Salamba Sirasana

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.

Benefits And Importance Of Ashtanga Namaskar - Part II

As we must have learnt that this is a very elaborate pose and one article would not be able to suffice the integral issues it happens to help us deal with. The 12 poses of Ashtanga Namaskar is very crucial as each and every asana has to be done in a very specific manner which helps to create its usefulness to your body

These are the six pose we will try to know about

1. Pranamasana (prayer pose)
Normal Breathing - Om Mitraaya Namaha

Benefits: Many of your waist and skin problems would be rectified by doing this asana as it adds passion and vigor to your pose which also helps your legs. Mind achieves control due to the standing pose. It helps in developing distinct personality due to the meditation techniques. Calmness surrounds you which will grant you that level of balance within yourself.

2. Hasta Uttanasana (Arch your back)
Inhale-Om Ravaye Namaha

Benefits: This Arch back position helps in your digestion due to the toning of the abdominal organs. In the abdominal organs it tones the lungs as well as the spinal nerves. This is very good for people who are overweight as it helps in reducing that excess baggage you happen to carry everyday.

3. Pada Hastasana (Toe touch)
Exhale - Om Suryaaya Namaha

Benefits: If you are suffering from any abdominal problems this is one of the best ways to escape from it. It is a very simple solution to such a problem. It also helps you to remain flexible as it helps to tone your body because it makes your spine supple helping your back get toned properly too. Any problems with your feet and fingers are also corrected.

4. Ashwa-sanchalan-asan - (Horse pose)
Inhale -Om Bhaanve Namaha

Benefits: The process of this pose helps in stretching each and every muscle of your body which helps in the proper functioning of your body. Problems like constipation can also be resolved. As there is stretch on the neck muscles it helps with your thyroid glands.

5. Parvatasana - (Downward facing dog pose or Mountain pose)
Exhale -Om khagaaya Namaha

Benefits: This asana helps in creating a strong set of arms and shoulders. The muscles are also strengthened which in return tones the spinal nerves for a flexible back. In the modern times you will find more and more obese people interested in learning yoga. This asana is good to reduce your bulging waist line, which tends to be the main problem for many.

6. Ashtanga Namaskar - (Push-up pose)
Hold breath -Om Pooshney Namaha

Benefits: This pose is known as the salute to the sun with eight parts of your body. Your hands, legs, chest and feet work in synchronization to provide the actual benefit for your body. It helps in developing your chest muscles as it is also known as the push-up pose.

Benefits And Importance Of Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana is known as the snake or cobras pose because it reflects the look of a raised hood. As you raise your head along with your chest it represents a snake hood. The rest of the body lies down representing the body of the snake. This asana can be one of the best asanas for your back as well as your spine.

Inhaling and exhaling plays a very important part in this or any other asanas. Bending and stretching of your back may differ between individuals. As some has their youth to help whereas some manage even without that. It all depends on how flexible your body is and how much can you bend, to make the utmost use from your asana.

It has been said that, as long as your back is flexible you still have a long way to go. Every muscle of your body is pulled and stretched which gives the elasticity and suppleness to your backbone. With the passing of age our back starts throwing tantrums and becomes very stiff against our wishes. Before any such thing happens tone your body and other parts of your body by doing this asana.

By stretching, it tones the spinal column which reflects your back and with the extra pull entire abdominal muscles get toned too. Torpid muscles like uterine muscles and ovaries get toned too while doing this asana. It is one of the best asana which serves as a medicine for wet-dreams and leucorrhoea. It also helps in developing your chest as well as firming the bust due to the raising hood position.

This position helps in creating the necessary pressure to the adrenal glands which provides rich supply of blood for the entire body. Liver and other organs next to it also benefits from this asana. Problems of irregular menstrual cycles can be solved with this asana. The pressure applied on your stomach and muscles helps in relieving you from constipation problems. Acute gas troubles are also resolved if the asana is done on a regular basis. People suffering from slip disc problem gain due to the stretching of spinal column giving it a proper toning. Your backache problems may just leave you forever if you do this continuously.

Beginners’ Yoga Video Offers Good Instruction

Trying to find well-produced fitness videos that are truly suitable for beginners can be a daunting challenge.

Most tapes these days aim at intermediate exercisers, the ones who know a grapevine from a box step and a lateral raise from a biceps curl. These tapes may offer a few easier moves here and there, but the instruction clearly is geared to people who already know what to do.

The few tapes that are marketed for beginners often are unspeakably repetitive, as if flabby muscles always mean a flabby brain. And too often, they provide no way to add extra challenge or difficulty to the routine, as if beginning exercisers are going to remain beginners forever.

It's nice, then, to discover Yoga Zone: Flexibility and Tone, a beginners' tape that offers the depth of instruction and easy pace that true beginners need.

The instructor here is Alan Finger, a genial-looking middle-aged man who wears a polo shirt, rolled-up cotton pants and a chin-length bob. His physique is not the standard chiseled form of exercise videos; he looks as if he might carry a few extra pounds around the middle.

But he has a lovely voice (with a hint of a brogue) and a calm manner, two essentials for a yoga tape, where relaxation is key.

And he has a true gift for instruction, combining the nuts-and-bolts details of positioning with what it feels like to stretch and balance.

When he describes how the muscles of the feet ought to rotate through to the little toe, you'll know -- and be able to feel -- just what he's talking about.

But each move contains so many of these instructions that it can be a little overwhelming to try to master all of them at once.

If you have tried yoga before, you'll recognize some of them -- the down-on-all-fours stretch called the cat, the inverted V that forms the down dog, and the corpse, which requires little more than lying flat on one's back, completely relaxed.

In another nod to beginners, Finger also provides true modifications and tips for those who may not be as flexible as they'd like.

Finger shows how a folded blanket can be placed under the knees or for better support while performing seated postures. A folded towel also is used for several poses, although Finger doesn't announce that in advance.

The 50-minute session ends with stretching and relaxation, set to gentle New Age music that might lull you to sleep.

Ashtanta Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a method of yoga that is taught in

India by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga

involves the synchronization of breathing with a

progressive series of postures.

This is a process that produces a kind of intense

internal heat as well as a drenching, purifying sweat

that is supposed to detoxify the muscles and organs of

the body. The result is a light and strong body,

improved circulation and a calm mind.

Ashtanga Yoga Background

Ashtanga Yoga is a method of yoga that was recorded by

Vamana Rishi in an ancient manuscript call the Yoga

Korunta. This article was said to contain lists of a

variety of groupings of asanas and highly original

teachings on the subjects of vinyasa, bandhas,

drishti, mudras and philosophy.

The text of this article was handed down to Sri T.

Krishnamacharya by his teacher Rama Mohan Brahmachari

in the early 1900’s. It later came into the possession

of Pattabhi Jois when he studied with Krishnamacharya

beginning in 1927. Jois has been teaching this type of

yoga since 1948 from his yoga shala.

The literal meaning of Ashtanga Yoga is "eight-limbed"

yoga as put forth by sage Patanjali. According to him,

the path of internal cleansing in order to reveal the

universal self is based on the following eight

spiritual practices:

* Yama which are moral codes

* Niyama which is based on study and self-purification

* Asana or posture

* Pranayama which is controlled breathing

* Pratyahara which is sense control

* Dharana which is concentration

* Dhyana which is meditation and

* Samadhi which is contemplation

Benefits And Importance Of Ashtanga Namaskar - Part III

We have known the importance and benefits of the first six Ashtanga Namaskar Poses. We will conclude the Ashtanga Namaskar Yoga Asana series with the remaining six asanas.

7. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
Inhale - Om Hiranayagarbhaaya Namah

Benefits: This asana is very useful to keep your back in the fittest position. The spinal region becomes strong and very agile. This asana helps in creating a healthy circulation for your back. It tones your body as well as the spinal nerves. Your digestion is improved. It tones your liver as well as massages the kidneys. The male and female reproductive system improves. Irregular menstrual cycle problems are rectified too. With the increasing blood circulation your face gives a radiant look.

8. Parvatasana
Exhale - Om Mareechibhyoh Namaha

Benefits: This asana is the same asana you do in the No.5 position i.e Parvatasana. Like a mountain it helps in strengthening your arms and shoulders. Your back gets toned due to the elongation of the spine. This is a very good asana for people with bulging bellies as well as increasing waist-line. Any problem with the abdomen is also improved.

9. Ashwa-sanchalan-asana
Inhale -Om Adityaaya Namaha

This asana is the same asana you do in the No.4 position i.e Ashwa-sanchalan-asana. This pose is very useful for massaging your internal organs for better functionality. Your leg muscles are strengthened creating a proper balance. It affects your mind too as it helps it to remain calm and stable. Throat problems can be erased by regular exercise.

10. Pada Hastana
Exhale - Om Savitre Namaha

Benefits: This asana is the same asana you do in the No.3 position i.e Pada Hastana . Having problems with your feet or finger? This asana helps you correct it quickly. Your stomach and your digestive system are free from any complication. The bending of your torso helps your chest to broaden. Arms and hands become stronger too.

11. Hasta Uttanasana
Inhale - Om Arkaaya Namaha

Benefits: This asana is the same asana you do in the No.2 position i.e Hasta Uttanasana. The lifting and stretching of the arms helps the muscles in your arms. Your shoulder becomes strong and flexible. Your digestion improves as it tones the lungs while stretching. It is a good remedy to remove excess weight. This improves your vision tremendously.

12. Pranamasana
Exhale - Om Bhaaskaraaya Namah

Benefits: This asana is the same asana you do in the No.1 position i.e Pranamasana. This position clams your nerves as it eases your body and lets you have a sense of balance.

Ashtanga Namaskar asana ends with the same asana as we had started with i.e Pranamasana.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while attempting to perform any of the asanas. If you are suffering from any health problems consult your doctor and your yoga instructor before trying the asanas. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana

Vrksasana is a tree pose which means you are standing with your hand raised towards the sky. Adho Mukha Vrksasana can be termed as a tilted tree pose where in your hands are supporting the entire body weight. This asana when done by beginners has to be done very carefully as balancing yourself on your hand cannot be that easy.

To make it easier it would be better for you to take support of a wall, helping you to overcome your fear of falling while doing this asana. There are many benefits for doing this asana as this helps in strengthening every part of your body helping you to create a more stable and calm body. Your shoulders and arms get stretched and in that process all the bones in your body also gets a good massage. Practicing this asana along with some teacher or friend would help you to do this asana without much hassle.

Even though this asana is very difficult but once you master it, the benefits you reap from this asana would be of great help. It can help each and every part of your body making them fit and fine for a better and healthier life. While doing this asana in the beginning you can use a padding which would support your handstand. Your hands won't feel the direct coldness from the floor and would help in doing the asana properly. This stabilizes your pose and avoids the strain.

You can also change your hand position to improve your handstand. You can keep your hands either outward which will also be a key ingredient to help you. Use of props and by modifying this asana you can get full benefits without creating too much strain on yourself.

There is fresh supply of blood due to this tilted pose. It stretched your arms, muscles, shoulder and wrists making it more flexible and agile. This asana tests your strength and also at the same time helps in increasing your stamina. This balancing act helps you remain calm and cool due to the stability it provides. A sense of balance is achieved in your mind as well as your soul. There is a calming effect overall in your mind which helps the brain to relax.

You should take extra care of your back and shoulders while doing this asana. There are chances of neck injury and other problems if it is not done properly. Your spine, lungs and pituitary glands are also benefited in this process. With the straight back your spine also gets straightened which helps immensely in the long run.

Ardha Kurmasana - Half Tortoise Pose

Ardha Kurmasana is also known as Half Tortoise Yoga Asana. Due to its resemblance to a tortoise it is known as the tortoise pose. This yoga asana can prove to be very beneficial to your body in every possible way. By performing this asana regularly and properly our bodies can be rejuvenated. The organs get stretched to its maximum with every movement of this asana.

The shoulder movement gets improved and so does the muscles in the corresponding areas. The abdominal muscles gets toned and become more flexible. The asana stretches the lower part of the lungs which is good for your breathing. It also increases the lung capacity which proves to be crucial if you have breathing problems like asthma. The pressure put on your neck and head improves migraine problems. It can be stated as a stress buster due to its stress relieving capacity.

Stomach related problems are solved too. If you suffer from indigestion or constipation this asana helps to improve it greatly. The digestive system is up and running with the help of the asana. Fresh supply of blood is provided to each and every organ for a smooth flowing bodily system. It relaxes the brain by the fresh supply of blood. Many of your sleeping problems are addressed by performing this asana. It is a good cure for insomnia.

Backache problems can termed as a thing of past. Ardha Kurmasana stretches the spine which relieves you from any backache or spine problems. Due to the level of blood circulation, your heart remains fit and fine. The bending and stretching increases the level of flexibility of your arms and hips. Toning gives great shape to your body which keeps you positive and healthy.

The internal organs are massaged very well to bring the extra zest needed for your body. It serves as a great remedy for anemic as well as diabetic patients. The pressure on the thigh and legs makes it strong and sturdy. It also tones the thigh muscles due to the position in which the asana is done. The spine is elongated by the stretch provided during the asana. It is a benefit in disguise, as it cures many ailments.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Chair Yoga – Part 4

Chair Yoga can easily work in harmony with most physical rehabilitation prescriptions. Many physical therapists have knowledge of Yoga or are teachers of Yoga. Many doctors, physical therapists, and medical professionals recommend Yoga to patients who are making a “come back.”

Yoga gives these patients the strength to move ahead, when many would be discouraged. The comebacks that I have personally witnessed are inspiring to me as a Yoga teacher. Over time, I have seen come backs from strokes, heart attacks, and car accidents.

It touches me that they thanked me for teaching them Yoga or Chair Yoga.
The courage to go on came from within their minds, but Yoga became a significant part of their lives. As a Yoga teacher the inspiration was mutual and made me feel helpful. After all, being of help, and being appreciated, are prime motivations for teachers of any subject.

Muscle tone is a result of stretching and flexing any muscle group. Active muscles display themselves on anybody that chooses to use them. This is also a good way to relieve oneself of anxiety, stress, tension, and prevent depression. Like the other benefits, previously mentioned, this results in whole body health. A healthy body does, indeed, compliment a healthy mind.

For those clients who are confined to a chair, it is wise to include some form of a weight bearing, or weight resistance, exercise program. For those who can stand, Chair Yoga is another weight bearing exercise that will stimulate bone building.

With progressive weight resistance, you use free weights or machines, but with Yoga you bear your own body weight. The end result of these exercise programs would be increased bone density and prevention of Osteoporosis.
Seniors spend more time alone, than any other age group. Sometimes, we all need a little solitude, but too much solitude can lead to depression, in some of us. Living life like a monk is not for everyone.

Chair Yoga classes offer a social activity that helps to stimulate the mind and body in a positive way. This becomes an uplifting activity that participants look forward to. Regular attendance, and socializing in Chair Yoga classes, is a healthy activity that leads to building strong relationships.

It also exposes seniors to the many activities that are going on within the community center. Participants of chair Yoga classes are exposed to whole health and gain a nutritional education as a member of a senior, community, or wellness center.

Lastly, all participants in Chair Yoga classes learn to relax and quiet the mind, through breath awareness, meditation, stage-by-stage relaxation, a combination, or another method. The end result being that these Yoga students can control their minds, focus on the good things in life, and prevent depression.

Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana

This asana is also known as the Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose. This asana similar to its name stretching your legs and arms. It is one of those enduring asanas that helps your heart and other parts of your body. Stretching is always good for your body. It helps in creating the right balance for your body. Doing this asana is a step forward towards better health. It helps in creating unison between the mind and soul. By doing this pose your heart rate becomes normal. This asana is very useful for most parts of your body. It may be difficult at first. This hitch can be defeated by doing this asana regularly.

A stiff body becomes very flexible by doing this asana. It helps in improving your basic movements. There is fresh supply of blood to the brain which helps it to stimulate the brain for better functioning. The posture helps in toning your abdominal organs which helps to create a flexible body. A flexible body helps you do this posture in a much better manner. If done properly the benefits you reap will remain with you life long.

It is very important that you keep your legs straight while doing this asana. The inhaling and exhaling at the right time also creates a favorable impact on your body. It is very good for clearing your mind to get you out of depression. Many of the ailments related to stomach can be bid adieu. It helps in relieving constipation, indigestion and acidity. It compresses the pancreas which helps in maintaining your diabetes level. The asana helps in reverting your age as your face glows by doing this asana.

Sciatica is also prevented as it helps in building and strengthening of the nerves. The sciatic nerves are stretched helping you to recover faster. Your legs are stretched which helps them to get into the proper shape. The legs become much stronger after doing this asana. If you are having weight problems it can help in creating a proper waist line. A good massage is provided to your kidneys, digestive and reproductive system. It is very good for avoiding brain problems such as aneurysms and tumors. It is very good for your back too.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Yoga - The Christian Viewpoint

The benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and unification of the spirit with the body. It is accomplished through the use of many different aspects, but mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.

This raises many question in the Christian community. In my research for this article, I was very surprised at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have hesitated on writing this article because of that viewpoint. However, I feel that this question and the stance of the Christian community warrants reflection on the subject.

Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. Little is really known about Yoga. it is believed to have originated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has grown out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early period of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a community resource, because of its attempts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own salvation and enlightenment.

Archaeological evidence of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It depicted figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of approximately 3000 B.C. Of greater import, it also linked yoga to the great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern and efficient.

From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest recorded history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual plane. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to explain the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest. This led to the beginning of India's medical tradition, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a way of life.

The Christian viewpoint is thus - if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, and that opening one's mind and spirit to the benefit of yoga is both dangerous and against everything Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one cannot separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of the health benefit of yoga.

As a practicing Buddhist, I take issue with this viewpoint. To me, this smacks of tunnel vision and narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A thinking person would find this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be avoided because opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that one must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is exactly that - whether it is to look into one's self, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to demonic possession if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we safely open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes this decision when we do so that determines what path we are to follow? I think not...

For the record, I was raised in a Christian household. My father was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming community where we lived. My mother, who taught us children to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her dying day, she resented my father for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of choice, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and questioning everything in this universe.

I believe that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It provides us with great health benefits, clearer vision, and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other people's throats. To live in harmony is exactly that...

To find out more about the benefit of yoga, visit my website at http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com.

7 Important Tips for Yoga Success

Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.

1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Show your doctor pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations.
2. Find a yoga class that best fits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether of not you can handle a program before you sign up. It’s very important to take it one step at a time. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigerous classes. Don’t move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.

3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don't want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don’t allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.

4. If you can’t find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommenations.

5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy. It’s nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It’s also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don’t let yourself get too hungry to think. You won't be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it's time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.

Pincha Mayurasana

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.

Chair Yoga – Part 2

We have all heard the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Those words are extremely profound, when thinking about correcting poor posture and alignment. It takes years to create poor alignment.

Therefore, poor posture cannot be corrected in a single day. A more appropriate saying, when thinking about posture and alignment might be, “The leaning tower of Pisa cannot become straight in a week.”

However, improvements to posture can be made through Chair Yoga exercises and through daily “posture awareness.” In my classes, I refer to posture awareness as “homework.” It usually draws a chuckle from students, but they also know that class time is the time to learn and practice Chair Yoga together.

Time away from the Yoga class is when you put the principles you have learned, in motion, and adapt them into your lifestyle. I cannot promise Chair
Yoga is a “cure all,” but you will see improvements in every aspect of your life. However, practicing your homework separates the fantastic success stories from those who see some modest improvement.

So, what is posture awareness? This is taking the time to be aware of your posture, on a daily basis. The first thing you want to do in order to open your awareness is look at your side profile in a mirror and any photographs of yourself. At this point, look at your spine from top to bottom.

Do you see slumping, forward tilting of the neck, or extra large curves? Your spine should be aligned so that it is fairly straight at all times. During a number of daily activities such as: Standing, walking, reading, eating, sitting, lying, typing, and more, you should make a conscious effort, to keep your head and back straight.

Now, we can all remember a schoolteacher who preached, “Keep your back straight,” but now we know that he or she was absolutely correct. Take the time to adjust your spinal alignment, from this moment on, and every time you can remember to do so.

If possible, you should also attend any workshops about Chiropractic and
Orthopedic medicine. Educate yourself about your body, your spine, and your choices. You can usually find these workshops and many more valuable meetings at your local senior center. These workshops are usually free, you are under no obligation, and it makes for a good “Fact finding mission.”

The alignment and posture principles, you learn in a Chair Yoga class, can be as simple as, “Pain or no pain.”

Alternate Your Strength Training Workout With Some Yoga

Many who think of strength training equipment think of the massive muscles that many bodybuilders get and consequently show off in competitions. This can be a plus or a drawback for many consumers. The average consumer likes to be able to say feel good about themselves when they go swimming, but many are concerned about building too much muscle and suffering from stereotypical viewpoints. This needn’t be a worry for anyone considering strength training equipment.

The average body builder works out a lot in order to get the muscles they are famous for, plus they have to be on a very strict regimen with lots of protein and little or no fat. It would take you a lot of effort to become as built as the average bodybuilder. Many consumers can use simple free weights in order to maintain the muscle mass that they have or to add a little muscle strength. Some use strength training equipment to add a little tone or shape to certain areas of the body.

If you use them properly and alternate your strength training workout with some yoga or stretching exercises there is little risk of you bulking up too much. Many find that they enjoy the challenge of working out with strength training equipment. You can gradually increase the weight as you work out over a period of time and after your workout you really will feel the ‘burn’ in your muscles.

Though you should be careful of using too much weight at once. Its easy to sprain a muscle and hurt yourself, putting you out of commission for a few days or more. A good rule of thumb is that if you think you can start out with a certain weight begin about five or even ten pounds lighter and after a few repetitions move up to the next weight level. You can check out strength training equipment reviews online for an idea of what others are doing.

Benefits Of Performing - Standing Head To Knee Yoga Pose

Dandayamana Janushirasana is also known as Standing Head to Knee Pose. The core need for this asana is to maintain balance. With the sense of balance you tend to be a determined person from within. Your level of patience is also kept in check by doing this asana. It is a mind and body unison which creates greater impact. A state of balance is brought in your life. A cool and calm mind is always valuable for a quick decision and Dandayamana Janushirasana lets you do that. Calmness prevails when nervousness try to take over your mind. It makes you a positive and forthcoming individual. A need to learn and achieve is required to make it an attainable asana.

Degree of agility and flexibility increases by regularly performing the asana. The digestive and reproductive systems are at a full go due to the massaging done during the asana. It clears many of your stomach and digestion related problems. With a strong reproductive system your sexual life can take a turn, for good. Pancreas function better by steady execution of this asana. Thus, maintains the sugar levels and brings a breath of fresh air to all diabetic patients. You remember things better as it enhances your memory. Blood circulation improves the functioning of your body.

The flexibility improves the sciatic nerve. Acidity and flatulence problem can be coped very easily by regular and correct execution of the asana. It strengthens your limbs and your hands which are a great support system of your body. Every muscle of your body gets stretched to its maximum. If you are facing problems with thigh muscles, this asana would provide maximum relief. It tightens the abdominal muscles resulting in toning of your abdomen. It strengthens your back muscles which gives you a steady posture. Your biceps and triceps get toned due to the strengthening of the muscles. Due to the toning of the abdominal and thigh muscles your body achieves firmness. The sagging muscle tissue no longer exists. Massaging of internal organs creates a good exterior which is reflected on your body. A regular performance of this asana would bring lot of improvement in your life.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Basic Sitting Postures with Benefits

JANU SIRSASANA: Correct foot placement

Sit up straight with legs evenly extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This position will be difficult at first; don't force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually the knee will move farther back. Just keep the foot correctly positioned.

JANU SIRSASANA: Correct, perfect posture

Having positioned the foot and knee correctly, stretch the left leg out, keeping the leg firmly on the mat. Settle the heel firmly and stretch the toes up. (The heel should pull gently away from the ankle.) Now inhale and bend forward over the straight leg, catching the foot with both hands if possible. Beginners should bend only as far as they can without rounding the back. When this posture is done correctly and completely, the body will roll forward over the extended leg, absolutely flat from the tail bone to the head. Stay there breathing normally for as long as you can. Inhale, release the handhold, come up smoothly, straighten the bent leg and relax. Repeat on other side.

JANU SIRSASANA: Wrong posture

The heel is not positioned against its own thigh. The knee has not been pushed back as far as possible to form an obtuse angle. The back is humped and curved because the pelvis is jammed and unable to lift properly. Instead of a smooth, complete stretching of the spine, the lumbar is over-stretched and the rest of the spine constricted. The left leg is not flat on the floor.

TRIANG MUKHAIPADA PASCHIMOTTANASANA: Sitting, forward-bending pose over one leg

This posture generally follows the previous one. Sit with your legs stretched in front. Bend the right leg so that the right foot is near the right hip. The toes should point back. The right calf presses against the right thigh. The body will tilt in this position so put a small folded towel under the left buttock to keep the hips level and the forward stretch even and extended. Hold the left foot with both hands, inhale and bend forward, keeping both knees together as you stretch forward over the straight leg. Many students will find it difficult in this position to even take hold of the foot of the outstretched leg. Do not despair. Just hold the knee, shin or ankle, and sit, breathing deeply, in whichever position represents your best extension. If the back is tight and the spine inflexible, this will take time. Release the hold and straighten the bent leg. Repeat on the other side.

Trikanasana

Trikanasana is also known as the Triangle Pose. As and when you look at the asana you can easily notice why this name has been given to this asana. It works out every muscle of your body from the arms to the legs. It is a great way to shed some of the excess weight you have been carrying all along.

This asana helps all those have been struggling with weight problem. If you are looking for a good figure and a curved waist line, this is the pose to do. It helps in curing rheumatism and lumbago, a problem with your lower spine region. It is a good asana to make your shoulders and arms more flexible. A stiff body can achieve a state of flexibility by doing this asana. It has direct impact on your muscles as you start doing it.

Your neck and arms get stretched. The stretching of the neck and shoulder muscles helps you recover from spondylitis problems. Spondylitis can be termed as one of the commonest problems faced by many, due to the long hours of sitting in front of the computer.

The monthly cycle comes at the right time as well as with lesser pain. Any other problem with the menstrual cycle is corrected, benefiting you thoroughly. The upper body is very well toned too. Due to the continuous stretching it helps your body to become a reservoir of good health. Problems with your heart are rectified helping it to function in a better manner.

It massages and strengthens the thyroid glands, kidneys and the adrenal glands to function in a better manner. It reduces the production of the cortisol, a stress hormone, helping you to be less stressed. The hormone level is very well regulated preventing many of the problems.

While doing this exercise, your legs and buttocks are strengthened as well as toned. Blood pressure problems are also rectified. If you are suffering from digestion or constipation problem this is the best thing to help you out. Condition of the appendicitis is also corrected by doing this exercise regularly.

The muscles of your abdomen and the hip joints become more flexible. The reproductive system functions better with the intensity of this pose. It helps in creating a proper immune balance to help you fight diseases.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Padangusthasana

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.