yoga info N tips

Yoga for Weight Reduction

2006-12-20T22:16:00.001+07:00

Yoga for Weight Reduction

Another great benefit of Yoga is its ability to reduce weight. Through different asanas of Yoga we can easily reduce extra fat from our body. Some of the asanas stimulate sluggish glands to increase their hormonal secretions. For example, the thyroid gland has a big effect on our weight as it affects body metabolism. Asanas like shoulder stand and the fish posture are particular for the thyroid gland. These asanas increase fat metabolism thereby converting fat to muscle and energy. This is like killing two birds by a single stone. You will not only loose fat but also have a better muscle tone and vitality.

Yoga deep breathing helps in increasing the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This results into burning up of fat cells. Another amazing aspect of Yoga is that it reduces anxiety which, in turn, reduces anxious eating. It is human tendency that whenever we are tensed we tend to swallow our food without deriving much satisfaction and pleasure. In the process we end up eating more. On the other hand, if we approach our meals with better mood, we tend to be less likely to overeat in a worried effort to calm our anxieties. Yoga plays an important role in making us more calm and cool.

Some of us have a habit of eating between the meals. Here also Yogic practices come handy. One can take the help of Yogic aids when feeling tempted in between the meals. In such situations one may intentionally turn to Yoga rather than looking for some snacks. The knowledge and power derived from Yoga also makes us aware of problems like obesity which may prevent the individual from overeating. Such is the magic and charisma of Yoga that you tend to attain a balanced weight i.e. if your weight is normal, it will remain the same where as in case of underweight, you will gain weight.

Yoga & Knowledge

2006-12-20T22:15:00.003+07:00

Yoga & Knowledge

Yoga helps an individual not only to realize his own self but also understand other issues around him/her. Yogic theory and practice lead to increased self-knowledge. Yogic practices like breathing and posture exercises help in attaining and maintaining health, physical and mental, and relaxation. The knowledge gained through Yoga is not simply that of the practical kind relating to techniques, but of a spiritual sort pertaining to grasping something about the nature self and other matters.

One can not be called a knowledgeable person until unless he/she has proper understanding of the processes and happenings going all around. More than that, if one does not know himself/herself, it is very tough to comprehend the surroundings. Knowing the self at rest, at peace, as a being rather than merely as an agent or doer, is a legitimate kind of knowledge but unfortunately that is lost in the mad rush of fulfilling our desires. The value of discovering one's own self and of enjoying one's self as it is, rather than what it is going to be, is undeniably worth as well as a kind of knowledge.

Yoga & Sex

2006-12-20T22:15:00.001+07:00

Yoga & Sex

Like all other issues, Yoga's view of sex is also that of adherence to the middle path. It has been proved beyond doubt that a fulfilling sexual life is necessary to lead a happy life. Yoga considers sex to be a natural function, very helpful in a loving relationship and, of course, indispensable for the continuation of the human race on the earth. Yoga has a clear cut demarcation; do not indulge in over sex as it may diminish the force and pace of life.

According to Yoga, the sexual secretions contain the seeds of life, concentrated life force and nutrients. Once depletion in life force takes place, the vitality level and resistance to diseases will tend to diminish. In addition to this, Yoga helps in having controlled and joyful sexual life. Through different Yoga poses one can learn to control sexual activities. A complete branch of Yoga, called Kundalini Yoga, deals with harnessing the sexual power. Yoga enables one to get into meaningful relationships and enjoy sex.

If mind and body are not in optimum health, an individual can not have fulfilling sexual life. Yoga asanas and breathing exercises provide help in obtaining the optimum health state. The healing power of Yoga is so strong that people who are physiologically weak and to some extent or fully impotent may get back potency as they regain their physical health through Yoga. There are many individuals who approach sexual matters with a nervous mind. Such people are helped greatly from Yogic exercises and breathing practices.

Yoga relaxes the mind as well as the body. Remaining relaxed is perhaps one of the most essential preconditions for a harmonious sex life. If one is in a worried state of mind, he/she is left dissatisfied and irritated. This may prove a stumbling block in a healthy sexual life and relationship. Yoga has provided great relief to numerous concerned individuals on many occasions. It has been confirmed by the wives of many men that after taking to Yoga their sexual life and marital relationship underwent notable changes.

Yoga Healing

2006-12-20T22:14:00.003+07:00

Yoga Healing

Along with many other advantages, Yoga also possesses the magic power of healing. Yoga has been used for healing disorders such as acid stomach, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, constipation, heart disorders, hypertension, insomnia, menstrual disorders, obesity, sinus and a number of other diseases. The healing power of Yoga is so great that it is being assessed for its potential in treating illness like sclerosis, cerebral palsy and osteoporosis. Another example of healing power of Yoga is that it can allow people to control a variety of body functions including blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolic functions and so on. Studies have proved that people who regularly practice Yoga have reduced anxiety, are more resistant to stress, have lower blood pressure, efficient heart function and overall improved physical fitness.

Yoga for Beauty

2006-12-20T22:14:00.001+07:00

Yoga for Beauty

There is hardly anything on this earth which is not touched by Yoga. Yoga not only increases the physical strength but also the grace and beauty of the face. Yogic practices bring beauty of figure, graceful carriage; melodious voice, glowing face and charming smile. If practiced regularly, Yoga asanas help men and women to acquire a figure that enhances their beauty and gives them flexibility. Beauty coupled with flexibility gives them charm and elegance in every body movement. Individuals practicing Yoga are endowed with a peculiar glow on their faces. Yoga creates a certain aura around that individual, which attracts other people towards them. Many film stars, industrialists and other famous personalities have taken to Yogic practices over time to make themselves fit and beautiful according to the demands of their profession. To look beautiful one has to remain free of all worries and tensions. Yoga helps an individual to attain these attributes.

Yoga & Strength

2006-12-20T22:13:00.004+07:00

Yoga & Strength

At times we all feel heavy, down and out, tired and weak. The whole strength of our body seems to have lost. But on the other hand when we feel energetic and strong, life doesn't seem so difficult. It is very natural that the weaker you are the heavier you will feel. On the contrary the stronger you are the better you feel. When practiced regularly, Yoga makes you strong and light. It is unbelievable that one feels twice as strong as before but at the same time he/she feels half his/her earlier body weight. Yoga makes you feel totally different than what you were earlier. Your everyday experience is completely changed the moment you come in the fold of Yoga. With increase in strength the whole tendency of your body changes. Despite the increase in your body weight you find the handling of your body more easy and comfortable. From then onwards your experience of this world will become nicer and life will become easier. Thus, Yoga has the power not only to increase your mental but physical attributes as well.

Yoga & Social Values

2006-12-20T22:13:00.003+07:00

Yoga & Social Values

Yoga and social values are closely related to each other. Social values are a set of philosophy that an individual carries for all his life. Yoga possesses great power to inculcate those values that go a long way in making a man complete. With Yoga along your side you have the luxury to tackle any tricky situations that you come across in your day to day life.

We all wish to be good but reality is somewhat different than that. Many a times we all become so obdurate, demanding and insistent that it is hard to get along with. If these irritants are removed from an individual, one becomes less difficult to deal with. Yoga is of great help in this regard. The social effects of one's changed behavior upon colleagues and clients, superiors and inferiors, public officers and service specialists could be awesome. Yoga inculcates in an individual the universally accepted social norms of society.

One becomes easier to get along with and others also follow the same. With these positive qualities one is more recognized and desirable individual to deal with. With a change in your attitude others also tend to change and respond in the same vein. Yoga accelerates our sense of duty and responsibility as human beings. The biggest virtue of Yoga is that the individual is in full command of his own. The power of Hath Yoga is so strong that after some weeks of practice, an individual is so lost that he/she no longer knows himself/herself and each person notices a change in his bearing and reaction.

Yoga & Mental Health

2006-12-20T22:13:00.001+07:00

Yoga & Mental Health

Yoga and mental health are closely interrelated. Persons practicing Yoga experience tremendous changes that result in a deep effect on their mental health. Reduction of tension and restoration of flexibility are some of the mental health benefits derived from Yoga. Yoga helps in freeing the mind from mental disturbances. Yoga also steadies the mind. Decrease in nervousness, irritability and confusion, depression and mental fatigue are some of the other mental health benefits experienced from practicing Yoga. The benefits accrued through Yoga differ from person to person as the degree of involvement differs.

Restoration of pliability is another advantage of Yoga. Yogic exercises help in renewal of mental agility. Yoga possesses the magical power to revive the capacity for alertness, attention and willingness to tackle problems. Through generation of boundless energy Yoga rekindles enthusiasm in you almost throughout the day. Yoga provides a backdrop or mood of well-being and assurance that one naturally enjoys. Thus, Yoga possesses a great healing power which proves beneficial for physical as well as mental well being of the individual.

Yoga & Love

2006-12-20T22:12:00.003+07:00

Yoga & Love

Yoga plays an important role in shaping our love life. There can't be two opinions about the fact that our life is shaped by our thoughts and the way we interpret things and situations. All thoughts, feelings and emotions manifest in one form or the other in our body and life. As you become more sensitive to your inner feelings you notice nice thoughts coming to your mind. All this leads to one simple truth; nice thoughts generate nice feelings. Here comes the importance of Yoga. The primary and most important theme of yoga is learning to love and be loved. Yoga helps the energy of love to flow freely through you once you start practicing it.

The power of love is so strong that you begin to see things in different perspective. Today, when the world is racing ahead with cut throat competition, Yoga assumes a bigger role. Through the power of Yoga we can preach love and reality to people all around the world. One needs to have that receptive mind to know the charisma of love and care in life. Yogic practices help us in doing this. You can visualize a whole new world with the help of Yoga. Yoga makes you feel that there is, indeed, genuine cause for hope and joy and an optimistic point of view. The more realistic you are, the more optimistic you become. The power of love clears your mind of all the prejudices, beliefs and misconceptions. Another great virtue of Yoga is that you learn to forgive others for their mistakes.

Yoga & Personal Values

2006-12-20T22:12:00.001+07:00

Yoga & Personal Values

Along with a host of benefits, Yoga also helps in developing and attaining personal values. Yoga erases a variety of ills in human beings. These may range from feelings of frustration, persecution and insecurity. Yoga greatly helps in the development of personal values. Personal values are those values which an individual develops and lives by all through his life. The main aim of life is to enjoy every moment and Yoga indeed plays a vital role in this regard. Yoga makes life better. Yoga is a continuing process and a life long thing, not just something you do for a while and stop. We all strive for improvement throughout our lives. It is an indication of our resolve to improve and remain fit. Yoga helps us to attain these goals.

Our body is the vehicle that carries our mind. It is here that Yoga assumes great significance. Personal Values are very important as they define your character and they develop your personality. Your personality is the way others see you. There is a golden rule in this regard- if you don't respect yourself, no-one else will. So you have to earn that respect from others, not just by words but actions too. Yoga also helps you in your resolve to be better. Remember, your personal values are the foundation of your life; you have to continuously grow them up and nurture. Grow and develop them for entire life.

Flexibility & Yoga

2006-12-20T22:11:00.003+07:00

Flexibility & Yoga

Flexibility and Yoga go together. With increased flexibility many tensions and conflicts are erased on their own. The more flexible a body the better it is for that individual. It saves your body from unnecessary torture and pain. Pain and stress are forms of blocked, jammed, misplaced and misused energy. Being more flexible means opening these energy blockages and freeing your energy circulation. As the blocked energy is freely circulated, your complete body will feel clean and new because the trapped parts are freed and released. And Yoga helps in making your body completely flexible and comfortable.

Neglect is the root cause of any pain. Problems like toothaches, backaches, and headaches are all symptoms of such neglect or abuse. These problems should be listened to and not ignored. The healthier you are, the less concerned you will be with your body. This frees your mind to rediscover itself. At first, yoga makes you more sensitive and more conscious of your body; otherwise, due to neglect, misuse, or abuse, pain goes into your body. But because of the care you have taken with yourself, your awareness and self-definition are free to enlarge. Our body is just like an instrument which keeps us worried when not running properly. Yoga has that power to set right every wrong which confronts our body. Thus, Yoga helps in making the body more flexible and athletic.

Balance & Yoga

2006-12-20T22:11:00.001+07:00

Balance & Yoga

Improvement in balance is one of the major benefits of Yoga. Improved balance is referred not only to the sharp physical coordination but also to the balance between the left and right, front and back and high and low aspects of one's body. As far as balance of the body is concerned, hardly few of us have proper balance. We may be stronger on one side but weaker on the other side. Similarly, we can turn our head or twist our spine more in one way than the other. We can bend forward with ease but not backward.

Asymmetry and unbalance in different parts of the body create stress and strain. Many a times this leads to lead to injury, pain, or just simple discomfort. Yoga helps in creating balance and harmony in body. Yoga creates symmetry throughout your body, making you strong and flexible and balanced. Yoga also teaches to balance the mental urge to push, control, and be assertive with the impulse to yield, submit and be passive. Thus Yoga helps in attaining a balanced attitudinal equilibrium.

Anti-Ageing Benefits of Yoga

2006-12-20T22:10:00.001+07:00

Anti-Ageing Benefits of Yoga

There is a very famous concept in Yoga philosophy. According to it a person's age is determined by the flexibility of his spine, not the number of years he has lived. Yoga helps in slowing down the aging process by providing elasticity to the spine, firming up the skin, removing tension from the body, strengthening the abdominal muscles, eliminating the likelihood of a double chin, improving the quality of loose arm muscles, correcting poor posture and so on. Thus, of the numerous benefits of Yoga, anti-ageing is an important one.

Yoga also helps in making you feel younger with increased mental competence. If there is any key to longer life it is none other than Yoga. Longer life often results from following Yogic practices. Yoga possesses the power to fight the internal as well as the external diseases and dangers. After that it's very natural for an individual to live longer. Hatha Yoga mainly aims at making people live long. Some of the anti-ageing properties of Yoga are long life, increased resistance to diseases, increased vitality, rejuvenation of glands, looking young, improvement in vision and hearing and many other mental and emotional benefits. The inverted Yoga postures often convert gray hair back to its natural color, delaying the onset of gray hair, thereby making a person look younger.

Yoga Benefits

2006-12-20T22:09:00.001+07:00

Yoga Benefits

The benefits of Yoga are numerous. In terms of energy Yoga is like a universe in itself. Some of the important Yoga benefits include anti-ageing, balance and flexibility of body, increase in knowledge and wealth, improvement in mental health and development of personal and social values. This is not the end of story; Yoga also helps in improving strength, sexual life and reducing weight. Yoga makes you feel good. Yoga is relaxing. It's energizing. It's strengthening.

Healing benefits of Yoga are so great that you feel better at the end of every Yoga session than before you began and life runs effortlessly when you keep up a steady discipline than when you don't. Yoga enhances your understanding of life. Yoga changes an individual's perspective about life. After coming in the fold of Yoga a person finds himself taking up a broader view of life. Yoga helps a person to know who he is, how life works, who is God and so on. One starts looking at things differently, with less confusion. It helps in more peace of mind, better health, more keenness for life, and an ever-growing sense of internal well-being.

As one practices Yoga, positive effects of Yoga begin to show. The sense of feeling good envelops around the individual. This feeling is so natural and so genuine that it goes entirely in an individual's life. In this way it helps clarify deepest cravings, motivations and aspirations, thereby restoring confidence, hope, meaning and rationale to life. We all like feeling good, peace of mind, being joyful, peaceful, animated and calm. There can't be two opinions about this. But the sad part is that most of us know that we are not feeling as good as we should.

The driving force of yoga is aimed at the monumental, life-changing discovery of who and what you actually are. This is precisely how yoga works, how it makes you feel good. Yoga helps you experience the truth. The truth- which, you discover is goodness. The implications of knowing the truth is massive. Thus Yoga gives you the strength to unravel the truth with which you will begin to live with security, confidence and inner psychological peace. Such great are the benefits and properties of Yoga. Yoga changes your life.

10 Beginner Yoga Tips

2006-12-20T22:07:00.001+07:00

When to Practice Yoga

A popular question of beginner yoga students is when to practice yoga. It's not advised that you practice yoga right before a meal, or before bedtime. Sun Salutations to begin the day are beneficial - starting your day with yoga prepares you for the day ahead. Breathing and meditation at night also help promote restful sleep. Many people do both! In fact, incorporating even a few moments of yoga practices throughout the day is beneficial. You can't go wrong.

Yoga Classes For Beginners

Taking a beginner yoga class is a great way to learn more about the practice and see if it's right for you. Overall, new students should start with easy poses to condition the body for more difficult exercises that follow as practice progresses. Remember: the point of yoga is to embrace reflection and connect with your body. Sessions should be done two to three times a week, but don't need to be very long; 10-30 minutes is a good start.

Yoga with a Twist

Twist poses are one of the best ways to release built-up tension in your spine. The spine is at the very core of our bodies, so its health is vital. Yoga twists are a great way to relieve backaches as well. Your shoulders become more flexible, allowing you to achieve and hold poses longer. Twists also aids in the circulation of blood and nutrients in the body.

Sublime Supine Poses

If you are attempting to release tension from your body, one of the best sets of yoga poses are the supine (or, lying down) poses. These are necessary, especially after more rigorous poses, because they remove tension in the abdomen and release spinal tension. Back, arms, and legs are also benefited by these poses, as are hips and groin.

Warming Up to Yoga

Most yoga for beginner classes start off with introductory poses to warm up your body. These prepare your body for safe transition into the asana (posture) practice. For beginners, these introductory poses poses may take up the entire practice session. With gentle stretching and breathing, theses exercises are designed to open the shoulder muscles, the spine, the hips, the lower back, and the groin.

Sitting Postures in Yoga

Beginner yoga posture includes the sitting pose. These are mostly used in connection with meditation and breathing exercises. The sitting postures allow you return to a state of calm in between asanas. These poses are also physically beneficial. They help in shaping your buttocks and legs, and in adding flexibility to the spine.

Standing Poses For Beginners

Standing poses are designed to align the feet and the body. These exercises help to open the hips, stretch the legs, add strength to your back, and increase range of movement. Internally, standing poses are an excellent way to lower blood pressure, alleviate digestive difficulties and lose weight.

Beginner Yoga Poses

When performing beginner yoga poses, it's important to concentrate on each movement. Remember that you are connecting the body with the mind and the breath. If you experience pain, release the hold slightly or exit the pose. Technique and form is more important than attaining the pose. It is better to perform a posture correctly one time rather than repeating it incorrectly. Keep to the order of the poses as given by the instructor - they are taught in the order that will best benefit your practice.

Yoga Upside-down

Inverted poses, as well as balance poses, help develop coordination. These poses make the heart pump blood different, also switching the way our weight pulls down on our bones. Also, they aid in improving agility, strength and stamina -- not just in yoga practice, but throughout the day. While standing on your head is not a requirement to practicing yoga, the inversion poses tend to release tension in the front portion of the body, shoulders, and pelvis.

Where to Practice Yoga

Your home is a great place to practice yoga, especially for beginners. If you're uncertain about whether to take a yoga class, starting your practice at home helps to master the pses, without comparing yourself to others. A Yoga video, or books and DVDs are a great place to start. A mat is all you need to practice at home for most people. Schools, local community centers and health clubs also offer yoga classes, typically in Hatha yoga. Find out from your local events committees if yoga is available in your area. If it isn't, be sure to put in a request for one...or find a good teacher and start your own!

13 Best of Yoga Tips

2006-12-20T22:04:00.001+07:00

Bikram Yoga: Why the Heat?

Why is it so hot in a Bikram yoga studio? The heat actually works to loosen your muscles. This in turn allows you to move more fluidly into a deeper yoga pose. Also, the heat challenges you to move past your comfort level into a focused mental state. Finally, the heat also helps you sweat, which facilitates the removal of toxins in your body.

Basic Yogic Meditation

Here is a basic technique in yoga meditation for beginners: Sit cross-legged on a cushion, on the floor, with good comfortable posture. Press tongue to palate, close your mouth without clenching the teeth, and lower the eyelids. Breathe naturally through the nose, down into the abdomen and then exhale with a long and smooth breath. Focus your attention on "above and below" sensations. Above, concentrate on the breeze of air flowing in and out of the nostrils. Below, focus on the navel rising and falling and the entire abdomen expanding and contracting like a balloon with each inhalation and exhalation. You can choose to focus attention on the nostrils or the abdomen, or on both at the same time.

"Easy Does It Yoga"

The American Yoga Association's "Easy Does It Yoga" program is designed for the elderly or anyone with physical limitations. Developed in the 1960s the program student's manual "provides a comprehensive routine of exercise, breathing, and meditation, many of which are designed for chair or bed."

Information about the program can be found at http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/EasyDoesIt.html

Hatha Yoga: Pranayamas

Pranayamas, or breathing exercises, are extremely important to practicing Hatha yoga properly. Once the breath is controlled, the mind is controlled, according to the yogis. Our energy (Prana) is altered though the exercises, which often involve deep inhalations (usually through the nose), exhalations (through the mouth), and even holding the breath for a few counts. These practices prepare the way for Samadhi (enlightenment). Pranayama practice is also a vital part of Kundalini yoga.

Improvement Time

Beginners often wonder how long it will take before postures get easier. While there's no simple answer to that question, you will notice that if you practice consistently (on a daily or weekly schedule) rather than intermittently postures gradually become less difficult. If you find you hurt after practice, try doing shorter, more frequent sessions to improve your flexibility.

The Best Time To Take Yoga Class

When is the best time to take a yoga class? There are benefits to morning, day, and night time classes. Early morning yoga -- often held around sunrise -- is a great way to open your channels and start the day. During an afternoon slump, a yoga class is a perfect pick-me-up, and certainly better for you than a candy bar! However, you should be aware that after a yoga class the body and mind might not be in the best state to attend an important meeting or meet a deadline. Be sure to allow time after class until you know how you will adapt to yoga. Evening or night time classes are ideal to put you into a state of relaxation that will allow you to have a deep and restful sleep.

Differences: Yoga vs. Pilates

There are both differences and similarities between Yoga and Pilates. The biggest difference is that Pilates uses a line of equipment that does not exist in yoga. But the theory of mind-body connection exists in both Yoga and Pilates. They also share a fluidity of movement.

Insomnia

Sometimes it´s hard to turn off the day and relax enough to fall asleep. We all have those nights.

If you can´t sleep, try using calming poses to help you relax - forward bends, gentle twists, and simple inversions are good choices. Remember to breathe slowly and fully. This will also help you relax.

Beginners

When you're starting out, the important thing to focus on during your yoga practice is the balance between body and mind. You want to perform poses to the best of your ability, without stress or strain, and to remember to breathe. Your flexibility and the duration you can hold positions will increase over time.

Footwear

You should NOT wear shoes when doing yoga.

Having bare feet when you practice will help you to have proper balance and stability. However, since maintaining a comfortable temperature is also important, you can wear socks if the floor surface is cold.

Benefits

Headstand, and other inverted poses, increase circulation, stimulate the brain, enhance glandular system functioning, and relieve pressure on the abdominal organs.

Remember that pregnant or menstruating women should NOT do inverted poses.

Yoga for Weight Loss

One of the five principles of yoga is diet. Think of your body as an instrument through which you can play the music of the universe. Like any instrument, you want to keep it well cared-for. By eating healthy -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains and limited (or no) meat products -- you will develop a stronger leaner body, especially as you practice your yoga technique. Yoga also has many physical benefits, including a leaner body, a straighter posture and more defined muscle tone. With all this in mind, it's easy to see why so many choose to use yoga for weight loss and generally better living.

Eight Limbs

Traditional yoga has eight steps, or limbs, for guidance in living a meaningful and purposeful life. They are: Yama, moral disciplines; Niyama, self disciplines; Asana, postures; Pranayama, breath control; Pratyahara, sensory withdrawal; Dharana, concentration; Dhyana, meditation; Samadhi, transcendence.

The Steps of Yoga

2006-12-20T22:01:00.001+07:00

If you're serious about Yoga, and want to attain the highest levels of strength, relaxation and flexibility and want to take it to a 'spiritual' level, here're the steps you've got to cross one by one.

Yama and Niyama
The first tenet of yoga is daily practice till the ethics become a part of life. One has to believe and pursue a categorized course of training from anuvrata to mahavrata and subject oneself to a series of lessons in positive and negative principles, the observances (niyama) and the restraints (yama).

Asana and Pranayama
Postural training or the various physical exercises form a part of Hathayoga, which is essential to first enable one to keep fit, if s/he is not. These body-control instructions should be followed methodically and meticulously. The next part of Hathayoga is the respiratory control. The life-sustaining bio-energy can be regulated to attain a kind of immunity from natural elements only if one is able to acquire a mastery over his breath.

Yoga Audio

2006-12-20T22:00:00.001+07:00

Deep Peace: Music for Yoga and Relaxation by Todd Norian
Yoga music inspired by the love for yoga and hope for peace and healing.
Kripalu Moderate Yoga by Rebekkah Kronlage
2 Cassettes covering breathing, seated sequence, squat, Tadasana, standing sequence, Pranic flow, relaxation.
Living Energy by Rebekkah Kronlage
Two 30-minute meditation flows designed for self-healing and acquiring energy to restore balance and health in spirit and body.
Dawn of an Eagle by Bhavani Lorraine Nelson
Eloquent songs of joy and wonder "that take you soaring upward and diving inward."
Yoga at the Edge by Todd Norian
Music for a vigorous 52-posture yoga sequence that blends several styles of yoga, including Kripalu, Iyengar, Bikram, and Ashtanga.
Ultimate Yoga Music
A bestseller yoga and meditation musicassette and CD
Guided Meditation and Relaxation by Todd Norian
A practice tape for focusing the mind, relaxing the body, and opening the heart.

Asanas, Postures & Exercises

2006-12-20T21:57:00.000+07:00

The physical discipline of Yoga involves specific breathing techniques and postures, called asanas - a Sanskrit term, which means "to sit in a particular position." In other words, asanas are the various positions that make up the practice of Yoga. Here're are brief descriptions on some of the most important, popular and easier Yoga postures:

Sukhasana ~ the easy pose

Sit on a mat with legs spread out in front. Bend one leg and place the heel under the opposite thigh. Bend the other leg and place under opposite thigh and sit cross-legged with erect spine. Place hands on respective knees, palms downward, eyes closed, head poised and relax.

Time: 5 - 30 minutes
Value: Composure of body and mind leading to inner harmony and the favourable position to follow the other exercises.

Talasana ~ the palm pose

Stand erect with feet together or apart. Keep hands parallel to the sides, chest forward, neck straight, abdomen and chin in. Slowly raise one arm to vertical position and simultaneously rise on the toes and inhale. Breathe in deep and stretch to the maximum. Gradually return to normal. Repeat with the other hand.

The second type of Talasana involves the raising of both arms together.

Time: 10 secs for each round
Value: It aims at increasing a person's height as it aims at stretching the thorax and the lower abdomen by a combination of anterior, posterior, and lateral skeleton movements when one is growing up and even upto some years after one has reached maturity.

Konasana ~ the angle-pose

Stand with the feet fixed at 20-24 inches apart, hands at the side. While breathing in bend the upper part of the body sidewise above waist with the arm sliding below the knee while the other arm slides up to the armpit. The thorax, neck and head should be right angle with the base. Retain the breath and maintain the position for 4 seconds. Reverse to normal while exhaling. Repeat with the other arm.

The second Konasana posture entails the same exercise with the stretching of the arm from under the armpit to its full length above keeping it close to the respective ear, palms inward.

In another variation, the body swings in front to an X position. Inhale, then lower the left arm and raise the right, both stretched while exhaling. Alternately, touch the right toe with left hand and left with the right.

Time: 15 secs for each round
Value: It contributes to flexibility of the body and makes muscles pliable.

Utkatasana ~ semi-standing pose on tiptoe

Stand, keep the hands stretched parallel in front or at the sides with palms down, then squat. While squatting, slowly rise on tiptoe as you inhale. When breathe intake is complete squat again exhaling with thighs pressing against the respective calves. Taking in breath rise up on toes to standing position. Then slowly lower the heels to the floor. Rest for 4 secs, then repeat.

Time: 2 minutes for 10 rounds
Value: Flexes the muscles of the legs and the pelvis.

Chakrasana ~ the wheel pose

Stand with feet 20 inches apart. Raise the arms upwards keeping it close to the ears, fists tight, inhale and bend backwards with abdomen forward. Then interlace the fingers of the up-stretched arms above head forming an anterior arc. Pause for 6 seconds.

With arms up-stretched and exhaling, bend forward to touch the ground. With the head almost touching the knees freely swing the arms straight upwards till they are vertical and parallel to the legs. Maintain position for 3 secs. Then reverse while taking in the breath.

Time: 18-20 secs for each round
Value: Exercise of the spine and the mid-trunk.

Bhadrasana ~ the throne pose

Sit on the floor with legs stretched out in front. While maintaining the contact with the floor, draw both the legs nearer the body with the knees bent outward and the soles of the feet together. Inhale and bring the feet close to the genitals - touching the perineum, with the toes pointing outward. Palms outward, place the hand on respective knees placing them down. Hold the pose and then slowly return to normal while exhaling.

Time: 15 secs for each round
Value: Exercises the pelvic organs, the groin, the unused thigh muscles and the sex organs.

Yoga in the Scriptures

2006-12-20T21:56:00.003+07:00

There are lots of references to Yoga in Hindu scriptures, especially in the Gita, the Upanishads and other Puranas. Here's a selection of quotations from Sanskrit literature, which try to define or qualify Yoga:

The Bhagavad Gita
"Yoga is skill in actions."
"Yoga is balance (samatva)."
"Yoga is known as the disconnection (viyoga) of the connection (samyoga) with suffering."

Yoga-Sûtra
"Yoga is the control of the whirls of the mind."

Yoga-Bhâshya
"Yoga is ecstasy (samâdhi)."

Maitrî-Upanishad
"Yoga is said to be the oneness of breath, mind, and senses, and the abandonment of all states of existence."

Yoga-Yâjnavalkya
"Yoga is the union of the individual psyche (jîva-âtman) with the transcendental Self (parama-âtman)."

Yoga-Bîja
"Yoga is the unification of the web of dualities (dvandva-jâla)."

Brahmânda-Purâna
"Yoga is said to be control."

Râja-Mârtanda
"Yoga is the separation (viyoga) of the Self from the earthly (prakriti)."

Yoga-Shikhâ-Upanishad
"Yoga is said to be the unity of exhalation and inhalation and of blood and semen, as well as the union of sun and moon and of the individual psyche with the transcendental Self."

Katha-Upanishad
"This they consider Yoga: the steady holding of the senses."

What is Yoga?

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Introduction
Yoga is one of the most ancient cultural heritage of India. The word yoga in Sanskrit means "to unite", and so yoga can be said to connote a unitive discipline. In this sense it is an exercise in moral and mental cultivation that generates good health (arogya ), contributes to longevity (chirayu), and the total intrinsic discipline culminates into positive and perennial happiness and peace. Therefore, yoga is the said to be indispensable of the ultimate accomplishment in life. It is a science that affects not only the conscious self but the subconscious as well. It is a practical physiological training ( kriya yoga), which if practiced can exalt man to the 'supra mundane level'.

What Yoga Is Not
There are too many misconceptions clouding the science of Yoga. People perceive it to be some kind of black or white magic, sorcery, physical or mental debauchery through which miraculous feats can be performed. For some it is an extremely dangerous practice which should be limited to only those who have renounced the world. Few others think it to be a kind of mental and physical acrobatism that is compatible only to a Hindu mind.

What Yoga Really Is
Yoga is an all-embracing way of life, a science of self-culture and mental discipline that ensures the purgation of the ignoble in man and brings forth what is most noble in him. It is pertinent to all people irrespective of his caste, creed, sex, and religion. It can be beneficial to all - the good and the bad, the sick and the healthy, the believer and the non-believer, the literate and the ignorant, the young and the old. A person may begin at any age and can go on reaping its benefits.

The Origin of Yoga
Yoga had its genesis in the wandering ascetics who sought the solitude of the forests to practice this ancient science and then imparted their knowledge to the ardent students ( mumuksu) who lived in their ashrams. The ancient yogins were possessive about this art form and did not make any effort to popularize yoga. The yogic postures and the subsequent stages of yoga were handed down only to the deserving students. Hence, this science remained limited to the confines of the forests or remote caves.Very little was known about this Vedic practice until the Yoga Institute of Santa Cruz, Mumbai was founded in 1918, which became India's oldest technical institute on Yoga.

Quick Yoga Tips

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What You Need to Know

The time most suitable for Yoga is in the morning before breakfast when the mind is calm and fresh and the movements can be done with ease and vitality.

The most important things you'll need to get started - as they say - are a big heart and a small ego.

A person must seek a place of quietude, which is well ventilated, free from dust, insects, unpleasant smell, draught, and moisture. There should be no distraction whatsoever.

You must empty your bowels and bladder, clean your nostrils and throat of all mucus, consume a glass of lukewarm water and then begin the exercises after 15 minutes.

Always remember that you should begin with the easy postures and then proceed to the difficult ones. One must follow the graded steps of Yoga.

In the beginning, all movements should be practiced lightly and you must cease to go further if fatigue shows.

Yoga must pep up and not impart weariness and despondency.

Periods of relaxation are advisable if a particular exercise proves to be tiring.

Yoga trainers recommend a balanced diet (sattwik). There should be an interval of 4 hours between meals.

The ratio for the composition of meals should be:

grains and cereals 30% of the calorific value
dairy products 20%
vegetables and roots 25%
fruits and honey 20%
nuts remaining 5%

Regarding the quantity of food, it should be moderate (mitahara), only that which satisfies one's appetite.

One should avoid overeating, fasting or eating once a day. Stale or non-nutritious food, you know, is harmful.

The clothing should be loose and as scanty as possible, because maximum amount of the skin should be exposed to air.

Form-fitting cotton/Lycra pants and shirts are the best.

The breathing should be long and deep. The mouth should be closed and inhale and exhale only through the nose.

Always take a mat of kusa or any other grass or hay for sitting postures.

For lying postures use a woolen carpet, and spread a clean sheet over it.

You can check out some other commercial Yoga accessories, like Yoga belt, foam blocks, Yoga pillows and rubber mats.