Aqua Fitness Yoga (Pregnancy Yoga)

Aqua yoga for pregnancy gives women the opportunity to enjoy freedom of movement supported in the water environment. Flexibility and mobility are increased and women are able to feel more comfortable while promoting health for mother and baby. Breathing is expanded and the circulation improves. Movements practiced in the last few weeks of pregnancy will encourage the baby into a favorable position for birth.

Aqua Yoga is a series of yoga exercises done in water developed by Franзoise Barbira Freedman that combines the therapeutic and afloat nature of water with the stimulating and balancing of yoga. In short it takes the principles and movements of yoga and adapts them to the environment of water. With the release of gravity the body is able to find the most advantageous stretching.Aqua Yoga combines slow stretching with the use of breathing and relaxation as the water provides resistance for the muscles to work against. Aqua yoga is a natural and all-encompassing way to promote and sustain fitness and health. It offers a gentle and easily available way to enjoy movement and breathing using the supportive element of water. Many aqua yoga exercises are classical yoga postures adapted to water. You feel virtually weightless in water, so that stretches that might be difficult on the ground can be accomplished without strain. Aqua yoga is the perfect combination of the benefits that yoga and swimming can bring.No previous experience of yoga is necessary to benefit from these exercises.

Aqua yoga can be practiced by swimmers and non-swimmers alike but to train as an aqua yoga teacher you will need a swimming qualification. Aqua yoga strengthens and tones the body whilst relieving tensions and renewing energy. Aqua yoga makes exercising safer for many people, especially those whose weight problems, injuries, pregnancy, old age etc., as the water helps bear the body, easing wear and tear on the joints.Benefits of Aqua YogaAqua yoga is beneficial for those with many medical problems, as it is gentle and low impact. Aqua yoga can be safely practiced by people with a wide range of fitness levels and physical abilities.Joint, muscle, back and other musculoskeletal degenerationWater provides resistance, and this resistance is used in aqua yoga to help strengthen and develop control. This is very useful in helping with some joint and other musculoskeletal problems. The weightlessness in water especially allows those with back problems to move more easily and comfortably in water. Aqua yoga helps improve flexibility and function, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the muscles around the joints, reducing strain on the joints themselves.

Obesity puts added strain on the joints when exercising on land, so the low-impact of exercise in water really helps. Aqua-yoga helps strengthen and tone the body, and relaxes the whole body.Blood pressureBeing in water reduces blood pressure slightly. Aqua yoga is very beneficial for people suffering from high or erratic blood pressure. Pregnancy Aqua yoga for pregnancy gives women the opportunity to enjoy freedom of movement supported in the water environment.
Flexibility and mobility are increased and women are able to feel more comfortable while promoting health for mother and baby. Breathing is expanded and the circulation improves. Movements practiced in the last few weeks of pregnancy will encourage the baby into a favorable position for birth.

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About the Author

Ashish Bhattacharya worked in a Mauritius Spa Hotels.For more related information kindly visit: http://www.shantiananda.com/spa.html

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Yoga And Sex: Kundalini Yoga Favors Sexual Energy For Mental Strength

While most of the religious practices prefer ascetism and sexual abstinence as a way to uplift soul, Kundalini yoga considers carnal indulgence as a medium to increase self exploration. This practice of yoga lays great emphasis on leading a healthy sexual life. Kundalini yoga suggests to “feel sex” instead of “merely performing sex.”

Kundalini Yoga-- This age old yoga practice is quite wary of other ancient religious practices for gaining elevated spiritual state. While most of the religious practices prefer ascetism and sexual abstinence as a way to uplift soul, Kundalini yoga considers carnal indulgence as a medium to increase self exploration. This practice of yoga lays great emphasis on leading a healthy sexual life.

Kundalini yoga suggests to feel sex instead of merely performing sex. According to this Yogic philosophy there could no better way to mutual exploration process than act of copulation. This yoga vehemently condemns the widespread connotation that sex is an impediment in attaining higher state of being.

Kundalini yoga practice is basically termed as fiery practice as it requires you to be very active. It doesn't help you in gaining increased level of sexual prowess but also contributes to your worldly success by providing you with required mental peace and energy. The concept of kundalini says that spinal sexual energy is potent enough to offer great mental strength and wisdom.

The energy associated with kundalini concept is said to be of most powerful kind that flows in an energy canal inside the body that is known as Shushumna. Along with it there exists an additional canal in men and women. In women this additional channel of energy is termed as Pingala while men possess Ida canal of energy.

The kudalini suggests male and his female partner to first attain equal level of energy before going for copulation. For that they are first directed to get indulged in various tantric yoga meditations and asanas that help them attain complete rejuvenation as well as higher level of being. And energy gained after undergoing these Tantric Yoga practices happens to be unmatchable. Equipped with incredible energy and elevated physical and mental state a couple could experience optimum sexual pleasure and mutual exploration.

The hallmark of kundalini Yoga lies in its philosophy of strong connection between carnal indulgence and spirituality. But many people find it too difficult to get accustomed with refraining from orgasm that is not a preferred kundalini practice. According to the concept avoiding orgasm could result in increased level of kundalini energy in the body.

Kundalini's way of masturbation results in great physical and mental relaxation. Like other yoga forms kundalini is also gaining world wide popularity. You can also opt for kundalini for above mentioned advantages, but I would suggest you to take up kundalini practices in consultation with an expert tantra yogi only.

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About the Author

The author writes articles on different topics. To get more yoga articles visit http://www.therealyoga.com/

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Yoga Videos: Trikonasana, Bikram and Ashtanga

Full Spectrum Yoga for Beginners : Full Spectrum Yoga Trikonasana


Bikram Yoga


Ashtanga yoga

Yoga-Your Path To Peace With Food

Several months ago, I attended a conference in Florida to work with a wonderful group of people in the medical and related health fields. We were all together because of our interest in different ways to treat the obesity epidemic. After the conference, a number of us decided to take a break and sit outside to enjoy the afternoon sun. We talked about many topics, including our children, the work we were doing, how some of us loved doing yoga, and, of course, food. Being the only nutritionist in the group, the conversation eventually turned, as it often does, to dieting and weight control.

Several of the women had been on and off Weight Watchers for years. It is a terrific program and the women liked going to the meeting for the support and encouragement, as well as the flexibility and difference food choices they can make. One woman's story really struck me:

She said she had once lost 40 pounds on this program, and during this time was also regularly doing yoga. She also found herself able to get into the meditative practices of yoga, which are quite difficult to attain. She also enjoyed practicing many of the postures, or asanas. More importantly, she said that during this time, she was experiencing such confidence in herself that she was able to drive past fast food places without feeling the need to stop and get something to eat. She sounded as though this was a very peaceful time for her, not just with her weight, but in her life.

Unfortunately, as often happens, the woman eventually gained back all of the weight (along with a few additional pounds) and she stopped practicing yoga. I found the combination of the two (practicing yoga and losing weight) quite interesting and I spoke to her about this. I suggested that she worry less about the "food" part and consider adding the yoga back into her life. Most of us have a very good idea of what it means to "eat healthy," what we need to do in order to lose weight. Folks who have been to Weight Watchers are well-educated as to the various acceptable choices they can make, and which foods they can prepare. The woman admitted she did already knew all of this.

I suggested that she focus on rebuilding time for yoga first. The meditation, the postures, and the different yoga sequences would make her feel at peace with her body. Yoga always gives me a sense that, regardless of my weight, I can feel good in my body. Yoga is not just about being flexible in your body. It's about increasing flexibility, building strength and endurance, physically AND emotionally.

I know that once this woman starts practicing yoga again, she will be able to permanently lose the weight. Not focusing on food while focusing on increasing activity improves one's overall health and well-being.

Being at peace with your body enables you to become at peace with food so much more easily!

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About Leeann Simons:
For additional information on becoming At Peace With Food', free healthy lifestyle tips, and access to interesting reading and nutritional links, visit www.AtPeaceWithFood.com/freetips.html

Yoga For Total Calmness

The known benefits of practicing yoga are both physical and mental. Physical benefits are the results of a well toned and stronger body together with improved vitality. It also improves our metabolism rate and overall health.

For mental benefits, yoga teaches us how to focus on breathing while we look and feel younger. It improves our athletic performance too.

Consistent practice of yoga with meditation help to control ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive problems, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic and heart problems. Laboratory tests have even proved the yogi's increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure.

According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body. Yoga acts both as a curative and preventive therapy. The very essence of yoga lies in attaining mental peace, improved concentration powers, a relaxed state of living and harmony in relationships.

Through the practice of yoga, we become aware of the interconnectedness between our emotional, mental and physical levels.

I have practiced yoga for more than ten years now and I find that not only does it give me wonderful physical workouts; it also provides me with a completely different outlook in life. It does not matter how tired I may be going into class, I always look forward to it and I come out a changed person when the session ends. I feel refreshed and renewed, like every cell in my body is sparkling.

Many activities and workouts can get our bodies in shape and toned, but yoga provides much more than just a workout. Holding yoga postures actually wrings toxins out of our body and the yogi breathing infuses the body with energy.

We need to breathe deeply to bring oxygen to all our cells, rid the body of toxins and energize us, but we also use breathing to help us turn inward in meditation. Peace of mind is important to us and so is staying calm during the day.

BENEFITS

Physicians and scientists are discovering more and more new health benefits of practicing yoga. Studies show it can relieve the symptoms of several common and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, diabetes, asthma and obesity.

Asthma

Studies conducted at yoga institutions in India have reported impressive improvements in asthma. It has also been proved that asthma attacks can usually be prevented by practice of yoga.

Respiration Problems

Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing exercises, it is possible to control an attack of severe shortness of breath.

High Blood Pressure

The relaxation and exercise components of yoga have a major role to play in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure and hypertension. Breathing and relaxation exercises in yoga have been proven to control blood pressure, thus reducing the intake of medication for high blood pressure.

Relief of Pain

Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain because our muscles tend to relax when we exhale. Lengthening the time of exhalation can help produce relaxation and reduce tension. Awareness of breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration and help in relaxation and body pain.

Arthritis

The easy stretches with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up the muscles and further tighten the joints. Yoga is relaxation and exercise rolled into one – the perfect anti-arthritis formula.

Weight Reduction

Regular yoga practice helps in weight management because it improves our metabolism. It is able to overcome anxiety and thus solving the problem on anxious eating. Yoga deep breathing increases oxidation or burning up of fat cells. Yogic exercises induce more continuous and deeper breathing which gradually burns, sometimes forcefully, many of the calories already ingested.

Mental Performance

Experts suggest that the regular practice of breathing through one nostril may help improve communication between the right and left side of our brain. This increased brain activity is associated with better performance and doctors even suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance.

Mood change and Vitality

People who participate in yoga over a period of time claim a positive effect on outlook and energy level. stretching and breathing exercises in yoga have been seen as a beneficial effect on mental and physical energy.

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About Janice H.:
Janice H. is an author who does lots of research into health and nutrition. She is working towards her mission: Leading People To Ageless Living. Visit Janice's Blog at: www.stayyoungsecret.com/blog to immediately improve your life and receive your FREE e-Report.

Kriya Yoga - Learn The Secrets To Kriya Yoga

Discover the techniques behind kriya yoga and learn more about how to perform kriya yoga

Kriya Yoga is a process of mental purification that teaches meditation through techniques.

The fundamental belief of Kriya Yoga is that all of us are miniature version of the whole cosmos, a microcosm or an evolution of a new world within the microcosmic world.

The followers of Kriya yoga also believes that the most holy supreme creator is a part of us hiding beneath our body, and activating every action through the breath.

The name Kriya is meant as any work “kri” is being done by the power of the indwelling soul “ya”.

The different cosmic forces controlling, air, fire, water and earth also controls the different activities that we do, namely, religious activities, relationship with everyone and everything, food, pregnancy, and everything performed by the human body.

Yoga on the other hand is the conjoining of these correspondences between microcosms and macrocosms. It is the full acceptance and belief behind the union and interaction of the individual self and the supreme self.

The study and science of Kriya yoga has a divine origin and was not created by human means and intellect.

The modernization for this ancient yoga meditation method has begun in the 1860’s with Babaji and has been handed down to the present Kriya yoga lineage of masters directly through the Master to disciple method of teaching.

The disciplined path of Kriya Yoga consists of many different kinds of teaching with different angles to it. One looks at it as a process of beginning with self introspection through breathing controls.

It is also believed in Kriya yoga that that by enlightening the three qualities of light, vibration and sound simultaneously with proper concentration, posture and breathing through application of a series of techniques, a Kriya yoga disciple is able to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind.

Through this they can communicate with their inner gods and obtain a fulfilling calmness within them.

Read the rest of this krisya yoga article by going to

http://www.yogaexercisesportal.com/The-Evolution-Of-Kriya-Yoga.html

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About the Author

To pick up a free 5 part report on yoga, learn yoga exercises and yoga positions. To get this free yoga report visit http://www.yogaexercisesportal.com/

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Enjoy Yoga with a Good and Comfortable Yoga Mat

Tips on Yoga Pilates Mat

Yoga is known to be a very relaxing exercise. It is popular not just a Hindu ritual but also a proven way to stay fit and healthy. It is more than just a form of meditation but more like an exercise regimen for many people around the world. But like all other exercise, there are equipments used in the practice of yoga. And probably one of the most important equipment for exercising yoga is the yoga mat.

A yoga mat can either be a big and thick towel, a rug or you can also buy a special yoga mat from sport shops. Most yoga mats that you can find around are made of cotton or polyester latex. There are premium made mats and there are regular mats as well. There are also a choice of natural mats and synthetic yoga mats. It is important though that you know how to choose the yoga mat that's right for you. This is essential in a comfortable and relaxing practice of yoga.

There are different things you need to consider in choosing the right yoga mat for you. The first and foremost thing that you should keep in mind while choosing a mat is what type of yoga you practice. Now, there are different yoga mats intended to be used for the different yoga styles. If you are practicing a yoga style that requires jumping from one form to another, like the Ashtanga yoga, you need a mat that are really thick and can provide you a good cushion. If while doing yoga, you sweat a lot, you need a mat that has the capability to absorb it and the best choice would be a cotton yoga mat. Other considerations to make when choosing a yoga mat are more of your personal choices. Of course you have the final say in choosing the color and the make of the mat. There are some people who prefer natural yoga mat made of hemp to feel closer to nature. But since these types may cause allergies to some people, you should also give this a careful consideration. You should also consider the place where you do your yoga exercise. If you're doing your exercise in a slippery tiled floor, you should always buy a sticky yoga mat to avoid slipping.

The practice of yoga would not be complete without the proper tools and equipment. You should always remember that in any exercise, it is important that you are comfortable while doing it. It is a key to enjoying and relaxing while doing the exercise you've chosen. And since yoga mat is a very important part of the yoga practice, you should choose the right mat for you.

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About the Author

Jeff Dodd is an expert in Yoga Pilates Mats. Come visit us at http://www.total-yoga-pilates.com.

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Ayurveda yoga teacher training Program

Ayurveda and yoga not only complement each other but both sciences actually embrace each other as they share similarities and fundamental principles on many levels. Ayurveda and yoga should go together to achieve optimal health, peace, and longevity.

The ancient science of Ayurveda and Yoga offer the knowledge and wisdom to individuals to live in complete holistic health. When combined together for the prevention and treatment they compliment conventional medical therapies excellently and can play an invaluable role for healing and rebalancing the physiological, energetic, and psychological patterns that underlie its development.

Ayurveda- Ayurveda is the ancient art of healing; originating in India it has been in practice for over thousands of years. Ayurveda aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This balance is believed to lead to contentment and health, and to help prevent illness. According to Ayurveda all the ailments and sufferings are due to the disharmony and disequilibrium of the doshas. Ayurveda views a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. These primary elements combine to create various physiological functions. Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The water and earth elements combine to form the Kapha dosha. According to Auyurveda we are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity.

Yoga-Yoga's history has many places of anonymity and ambiguity due to its oral transmission of sacred texts and the secretive nature of its teachings. But the roots of Yoga can be traced back to more than 5000 years.

Literally meaning union, yoga seeks to unite the individual soul with the Universal Soul not through any religious rites but through a sustained effort to control one's mental and physical faculties.

Yoga is about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the pose.

Physically yoga helps in cleansing the body of toxins, muscle toning, improving blood circulation, correct body posture and the like, at the intellectual level it is said to help the practitioner transcend the unrealities of a worldly life and be in communion with the Supreme Being.

The Relationship Between Ayurveda and Yoga

Yoga and Ayurveda are two paths intertwined in a close relationship. Ayurveda, which means "knowledge of life," is the ancient art and science of keeping the body and mind balanced and healthy. Yoga is the ancient art and science of preparing the body and mind for the eventual liberation and enlightenment of the soul.

Ayurveda and Yoga have their origin in the Vedas, and thus share the same fundamental philosophical aims. Ayurveda’s predominant current aim is the treatment of disease, whilst Yoga has aimed at spiritual development. For communities following these lifestyles, the diet and lifestyle regimen propounded by Ayurveda was, and to some extent still is, the foundation for an all round sense of well-being. Yoga too was traditionally practiced in the context of an Ayurveda lifestyle. Besides sharing a philosophical foundation, both systems have many similarities in relation to attitude, nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, cleansing practices, as well as spiritual practices. Ayurveda and yoga not only complement each other but both sciences actually embrace each other as they share similarities and fundamental principles on many levels. Ayurveda and yoga should go together to achieve optimal health, peace, and longevity.

Training Programs-Ayurveda yoga teacher training Programs consist of

A study of the building blocks of yoga: asana, pranayama, pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation) along with the study of Yoga Sutras.

Learning and developing the ability to concentrate and stilling of the mind through meditative practices

Knowledge of how to use Yoga & Ayurveda for symptoms of "disease", chronic illness, injury as well as psychological states

In-depth study of the healing art of Ayurveda

Adjustments to the more subtle mental and spiritual energies utilize tools such as yoga, meditation, and mantra.

Focuses on diet, daily routines, the use of herbs, and natural cleansing protocols

Approach to intention, intuitive awareness, attentiveness to energy, and yogic stances and breathing

The principles and practices of massage therapy, develop an authentic healing presence

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About the Author

Ashish Bhattacharya is an exponent of Destination Spa Mauritius gives expert advice on yoga,ayurveda and is specialist in Ayurvedic Spa Mauritius.

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A Beginner’s Guide To Yoga Asanas

Asanas are very helpful in bringing rejuvenation to your body and mind. Asana happens to be one of the limbs of yoga practices. You learn tolerance, balance, patience and perseverance through yoga asana.

By asana we mean various Yoga postures. There are good number of asanas offering different exercises to body as well as mind. If you are the one who has just made a tryst with Yoga, you would be first of all made to do basic yoga asana. These basic asanas are only meant to make your body accustomed to Yoga practices. You get accustomed to yoga practice by gaining increased flexibility through basic asanas.

Asanas are very helpful in bringing rejuvenation to your body and mind. Asana happens to be one of the limbs of yoga practices. You learn tolerance, balance, patience and perseverance through yoga asana.

Asanas could be done in a seated position, standing position, turning and twisting posture, supine and balancing posture. Each posture comprises of not less than twenty asanas that could be further classified into three levels, beginners asanas, middle level asanas and complex yoga asanas.

Standing asanas are of great help in strengthening legs and lower muscles of your body. Sitting asanas are focused on making your hips and lower portion of back stronger. Balance yoga postures are exceptionally helpful in improving your mental condition. It also strengthens muscles. Twisting and turning asanas contribute greatly to your enhanced flexibility. And relaxation postures bring required tranquility and peace to your mind thus resulting in total mental rejuvenation.

Some popular asanas are as follows-

Shvasana: It is known as corpse pose. The asana requires you to lie on back in a completely rested state.

Utkatasna: This yoga asana happens to be awkward for many as the pose needs to be in a sitting position without chair. While keeping this pseudo sitting pose you are instructed to raise your hands towards sky or ceiling.

Padmasana: It is a sitting posture with erected back. You are also made to place your legs on opposite thighs. This asana tests your tolerance level.

Dhanurasana: It is a bit complex asana which is also known as bow position. You are made to lie with the help of your stomach and thighs with raised legs and hands taking hold of legs by raising upper portion of body. Resultant postures happen to be bow shaped.

Vajrasana: This posture demands you to bend on your knees in such a way that your hips could be placed on corresponding foots or ankles. You are also directed to rest your hands on knees.

Navasana: In this asana you are required to lift both of your legs while being in a sitting posture. Legs should make an angle of forty five degree from the surface of floor.

All these asanas are a great mixed bunch of easy and complex asanas. If you happen to be a beginner you should only opt for asanas for beginners. And practice them for your holistic health improvement.

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About the Author

The author writes articles on different topics. To get more yoga articles visit http://www.therealyoga.com/

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