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  • Yoga Health Secrets August 31, 2010
    Health and happiness Happiness is in the mind, and the mind is supported by the body - a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Your happiness depends on your mind and it depends on your body. Without... […]
  • Runners Yoga 30-Minute Home Program August 31, 2010
    Called "The world's most advanced home-fitness program", the Runner's Yoga Program will help you: Dramatically increase your FLEXIBILITY. Build your CORE STRENGTH. Improve your BAL... […]
  • Easy tips to keep your yoga mat spotless August 31, 2010
    Cleaning your yoga mat is quite simple, but there are certain things that should be kept in mind if you want to get the best life from your mat. The most obvious thing is to read the manufacturer's in... […]
  • Yoga Clothing for Men: The Significance August 31, 2010
    Yoga clothing for men has been a trend setter. These days due to a stressed lifestyle, more and more people have taken the spiritual path and hence, the interest in yoga, meditation and other forms of... […]
  • New trend of home sports yoga together with vibram five fingers perfect human body August 31, 2010
    Doing sports is the best way for people to release pressure in mordern society. Pressure from work can cause the situation of sub-health. In early times, people do not recognize this big problem bu... […]
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Archive for the ‘Yoga Poses’ Category

Improve Your Eyesight With Trataka

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Trataka is the practice of staring at a candle...
Image via Wikipedia

Eyes are the windows of the soul and you can see what a person is up to by looking into his eyes. Hence, it is important to have clean eyesight. In yoga, trataka is a technique devised by the ancient sages to improve eyesight.

It is a shuddhikriya or a purification process to cleanse the eyesight and help in the silencing of the mind in concentration.

Sit with your back straight. Keep your eyes fixed on an object without winking till tears start streaming down your face. The small object can be the flame of an oil lamp, or an image or a picture or the letter ‘AUM”. This object should be placed in the line of sight at a distance of about four to six feet. You can also do this kriya without any object in front of you. Having an object is not necessary. Just stare in front of you at the wall without moving the eyeballs or eyelids. Ensure that you stare at a certain point on the wall.

Before starting this exercise, you can start off by moving the eyes without moving the head, where you roll your eyeballs up and down, sideways and from corner to corner diagonally. Initially, you can make this movement with open eyes and then repeat them with closed eyes. This will give the requisite exercise to the eye muscles. This is then followed by trataka. Trataka makes the eyes clear, improves eyes and silences the mind. Over a period of time, you will experience the silence of the mind. If you want to meditate, start with trataka to silence the mind and then go to the meditation. This way, you will reap the benefits of meditation. Since you are exercising the eye muscles, they become stronger. You can perform this kriya daily without any harmful effects.

Benefits Of Trataka Practice

www.yogaindailylife.org http www.yogaindailylife.org.au Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, founder of Yoga in Daily Life system speaks about Resonance and the benefits of Trataka practice. Dungog 26/12/2009 Australia

Meditation Music, Yoga, 3rd Eye Chakra

www.encognitive.com Your third eye is hungry for awareness !……. The meditation technique which you are going to read is ‘Trataka’ (also known as third eye meditation). In the belief system of ‘Tantra’ and ‘Hatha Yoga’ there is a concept of Kundalini . [ Have you ever heard of Tantra or 'Hatha' Yoga ? If not then let me tell you very briefly that 'Tantra' is a sort of esoteric spiritual path that involves doing a number of activities which seem bizarre and odd to many people. Soon I'll write a separate article on Tantra. Keep watching ' New Articles' 'Hatha' Yoga is a branch of Yoga and it involves indulging in various physical exercises and breathing routines (known as Pranayam.) Many things in 'Hatha Yoga' and Tantra are common' . In this article, without going into the details of Tantra, Hatha Yoga or Pranayam, I have tried to present a simple meditation technique of third eye. The topics of Tantra, Hatha & Pranayam will be covered in other articles soon] It has been discovered that there are seven chakras (or points of consciousness) in our body. These Chakras (literally Chakra means rings) are situated at different points in our body. Among these Chakras, the 6th Chakra is known as ‘ Aagya Chakra’ located between the eyebrows and is said to be the seat of the mystical “third eye”. The physical location of this chakra is at the center of our forehead. Just above the place between our eyes. It is believed that Kundalini (the energy field) travels from the first

Hatha Yoga Kriyas-Trataka Concentration Technique Part 1

www.yogaindailylife.org http system.yogaindailylife.org Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda is founder of Yoga in Daily Life system Uma Puri is guiding us and explaining in detail the Hatha Yoga Kriya Techniques Hatha Yoga is the path of practice and purification – internal, as well as external. It is therefore an additional Yoga path to the four traditional paths. Regular practice of these exercises requires willpower and discipline and that is why this path is called Hatha Yoga. HA-THA, also means sun and moon. This refers to the union and harmony of the sun and moon principles, which result from the practice of Hatha Yoga. There are six purification techniques that pertain to Hatha Yoga, called Shat Karma Kriyas or Shat Karmas. 1. JALA NETI 2. DHAUTI 3. NAULI 4. BASTI and SHANKA PRAKSHALANA 5. KAPALA BHATI PRANAYAMA 6. TRATAKA Caution: All the techniques which are reviewed here should initially be practiced under the guidance of a Yoga in Daily Life Teacher. Strilky 15/11/2009 Czech Republic

Hatha Yoga Kriyas-Trataka Concentration Technique Part 2

www.yogaindailylife.org http system.yogaindailylife.org Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda is founder of Yoga in Daily Life system Uma Puri is guiding us and explaining in detail the Hatha Yoga Kriya Techniques Hatha Yoga is the path of practice and purification – internal, as well as external. It is therefore an additional Yoga path to the four traditional paths. Regular practice of these exercises requires willpower and discipline and that is why this path is called Hatha Yoga. HA-THA, also means sun and moon. This refers to the union and harmony of the sun and moon principles, which result from the practice of Hatha Yoga. There are six purification techniques that pertain to Hatha Yoga, called Shat Karma Kriyas or Shat Karmas. 1. JALA NETI 2. DHAUTI 3. NAULI 4. BASTI and SHANKA PRAKSHALANA 5. KAPALA BHATI PRANAYAMA 6. TRATAKA Caution: All the techniques which are reviewed here should initially be practiced under the guidance of a Yoga in Daily Life Teacher. Strilky 15/11/2009 Czech Republic

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Benefits Of Salamba Sirasana

Monday, March 8th, 2010
Yoga poses around the world
Image by lululemon athletica via Flickr

Salamba Sirasana is known as the king of asanas. As in any story the king and queen play different role, in the same manner the asanas also play a different role.

The Queen of poses, the shoulder stand helps in the development of the right brain which comprises of stability and patience. Whereas, left brain triggers the brain by pushing through the walls of obscurity towards clear vision.

You cannot master this asana in the first attempt. You have to learn it slowly and steadily without straining your neck and back. The presence of a yoga instructor would be the best thing to start off this asana. After many attempts and by the use of props like the wall you can be a maestro of this asana.

As the blood flows to the brain it improves the circulation of blood and gives a calming effect to your body and helps in relieving stress. In comparison with all the inverted poses this pose also helps in soothing your tense nervous system. The pressure applied on your shoulders and head make them stronger. Your brain receives fresh supply of blood making it more appropriate for better health. Circulation of blood makes you prone to fewer diseases. It helps in removing fatigue from your body to relax you.

The problems and ailments you face with your chest like bronchitis, asthma and breathlessness can get a sense of relief by this asana. Your digestion improves by this asana and stimulation is provided to the pituitary and pineal glands. The headstand helps in strengthening your arms, legs and spine as the entire pressure is put on them. The abdominal organs are toned by this asana which also strengthens your lungs. This asana is very therapeutic if you are suffering from conditions like asthma, infertility, insomnia and sinus.


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Benefits Of Pincha Mayurasana

Monday, March 1st, 2010
Pincha-Mayurasana-Feathered_Peacock_pose_Wiki
Image by monathematrix via Flickr

The meaning of this asana is peacock feather pose. Before displaying the beautiful feathers, the peacock happens to lift its tail upright. This upright pose before dancing is known as Pincha Mayurasana.

This represents the peacock in all its grandeur. The fierceness that is described in the peacock has to be imbibed in our day to day lives.

You can also call it as the elbow stand or the forearm stand pose too. As the entire weight falls on your shoulders, it has tremendous strength to withhold that balance for a specific period of time. As the shoulders are not joined together but kept at a distance distributing your weight on both the shoulders.

Similar to Adho Mukha Svanasana and Adho Mukha Vrksasana this pose also tests the inbuilt fear of falling. This fear factor is very common while doing all these kind of asanas. It is different to Vrksasana as the arms are not bended and in this asana it is bended giving you the extra support.

It may not be an easy asana to do on your own. You can use the wall as a support. The help of a friend or a teacher around would be worth the effort while doing this asana. Even though it may look like a simple asana, but doing it can be a different ball game all together.

This asana is a stress buster. It helps you tremendously to relax due to the position of the asana. The tension that would be residing in shoulder area is easily removed. Every muscle happens to do their bit making you more proactive towards your knowledge of mind and body.

As your chest opens helping your ribs, it also helps the shoulders including your upper arms and upper back. As your rib area and stomach area keeps the body straight they get toned too. Every part of your body is benefited while doing this asana.

The legs and buttocks are also strengthened because of the need, to keep your body in a straight line. This position lets you strengthen your thighs as it has to be kept straight without bending over. Thigh muscles benefit a lot by doing this inverted pose.

In this pose too the blood from the legs rushes down to the head, supplying it with fresh blood, which rejuvenates you as well as refreshes your mind and body to the highest proximity.

While doing any of the yoga asanas please confirm with your yoga teacher or doctor. People with back or any other problems should avoid such asanas.

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Benefits Of Padangusthasana

Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Padangusthasana-Big_Toe_Pose
Image by monathematrix via Flickr

This is one of the basic yoga asanas which we learn initially while learning yoga. All the yoga poses help in improving your flexibility which becomes very useful in our daily life. The asana is also known as head to foot pose.

Your desire to regulate your blood pressure can be done by this asana. The pressure on your head and the stretching of the muscles relaxes your brain, making you work out things more easily and calmly. The stretching and pulling tones your body and relaxes you by making you feel at ease. The bending helps your abdominal organs as it massages the liver and spleen making it useful to the optimum level.

If done properly this asana would benefit not only body but would teach you be calm and patient. It has to be done slowly and not in a haste, if you want to receive its full benefits. The tiring muscles would be elevated and rejuvenated by this pose. The stretching of the muscles helps your hips, thighs, hamstrings, groin and calves. When these muscles are stretched they make your body more agile and fit. It helps to strengthen the other muscles which would help in recuperating your tired body. The less stress you give to your important organs it would work in a better fashion and helping your health.

With the improper diet, many of us suffer from gastric and indigestion problems. As we do not take care of our health and does not even look at the warning signs our body sends to us. This exercise helps in removing the bloating feeling caused by the indigestion and gastric troubles. It stretches most parts of your body like back, spine and legs which also plays a major role at the time of conception. Your knees are strengthened; the pressure helps in reduction of flat foot. Some other benefits are in strengthening your prostrate gland, reduction in blood pressure, helps in removing your backache, less menstrual discomfort is also provided by this asana.

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Trying Yoga for Back Pain? Then pick the RIGHT poses (Part 2)

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

As effective as using Yoga for back pain may be, as indicated in the first installment of this article. It is imperative that the right poses be chosen. Here are the remaining effective poses to choose from.


I went over in detail the use of the shoulder stand sequence as ‘the’ Yoga exercise for back pain in part one of this article. Now let’s go over the rest of the applicable poses shall we.

FORWARD STRETCHES:

Wind Relieving Pose: (Vatayanasan)
Lie down flat. Now take a deep breath and hold it. Now fold your right leg at the knee and press the folded leg against the abdomen. Make sure to keep the alternate leg straight while doing this. Now, switch legs and to conclude this use both legs at the same time.
5-15 Seconds

Plough Pose (Halasana):
Lie flat on your back on your blanket. Keep the hands, palms down near the thighs. Without bending the knees, slowly raise the hips and the lumbar part of the back and bring down the legs till they touch the floor or go as far as you can. The key here is to get as deep a stretch for the lower back as possible.
5-15 Seconds

Forward Bend (Paschimothanasana):
Lie flat on your back on the blanket, with arms overhead on the floor. Keep the legs and thighs firmly on the floor. Stiffen your body. Slowly raise the head and the chest and assume a sitting position. Now exhale till you are able to catch you toes, ankles or heels. You may even bury your face in between your knees.
5-15 Seconds

BACKWARD STRETCHES:

Inclined Plane Pose (Purvottanasana):

Rest on your hands on heels, keeping the body straight.
5-15 Seconds

Bow Pose: (Dhanurasana)

This pose is hailed as the best backward bending exercise. Lie Prone on the blanket. Relax the muscles. Now bend the legs over the thighs. Catch hold of the right ankle with the right hand and the left ankle with the left hand firmly. Raise the head, body and knees by tugging at the legs with the hands so the whole body rests on the abdomen.

Wheel Pose (Chakrasana)

Lie down. Bend the arms and legs. Raise the body and rest on the hands and feet. Tuck your head firmly in between your shoulders.
5-15 Seconds

Spinal Twist: (Ardha Matsendrasana):

-Sit on the floor with both legs out in front of you.
-Bend your right knee, lift your right leg over your left, and place your right foot on the floor next to your left knee.
-Sitting with spine straight, place your left elbow on the right side of your right knee.
-Bend your left arm so that your left fingertips are touching your right hip, while at the same time, twisting to look over your right shoulder.

Since this actually involves a twisting of the back, make sure you go only as far as it is comfortable. As a matter of fact, it is advised that depending on the severity of your case, you only go as far as the poses allow you to at any time.
5-15 Seconds

Corpse Pose (Savasana):

This is the relaxation pose. From experience, after the spinal twist above, if you immediately get into this pose, there is an indescribable feeling of relief from tightness in the back. You ought to try it out for yourself.

-Lay motionless on your back with the arms and legs slightly extended.
-Breathe deeply in counts of 5 that being in a ratio of 5:5:5
(inhalation-retention-exhalation)
-Lay as such for as long as you desire and you could mentally send relaxation messages to your body parts such as “My ….. is hereby relaxed” (filling in the space with whatever body part. Remember to start from the toes working upwards.)

Other factors to keep in mind when I say try ‘yoga for back pain’ are that Yoga involves the consumption of a healthy diet. This brings to mind Hippocrates’ quote: “Let your foods be your medicine…”

That considered, do make sure your diet is primarily made up of the right stuff, raw and cooked fruits and veggies.

This will relieve constipation and this reminds me of a true experience with my father years back. He had suffered a severe back pain for weeks and an alternative health consultant told him to eat a meal of plain fruit on a given night and 2-3 hours afterwards, he was instructed to drink a laxative tea. After a really good bowel movement the next day, the pain magically subsided. That said you may want to try this tip as well.

It is my hope that all these pointers above will come in handy in your use of yoga for back pain relief-with the right poses. So go on and give it a shot today.

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