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Entries from November 2007

Yoga…Scientifically Proven for a Centred Life

November 30th, 2007 · No Comments

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yogabalance1.jpgI love yoga. The way it makes me feel is so amazing I sometimes can’t believe it. There is a reason why so many people, from yogis to celebrities to your average Joe are raving about this form of physical and mental exercise.

While experiencing the benefits of yoga first hand is enough of a reason to make this practice part of my routine, a recent scientific study has further validated the benefits that have been talked about for centuries.

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The Marvels of Meditation

November 27th, 2007 · No Comments

yoga-meditation.jpgWhen non-yogis hear the word “yoga,” they usually think of slow, deep breathing, stretching and odd-looking postures that resemble pretzels. Even many semi-yogis often forget about the meditative aspects of this activity. When in a class, the instructor will usually end the session with a short meditation, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. I guarantee you that the instructor meditates much more often than just those 10 minutes at the close of class, and he/she expects the passionate students to do the same.

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Hand Yoga For Stressed Mums

November 27th, 2007 · No Comments

Yoga HandLife is peaceful one moment and then with little warning the harmony is broken into one million little pieces. You go from being in the zone, I’m such a clever got it all together mum into having a frantic mind and stressed body.

Enter the very useful and very de-stressing yoga in your hand postures. Known to all the “in crowd” as mudra’s.

Mudras are hand postures that when held for as little as three minutes can encourage the flow of specific energy channels in your body. They are very subtle and allow the body when given the chance to re-balance itself.

No flash outfits, groovy eco-friendly yoga mats or super flexible bodies needed here.

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Benefits of Yoga in Chairs

November 24th, 2007 · No Comments

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Yoga has traveled across geographical boundaries and over the mighty Atlantic all the way from India and is being considered as one of the best therapies for fighting physical and mental conditions. Yoga in chairs or chair yoga is just another simplified posture that will allow you to practice this art while sitting on a chair. This is good news for those who are working overtime!

The origination of yoga can be traced back to India where it is still considered as the only effective method of spiritual awakening. Yoga can be practiced through various postures also known as asanas in Sanskrit. Some of the most influential and important yoga practices include the Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Some of these yogas can be practiced on chairs and hence are also known as chair yoga.

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Bikram: Hot Yoga

November 16th, 2007 · No Comments

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Yoga is a great way to both exercise and calm the body. This spiritual practice from India can do a lot for the person if done properly.

There are many forms of yoga. The one that is known where the partipants have to do this in a hot climate up to a temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit is known as Bikram Yoga. This form was developed by Mr. Bikram Choudhury together with the help of people from the University of Tokyo Hospital after a weightlifting accident.

Bikram yoga serves two purposes. The first is for healing purposes and the other is for physical therapy.

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Victorious Yoga Breath

November 16th, 2007 · No Comments

WavesOne of the reasons that I have been drawn to Ashtanga yoga is that I love the Ujjayi breathing. Translated as victorious, the breath is inhaled and exhaled through the nose. The throat is constricted to create resistance to the passage of air, which results in a rushing sound similar to ocean waves rolling in and out, (although to be honest, some of the sounds coming from my classmates sound like there has been a pretty serious storm at sea.)

The length and speed of the breath are controlled by the diaphragm, which is strengthened through the Ujjayi breathing. While there is resistance to the air, the breathing should not be forced grated. The breath is long and smooth.

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Stretching away those MS blues

November 14th, 2007 · 1 Comment

About a year and a half ago, after experiencing some bizarre symptoms, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Up until this point, I had no clue what MS was, what it did or how it really affected those afflicted by it. After hours of research, I started to understand my new condition and learn the limits it would place on my life. As of today, it limits my life very little; however, one area that had to completely change was my ability, rather inability, to deal with stress. When I first realized stress had an extremely adverse effect on those suffering from MS, I considered myself as good as dead. I have always been a stress case and unable to remain cool and calm under pressure. In 7th grade, I spent the better part of a week throwing up and doubling over with intense stomach pain. After a few days, and fearing appendacitis, my mom took me to our GP. After running a few tests and talking to me, my doctor concluded that my condition was brought on by stress, induced by exams. Now seriously, what normal 7th grader stresses themselves into a fit over exams?

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The Highs and Lows of the Yoga Wheel

November 14th, 2007 · 2 Comments

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The full yoga backward bend, also known as The Wheel, is meant to energize, refresh and invigorate the body. It opens the chest and encourages deep inhalation. This dynamic yoga posture builds energy and strength, especially in the wrists, arms, legs, buttocks and spine. It also stretches the front of the body.

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Yoga mats: finding one that will break your fall, but not your bank

November 11th, 2007 · No Comments

yoga-mat.jpgAs far as hobbies go, it is no secret that yoga is a pretty low-maintenance activity. At the most basic level, a membership to a gym or yoga studio should cover the required tools. If you are striving to become a true yogi, however, but still want to pamper the bank account, you can limit the essentials to one item, a comfortable and supportive yoga mat. As a novice, this purchase can be a daunting task. The yoga mat market is chalked full of dozens of styles, varying in texture, grip, thickness and so on.

I am a true believer in researching a product prior to swiping my credit card. Your yoga mat will become your best friend each time you enter class. You will sit, stand and recline on it. In no time, you will begin to rely on it for support and look to it for comfort when the going gets tough. In other words, it’s a purchase that should not be made haphazardly or without some degree of thought and consideration.

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Pregnancy and Yoga - Should You or Shouldn’t You?

November 6th, 2007 · No Comments

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pregnancy-and-yoga.jpgIf you have been practicing yoga, you can still be able to use these exercises - with care. Yoga is good for both mother and baby, though there has been opposing sides to the question.

Even if you weren’t doing yoga before your pregnancy, you can still begin the exercises. However, you will need to be certain that you are doing the poses correctly. There are also some poses that you will need to avoid. Ask your obstetrician if you aren’t sure about the affects of a certain pose.

Yoga benefits you by keeping you calm and serene. You learn to control your breathing and use breathing to help you relax. This is very beneficial to helping you through the childbirth process. Some mothers don’t even need pain medication because they’ve really mastered their breathing and relaxation.

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