Yoga

Yoga is a science of balanced, mental and physical living. Self-love and self-criticism are polar opposites, but most people are quick to punish themselves when they make mistakes. It seems that many of us are looking too deeply into our own flaws.

While it is true that none of us is perfect, it will not be helpful to one's self-esteem to constantly be reminded of this fact. Looking at one's self can invite merciless self-criticism. We may be able to tell a friend to stop criticizing us, but the mind can chatter while you sleep or at any time of the day. How can Yoga meditation help us train our minds to stop finding faults within us?

The Yogic Solution to Self- Criticism

Swami Kripalu, a 20th century spiritual teacher and well known Yoga Guru, once said, "The highest form of spiritual practice is self-observation without self-criticism." Few disciplines encourage practitioners to examine themselves, inwardly and outwardly, like the ancient art of meditation. The eternal question of "Who am I?" leads to self-observation, but the process of truly accepting oneself is far more difficult.

Wise decisions require critical thinking skills, and awareness calls for objectivity and clarity. Unrealistic expectations and perfectionism, however, block creativity, destroy self-esteem, and result in anger and frustration. Trying to live up to other people's standards, judging success by external rewards, and demanding flawless performance set the scene for destructive self-talk.

Yogic Prevention

While the goal of Yogic meditation is the creation of harmony between the internal and external mind, sometimes, a few practical solutions are able to stop the critical inner voice before it gets out of control. First, though, it is vital to recognize the process in its early stages. Warning signs may be a lump in the throat, tense muscles, clenched teeth, or other physical and emotional signals. Meditation is the tool that makes it possible to witness and alter these unhealthy patterns of thinking.

Six Ways to Stop Self-Criticism in Its Early Stages

1. Listen to the automatic tapes playing in your head. If your mind is full of negative thoughts, stop and ask yourself if they are true. Awareness is the first step in making changes.

2. When you catch yourself listening to critical thoughts, replace the false statements with positive ones.

3. Do Yoga poses (asana) to release pent-up energy and clear your mind.

5. Practice controlled breathing techniques (pranayama).

6. Write about your feelings. Studies have shown that students, who have performance anxiety, do better on tests when they write about their anxiety beforehand.

Conclusion

A regular Yoga meditation practice increases sensitivity to emotional and physical sensations, making it easier to stop the cycle of self-criticism, before the body responds with symptoms like the release of adrenaline or an increase in blood pressure. The key to success is becoming familiar with the negative thoughts and realizing that they are just that - thoughts.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/.

Yoga off the mat is an oft-used term. The idea is to extend one's practice outside the studio by incorporating Yogic elements into everyday life. Have you ever been at Whole Foods and noticed your line-neighbor in an asana? Now, that is what we would call extreme off-the-mat practice, which is absolutely encouraged if you can stand a stare or two. However, for most of us, the principle is about incorporating Yoga skills into everyday life.

While the premise seems simple, some students may shy away from yoga off the mat practice; which happens when we apply yogic principles to life. However, many people, for one reason or another, only engage in Yoga as a physical exercise and want little to do with its roots or meditative machinations. Even if you instruct more secular minded students - or those with deep faith in a particular religion - there are ways to promote "Yoga off the mat." After all, no matter what your religious affiliation - or lack thereof - the skills taught in Yoga class can be applied to everyday interactions from the boardroom to the classroom.

Knowing Your Limits

Pushing one's limits happens all the time. A first time student enters class expecting to breeze through, only to discover that Yoga isn't as easy as the models make it look. Even experienced yoga practitioners still feel the burn when it comes to certain asanas.

Yet, in class, we learn how to train our minds to accept what our bodies are saying. Perhaps most importantly, we teach our students to identify their limits. As yoga instructors, we're constantly reminding, "just because someone else is doing the most challenging variation, doesn't mean you have to!" The message in that "mantra" is a lesson everyone, at some point in their life, should work on - as it leads to greater self-discipline, which results in heightened awareness and understanding of others.

Healthy Breathing

In Sanskrit, the word for breathing (pranayama) translates to "extending life force," which is the goal of 99.9% of people living on the planet today. Elemental to the practice of yoga, pranayama is also the essence of every human being. When one learns to notice their breath and observe its calming effect - healthy things happen. Stay on your students' cases about breathing; remind them that breath is the core human function. If you make it a class focus, the proper breathing habits will become intrinsically manifest in all your students - both inside and outside the studio.

Remember, not all of your students want to explore the spiritual side of yoga - and that's all right! However, it doesn't mean you can't guide them to off the mat practice. Good luck and Namaste!

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

In addition, yoga can benefit you in many different ways: to escape into a few minutes of quiet to center yourself, to take your mind off the nagging details of everyday life, to learn to breathe fully, to consciously control your stress levels, to relieve lower back pain, migraine headaches and injuries. Yoga balances your body, breath, emotions and intellect.

Your muscles are stretched long in an anatomically correct position, and your stabilizing muscles are trained to support this posture all the time, not just when you're working out. If you're unknowingly making any mistakes in strength training, yoga will correct that in a few sessions.

Yoga can also teach you how to control unhealthy habits like overeating. Eating too much is usually caused by low self-esteem - an escape from self-judgment and responsibility. While practicing yoga consistently you will see yourself differently. You'll start to feel a peace about yourself that will increase your confidence and help you avoid compulsive overeating.

When I first started yoga, I had no idea what it would do for me. I had a knee injury from running, and my physical therapist prescribed a few yoga classes. I had always thought yoga was a New Age religious practice, not an activity that I would benefit from physically. But despite yoga's spiritual origins, people of all religions (even people of no religion) can reap yoga's physical benefits.

Another reason I was apprehensive was that I really love active sports, so the thought of going to a floor exercise class sounded out of character for me. But I knew I needed some kind of stretching class for my knee, just to make myself do it. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have done it on my own. So I went.

Surprisingly, the yoga classes gave me more than any regular stretching could have given me. After a few sessions, my body was completely realigned. I never knew the moderate occasional pains in my back weren't just a part of having a back. I also realized that the last bit of flab I still had around my waist was there not because I was lazy and needed to run more - I just needed to sit up and lengthen my spine and supportive back muscles.

Muscles I forgot about years ago were stretched and strengthened, and all my pent-up tension drained out. My body looked longer, leaner, and best of all - tightness was gone from my neck (where I store my stress) and I felt new assurance and calmness.

You can find a beginner's yoga class in any city -- just look in the yellow pages. They can cost from $5 to $15 per class. You can also buy video tapes, if time is an obstacle, at Blockbuster or most other video stores. Be sure and start with a tape for beginners, and then work your way up to the more advanced levels.

The Advaita Pranamat is an effective acupressure tool that promotes self-healing, relaxation and revitalization that restores the energy flow of your body. It is almost a reflexology mat that stimulates the pressure points combining ancient wisdom, bio design and modern technologies.

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body.

By stimulating the body's acupressure points the Pranamat Eco helps in boosting the body's natural energy flow. It has been skilfully designed to "wake up" your body and direct blood flow to the organs that need it the most. The tiny lotus spikes stimulate active nerve Centre and intensify the local blood flow and lymph circulation. Thus, by simply lying down on this modern "bed of nails", you give your body a chance to heal itself and regain energy.

Regular use of Pranamat can help you to relax and stimulate a quicker self-healing process of your body, releasing endorphins to promote a sense of wellbeing at the same time. The Pranamat can help with upper & lower back pain, neck ache, stiffness, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, headache, stress, muscular tension, arthritis, insomnia, and cellulite. It is also ideal for those who are practicing yoga and sports regularly as it induces deep relaxation, healing and harmonizes the body.

By working specific reflex points on the feet, this Advaita eco mat improves circulation and lymph flow, cleanses the body of impurities and revitalize energy, these wills encourage the body to restore naturally its own healthy balance. Additionally, Reflexology can bring soothing stress relief and relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. The treatment can be pleasurable and extremely relaxing to receive, as well as invigorating and energizing. Once you get used to your Pranamat, you will start using it regularly and enjoying the benefits.

Although you can use Pranamat clothed, it offers maximum benefit when used on bare skin for about half an hour 3-4 times a week. The 'spiky lotuses' stimulate the points, the 'awakened feeling it gave and yet how amazingly comfortable the Pranamat is to use.

Pranamat Eco is created with 100% natural materials, such as coconut fibre and pure linen. All the materials of Pranamat Eco are natural, eco-friendly products making it the only acupressure mat on the market that can claim superior design, superior quality and eco-components.

This eco friendly Advaita prana mat will become part of your routine once you begin to enjoy its benefits and get used to this. It these helps heal and invigorate and relax the body at the same time too.

This eco friendly Advaita prana mat will become part of your routine once you begin to enjoy its benefits and get used to this. Prana Mats will help heal and invigorate and relax the body at the same time too.

Practicing yoga at an early age is a good habit and will keep you away from any health problem at a later stage in your life. It helps you to overcome many health problems, makes you fit, and helps you stay younger by controlling cell deterioration in your body. However, if you could not do it then and now in your late 30's parenting your children and want to practice Yoga, let me tell you it is never too late.

• Mothers can start practicing yoga after 6 weeks of delivering a baby. However, before staring yoga you need to consult your doctor, get a physical check and ask him what kind of exercises are suitable for you. Your doctor will let you know what kind of yoga can you practice and should you opt for this exercise mainly.

• Once your doctor permits locate yoga retreats, meditation retreats, yoga classes, yoga studios or personal yoga instructor if you need personalized training

• Your yoga instructor will let you know about your routine, your exercises and diet as well

• The yoga instructor is like a doctor. He/she should know about your habits and lifestyle completely because it will help him/her plan a routine for you.

• The main reason for using this yoga mat is to help you work on your coordination and balance. Many positions require a balanced way. If not, you will not be able to practice the various poses. The balance and posture will benefit your health. For this it is necessary to maintain coordination and meditation.

• Around the left foot arch, loop a strap and hold it in both your hands. Inhale and straighten the knee you had folded and move the left heel towards the ceiling. Move your hands along with it, till your elbows are completely straightened. While raising your hands, press your shoulders towards the floor.

• Hold the leg in the vertical position for 1-3 minutes and release it later. Now practice this asana with your other leg.

• After entering the parenting phase in your life, this exercise becomes all the more important for you because you deal with different situations every day while upbringing the child. These situations might put you in stress and you need to be patient and calm to assure a stress free environment for your child. Sleepless nights, running after the child, for feeding him/her playing with him/her, etc everything adds to the daily activities of your life and you need to keep your mind and body prepared for it.

Start today and enjoy your parenting by staying calm and healthy with yoga.

Eric Mayars is expert in providing information related to Yoga Teacher Training and other services like Seva and meditation retreats.

When you're pregnant it's important to find ways to relax. Everybody is different and find different things relaxing. Some find acupuncture a good way to relieve stress or anxiety, while others prefer exercise. Some find relaxation in certain hobbies or pursuits. Some may practice yoga to relax and may continue to practice throughout their pregnancy. However, certain types of yoga are often recommended to be avoided throughout pregnancy such as 'hot yoga', also called Bikram yoga. Talk to your doctor before beginning any form of yoga or exercise, but many will recommend restorative yoga.

This is a type of yoga that involves the use of props such as blocks, chairs, walls, blankets, pillows, etc. to put the body in certain yoga poses. It is a restful yoga, but this should not be confused with sleeping. The postures are assumed lying down on the back, and the individual is completely relaxed throughout the process. This type of yoga is intended to not only relax the body, but to relax the mind as well, and to calm the nervous system.

One's nervous system may be closely linked to the endocrine or reproductive system, which is why stress and anxiety may have a negative impact on fertility and pregnancy. There have been studies indicating that reducing stress throughout pregnancy may help to lead to a healthier pregnancy. Restorative yoga can be a great way to accomplish this goal. Just be sure to inform the instructor that you are pregnant, especially if the class is not tailored specifically to pregnant women. Even if it is, let them know the month of your pregnancy.

Restorative yoga goes beyond helping women trying to become pregnant or who are already pregnant. It may be helpful for those with chronic pain or fatigue problems, such as those who are suffering from fibromyalgia. It may also help to improve digestion and help patients sleep better.

If you're pregnant and want to give restorative yoga a try or if you're just curious about its benefits, it's recommended you speak with an instructor who conducts classes for pregnant women. Many fertility clinics may offer classes for those trying to become pregnant and for pregnant women. Inquire at a local fertility clinic or ask your doctor to recommend ways to reduce stress during your pregnancy. Many recommend yoga classes, acupuncture and other ways of relaxing and managing stressors in your everyday life.

Arianna has assembled more information on restorative yoga for pregnant women. Take a look at your convenience at DomarCenter for pain and stress relief and see how it helps during a pregnancy

Can Yoga help seniors maintain memory? Ancient Yogic texts indicate that "memory is holding on to that which has been known." The ability to retain, assimilate, and recall data about past and present events varies among different people, but the issue is of special concern to senior citizens. It is a life quality issue that we might find unimportant, until it happens to us.

Research has shown that stress and unhealthy lifestyles affect memory, and the Alzheimer's Association predicts that Alzheimer's alone will reach epidemic proportions as the baby boom generation ages. Although the loss of memory results from a variety of inter-related factors, there is some good news.

At one time, scientists thought the brain fully matured during childhood, but recent technology has shown that it can develop new neural pathways at any age. Neuroscientists say, "Neurons that fire together wire together." When the brain repeatedly involves the same thought or action, it can rewire itself.

It is little wonder, then, that Yoga is becoming popular among seniors. Sanskrit manuscripts expressed many of the ideas that run parallel to modern medicine and the western scientific community is just beginning is just beginning to recognize many Yogic concepts, which are listed below.

• Yogic practice revolves around the idea that purification burns away old ideas and habits, leading to new ways of behaving and thinking. In Hindu philosophy, the burning away of old habits and perceptions, known as samskaras, prepares the mind for new ways of thinking and behaving. This ancient teaching is very similar to the neuron theory in contemporary science.

• The disciplines of controlled breathing, meditation, and physical postures taught in old Yogic philosophy serve in today's studios as effective ways of increasing the flow of fresh blood and energy to the brain.

• Deep breathing increases energy (the flow of prana) and oxygen to the body's cells, promoting good memory.

• Inversions provide the brain with an increased supply of blood and oxygen.

• Meditation improves focus, clears the mind of negative thinking, and reduces rumination. A mind that is free of worry and anxiety leads to a better memory.

• Chanting, japa, mantra and kirtan, restores vital life energy (prana) to the body, refreshing the brain and enhancing memory. The OM vibration and mantras work in much the same way.

The theory of neuroplasticity, meaning the brain's ability to produce new cells, has one drawback. New brain cells need a stress-free environment in which to thrive. Amazingly, Yogis figured this out long ago. With systematic practice, Yoga has the potential to preserve the mind's ability in the 21st century - much the same as it did thousands of years ago. For seniors, this is good news.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Yoga is an ancient art originating from India. Its primary focus is the development of inner peace through stretching and breathing exercises which help to channel energy into ones soul. In today's modern contemporary society, Yoga is used by many individuals as a means of release from everyday life, a pass time which is incredibly personal and acts as a self exploring art.

This article describes 5 ways that Yoga can help to increase your quality of life, regardless of your personal circumstances and situation.

1. Increased Lung Capacity - by conducing yoga twice weekly, you will learn how to breath more effectively and control your emotions as a result. Breathing exercises will also help you increase your VO2 max which is the maximum amount of oxygen you can intake in one breath. This is important for any healthy cardiovascular effort, as your lung capacity will directly impact on how your body will perform when exerted.

2. Reduced stress levels - research suggests that taking time out exclusively for yourself helps to reduce stress levels and having a time out from the everyday issues that trouble us all. By doing yoga, your body will naturally be more relaxed and your muscles and internal organs will have had the opportunity to stretch and release toxins that are captured by an increase in stress levels. By doing so, you will become at one with your soul and you will work towards reaching a complete state of what is known as inner peace, or shanti.

3. Higher level of physical fitness - yoga is an art which is underpinned by stretching and developing personal stretching capabilities over time. In doing so you will start to use fat stores as energy, putting the body in a higher state of physical exertion. As you do this, your body will become more supple, overtime resulting in an increased level of toning.

4. Relaxed mindset - because of the atmosphere within a yoga class you will find yourself becoming extremely relaxed, entering a state of passiveness which is unrivalled in any extracurricular activity.

5. Meeting people - by going to a yoga class you will meet like minded individuals that want to increase their quality of life through stress relief and relaxation, two facets which yoga provides easily. By meeting these types of individuals you will find yourself making new friends that are on the same wavelength, happy to socialise with you in order to further improve both yours and their own quality of life.

DeRose Method are a leading Yoga Kensington Club offering Traditional Yoga Classes in London

According to the National Osteoporosis Association, the cost of medical care for fractures related to the disease will reach $25 billion by 2005. More prevalent in postmenopausal women and in men over 70, the disorder is associated with the loss of estrogen in females and testosterone in males. Because Yoga is a low-impact exercise that strengthens bones and balances hormones, it is one of many techniques being used in the fight against osteoporosis.

Yogic Prevention for Osteoporosis

• Weight-bearing asanas build strong bones and strengthen muscles. All poses promote good health.

• Meditation alleviates stress-related and hormonal symptoms before and after menopause, improving mood and strengthening adrenal glands.

• Pranayama complements meditation - boosting the circulatory system, removing toxins, and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the organs.

Ten Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis

• Downward-Facing Dog stretches the entire body and refreshes the mind.

• Standing Forward Bend calms the nervous system and lengthens the hamstrings.

• Big Toe Pose stretches and strengthens the hamstrings.

• Bridge Pose revitalizes tired leg muscles and quiets the mind.

• Warrior II increases stamina and promotes good posture.

• Extended Triangle helps to align the body and strengthens ankles, legs, and feet.

• Extended Side Angle Poses elongates the side of the body from the heel to the lifted arm.

• Half Moon Pose strengthens bones, tones muscles, and improves mood. The Half Moon posture can be easily modified for anyone who has difficulty with balance by using a chair, wall, or the corner of a room.

• Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose improves balance and lessens the likelihood of falls.

• Wheel Pose energizes the body and makes the spine, abdomen, arms, and legs stronger and more flexible.

With the use of props and proper adjustments, each of the above-mentioned postures (asanas) can be modified for any Yoga student. All of these poses also help to do the following: tone the body, increase bone density, remove toxins, release negative energy, massage organs, increase circulation, and balance the endocrine system. Maintaining good emotional and physical health helps to improve mood and prevent all kinds of illnesses.

Precautions Regarding Yoga for Osteoporosis

Anyone with osteoporosis should consult a health care professional and an experienced Yoga instructor in order to prevent the following complications:

• People with low bone density may develop spontaneous fractures to the spine as the body returns to its normal position.

• Backbends may cause stress fractures. A suggested modification is to gently tilt the whole spine without force to avoid pressure that may occur with bending the spine back.

• Some weight bearing exercises can cause hairline fractures of the bones or spine.

For those people who want to prevent osteoporosis and have no other health issues, traditional Yoga is a good option. For anyone with bone-related issues, however, good advice and a slow pace in a gentle Yoga class are the way to go. Yoga for osteoporosis is a viable solution and a preventative measure.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Childhood literacy skills can be improved through kids' Yoga classes. Learning to read, write and do basic mathematical computations are some of the cornerstones of literacy. A well-designed Yoga class that is geared for young children from kindergarten through the second grade will help young students to develop a solid literacy foundation. Yoga classes can help to facilitate the development of sensory motor skills and basic language skills. These rudimentary skills are critically important to the development of language, reading and writing skills that form the basis of further academic study and later career achievement.

The ability of a child to be able to soothe and self-regulate his or her emotions under stress has been linked to the successful acquisition of reading, writing and math skills. Through focused attention, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, Yoga teaches children how to calm themselves and to compassionately and patiently practice reading, writing and math exercises until they solidify a competent level of literacy in these subjects. The open and accepting context of a Yoga class also encourages children to explore their own abilities and potential in a non-competitive environment. This sense of openness and acceptance also supports a child in being less anxious about practicing new academic skills.

Yoga classes for children also increase their vocabulary and comprehension of new terms and ideas. During the course of a Yoga class, children are exposed to a wide range of unfamiliar terms as they follow a Yoga routine. Children are also exposed to different ways of thinking about the world through the cultural background of Yoga. This exposure to new ideas, vocabulary and cultural ideas, in addition to new ways of moving their bodies, helps to build neural pathways in the brain and form new linguistic connections that further support literacy acquisition.

The incorporation of music and rhymes also help children to develop phonemic awareness that is one of the building blocks for new readers. Weaving in music and rhyming is an easy and fun way for young children to enhance their phonemic awareness skills. Singing, playing and telling nursery rhymes will also create a fun and light-hearted context in which the children can enjoy practicing Yoga asanas, breathing exercises and even a bit of meditation. All of these Yoga techniques are wonderful tools that will help children to develop solid literacy skills through emotional regulation, the acquisition of new vocabulary and the solidification of phonemic awareness.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/.

According to the National Osteoporosis Association, the cost of medical care for fractures related to the disease will reach $25 billion by 2005. More prevalent in postmenopausal women and in men over 70, the disorder is associated with the loss of estrogen in females and testosterone in males. Because Yoga is a low-impact exercise that strengthens bones and balances hormones, it is one of many techniques being used in the fight against osteoporosis.

Yogic Prevention for Osteoporosis

• Weight-bearing asanas build strong bones and strengthen muscles. All poses promote good health.

• Meditation alleviates stress-related and hormonal symptoms before and after menopause, improving mood and strengthening adrenal glands.

• Pranayama complements meditation - boosting the circulatory system, removing toxins, and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the organs.

Ten Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis

• Downward-Facing Dog stretches the entire body and refreshes the mind.

• Standing Forward Bend calms the nervous system and lengthens the hamstrings.

• Big Toe Pose stretches and strengthens the hamstrings.

• Bridge Pose revitalizes tired leg muscles and quiets the mind.

• Warrior II increases stamina and promotes good posture.

• Extended Triangle helps to align the body and strengthens ankles, legs, and feet.

• Extended Side Angle Poses elongates the side of the body from the heel to the lifted arm.

• Half Moon Pose strengthens bones, tones muscles, and improves mood. The Half Moon posture can be easily modified for anyone who has difficulty with balance by using a chair, wall, or the corner of a room.

• Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose improves balance and lessens the likelihood of falls.

• Wheel Pose energizes the body and makes the spine, abdomen, arms, and legs stronger and more flexible.

With the use of props and proper adjustments, each of the above-mentioned postures (asanas) can be modified for any Yoga student. All of these poses also help to do the following: tone the body, increase bone density, remove toxins, release negative energy, massage organs, increase circulation, and balance the endocrine system. Maintaining good emotional and physical health helps to improve mood and prevent all kinds of illnesses.

Precautions Regarding Yoga for Osteoporosis

Anyone with osteoporosis should consult a health care professional and an experienced Yoga instructor in order to prevent the following complications:

• People with low bone density may develop spontaneous fractures to the spine as the body returns to its normal position.

• Backbends may cause stress fractures. A suggested modification is to gently tilt the whole spine without force to avoid pressure that may occur with bending the spine back.

• Some weight bearing exercises can cause hairline fractures of the bones or spine.

For those people who want to prevent osteoporosis and have no other health issues, traditional Yoga is a good option. For anyone with bone-related issues, however, good advice and a slow pace in a gentle Yoga class are the way to go. Yoga for osteoporosis is a viable solution and a preventative measure.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Yoga is an ancient art meant to harmonize the complex system of human being - physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological.

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that this process does not happen overnight.

However, people who dedicate their time and energy to yoga enjoy many benefits, including:

• Improved Joint Health
• Less Back Pain
• Weight Loss
• Stronger Bones
• Increased Flexibility
• Stronger Muscles
• Improved Circulation
• Improved Balance
• Improved Immune Function
• Better Posture
• Better Lung Function
• Slower and Deeper Breathing

A person new to yoga will experience what many call the "initiation" process.

For a healthy person, the initiation - the beginning of the super-oxygenation process - can feel like an amazing surge of energy. To yoga beginners who are young, supple, energetic, emotionally balanced and psychologically open, the early phases are like falling in love. Yoga enhances every aspect of life and magnifies awareness.

However, for someone who is unhealthy, injured or secretly unwell, it can be a huge alarm sounding deep in the body. For these people, the initiation phase - which lasts until about the 3rd month - can be painful and frustrating. People often wonder, "I'm supposed to feel great after doing yoga, but all I feel is pain."

This is not meant to dissuade beginners but to prepare them. The benefits of yoga are worth it!

Yoga is hard work because it involves the entire mind and body - much like a martial art. The need for consistent practice is essential.

The pain or resistance felt during and after yoga sessions during the first 3 months is really energy awareness manifesting - showing where energy is not flowing freely.

The super-oxygenation that occurs during yoga leads to super-sensitization and body awareness. When a person stretches, he or she feels exactly where the body "won't" go - highlighting inflexibility or blockages of energy.

If a person is to let go of physical pain, blockages or resistance within the muscles, internal organs and tissues, he or she must also release the emotional and psychological tension that lies beneath. The release cannot happen until the person is ready to express and deal with difficult emotions.

This is why yoga takes time, but great rewards await the yoga practitioner who invests the time and dedication then accepts the release.

Along with the many physical benefits, yoga beginners can look forward to a new level of inner peace and feelings of well being.

Amelia Merceda is a yoga and fitness author with Hayden Fitness & Yoga in Vernon BC.
Learn more and get started with yoga and fitness at www.haydenfitness.ca

Childhood literacy skills can be improved through kids' Yoga classes. Learning to read, write and do basic mathematical computations are some of the cornerstones of literacy. A well-designed Yoga class that is geared for young children from kindergarten through the second grade will help young students to develop a solid literacy foundation. Yoga classes can help to facilitate the development of sensory motor skills and basic language skills. These rudimentary skills are critically important to the development of language, reading and writing skills that form the basis of further academic study and later career achievement.

The ability of a child to be able to soothe and self-regulate his or her emotions under stress has been linked to the successful acquisition of reading, writing and math skills. Through focused attention, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, Yoga teaches children how to calm themselves and to compassionately and patiently practice reading, writing and math exercises until they solidify a competent level of literacy in these subjects. The open and accepting context of a Yoga class also encourages children to explore their own abilities and potential in a non-competitive environment. This sense of openness and acceptance also supports a child in being less anxious about practicing new academic skills.

Yoga classes for children also increase their vocabulary and comprehension of new terms and ideas. During the course of a Yoga class, children are exposed to a wide range of unfamiliar terms as they follow a Yoga routine. Children are also exposed to different ways of thinking about the world through the cultural background of Yoga. This exposure to new ideas, vocabulary and cultural ideas, in addition to new ways of moving their bodies, helps to build neural pathways in the brain and form new linguistic connections that further support literacy acquisition.

The incorporation of music and rhymes also help children to develop phonemic awareness that is one of the building blocks for new readers. Weaving in music and rhyming is an easy and fun way for young children to enhance their phonemic awareness skills. Singing, playing and telling nursery rhymes will also create a fun and light-hearted context in which the children can enjoy practicing Yoga asanas, breathing exercises and even a bit of meditation. All of these Yoga techniques are wonderful tools that will help children to develop solid literacy skills through emotional regulation, the acquisition of new vocabulary and the solidification of phonemic awareness.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/.

Life is getting tough and hectic day by day. Busy work schedules, travelling, hectic and unhealthy lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, etc all lead to many health problems even at an early age. It has become difficult for people to find time to visit a yoga retreat or meditation retreat and practice yoga there.

People find it difficult to manage time for work out and therefore just give up the idea of workout. This has led to many health problems and increasing number of youngsters complaining about However you can now continue with your lifestyle and schedule and still workout at your home and lead towards a healthy life. You can now practice some yoga moves at home that will help to relax your body and mind and get rid of any health problems.

Here are some moves/yoga poses you can practice at your home. To practice some very simple asanas of yoga at home you just need a couple of things:

Yoga Mat, Yoga DVD and of course time. Working out for 20-30 minutes a day will prove very beneficial to you. You might spend this time in travelling if you join some class but if you decide to practice it at home you can utilize this time. If you do not much about this form of exercise then you can learn it by watching a yoga DVD. For your convenience we have jotted down following some exercises that you can practice at home.

Pranayam/ Breathing Exercise:

This is the basic exercise in yoga. It is a breathing exercise and a sort of meditation as well. Reading the next few steps will help you practice this move.

1. Dress up in your yoga attire. Sit in an upright posture on your yoga mat.

2. Sit upright with your legs folded and your spinal cord should be straight. Do not bend or lean.

3. In this exercise you need to observe your breath. Using your index finger and thumb, first close your right nostril with thumb and inhale from your left nostril. Now close your left nostril with your index finger and exhale breath from right nostril.

4. Repeat this a couple of times.

Cat Pose

1. Get on the floor in cat position that is with your palms and legs touching the floor.

2. Your hand should be exactly below your shoulder and your fingers stretched apart.

3. Now slowly bending your knees place the hands on the hips.

4. Now breathing in pull your chin towards your chest. Exhaling your breath look upwards to the ceiling and stretch your back.

Palm Tree Move:

1. Standing straight at your place, place your arms straight just besides you touching your body.

2. Now lock the fingers of your hand together, and face your palm upwards to the ceiling.

3. You also have to look up at your hand.

4. Looking upwards at your hands try to balance on your tiptoes. Hold for 10 seconds.

These are some simple yoga moves for meditation, back and complete body. These poses are not difficult, however, it needs a bit practice.

Now you don't have any reason to shy away from working out and blaming it on your schedule. These simple moves can be practiced at home and you can keep adding to it by learning new moves. Get started now and live a healthy life.

Eric Mayars is expert in providing information related to Yoga Retreats and other services like Seva and meditation retreats.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by pain and stiffness in the elbows, lower arms, wrists and fingers. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive stress injury that is often caused by too much time on the computer or doing a similar repetitive task. Nerve compression starting in the neck and going all the way down through the wrists and hands is the primary cause of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. There are several Yoga poses that help to relieve nerve and joint compression thereby relieving pain and increasing flexibility. Two of the most effective Yoga poses for relieving the symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome are Downward Facing Dog and "Prayer" Pose.

Downward Facing Dog

Downward Facing Dog stretches the front side of the chest, arms and shoulders. This pose also relieves tension in the upper back and hamstrings. When performed properly, Downward Facing Dog helps to re-align the neck and elongate the spine, which helps to relieve radiating nerve compression in the forearms, wrist and hands.

Start by standing in Tadasana at the top of your Yoga mat. Step or hop your feet three to four feet back. Your body will make an inverted "V" shape when you step your feet back and place your hands shoulder-distance apart at the top of your mat. Your feet should be a little more than hip-distance apart. Take several deep, slow breaths as you sink into the pose and feel the stretch in your chest, arms, shoulders, neck, upper back and hamstrings. Repeat the pose two more times. Between each repetition you may want to rest in Child's Pose or link each successive Downward Facing Dog with a Sun Salutation.

"Prayer" Pose

Prayer Pose is aptly named because it resembles a petitioner in ardent supplication to the divine. Prayer Pose stretches and elongates the cervical spine, triceps, lateral torso and shoulders, thereby relieving nerve compression that often causes Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

To practice Prayer Pose you will need two Yoga blocks. Place the blocks a few inches in front of you at the front end of your Yoga mat while kneeling in the center of your mat. The blocks should be placed on the long side about shoulder-distance apart. While on your knees, place your elbows on the blocks with your fingers interlaced and your hands pointing up towards the sky. With your spine extended, breath in and as you exhale, melt into the pose. Go to your edge where you feel a good stretch without pain. Hold for three to five breaths. Repeat two times and then rest in Balasana.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

The practice of Yoga has many notable health benefits, a fact that has been well established for thousands of years. These benefits range from a deeper emotional understanding and awareness, a calmer mind and a number of positive physical changes. In fact, all of those positive attributes are just a few of the reasons people turn to Yoga. However, some people want results that can be actively measured and seen, not just felt. There are a number of ways that progress can be measured within a Yoga practice.

Physically, there are a few ways to measure the forward progress and positive momentum of practicing yoga regularly. One of the simplest ways is to take note of body fat measurements. People often find that Yoga can help to minimize body fat. This is not an overnight process and sometimes the changes can't be seen until the next time a body fat measurement is taken, but it is a benefit that can be attributed to yoga. (And a healthy diet!) The body's ability to stretch and bend, along with notable improvements while breathing are more noticeable physical benefits.

Of course, it is important to note that Yoga is also good for calming the mind. And that can be one of the many positive attributes people have found attractive about Yoga. Poses and breathing inspire a concentration that can help to relieve stress along with physical aches and pains. It should also be noted that different types of Yoga practices can elicit progress that can be seen sooner rather than later, and vice versa. Students and teachers should have a clear view of the types of progress they want to take away from a practice, but should also be open to the idea that other beneficial effects from Yoga can and do occur.

Overall, the ability to measure progress in Yoga practice is something that students and teachers can keep track of, although the results are not often readily seen. Instead, they can be felt and expressed in other ways, not just physically. Yoga is more than just another fad workout program. It is an enduring form of exercise and way of life that has been proven to be largely beneficial for those that take the time to practice.

Perhaps the most significant measurement in Yoga is one that cannot be checked by instruments. When you ask someone how they feel, they're answer isn't based on numbers. They might say they feel great, good, pretty good, fair, or worse. Yoga makes you feel good or better and that's a measurement too.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

In most cases, yoga is not the single answer to a weight problem. You need to burn off more calories you consume on a daily basis over a long period of time. As soon as you start taking in more calories than you consume on a routine basis, you start to pack the weight back on. Yoga can fit into the picture when losing and maintaining weight, but it cannot be the only thing you do in order to take the weight off. The following tips will help you work yoga into your overall lifestyle so you get the weight loss results you want to see.

Select the Right Yoga Form

There are different forms of yoga, and some are more effective for weight loss than others. The forms that encourage slower movements offer a lot of benefits for the mind and may be effective at developing muscle over time, but they are not very effective at increasing your heart rate. This means they won't allow you to burn much fat, which is critical for weight loss.

You may want to learn the slower forms of yoga once you have reached your goal weight and you don't need as much fat burn, but during the weight loss process you want to stick with one of these faster paced forms:

Ashtanga Yoga
Hot Yoga
Power Yoga

You can find DVDs with instruction into all of these forms of yoga. You may also be able to find local classes, especially if you live in a big city with big fitness clubs. Your local YMCA is another place to check.

Focus on Your Breathing

Breathing is an integral part of yoga, regardless of the form you select. Pay attention to breathing on cue and bringing the breath all the way into your stomach. If you can get your mind into the practice as much as your body, you will get more out of each session. Not only does this have calming effects on the mind, but it may distract from any discomfort of working out and will help you ease into each movement to a greater degree.

Build Up Slowly

Yoga may seem to be easy, but it can actually be quite difficult for beginners. Resist temptations to jump right to advanced poses. Start at the beginning and advance as quickly as your body allows. If you push too fast you are likely to injure yourself or get frustrated with harder move and give up. Either way, it isn't good for your weight loss.

Mix It Up

Try to make yoga just one part of your overall workout program. If you focus only on yoga, then you need at least an hour of intense yoga five or more days of the week. If you aren't eating very healthy, then you would need even more.

It is better to mix yoga with running, speed walking, swimming, aerobics, or dancing. Do something different every day to keep the excitement alive. Or, pick one or two cardio exercises and rotate with your yoga workout. This will get your heart rate up on a regular basis to support weight loss.

Support Your Body

Finally, support your body by supplying adequate nutrition and daily water. A good multivitamin will help as well. Your body needs energy to get through the workouts efficiently.

More Information on Yoga For Weight Loss can be found at DefeatWeight.Com! Get much more effective fat loss advice and start your new healthy lifestyle today!

For anyone who's looking to start living a healthier lifestyle, especially one that includes a holistic approach to diet and healthy, active lifestyle, then a yoga regime is a perfect addition. Finding the time and the place is all you need for yoga, along with comfortable and loose-fitting clothes and preferably a yoga mat although if you're doing it on a carpet that's fine too. Once you get a little more advanced you'll want to incorporate a belt and other advanced things you can use for gaining additional stretches.

A healthy lifestyle that includes a yoga regime will bring your heart rate down, calm your breathing, build core strength and help you stretch your body, limbs and internal organs too. It's a great way to get your mind in touch with your body and help you control your movements in a slow, rhythmic manner as well as control your breathing and heart. By engaging in a yoga regime you can begin to feel healthier and better about yourself and your body.

Once you start doing yoga you'll find that your body starts to feel different and your inner strength begins to develop and you start feeling better overall. This feeling can carry you through your day because, the best time to start yoga is in the morning, although anytime is better than no time at all. In the morning your body is stiff from sleep, so it's the best time to start waking your body slowly and naturally through a gentle yoga regime. Simply breathing and moving slowly from one position to another and staying in that position for a certain count of time will in the end awaken your entire body, from the inside out and will leave you both relaxed and invigorated and strengthened and ready to take on the day.

It's recommended that you find a yoga class or instructor to get started with. Once you've learned how to get into the positions properly so that you don't hurt yourself, then you might be ready to practice more on your own. It's something you can practice and improve for the rest of your life, so there's no need to rush into thinking you'll be a yoga master in a short amount of time. Due to the fact that yoga is incredible for rapid weight loss. Take your time and listen to your body and you'll be glad you tried yoga.

Faith has her own yoga regime that she engages in daily in order to continue her healthy weight loss journey.