Yoga's Twist and Turns Benefits Scoliosis Patients

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousand of years. It is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice with its roots in India going back 5,000 years. Yoga, is derived from the Sanskrit root word “Yujir Yogey”, meaning yoke or union. It includes the physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation that has many physical benefits such as improved posture, increased flexibility, and strength.
By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop symmetrical alignment of the body. This is accomplished by stretching muscles that have tightened and that have become weak from asymmetrical imbalance. With good structural balance, the body will create a more effortless posture using the bone structure, rather than overworking the muscles to hold itself up.
Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments that can be relieved through the practice of Yoga include hyper-acidity, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, common cold, constipation, and even depression.
Other ailments that can be relieved by yoga practice inclue:
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Eye problems
• Facial wrinkles
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoids
• Hepatitis
• High blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Weak immune system
• Impotence
• Menopause
• Menstrual cramps
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis
• Various skin problems

Yoga practitioners also claim that the practice of the ancient exercise system is a good therapy for scoliosis. Through yoga, one can find that balance point which allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and activates the body's natural plumb line. The result for most people is better posture and less pain.
Scoliosis is a medical term taken from a Greek word meaning 'curvature.' This disease often develops during childhood and causes the spine to curve laterally (to the side) to the left or right. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), and lumbar regions (lower back). These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
Scoliosis only affects a small percentage of the population, or approximately two percent of the entire U.S. population. However, it has been found that scoliosis may be hereditary. If someone in the family has scoliosis, the likelihood of an incidence of another case in another family member is approximately 20 percent. The traditional medical management of scoliosis is determined by the severity of the curvature, skeletal maturity, and likelihood of progression. The conventional options are initially through observation, followed by bracing and surgery, and these procedures cost a lot.
Although many exercises help in reducing the scoliosis-related problems, yoga immediately helps improve the problem of uneven curves and is now considered to be the best scoliosis exercise. Yoga postures are helpful for providing relief from scoliosis because they enable us to stretch our body and help regain the normal shape of the spine. The most effective yoga exercises for the treatment of scoliosis-related problems include the Crocodile Twist, the Supine Knee Chest Twist, the Passive Back Arch and the One Leg Up-One Leg Out Posture. These exercises are very helpful in raising one’s lowered shoulder and reducing the back pain.
Psychologically, doing yoga is very empowering. It gives hope that we can do something to improve our condition and our quality of living. Yoga is a way of life. Choosing to do yoga for scoliosis therapy requires commitment and inner awareness. With scoliosis, it is important not expect perfection but instead accept oneself, and find one's own optimal alignment and center. As there is beauty in the straight alignment of a palm tree, there is also beauty of an oak tree, or human being, with it’s many twists and turns.

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Yoga and Knee Pain Solution

Every year, about 11 million Americans complain to doctors about knee pain. Roughly 21 million American people have osteoarthritis of the knee (a degenerative disease in which the cartilage gradually decays and fails to provide the shock absorbing padding that cushions the bones). Orthopedic surgeons performed more than 1.2 million such surgeries in 1996 alone.
In a year, about 11 million Americans complain to doctors about knee pain. Roughly 21 million American people have osteoarthritis of the knee (a degenerative disease in which the cartilage gradually decays and fails to provide the shock absorbing padding that cushions the bones). Orthopedic surgeons performed more than 1.2 million such surgeries in 1996 alone.

Many older people suffer from this painful arthritic condition, however this knee pain is not only restricted to older people but healthy young people are also getting effected by it, for example dancers, athlete for various reason.

Reason for knee injuries/ pain

Lets see what are the reason that people get knee pain. Most common risk factor for knee pain are old age, obesity, knee injuries because of hyperextension , misalignment of knee, inappropriate way of doing exercise, tight muscles or because of combination of above factors etc.

Hyperextension at the knee joint occur when the joints are overly flexible. In this case legs extend too far and move past the point of being straight. Some people may be born with this condition however most people develop it by habitually locking their knee.

Knee injuries can also occur because the way we stand and walk. For example when we stand straight we need to be aware that whether our body weight is distributed properly on both feet or not. It is not very uncommon to observe that one side of heals of people shoes is wearing out more than the other side creating imbalance at the knee joint.

Imbalance at knee joint also occurs because of underdeveloped inner quadriceps and strong outer quadriceps. In this case tendency of strong quadriceps is to pull the kneecap towards the outside of legs I.e. result in imbalance.

Knee joints in our body can be healthy if the muscles that support them are healthy I.e. both strong and supple. Tight outer hips and hamstrings put undue pressure pressure on knee joints. Athletic activity cause these muscles to tighten up and along with the aging process condition become worse (unless proper stretching are done after each workout when body is warm).

Yoga provide effective solution

Yoga is excellent for increasing strength and flexibility in knees. More and more doctors are recommending yoga to their patients who are rehabilitating after a ligament injury.

The benefit with yoga is that it helps to strengthen both the inner and outer quadriceps, which help to keep the kneecap in alignment. It strengthens the quadriceps, the hamstrings, the calves and the ankles- all fairly consistently. Strength in these areas all help to support a weak knee.

Another benefit that yoga give for the knees is the increase in blood flow and nourishment that it sends to the surrounding joints and ligaments. As with most poses in yoga, the action of squeezing a body part, and then releasing it, sends lots of nutrient rich blood to the area that was affected in the posture. Many postures do this for the knees in yoga.

Yoga posture like staff pose(Dandasana),Half downward facing dog pose (Ardha Adho Mukha Svanasana),Seat of power pose (Utkatasana Pose), simple balancing pose, Half frog pose (Ardha Bhekasana) etc can be very helpful for rejuvenating knee joints.

Practiced with care, yoga posture can contribute to the long-term health of your knees by strengthening your quadriceps, opening your stiff hips, and teaching your body improved alignment and movement patterns that transfer into your everyday activities.

Note: It is important to practice yoga with caution. Initially Some yoga posture for example, padmasana and yoga style like Ashtanga yoga mysore can be avoided. Yoga posture that are done incorrectly can actually injure the knee.

Remember most important rule in practicing yoga posture is that any slightest pain is indication from you body that something is wrong and come out of it. If starting yoga practice, it is strongly recommended that you begin in presence of qualified yoga teacher and do listen to your doctor advise.

Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta yoga expert based in London.

Mr Subodh Gupta, Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.
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The Significance Of the Yoga Outfit

Whether you are a newbie or even a master practitioner of Yoga being well prepared for each and every yoga session is utterly crucial. You may not think that not a lot of contemplation is necessary while preparing to attend your yoga workouts however making the right choices may help make it a good deal more fun and more importantly, make it much more comfy. while preparing for the yoga session you have to look at the clothes that you will wear and although it is true that you can turn up to your yoga training donning anything at all that you admire, wearing the right kind of yoga clothes could make your experience considerably more comfy. Probably one of the most essential and most ignored item that you will have to take into account before you start your class is actually which kind of yoga shorts you can put on. It may well have never occurred to you that your shorts can easily have a significant part in your session, and during this quick guide I really hope to clarify precisely why.

During this day and age it is common for a multitude of clothing to be for sale to the day-to-day yoga fanatic, with long pants being the most popular option amongst a lot of people because they can hide bits of the body that you don't want to uncover. A few pants reach the ankles while others merely below the knee nevertheless they almost all have got something in common- the majority of pants are extremely form fitting and may be somewhat unflattering occasionally and not to mention warm and sticky whenever practicing yoga in warm surroundings. You could nonetheless decide to wear some loosely fitting slacks however these stop your own trainer from viewing your own joints quickly and will help to make correcting your own stance somewhat difficult. Therefore what's the choice? Would you endure the discomfort brought on by long pants to enable you to be advised effortlessly? Or Would you benefit from the cover of slacks while not having the full advantage of a teacher?

The obvious choice would be to do neither and choose what's essentially the most sensible option out there. Yoga shorts tend to be absolutely great if you want to exercise yoga pleasantly, since they help you stay cool during the hotter times and may offer the actual cover that you might be trying to find. Provided that the actual shorts can cover your butt and are not produced from a material which ride up while you carry out your workout routines then you will benefit from wearing them instead of sporting long pants or trousers. Yoga shorts will help you look at the actual positioning of your lower body since your knees and ankles which usually tend to be covered up with long pants are uncovered. This will help you make excellent progress in your yoga lessons, particularly if you're just beginning.

For anyone searching for a set of yoga shorts, you'll be pleased to know that they are obtainable in a variety of forms of materials, designs, shades and measurements. Probably the most trendy amongst you will also note that discovering stylish yoga shorts is not a problem in today's marketplace, with the internet being a particularly great supply of info concerning the types accessible.

So to review! Should you be after comprehensive ease and comfort when exercising yoga then yoga shorts appear to offer the very best choice with regard to ease and comfort. Not Sure? Try it out simply because I'm sure that you will definitely not regret it.
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Could Yoga Bring Benefits To Your Life And Health?

We all live stress filled lives? Many of us want to become fit, healthier and would like to weigh less. Could yoga help us to achieve some of these wants as well as

bring benefits to our life and our health?
The practice of yoga is growing more and more popular each day. People are learning that it has many emotional and health benefits. It also has many therapeutic and

preventive benefits.
You may all ready know that yoga is a great way to relax. The stretches, the poses, the quiet music the whole process can relax our minds and our bodies.Of course, relaxation is the key to learning how to deal with stress. Relaxation also helps our body to cope with many health problems such as depression, high blood pressure, and tension that fills our muscles and can result and overall aches and pains.
You may realize that yoga is a great way to learn flexibility techniques. The different poses learned can help to build strength in various joints and muscles throughout
one's bodies. This flexibility that is learned can help the body at work and at play. It can help the body to move better, to bend better and to have more strength.
Yoga stresses quality of movement of the quantity. This makes it ideal for many people.
If you are looking for a new way to achieve a better, healthier you? Could yoga bring benefits to your life and your health? Why not see how flexible you really are

and learn some new yoga moves and poses today? Your mind and body may thank you
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Staying Young With Yoga

Yoga is probably one of the best exercises to get into if you
want to maintain a beautiful figure even
in old age. There are moves you can do, and although they
may look easy, these modified standing yoga poses can be quite challenging. Balancing
helps improve posture, strengthen your core, and sharpen your focus. Breathe into
the pose and free yourself from worries. A focused mind and awareness to
the present are vital in performing these various balance poses. To start with, here
are simple moves to master:

The Leg Lift
For your initial pose, plant your left foot on the floor
and place your left hand on your left hip. Bend your right leg and gently hold your
right knee with your right hand. Keep this up for five full breaths. If you want to
take it up a notch, bring your bent leg to the side. Hold for another five breaths,
and then bring your leg to the front and place it back down on the floor. Repeat this
very same process with your other leg.

The Tree
For your starting pose, raise your right foot and plant it on your left inner
thigh. Bring your hands to prayer position on your chest and hold for five
breaths, while maintaining your balance. To take it up a notch and give
yourself a real challenge, extend both arms above your head while keeping your
prayer position. Make sure to keep your shoulders down and away from your ears, and
your chest lifted. Allow five full breaths once more, then lower your arms and bent
leg, and then switch sides.

One Foot with Extended Leg
To start with, place your hands on your hips and make sure your body is straight,
shoulder pulled down, and chest lifted. To up the ante and go a bit further, lift
your left leg, and concentrate on keeping the weight on your standing leg. If
this is too easy for you, bring your lifted leg higher. Hold for five breaths, then
repeat the process with the other leg.

There are also other things you can do. To help you get a sexier rear,
follow a smart diet, take a 30-minute daily walk or engage in some other cardio
exercise, and do a toning workout in the comfort of your very own home on a regular
basis. Of course, it also helps to gear up. When you’re working out and getting bored,
try bringing your mp3 player. Tune in to your favorite music, and exercising won’t
seem like any trouble at home. In fact, you may even look forward to your next workout
schedule. Be a workout genius with a sports sensor built into your shoes. This can
actually be your own personal gym DJ. The sensor tracks how you run, so it can also
choose the songs to match your pace. This mini-trainer also gives you the proper
feedback in the form of time, distance, pace, and calories burned, during and after
you run. Having all these in your gym bag could actually make exercise seem like
playtime.
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What can Yoga do for you?

From its Indian origins as far back as 4000 years ago, yoga has been continually practised but it is only in the present century that its use has become more widespread. Yoga has an effect on the whole person,combining the physical, mental and spiritual sides. The word 'yoga' is derived from a Sanskrit word that means 'yoke' or 'union' and thus reflects on the practices of yoga being total in effect. For many hundreds of years in India, only a select few, such as philosophers and like-minded people with their disciples followed the way of life that yoga dictated. The leaders were known as 'yogis' and it was they who taught their followers by passing on their accumulated knowledge. These small groups of people dwelt in caves or woods, or sometimes a yogi would live like a hermit. Yoga has had quite far reaching effects over many hundreds of years in India.

The basics of yoga were defined by a yogi called Patanjali who lived about 300BC. He was a very well respected teacher and commanded great influence at that time and his classification is one that is used now. He established the fact of yoga being separated into eight different parts. The first two concern a person's lifestyle, which should be serene with the days spent in contemplation, study, maintaining cleanliness and living very simply and at peace with others. Anything that involves avarice or greed or is harmful to others has to be avoided. The third and fourth parts are concerned with physical matters and list a number of exercises that are designed to promote peace and infuse energy into both the mind and the body. The remaining four sections are concerned with the advancement of a person's soul or spirit and mental faculties by being able to isolate himself or herself from outside worries and normal life, contemplation and broadening mental faculties with the ultimate knowledge known as somadhi. Mentally, this is a complete change that gives final realization of existence. Much more recently, yoga became available in India to everyone, in complete contrast to centuries ago.

Nowadays, the practice of yoga is not restricted to India alone, with millions of people worldwide being followers. There are five different types of yoga: raja, jnana, karma, bakti and hatha. It is this last system that is known in the west and it involves the use of exercises and positions. The other methods concentrate on matters, such as control over the mind, appreciation and intelligence or a morally correct way of life. These other methods are regarded as being of equal importance by the person completely committed to yoga as a way of life. Many people have little or no spiritual feeling. However, the basic belief in yoga is the importance of mental attitudes in establishing the physical from exercise.

It is a belief in yoga that the body's essence of life, or prana, is contained in the breath. Through a change in the way of breathing there can be a beneficial effect on the general health. If a person is in a heightened, emotional condition, or similar state, this will have an effect on the breathing. Therefore, if the breathing is controlled or altered, this should promote joint feelings of peace or calm, both mentally and emotionally. There is a variety of exercises and each promotes different types of breathing, such as the rib cage, shoulder and diaphragm. Some of the movements and stances in use were originally devised from the observations of animals, since they appeared to be adept at relaxation and moved with minimum effort. These stances which are maintained for one two minutes, aim to increase freedom of movement and make the person aware of the various parts of the body and any stress that may be present. It is not intended that they be physically tiring or that the person should 'show off' in front of others. The aim is to concentrate on self knowledge.

It is recommended to follow some simple rules when practicing yoga. First use a fully qualified therapist and practise daily if at all possible. It is always best that yoga is undertaken before mealtimes but if this is not possible then three hours must elapse after a large meal or one hour after a light meal. Comfortable clothes are essential and a folded blanket or thick rug should be placed on the ground as the base. Before commencing yoga have a bath or shower and repeat this afterwords to gain the maximum benefit. If the bladder or bowels are full it is not advisable to do yoga. Should the person have been outside on a hot or sunny day it is not recommended that yoga is practiced straight afterwords, as feelings of sickness or dizziness may occur.

Yoga is believed to be of benefit to anyone, providing that they possess determination and patience. If a person has certain physical limitations then these must be taken into account with regard to their expectation but there is no age barrier. Teachers believe that people suffering from stress or disorder in their lives are in greater need of a time of harmony and peace. Yoga was used in the main to encourage health in the physical and mental states and thereby act as a preventative therapy. Tension or stress was one of the main disorders for which it was used but nowadays it has been used for differing disorders hypertension, bronchitis, back pain, headaches, asthma, heart disorders, premenstrual tension and an acid stomach. Trials have also been conducted to assess its potential in treating some illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and depression experienced after childbirth. Since the effects of tension are often shown by the tightening and contraction of muscles, the stretching exercises that are performed in yoga are able to release it. Also, being aware of each muscle as it is stretched encourages the person to mentally lose any stress or problems with which they have been beset. Suppleness is developed by the exercises through the use of the bending and twisting actions. This will help to maintain healthy joints, particularly for those people who lead inactive lives.

There should be no strain felt and after practice some or all of them can be done in order. As mentioned previously, it is best to check with a qualified therapist if the person is an expectant mother, suffers from hypertension, is overweight or is having their monthly period.

I have already mentioned that yoga has been used to treat some illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and if a person has such a severe disorder, then a highly skilled and experienced therapist is essential. Since this form of yoga, known as therapeutic yoga, is new there is a limited number of suitably experienced therapists available. For those who wish to use yoga to maintain mental and physical health, joining a class with an instructor is perhaps the best way to proceed, so the exercises are performed correctly and any lapses in concentration can be corrected. These classes last usually in the region of an hour and are separated into sessions for beginners and those who are more proficient. Proficiency and progress are achieved by frequent practice, which can be done at home between lessons.

The majority of doctors regard yoga as a type of exercise that is beneficial, although some do recommend patients to refer to yoga practitioners. However, if a specific disorder is to be treated, it is very important that the ailment should first be seen by a doctor.

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Yoga For Digestive Disorders

Yoga is a very ancient form of exercise which has great abilities to provide solutions to several health related problems even today. This is the reason why great many numbers of people have been practicing yoga regularly for years and living a healthy life, not just healthy body but also healthy mind.

Yoga aims at working towards bringing a balance in mind and body of a person, 'yoga' the word itself means union, i.e. union of body and mind for a healthy living. There is no organ in the body that yoga exercises do not address. Yoga exercises can give relief virtually from any ailment, relating to any organ of the body.

This applies even to gastrointestinal problems faced by us regularly. Yoga for digestive system has a set of exercises or positions, 'asanas' that can provide you complete relief, be it the 'IBS' or irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, heartburns, etc.
Yoga and ayurveda in combination can not just give you relief but also provide you with perfect medication and complete cure from several stomach and digestive order related ailments.

Yoga for digestive disorders is a set of exercises; your yoga instructor will teach you. These 'asana' require to be done exactly as taught by the instructor so that you can get complete relief from your problems, the instructor will teach you how long you require to remain in a certain position, the breathing during this position and the way to bring yourself to normal position.

Yoga exercises are not like allopathic medicines which generally provide you short term but instantaneous relief, these exercises will take a week to become completely effective, but you can be assured that you will be completely cured from your gastro-intestinal problems. As a beginner you will have to work towards perfecting your asanas once that it done, you are allowed to practice yoga all by yourself at home.

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

Almost all gastro-intestinal ailments like the ulcers, indigestion, GERD, digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. everything can be treated by yoga exercises. You can start feeling the change within a day or two of starting the exercises.

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Importance Of Kirtans In Yoga Music

Since ages, yoga and meditation has been the reason for a person's mental and physical well being. With yoga and mediation, an individual can experience inner peace of mind as his senses are rejuvenated. The pessimist traits are effaced and the practitioner experiences a positive vibe from within. Meditation controls tensions and relieves an individual from stress and finally guides him/her to the spiritual insight.

In realms of yoga, music plays an important role. Music develops a positive, devotional attitude, and in yoga sessions, music become just an instrument of higher inspiration. Music and sound affects on the energetic and cellular level of the individual. Soothing tones and specific rhythms can create a feeling of peaceful environment, an atmosphere which spontaneously relaxes the body and mind, enhancing the ability to concentrate, meditate etc. Through their content, music have the capability to influence the subtle energy fields within the listening mind and direct the consciousness towards a mystic high. The chanted verses like Bhajans and Kirtans create a serene atmosphere. With the melodies of a yoga music, the mantras or chants and the devotional content they include, evoke powerful and inspiring mood.

Kirtan is an important aspect of yoga. It is not an intellectual yoga, but each and every sound that is produced in kirtan goes deep into the consciousness of a human mind. Like meditation music, Kirtan echoes deeply within and create a blissful state of consciousness. It is a sacred soundscape that inspires peace and develop a sense of connectedness. The practice of kirtan is a mystic and spiritual journey, a yogic voyage. By meditating on the mantras and on the sounds of Kirtans one can reach a state far beyond the chores and worries of this mundane world.

The chanting of Kirtan is generally accompanied by traditional Indian instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, caratals, tamboura and sitar together with western instruments such as the guitar and flute. The style of music is created by these traditional instruments will allow one to experience a naturally blissful state. A mind can feel rejuvenated and experience the inner peace. A spiritual kind of music, Kirtan can lift a listener to joyous state. One can liberate himself from blocks and complexes with Kirtan. Through absorption on transcendental sound produced by Kirtan, one can be able to lead a voyage to that pure space beyond time and experience the eternal bliss.

Kirtan is believed to be the sacred sound of meditation and relaxation. Yoga is also incomplete without kirtan. Kirtan is neither religious chanting, nor is it just singing one word numerous times. Rather, it is a part of nada yoga, the yoga of sound, in which one produces sound waves and follow them with his awareness. Incorporating Kirtan in different Yoga forms, Hatha Yoga or Kundalini Yoga, is an ancient tradition. By singing kirtan one can withdraw himself from all the material bindings of possessions and relations. His thoughts get transcended to higher realms and he can experience the freedom from the disturbances of mind. The spirit based chanting, Kirtan, is one form of spiritual music that has a powerful healing and transformational energies. The Kirtan chants can help to connect one to the omnipresent being that lies within all of us. The mantras, melodies, and instruments of kirtan are designed to lead one towards a meditative state. It can be thus concluded that Kitran in Yoga music plays a significant role.

There are different kind of music companies, engaged into offering variety of yoga and meditation music CDs and DVDs. Spirit Voyage is one of the pioneer online music store that tends to take a listening mind a mystic high. The various yoga and meditation music CDs offered by Spirit Voyage is a direct link to the spirit. Voices of the artistes like Snatam Kaur, Nirinjan Kaur, Satkirin Kaur Khalsa, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, WAH! and others strike the deepest chords of a listening mind and ignites ever lasting peace. Different CDs and Yoga DVD collections offered by Spirit Voyage guides one to gather newer insights about yoga and meditation. Choose from the wide Yoga DVD collection and explore the spiritual sides of yoga. Spirit Voyage Yoga books will also help you to carry out the different yoga poses and asanas with perfection. There are books on Kundalini Yoga, General Yoga and Yoga for children. These yoga books provide in-depth knowledge about the respective yoga forms and aid one to explore the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga.
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Yoga's Twist and Turns Benefits Scoliosis Patients

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousand of years. It is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice with its roots in India going back 5,000 years. Yoga, is derived from the Sanskrit root word "Yujir Yogey", meaning yoke or union. It includes the physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation that has many physical benefits such as improved posture, increased flexibility, and strength.
By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop symmetrical alignment of the body. This is accomplished by stretching muscles that have tightened and that have become weak from asymmetrical imbalance. With good structural balance, the body will create a more effortless posture using the bone structure, rather than overworking the muscles to hold itself up.
Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments that can be relieved through the practice of Yoga include hyper-acidity, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, common cold, constipation, and even depression.
Other ailments that can be relieved by yoga practice inclue:
� Diabetes
� Epilepsy
� Eye problems
� Facial wrinkles
� Gastrointestinal disorders
� Headaches
� Heartburn
� Hemorrhoids
� Hepatitis
� High blood pressure
� Hypertension
� Weak immune system
� Impotence
� Menopause
� Menstrual cramps
� Migraines
� Multiple sclerosis
� Various skin problems

Yoga practitioners also claim that the practice of the ancient exercise system is a good therapy for scoliosis. Through yoga, one can find that balance point which allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and activates the body's natural plumb line. The result for most people is better posture and less pain.
Scoliosis is a medical term taken from a Greek word meaning 'curvature.' This disease often develops during childhood and causes the spine to curve laterally (to the side) to the left or right. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), and lumbar regions (lower back). These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
Scoliosis only affects a small percentage of the population, or approximately two percent of the entire U.S. population. However, it has been found that scoliosis may be hereditary. If someone in the family has scoliosis, the likelihood of an incidence of another case in another family member is approximately 20 percent. The traditional medical management of scoliosis is determined by the severity of the curvature, skeletal maturity, and likelihood of progression. The conventional options are initially through observation, followed by bracing and surgery, and these procedures cost a lot.
Although many exercises help in reducing the scoliosis-related problems, yoga immediately helps improve the problem of uneven curves and is now considered to be the best scoliosis exercise. Yoga postures are helpful for providing relief from scoliosis because they enable us to stretch our body and help regain the normal shape of the spine. The most effective yoga exercises for the treatment of scoliosis-related problems include the Crocodile Twist, the Supine Knee Chest Twist, the Passive Back Arch and the One Leg Up-One Leg Out Posture. These exercises are very helpful in raising one's lowered shoulder and reducing the back pain.
Psychologically, doing yoga is very empowering. It gives hope that we can do something to improve our condition and our quality of living. Yoga is a way of life. Choosing to do yoga for scoliosis therapy requires commitment and inner awareness. With scoliosis, it is important not expect perfection but instead accept oneself, and find one's own optimal alignment and center. As there is beauty in the straight alignment of a palm tree, there is also beauty of an oak tree, or human being, with it's many twists and turns.
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High Energy Yoga Music

Yoga is the ancient spiritual practice that tends to unite the mind, body and soul of the individual. A yoga practitioner, with the different yoga asanas, can experience inner harmony and a spiritual insight. By integrating body, mind and spirit, yoga offers emotional stability and clarity of mind. Meditation, an integral part of yoga, ceases the fluctuations of the mind and an individual can discover the all-encompassing stillness.

Yoga music is one of the key components to any type of yoga. Since the origin of yoga in India, various musical instruments were used that complemented the yoga sessions. Since then, music has become an integral and inseparable part of yoga sessions. In contemporary times, right kind of yoga as well as meditation music, by calming the ambiance, tunes the listening mind and enhances the ability to concentrate and meditate. Music is believed to be a great healer and concentrator. Thus, in the realms of yoga, music integrates the body and the mind. Music produces a vibration that penetrates into the deeper levels and influence the energy fields within the body. A calm and soothing yoga music helps a practitioner to relax and improves strength, clarity, and inner peace of the mind. The specific tones and waves provide a foundation that help to clear the mind of thought.

Spirit Voyage is an online music company engaged in offering a various kind of yoga music CDs and DVDs. As a pioneer record label company, Spirit Voyage offers a numerous collection of CDs and DVDs on yoga and meditation. Popular artistes namely WAH!, Nirinjan Kaur, Satkirin Kaur Khalsa and many others have lend their voice in these CDs and DVDs. Kundalini Yoga Music or Sanskrit Mantras, Downtempo & Chill Music or Instrumental Yoga Music - browse through the different categories and find the perfect companion for your daily session. The High Energy Yoga Grooves by Spirit Voyage is lively, uplifting and inspiring. Collection of Cds like Truth by Mantra Girl, Drums on Fire by James Asher, Yoga Rhythms by Shiva Rea, Chakradance by Jonathan Goldman, Sound and Spirit by WAH! will help a practitioner to easily connect oneself to higher spheres and open meditative and religious moods in him.

The meditation music from Spirit Voyage is designed to soothe the mind, body and spirit. The different kind of CDs and DVDs are specified for specific meditative practices. The Kundalini Sadhana Music CDs or the Healing and Massage Therapy Music CDs, meditation music for relaxation or the Japji Sahib & Daily Banis - all contributes to deep relaxation and create an environment apt for deep meditation, thus calming and relaxing the body and mind.

Spirit Voyage offers Yoga DVDs which are superb guide for practicing yoga and mediation at home. A General Yoga DVD or an Ashtanga Yoga DVD will benefit you by guiding you with the exact postures, thus helping in the development of strength and flexibility. The Kundalini Yoga DVDs offered by Spirit Voyage feature teachings from top Kundalini teachers like Yogi Bhajan, Snatam Kaur, Gurmukh and others. A Kundalini Yoga DVD from Spirit Voyage incorporates mantras that helps to tune your body thus rightly complement your yoga sessions.

Yoga and meditation allows one to come in conscious contact with the soul and experience the true 'Self". Yoga and meditation helps one to grow spiritually which in turn brings peace of mind and fills the life with all vigor and real joy. Repetition of mantras and sacred words purify the mind and strengthen the mental concentration. With Spirit Voyage Music, experience the inner communion with the soul. Experience the feeling of Divine joy with mystic music from Spirit Voyage.

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Yoga For Children: 3 Meditations

Let's say you've just finished practicing your daily round of yoga in the classroom with your students, or you've just finished watching a kids yoga DVD at home with your 5-year-old. It's important that children learn about healthy ways to relax and center early on. That's why it's a good idea to follow-up yoga for children with a session of quiet time in the form of meditation. While meditation may seem like an intense undertaking for a little one, it's actually quite achievable and highly effective. Here are three meditations that are great for either evening relaxation or concluding a session of yoga in the classroom:

1. Sitting Meditation- two to ten minutes

Sit cross-legged, with your back straight and face forward. Clasp your hands and let them rest in your lap and close your eyes. Breathe in and out evenly and easily. Count each breath, in and out, until you've reached 50 counts (or as many as you like).

Count 1- breathe in
Count 2- breathe out
Count 3- breathe in

And so on...

To finish, take a final deep breath in, slowly let it out, open your eyes, stand up, and stretch.

2. Lying Down Meditation- two to ten minutes

Lying face-up on a blanket or comfortable mat, stretch out on your back. Close your eyes and let your body go completely limp. Remaining still and relaxed with eyes closed, imagine yourself walking into a park on a beautiful afternoon.

In your mind, just feel yourself standing still for a moment, then seeing a child on a swing going back and forth in a steady rhythm. Enjoy the comfortable feeling in your body that is lying so relaxed and undisturbed. Feel present and whole in your resting body.

When you're ready, gradually come back to your active self by taking a deep breath, opening your eyes, stretching out your limbs, and sitting up.

3. Walking Meditation- at least two minutes

This meditation has two parts that combine to coordinate body-mind functioning and to energize the body. These parts are breathing and walking. The goal is to focus on easy, even breaths and walking with your arms and legs in balanced opposition. Walk briskly while swinging arms back and forth effortlessly. When your right foot steps forward, your left arm should swing forward, and vice versa.

While walking, concentrate on breathing evenly in and out. To finish, stretch your arms overhead, then bring them down to the side. Continue going about your day.

Just as meditation is an important aspect of yoga for adults, it also plays an important role in yoga for children. Whether you watch a kids yoga DVD at home with your children, or you practice yoga in the classroom with your students, always try to conclude each practice with at least a few minutes of meditation. This gives children a healthful coping and relaxing mechanism that they can use throughout their lives.
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Yoga for Women

Yoga has been one of the foremost ways of attaining a balanced mind, body and soul for many years now. Yoga integrates the body with the inner consciousness. For its proven scientific base and methodology, yoga has been thoroughly popular since many years. One can unite his own consciousness with the universal consciousness. The highest state of spirituality becomes clearer through this gradual process of self-realization. One can easily control his/her mind, body and soul by practicing any form of yoga, Kundalini yoga, Kriya yoga or Hatha yoga.

Yoga music plays a pivotal role in aiding the entire process of meditation. Music has the power to turn away tensions, stresses. Music has the power to bring out a person from her current state to a state of oneness with god. Music is universal, and when it is teamed up with yoga it can emancipate a person from all the worldly worries and thoughts. Music has a tremendous impact on all three types of yoga structures such as yoga poses, meditation and breathing exercises. With its tunes that touch the heart, music has the power to increase the concentration level drastically. Spirit Voyage offers a huge array of yoga music CDs and DVDs which will assist anyone who want to learn and practice Yoga. Blessings of a woman by Satkrin Kaur Khalsa is one such Yoga DVD which pushes the women to uplift themselves to become one with God.

Women are the centre of our universe. They deserve to lead a healthy life. For making the woman of 21st century ready for the day-to-day challenges, yoga comes to aid for many of them. Yoga and meditation music will go hand-in-hand in making a woman achieve that perfect state of well-being that she desperately needs right now. Yoga music has been phenomenal in helping woman deal with the stress and the inner turmoil in these turbulent times. Yoga is beneficial for them in a way that they don't need to sweat it out in a gym as Yoga is a low-impact exercise. Women can enjoy Yoga at any age without being in top physical condition. Yoga music along with it relaxes a women to prepare her for the day-to-day challenges. The psychological benefits are immense and so are the physical changes.

At every stage of life, women can enjoy the benefits of Yoga. They will be more aware about their strengths and weaknesses. Their flexibility will improve and so will the coordination of muscles. Every system in the body gets a thorough work-out, be it cardio-vascular, respiratory and circulatory system. All the common problems in women are alleviated. For instance lower back pain before menstruation and during pregnancy subside with regular yoga exercise. During pregnancy mild yoga exercises will help the mother to remain fit without putting stress on the baby. Yoga strengthens the heart but keeps the blood pressure low. Under proper guidance, Yoga can ease a women into motherhood. Many yoga forms such as Kundalini Yoga will put any woman on top of her physical conditions.

Meditation music offered by Spirit Voyage is soothing and has been created by some of the most illuminating minds of our times. I am a woman by Yogi Bhajan is a Yoga DVD which stands out from hundreds of them available in Spirit Voyage. Yoga makes everyone happy, spirited and healthy. So, go ahead and transform yourself into a better human-being altogether.
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Yoga's Twist and Turns Advantages Scoliosis Patients

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousand of years. It's an historical physical, mental, and non secular observe with its roots in India going again 5,000 years. Yoga, is derived from the Sanskrit root word “Yujir Yogey”, that means yoke or union. It includes the physical postures, respiratory strategies, and relaxation that has many physical advantages such as improved posture, elevated flexibility, and strength.

By combining the yoga postures with breathing consciousness, one can develop symmetrical alignment of the body. This is achieved by stretching muscle tissue which have tightened and that have grow to be weak from asymmetrical imbalance. With good structural steadiness, the body will create a more easy posture using the bone structure, slightly than overworking the muscular tissues to hold itself up.

Yoga is highly therapeutic. A few of the illnesses that can be relieved via the observe of Yoga include hyper-acidity, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, bronchial asthma, again pain, bronchitis, most cancers, carpal tunnel syndrome, common chilly, constipation, and even depression.

Different illnesses that might be relieved by yoga practice embody:

• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Eye problems
• Facial wrinkles
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoids
• Hepatitis
• High blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Weak immune system
• Impotence
• Menopause
• Menstrual cramps
• Migraines
• A quantity of sclerosis
• Various skin problems

Yoga practitioners also claim that the observe of the traditional exercise system is an efficient remedy for scoliosis. By method of yoga, one can discover that stability level which allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and prompts the body's natural plumb line. The end result for most people is better posture and less pain.

Scoliosis is a medical time period taken from a Greek phrase meaning 'curvature.' This illness typically develops throughout childhood and causes the backbone to curve laterally (to the facet) to the left or right. The backbone's normal curves occur on the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), and lumbar regions (lower back). These natural curves position the pinnacle over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress throughout movement.

Scoliosis solely impacts a small percentage of the inhabitants, or roughly two % of the whole U.S. population. However, it has been found that scoliosis may be hereditary. If someone in the household has scoliosis, the chance of an incidence of one other case in one other member of the family is approximately 20 percent. The standard medical management of scoliosis is decided by the severity of the curvature, skeletal maturity, and likelihood of progression. The standard choices are initially by means of observation, followed by bracing and surgical procedure, and these procedures price a lot.

Although many workouts help in decreasing the scoliosis-related issues, yoga immediately helps improve the problem of uneven curves and is now considered to be one of the best scoliosis exercise. Yoga postures are useful for providing aid from scoliosis as a end result of they allow us to stretch our physique and help regain the normal form of the spine. The simplest yoga workout routines for the remedy of scoliosis-associated problems embody the Crocodile Twist, the Supine Knee Chest Twist, the Passive Again Arch and the One Leg Up-One Leg Out Posture. These exercises are very useful in elevating one’s lowered shoulder and reducing the again pain.

Psychologically, doing yoga could be very empowering. It offers hope that we can do something to improve our situation and our high quality of living. Yoga is a approach of life. Choosing to do yoga for scoliosis therapy requires commitment and interior awareness. With scoliosis, it is crucial not count on perfection however as an alternative settle for oneself, and find one's personal optimum alignment and center. As there might be magnificence in the straight alignment of a palm tree, there is also beauty of an oak tree, or human being, with it’s many twists and turns.
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How Yoga helps to Cure Asthma

Yoga is an age old Indian discipline that controls the mind, body and the soul. Through different asanas, breathing techniques and meditation, a person can achieve the highest potential and experience a perennial happiness. The discipline of yoga considers that most of the diseases and medical problems are due to deficient life force. The best way to increase the general life force is by practicing different forms of Yoga and yoga asanas, coupled with meditation.

Yoga has been used as an antidote to many chronic diseases like arthritis, spondylosis, diabetes and others. Yoga has also been a sure cure for the disease of Asthma. Asthma is basically a respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways (bronchi) that channel the air to and fro the lungs. With the proper and regular practice of yoga, Asthma can be controlled and cured completely. There are several special breathing techniques that would help in controlling this disease, the most popular being the Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma. Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma involves a combination of deep and shallow breaths which help to trigger a healthy rhythm of breathing.

The different yoga asanas and pranayama are exceptionally beneficial for curing the asthma. Yoga asanas and Pranayama, control the constriction of the bronchial tubes. Pranayama in yoga aims at bringing the involuntary functions of the respiratory mechanism within human control. By practicing deep and systematic breathing through Pranayama, one can re-energize his body. Through the practice of Pranayama, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained. With the proper inhaling and exhaling procedure, pranayama keeps an individual balanced in all conditions and situations. It prepares the individual for inner calmness and stillness and let him experience a deeper insight. For curing Asthma, Pranayama Yoga internally purifies and thus strengthen the lungs and the bronchiole linings. It improves asthma condition by allowing free flow of air through the bronchial tubes and air sacs in the lungs. Dirga prananyama is a helpful yoga asana that helps in slow and deep breathing exercise. Ujjayi pranayama is helpful in curing Asthma caused due to cold. Asthma caused by allergy can be avoided by Sitt Kari or Shitali pranayama. Kapalbhatti pranayama is helpful for reducing mucus congestion.

It is a proven fact that causes of asthma are both psychological and physiological. While the physiological causes being environmental extremities or viral infections, psychological symptoms like anxiety is one of the factor that leads to asthma. Psychological repression and constant emotional stress may end up in asthmatic suffering. In this regard, yoga is the best healer. Since years, yoga has been considered as the best antidote to stress and anxiety. It is an established fact that yoga is a holistic pathway towards salvation and inner peace. By calming down the fluctuations of the mind, yoga asanas coupled with meditation, channelize towards a deeper insight. Nadi Sodhana, a typical Pranayama yoga helps to cope with stress and emotional turmoil, which often triggers an asthma attack.While yoga asanas help to connect one to his/her actual "self", meditation helps to calm one's mind, leading the individual to a heightened level of awareness. Eliminating the veils of life, meditation cleanses the mind and the soul and thus a person can reach a state of emotional bliss. Yoga postures such as the Suryabheda, Ujjayi and Pada Hasthasana further helps the body regain the natural inner harmony. Easy postures such as the salutation of the sun, simple shoulder lifts complement the breathing exercises. Thus, it may be derived that practicing meditation and yoga asanas can be a sure cure to stress and anxiety, and all those severe diseases which result because of these, especially Asthma.

Music has been considered as the best healer of stress and anxiety. A yoga session, when coupled with soothing yoga music inspires a yoga aspirant to carry on with the yoga sessions with perfection. Contemporary yoga training uses music for relaxation and for guided meditations. Music is played in the background in many yoga schools during yoga and meditation sessions. Thus various record label companies have come up with different kind of yoga and meditation music CDs and DVDs. These yoga Cds and DVDs include soothing tunes and musical pieces that invoke moods for a perfect yoga session. Spirit Voyage is one of the pioneer online music store offering a variety of yoga music CDs and DVDs. Renowned artistes like Snatam Kaur, Deuter, WAH!, Deva Premal and many others have lend their voices. The Yoga DVDs on Kundalini yoga or a General Yoga DVD will create a flow of melody, thus assisting a yoga aspirant to perform the asanas with all ease. Music, with its mystic appeal, invoke strong moods and influence the subtle energy fields within the practitioner and direct his consciousness towards higher realms.

Spirit Voyage also offers audio instruction CDs which helps a practitioner to perform the yoga asanas with utmost perfection. The yoga books offered by Spirit Voyage helps an individual to guide himself to deeper insights about he discipline of yoga. Each books contain in-depth and detail instructions about various forms of yoga. The images and the detailed explanations about the different yoga postures will surely help an individual to gain valuable resources on yoga and its different asanas. Spirit Voyage offers books on Kundalini Yoga, General Yoga Books, Children Yoga books and many others.

A meditation session when accompanied by meditation music relaxes and calms the ambiance. The mind of the meditator thus can focus on a fixed point and gradually can attain a spiritual insight and consciousness. Spirit Voyage offers a number of meditation music CDs like Mind and Meditation by Yogi Bhajan, Radiance - Music for Morning Meditation by Dev Suroop Kaur Khalsa, Ong by Guru Shabad Singh Khalsa are some of the music CDs that will evoke a perfect mood for meditation. Early Morning Sadhana, a Meditation and Yoga DVD by Nirvair Singh Khalsa is also a helpful companion during the daily meditation and yoga session.

Yoga, by stabilizing the body's immune system ensures the healthy state of the individual. The practice of yoga liberates one from the material bindings of the world. Spirit Voyage Music leads one towards the way for reaching a spiritual high, whereby, a human being can realize the divine connection of oneness with the Supreme.
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Yoga: Use Your Breath to Calm Your Mind

Yoga is a 6000-year-old form of exercise which not only disciplines the body but conditions the mind as well.

The practice of yoga is largely thought of as just the asanas (postures and exercises), but breath is really at the heart of yoga. Some have said "if you can breathe, then you can do yoga". The use of breathing techniques to quiet your mind is one of the primary objectives of yoga.

By regularly taking the time for yoga, you will become very conscious of your breathing. You will train yourself to control your breath, which will help you become calm and relaxed. As well, the form of your asanas will improve the more you focus on your breathing.

Our minds tend to wander; thinking of the future and the past constantly. With yoga, you'll train yourself to consider the present - where we are, where our bodies exist. The practice of yoga through breathing techniques helps you to draw your thoughts inward and release all of your worries and tensions.

One of the energizing aspects of yoga is that it teaches you the ability to be deeply aware of the present moment, at the same times as you are letting go of the worries and concerns that can cause stress and illness in your body.

Yoga teaches the practice of conscious breathing while doing poses - this fosters consciousness of your technique and greater mental alertness. By drawing your mind into the moment and forgetting all else, you will garner the benefits which yoga has to offer.

While there are a number of breathing exercises associated with yoga which will teach you how to release tension and balance your mind, as a start, try the following exercise.

* Lie or sit comfortably and become aware of your normal state of breathing.

* Still aware of your breath, inhale and exhale 4 counts each several times.

* Next, increase your inhalation and exhalations to 5 counts each.

* Then increase the count to 6 for each inhalation and exhalation. Become aware of your body - make sure that it is relaxed.

* Continue this way until your inhalations and exhalations reach 9 counts. If this is causing you any discomfort, drop the count back down to more comfortable number for you.

* Keep bringing your mind back to your body to check to see if there is any tension anywhere. If there is, try to relax that part of your body.

* Whatever your final number of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.

What you can gain from this exercise - as you can from a number of other yogic breathing exercises, is the capacity to still your mind and relax your body through mastery over your breath. With some practice, you will become an expert at this technique, able to achieve a state of relaxation any time you are under stress and feeling tense.

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Yoga For Digestive Disorders

Yoga is a very ancient form of exercise which has great abilities to provide solutions to several health related problems even today. This is the reason why great many numbers of people have been practicing yoga regularly for years and living a healthy life, not just healthy body but also healthy mind.

Yoga aims at working towards bringing a balance in mind and body of a person, 'yoga' the word itself means union, i.e. union of body and mind for a healthy living. There is no organ in the body that yoga exercises do not address. Yoga exercises can give relief virtually from any ailment, relating to any organ of the body.

This applies even to gastrointestinal problems faced by us regularly. Yoga for digestive system has a set of exercises or positions, 'asanas' that can provide you complete relief, be it the 'IBS' or irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, heartburns, etc.
Yoga and ayurveda in combination can not just give you relief but also provide you with perfect medication and complete cure from several stomach and digestive order related ailments.

Yoga for digestive disorders is a set of exercises; your yoga instructor will teach you. These 'asana' require to be done exactly as taught by the instructor so that you can get complete relief from your problems, the instructor will teach you how long you require to remain in a certain position, the breathing during this position and the way to bring yourself to normal position.

Yoga exercises are not like allopathic medicines which generally provide you short term but instantaneous relief, these exercises will take a week to become completely effective, but you can be assured that you will be completely cured from your gastro-intestinal problems. As a beginner you will have to work towards perfecting your asanas once that it done, you are allowed to practice yoga all by yourself at home.

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

Almost all gastro-intestinal ailments like the ulcers, indigestion, GERD, digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. everything can be treated by yoga exercises. You can start feeling the change within a day or two of starting the exercises.

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Pain-Free Yoga

Physical activity is supposed to strengthen and heal the body. But, should doing something so good really feel so bad? If you don't subscribe to the "no pain, no gain" exercise philosophy, pain-free yoga is a great choice for you.

Practicing yoga offers many benefits. It can heal the body while it increases your strength, flexibility and breathing capacity. Yoga is widely recommended as part of regular physical therapy to condition the physical body, calm the mind and bring peace to your spirit.

One thing to remember while practicing yoga is that there is no competition. Unlike working out in a crowded gym, you are not meant to be better, or faster, or stronger than anyone else. This can be a tough obstacle for the average North American to overcome. If you're looking at what other students are doing, you're not concentrating on your own body and spirit. Don't fret over the good posture of the person next to you, or be envious of how far they can stretch and how fluidly they breathe. It doesn't matter if you can or cannot do that pose a little bit better; so don't force your body into discomfort.

Pain-free yoga is never meant to hurt you. It's not about trying to outdo the guy next to you, or making your Asana pose better than the girl in the front row. You are not competing with anyone when practicing yoga, not even yourself. Ideally, group yoga sessions will be different every time you meet, and it isn't a big deal if you aren't as flexible today as you were yesterday or if that pose you practiced for hours just won't fall into place. Your body changes from day to day. Often you'll gain a few steps, and sometimes you'll feel as though you've fallen back a step or two. It's all right. Don't let it become a personal tragedy or keep you from carrying on with your yoga program.

Your focus should always be on how your body feels right now. Yesterday is over and tomorrow hasn't come. How you feel at the very moment you're practicing is what makes a successful and pain-free yoga session. If you listen to your body, it will tell you how much it wants to do today and how far it wants to go.

By trying to outdo another person in your group, or show off your magnificent yoga postures, you are defeating the very purpose of yoga. Yoga is meant to take you away from the competitive nature of today's world. It's supposed to allow you to feel your inner strength, and appreciate what your body is experiencing right now. Don't try to be a hero in yoga, or hurry through your poses just so you can check your email or get on with your busy day. If you find yourself impatient or uninspired, try actively working on your posture. You'll find that time goes by faster and that your sessions are more enjoyable.

A competitive spirit is closely related to impatience. If you feel that you are too competitive to appreciate the practice of yoga, your instructor may suggest that you stay in a pose for an extra few minutes. This is to enable you to examine your breathing, explore the pose and try to perfect it. Yoga is meant to be an active exercise for your body and mind. If you find the pose to be uncomfortable, just stop for a minute; analyze the reasons why you just want to get it over with. Even the subtlest changes in your position can help you be more relaxed and more focused on the posture. Pay attention to your breathing. Are you actively taking deep breaths and exhaling fully to rid your body of toxins? Proper breathing and posture can affect your mind in many ways.

If you want to be the fastest, or biggest, or strongest, buy a membership at a fitness centre. If, however, you want to experience a rich and fulfilling experience that leads to a healthy mind, body and spirit, try pain-free yoga.

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Some Yoga Asanas

The classic feature of Yoga are the Mudras which are sacred ritual gestures or hand positions. Our hands are like a keyboard connected to our internal computer. Each part of our hands is connected to an area of the brain and each part sends clear messages to that brain center.
There are many advantages of performing Yoga. This includes: * achieving a more agile body * relief from body ailments like constipation and bloating * removal of localized fat pads * improved breathing and relief from bronchitis * improve sexual libido and performance
About Paschimottan Asana - Place the feet together and raise the arms above the head. At the same time one should take a deep breath. In this posture, one should attempt to hold the right big toe with the thumb and index finger of the left hand. This position should be held for approximately 5-7 seconds.
Therapeutic advantages of this posture include the following: O Strengthens the muscles of back, abdomen and spinal column. O It regenerates kidneys and digestive organs. Cures diabetes and constipation. O Prevents formation of fat around the stomach and back. O It helps blood to flow to the gonads, prostate glands, uterus and bladder.
Do calorie-restriction diets induce low serotonin? The excess insulin and low serotonin are a threat to good health and getting obese. Good calories prevent both of these from developing. You need a calorie-restriction programme if you want to lose less than 7 kg. and have normal insulin level. Eating serotonin-stimulating foods transforms calorie restriction by an easy-to-follow programme because it doesn't cause you to suffer from the food cravings, depression and low serotonin irritability.
You will be in a position to lose weight faster than with a conventional calorie-restriction programme. Clinical study reveals the effectiveness of good calories has shown increased rate of weight loss. Make sure to be very careful about eating good calories, otherwise you may find your serotonin chemistry harmful, and for losing a few kilos of weight you may have to pay a high price.

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Yoga's Twist and Turns Benefits Scoliosis Patients

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousand of years. It is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice with its roots in India going back 5,000 years. Yoga, is derived from the Sanskrit root word "Yujir Yogey", meaning yoke or union. It includes the physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation that has many physical benefits such as improved posture, increased flexibility, and strength.
By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop symmetrical alignment of the body. This is accomplished by stretching muscles that have tightened and that have become weak from asymmetrical imbalance. With good structural balance, the body will create a more effortless posture using the bone structure, rather than overworking the muscles to hold itself up.
Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments that can be relieved through the practice of Yoga include hyper-acidity, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, common cold, constipation, and even depression.
Other ailments that can be relieved by yoga practice inclue:
� Diabetes
� Epilepsy
� Eye problems
� Facial wrinkles
� Gastrointestinal disorders
� Headaches
� Heartburn
� Hemorrhoids
� Hepatitis
� High blood pressure
� Hypertension
� Weak immune system
� Impotence
� Menopause
� Menstrual cramps
� Migraines
� Multiple sclerosis
� Various skin problems

Yoga practitioners also claim that the practice of the ancient exercise system is a good therapy for scoliosis. Through yoga, one can find that balance point which allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and activates the body's natural plumb line. The result for most people is better posture and less pain.
Scoliosis is a medical term taken from a Greek word meaning 'curvature.' This disease often develops during childhood and causes the spine to curve laterally (to the side) to the left or right. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), and lumbar regions (lower back). These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
Scoliosis only affects a small percentage of the population, or approximately two percent of the entire U.S. population. However, it has been found that scoliosis may be hereditary. If someone in the family has scoliosis, the likelihood of an incidence of another case in another family member is approximately 20 percent. The traditional medical management of scoliosis is determined by the severity of the curvature, skeletal maturity, and likelihood of progression. The conventional options are initially through observation, followed by bracing and surgery, and these procedures cost a lot.
Although many exercises help in reducing the scoliosis-related problems, yoga immediately helps improve the problem of uneven curves and is now considered to be the best scoliosis exercise. Yoga postures are helpful for providing relief from scoliosis because they enable us to stretch our body and help regain the normal shape of the spine. The most effective yoga exercises for the treatment of scoliosis-related problems include the Crocodile Twist, the Supine Knee Chest Twist, the Passive Back Arch and the One Leg Up-One Leg Out Posture. These exercises are very helpful in raising one's lowered shoulder and reducing the back pain.
Psychologically, doing yoga is very empowering. It gives hope that we can do something to improve our condition and our quality of living. Yoga is a way of life. Choosing to do yoga for scoliosis therapy requires commitment and inner awareness. With scoliosis, it is important not expect perfection but instead accept oneself, and find one's own optimal alignment and center. As there is beauty in the straight alignment of a palm tree, there is also beauty of an oak tree, or human being, with it's many twists and turns.
Article Source: http://www.reprint-content.com

Anxiety Attacks - Try Yoga To Soothe The Stress In Your Mind And The Tension In Your Body!

Times are hard and they just seem to be getting harder! Everyday, we hear more dire news about the economy, sinking stock prices and mounting job losses. Everyone is worried that they will be the next victim. This stress can have damaging effects on your emotional and physical well being.

Stress and worry can lead to more severe anxiety problems, even panic attacks! It is important to keep your mind and body balanced and one great way to do that is to learn yoga.

- Yoga is practiced by more than 6 million Americans and this number is only on the rise. As more and more people are discovering the amazing health and stress reduction effects of this ancient art, it is becoming increasingly commonplace among both men and women. Yoga is not just exercise and it´s not just relaxation, it is a combination of both and it can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their age, gender, flexibility or weight.

- Yoga does incorporate some gymnastics into its movements. There are twists and contortions that will increase your flexibility and help you trim your weight and improve your appearance. To the untrained observer, it might seem like you have to be a contortionist to practice yoga. Nothing could be further from the truth. On the contrary, yoga is all about accepting the limitations of your body in the moment and working towards expanding those limitations to their fullest extent.

- Yoga also includes some meditative practices, a great way to lessen anxiety and prevent panic attacks. Meditation is not just for hippies, it is a way to let go some of the accumulated stresses that build up in our lives and simply be at peace in the moment.

An important aspect of meditation and of the more physical components of yoga is the emphasis on the breath. It is so important to breathe properly and too many of us forget how to breath from our abdomen, Without this deep breathing, we are denying our body, valuable oxygen it needs to deal with the stress we encounter in our lives.

There are many different types of yoga and many different ways to engage in the practice. As a beginner, I suggest you go to a yoga studio. Studio teachers will be more likely to help you get into the position (something you might need) and help you integrate the emotional part of the yoga experience with the physical.

Yoga classes at gyms, tend to be more physical in nature and give short shrift to the meditative component. Do not underestimate the power of meditation or the way it can release muscle tension and provide you with some inner peace. However, once you´ve learned the basics of yoga, attending gym based classes or indulging on your own, will accomplish the same purpose.

If neither of these options are available to you, there are a number of videos and books available that can guide you through the yoga practice although nothing replaces just a few classes for the visual and educational perspective they offer. The key to lower levels of anxiety and even panic attack prevention lay in finding ways to achieve some inner peace and some physical relief.
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The Healing Effects of Yoga: The Holistic Way of Caring For One's Body

Yoga's beginning can be traced back to the Brahman civilization of India in the year 900 - 500 B.C. as supported by some seals, which featured figures that took the yoga position. Although different Indian religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism - refer to yoga in varied ways, they present a unified conformity on the healing effects that the traditional practice gives.

The healing effects of yoga have left many with wonders and amazement. In the ancient times, yoga was considered as a pathway to achieving sublime happiness and enlightenment. Nowadays, it is mostly considered as a link to self-actualization, body enhancement, and healing. It is not a wonder then why many people enjoy the vast health and mental benefits that they get from yoga, and with this, practitioners share the benefits they have been receiving from this ancient exercise.

Mental Benefits

Research has proven that practicing yoga improves a person's mental capacities. Yoga positions allow the improvement of blood circulation to and from the brain, therefore giving the brain-balanced brain waves that result in a peaceful state of mind. Improper blood circulation in the brain can cause unpleasant conditions like insomnia and poor self-imagery, but with yoga, avoidance of these conditions is achievable.

Spiritual Benefits

According to many people who practice yoga, this method of exercise gives them a clearer understanding of the people and things around them. They get to see the world from a different perspective, which makes them more appreciative of life. Yoga practitioners experience an overwhelming feeling that connects them closer to their spiritual beliefs.

Emotional Benefits

It is also proven that with the people who practice yoga, emotional benefits are always realized. People who were initially suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, alcoholism, and poor relationships were gradually healed from their emotional hardships after they attend yoga classes. As a result, they are able to improve the quality of their living with a better emotional state.

Physical Benefits

People believe that the most important healing effect of yoga lies in the development of one's physical state. It was also proven with research that yoga practice prevents physical diseases such as cancer, hypertension, asthma, headache, eye strain, back ache, indigestion, only to mention a few. Apart from preventing, or helping to heal the aforementioned issues, the practice of yoga has also helped people to maintain a firm and healthy looking body - giving them overall good health.

With yoga, a person's body is molded into a better house for mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical improvement. It is definitely a great way to care for and to heal your body. To try yoga is to give one's body the chance to become better in all ways.

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. ~B.K.S. Iyengar

The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren't enough. ~Amy Weintraub

Yoga is the fountain of youth. You're only as young as your spine is flexible. ~Bob Harper

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Yoga Exercises For Computer Users - Ease Back Pain

Plenty of computer users world wide confront the problem regarding back pain. Having a person's back against the wall is invariably associated with being in trouble, but when it pertains to certain yoga positions, having your back tightly against a wall will certainly assist health and wellbeing.

With Hatha Yoga, the practitioner forms what Swami Gitananda reffers to as body geometry-triangles, straight lines, circles as well as parallel lines. Whenever you execute a posture, you should definitely stretch your body to its utmost limit and then maintain it in that position for a slow count of ten, slowly and gradually increasing the time, until each individual posture is generally maintained for 30 seconds or so. Holding a posture is very important to yoga since it will give the body a chance to settle into the stretch and loosen up. Later each time you stretch it will likely be just that little bit farther.

A lot of the sideways, or lateral, stretching exercises with regard to Hatha Yoga require that a person's body faces forward, with hips level along with back and also spine tilting neither forward nor backwards. The beginners are more likely to lean forward to extend the stretch. However, leaning forwards is definitely completely wrong and definitely will actually detract from the very benefits and furthermore possibly result in injury. So that you can carry out these types of stretches properly, ensure you maintain your spine firmly against a wall. Typically the wall serves as a prop. In addition any individual who has practiced yoga for some time may find that they find it hard to bend as far as they believed they could in the event that these people carry out the particular postures wrongly. The additional time invested in establishing careful postures will definitely benefit you: Your body is going to achieve perfect flexibility and strength.

Stand directly against the wall and stretch the feet more or less 3 to 4 feet away from each other. Breathe in and raise your arms up to shoulder height with palms down. Point your right foot to the right and then slightly turn in your left foot. Bend your right knee to make a right angle, with thigh parallel to the ground in addition to the shin vertical. Your knee should really be directly above the ankle. Stretch the rear leg then tighten the knee.

Let out your breath and stretch your right hand down so that it rests on the floor at the rear of your right foot. Move your head to an upwards position (looking upwards) then press your left thigh flat against the wall utilizing your left hand. A strong pull should really be experienced all along the length of the left side. When you feel comfortable, stretch the left arm up then press it against your ear making sure that from left heel to left hand your body is actually stretched and also extended. Maintain this specific position for a slow count of 10, ensuring the upper shoulder, hip as well as bent knee are pressed against the wall. Breathe in and then return to starting position. Exhale and repeat on the other side of your body.

This specific posture leads to overall very good health and fitness. This firms every single muscle group, tendon in addition to joints in the body. One's heart is actually revitalized and also strengthened, and, if misalligned, typically the spine is stretched and therefore realigned. Your hip joints, which sometimes could weaken with age, will become stronger plus much more flexible. Typically the neck is stretched plus made a whole lot more flexible, easing the suffering of stiff, tense muscles and help pevent or reverse spondylosis. Thighs, hips not to mention waist will definitely be firmed. Even digestion is usually improved.

Remember to lie down and relax when you finish your yoga practice. Letting go immediately following performing the exercises allows one's body to recover, regulates the flow of blood, and therefore calms and soothes the mind. Because of this you won't feel drained, instead you feel refreshed as well as invigorated.

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Yoga Helps to Alleviate Depression and Lead A Tension-Free Life

In todays world, tension-depression-worries are some of the most commonly used words. Depression has become a very common problem now. More the world is getting civilized more the tensions and worries are getting into our lives. Our busy and complicated lifestyles are the main source of these tensions, worries and depression and nobody can escape it. But what one can do is include yoga in his daily lifestyle. Yoga is perhaps the best weapon to combat depression which comes with our fast-paced lifestyle. Any kind and form of yoga, be it Kundalini yoga or Ashtanga yoga, are in true sense, beneficial to human kind. Yoga has the magical power of helping the mind to ward off all unnecessary tensions and thus helps it to relax. Yoga paired with any kind of devotional or spiritual music such as yoga music, can do wonder.

Regular practice of yoga can give instant relief from daily stresses. Because yoga poses increase the level of the neurotransmitter GABA in the body which in turn, reduces depression. A depressed person becomes immobile both physically and mentally. But after doing various yoga poses for a few minutes, the body muscles get back their normal flexibility as well as the blood circulation in the whole body becomes normal or else better than normal. The most beneficial point of doing yoga is that it has no such serious side-effects unlike anti-depressant pills. Yoga poses or asanas and even some breathing exercises tick on the energy level of a human being and brushes off the tiredness or fatigue from both mind and body. If a little bit of soothing meditation music can be incorporated in yoga practicing, it refreshes the mind with its calm tune and elevates the level of concentration. Online music companies are bringing up their exclusive as well as vast range of different devotional yoga music CDs and DVDs which will help the yoga practitioners or aspirants to learn and perform yoga poses in a proper way.

Another part of yoga, Pranayama or the breathing practices, are also very much helpful in alleviating the tension level. Pranayama creates a sense of well-being and calmness in the mind and body. It prevents from over-loading the mind and body with too much tensions and anxieties because it pushes oxygen to the brain and body muscles. Some particular form of pranayama like ujjayi pranayama is perhaps the best option for healing depression. Likewise some specific form of yoga such asKundalini yoga helps to increase the level of self-consciousness which ultimately helps an individual to get himself free from all worldly bonds and thoughts.

Spirit Voyage, an online music company, introduces a great collection of spiritual music and meditation music CDs, DVDs and books which can be of great help to the yoga aspirants. The collection includes the work of world famous personalities. The yoga music category includes Adhara by Nirinjan Kaur, Meditation Drum by David and Steve Gordon, Radiance by Jaya Lakshmi, Mantra Masala by Sada Sat Kaur and many more.

The yoga DVDs has Vitality and Stress (4 DVD Set) by Yogi Bhajan PhD, Radiant Health with Naam Yoga by Gurunam Joseph Michael Levry, Flow Yoga for Beginners by Shiva Rea and other best collection to offer. So, it is time to throw out all the depressions from the mind and enjoy a tension-free spiritual life forever with yoga DVDs available at Spirit Voyage.

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Discover Yoga For Stress Relief

In today’s stressful world, more people than ever are turning towards the ancient relaxation techniques of yoga as a source of natural stress relief. The great advantage to this ancient exercise practice is that it allows any one of any age or physical capability to tap into the amazing health and stress relief benefits that Yoga provides.

Yoga has become the new inexpensive way to relieve stress. It can be practiced any where at any time. Although some people enjoy joining a structured class It is not necessary. There are a wide variety of Yoga DVD’s, Yoga Accessories, Yoga Mats & Blocks and beautiful,comfortable Yoga apparel to make practicing yoga at home most convenient without the added expense of joining a structured class at a studio.

It seems that yoga is fast becoming the most popular exercise of choice for all generations. Seniors, are discovering the many health benefits of yoga to help relieve painful arthritis and stiff joints. Prenatal yoga has helped expectant mothers become more limber so they may have an easier natural delivery. Power classes are an advanced form of yoga that is used to strengthen and tone the body as well as provide a challenging aerobic workout all at the same time.There are as many different types of yoga practices as their are great reasons to incorporate this healthy form of exercise into your life.

The term Yoga means to unify. It s the holistic approach to all aspects of life: physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga views the person as a whole; as a unique combination of body, mind and soul, and its techniques maintain that body mind soul harmony.

Finding a Yoga Class is fairly easy, there are yoga studios and Classes offered at gyms as well as senior s centers that teach different types of Yoga that range from simple, beginner classes which provide standard yoga poses and proper breathing techniques to advanced classes with more challenging poses. Learning to practice Yoga properly requires great patience, however, in just a few sessions the stress relief and a great feeling of well being is almost instantaneous.The benefits of yoga are that you can experience are an increase in the flexibility of your body, muscle tone, and reduction of stress.

You will find that coping with daily stressful situations will become so much easier due to the endorphins that are released by the brain after each session. Yoga will quickly become in grained in your daily routine, practicing deep breathing techniques will become second nature to you and replace old stressful habits.

If you are a novice to Yoga, perhaps the Gaiam Yoga Beginners Set would be a great introduction, a simple Yoga DVD that illustrates basic positions and proper breathing techniques would be a very good start. If you are already an advanced yogi, and would prefer to practice in the privacy of your own home then perhaps a good collection of advanced yoga DVD s, all the best yoga accessories and appropriate yoga apparel is just the way to go.

Invite the practice of yoga into your life and watch the stress just slip away.
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How to Increase Concentration Level with Yoga and Meditation

The word Concentration means 'withdrawing the mind from many thoughts and putting it on a single thought at a time.' Usually, human mind try to do multiple tasks at a time. This multi-tasking costs in lower level of concentration. Though people use various techniques and methods to increase the level of concentration but since antiquity yoga and meditation has been practiced as the best way in this regard. Meditation is a practice of contemplation. Sitting quietly in a noiseless place, attempting to take the mind into a deeper level of concentration by relaxing it and focusing on a single point, is what meditation is all about. Meditation, practiced with meditation music, ensures the best result as the soothing tunes of the music help to calm and relax the mind.

For a mindfulness meditation, the meditator has to sit silently and comfortably in a noiseless place, focusing on a single object or even a single process. Observing one's own breath or chanting a particular monosyllabic mantra can be a good way of starting meditation. Sit straight and upright without a support and relax the body. Next, control your breath and breathe slowly but evenly. Once the breathing is perfect, deeply concentrate at the point between the two eyebrows. In this stage one needs to keep the mind focused and the energy internalized. Feel the peace gradually generated by this practice. At the very beginning one can meditate for five minutes and then increase it with times. As this meditation is largely a spiritual practice, end it with some soulful divine music or prayer. For this one can play a soothing yoga DVD offered at Spirit Voyage. Spirit Voyage, an online music company, offers a good number of meditation music or yoga music CDs and DVDs for yoga or meditation purpose.

Regular practicing of meditation ensures a highly increased level of concentration. Same goes for yoga practicing. Yoga is the art and philosophy of uniting human mind, body and soul by practicing various physical exercises like asana and pranayama. Asana means yoga postures or poses and pranayama means breathing exercises. From the ancient ages, yoga has been in practice to attain a higher state of self-awareness where one can control his mind, body and soul. Different yoga forms like Kundalini yoga, Hatha yoga, Karma yoga or Bhakti yoga, all aim at the attainment of ultimate goal of moksha. Thus, practicing yoga is a proven method of increasing the level of concentration by binding the mind, body and soul in a single chord. To get the best result, one can incorporate a little bit of yoga music in the yoga practicing session.

One can browse through the latest collection of various yoga or spiritual music DVDs and yoga DVDs offered by Spirit Voyage and pick up the best suitable yoga DVD to enhance the mood of meditation. 1000 Years and Beyond or Mind and Meditation (4 DVD Set) by Yogi Bhajan, The Awakening by Donna Amrita Davidge are few among those DVDs which will help the practitioner to connect his own soul with the divine soul or Paramatma. Apart from this CDs and DVDs on different forms like Kundalini yoga or Ashtanga yoga are also available. The soothing and melodious voices of the renowned spiritual singers like Snatam Kaur, Wah!, Donna De Lorry and others lend their pure voices in these albums. The blissful tunes are sure to fill up the air with divine purity, thus leading one to a deeper level of concentration.

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Types of Yoga

Do you ever get so busy you can't even think straight? Do you frequently suffer from headaches and feel lethargic? Instead of indulging in all the "one-pill cures" on late night television, why not take an hour of your day to do yoga? Millions of Americans are finding a sense of peace and relaxation, while improving circulation, muscle definition and flexibility.

Many beginners like to start with Iyengar yoga, where positions are held longer to provide maximum stretching and minimal injury. Unlike "flow" yoga styles, there are breaks between positions and an emphasis on long, deep stretches for people of all levels. Props like mats, blankets, straps and blocks help take some of the strain off the body.

Fitness yoga aims to increase flexibility, muscle strength and improve energy and cardiovascular systems. This is a more modern approach to the ancient principles and targets certain areas like the gluteus muscle or abdomen to tone and strengthen. Similarly, Pilates yoga is one of the most popular forms, with over 11 million regular practitioners in the US and over 14,000 instructors. The core postural muscles and spinal cord are emphasized, in addition to utilizing flowing movements to strengthen and define.

Ashtanga Vinyasa (also known as "power yoga" or "Raja yoga") is derived from an ancient Indian manuscript called "the Yoga Kurunta." The word "ashtanga" literally translates to mean "eight limbs," which refers to eight positions: yama (moral codes), niyama (self-purification and study), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense control), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (contemplation). Vinyasa means "breath-synchronized movement." After warming up with "Sun Salutations," the different postures are repeated with smooth flowing movements and specific breathing patterns. This advanced style of yoga attracts people who may typically be the cardio types, participating in kickboxing or step classes, and is intended to help extroverted high-stress personalities find their inner quietude.

A couple of forms of yoga are used for therapeutic purposes. Bikram yoga (also known as "hot yoga") occurs in a sauna-like room maintained at 95-100 degrees to induce sweating, leading to body cleansing and additional weight loss. These twenty-six positions loosen the muscles in a relaxing way. The Forrest style meditation yoga from Santa Monica California is intended to release inner emotional pain, purify the body of toxins and strengthen the abdomen through deep breathing and stretches.

Some styles focus on the spiritual side, with chanting, meditating and contemplating, borrowing inspiration from the eight principles of ashtanga. Jivamukti and Kundalini use chanting and rapid repetitive movements to free trapped energy. Karma yoga is derived from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient sandskrit Hindu scripture and is based around the idea of "union through action." It is believed that one can express love for God by giving up selfish desires and participating in "detached, selfless action," which will eventually result in liberation. The Anusara style is a form of meditation yoga for beginners because teachers believe in positive communication to open the heart and mind. All levels are welcomed and there is a philosophical belief in the intrinsic goodness of humankind. This light-hearted approach to alignment is a good springboard to more intense forms.

Many participants report increased happiness and energy after a yoga class. While you won't get any major weight loss assistance or a heart workout with yoga, it's good to add in one class each week to strengthen your spirit and connect mind with body.
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