips are just not as supple as usual. Well, if you have, somatic movement might just be the answer...

Somatic movement is so incredibly subtle that when I was first introduced to it, even though I had been a long-time yoga practitioner, I thought it was just a little bit too gentle. However, when I had actually tried out the exercises, my body felt so energized and alive, totally effortlessly, that I was forced to change my views.

I started to use somatics as a preparation for my daily yoga practice and found that I was experiencing a far deeper and subtler level in the asanas. This was not just from the fact that the body was well warmed up and the joints 'lubricated' before I even started, but because somatics itself relies on such a deep awareness of movement, which, although that is also encouraged in yoga practice, can often get lost as our asanas become so familiar that our attention drifts.

Somatics brings you back to the importance of breathing and awareness of every bodily sensation as you move, and this calms every aspect of the physiology so that by the time you get to your asanas, you are already deep into that experience.

I find that I think of somatics as a sort of finer sandpaper than the asanas, and with this it can also be useful to finish off after the your yoga practice. After all, these routines were all conceived to deepen our understanding of our own physiologies and expand our intuition, so each day you might spontaneously design some slightly different routine to unlock the stresses and strains of modern life, and adding somatics to your arsenal of techniques to choose from can only be a good thing.

So, however experienced you are at yoga, and however you choose to use somatics as part of your daily workout, I urge you to check out these wonderful techniques. Doing so can only deepen your practice! Good luck!

Philip Escott, author of 'Pure Activity: Eat Better - Exercise Better - Feel Better', in partnership with Somatic Movement Educator Brian Ingle N.D, D.O., invites you to visit the following link for FREE videos and newsletter and to find out more about how the combination of Ayurvedic diet and exercise and Somatic Movement Education can supercharge your health and fitness... Instant downloads also available of Pure Activity and the amazing 90-minute Somatic Movement Education practice video.
http://holistic.pureactivity.com/

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Supported Side Stretches Cure with Yoga

The point of this article is to help you to the next level and show you what this amazing subject has to offer.

Many computer users around the world face the glitch of back torture. Having your back asecurest the fence regularly means you're in care. But for certain yoga positions, having your back tightly asecurest a fence will aid wellbeing.

In Hatha Yoga, the practitioner forms what Swami Gitananda calls body geometry--triangles, erect ranks, circles and analogous ranks. When you do a stance, forever stretch your body to its chief control and then footing it there for a leisteadyly consider of 10, steadily structure up the time, awaiting each stance can be maintained for 30 seconds. land a stance is critical to yoga begrounds it gives the body a destiny to roost into the stretch and release up. Then each time you stretch it will be just that little bit beyond.

Many of the sideways, or creative, stretches in Hatha Yoga need that the body face send, with hips stage and back and spike sloping neither send nor back. Beginners incline to incline send to spread the stretch. But inclineing send is injury and will actually detract from repayment and probably grounds damage. To present these stretches correctly, make steady to keep your spike tightly asecurest a fence. The fence acts as a piling. Even those who have adept yoga may find that they cannot bend as far as they thought they could when they do the stances correctly. The added time exhausted in forming sensible stances will pay off: Your body will secure brilliant flexibility and power.

As we continue, we will take a look at how this new information can be implemented in very special ways.

When we learn, we continue on a path of growth. Therefore, learning about this subject has already helped you more than you know.

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Hatha Yoga - A Crowd Favorite

Increasingly, you may hear about your companions enrolling in Hatha classes at the local gym. In terms of pure popularity, Hatha yoga is number one in the yoga world. As a result, the poses are known well by both beginners and experts.

Hatha yoga poses are called Asanas. The Asanas are used in combination with meditation and the breathing techniques known as Pranayama. Together they work the body to improve strength and flexibility as well as overall health, which is one of the reasons it is so popular. Hatha is a hybrid of the Sanskrit words "ha" which means "sun" and the word "tha" which means the "moon." Together, they refer to the way that Hatha's yoga poses often bring together opposites currents in the system.

Of the eight limbs of yoga, Hatha focuses mostly on the third, which is Asana, and the fourth, which is Pranayama. These pose and posture techniques coupled with the breathing patterns are used to clear out your body's energy channels, known as the Nadis. This, in turn, removes obstacles that could hamper other limbs helping to improve your well being.

Hatha History

Hatha has been around since 15th century India when a yogic sage, Swami Swatamarama, detailed Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the most important yoga texts. The original intent of this form of yoga was to help support relaxation of the body and to support the "contemplation of one reality." Many of the classic Hatha yoga poses that were used at its inception, in fact, are still in use with it today. According to those first practitioners of Hatha, the postures can lead to the best in not only physical well being, but also the best state of mind you can possibly attain.

Your Hatha Path

Before beginning your journey into Hatha yoga, you need to be prepared just like with any other form of yoga. There are some basic tips that can help you have an easier, more effective, and safer experience as you begin this original yoga style.

First, remember to breathe normally while you are in and move between each of the poses. Your breaths should be deep and smooth. Try to feel your diaphragm opening and expanding as you switch from one posture to another. Hatha rarely, if ever, uses the shorter and harder yoga breathing, so stay smooth and deep.

Second, do not force any of the stretch positions in Hatha. Start with the easier ones and make sure you are moving easily and naturally into each pose and that you are holding it for 15 to 30 seconds. This will ensure that you get the most out of your yoga and minimize your risk of injury. Be patient with your body and do not attempt the more difficult poses until you are sure you are ready.

Finally, concentrate on your breathing. One of the big focuses in this particular yoga is the breathing which leads to much of the mental health benefits. Use the exercise to relax and become at peace with yourself in the moment. That is what Hatha yoga poses are intended to do for you.

Hatha has been in practice for over 600 years. Longevity like that is rare even in yoga, and can be a sign of success and true belief. If you are considering this form of yoga as for yourself, then remember: never strain, take the time to make sure you are ready for a given pose, and to concentrate heavily on your breathing. Following these tips will help you to attain the superior mental and physical well being that Hatha is said to provide.

Rebecca Prescott provides an introduction to some hatha yoga poses here. You'll also find an article about another popular style of yoga, Bikram yoga, and weight loss benefits associated with it, here. More yoga articles can be found here.

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I have studied computer programming, shiatsu and various natural therapies including herbs, macrobiotics, oriental healing and swedish massage.

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Yoga: Instant 10-minute Yoga - New Form of Yoga

Yoga began in India 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means, to join or integrate, or simply union. Yoga started, as far as we know, as part of India's philosophical system, but not everyone practiced yoga, and it has never been a religion.

Yoga began in India 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means, to join or integrate, or simply union. Yoga started, as far as we know, as part of India's philosophical system, but not everyone practiced yoga, and it has never been a religion.

About 5 million people in the United States do some yoga. Dance and stretching exercise classes usually have parts and pieces that come directly from yoga. If you ever go to a physical therapist, he or she may give you therapeutic exercises that are yoga postures.

There are several types of yoga. The yoga you may have seen on TV or taught at your local Y or an adult education class is called hatha yoga, or physical yoga. Sometimes it's known as the yoga for health. You may also find yoga being taught in a hospital or medical setting. Many health professionals today feel yoga can be part of a treatment plan.

Hatha yoga has three parts: a series of exercises or movements called asana (poses or postures in English), breathing techniques of all kinds, and relaxation.

Do you drag yourself out of bed on Monday mornings, exhausted before you've even begun the week. Or maybe you can't enjoy your evenings, because work drains you of every ounce of energy.

Don't worry, you can boost your energy levels and balance your body with a new form of yoga - dynamic yoga.

Its simplicity and almost instantaneous benefits have made it one of the most fashionable alternative exercises of the new Millennium. Normally known for its relaxation benefits, dynamic yoga can boost your energy levels in just 10 minutes.

It includes some of the most basic yoga postures. You can try each of them individually, or in succession, but none of them should be rushed. However, you should feel the benefits after just ten minutes.

The deep stretches and graceful movements help to unblock energy, improve muscle tone and increase your general stamina. When practised regularly, say enthusiasts, you will experience improved energy levels, greater sexual vitality and better self-discipline. In the long-term, the breathing and body exercises will help detoxify your mind of tension and strain, creating calm and an inner peace.

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Nicholas Tan has been involved in Article Writing, providing Free Articles, Internet Marketing, SEO, Adwords, & Adsense for more than 5 years and designs and develops websites. Submit your free articles and get your articles noticed! Get your Free Articles here! Submit Articles! We provide free articles and information. Check us out at Free Articles!

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Hatha Yoga

This article provides useful, detailed information about Hatha Yoga.

Patanjali collected the yoga knowledge available in 2 A.D. and wrote a treatise called ‘Yoga Sutra.’ The yoga of Patanjali has 8 limbs to be practiced in sequence. They are Yama (restraint), Niyama (observance), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (ecstasy). The end of yoga after Samadhi would be the union of individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.

In the modern age, yoga has come to mean basically ‘Hatha Yoga,’ ‘Ha’ meaning sun and ‘Tha’ meaning moon unites in Hatha Yoga. It is the symbolic union of active and passive energies, the opposites. The Hatha Yoga aims to unite harmoniously the body, mind and spirit, and create a healthy, supple and strong body and a relaxed, stress free mind.In the late 19th century, T. Krishnamacharya, a yoga teacher in Mysore Palace in south India, was the source of most modern Hatha Yoga. His disciples B.K.S. Iyengar, K.Pattabhi Jois and Indira Devi, and his son T.K.V. Desikachar, were instrumental in setting up their schools and spreading Yoga throughout the world, particularly in America.Each one has its own name, but it is only a matter of stress rather than substance. They are Ashtanga Yoga of Pattabhi Jois, Iyengar Yoga of B.K.S. Iyengar, Vishnu Yoga of T.K.V. Desikachar, Bikram Yoga of Bikram Choudhry, Sivananda Yoga of Vishnu Sivandandam, Integral Yoga of Swami Sachidananda and Ananda Yoga of Swami Kiriananda.Yoga as an exercise is vastly different from calisthenics or aerobics. In yoga the body does not do any movement, but holds different postures that are designed to direct the life energy to all parts of the body. The respiratory and pulse rate drops. The endocrine system increases activity.The benefits of yoga are many. It helps in managing many illnesses for which there are no cures. It helps in building a supple and strong body. But its major contribution is in relaxing the body and mind, relieving stress and rejuvenating the energy level. Positive thinking and feel-good factors increase amongst practitioners of yoga. The degree of concentration in yoga students is very high.With some amount of commitment and regular practice of Hatha Yoga, there will be a substantial difference to the quality of life in the modern age.

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Bikram Yoga provides detailed information on Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pilates Yoga and more. Bikram Yoga is affiliated with Cheap Yoga Mats.

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Understanding the different types of Yoga

Confused about the different types of Yoga? Read this quick guide to find out what's right for you.

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in the Western world today. The number of places holding Yoga classes is on the increase and there is a plethora of different types of Yoga. With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more it can be easy to get confused

The article will help you to understand the difference between the most popular types of Yoga so you can choose which type is right for you.

Hatha Yoga - in Sanskrit (an ancient classical language of India) Ha means sun and tha means moon. This type of Yoga is relatively slow paced, gentle type of Yoga and is a good place to start if you are completely new to Yoga and don't know any of the asanas (poses). Like all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.

Ashtanga Yoga - this is the type of Yoga that I practice on a regular basis and means eight limbs in Sanskrit. It's a fast moving, intense style of Yoga practice and is based on a progressive set sequence of asanas, synchronized with the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding as you constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the next, so you'll find that it will improve your stamina as well as your flexibility and strength..

Power Yoga - this is a western interpretation of Yoga and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses without stopping and starting.

Iyengar Yoga - This type of Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the correct alignment and form of the body. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time rather than moving constantly from one pose to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses props such as blocks and straps to help align the body into the different poses.

Vinyasa Yoga - Vinyasa means breath synchronized movement and is another fast paced type of Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice each pose is balanced with a counter pose.

Bikram Yoga - otherwise known as Hot Yoga, is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

If you're just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, I recommend trying a few different types of yoga to find out what you like best.

Remember, there's no rule that says you have to stick to one type of Yoga. I like Ashtanga Yoga best, but I also go to occasional Iyengar and Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety.

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To find out more about the different types of Yoga visit the Free online Yoga Guide

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