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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Three Yoga Techniques to Suit your Exquisite Preference

Many people practicing yoga techniques had reached to the point where they are seeking more advanced yoga exercises. Most yoga sessions focus on the meditation and breathing exercises. These basic yoga techniques give emphasis on providing relaxation and flexibility to the body in order to attain beneficial health effects. There are other yoga techniques which exceeds the norm of the commonly used yoga postures namely Ashtanga yoga, Bikram Yoga and Kundalini yoga. The asana poses involved in these yoga practices require proper concentration and dedication to achieve mastery of the involved yoga techniques.

Ashtanga Yoga - Muscle Building Yoga Technique

This yoga technique is much different from other forms of yoga exercises. The asana postures to be performed in this yoga exercise focuses on enhancing the strength and endurance of the practitioner's body. The Ashtanga yoga technique is often restricted to those with proficient body status, due to the intensity involved in performing the difficult poses on this exercise. The yoga sessions for this yoga technique are often subjected to a fast pace of exercise procedures which would perfectly suit those people who are into building up their body's strength and stamina.

The level of difficulty offered by the Ashtanga yoga asana postures gave it the name "athlete's yoga". The yoga techniques to be performed in this type of exercise require hard work, constant practice and great concentration. This is a good choice for people who are physically fit.

Bikram Yoga - Heating while Bending Yoga Technique

This 90-minute yoga session involves flexing your body while inside a sweltering room. The training room for this yoga technique is preheated to at most 105 degree Fahrenheit and 40 percent humidity. For those people who are interested on this extraordinary yoga experience, preparation is very crucial to survive this yoga technique. Students of Bikram yoga sessions should follow important reminders before starting the yoga exercises. Due to the heated environment, this yoga technique regulates breathing and releases the body's fluids at faster rate compared to other yoga techniques. The extreme temperature applied with the constricting movements benefits the body's blood flow. This yoga technique is advisable to those who can endure heat while performing the asana postures.

Kundalini Yoga - Releasing Inner Body's Potential Yoga Technique

The postures involved in this yoga technique excite the endocrine and nervous system of the body. This is a very interesting type of yoga exercise since it gives serenity and ecstasy to the body if mastered. Kundalini yoga techniques compose of unique poses, meditation and chanting. The chanting is considered as the most crucial part of this yoga exercise. The chanting provides the practitioner to experience inner peace and at the same time enhancing the body's senses. Most Kundalini yoga sessions require the assistance of a professional guru. This yoga technique is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the soothing effect of concentrated meditation.

To learn more about yoga positions, please visit Free Yoga Exercises.
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Cindy Heller is a professional writer.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Abhyasa for Health

The mind of such a person stops running about, and becomes steady and still very easily. The process of steadying the mind is called abhyasa in yoga terminology. It is made of three stages respectively called dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. Dharana is a state of mental concentration in which the mind, which has stopped running after the objects of enjoyment (due to vairagya) gets associated with a restricted area of operation, which may be an idol or a picture. or any symbol like a cross, or dot, and so on. This is a state of absorption of the mind in an engrossing topic. All thoughts are here concerned about a single topic. For example, one may fix the mind on some areas in the body, such as any one of the six chakras, the tip of the tongue or nose, the midpoint between the eyebrows, the heart, and so on, or on, an attractive idol of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, or a picture of the rising sun. No thought other than those that are in some way or the other related to the object of concentration, is allow to arise in the mind. This is not an easy thing to do because of the habit of mind to move continuously from one thought to another. But an individual from whose mind vasana or trishna has completel retired, can easily apply his mind to any limited topic (desha), just as a trained horse can be made to follow any specified path, by carefully controlling his actions.

As an individual proceeds deeper in the process of concentration, the mind becomes steadier, and, out of the limited set of thoughts concerning the same topic only one single thought starts arising in the mind time and again. This is the state of dhyana in which the mind becomes very stable like the flame of a lamp in a very calm atmosphere, and its contact with the object of experience becomes intense and complete. There are two varieties of dhyana as explained in the Shandilyopanishad, namely, sagwwdhyana and nirgunadhyana. The former involves stillness of the mind associated with an object of experience that can be grasped through the sense organs, e.g. it may either be seen with eyes, or touched with the hands or at least it can be thought of as having certain qualities. The latter variety implies complete absorption of the mind into itself. This is a state in which the mind is not associating with any object, external or internal, or perceptible through the senses. The mind becomes completely still in this state. It is supposed that such a still and silent mind becomes so sensitive as to be able to understand any event, past, present or future, that might have happened anywhere in the universe. We may quote, for example, an incident mentioned by Kalidasa in his Raghuvamsha. King Dilipa, as the story goes, was not having a child. He went to his guru Vasishtha for a remedy, and told him the reason of his sadness. The rise, on this, stood till for a few moments and came to know, through concentration of the mind, why king Dilioa was not getting a son.

Whether such a thing is possible through dhyana, is a question on which opinions may differ. Science, it may be said, has not yet succeeded in gathering sufficient information which may confirm this belief. But we may still come across many people in India who would defend such possibilities heart and soul.

Let us now see how dhyana is turned into what is called samadhi. This is a state that can be achieved only by a mind which is purified like a gem or crystal. When all the impurities of the mind are completely washed away through dhyana, the mind shows a capacity to grasp any object very clearly and vividly.

When a crystal (which is colourless in itself) is placed adjacent to a flower, it shows in itself the colour of that flower very completely, so much so that one feels as if that is its own colour. Similarly, a mind that is purified by dhyana, when cast on any object of thought, can establish such an intimate contact with the object that it becomes completely identified or one with it. This is known as tadatmya of the mind with the object. It indicates complete stillness and steadiness which is accompanied by silencing of the breath. In that state, the consciousness of one's own existence vanishes. This is called "sabija samadhi", because it always involves some object of experience or some thought on which the mind is concentrated.

Nirbija samadhi (also called "sahajavastha") is a state very different from this. It is lot a state of concentration but the state of liberation in bodily existence (jivan mukti).

Read more on Yoga for weight loss. Check out for folding treadmills and arthritis treatment.
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Alien writes for http://www.family-health-information.com . He also writes for http://www.online-family-doctor.com/ and http://www.onlinemedicare.org

Yoga for Digestive Disorders

Yoga is an extremely very old form of exercise which has great abilities to give solutions to several health related problems even today. This is the basis why huge numbers of people have been practicing yoga on a regular basis for years and living a healthy life, not just healthy body but as well strong mind.

Yoga plans at working towards bringing stability in mind and body of an individual, 'yoga' the word itself means union, i.e. combination of body and mind for a healthy living. There is no organ in the body that yoga movements do not address. Yoga movements can offer relief almost from any ailment, connecting to any organ of the body.

This applies still to gastrointestinal troubles faced by us frequently. Yoga for digestive system has a set of workout or positions, 'asanas' that can give you complete relief, be it the irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, heartburns, etc.
Yoga and ayurveda in mix can not just offer you relief but as well provide you with ideal medication and absolute cure from several stomach and digestive order connected ailments.

Yoga for digestive disorders is a set of exercises; your yoga teacher will educate you. These 'asana' need to be done accurately as taught by the instructor so that you can get absolute relief from your problems, the instructor will educate you how long you necessitate to remain in a certain position, the inhalation during this position and the way to bring yourself to normal position.

Yoga exercises are not similar to allopathic medicines which usually give you short term but immediate relief, these exercises will take a week to become totally helpful, but you can be certain that you will be totally cured from your gastro-intestinal problems. As a novice you will have to work towards perfecting your asanas once that it done, you are permissible to practice yoga all by yourself at home.

Yoga treatment prescribes several asanas that might affect your digestion troubles, these range to deep breathing exercises to boost oxygen in blood as well as bring breathing in sync with the metabolic system (pranayam) also as several asanas that address stomach troubles directly similar to the 'Dhanurasana' which makes you put entire weight on your stomach, thus toning stomach muscles and making these stronger also as to digest food improved and cleanse system of left over food, etc. for basic there are asanas similar to the 'ardha dharnurasan' half of the dhanurasan where you necessitate to lift only the upper torso to rest its weight on stomach.

Approximately all gastro-intestinal ailments such as the ulcers, indigestion, GERD, digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. all can be treated by yoga exercises. You can begin feeling the change within a day or two of initial the exercises.


Read more information on Digestive Disorders Treatment and Herbs for Digestive Disorders

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Yoga therapy is only way to forever remain young, fit and happy!

Yoga is basically a tool to keep the body fit and prepare the mind for uplift of the spiritual aspect.

The fact is that yoga therapy was never intended as a means to check ailments. It works as a strengthening tool for the entire mind and body. Let's see how it functions:

Our body is like any other machine and needs overhauling and also rest. The best instance would be that of a car. Over stretching or overheating or even over-cooling of the machine will naturally enough lead to its breakdown.

The primary difference is that while the car needs external forces to keep it running in smooth condition, we have the power (the mind including the will-power and our determination) and the paraphernalia (yoga therapy and other exercise procedures) to constantly tune up our body.

Yoga is the ultimate tool that encompasses the therapy to refurbish both the power and the paraphernalia.

Another basic difference between the car and our selves is that many parts of the former need replacements (partial or total) after a certain fixed time gestation during which these parts are constantly used. However, yoga therapy provides the means to keep the different parts of our minds and bodies in perfect condition (without any replacements).

But, the fact remains that more often than not we do not pay adequate attention to many of these critically important portions of our body. We keep them functioning since the time we take shape within our mothers' wombs to the day we bid farewell to the world. But, we rarely initiate the deliberate steps to strengthen them or give them the much needed rest. Only when the different functioning parts including the brain (mind), each of the internal organs, the external manifestations called limbs and the joints are exercised. The sad aspect is that we either overstretch them or keep them idle; in other words we take them for granted. In the process, they get either over strained or become 'rusted'!

And, that's precisely the time we get afflicted by various ailments. Yoga therapy is the means to give rest to this machine constituted by the body (the machine and the outward element) and the mind (akin to the battery and the fuel injection paraphernalia in a car). Yoga therapy exercises even those organs located in the most internal portion within our body and those limbs located in areas we cannot usually reach.

Learn more about Pranayama, Ayurveda and lot more by visiting yogapositions.co.in
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The Human Mind And The Yoga

The human mind, in his evolutionary trial, she has been illuminated by the light of the awareness producing systems whose end is the improvement of the human condition. They are the circumstances that, they sometimes determine the geographical position, where, such systems, are manifested more clearly to the world.

This way, the Yoga finds in India the historical position of his birth remaining, subsequently also imprisoned in the religious culture of this country.

This becomes conclusive to the goals of the researcher which, today it owes for strength to pass through the Indian culture to be able to understand the goal, and to use the techniques that go to form the system of "Liberation" denominated Yoga. And when it is said "liberation" he intends to tell liberation it represents, besides, the street to indissolubly free themselves from the cycle of the Samsara or the tied up rebirths to the distorted vision of the senses that prevents the dissolution of the union with the suffering and the logging the knowledge of the Itself indefeasible.

The Yoga word, belongs therefore to the spiritual world, and, sometimes, utopian Indian, even if the Yoga more ancient, some sustain, he didn't introduce any connotation type cultural or religious.
The ancient origin of the Yoga one is surely pre-air as they testify the archaeological findings of Harrappa and I will Mohenjodaro belonging city to the civilization of the valley of the Indo that precedes the development of Vedic India.

The Yoga one held classical, sees instead the light in the first centuries of ours, it was and one are considered of the six Darsanas or viewpoints, of the philosophical-religious thought Hindù whose codification, as all know, Patanjali is attributed to, compiler of the Yoga-sutra or Aphorisms of the Yoga of dating, happen as always when he is to contact with the Indian history, a great deal shaky.

As you is already said so many times, Yoga it is a word sanscrita that deriving from the radix of the verb Yuj points out the meeting record to yoke. Example: to yoke the oxen to the wagon. Its meaning grants to this system the role of discipline whereas you are thought about yoking the present instinctual personality in the human nature, to direct her and to finalize toward well taller purposes represented by other meanings, that we will see subsequently, attributable to the verb Yuj. The promoters of this discipline, initially train him, in circle psico-somatic, to yoke mind and body to get a perfect drive, working to depths levels toward a single idea.

They passes so to experiment a first feeling of harmonic aggregation that corresponds to a pleasant stadium in which the mind partly results reorganized. To return to the verb sanscrito Yuj, finds almost always suitable, as I told you, other meanings over the most intrinsic "to yoke" that I hold can represent steps precise and relative experiences of conscience as that above described tied up to the verb to unite or union if reported to the Yoga word.

A third interpretative proposal, note, is recognized in the word "amalgamation" that for the Yoga one it relatively represents the level of coscience of experience more advanced than, it usually follows the complete realization of the union psico-physics. In this stadium the subject after having taken meeting record of the existing dynamic interrelation among itself and what surrounds him, it also realizes strongly her as feeling. This is worth to make to fall the last resistances and contrariety toward aspects of the demonstration, naturally also toward the mens, feeling himself in amalgamation and to them legacy from something of commune.

It changes at this point her vision of the world. The words friend, hostile or indifferent they are replaced from favorable, unfavorable or neutral and, consequently introduces in him yourself more evident emotional stability. The memories, above all through the practice of the meditation, they also comes reorganize and stripped by the emotional aspect.

The heavy burden, that constitutes the depressing past in many cases, is loosened and the is often noticed to disappear some senses of guilt. The individual can start this way him toward a fourth stadium of realization that will bring him to seek the lasting joy and what is over the ordinary one or the transcendent one.

Along the street he could experiment the supreme peace, to know and to rest in the true essence of his being. Through a continuous meditation on the truth itself, that is pure eternal conscience and beyond of the psico-somatic complex and of the worldly oppressions he could reach the liberty.
In the full success of this phase the subject should return to integrate himself, or it would be reinstated better in the collectivity, he is thought I deprive of resistances, and with a clear vision of the reality.

To conclude this first party I have moreover to assert that the science of the Yoga one demands to teach a method that allows to achieve the complete union of the Itself, that is of the present spiritual reality in each of us with that general purpose whose constitution would be, according to a hypothesis of the ancient literature, reality, conscience, beatitude (Satchidananda).

This union would be the only true Yoga. The point from where he departs for this experience. A state of conscience in which the mystical ones propose him to meet and to know God. A route, perhaps to bashful, through which the produced one, for so to say, would return in the womb of the generated, rather surely melting himself in the same nature of this last losing his individual identity.

You can change your life starting Yoga, now: eBook of Basic Yoga

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

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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Role of Wall Mounted Water Fountains in Yoga and Meditation

The main motive of yoga and meditation is to calm down and relax both body and soul. Meditation and yoga needs pieces of nature like waterfalls and rivers to make it more effective. In earlier days, people seeking a calm, natural environment for yoga and meditation had to travel long distances to find a waterfall. Today there are crowds everywhere and you could hardly find a single waterfall with a calm surrounding. The wall mounted waterfalls eliminate this difficultly by bringing home the natural alluring sound and feel of the waterfalls. Wall mounted water fountains are well known for their calming and relaxing powers. Unlike the waterfall fountains, the wall mounted water fountains prevent water from splashing.

The relaxing nature of the wall mounted water falls has made it an essential element in hospitals, clinics and meditation centers. According to meditation experts, water symbolizes creativeness and new life and hence these wall mounted fountains are very much effective in making one very creative. The fountains are also said to be excellent stress relievers. They help in rejuvenating the spirit with their inspiring sounds.

Installing a wall mounted water fountain to a meditation room will make the room more sacred and alive. A fountain in a meditation room can be used as the concentration point in an environmental healing meditation session. Experts at ‘yoga insight’ say that “While in meditation, your water chakra - which lies between the pubic region and the navel - reproduces mentally through imagination and memory.”

The wall mounted fountains have the capability to promote a sense of peace and tranquility when you are meditating. The scenery created by the wall mounted water fountains give people a chance to enjoy the quiet and peace of being outdoors within their home itself. The patterns and the soothing sounds of the wall mounted fountain are perfect for people who want to relax and achieve a state of meditation. According to experts, the sound of cascading water makes it easier to control our feelings and focus our mind.

Hence in this over-crowded world, you cannot find a better place than your home for meditation. The addition of wall mounted waterfalls to your meditation room will enable meditating in a natural environment right inside your home. Not only in meditation rooms, but also in bedrooms, office spaces, gardens and lobbies- wall mounted water fountains can be placed everywhere. They are a cheaper option when compared to the waterfall fountains. “There are some things that money can’t buy. Peace of mind is one such thing” is a popular old saying. With the introduction of wall mounted water fountains, it seems that the old saying is false.

About the Author:

Abigail Brown writes water fountain articles for waterfountainplace.com, a leading online retailer for wall fountains, indoor fountains and garden fountains. Decorate your home and gardens today with water fountains from the Water Fountain Place.
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Saturday, November 8, 2008

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.

Yoga Philosophy

If you are one of those who want more from their Yoga class than simply a great workout, you are not alone. There are deeper concepts that are to be learned during your practice. This philosophy that is taught to you by a Yoga instructor will help change the overall quality of your life.

In total there are countless Yoga philosophy concepts but there are three main ones that will help you with your life’s struggles. Every teacher is different therefore the level of Yogic philosophy that is taught within each class will also be different. This may be caused by the specific type of class that it is, the popularity of the class, or the Yoga instructor’s choice.

You can join different types of classes such as a restorative Yoga class which includes much more of the Yogic philosophy than in the majority of other classes. This is also true when it comes to the total amount of mediation time as well. Many of the younger people who practice Yoga tend to focus mainly on working the mind and body.

There are three basic Yogic philosophy principles that will help you turn your life around and accept what is best for you. Following them will help make your life happy, simple, and much less stressful.

You need loving kindness towards your self as well as others, which should start from the moment you wake up in bed. You need to stop criticizing yourself as well as other people in your life. When you take positive actions you will see what a difference it makes in your day to day life.

You must also have true forgiveness. This is necessary for your survival and personal quality of life. It is harmful for a person to harbor bad feelings towards someone and is much healthier to let the issue go.

Written by Ambrosio Thompson. Find the latest information on Yoga for health as well as yoga philosophy
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