Yoga Health News
Yoga Health Foundation announces Yoga Month 092008, a global awareness campaign to inspire a healthy lifestyle.
Los Angeles, November 05, 2007 The Yoga Health Foundation, a non-profit organization registered in California, has announced Yoga Month 092008, a grassroots, community-based global campaign to educate people about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle.
Yoga Month is a year-round campaign and will peak September 2008 with millions of health & socially conscious individuals practicing yoga at thousands of yoga studios, parks and homes around the globe.
The 10 City Yoga Month Tour featuring lectures and concerts will visit yoga-passionate cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Austin, Denver and San Diego.
Yoga has been practiced for the last 5,000 years and transformed into one of the most popular and effective methods to balance body mind, stay flexible, fit and healthy and prevent disease – mainly because it works., says Johannes R. Fisslinger, president of the Yoga Health Foundation and initiator of the Yoga Month campaign.
Yoga is attracting North American participants in numbers as high as 20 million. A recent Harris poll revealed that more than 100 million North Americans would like to practice Yoga for its health benefits.
With many Hollywood celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow, Madonna, Russell Simmons, Courtney Cox and Nicholas Cage, Meg Ryan, Ricky Martin practicing yoga and 27 billion spent in yoga-related products even traditional advertisers are paying attention.
The extensive list of current Yoga Month partners include magazines like Fit Yoga, Yoga+ Joyful Living, LA Yoga, Yogi Times, Yoga Journal, Yogamates.com, Whole Life Times, studios like Yogaworks, Exhale, Jiva Mukti, Power Yoga, Dahn Yoga and Bikram Yoga and teachers like Seane Corn, Hala Khouri, Bryan Kest, Nike’s Margo Kellison, Larry Payne, Shiva Rea.
Yoga Month will benefit local community leaders and inspire sustainable healthy lifestyle projects like Yoga for Kids, at-risk-youth, breast health or AIDS prevention.
For more information and for Yoga Studios & Teachers, Community Leaders and Media & Sponsors sign up, please visit www.yogamonth.org.
Find out about the Cost of Poor Health and why Yoga Month 092008 will make a difference in the future of health care.
Yoga For Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic and currently incurable condition in which too much glucose (sugar) is present in the blood.
In a nut shell, the problem with people suffering from diabetes is that they cannot utilize the glucose in their blood. Glucose is a simple sugar and the body cells use this glucose and convert it into energy. A hormone called Insulin is the key which opens the door that lets glucose into the cells so that the cells can use them to make fuel. In Diabetes the hormone Insulin is either produced insufficiently, or the body resists the action of Insulin on cells. So the glucose builds up in the blood, and it goes waste as the glucose cannot reach inside the cells.
Other facts worth knowing:
Our mental stresses also dump glucose in the blood and not just food! (under the influence of stress hormones)
Too much fat, especially in the abdomen will give rise to insulin resistance.
The cells of muscles that are exercising dont need insulin to open up their doors to let glucose in! Their doors are open independent of insulin levels or sensitivity.
Why Yoga for Diabetes?
Stress management:
Regular practice of Asanas, Pranayama (breath regulation), and Meditative techniques have been proven to reduce perception of stress and anxiety. Regular practice of all these will help us better manage our daily stresses by making us better understand ourselves and our relations to others and the outside world. After all, Yoga is a journey of self discovery.
Controlled diet:
Regular practice of Yoga creates a positive shift in our habits by encouraging a healthy reconnection to food and by development of physical empowerment through cultivation of present moment awareness. Yoga also brings about a balance in the bodily processes (nervous and hormonal functions) and in the emotions which lead to an overall reduction in the quantity of food consumed, decreased eating speed and an improvement in food choices. Yoga also makes us feel more connected to and positive about our physical well being.
Thus, with regular practice we will become naturally conscious of the food we consume, and we develop the awareness of whether a particular thing is right to do or not.
Regular exercise to burn the excess glucose:
It is a well known fact that active muscles do not require insulin to utilize glucose. So when our muscles are working, not only is the excess glucose being used up, but also the sensitivity of other cells to insulin increases.
Although we dont want to consider asanas as just exercises, lets face it! A lot of muscles are definitely acting so that we can get into a posture or maintain it. And since the leg muscles are some of the bulkiest muscles of the body, all the leg work done in maintaining asanas like chair posture or warrior postures will definitely use up a lot of glucose. It is also just as well to know that the regular practice of asanas and practices like kapalabati will also revitalize the internal organs by massaging them slightly.
YOGA PRACTICES COMMONLY USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES:
Asanas: Parivritta Trikonasana, Uthkatasana, Veerabhadrasana, Vakrasana, Ushtrassana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana.
Pranayama: Kapalabati, Nadi shodhana, Sitkari, Bhramari.
Shreyas is an exclusive and private boutique Yoga retreat situated about 35 km from the center of Bangalore. In design, aesthetics, service and comfort levels, Shreyas has been compared to some of the more exclusive and luxurious boutique hotels in South East Asia. It is also a member of Relais and Chateaux, a collection of the finest hotels in the world. Yoga classes (Asana, Pranayama, Meditation techniques) at Shreyas are conducted by experienced teachers. A consultant Ayurvedic doctor and a Naturopath will also guide you in your journey towards healthy living. The no alcohol policy, the light vegetarian cuisine, the serene nature, the spiritual music, the chanting and The Special Yoga Packages that we offer are all designed so that you can experience wellbeing at all levels.
[Top]Yoga Teacher Training Courses In Kathmandu Rather Than India
Yoga Teacher Training Courses India
For years thousands of yoga practitioners have travelled to South Asia to practice in Ashrams, develop their yoga at intensive workshops or ultimately become qualified yoga teachers on one of the many Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher training courses India has to offer. More and more companies are launching YA certified yoga courses in Varanasi and other spiritual surroundings around India.
Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training
Becoming a Yoga Alliance certified teacher has its benefits. Other than the great enjoyment and spiritual satisfaction that teaching to others gives you, the other benefit that cannot be ignored is that YA Certification is a recognized qualification that puts you on the right road to finding work as a qualified yoga teacher enabling you to make a living doing the thing that you love most in this world.
Why Teacher Training Courses India?
The traditional practice of mental and physical health which we have come to know as yoga originated from the North of India and what is now known as Nepal. Even though in recent times it has become more and more popular worldwide and is now taught all over the globe it is likely that the majority of all yoga teachers at one time or another traveled to India to practice yoga or get certified as a teacher; and what better place to bring you closer to yoga and some of the best yoga teachers in the world than the land of its origins, but why not Nepal?
Yoga in Nepal
Anyone who has visited a Himalayan ashram or practiced at a retreat with the magnificent Mount Everest as their backdrop will tell you of an enlightening experience that is not to be forgotten. There is something really special about practicing and learning yoga on the Roof of the World, the Himalayas. The historical association that Nepal has with Yoga, being cut off from the hustle and bustle off modern civilization and the beautiful background that the Himalayas gives the region all adds to the unique spiritual atmosphere of Nepal and so more and more companies have chosen to offer yoga teacher training courses in this wonderful country.
Yoga Teacher Training Courses Nepal
There are number of Yoga companies to choose from that offer yoga teacher training courses in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal but when it comes to making the choice of which company to take your teacher training course with how can you be sure that youre choosing the right one? Firstly the tell tale sign of a reputable company is whether they offer Yoga Alliance certified courses or not and if so then well, youre half way there.
Yoga Companies Kathmandu
When it comes to choosing a yoga teacher training course with a reputable yoga company in Nepal you can be reassured that you will get great value for your money. The prices for yoga training courses in Nepal vary from around 600 USD for a 4 week/200 hour course to around 900 USD for 6 week/300 hour courses.
300 Hours Yoga Courses
There are a number of Kathmandu Yoga schools run by reputable companies that offer an amazing 300 hours yoga holistic course including 200 hours of Yoga Alliance certified training, plus 5-6 weeks of complimentary holistic nutrition training. Unmatched by yoga schools in India these 300 hours yoga courses boast up to 50 hours of yoga teacher training, with a selected few also offering a Thai massage course that will get you certified in Thai massage inclusive of your YTTC price.
Yoga Central – Legs Up The Wall Pose
This is the latest article in our yoga central series and today we will be looking at a pose known as Legs up the wall Pose or deep lake pose. We will look at how to properly carry out the pose, the benefits you can get from it and anything that you need to consider before beginning. Please read the entire article before trying the pose.
How to Carry Out the Pose
We have put together instructions on how to carry out the pose correctly however there are also a number of modifications that can be done to make the pose easier as well as deeper. These modifications will be found lower in the article.
1. Begin the pose by placing two folded blankets on top of each other about a foot from a wall. If you dont have any blankets you can use a couple of pillows.
2. Sit sideways on the blankets and swing your legs around so that they are up the wall and lie back over the blankets. You should position yourself so that your sit bones are over the edge of the blanket and your sacrum is fully supported.
3. Ensure your legs are straight and use an eye mask to increase the relaxation. Position your arms straight out from the shoulders and close your eyes.
4. Bring your attention to your breathing, particularly in your stomach and use this pose to bring about a deep feeling of relaxation in your stomach. Allow your stomach to sink into the back body and allow your back to relax completely into the blankets.
5. Remain in this position for 2 to 3 minutes continuing to focus on your breathing. To come out of the pose slide the blankets out from under your back and roll on to your side to come up into a seated position.
Tips and Precautions
If you feel discomfort in your lower back when carrying out this pose, move your body back so that your sit bones are fully supported by the blankets. If you still feel discomfort then remove one blanket.
If you have difficulty straightening your legs then move the blankets further away from the wall until you can straighten your legs. You legs may also get tired doing this pose so you can reduce the difficulty by bending your legs, bringing the soles of your feet together and sliding your legs down the wall. You can do this if your legs get tired part way through or if you have difficulties and discomfort keeping your legs straight.
Benefits and Focus
There are a large number of benefits to this pose and many of them are the same as those experienced with more complicated inverted poses. The main areas of focus are the abdomen and lower back with the aim of bringing about a deep feeling of relaxation. This feeling of relaxation can help with various different conditions including stress, anxiety and insomnia. It can also help with relieving stress and tension in your upper back which can be beneficial for conditions like headaches. This is mainly due to the fact that headaches can be caused by tension in the upper back. This can be a great pose to practise before going to bed and can really encourage a deep a restful nights sleep.
[Top]Types of Yoga and their benefits
Yoga is a holistic therapy originated in India over 5000 years ago. Yoga contributes to physical, mental and spiritual well being. Physical benefits lie in creating a toned, flexible and sturdy body. It facilitate in improving blood circulation and significantly aid to relieve pain. Mental benefits rely on relaxing mind in stressful situations. It encourages positive consideration and focus the intellect. Spiritual benefits depend on creating the awareness of oneself and understanding the interdependence between mind, body and spiritual infinity.
Types of Yoga and their benefits:
Yoga can be classified into Hatha, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, Raja, Tandra, Mandra and Purna. They are discussed in detail below
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha yoga works to achieve balance between body and mind through asanas (postures), breathing techniques and meditation. The postures, followed in Hatha yoga improves flexibility and opens all energy channels. Breath control is believed to control one’s mind in this form of yoga. It is also practical to prevent diseases like diabetes, arthritis and hypertension. The yoga is principally beneficiary for relieving stress, anxiety and depression.
2. Bhakti Yoga:
Bhakti signifies attachment to God. Bhakti Yoga is based on the principle -Love is God and God is Love-. It is one of the oldest forms of yoga which is believed to have its root in the Vedas of Hindu Culture. Nine types of practices are implicated namely Sravana(listening to God’s stories), kirtana (singing God’s praises), smarana(remembering God at all times), padasevena(service to others to reach God), archana(worship of god with images), vandana(self absorption), dasya(meditating and servicing), sakha bhava(delight to be a companion of God) and atma nivedana(self surrender to God). Bhakti Yoga helps the devotee to attain the highest level of spiritual achievement.
3. Karma Yoga:
Karma means deed or action. Karma Yoga insists a person to be ego free and selfless. One develops maturity to service others and carry out God’s commandments happily. It encourages a hopeless man and puts him to think and speak right. The yoga involves remembering God in all activities and service for humankind. It teaches how to work unselfishly and enjoy peace still in suffering. 4. Jnana Yoga:
It is the yoga that leads to path of wisdom. The second part of Bhagavad Gita called Jnana Yoga is taught to the practitioner. The four components of Jnana Yoga are Viveka (ability to differentiate real and unreal), vairagiya (detachment to purify mind and improve one’s concentration), shad samphat which itself involves six virtues and mumukshutva (liberation). The yoga is purely based on the preaching’s of Vedic literature and helps in attaining knowledge. 5. Raja Yoga or Astangha Yoga:
This branch of yoga aims in synchronizing the breath by following a progressive chain of postures. The word Astanga means -Eight Limbed Yoga-. It engross eight spiritual practices namely yama(moral codes), niyama(self study), asana(postures), prnayama(breath control), pratyahara(sense control), dharana(concentration), dhyana(meditation) and Samadhi(dissolve into universe). Through Astanga Yoga, Blood circulation increases throughout the body which relieves from joint pain, removes toxins and diseases from internal organs. It makes the body light, strong and healthy.
6. Tantra or Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a meditative practice for promoting mental and spiritual wellness. It is an unusual form of yoga based on the fact that energy coiled on the base of the spine like a serpent can be tapped to flow from spine to brain and viz., and bring positive effect for the practitioner. It involves postures, breathing exercises and utterance of mantras. Unlike other yoga, Kundalini helps to develop strengthened nervous system.
7. Mantra Yoga:
In Mantra yoga, one needs to utter words called as Mantras. The rhythmic repetitions of mantras or syllable develop concentration leading to union of mind with the universe. It makes to focus on a single thought and creates vibrating power by certain pitches and pronunciation concealed in the mantras.
8. Purna or Integral Yoga:
Purna yoga leads to wisdom and union of body and mind with spirit. It involves meditation, Asana (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), applied philosophy and change in lifestyle. Meditation comprises of moment to moment techniques which could make you to listen to your heart. Besides postures and meditation, Purna yoga teaches one to follow a good nutritional diet and also protect from environmental toxins to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Yoga gained significant importance worldwide and nowadays in the faster world, it is a remedy to relieve from stress. Apart from the above discussed yoga, there also exists a unique yoga called laughter yoga introduced in the year 1995 in which people laugh with no reason without depending on jokes or humor. It is based on the scientific fact that the body gets both physiological and psychological benefits. To conclude, Yoga is a tool to repair and recondition your life. Only in Yoga, one could attain the awareness of life and the universe. It is pure and truly a spiritual practice that makes a person to think and act globally.
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