Author: Huda
Diabetes in various forms affects up to 5percent of the world population with 12 million diabetics in Western Europe alone. Of the different ways in which diabetes presents, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most commonly encountered genetic disease. NIDDM or Type II diabetes is multifactorial, depending also on environmental factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyles and nutritional imbalances.
Yoga has shown some beneficial results in curing diabetes. The yoga exercises that are prescribed for curing diabetes is different from hatha yoga exercise because it involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as meditation, relaxation and stretching exercises.
One of the studies conducted to cure diabetes was the one set up by the Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded in 1982 by biochemist Dr Robin Monro, and an Indian yoga research foundation which discovered that practicing yoga for 30 minutes a day for one month helped reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics.
The yoga patients took part in one or two 90-minute sessions a week and were asked to practice at home. The classes included the specific yoga exercises of the spinal twist, the bow and abdominal breathing.
At the end of the 12 weeks blood sugar levels fell significantly in all patients in the group and were slightly raised in a control group which had not joined in the yoga sessions. Three yoga students managed to reduce their medication, including one man who had not changed his drug regime for 20 years.
It has been known for a long time that exercise is helpful for diabetics. Yoga therapy may help reduce stress levels which could play a part in maturity onset diabetes. But one drawback is that some patients would find it hard to keep up the regular sessions needed to sustain the benefit. All the patients said they would like to see these classes set up on a permanent basis but we don't have the money.
It is not necessarily the exercise component of the yoga therapy package which is most important, because there is not enough physical exercise to account for the changes, but stress reduction has a lot to do with it. Stress hormones increase sugar levels in the blood. People also benefit from the stabilization of their moods which yoga brings, an increased feeling of well-being and a feeling of being more in control, which may help with their diet control.
Friday, September 19, 2008
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Cotton Yoga Mat?
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
During a yoga session, complete relaxation and proper concentration are essential, and how could one get connected to the higher realms of consciousness if body discomfort is disturbing? The choice of the wrong yoga mat can often ruin the practitioner's efforts to achieve some form of mental relief by the asanas. A cotton yoga mat for instance could provide just the comfortable and peaceful space you need to perform the body postures in the safest and best of conditions. A good cotton yoga mat can also be used for massage and Pilates exercises, which are other very popular ways of improving general health.
The advantages of a cotton yoga mat include increased softness and the capacity to retain sweat; these are the reasons for which heat yoga for instance finds cotton the ideal material to be used for the accessories required by the asanas. There is no slipping involved and the adherence to the floor is highly remarkable. Unlike items made from synthetic materials, a cotton yoga mat has a great body tolerance given the close and prolonged contact with naked skin areas. The organic cotton fiber will definitely keep you safe from skin irritations and even allergies, in case you have an over-sensitivity.
As for the cleaning of the cotton yoga mat, things are a lot easier than for other items made from various materials. You can either wash it by hand or in the wash machine, on the only condition that you set the correct temperature. Avoid washing a cotton yoga mat in too hot water since the fibers are very likely to shrink and you'll find the size of the mat drastically reduced. Depending on the level of sweating during the yoga class, cleaning may be required after every usage, but that is definitely for you to appreciate.
The price of a cotton yoga mat is definitely more than affordable; nevertheless, according to the specificity of the design, you may have to pay some extra bucks if you choose a thicker or a larger size model for instance. A cotton yoga mat can be purchased either online or from sports shops that sell special gym articles. You can get an idea about what a cotton yoga mat should be like by getting a look at the catalogs you find online, as they provide lots of info, after all, not even environmentalists would have something to object to cotton.
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yoga for Years. For More Information on Cotton Yoga Mat, Visit His Site at Cotton Yoga Mat Post Your Views On Cotton Yoga Mat At My Blog here Cotton Yoga Mat
During a yoga session, complete relaxation and proper concentration are essential, and how could one get connected to the higher realms of consciousness if body discomfort is disturbing? The choice of the wrong yoga mat can often ruin the practitioner's efforts to achieve some form of mental relief by the asanas. A cotton yoga mat for instance could provide just the comfortable and peaceful space you need to perform the body postures in the safest and best of conditions. A good cotton yoga mat can also be used for massage and Pilates exercises, which are other very popular ways of improving general health.
The advantages of a cotton yoga mat include increased softness and the capacity to retain sweat; these are the reasons for which heat yoga for instance finds cotton the ideal material to be used for the accessories required by the asanas. There is no slipping involved and the adherence to the floor is highly remarkable. Unlike items made from synthetic materials, a cotton yoga mat has a great body tolerance given the close and prolonged contact with naked skin areas. The organic cotton fiber will definitely keep you safe from skin irritations and even allergies, in case you have an over-sensitivity.
As for the cleaning of the cotton yoga mat, things are a lot easier than for other items made from various materials. You can either wash it by hand or in the wash machine, on the only condition that you set the correct temperature. Avoid washing a cotton yoga mat in too hot water since the fibers are very likely to shrink and you'll find the size of the mat drastically reduced. Depending on the level of sweating during the yoga class, cleaning may be required after every usage, but that is definitely for you to appreciate.
The price of a cotton yoga mat is definitely more than affordable; nevertheless, according to the specificity of the design, you may have to pay some extra bucks if you choose a thicker or a larger size model for instance. A cotton yoga mat can be purchased either online or from sports shops that sell special gym articles. You can get an idea about what a cotton yoga mat should be like by getting a look at the catalogs you find online, as they provide lots of info, after all, not even environmentalists would have something to object to cotton.
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yoga for Years. For More Information on Cotton Yoga Mat, Visit His Site at Cotton Yoga Mat Post Your Views On Cotton Yoga Mat At My Blog here Cotton Yoga Mat
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_545088_23.html
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_545088_23.html
Inversion Yoga Poses - Another Perspective
Author: Rebecca Prescott
Headstand (salamba shirshasana) is one of the yoga poses that are considered inversion poses. Inversion poses involve any asanas that lift the feet above the head. Other inversion poses that are well known include shoulderstand (salamba sarvangasana) and half shoulder stand (viparita karani). But even lying on the floor with your legs on a chair is an inversion pose.
The concept behind inversion poses is expressed in yoga texts as viparita karani. Viparita karani is translated as meaning 'opposite process'. This simply means facilitating a different perspective. From the purely physical point of view, this different perspective in inversion poses is literal - in terms of looking at the world from a different physical viewpoint - as well as involving the body being supported in a different way.
But as yoga is more than simply physical exercises, there are other processes that are assisted. A lot of yoga is designed to help us change mental habits as well as physical habits. Through increasing our ability to adapt to change, instead of being stuck in old habitual responses, we increase our capacity for growth and transformation. This applies in all areas of our lives.
There is a theoretical concept in yoga about why inversion postures help. Ayurveda considers that many of the body's impurities are in the lower abdomen. When we raise our feet above the head, gravity is assisting us to move these impurities towards what the Ayurvedic system calls agni, or 'fire'. Agni particularly relates to our 'digestive fire', and is thus located above our lower abdomen.
So, by being upside down, and by using the deep and slow breathing typical of yoga, we help 'burn off' the impurities that were previously stuck.
Improved circulation is a more readily apparent and less 'esoteric' benefit of inversion yoga poses.
Whilst inversion postures have many health benefits, the ability of an individual to receive those benefits depends as much on their capacity to comfortably hold these sometimes difficult postures. For example, headstand and shoulder stand should simply not be done if people are pregnant, have neck pain, high or low blood pressure, neck injuries, or are menstruating. And neither of these postures should be attempted without the appropriate preparatory postures. Otherwise the risk is there that an injury, or stiffness, particularly to the neck area, will result.
Likewise, if doing these postures is very uncomfortable and difficult, more benefit will be derived from doing either the modified versions, or simply working on other yoga poses that strengthen these areas.
There are several important prerequisites for getting the most benefit fro inversions. The first one, a strong neck, I've mentioned. The others are a strong back and abdominal muscles, and the capacity to breathe well whilst in the posture. The latter is going to get better with practice, both of yoga itself and the inversions. It is also somewhat tied into having a strong back. Our back and stomach muscles will provide the support to hold the legs straight, which inturn opens up the thoracic cavity, and increases our ability to breathe well whilst upside down!
Tips for Doing the Inverted Postures
For Half Shoulder stand:
* Lengthen the exhale
* Don't lock the chin
* Keep your weight not on the head but on the wrists and elbows
* Don't try to pull your torso (and legs) into the vertical like in full shoulder stand if you have difficulties with your neck. By doing so, you're placing more pressure on your neck.
* Make sure you do the appropriate balancing postures afterwards. These include shalabhasana and bhujangasana
For Shoulder stand:
* Don't worry so much about keeping your elbows and arms parallel. This will create more tension in your neck if you're not proficient in this posture.
* Do the appropriate balancing postures. These are the same as for half shoulder stand.
For Headstand:
* Don't ever make adjustments whilst in headstand. If you feel your alignment is not quite right, come down and do it again.
* Never do this posture first up, or without the prerequisite postures. It will lead to stiffness in the neck at best, and injury at worst. And the negative effects can build up over time. This posture is never done traditionally without preparation, and there is reason for this.
* Use a wall for support as a learning stage
* Support your head with all of your fingers, including the little fingers and thumbs
* Finding the right position for your head will make sure weight is distributed evenly, and ensure you don't have to overly press down with your elbows to compensate
* Think of the support for the whole body as being distributed evenly across both elbows and the head
* Don't hold your weight too much on the back of your body. It will place too much pressure on your neck.
* Don't use props that allow the neck to be free. It will lead to the neck muscles contracting
* Use the balancing postures. Shoulder stand is the traditional, but Mohan recommends half shoulder stand instead
* Rest your neck before doing the balancing postures, however. Lie down with your legs bent.
* Other balancing postures include chakravakasana, dvipada pitham with the arms, and shalabhasana
There may be fears or a sense of limitation about doing inversion poses that will be confronted. Sometimes, it's best to start an asana gradually. Shoulder stand comes with a few variations that you can use to build up strength and flexibility, as well as overcome any fear based feelings about the posture and your ability to do it.
Overcoming the fear, and finally being able to do a difficult pose that you thought you couldn't, can create positive psychological effects. When we prove to ourselves that our fears don't bind us, that we can move beyond our limitations, we are more able to make changes in other areas of our lives where before we thought it just wasn't possible.
References: A.G.Mohan, Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind
If you'd like instructions on how to do the shoulder stand asana, complete with pictures, click here. For information on ashtanga yoga, check out this article on the truth and myth of ashtanga yoga, as well as it's origins. Rebecca Prescott runs the website http://www.yogatohealth.com
Headstand (salamba shirshasana) is one of the yoga poses that are considered inversion poses. Inversion poses involve any asanas that lift the feet above the head. Other inversion poses that are well known include shoulderstand (salamba sarvangasana) and half shoulder stand (viparita karani). But even lying on the floor with your legs on a chair is an inversion pose.
The concept behind inversion poses is expressed in yoga texts as viparita karani. Viparita karani is translated as meaning 'opposite process'. This simply means facilitating a different perspective. From the purely physical point of view, this different perspective in inversion poses is literal - in terms of looking at the world from a different physical viewpoint - as well as involving the body being supported in a different way.
But as yoga is more than simply physical exercises, there are other processes that are assisted. A lot of yoga is designed to help us change mental habits as well as physical habits. Through increasing our ability to adapt to change, instead of being stuck in old habitual responses, we increase our capacity for growth and transformation. This applies in all areas of our lives.
There is a theoretical concept in yoga about why inversion postures help. Ayurveda considers that many of the body's impurities are in the lower abdomen. When we raise our feet above the head, gravity is assisting us to move these impurities towards what the Ayurvedic system calls agni, or 'fire'. Agni particularly relates to our 'digestive fire', and is thus located above our lower abdomen.
So, by being upside down, and by using the deep and slow breathing typical of yoga, we help 'burn off' the impurities that were previously stuck.
Improved circulation is a more readily apparent and less 'esoteric' benefit of inversion yoga poses.
Whilst inversion postures have many health benefits, the ability of an individual to receive those benefits depends as much on their capacity to comfortably hold these sometimes difficult postures. For example, headstand and shoulder stand should simply not be done if people are pregnant, have neck pain, high or low blood pressure, neck injuries, or are menstruating. And neither of these postures should be attempted without the appropriate preparatory postures. Otherwise the risk is there that an injury, or stiffness, particularly to the neck area, will result.
Likewise, if doing these postures is very uncomfortable and difficult, more benefit will be derived from doing either the modified versions, or simply working on other yoga poses that strengthen these areas.
There are several important prerequisites for getting the most benefit fro inversions. The first one, a strong neck, I've mentioned. The others are a strong back and abdominal muscles, and the capacity to breathe well whilst in the posture. The latter is going to get better with practice, both of yoga itself and the inversions. It is also somewhat tied into having a strong back. Our back and stomach muscles will provide the support to hold the legs straight, which inturn opens up the thoracic cavity, and increases our ability to breathe well whilst upside down!
Tips for Doing the Inverted Postures
For Half Shoulder stand:
* Lengthen the exhale
* Don't lock the chin
* Keep your weight not on the head but on the wrists and elbows
* Don't try to pull your torso (and legs) into the vertical like in full shoulder stand if you have difficulties with your neck. By doing so, you're placing more pressure on your neck.
* Make sure you do the appropriate balancing postures afterwards. These include shalabhasana and bhujangasana
For Shoulder stand:
* Don't worry so much about keeping your elbows and arms parallel. This will create more tension in your neck if you're not proficient in this posture.
* Do the appropriate balancing postures. These are the same as for half shoulder stand.
For Headstand:
* Don't ever make adjustments whilst in headstand. If you feel your alignment is not quite right, come down and do it again.
* Never do this posture first up, or without the prerequisite postures. It will lead to stiffness in the neck at best, and injury at worst. And the negative effects can build up over time. This posture is never done traditionally without preparation, and there is reason for this.
* Use a wall for support as a learning stage
* Support your head with all of your fingers, including the little fingers and thumbs
* Finding the right position for your head will make sure weight is distributed evenly, and ensure you don't have to overly press down with your elbows to compensate
* Think of the support for the whole body as being distributed evenly across both elbows and the head
* Don't hold your weight too much on the back of your body. It will place too much pressure on your neck.
* Don't use props that allow the neck to be free. It will lead to the neck muscles contracting
* Use the balancing postures. Shoulder stand is the traditional, but Mohan recommends half shoulder stand instead
* Rest your neck before doing the balancing postures, however. Lie down with your legs bent.
* Other balancing postures include chakravakasana, dvipada pitham with the arms, and shalabhasana
There may be fears or a sense of limitation about doing inversion poses that will be confronted. Sometimes, it's best to start an asana gradually. Shoulder stand comes with a few variations that you can use to build up strength and flexibility, as well as overcome any fear based feelings about the posture and your ability to do it.
Overcoming the fear, and finally being able to do a difficult pose that you thought you couldn't, can create positive psychological effects. When we prove to ourselves that our fears don't bind us, that we can move beyond our limitations, we are more able to make changes in other areas of our lives where before we thought it just wasn't possible.
References: A.G.Mohan, Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind
If you'd like instructions on how to do the shoulder stand asana, complete with pictures, click here. For information on ashtanga yoga, check out this article on the truth and myth of ashtanga yoga, as well as it's origins. Rebecca Prescott runs the website http://www.yogatohealth.com
Saturday, August 23, 2008
How Anusara Yoga Appeals To Common People
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
With a ten-year history as a school, Anusara yoga was founded in 1997 and it has been part of the Hatha yoga style ever since though it shares ramifications in Tantra yoga as well. Anusara yoga appeared in the Western world as a way of emphasizing the general universal principles that govern all yoga practices for thousands of years; in Anusara yoga, we'll find all the asanas and the meditations specific to Hatha yoga, with a great emphasis on the ways to achieve bliss and joy in day to day existence. Enjoying every moment in its uniqueness is part of the philosophy promoted by schools of Anusara yoga.
Without being dogmatic at all, Anusara yoga, appeals to common people by its optimistic spiritual approach that leads to the appearance of a feeling of solidarity and belonging not only to a community, but to mankind in a very special way. With Anusara yoga, the practitioner learns that after we have conquered so much of the outer world, there is one unimaginably rich wonder land that has remained undiscovered, and only partly explored: the inner frontier. Like many other spiritual ways, Anusara yoga brings self-awareness and the joy of the discovering the treasures within.
Among the common governing principles of Anusara yoga, we need to mention the effort to open to the intention and the love of the supreme Universal Being that has created us and the entire universe. Anusara yoga practitioners define this attempt as the opening to Grace or the alignment. Then, postures enable the concentration of the energetic flow from the peripheral body areas to a focal point usually identified around the heart. Every body movement has its spiritual counterpart as it triggers a certain type of energy winding up and enhancing inner strength. The energy then emanates towards the organs, maximizing their functions and ensuring great health.
Purity of mind, spiritual power and a great health condition: these are the promises of Anusara yoga. All you need to do is focus practice, learn and enjoy meditations and get to apply the principles of well-being in all aspects of your life. However, it is good to keep in mind the fact that, when you take up yoga practice it is essential not to do so on your own and starting from informational materials that you find on the Internet. The presence of a master, teacher or guru is an absolute must to guide one on the spiritual path of spiritual achievement: yoga is not a practice to be taken lightly, as it is far too complex for such considerations.
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yoga for Years. For More Information on Anusara Yoga, Visit His Site at Anusara Yoga Post Your Views On Anusara Yoga At My Blog here Anusara Yoga
With a ten-year history as a school, Anusara yoga was founded in 1997 and it has been part of the Hatha yoga style ever since though it shares ramifications in Tantra yoga as well. Anusara yoga appeared in the Western world as a way of emphasizing the general universal principles that govern all yoga practices for thousands of years; in Anusara yoga, we'll find all the asanas and the meditations specific to Hatha yoga, with a great emphasis on the ways to achieve bliss and joy in day to day existence. Enjoying every moment in its uniqueness is part of the philosophy promoted by schools of Anusara yoga.
Without being dogmatic at all, Anusara yoga, appeals to common people by its optimistic spiritual approach that leads to the appearance of a feeling of solidarity and belonging not only to a community, but to mankind in a very special way. With Anusara yoga, the practitioner learns that after we have conquered so much of the outer world, there is one unimaginably rich wonder land that has remained undiscovered, and only partly explored: the inner frontier. Like many other spiritual ways, Anusara yoga brings self-awareness and the joy of the discovering the treasures within.
Among the common governing principles of Anusara yoga, we need to mention the effort to open to the intention and the love of the supreme Universal Being that has created us and the entire universe. Anusara yoga practitioners define this attempt as the opening to Grace or the alignment. Then, postures enable the concentration of the energetic flow from the peripheral body areas to a focal point usually identified around the heart. Every body movement has its spiritual counterpart as it triggers a certain type of energy winding up and enhancing inner strength. The energy then emanates towards the organs, maximizing their functions and ensuring great health.
Purity of mind, spiritual power and a great health condition: these are the promises of Anusara yoga. All you need to do is focus practice, learn and enjoy meditations and get to apply the principles of well-being in all aspects of your life. However, it is good to keep in mind the fact that, when you take up yoga practice it is essential not to do so on your own and starting from informational materials that you find on the Internet. The presence of a master, teacher or guru is an absolute must to guide one on the spiritual path of spiritual achievement: yoga is not a practice to be taken lightly, as it is far too complex for such considerations.
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yoga for Years. For More Information on Anusara Yoga, Visit His Site at Anusara Yoga Post Your Views On Anusara Yoga At My Blog here Anusara Yoga
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_545076_23.html
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_545076_23.html
Yoga for Kids - Torment Of A Silent Mind
Author: Kacy Carr
Why is it that Yoga for kids is becoming even more popular today than it was in days of yesterday, well children are just as much prone to suffer from stress just like adults do. How can this be a great many would ask. Kiddies pressure come from additional education requirements (like more homework) We all know the importance of furthering our childs education to give them a better chance in life but when it can destroy life then it is time to take action.
Yoga for kids is a priceless gift to give to a child where they lay claim to peace of mind. Pressure put upon our kids today can be brought on by other factors like being bullied. Children also suffer at the hands of the parents while watching them worry over debt or whatever comes with surviving in the 21st century. How can we help the mind of a tormented child, simple introduce them to Yoga?
Yoga for kids help them become aware of the body and start to understand how vital it is to keep in good shape. Even at an early age kids need to develop better body awareness and after doing this they take control all by themselves to lead an active healthy life. Children who practice yoga self educate themselves on self control flexibility and coordination.
Exercises for children have proven in some cases to assist slowing down Hyper active behaviours. Yoga has helped kids by channelling their impulses in a positive way. Yoga moves for minors differ just like that of the way adults practice. A couple of poses for children that work perfectly well are the Warrior pose and the Tree poses. Both are exercises that help the child to find calm, build up confidence and balance.
Some children take to yoga like water of a ducks back whereas others have to be coaxed and need assurance and the benefits pointed out to them. The secret behind getting a dubious child to enrol in a yoga class is to explain how it is a popular craze among other children. Point out how much fun it can be. Explain in fine detail of the Warrior posture moves in your quest to encourage the child. Ease their discomfort if afraid to practice yoga alone. Let them know they can team up with a partner, this will also help build up on their team skills therefore gaining a bonding with others.
There will be times where the children will find it difficult to focus and concentrate but is that not the case with all children whether practising yoga or not. Children and relaxation are not very compatible. Just to have a child close their eyes for a period of time will be task in its self. Ask the child to visualize something that he/she are interested in or enjoy doing.
Try them with the belly breathing yoga exercise while listening to soothing relaxation music. Ask them to imagine they are up in space floating or making sand castles on the beach. After the session is over invite the child to share their experience of how they felt while practicing the Yoga for Kids routine.
If they divulge their secret thoughts then this can only mean that the child has opened up and what a major breakthrough that is. To have your child share a secret is enough to say they want to be heard.
Those silent thoughts that once troubled your little boy/girl will give you as a caring parent the insight on how to deal with what was once a tormented silent mind.
Yoga for kids is the healthiest wealthiest form of knowledge for any child.
About The Author:
100% fit in mind body and soul is what healthy living is all about. With yoga you claim what is rightfully yours.- control. http://www.want2yoga.com Take steps now to move on with your life http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com
Why is it that Yoga for kids is becoming even more popular today than it was in days of yesterday, well children are just as much prone to suffer from stress just like adults do. How can this be a great many would ask. Kiddies pressure come from additional education requirements (like more homework) We all know the importance of furthering our childs education to give them a better chance in life but when it can destroy life then it is time to take action.
Yoga for kids is a priceless gift to give to a child where they lay claim to peace of mind. Pressure put upon our kids today can be brought on by other factors like being bullied. Children also suffer at the hands of the parents while watching them worry over debt or whatever comes with surviving in the 21st century. How can we help the mind of a tormented child, simple introduce them to Yoga?
Yoga for kids help them become aware of the body and start to understand how vital it is to keep in good shape. Even at an early age kids need to develop better body awareness and after doing this they take control all by themselves to lead an active healthy life. Children who practice yoga self educate themselves on self control flexibility and coordination.
Exercises for children have proven in some cases to assist slowing down Hyper active behaviours. Yoga has helped kids by channelling their impulses in a positive way. Yoga moves for minors differ just like that of the way adults practice. A couple of poses for children that work perfectly well are the Warrior pose and the Tree poses. Both are exercises that help the child to find calm, build up confidence and balance.
Some children take to yoga like water of a ducks back whereas others have to be coaxed and need assurance and the benefits pointed out to them. The secret behind getting a dubious child to enrol in a yoga class is to explain how it is a popular craze among other children. Point out how much fun it can be. Explain in fine detail of the Warrior posture moves in your quest to encourage the child. Ease their discomfort if afraid to practice yoga alone. Let them know they can team up with a partner, this will also help build up on their team skills therefore gaining a bonding with others.
There will be times where the children will find it difficult to focus and concentrate but is that not the case with all children whether practising yoga or not. Children and relaxation are not very compatible. Just to have a child close their eyes for a period of time will be task in its self. Ask the child to visualize something that he/she are interested in or enjoy doing.
Try them with the belly breathing yoga exercise while listening to soothing relaxation music. Ask them to imagine they are up in space floating or making sand castles on the beach. After the session is over invite the child to share their experience of how they felt while practicing the Yoga for Kids routine.
If they divulge their secret thoughts then this can only mean that the child has opened up and what a major breakthrough that is. To have your child share a secret is enough to say they want to be heard.
Those silent thoughts that once troubled your little boy/girl will give you as a caring parent the insight on how to deal with what was once a tormented silent mind.
Yoga for kids is the healthiest wealthiest form of knowledge for any child.
About The Author:
100% fit in mind body and soul is what healthy living is all about. With yoga you claim what is rightfully yours.- control. http://www.want2yoga.com Take steps now to move on with your life http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Grab the best Yoga Wear Now
Author: paula korel
So, you want to get into yoga but haven't picked out a good workout suit for it yet? Well, that's what this article here was written for. To help you in choosing the best outfit for your yoga lessons/workouts.
Choosing the right yoga wear is not hard at all. All you need to do is to be true to yourself and be picky.
The most important consideration in choosing the perfect yoga wear is the comfort that it gives you. Do not wear clothes that are loose because it will leave you distracted. Some people may be comfortable in wearing loose clothes in going out to the park or the malls. Later on when they do yoga, they realized that the wearing loose clothes are not so fitting at all.
Yoga wear that is too tight may not me too comfortable also because it may not give you enough space to breathe.
Yoga wear includes tee shirts, pants, sweaters and even bags. These are some things you cannot live without when doing yoga. It is important that you have this kind of yoga wear in order to be able to perform the practice without the worries and hassles.
Students who are teenagers are very particular with yoga wear. It is something they consider as an accessory in yoga. For them, without nice clothes, they just could not practice well.
That is common to all yoga practitioners. Of course you need to have a good yoga wear and outlook so that you will have that confidence when you make poses and exercises. It should be at the best level so that you get to perform well and not feel conscious or embarrassed when you are in the class.
Yoga wear can be costly but if you are wise and know how to choose properly,
you will get the kind of yoga wear that you have without hurting your wallet.
Check out the stores that sell all yoga wear and accessories only. Buying in exclusive yoga wear can be advantageous so that you will not have a hard time looking around. Another advantage is that you can compare the differences of the yoga wear. You can tell whether it has a high quality at a fair price of if it is marked high but with proven endurance.
Yoga wear should not be costly and should not eat up your budget because yoga is not meant to be an expensive exercise. It only needs to be given a slight expense and should be fair.
If you will be wiser, you can check out the stores all over the place and compare the prices. After you find the best store that sold yoga wear, check it out once in a while and see whether they have new freebies and discounts available.
If shopping for you is so hard and tiring, that is not a problem anymore. You can now check your favorite yoga wear online. For sure you will have a lot of choices if you check the products online. You can browse through hundreds and thousands of sites that sell yoga wear. If you are acquiring lessons online, there will never be a problem because you know which sites sell the best yoga wear.
Now for the last tip in buying yoga wear, choose the ones that you think will soothe your body and give you the deep concentration you had been aiming for. Now take this, it may not be essential but yoga wear has a lot to do with your concentration.
Now that you have some great tips on choosing the best yoga outfit for your needs, you can run out and buy it. Remember to get exactly what you're looking for, don't just settle for whatever you think will "just do". You want what really suits you and meets all of your needs and wants.
Feel free to visit Start Yoga Now for more great Yoga Information and Yoga Resources.
If you enjoyed the great idea in this article about the type of clothing and gear best suited for Yoga then head over to www.startyoganow.com for more great Yoga information.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_72396_23.html
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_72396_23.html
Yoga, Union with the Ultimate
Author: Govind Kumar
Absolute Being, Absolut Knowledge, Absolute Bliss ( Sat, Chit, Ananda), the
eternal triad which is the Universe and we are, is the substratum of the
entire Universe. This is the great secret which we must discover in our long
evolutionary journey.
Now enhance your Being, Knowledge,Bliss, which are from time immemorial
is considered as Wisdom's frame of reference.
Through adding to your Sat (existence), developing your Chit (subsistence)
and enjoying Ananda you will witness a spiritual evolution or realization in
your mind. With practising yoga, one sees the Absolute Self everywhere
through his eyes of wisdom. He will become absolutely impersonal. He will
not have a bit of selfishness in him. His Id will be completely annihilated.
And in times he will attain the Eternal Bliss of the Self
The word "Yoga" itself is derived from a Sanskrit word "Yuj", which means to
unite. Union with Cosmic Intelligence is the Yogic objective.
What we sow, we reap and this Universal Law is known as the Law of Karma,
the Grand Law of Causation. We have to understand that the miseries of life
and the Negativity which we experience are all the inevitable clearing
process of exhausting our Karma. We have to understand that despite our
sufferings, mistakes and ignorance, the Divine Will is leading us, through
every circumstance, towards the final Realization. This faith will give us
equanimity.
Even in rags, I am a god
Fallen, I am divine
High I triumph when down trod
Live will I when slain !
It is natural that our faith may be assailed by some misfortunes which
happen to us. We have to understand that Initiation is a process of
intensive culture and accelerated evolution and the bad experiences which
happen to us are merely wages.
What can all these trials and tribulations do to the Godhead within us, the
Almighty Self, He who transcends Space, Time & Causality? Him the jail
cannot confine nor the gallows end !
Let us follow the Four fold path of Yoga. They are.
Jnana Yoga Union via Wisdom The method by which the intellect is used to
negate the bondage of material world.
Raja Yoga Union via Psychic Control The psychological approach focusing on
concentration and meditation.
Karma Yoga Union via Action This is the path of eliminating the ego and
attachments through selfless service.
Bhakthi Yoga Union via Love A way of union through conversion of the
emotions to devotion.
Human mind has immaculate powers. And it differs from person to person.
People can awake the hidden psychic and occult powers in them by
understanding and realizing the power of their mind. The four-fold path of
Yoga offers some unique ways to emancipate oneself from the material world
using the divine intelligence.
The Intellectual Man can go for Jnana Yoga or Union via Wisdom
The Active Man can pursue Karma Yoga or the Union via Action
The Adventurous man can followe Raja Yoga or Union via Psychic Control
The Emotional Man can look for Bhakthi Yoga or the Union of Emotions
Practising any one of the four powerful and vigorous Yoga paths will take
you beyond the five concentric sheaths to the Absolute Self, which is the
cosmic power in individual bodies
While Raja and Jnana Yogas are more or less for the initiated, Bhakti &
Karma Yogas are for the ordinary man. You can understand the basic
principles of Yoga by reading some books on the science. An good beginner's
book dealing with Self Development is Dr Ashok Selvaraja's 7 Golden Secrets
to know your Higher Self. The characteristics of both the lower and the
higher selves are highlighted and Cosmic Union becomes easy.
Article by G Kumar, Astrologer, writer & programmer of
www.eastrovedica.com. He has 25 years psychic research
experience in the esoteric arts. His Yoga blog is up at
http://fourfoldyoga.blogspot.com & his lens is up at
http://www.squidoo.com/FourfoldYoga
Absolute Being, Absolut Knowledge, Absolute Bliss ( Sat, Chit, Ananda), the
eternal triad which is the Universe and we are, is the substratum of the
entire Universe. This is the great secret which we must discover in our long
evolutionary journey.
Now enhance your Being, Knowledge,Bliss, which are from time immemorial
is considered as Wisdom's frame of reference.
Through adding to your Sat (existence), developing your Chit (subsistence)
and enjoying Ananda you will witness a spiritual evolution or realization in
your mind. With practising yoga, one sees the Absolute Self everywhere
through his eyes of wisdom. He will become absolutely impersonal. He will
not have a bit of selfishness in him. His Id will be completely annihilated.
And in times he will attain the Eternal Bliss of the Self
The word "Yoga" itself is derived from a Sanskrit word "Yuj", which means to
unite. Union with Cosmic Intelligence is the Yogic objective.
What we sow, we reap and this Universal Law is known as the Law of Karma,
the Grand Law of Causation. We have to understand that the miseries of life
and the Negativity which we experience are all the inevitable clearing
process of exhausting our Karma. We have to understand that despite our
sufferings, mistakes and ignorance, the Divine Will is leading us, through
every circumstance, towards the final Realization. This faith will give us
equanimity.
Even in rags, I am a god
Fallen, I am divine
High I triumph when down trod
Live will I when slain !
It is natural that our faith may be assailed by some misfortunes which
happen to us. We have to understand that Initiation is a process of
intensive culture and accelerated evolution and the bad experiences which
happen to us are merely wages.
What can all these trials and tribulations do to the Godhead within us, the
Almighty Self, He who transcends Space, Time & Causality? Him the jail
cannot confine nor the gallows end !
Let us follow the Four fold path of Yoga. They are.
Jnana Yoga Union via Wisdom The method by which the intellect is used to
negate the bondage of material world.
Raja Yoga Union via Psychic Control The psychological approach focusing on
concentration and meditation.
Karma Yoga Union via Action This is the path of eliminating the ego and
attachments through selfless service.
Bhakthi Yoga Union via Love A way of union through conversion of the
emotions to devotion.
Human mind has immaculate powers. And it differs from person to person.
People can awake the hidden psychic and occult powers in them by
understanding and realizing the power of their mind. The four-fold path of
Yoga offers some unique ways to emancipate oneself from the material world
using the divine intelligence.
The Intellectual Man can go for Jnana Yoga or Union via Wisdom
The Active Man can pursue Karma Yoga or the Union via Action
The Adventurous man can followe Raja Yoga or Union via Psychic Control
The Emotional Man can look for Bhakthi Yoga or the Union of Emotions
Practising any one of the four powerful and vigorous Yoga paths will take
you beyond the five concentric sheaths to the Absolute Self, which is the
cosmic power in individual bodies
While Raja and Jnana Yogas are more or less for the initiated, Bhakti &
Karma Yogas are for the ordinary man. You can understand the basic
principles of Yoga by reading some books on the science. An good beginner's
book dealing with Self Development is Dr Ashok Selvaraja's 7 Golden Secrets
to know your Higher Self. The characteristics of both the lower and the
higher selves are highlighted and Cosmic Union becomes easy.
Article by G Kumar, Astrologer, writer & programmer of
www.eastrovedica.com. He has 25 years psychic research
experience in the esoteric arts. His Yoga blog is up at
http://fourfoldyoga.blogspot.com & his lens is up at
http://www.squidoo.com/FourfoldYoga
What Is Yoga - History and Origins
Author: Rebecca Prescott
The popularization of yoga in the West by yoga schools influenced by the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali (2nd century BC), have almost led to the origins of yoga being linked with Patanjali in the Western mind. In fact, the earliest illustration we have of yoga is from the Mohenjo-daro seals. Mohenjo-Daro is the remains of an ancient city located in Pakistan, part of the Indus Valley civilization which existed along the Indus river and Ghaggar-Hakra river in north-west India and what is now Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro's parent city was Harrapa in India.
These civilizations have been dated from 3300 BC to 1300 BC. At one stage they were thought to have suddenly ended due to an Aryan invasion, though archaeologists now believe it was more likely due to climate change. Ultimately though, nothing is certain in the world of archaeology, at least until the next find, or developments in science.
The Mohenjo-daro seals show a figure standing on its head, and another sitting cross legged.
However, some see yoga's origins as being from the Vedic shastras, or vedic religious texts, which are the foundation of Indian Hinduism. The Vedic texts were created from 500 BC, and the Rigveda is believed to have been completed by 1500 BC. The Rigveda is one of several principle early vedic texts. The Rigveda, Samaveda, and Yajurveda were used by the Brahmins, a caste that were usually priests, or allowed to be priests, in the days when the caste system originated.
A lot of these texts were concerned with sacrificial rituals. There are sacrificial prayers, incantations, and elements related to magic, to name a few aspects of the subject matter. These are now viewed symbolically, or philosophically, although they were presumably intended more literally at the time. But the word "yoga" was discussed in the RigVeda. In it, there is mention of 'yoking' our mind and insight to the 'Sun Of Truth' (David Frawley, a Vedic scholar).
Yoga is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna describes 4 types of yoga:
* selfless action - in following one's soul path, one's dharma, first and foremost, and without thinking of the outcome, the end result, or being motivated by self gain (Karma Yoga)
* self transcending knowledge (Jnana yoga)
* psycho-physical meditation (Raja yoga)
* devotion - loving service to the Divine Essence (Bhakti yoga) (Source - Wikipedia)
The Bhagavad Gita is believed to have been written between the 5th and 2nd century BC. In the Gita, the goal of yoga is the realization of Brahman, or the Divine Essence. Whilst the paths to achieve this for individuals may be different, the essence of coming to an unequivocable knowing of the Oneness of the Divine, and oneself within this fundamental reality, is the same.
"The Gita addresses the discord between the senses and the intuition of cosmic order. It speaks of the Yoga of equanimity, a detached outlook. The term Yoga covers a wide range of meanings, but in the context of the Bhagavad Gita, describes a unified outlook, serenity of mind, skill in action, and the ability to stay attuned to the glory of the Self (Atman), which is of the same essence as the basis of Being (Brahman)." (Wikipedia)
Read about the invocation to sage patanjali here. Learn more about kriya yoga, here.
The popularization of yoga in the West by yoga schools influenced by the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali (2nd century BC), have almost led to the origins of yoga being linked with Patanjali in the Western mind. In fact, the earliest illustration we have of yoga is from the Mohenjo-daro seals. Mohenjo-Daro is the remains of an ancient city located in Pakistan, part of the Indus Valley civilization which existed along the Indus river and Ghaggar-Hakra river in north-west India and what is now Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro's parent city was Harrapa in India.
These civilizations have been dated from 3300 BC to 1300 BC. At one stage they were thought to have suddenly ended due to an Aryan invasion, though archaeologists now believe it was more likely due to climate change. Ultimately though, nothing is certain in the world of archaeology, at least until the next find, or developments in science.
The Mohenjo-daro seals show a figure standing on its head, and another sitting cross legged.
However, some see yoga's origins as being from the Vedic shastras, or vedic religious texts, which are the foundation of Indian Hinduism. The Vedic texts were created from 500 BC, and the Rigveda is believed to have been completed by 1500 BC. The Rigveda is one of several principle early vedic texts. The Rigveda, Samaveda, and Yajurveda were used by the Brahmins, a caste that were usually priests, or allowed to be priests, in the days when the caste system originated.
A lot of these texts were concerned with sacrificial rituals. There are sacrificial prayers, incantations, and elements related to magic, to name a few aspects of the subject matter. These are now viewed symbolically, or philosophically, although they were presumably intended more literally at the time. But the word "yoga" was discussed in the RigVeda. In it, there is mention of 'yoking' our mind and insight to the 'Sun Of Truth' (David Frawley, a Vedic scholar).
Yoga is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna describes 4 types of yoga:
* selfless action - in following one's soul path, one's dharma, first and foremost, and without thinking of the outcome, the end result, or being motivated by self gain (Karma Yoga)
* self transcending knowledge (Jnana yoga)
* psycho-physical meditation (Raja yoga)
* devotion - loving service to the Divine Essence (Bhakti yoga) (Source - Wikipedia)
The Bhagavad Gita is believed to have been written between the 5th and 2nd century BC. In the Gita, the goal of yoga is the realization of Brahman, or the Divine Essence. Whilst the paths to achieve this for individuals may be different, the essence of coming to an unequivocable knowing of the Oneness of the Divine, and oneself within this fundamental reality, is the same.
"The Gita addresses the discord between the senses and the intuition of cosmic order. It speaks of the Yoga of equanimity, a detached outlook. The term Yoga covers a wide range of meanings, but in the context of the Bhagavad Gita, describes a unified outlook, serenity of mind, skill in action, and the ability to stay attuned to the glory of the Self (Atman), which is of the same essence as the basis of Being (Brahman)." (Wikipedia)
Read about the invocation to sage patanjali here. Learn more about kriya yoga, here.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Benefiting from the unbearable - Pain in our yoga practice
Author: Jez Heath
Pain is without doubt an integral part of yoga practice. But is it really something that should be avoided at all costs? Of course pain is our body's way of telling us that it's not comfortable with the posture we're holding. Throughout our practice we should be conscious and listen to our body's messages. To really start gaining the benefits of yoga we need to practice to make the unbearable bearable.
There's pain, and then there's PAIN
Before going any further, it's important to understand that there are two different types of pain we can experience when practicing yoga and our reaction to each should be very different.
The first kind of pain is bad pain, and should be avoided to prevent serious injuries. Bad pain is a sharp shooting pain that we could experience as we enter into the posture or if we suddenly adjust our alignment while in the pose. Bad pain basically indicates that we are not in the pose correctly or we are aggravating a previous injury. If we experience bad pain then we should exit the pose and seek guidance before trying again. Common locations for ban pain to occur are the relatively weak knee joins, and our back.
The other kind of pain is 'good' pain. This is typically felt in the muscles as we stretch, lengthen, extend and hold asanas. Good pain is the kind of pain we need to experience and overcome as we progress on our yoga journeys.
Why does there have to be so much pain?
Pain comes when the body is not familiar with the exertions being placed on it by an asana. By submitting, surrendering and relaxing into the pain we can pass it and our bodies will become able to perform the asana more easily and without pain.
Many yoga teachers encourage their students to practice yoga without discomfort or exertion. Such an approach to the practice may make it more enjoyable, but we are not practicing yoga solely for the pleasure of the experience. By looking only for an enjoyable yoga experience we restrict ourselves to practice within our comfort zone. Without confronting or extending the limits of our body's ability we will not improve our yoga practice or receive all the benefits that yoga has to offer.
Through practice it becomes bearable
Rather than run from, or avoid the inevitable pain of asana, there is much to learn from it. This does not mean that we should suffer and hold the asana or move deeper into the asana before the body is ready. But you should listen to your body, persevere and face the challenge of overcoming the pain rather than run from it convincing yourself that you're just not able to practice that asana.
While we should not hide from the pain, we should not fight against it either. Rather we should find ways to make the pain bearable by submitting to it and relaxing into it.
Start with the parts of the body where resistance is most evident. Relax your face, your forehead, your eyes and mouth. This helps to relax the mind to stop your brain fighting against the pain. With a clearer mind, bring awareness to your body to understand the causes of the pain. If you have poor alignment, correct it. If the muscles are tight, fighting the asana, relax them.
You can relax further by understanding your breathing habits. Fast tense breathing leads to tension in the mind and body, which leads to resistance to the asana. Try to slow and lengthen your breath to help you relax and clear you mind, and relax deeper into the posture.
Learn about yourself
Yoga can tell us as much about our approach to life in general as it can about our physical abilities. By observing and understanding our approach to pain in yoga, we can start to understand how we approach discomfort, adversity, set-backs and failure in our general life.
By modifying our approach to the pain of yoga, we hope to eventually erase the pain completely. Using these principles to make behavioural changes to our general life, maybe we can erase some of the pain there too.
Being able to understand our reaction to pain and modify that approach requires time in each posture so we can become fully aware and reflect on what we are experiencing. To achieve this you need to follow a practice of deep stretching where each position is held for longer. This is exactly our approach at Total.Yoga.Practice. To find out how we can help you benefit from pain in your practice, visit us at www.TotalYogaPractice.com
Pain is without doubt an integral part of yoga practice. But is it really something that should be avoided at all costs? Of course pain is our body's way of telling us that it's not comfortable with the posture we're holding. Throughout our practice we should be conscious and listen to our body's messages. To really start gaining the benefits of yoga we need to practice to make the unbearable bearable.
There's pain, and then there's PAIN
Before going any further, it's important to understand that there are two different types of pain we can experience when practicing yoga and our reaction to each should be very different.
The first kind of pain is bad pain, and should be avoided to prevent serious injuries. Bad pain is a sharp shooting pain that we could experience as we enter into the posture or if we suddenly adjust our alignment while in the pose. Bad pain basically indicates that we are not in the pose correctly or we are aggravating a previous injury. If we experience bad pain then we should exit the pose and seek guidance before trying again. Common locations for ban pain to occur are the relatively weak knee joins, and our back.
The other kind of pain is 'good' pain. This is typically felt in the muscles as we stretch, lengthen, extend and hold asanas. Good pain is the kind of pain we need to experience and overcome as we progress on our yoga journeys.
Why does there have to be so much pain?
Pain comes when the body is not familiar with the exertions being placed on it by an asana. By submitting, surrendering and relaxing into the pain we can pass it and our bodies will become able to perform the asana more easily and without pain.
Many yoga teachers encourage their students to practice yoga without discomfort or exertion. Such an approach to the practice may make it more enjoyable, but we are not practicing yoga solely for the pleasure of the experience. By looking only for an enjoyable yoga experience we restrict ourselves to practice within our comfort zone. Without confronting or extending the limits of our body's ability we will not improve our yoga practice or receive all the benefits that yoga has to offer.
Through practice it becomes bearable
Rather than run from, or avoid the inevitable pain of asana, there is much to learn from it. This does not mean that we should suffer and hold the asana or move deeper into the asana before the body is ready. But you should listen to your body, persevere and face the challenge of overcoming the pain rather than run from it convincing yourself that you're just not able to practice that asana.
While we should not hide from the pain, we should not fight against it either. Rather we should find ways to make the pain bearable by submitting to it and relaxing into it.
Start with the parts of the body where resistance is most evident. Relax your face, your forehead, your eyes and mouth. This helps to relax the mind to stop your brain fighting against the pain. With a clearer mind, bring awareness to your body to understand the causes of the pain. If you have poor alignment, correct it. If the muscles are tight, fighting the asana, relax them.
You can relax further by understanding your breathing habits. Fast tense breathing leads to tension in the mind and body, which leads to resistance to the asana. Try to slow and lengthen your breath to help you relax and clear you mind, and relax deeper into the posture.
Learn about yourself
Yoga can tell us as much about our approach to life in general as it can about our physical abilities. By observing and understanding our approach to pain in yoga, we can start to understand how we approach discomfort, adversity, set-backs and failure in our general life.
By modifying our approach to the pain of yoga, we hope to eventually erase the pain completely. Using these principles to make behavioural changes to our general life, maybe we can erase some of the pain there too.
Being able to understand our reaction to pain and modify that approach requires time in each posture so we can become fully aware and reflect on what we are experiencing. To achieve this you need to follow a practice of deep stretching where each position is held for longer. This is exactly our approach at Total.Yoga.Practice. To find out how we can help you benefit from pain in your practice, visit us at www.TotalYogaPractice.com
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_135970_23.html
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_135970_23.html
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