Yoga For Weight Loss Guide

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Yoga can be put to good use for taking off excess pounds through the power of creating a state of mental and physical well being.

The basic tenets of Yoga promotes a healthy lifestyle and when combined with a calorie reduction can help to speed up your weight loss. It will increase your metabolism by increasing the caloric burning process.

All weight loss is based on using more calories than you take in. It will also allow you to increase your ability to concentrate and focus.

Your thyroid regulates your metabolism and is responsible for the chemical processes that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that will help to stimulate the work flow of the internal organs.

This will cause your metabolism to increase and burn more calories which will eventually cause you to have a lower body weight. Another side effect is that it will help to improve your circulation and increase your energy level.

The various back bends combined with the forward bends will help to stimulate the metabolism. The poses that affect the neck region can be helpful in stimulating the thyroid if the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance.

Poses that will help the most for this include the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and head stand. Going quickly between the various poses can help to accelerate the weght loss.

Beware though that those seriously overweight may find some of these poses extremely difficult and should start slowly with the easier poses and add others as they become more confident in the easier ones.

You can use standing poses to increase muscle strengthening such as the warrior. These will help to create higher endurance and increase your caloric usage.

Remember that a gradual approach is best with all Yoga practices. The long term effects on your weight loss regime will become evident and even more so the inner peace and general well feeling that Yoga will promote within you.
Read Another Article : Power of Stretching

Power Of Stretching Reviews & Tips

Here's what we found about power of stretching. Read up the info about power of stretching, and learn more about it!

Your muscles ache from a good stretch. This is quite normal and is part of the process. Stretching has seemingly been with us and particular with athletes since the beginning of time.

A very key point to good stretching is to hold the stretch for at least seventeen seconds. This is a pearl of wisdom gleaned from a ballet teacher a few years back. She said that any stretch under 17 seconds was just not effective.

The 17 second rule is exceeded in the high intensity Bikram's yoga where stretches are held for about 30 seconds. Don't forget the high level of heat that is used in Bikram's to extract that last little bit of stretch out of your muscles.

An interesting twist that is not necessary to gain benefits from stretching. But, it can't hurt, right?

So what kind of benefits can you expect from stretching? That's an easy one. Have you ever seen the movie, Blood Sport? Did you know that Frank Dux could truly stretch his body to the extreme. The actor that played him was quite elastic as well.

Great elasticity is also something you might see in well trained Spetsnaz(Russian)agents. They often work out with Russian kettlebells too. They are for superior strength gains and the ability to withstand ballistic shocks.

Why are stretching and flexibility considered important to these people? Stretching gives one the ability to have explosive power available at one's fingertips without the need to warm up. Of course most of us are not martial artists or agents. But, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of other benefits.

Let me give you an example. After learning to sit in the full lotus position for long periods of time, my ankles became very flexible. One day I was walking along and my left foot fell into a pothole. This mishap pushed my ankle sideways to about 90 degrees from it's normal position.

Amazingly, this didn't even hurt, not one bit. If my ankle hadn't been so flexible, I may have suffered a sprained ankle. At the very least, it would have hurt for days.

Key point: stretching helps us to avoid injuries. Not only that but if you do have a muscle, tendon or ligament injury it should heal faster, theoretically speaking.

Stretching actually grows the ligaments, tendons and muscles being stretched. They really grow longer over time.

Check with your physician before undertaking any type of exercise, including stretching.
Read Another Article : Best Yoga Techniques

Type Of Best Yoga Techniques

Brief and Straightforward Guide about best yoga techniques. Read the latest best yoga techniques tips.

The best technique for any person contemplating to take up yoga is not to contemplate but to concentrate - on how yoga and its techniques is escalating into a world wide epidemic where yoga exercises are helping ailing patients and others who seek peace of mind.

Understanding yoga is a lot less complicated than you could imagine but if you are thinking of taking up the practice then there are some yoga techniques you need to be aware of and apply through out the exercise.


Yoga is with out a doubt one of the most effective exercises performed to today in helping people to stay in shape and to keep fit and healthy. You will be surprised how yoga fits into your daily way of life due to the fact that is can be practiced almost anywhere and any time

People are genuinely taking more and more interest in keeping their fitness levels at a point where they are gaining a healthier lifestyle and this is all thanks to yoga. Yoga techniques are beneficial in servicing your body organs.

Muscles, joints, glands, tissues are also maintained by some techniques of yoga.
There are 5 yoga techniques which you may enjoy including into your workout these are meditation, relaxation, deep breathing, posture and movement of the joints.

Every one of these yoga functions has it own technique.

Better known as the (sandhichalana) is where the movement of joints come into play. This is performed and solely directed by yoga followers towards easing the joints. Joints are freed from stiffness by undergoing and practicing full movements which consist of hand neck and lower limb movements.

A yoga technique behind the relaxation exercise is to be able to deepen your concentration pattern which aims to help deter any interference that attracts your attention easily.

The Hong-Sau is another technique used which assists you further in focusing on the concealed powers of concentration. This is great yoga routine that can help you battle any meddling disturbances while at the same time providing you with a relaxed and calm feeling on the inside.

Each to their own on what exercise to exercise but one of the most popular is the Aum technique which stretches awareness far beyond any limitations that your body and mind creates. By maintaining an uninterrupted meditation mode you gain contentment.

Many of the techniques mentioned will not be advisable for the beginner so therefore guidance from a yoga master would be your best approach. Be sure to ask questions on different types of yoga and the techniques, this will help you decide which one to take up.

Check it out for yourself, go along to a local class in your area and watch just how many people are leaving you behind in claiming better body awareness and a content positive approach to life.
Read Another Article : Benefit Of Yoga

Benefit Of Yoga Tips

Read all about benefit of yoga.  Lots of useful and interesting information about benefit of yoga.  

Yoga, and the benefit of yoga, is generically defined as a Hindu discipline that helps unite the body and mind.

Aimed at achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility, it is practiced in the West most commonly as physical exercise practiced as part of the discipline.

The benefit of yoga practice is nothing new.  It has been recognized for many years as the perfect discipline to help one achieve tranquility, better health, and longer life. 

Many people view the benefit of yoga as some weird discipline that involves yogi's contorted in unnatural positions, doing strange acts of the body, and living on a mountaintop somewhere in India.

 I personally remember a television documentary many years ago featuring a yogi that had his tongue split, using it to clean his sinus cavities!  Anyone interested in yoga has probably also seen images of yogi's supporting great weight with their genitals.

In this modern age, much has been learned about the benefit of yoga. Yoga practitioners achieve greater mobility, longer life, and internal happiness through their practice of the art. Yoga as we know it today is aimed at uniting the mind, body,and spirit.

The mysticism of the Hindu discipline is no longer a myth, and is reachable by all willing to learn.

Yoga practice is roughly grouped into three categories - the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) and Meditation. These categories embrace physiological, psychological, and biochemical effects.

In addition, clinicians have compared these results against the Western practices of jogging, aerobic exercise, and weight training, and find results comparable.

The most popular style of Yoga in the West today is Hatha Yoga.  It is designed to focuses on the physical well-being of a person and believers in the practice consider the body as the vehicle of the spirit.

Ananda Yoga, a classical style of Hatha Yoga, uses Asana and Pranayama to awaken, experience, and take control of the subtle energies within the body, and focuses on the energies of the seven Chakras.

Anusara (a-nu-SAR-a)yoga is defined as "stepping into the current of Divine Will", "following your heart", and "moving with the current of divine will." This new style, which was developed by John Friend, is defined as "yoga positions that flow from the heart."

It is heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, and is based on a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment. It is based on the principles of Hatha Yoga and biochemical practices.  Students of this discipline base their practice on attitude, action, and alignment.

Ashtanga yoga could possibly be the perfect Yoga for those looking for a serious workout. Ashtanga was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, and is very physically demanding. A series of flows, moving quickly from one posture to another, is utilized to build strength, flexibility and stamina.

This style is not good for the beginning practitioner, as it requires 6 series of difficulty.  The physical demands of Ashtanga are not for the casual practitioner beginning the journey of yoga fitness.

Bikram Yoga, named for its founder Bikram Choudhury, is practiced in a room with a temperature of up to 100 degrees. Twenty six Asanas are performed in a typical session, and focus is on warming and stretching muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Each pose is accompanied by Kapalabhati Breath, the "breath of fire."  Practice of this style promotes cleansing of the body, the release of toxins, and ultimate flexibility. One must be in very good physical shape to practice Bikram Yoga.

These basic definitions will give the person seeking the benefit of yoga a clear-cut understanding of what is to be expected, and will help them make the proper decision to find the discipline that best suits their needs.
Read Another Article : Yoga’s Relaxation Technique

Yoga’s Relaxation Technique At A Glance

This page provides tips and guide on yoga’s relaxation technique. It's best resources for yoga’s relaxation technique.

We all know that one of the necessary things needed to keep an automobile in good condition is cooling the engine when it gets hot.

Well the same principle applies to the human body. When the body and mind are constantly overworked, their efficiency in performing their duties diminishes.

Modern social life, food, work and even play make it difficult for the modern man to use a proper relaxation technique for rejuvenation.

An observance of nature will show us that animals love relaxation and sleep. They get as much sleep as they want. Rest and sleep are essential to recharge our nervous energy as our physical, emotional and mental balance depends on the quantity and quality of these vital necessities.

They are the only things that recharge these batteries and allow for the proper elimination of metabolic wastes.

But just how can one learn a proper relaxation technique?

Only the corpse pose offered to us in Yoga can aid modern man to recapture the art of relaxation. In order to achieve this, three methods are used by the yogis. The three methods are known as physical, mental and spiritual relaxation.

Physical Relaxation Technique: We all know that every action is the result of thought originated in the mind consciously or subconsciously.

When we want to perform an act, the thought is generated in the mind, is transmitted to the brain and simultaneously, the brain telegraphs the message through the nerves, and the muscles contract. Therefore as we can send messages to make the muscles contract, we can send messages to make them relax.

This relaxation technique is known as autosuggestion. Commence autosuggestions from the toes upwards while the suggestion passes through the muscles and reaches up to the eyes and ears at the top. This is performed by saying mentally to yourself:

“My toes are hereby relaxed; my ankles are hereby relaxed…”

Mental Relaxation Technique: During mental tension one should breathe slowly and rhythmically for a few minutes and concentrate on breathing. Slowly the mind will become calm and one is able to feel a kind of floating sensation.

Spiritual Relaxation Technique: However one tries to relax the mind, one cannot completely remove all tensions and worries from it unless one goes to spiritual relaxation.
This is in itself is a slightly demanding but very rewarding practice.

Yogis know that unless man can withdraw himself from the body idea and separate himself from the ego consciousness, there is no way of obtaining complete relaxation.

So from mental relaxation, he withdraws himself and identifies himself with the all pervading, all powerful, all peaceful and joyful self, because all the source of power, knowledge are in the soul and not the body. Man can only free himself from the clutches of evil emotions by asserting his true self by stating mentally:

"I am that pure consciousness or self" This identification with the self completes the process of relaxation.

The method to be applied here is to breathe deeply and squarely in a ratio of 5:5:5 seconds while mentally chanting the mantra above. As you will observe it goes hand-in-hand with mental relaxation after the physical auto suggestions are completed.

To get the most of this practice, you should practice this after your poses, before going to sleep or even during a break or recess at work or school, or right at your desk.

I always tell people: “Hey if it is said God took a break on the 7th day after making the world, who are we as humans not to take time out to relax?”

So to recharge your energy and restore you physical, mental and emotional balance and strength, apply the methods above to learn how to relax the proper way.
Read Another Article : Breathing Exercise

Breathing Exercise What Is It

Here's the breathing exercise tips I picked up from Anne. Offers a single source on breathing exercise related issues, topics and guide.

Kapalabhati is a very important asana and it should be part of your daily practice. This pose is also known as the Fire Breathing Pose, due to intake and outlet of air, with force. The exercise purifies your lungs and nasal passage.

It is one of the powerful breathing exercises which help the entire body. It is one of a kind of the breathing exercises in Pranayama. Kapalabhati helps to make the motions of diaphragm very easy and controlled.

This helps it to discard the muscle cramps present in bronchial tubes. Lot of force is used to do this asana. While exhaling the process is very strong and while inhaling it is done very calmly. It is a very energizing technique to re-boot all your muscles.

It is a cleansing technique which emphasizes on cleaning your air passages and blockages in your chest.

This technique helps to remove the toxic air and takes in the fresh air. The breathing mainly takes place from the abdomen rather than chest which helps to remove the toxic air. Kapala means 'the skull' and bhati means 'brings lightness'.

It lightens your skull by extracting problems like sinusitis. It is an invigorating and an energizing asana as it clears your stuffy skull with fresh air. It is one of the great exercises for asthma patients and people suffering from respiratory problems.

It is useful in removing impurities from the blood. It is a very stimulating asana which can do wonders to every single tissue of your body. This asana invigorates your spine due to the breathing technique.

It clears your body from constant intake of toxins, thus detoxifying it. It is very useful for maintaining your blood pressure. The abdominal organs get strengthened due to the pressure applied on these organs while breathing and exhaling.

It increases the blood circulation due to fresh supply of blood. It also improves the bowel movement which means getting rid of the basic troublesome diseases. The abdominal area is toned with the help of the breathing technique.

A sense of calmness is achieved due to lightness of the skull. It helps you to think better and take decisions quickly. It also keeps your mind alert. It helps clear your entire nervous system which proves to be very useful in making your body fit and fine.

It is a great breathing technique to help your mind and soul. It helps to awaken your spiritual power which heals many problems you keep facing most of the times.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor.

The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Read Another Article : Still Yoga

Still Yoga Tips & Guide

Don't spend a dime for still yoga until you read this!  Includes sites related to still yoga you can access from here!

Has anyone heard of Hindu-Push ups?
If you haven’t, boy have I got news for you.

Quite simply, they work (they almost made me forego yoga till I found it was actually Yogic) and you need to check them out. 

In doing research for an article I wrote a while back concerning Yoga and Calisthenics, I stumbled on a unique form of an upper body exercise known as Hindu-Push ups.

Immediately, I was intrigued by the name as I knew anything “Hindu” will inevitably be from India and as such may be related to Yoga.

I clicked on the associated link and came across a description of a totally different kind of push up. Now, although I’m big into exercise and health, one exercise I never really cared too much for is doing push-ups, I just never liked them and only did them occasionally out of necessity.

However, these Hindu Push ups seemed different and the benefits associated with them actually sold me to try a few out on the spot.

Now if an exercise inexplicably, puts a smile on your face while doing it, makes you breathe deeper (which is always good) and strengthens the entire body while making sure you don’t get all stiff with zero flexibility, I think it deserves my vote as well as anyone else’s. (These by the way were all the reasons I picked up Yoga)

Well, that’s what the Hindu-Push ups do.

Here is the technique and like me, after reading this next paragraph, take a pause and try 2-3 out right quick.
Get on all fours.The starting position is with legs spread wide and butt up in the air.

From there, bend your elbows as in a regular pushup, bringing your back down in a circular arcStraighten your arms and end up with your chest up and your hips almost touching the ground.

When done properly and combined with deep breathing (breathing in on the way down and exhaling-looking up) Hindu pushups build amazing lung power as well as incredible upper body strength and endurance. They also improve flexibility in the shoulders and hips as well as the upper and lower back.

Now, when I personally got so intrigued by this exercise, I put 2 and 2 together and it dawned on me that

1. These are “Hindu” Push-ups right? So they must be from India.
2. The starting point is ‘Downward Facing Dog” and the ending point is ‘The Cobra Pose” and its execution is so similar to positions 6-8 of the Sun Salutations…

These factors considered, I concluded that this is simply well combined Yoga poses in motion so I can get the best of both worlds: Yoga (that I love) and Calisthenics (with its push-ups…which I can only tolerate).

That said, just like I wrote in another article, if my schedule doesn’t permit me to do all the Yoga poses I’d love to do for the day, I just simply do the 24+ rounds of sun salutations, the corpse pose and these Hindu-Push ups.

In addition I alternate this combination of exercise now and still feel like I’m pretty much doing Yoga, maybe different styles a day. The main factors are that I’m getting my exercise, I love what it is and it is working great for me.

You should try it out and see how it works for you but trust me, with at least the Sun Salutations (Yoga’s warm up) and These Hindu Push-ups (2 yoga poses in motion), my friend you can’t go wrong for a total body workout again through Yoga.
Read Another Article : Meditate With A Mantra

Meditate With A Mantra What Is It

Here's an extra meditate with a mantra tips! My friend, Anne, gives me this good tips on meditate with a mantra, and I'd like to share it with you!

These days whenever a politician repeats a promise over and over again commentators say that this promise has become a “mantra” for that politician.

For the journalists, the word “mantra” means a meaningless phrase that is repeated endlessly. For yogis however, a mantra is a word or collection of words, which has the power of liberating a human being from all limitations.

How can the repetition of a word or a few words have the capacity to bring about such miraculous results? It is all based on a simple psychological principle, “as you think, so you become.”

If you someone tells you “You’re stupid,” that’s of course a bad insult and will hurt you. However if you start to think “I am stupid,” and keep repeating this phrase over and over, then that is far worse.

When someone tells you that you are stupid, then this is a negative outer-suggestion. When you start to think about it, then you are giving yourself, a negative auto-suggestion. If you keep thinking in a negative way, then your personal development will be harmed.

Meditation mantras have a positive meaning. They remind you that your true nature is something great: pure consciousness and boundless love.

If you start to think about the best part of your being, you will begin to have more confidence in yourself and this will become apparent in your actions.

However, many people have read philosophical, spiritual or self-help books explaining these ideas, and yet they never realize these great truths in their everyday reality.

It is not enough to just think about a good idea once, and then close the book. You need to think in a concentrated and systematic manner over a period of time in order to get results.

Meditation mantras have a special quality that helps in the task of concentrated, positive thinking: their very vibration has the capacity to concentrate and focus your mind.

Some sounds, such as power drill breaking a pavement, can upset you greatly, while other sounds, like soothing music, can transport you to another world.

The syllables and words used in meditation mantras have been chosen according their sonic capacity, and they greatly aid the task of concentration and contemplation, as well as carrying a positive meaning.

In order to get the benefits from mantra meditation, you need to meditate regularly with a mantra that has a positive meaning and the capacity to help you concentrate. You need to do it on a regular basis, sitting silently two times a day for a period of 10 to 30 minutes.

It sounds easy, but the common experience of most people is that as you sit and try to think about one word or one phrase, your mind is quickly filled with many other thoughts; thoughts about work, financial problems, disputes with people and all kinds of other matters.

When this happens, and it certainly will, then you have to bring your mind back to the mantra. Meditation is a process where you concentrate on the mantra and its meaning for as long as you can, and when you mind wanders, you bring it back.

Keep doing it, and you will attain an improved capacity to concentrate and deep inner peace.

It may still sound too good to be true, and some intellectuals scoff at the alleged power of a mantra. Once, a renowned Indian yogi came to America and delivered many lectures on this subject.

In one of the lectures he was challenged by someone in the audience who said that it was not possible for a single word to deliver the results that the yogi promised. The yogi turned to the man, who was a distinguished professor and said “You fool!”

The professor turned red, and began to shout at the yogi, who calmly watched the professor unwind.

The yogi then addressed the professor and said: “Now can you understand the power of a single word? All I did was utter the word “fool” and your behavior was changed in an instant!
Read Another Article : Yoga teacher

Type Of Yoga Teacher

Find more about yoga teacher you'll love. Includes sites related to yoga teacher you can access from here!

I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate a Yoga Teacher?

The following is the “CALM check list.” These factors are basic criteria that your Yoga Instructor should meet before you continue on to a second Yoga class.

CALM gets it name from four main factors: Communication, Assist, Listen, and Modification. For the right Yoga teacher, you should be answering with a “yes” to all questions.

Communication: Does your Yoga teacher talk to you, and other students, in a manner of mutual respect? Can you ask a question during class time?

Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your Yoga teacher take the time to lead you through a guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are major aspects of Yoga practice.

There are Yoga teachers who just want to get "their workout" done. Beware of Yoga teachers, who are so important, they don’t have time for you.


Some students love this air of superiority and, unfortunately, some people love abuse. If you want to learn Yoga, you need an open line of communication with your Yoga teacher.

Assist: Does your teacher care about your form? Will your teacher give you a verbal or physical assist during your Yoga class? Are props encouraged in your Yoga classes?

Some students never have major problems with alignment and some do, but if your teacher doesn’t give verbal cues, what does that tell you?

Listen: Does your Yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher "in the moment" with the class?

Once in a while, there is a Yoga instructor who runs, “The-it’s-all-about-me-show.” You are not going to learn anything from this type of teaching. Beginners will be put at risk, trying to keep up with a seasoned Yoga teacher who doesn’t explain anything.

Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow modifications and props? If your teacher discourages props, you are in the wrong place.

Some students will need props for life depending upon their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a posture without props, doesn’t mean every student can.

Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers, and if you are attracted to abuse, there is always professional help. Some students crave “the stern, but loving parent” types. They will push you harder, but how much pushing do you really need?

Respect is a two way street, and you deserve as much respect as your Yoga teacher does. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel good after a Yoga class, and you might even feel muscle soreness days after a vigorous class.

Make sure your Yoga teacher meets the above criteria before making a commitment.
Read Another Article : Best Yoga Videos

The Most Popular Best Yoga Videos

Hundreds of best yoga videos questions have been answered here. Including best yoga videos tips and tricks.

Finding the best yoga videos is not as easy to walking down to your local video store and wandering over to the exercise aisle. Not all such videos on the market are ideal for effective home practice.

In order to make sure you get the best yoga videos for your home, consider a few things you should really look for.

Easy To Understand

First of all, a quality yoga video will be easy for you to follow. You should be able to understand what is being done, how the positions are achieved, how long you should hold each one, and how often you should do it.

It should also be easy to follow into each subsequent move. If you cannot understand the video, then it has failed on its most basic level.

Secondly, videos should provide not only easy to follow instructions, but also easy to understand demonstrations. You should be able to, by watching, understand the basics of achieving each pose and each transition.

You should also understand, from watching, the breathing patterns and focus. If you can understand the verbal instructions, but the demonstrations are unclear then your video is no better than a book on yoga.

Next, there should be easy modifications offered in the best yoga videos. Yoga can be difficult, so beginners to it may frequently need modifications to their practice so that they can understand even that which they cannot complete.

No matter what your ability level may be, you want your video to be able to apply to you. Once you buy a video, it should be of use to you at every stage as you progress further into yoga. Choose a video that will grow with you.

Teaching Qualilty

In a quality video, the yoga should be taught in a student centered manner. Though that seems like it should go without saying, you will see a number of yoga videos that are just a fancy way of showing off the instructor’s ability in yoga.

Such videos do little if any good and in many cases may even be counterproductive for you. The idea of having the yoga video is to help your development, not to put you in awe of someone else’s level of flexibility or fitness.

Finally, high quality yoga videos should feature prominent and well qualified instructors. They should not only be practicing instructors, but should probably have achieved great success in their yoga education. You always want to learn from someone at as high a level as possible.

By simply reading the back of the box, you will often get an overview of the teacher’s qualifications so that you can make an intelligent decision as to whether or not you want this person to help you practice yoga in your home.

Finding the best yoga videos really isn’t easy. However, when armed with the tools above, you can more accurately assess a video’s value. Look for something you understand visually and orally, that you can use at any level, and that features a successful teacher while staying student centered.

When you find that you will have found the best of the best yoga videos for use at home and between private sessions or classes.
Read Another Article : History of Yoga

Type Of History Of Yoga

Practical information about history of yoga. Brief and Straightforward Guide and tips about history of yoga.

Yoga is a union of body, mind, and spirit. The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition. Yoga is an ancient system of health and fitness which originated in India.

The word yoga has its first mention in the Rig Veda, the oldest of the sacred texts. Those that study Yoga estimate it's age to be four thousand year.

The history of Yoga can be divided into four main periods which are the pre-classical period, classical period, post-classical period and modern period. In the history of yoga, the book is called the yoga sutras. The history of yoga would not have been completed in the classical stage of yoga.

The word Yoga literally meant the Yolk that joins something together, such as an ox to a cart. The idea is that yoga unites all aspects of being into one.

What most people envision to be Yoga, those contortionist postures, is really only one small aspect of a much larger field of practices. The methods of yoga includes ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control and as well as meditation.

The 20th century witnessed a renaissance of yoga that caused a globalization of this ancient tradition. Modern approaches to yoga have created a clear delineation between the Hindu religion and the practice of yoga. Through the practice of yoga, an individual can gain information about physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being.

Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples branches and philosophies that have spawned. Ultimately, all agree on one common element the fundamental purpose of yoga is to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment.

Today yoga is accepted as a comprehensive exercise to promote control of the body and mind. More than just a means of being fit and trim, yoga can help you live a healthy, whole, and empowered life. In recent decades, yoga has greatly and swiftly evolved.

Yoga is the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. The living tradition of yoga now recognizes no borders as it continues to spread globally.
Read Another Article : Have a health Problem

Have A Health Problem Guide

Enjoy a collection of have a health problem in our site. Practical tips on have a health problem. Covers have a health problem related issues, news, research, tips, and guide.

“L” is for let’s do Yoga…just kidding. But seriously, Yoga is more than just poses and meditation or stretching. It is healing as well…and you’ll be on an unstoppable pace with a proper diet too.

Here are the rest of the recommended poses for various health problems as applicable.

24. Laryngitis: Sun Salutations, the Shoulder stand and its counter pose. The Wheel pose.

25. Lethargy: Sun Salutations, Shoulder stand and its counter poses, the Wheel Pose and the Balancing Poses.

26. Menopause Disorders: Bow, Shoulder stand, Fish, Plough and Head to Knee Poses.

27. Menstrual disorders: Bow, Shoulder stand, Fish, Plough and Head to Knee Poses.

28. Nervousness: Shoulder stand and its counter-poses, Bow pose and Corpse pose

29. Ovarian Insufficiency: Inverted Poses, Bow Pose, Wheel Pose, Abdominal Isolation and the Head to Knee pose.

30. Premature ejaculations: Shoulder stand, Plough pose, Head to Knee Poses, Bow Pose and Peacock Pose. Abdominal Lifts.

31. Pubic Disorders: Sun Salutations, Inverted poses, Head to Knee Poses (sitting and standing)

32. Rheumatism: Sun Salutations (mildly 3-6 rounds), the Bow Pose and Triangle Poses. (Avoid Dairy, Wheat and Animal products and other processed and convenience foods!)

33. Sexual disorders: Inverted Poses, Head to knee poses sitting and standing, bow pose, Balancing Poses (Peacock and Crow variations)

34. Spinal Stiffness: Spinal Twist, Bow, Sun Salutations Twisted Crow Poses.

35. Stomach Sagging: Inverted Poses, Head to Knee Poses, Bow Pose, Wheel Pose, Balancing Exercises.

36. Thighs: Sun Salutations, Inverted poses, Diamond Pose, Bow and Wheel Pose, Head to knee Poses, Triangle Poses.

37. Thyroid Deficiency: Shoulder-Stand and Plough poses. (Include Celery and Green Leafy veggies in your diet and juices)

38. Uterine disorders: Inverted Poses and the bow pose

39. Varicose Veins: Inverted poses, Head to knee Poses and the Backward bending Exercises

40. Waistline-to reduce and firm: Sun Salutations, Inverted Poses, Spinal Twists, Triangle Poses, Balancing exercises

41. Wrinkles: inverted Poses, head to knee poses, Sun Salutations and the balancing exercises.

There you have it, the comprehensive list of what pose can help with any ailment you may have. Here is another tip, for any of these ailments listed above, incorporate what Philippus Paracelsus has named ’the greatest remedy--the physician within!" and that my friends is a Fast or as an alternative a restricted mono-diet of a juicy fruit.

Yoga, a proper diet and mental attunements combined can be a panacea (cure-all) for just about any disease, so target what you may be encumbered with and with dedicated practice, you should see a drastic improvement.
Read Another Article : 15 minutes to exercise

15 Minutes To Exercise Overview

15 minutes to exercise reviews, 15 minutes to exercise tips and many more. We make it easy for everyone who need information on 15 minutes to exercise here!

We live in a sound-byte age where our daily demands leave us with little time for exercise, at least in the mornings when it may perhaps be most efficient.

However, Yoga offers a systematic combination of poses, deep breathing and meditation that you could practice in 5-10 minutes-or less depending on your choice-and will also leave you invigorated and eager to step into the day feeling more energized.

So what is this quick routine I am talking about? It is known as the Sun Salutations.

They are very simple to learn and just about anyone, regardless of their fitness or flexibility levels can learn these simple exercises. In actuality, if you are familiar with “burpies” (the calisthenics exercise), they do derive their origin from them.

Besides being an exercise routine, they are quite indispensable as they do the following.
They alleviate disorders of the skin and waist.They mildly exercise the legs and arms at the same time increasing the circulation and restoring flexibility to the limbs.

They are one of the best ways to burn calories and reduce weight and are often recommended for obesity and depression.They are an effective way of loosening up, stretching and massaging all joints and internal organs of the body.

They stimulate and balance all the systems of the body including the endocrine, circulatory, reproductive and digestive system.

For directions on how to perform them, study, memorize and practice the following:

1. Stand straight with the palms together as in a prayer position.

2. Inhale and stretch the arms above the head.

3. Exhale and bend forward while touching the toes.

4. Inhale and stretch the right leg away from the body in a big backward step and keep the hands and left foot firmly on the ground. Bending the head backward the left knee should be between the hands.

5. Inhale and hold the breath. Move the left leg from the body and, keeping both feet together and the knees of the floor, rest on the hands (arms straight) and keep the body in a straight line from head to foot.

6. Exhale and lower the body to the floor. In this position, only 8 portions of the body come in contact with the floor: the two feet, two knees, two hands, chest and forehead.

7. Inhale and bend back as much as possible bending the spine to the maximum.

8. Exhale and lift the body of the floor. Keep the feet and heels on the floor.

9. Inhale and bring the right foot along the level of the hands; left foot and knee should touch the ground. Look up, bending the spine slightly (same position as #4)

10. Exhale and bring the left leg forward. Keep the knees straight and bring the head down to the knees as in the third position.

11. Raise the arms overhead and bend backward inhaling. As in Position 2.

12. Exhale and drop the arms and relax.

You have now completed one round.

Perform as many rounds as possible in multiples of 3. Ideally you want to aim for 6 rounds minimum and up to a maximum of 30. It only takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your speed and intensity and is best practiced with as little clothing as possible before an open air window first thing in the morning.

So when you’ve got little time to spare but need to be energized the way perhaps only physical exercise can, why not try the Sun Salutations. Your body will be glad you did and so will your mind.
Read Another Article : Health With Yoga

Health With Yoga At A Glance

Here's an extra health with yoga tips! My friend, Anne, gives me this good tips on health with yoga, and I'd like to share it with you!

Have you heard about the Gunas? No, they are not Disney characters! According to yoga there are three basic qualities or energies that make up everything. They are, rajas, tamas and sattva.

Rajas is the energy of action, change and movement. Rajas is the fuel of passion and fire. Rajasic energy is also associated with the day light hours.

We obviously need rajasic energy to create energy to move successfully throughout our world and lives. When we have too much rajasic energy we might appear to the outside world as extremely busy, go go go, do do do! Does this sound like you?

Maintaining a high degree of rajasic energy leads to burn out! When rajas is out of balance the mind and body are overstimulated, the mind becomes restless and you experience a lot of uncontrollable thoughts.

Foods that are rajasic include: spicy food, fried foods, coffee / caffeinated beverages/ stimulants/ fish, eggs, chocolate, foods that are very bitter, sour, dry and salty. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic

Tamas can be thought of as the opposite of rajas. Tamasic energy is associated with a state of inactivity and inertia, heaviness and darkness. When tamas is out of balance your ability to reason becomes clouded and you might experience the darker emotions such as anger or greed.

Just as there is more rajasic energy present in daylight hours, tamasic energy is present during nighttime. People who are very tamasic might be depressed or appear lazy. Generally speaking disease states are tamasic.

Examples of tamasic food include: meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, fermented foods – vinegar or strong cheese, stale food or over ripe food, overly processed food or chemically treated. Overeating is considered tamasic.

Sattva is energy that is in a state of harmony and balance. Positive mental and emotional states of joy and intelligence are associated with sattva. A person who was experiencing a lot of sattvic energy would appear very happy.

Sattvic energy also is consistent with healing states and in Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science) sattvic energy is actively cultivated. Sattvic energy is most present during the times between light and dark- in other words dusk and dawn.

A person on the yogic path is focused on developing sattva and for this reason yoga asana and meditation are classically performed at these times.

Foods that are sattvic include: whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, pure fruit juice, legumes, milk, butter, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey and herb teas.

It is important to realize that we all have all three gunas within us. And while this is true we tend to have a predominant guna. Based on the descriptions above can you figure out what yours is?

It is good to be aware of this because once you are aware of your predominant guna then you can predict how might react to certain life circumstances as well know your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll know when you will tend to be thrown out of balance and what you will need to do to bring yourself back into balance.

You also might have times in our lives when one guna is more active then another. Perhaps you have very active time and very productive (rajasic). Or a period when you have been depressed (tamasic). Or a time when we are very balanced and in tune with your spirituality (satvic).

Another way the gunas show up in our lives and directly effect us is through the food we eat. Consider for a minute the average American diet with overly processed and chemically treated foods which are very tamasic.

Modern science now confirms that these food items are directly linked to major illnesses including cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. As mentioned above too much tamasic energy leads to disease states.

We also know that foods in their whole form such as grains, fresh fruits and vegetables (sattvic foods) are life sustaining and bring health and energy.

Do you practice yoga postures (asana)? How do the gunas show up here? Is your asana practice fiery and passionate? Was your practice was slow and lazy? Or was it balanced?

It is probably becoming clear to you by now that to be healthy, happy, and live a balance life it is important to cultivate sattva in your life. This can be done by:

Reducing rajas and tamas
Becoming aware of when you are out of balance- which guna seems most present?
Increase activities and environments that produce positive thoughts


Eating a healthy, sattvic oriented diet
The practice of yoga: pranayama (breathing practices), asana (postures), meditation
Read Another Article : Benefits Of Garudasana

Benefits Of Garudasana - What Is It?

Benefits of garudasana reviews, benefits of garudasana tips and many more. We make it easy for everyone who need information on benefits of garudasana here!

'Garuda' means eagle and 'asana' means pose. Garuda known as king birds also happen to be the vehicle of Vishnu. Even though most of the yoga poses aims towards balance and tranquility, by the look of the asana it will be more visible.

This asana would help in loosening up your joints. Stretching your muscles would help in making all the parts of your body more fit.

While doing the asana sense of balance would be achieved as you are standing on one foot. It would look similar to you being wrapped by yourself. As this is a standing pose many beginners do not happen to find the right balance, for this they can use the wall to support the back.

This can be done with different variations and can be very challenging. You should consult your doctor before doing any of the yoga poses. Even though these are very beneficial it would depend upon your body whether you can manage these asanas.

Even though this may look like a difficult asana but by regularly doing it you may master it and would be able to reap its benefits. The key for all the asanas is that you have to remain in that pose for at least 15 to 30 seconds which would be more beneficial for you.

The key areas which this asana focuses are the ankles, calves, thighs, hips and shoulders.

The benefit which you can get from this asana is the strengthening and stretching of you ankles and calves. These areas which may be neglected would be treated well by this asana. The stretch would help your thighs, hips, shoulders and upper back.

The pull which is created in this asana would help making you more relaxed. So when you are relaxed the level of concentration also improves as you are also keeping a check on your breathing while doing this exercise.

There is balance all over your mind body and soul which keeps you always in check for the better things in life.
Read Another Article : Kriya Yoga

How To Choose Yoga’s Relaxation

Brief and Straightforward Guide about yoga’s relaxation. Read the latest yoga’s relaxation tips.

 We all know that one of the necessary things needed to keep an automobile in good condition is cooling the engine when it gets hot.

Well the same principle applies to the human body. When the body and mind are constantly overworked, their efficiency in performing their duties diminishes.

Modern social life, food, work and even play make it difficult for the modern man to use a proper relaxation technique for rejuvenation.

An observance of nature will show us that animals love relaxation and sleep. They get as much sleep as they want.

Rest and sleep are essential to recharge our nervous energy
as our physical, emotional and mental balance depends on the quantity and quality of these vital necessities. They are the only things that recharge these batteries and allow for the proper elimination of metabolic wastes.

But just how can one learn a proper relaxation technique?

Only the corpse pose offered to us in Yoga can aid modern man to recapture the art of relaxation. In order to achieve this, three methods are used by the yogis. The three methods are known as physical, mental and spiritual relaxation.

Physical Relaxation Technique: We all know that every action is the result of thought originated in the mind consciously or subconsciously. When we want to perform an act, the thought is generated in the mind, is transmitted to the brain and simultaneously, the brain telegraphs the message through the nerves, and the muscles contract.

Therefore as we can send messages to make the muscles contract, we can send messages to make them relax.

This relaxation technique is known as autosuggestion. Commence autosuggestions from the toes upwards while the suggestion passes through the muscles and reaches up to the eyes and ears at the top. This is performed by saying mentally to yourself: “My toes are hereby relaxed; my ankles are hereby relaxed…”

Mental Relaxation Technique: During mental tension one should breathe slowly and rhythmically for a few minutes and concentrate on breathing. Slowly the mind will become calm and one is able to feel a kind of floating sensation.

Spiritual Relaxation Technique: However one tries to relax the mind, one cannot completely remove all tensions and worries from it unless one goes to spiritual relaxation.
This is in itself is a slightly demanding but very rewarding practice.

Yogis know that unless man can withdraw himself from the body idea and separate himself from the ego consciousness, there is no way of obtaining complete relaxation. So from mental relaxation, he withdraws himself and identifies himself with the all pervading, all powerful, all peaceful and joyful self, because all the source of power, knowledge are in the soul and not the body.

Man can only free himself from the clutches of evil emotions by asserting his true self by stating mentally: "I am that pure consciousness or self" This identification with the self completes the process of relaxation.

The method to be applied here is to breathe deeply and squarely in a ratio of 5:5:5 seconds while mentally chanting the mantra above. As you will observe it goes hand-in-hand with mental relaxation after the physical auto suggestions are completed.

To get the most of this practice, you should practice this after your poses, before going to sleep or even during a break or recess at work or school, or right at your desk.

I always tell people: “Hey if it is said God took a break on the 7th day after making the world, who are we as humans not to take time out to relax?” So to recharge your energy and restore you physical, mental and emotional balance and strength, apply the methods above to learn how to relax the proper way.
Read Another Article : Benefit Of Yoga

Benefit Of Yoga Explained

Get benefit of yoga tips and advice here for free. Offers a single source on benefit of yoga related issues, topics and guide.

Yoga, and the benefit of yoga, is generically defined as a Hindu discipline that helps unite the body and mind. Aimed at achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility, it is practiced in the West most commonly as physical exercise practiced as part of the discipline.

The benefit of yoga practice is nothing new.  It has been recognized for many years as the perfect discipline to help one achieve tranquility, better health, and longer life. 

Many people view the benefit of yoga as some weird discipline that involves yogi's contorted in unnatural positions, doing strange acts of the body, and living on a mountaintop somewhere in India.

I personally remember a television documentary many years ago featuring a yogi that had his tongue split, using it to clean his sinus cavities!  Anyone interested in yoga has probably also seen images of yogi's supporting great weight with their genitals.

In this modern age, much has been learned about the benefit of yoga. Yoga practitioners achieve greater mobility, longer life, and internal happiness through their practice of the art.

Yoga as we know it today is aimed at uniting the mind, body,and spirit.  The mysticism of the Hindu discipline is no longer a myth, and is reachable by all willing to learn.

Yoga practice is roughly grouped into three categories - the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) and Meditation. These categories embrace physiological, psychological, and biochemical effects.

In addition, clinicians have compared these results against the Western practices of jogging, aerobic exercise, and weight training, and find results comparable.

The most popular style of Yoga in the West today is Hatha Yoga.  It is designed to focuses on the physical well-being of a person and believers in the practice consider the body as the vehicle of the spirit.

Ananda Yoga, a classical style of Hatha Yoga, uses Asana and Pranayama to awaken, experience, and take control of the subtle energies within the body, and focuses on the energies of the seven Chakras.

Anusara (a-nu-SAR-a)yoga is defined as "stepping into the current of Divine Will", "following your heart", and "moving with the current of divine will." This new style, which was developed by John Friend, is defined as "yoga positions that flow from the heart."

It is heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, and is based on a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment. It is based on the principles of Hatha Yoga and biochemical practices.  Students of this discipline base their practice on attitude, action, and alignment.

Ashtanga yoga could possibly be the perfect Yoga for those looking for a serious workout. Ashtanga was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, and is very physically demanding. A series of flows, moving quickly from one posture to another, is utilized to build strength, flexibility and stamina.

This style is not good for the beginning practitioner, as it requires 6 series of difficulty.  The physical demands of Ashtanga are not for the casual practitioner beginning the journey of yoga fitness.

Bikram Yoga, named for its founder Bikram Choudhury, is practiced in a room with a temperature of up to 100 degrees. Twenty six Asanas are performed in a typical session, and focus is on warming and stretching muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Each pose is accompanied by Kapalabhati Breath, the "breath of fire."  Practice of this style promotes cleansing of the body, the release of toxins, and ultimate flexibility. One must be in very good physical shape to practice Bikram Yoga.

These basic definitions will give the person seeking the benefit of yoga a clear-cut understanding of what is to be expected, and will help them make the proper decision to find the discipline that best suits their needs.
Read Another Article : Yoga Techniques

Top Yoga Techniques Guide!

From time to time, we post tips and tricks about yoga techniques. Covers yoga techniques related issues, news, research, and much more!

The best technique for any person contemplating to take up yoga is not to contemplate but to concentrate - on how yoga and its techniques is escalating into a world wide epidemic where yoga exercises are helping ailing patients and others who seek peace of mind.

Understanding yoga is a lot less complicated than you could imagine but if you are thinking of taking up the practice then there are some yoga techniques you need to be aware of and apply through out the exercise.


Yoga is with out a doubt one of the most effective exercises performed to today in helping people to stay in shape and to keep fit and healthy. You will be surprised how yoga fits into your daily way of life due to the fact that is can be practiced almost anywhere and any time

People are genuinely taking more and more interest in keeping their fitness levels at a point where they are gaining a healthier lifestyle and this is all thanks to yoga. Yoga techniques are beneficial in servicing your body organs.

Muscles, joints, glands, tissues are also maintained by some techniques of yoga.
There are 5 yoga techniques which you may enjoy including into your workout these are meditation, relaxation, deep breathing, posture and movement of the joints.

Every one of these yoga functions has it own technique.

Better known as the (sandhichalana) is where the movement of joints come into play. This is performed and solely directed by yoga followers towards easing the joints. Joints are freed from stiffness by undergoing and practicing full movements which consist of hand neck and lower limb movements.

A yoga technique behind the relaxation exercise is to be able to deepen your concentration pattern which aims to help deter any interference that attracts your attention easily.

The Hong-Sau is another technique used which assists you further in focusing on the concealed powers of concentration. This is great yoga routine that can help you battle any meddling disturbances while at the same time providing you with a relaxed and calm feeling on the inside.

Each to their own on what exercise to exercise but one of the most popular is the Aum technique which stretches awareness far beyond any limitations that your body and mind creates. By maintaining an uninterrupted meditation mode you gain contentment.

Many of the techniques mentioned will not be advisable for the beginner so therefore guidance from a yoga master would be your best approach. Be sure to ask questions on different types of yoga and the techniques, this will help you decide which one to take up.

Check it out for yourself, go along to a local class in your area and watch just how many people are leaving you behind in claiming better body awareness and a content positive approach to life.
Read Another Article : Power Of Stretching

Key Pieces Of Power Of Stretching

Get more information about power of stretching here. We provide power of stretching tips and power of stretching guide.

 Your muscles ache from a good stretch. This is quite normal and is part of the process. Stretching has seemingly been with us and particular with athletes since the beginning of time.

A very key point to good stretching is to hold the stretch for at least seventeen seconds. This is a pearl of wisdom gleaned from a ballet teacher a few years back. She said that any stretch under 17 seconds was just not effective.

The 17 second rule is exceeded in the high intensity Bikram's yoga where stretches are held for about 30 seconds. Don't forget the high level of heat that is used in Bikram's to extract that last little bit of stretch out of your muscles.

An interesting twist that is not necessary to gain benefits from stretching. But, it can't hurt, right?

So what kind of benefits can you expect from stretching? That's an easy one. Have you ever seen the movie, Blood Sport? Did you know that Frank Dux could truly stretch his body to the extreme. The actor that played him was quite elastic as well.

Great elasticity is also something you might see in well trained Spetsnaz(Russian)agents. They often work out with Russian kettlebells too. They are for superior strength gains and the ability to withstand ballistic shocks.

Why are stretching and flexibility considered important to these people? Stretching gives one the ability to have explosive power available at one's fingertips without the need to warm up. Of course most of us are not martial artists or agents. But, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of other benefits.

Let me give you an example. After learning to sit in the full lotus position for long periods of time, my ankles became very flexible. One day I was walking along and my left foot fell into a pothole. This mishap pushed my ankle sideways to about 90 degrees from it's normal position.

Amazingly, this didn't even hurt, not one bit. If my ankle hadn't been so flexible, I may have suffered a sprained ankle. At the very least, it would have hurt for days.

Key point: stretching helps us to avoid injuries. Not only that but if you do have a muscle, tendon or ligament injury it should heal faster, theoretically speaking.

Stretching actually grows the ligaments, tendons and muscles being stretched. They really grow longer over time.

Check with your physician before undertaking any type of exercise, including stretching.
Read Another Article : Yoga For Weight Loss

What Is Using Yoga For Weight Loss?

A guide to yoga for weight loss where all your questions about yoga for weight loss are answered here.

Yoga can be put to good use for taking off excess pounds through the power of creating a state of mental and physical well being.

The basic tenets of Yoga promotes a healthy lifestyle and when combined with a calorie reduction can help to speed up your weight loss.


It will increase your metabolism by increasing the caloric burning process. All weight loss is based on using more calories than you take in. It will also allow you to increase your ability to concentrate and focus.

Your thyroid regulates your metabolism and is responsible for the chemical processes that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that will help to stimulate the work flow of the internal organs.

This will cause your metabolism to increase and burn more calories which will eventually cause you to have a lower body weight. Another side effect is that it will help to improve your circulation and increase your energy level.

The various back bends combined with the forward bends will help to stimulate the metabolism. The poses that affect the neck region can be helpful in stimulating the thyroid if the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Poses that will help the most for this include the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and head stand.

Going quickly between the various poses can help to accelerate the weght loss. Beware though that those seriously overweight may find some of these poses extremely difficult and should start slowly with the easier poses and add others as they become more confident in the easier ones.

You can use standing poses to increase muscle strengthening such as the warrior. These will help to create higher endurance and increase your caloric usage.

Remember that a gradual approach is best with all Yoga practices. The long term effects on your weight loss regime will become evident and even more so the inner peace and general well feeling that Yoga will promote within you.
Read Another Article : Yoga For Depression