The Fourfold Yoga: 2008

- By: Noel Swanson, 2008-07-29

Many of us today are under stress all the time, but we still need to stay in control. If this continues, we often respond to stress with bad eating habits, production of more stress hormones, and by manifesting cardiac risk factors. Nevertheless, there is a way to limit these risk factors and even turn them around without resorting to medication. All it takes is the development of some new habits that will work in partnership with your usual diet and exercise program.

Yoga is one of these; it can help you relearn the state of peace and harmony that you want your mind and body to be in. It will help you relax.

Yoga is one of the most prominent forms of meditative exercise within the growing mind-body health movement. Other forms include qigong, tai chi, and other exercise techniques that include meditation. Mind-body fitness comes from Eastern philosophies and religions. These practices improve both your emotional and physical well being.

Mind-body exercise has many benefits, which are showing themselves to be authentic even under scientific study. Indeed, mind-body exercise can accomplish a number of things, such as lowering your risk of heart disease and boosting your mood.

Yoga's soothing movements are easy on your joints while increasing strength, flexibility and muscle tone. In effect, it can make you feel better than aerobics, weight lifting, or running, which are much harder on your body.

Indeed, practicing yoga can impact every part of your existence. Most modern Western practitioners, for example, focus on the physical asanas, or positions. However, many others utilize yoga as a path to bliss and live their lives in its all-encompassing embrace.

Yoga has lofty goals indeed, but in fact practicing it is wonderfully simple and you can do it anywhere, anytime. If you take yoga to its extremes, you can utilize yoga's dietary practices and moral codes as well as its meditative practices. More commonly, though, it's utilized as a combination of asanas (or postures), meditation and breathing exercises, also called pranayama.

Authors have written entire books on how to breathe during yoga. When you deep breathe, you calm yourself, but you also energize yourself at the same time. You can feel very energized from a few minutes of careful deep breathing, but it's a different kind of energy than many of us are used to feeling. Not jittery or hyper, this type of energy is calm and steady.

When you're feeling stressed, try this five-minute "breath break" to invigorate yourself and release tension. Read through the directions a few times before you try it out.

1. With your spine as straight as possible, sit in a chair or on the floor. If you sit in a chair, your feet should be flat on the floor with knees directly over the center of your feet. If your feet don't rest comfortably on the floor, put a book or cushion under your feet so that your knees are perpendicular to your hips. Your hands should be on the tops of your legs, palms down, open and relaxed.

2. Close your eyes gently and simply rest them, lids closed.

3. Picture your ribs at the back, front and sides of your body. Your lungs reside behind your ribs.

4. Slowly breathe in, filling up your lungs from the bottom. Visualize your ribs expanding out and up. Now, slowly breathe out, with your lungs emptying from top to bottom and your ribs gently contracting back down and in. Don't push the breath out.

5. The first few times you do this, do it for 2 to 3 minutes, then do it for up to 5 to 10 minutes. At first, set aside a time at least once a day to do this. When you learn how good it makes you feel, you'll want to do it at other times as well.

Kim Archer enjoys the health benefits and relaxation of yoga. A great source of information on this restorative practice can be found at Yoga Essentials.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Get Your Work-Life Balance Back With Yoga

- By: Noel Swanson, 2008-07-26

With stressful working environments and hectic schedules, many people struggle with the negative impact of their busy work lives. Those who have difficulty managing their personal and work lives in balance with each other are increasingly turning to yoga. Yoga gives them peace of mind so that they can achieve a perfect work-life balance.

The mind-body connection is piquing interest in this ancient practice, and research shows that it can indeed reduce blood pressure and stress, improve your work performance, and even make you age more slowly.

Although the focus on yoga may be different depending on the environment, its basic premise is to relax the body while keeping the mind focused and alert. For example, when you do yoga, you focus on body movement, breath, sound or even an object. When your mind wanders, as it inevitably will, you bring your attention back and start again.

The ancient practice of yoga garnered renewed interest in the 1960s, when those interested in consciousness began to follow its practices. However, after this, yoga began to fall out of favor. It may have been because yoga is not quite like other types of exercise. For one, you need patience in order to get its full benefits. It offers steady but slow results. This is in direct contrast to the almost frenetic activity and quick results of aerobics.

Many people rush to work out every day during their lunch hours, force themselves to keep up a brisk pace, and then rush back to work. Of course, it's probably physically beneficial, but it still adds pressure to an already overwhelmed life. Yoga, by contrast, offers a less competitive and stressful way to work out, while supporting and even causing an overall feeling of simply "being."

One of the major reasons yoga is making a comeback is because it can be so healing as an activity. The over-the-top push for fitness generated by the traditional exercise regimes of aerobics, running, or weight lifting also has caused injuries, including neck pain, back pain, or strained knees. Because we are such a competitive society, these activities have also inspired books, tapes and videos touting this or that as the latest and greatest thing.

Today, even health practitioners are getting in on yoga practice, with chiropractors, neurologists and orthopedic surgeons sometimes referring patients to specific yogis during treatment.

In fact, it's moving to the mainstream increasingly. Mainstream hospitals and businesses are now having yoga techniques taught, while books about these techniques are bestsellers, with discussion groups on the Internet springing up to talk about this "new" innovation as well.

Surprisingly, perhaps, even the Army has gotten in on the act. It has asked the National Academy of Sciences to study New Age techniques such as meditation to see if soldiers' performance can be enhanced in this way.

In addition, yoga has become a pursuit for some runners, weight trainers or aerobic dancers who don't find peace in their exercise regimes and want the de-stressing aspects of yoga to be part of their workouts.

Approximately 60 to 90% of doctors' visits in the U.S. are related to stress. Mind-body approaches offer cost-effective and safe treatments for this ailment that don't involve drugs or surgery. Among people who use these techniques, 34% of patients who are infertile get pregnant within six months, while 70% of those who have trouble sleeping or even have medically defined insomnia become regular sleepers. In addition, the numbers of those suffering from pain and making regular doctor visits because of it go down by 36%.

Kim Archer enjoys the health benefits and relaxation of yoga. A great source of information on this restorative practice can be found at Yoga Essentials.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Can Your Health Improve Using Yoga

- By: Sam Kelly, 2008-07-24

It takes mental toughness and patience to discuss yoga in this century. This ancient concept has somehow lost its real meaning through globalization. It is amazing to see the whole philosophy fueling yoga's methodology being reduced to a simple concept, justified by the need to make it easy for the layperson to understand. The complex nature of its contents may be a little challenging for westerners to understand.

It is unwise to gain a shallow knowledge about a diverse topic and yet speak about it from an expert's viewpoint. There is a tendency among the westerners to highlight only the physical aspects of yoga. There is more to yoga than the mere attainment of inner balance and serenity.

>It originates from the Hindu religion and it is actually a part of the Hindu philosophy. Yoga as a part of India's diverse culture and philosophy is actually a spiritual experience that includes some complicated physical moves. But the western world prefers to refer yoga as a mere physical practice. Yoga, with its strange looking symbols may seem mystical to the average Joe, but sadly, they are often misunderstood. This discipline is practiced as a popular sport. Additionally, people who desire inner tranquility would often find this practice to be beneficial and of course a lot of people have been attracted to yoga as a form of practice to achieve inner peace.

Disciples of yoga are often fascinated by the claims made by their yoga instructors. There is plenty of evidence to show that yoga has been wrongly implemented in the West. Different groups practicing yoga have its own cultural structure and these influences are responsible for those fatal errors detected in the practice of this ancient art. The fast paced lifestyle of the western civilization left no chance for them to indulge in quiet, introspective moments to really understand this concept.

While meditation is an integral part of the practice, the westerners with their ever busy lifestyles certainly do not posses time for such luxuries. The west seems obsessed with the desire to accumulate massive amounts of wealth and gaining power. Therefore, it is believed that the westerners will never reach the pinnacles of true wisdom dictated by the parameters of the Hindu religion. One needs to possess both time and patience to fully reap the rewards of a successful meditative session. Obviously, the people from the west have no endurance to fulfill such demands. Obsessed with the need to accumulate as much wealth as possible, therefore the thought of having to spend time in such sessions would be considered a mere waste of precious time.

Ironically, yoga has been implemented as fashion in the western part of the world. There is a lot of information going out promoting yoga as a form of sport. Fans of famous people who later become fake gurus are adamant about supporting their idol and his practice. The growing influence of this unhealthy philosophy is attributed to the disciples who are loyal in spreading the word about the advantages of adopting this crooked form of yogic philosophy.

To discover more about health and yoga visit the health information site

Jupiter Astral Gemstone, Yellow Sapphire

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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Blue Cosmic Rays corresponding to Jupiter for Yellow Sapphire

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Orange Cosmic Rays corresponding to Moon for Pearl

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Orange Cosmic Rays corresponding to Moon for Pearl

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Orange Cosmic Rays corresponding to Moon for Pearl

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Indigo Rays corresponding to Diamond for Venus

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Tuesday, July 08, 2008

77 Surprising Health Benefits of Yoga

By Alisa Miller

Over the past several years, yoga has experienced an upsurge in popularity in the western world. While many associate yoga with new age mysticism or the latest fad at the gym, yoga is actually an ancient practice that connects the mind, body, and spirit through body poses, controlled breathing, and meditation. The practice of yoga has many health benefits associated with it, so read below to discover 77 benefits to be gained.

Health Benefits Within

From lowering blood pressure to increasing pain tolerance, the following health benefits can all be discovered within the body.

1. Blood pressure. A consistent yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better circulation and oxygenation of the body. These two exercises can help lower blood pressure.
2. Pulse rate. A slower pulse rate indicates that your heart is strong enough to pump more blood with fewer beats. Regularly practicing yoga provides a lower pulse rate.
3. Circulation. Yoga improves blood circulation. By transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, yoga practice provides healthier organs, skin, and brain.
4. Respiratory. Like the circulatory system, a lower respiratory rate indicates that the lungs are working more efficiently. Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of controlled breathing exercises and better fitness.
5. Cardiovascular endurance. A combination of lower heart rate and improved oxygenation to the body (both benefits of yoga) results in higher cardiovascular endurance.
6. Organs. Yoga practice massages internal organs, thus improving the ability of the body to prevent disease. Additionally, an experienced yoga practitioner becomes better attuned to her body to know at first sign if something isn’t functioning properly, thereby allowing for quicker response to head off disease.
7. Gastrointestinal. Gastrointestinal functions have been shown to improve in both men and women who practice yoga.
8. Immunity. Yoga practice has frequently been correlated with a stronger immune system. Read this article for more on the immune system and yoga, including some poses that specifically work on areas of immunity.
9. Pain. Pain tolerance is much higher among those who practice yoga regularly. In addition to pain tolerance, some instances of chronic pain, such as back pain, are lessened or eliminated through yoga (see below for more on back pain).
10. Metabolism. Having a balanced metabolism results in maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger. Consistent yoga practice helps find the balance and creates a more efficient metabolism.

Health Benefits Without

Just as many health benefits occur within the body, there are many benefits that can actually be experienced from without the body. From better sleep to more energy and strength, this list provides several benefits found on the outside of the body.

11. Aging. Yoga stimulates the detoxification process within the body. Detoxification has been shown to delay aging, among many other health benefits.
12. Posture. The very nature of yoga teaches the practitioner how to hold and control one’s body in a more healthful position. Through consistent practice, your posture will improve so that you look more confident and healthy.
13. Strength. One of the premises of yoga is that you are using the weight of your own body for overall strength. Find out more about how yoga works as an excellent method of strength training in this article.
14. Energy. Regular yoga practice provides consistent energy. In fact, most yogis state that when you perform your yoga correctly, you will feel energized after your yoga session rather than tired.
15. Weight. The benefits of a better metabolism along with the exercise of yoga work to keep your weight in check. Additionally, the stretching of muscles longwise helps to reduce the amount of cellulite that can build around muscles.
16. Sleep. Because of the many benefits to both body and mind that a yoga routine can provide, many find that their sleep is much better. Read here for more on sleep and yoga, as well as some positions for helping induce sleep.
17. Balance. An integral part of the yoga practice is balance and control over your body. With a consistent practice, you will find that your overall balance will improve outside the yoga class.
18. Integrated function of the body. Yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means "to join together and direct one’s attention." This is exactly what happens to your body after you start practicing yoga. Yogis find that their body works together much better, resulting in more graceful and efficient body movements.
19. Body Awareness: Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. You are often called upon to make small, subtle movements to improve your alignment. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body. This can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.
20. Core strength. With a strong body core, you receive better posture and overall body strength. A strong core helps heal and reduce injuries. Read how this swimmer uses yoga to strengthen her core and improve her swimming.
21. Sexuality. Yoga can improve your sexuality through better control, more relaxation, and more self-confidence. Read more about the yoga and sexuality connection here.

Emotional Health Benefits

Due to the strong mind-body connection of yoga, there are many emotional benefits to be gained from a consistent yoga practice. Find out how yoga can help improve emotional health with this list.

22. Mood. Overall well-being improves with yoga practice. The combination of creating a strong mind-body connection, creating a healthy body, and focusing inward can all lead to improvement in your mood.
23. Stress Reduction. The concentration required during yoga practice tends to focus your attention on the matter at hand, thereby reducing the emphasis you may have been putting on the stress in your life. Read more about yoga and stress management here.
24. Anxiety. One benefit to the controlled breathing used in yoga is a reduction in anxiety. Learn more about how you can use yoga breathing to reduce your anxiety.
25. Depression. Some believe the negative feelings that you may be repressing are brought to the surface during some types of yoga exercise. When this happens, the negative energy is no longer stuck within you, but released through exercise. Regularly releasing this negativity leads to a reduction of depression in many people.
26. Self-acceptance. Focusing inward and realizing through your yoga practice that perfection is not the goal, self-acceptance begins to take over. This post describes how success is not measured by perfectionism in yoga.
27. Self-control. The controlled movements of yoga teach you how to translate that self-control to all aspects of your life.
28. Mind-body connection. Few other exercises offer the same mind-body connection that yoga does. As you match your controlled breathing with the movements of your body, you retrain your mind to find that place of calm and peace that long-time yogis know.
29. Positive outlook on life. Continued practice of yoga results in a balance of many hormones and nervous system, which brings about a more stable, positive approach to life.
30. Hostility. Most yogis report a huge reduction in the amount of hostility they feel as well as a sense of control when anger flares. This calm effect is likely from the relaxation and meditation that is incorporated in their yoga practice that leads to an overall calming of the nervous system. Less hostility means lower blood pressure and stress and a healthier approach to life.
31. Concentration. Researchers have shown that as little as eight weeks of yoga practice can result in better concentration and more motivation.
32. Memory. Improved blood circulation to the brain as well as the reduction in stress and improved focus results in a better memory.
33. Attention. The attention required in yoga to maintain the structured breathing in conjunction with yoga poses sharpens the ability to keep a sharp focus on tasks.
34. Social skills. In yoga, you learn the interconnectedness of all of life. Your yoga practice soon evolves from a personal journey to one connecting to to the community at large where your social skills improve along with your yoga practice.
35. Calmness. Concentrating so intently on what your body is doing has the effect of bringing calmness. Yoga also introduces you to meditation techniques, such as watching how you breathe and disengagement from your thoughts, which help calm the mind.

Body Chemistry

Several aspects of body chemistry such as glucose levels and red blood cells are affected by yoga. Learn how you can improve your body chemistry through yoga.

36. Cholesterol. Yoga practice lowers cholesterol through increased blood circulation and burning fat. Yoga practice is a great tool to fight against harmful cholesterol levels.
37. Lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system boosts your immunity and reduces toxins in your body. The only way to get your lymphatic system flowing well is by movement. The specific movements involved in yoga are particularly well-suited for promoting a strong lymphatic system.
38. Glucose. There is evidence to suggest that yoga may lower blood glucose levels.
39. Sodium. As does any good exercise program, yoga reduces the sodium levels in your body. In today’s world of processed and fast foods that are full of sodium, lessening these levels is a great idea.
40. Endocrine functions. Practicing yoga helps to regulate and control hormone secretion. An improved endocrine system keeps hormones in balance and promotes better overall physical and emotional health.
41. Triglycerides. Triglycerides are the chemical form of fat in the blood, and elevated levels can indicate a risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. A recent study shows that yoga can lead to "significantly lower" levels of triglycerides. Read more about the results of that study here.
42. Red blood cells. Yoga has been shown to increase the level of red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen through the blood, and too few can result in anemia and low energy.
43. Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps boost immunity, helps produce collagen, and is a powerful antioxidant; and a yoga regimen can increase the vitamin C in your body.

Exercise Health Benefits

As a form of exercise, yoga offers benefits that are sometimes not easily found among other exercise regimens. All of the following gains are benefits to practicing yoga.

44. Low risk of injury. Due to the low impact of yoga and the controlled aspect of the motions, there is a very low risk of injury during yoga practice compared to other forms of exercise.
45. Parasympathetic Nervous System. In many forms of exercise, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, providing you with that fight-or-flight sensation. Yoga does the opposite and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system lowers blood pressure and slows the pace of your breathing, which allows relaxation and healing.
46. Muscle tone. Consistently practicing yoga leads to better muscle tone.
47. Subcortex. Subcortical regions of brain are associated with well-being, and yoga is thought to dominate the subcortex rather than the cortex (where most exercise dominates).
48. Reduced oxygen consumption. Yoga consumes less oxygen than traditional exercise routines, thereby allowing the body to work more efficiently.
49. Breathing. With yoga, breathing is more natural and controlled during exercise. This type of breathing provides more oxygen-rich air for your body and also provides more energy with less fatigue.
50. Balanced workout of opposing muscle groups. As with all of yoga, balance is key. If a muscle group is worked in one direction, it will also be worked in the opposite direction to maintain balance. This balance results in a better overall workout for the body.
51. Non-competitive. The introspective and self-building nature of yoga removes any need of competition in the exercise regimen. With the lack of competition, the yogi is free to work slowly to avoid any undue injury as well as promote a more balanced and stress-free workout.
52. Joint range of motion. A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine indicated that joint range of motion was improved by participants who practiced yoga.
53. Eye-hand coordination. Without practice, eye-hand coordination diminishes. Yoga maintains and improves eye-hand coordination.
54. Dexterity. The strong mind-body connection and flexibility gained from yoga leads to grace and skill.
55. Reaction time. Research done in India shows that reaction time can be improved with specific yoga breathing exercises in conjunction with an already established yoga practice. The improvement was attributed to the faster rate of processing and improved concentration gained from yoga.
56. Endurance. Working the entire body, yoga improves endurance and is frequently used by endurance athletes as a supplement to their sport-specific training.
57. Depth perception. Becoming aware of your body and how it moves, as one does in yoga practice, leads to increased depth perception.

Disease Prevention

Studies indicate that following a consistent yoga practice can help prevent the following diseases.

58. Heart disease. Yoga reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, keeps off weight, and improves cardiovascular health, all of which lead to reducing your risk of heart disease.
59. Osteoporosis. It is well documented that weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, yoga’s ability to lower levels of cortisol may help keep calcium in the bones.
60. Alzheimer’s. A new study indicates that yoga can help elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels. Low GABA levels are associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Meditation like that practiced in yoga has also been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
61. Type II diabetes. In addition to the glucose reducing capabilities of yoga, it is also an excellent source of physical exercise and stress reduction that, along with the potential for yoga to encourage insulin production in the pancreas, can serve as an excellent preventative for type II diabetes.

Symptom Reduction or Alleviation

While this list is not comprehensive, the following diseases or disorders can all be helped by maintaining a yoga practice.

62. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome who practiced yoga showed greater improvement than those who wore a splint or received no treatment at all. Researchers saw improved grip strength and reduction of pain in the study participants.
63. Asthma. There is some evidence to show that reducing symptoms of asthma and even reduction in asthma medication are the result of regular yoga.
64. Arthritis. The slow, deliberate movement of yoga poses coupled with the gentle pressure exerted on the joints provides an excellent exercise to relieve arthritis symptoms. Also, the stress relief associated with yoga loosens muscles that tighten joints.
65. Multiple sclerosis. According to this article, "yoga is now recognized as an excellent means of MS management." Additionally, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding a clinical trial of yoga for treating multiple sclerosis.
66. Cancer. Those fighting or recovering from cancer frequently take advantage of the benefits that yoga provides. Cancer patients who practice yoga gain strength, raise red blood cells, experience less nausea during chemotherapy, and have a better overall well-being.
67. Muscular dystrophy. Using yoga in the early stages of muscular dystrophy can help return some physical functions. The practice of Pranayam yoga helped one teen regain many of his abilities lost to muscular dystrophy. Learn more in this article.
68. Migraines. Regular yoga practice has been shown to reduce the number of migraines in chronic migraine sufferers. This post describes how yoga can reduce migraines.
69. Scoliosis. Yoga can straighten the curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis. Find out how this yogi cured her scoliosis and continues to help others as well.
70. Chronic bronchitis. Exercise that does not elevate respiration, yet increase oxygen levels in the body is ideal for treating chronic bronchitis. Luckily, yoga can do this, as well as aerate the lungs and provide energy.
71. Epilepsy. Focusing on stress reduction, breathing, and restoring overall balance in the body are the focus of how yoga can help prevent epileptic seizures.
72. Sciatica. The intense pain associated with sciatica can be alleviated with specific yoga poses. Here are 10 great ones to help relieve pain.
73. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Studies of people with OCD have shown that practicing yoga has lead to a reduction in symptoms–resulting in less medication or medication no longer needed.
74. Constipation. Due to the practice of yoga and overall better posture, the digestive and elimination systems work more efficiently. If the practitioner also has a healthy diet, any constipation will be eliminated through yoga.
75. Allergies. Using a neti pot to clear the sinuses is an ancient form of yoga to help reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms. Certain types of breathing can also help clear the nasal passages.
76. Menopause. Yoga practice can help control some of the side effects of menopause. Learn how the bridge pose can help reduce hot flashes here.
77. Back pain. Yoga reduces spinal compression and helps overall body alignment to reduce back pain. Find a yoga pose to help lessen back pain here.

Article Source : Nursing Degree

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Yoga Retreat

- By: Bertil Hjert, 2008-05-23

Yoga retreat is generally a place occupied by the people who are committed to the art of yoga. It is considered as the place of relaxed community where the people can enjoy the fun of practicing yoga within a social setting. This is the only place which acts as a platform for the people to share their passion for yoga and its benefits.

The retreats generally occupy the beautiful and peaceful locales in order to proffer the higher levels of relaxation to the participants. These retreats are lead by the experienced yoga instructors so as to offer guidance to the people practicing yoga.

Not only this, there is an exclusive arrangement of food and accommodation during a yoga vacation. They proffer you a wondering opportunity to free up yourself from insaneness of the world and to concentrate only on the goal of relaxation and to achieve peace of mind and body.

- Why to attend yoga retreats?

a) A yoga retreat proffers you an excellent opportunity to liberate yourself from the various perplexities of day-to-day life. You can get plenty of space for yourself where you can tranquilize your body and soul.

b) One of the most fascinating features of the retreats is that they serve you with an extensive range of nutritious vegetarian meals so as to deliver you the healthier lifestyle during your stay. This will further inspire you to make few healthier improvements in your daily routine diet.

c) They will permit you an ample of time to be dedicated in practicing various yoga asanas. Not only this, under the supervision of trained yoga instructors, you can enjoy the fun of learning many more new yoga exercises which will enable you to unwind your body from various stresses and to achieve the state of physical and mental peace.

d) A yoga retreat acts as a platform to meet enlightened and intelligent people with whom you can tie up long lasting friendly relations.

e) The centers are generally located at the beautiful locales where you can feel the closeness to the nature proffering fresh sigh of relief.

f) Moreover, these retreats dedicate some portion of their practice to pranayama or breathe practice so as to deliver calmness to the mind and also to supply oxygen to the various parts of the body more efficiently which will further enhance the rate of metabolism.

g) There is also a provision of enjoying the thrill of slow and quiet walking meditation which is practices early in the morning so as to connect your body and mind with the beauty of nature.

h) A weekend yoga vacation will take you to the path of spiritual growth where you can again reconnect your spirits and truth within you. Not only this, you will begin to listen to the desires of your heart and become courageous to live in the spirits.

i) According to our medical science, it has been found that we all need 8-9 hours of sleep to work optimally in our daily routine. But, due to today’s hectic lifestyle, it has become bit difficult to go for such a long sleep. Therefore, by practicing yoga at yoga retreat, you can prepare your body for an early night’s rest.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Yoga - Enjoy the Benefits of Siddha Yoga Practice - By: Bertil Hjert

, 2008-05-21

The main aim behind the various practices of this Yoga is to sustain life by maintaining a proper alignment with the dogma of the Siddha Yoga path. The meditation is one of the most significant practices, which enables the individual to experience his divine consciousness that is considered as the true nature.

Along with meditation, other practices include Chanting, Seva, Dakshina, Hatha Yoga, Satsang, and Retreat which take the students to the path of enlightenment with the grace of the Guru through Shaktipat inititation.

All these spiritual practices further help in developing a stronger and balanced mind along with an increased potential for love, magnanimousness, and service.

A) Basic awareness regarding Siddha Yoga information

It is one of the most mysterious and ancient arts in the world, which has covered a period of thousand of years. The various hidden truths of Siddha Yoga make everyone to learn the exact way of living their god-gifted life. It is also known as the yoga of activity, as it edifies the correct actions to be taken in all invigorating situations.

As discussed earlier, that this practice is a path towards internal development and internal improvement, therefore it protects the individual from being occupied by the internal dreams which have cropped up due to the bewildering influences of the external life.

The teachings of this Yoga have enabled the people to amend their destinies. Not only this, they can even bring a change in their internal attitude for various things and in their own actions.

Therefore, the life domineered by the principles of Yoga is totally different from that of an ordinary life, as the person becomes capable of facing the various troubles, difficulties, and failures of life after undergoing various practices of Yoga, but this is not so in the case of ordinary life.

B) Contribution in curing diseases

As we all know, that our modern medical science has classified the diseases in two major categories of Physical Diseases and Mental Diseases which are treated with various medicines or therapeutic applications.

But according to the studies of the Indian Sage, Patanjali, the diseases are categorized into three classes: Physical (Aadhidehik), Mental (Aadhibhautik), and Spiritual (Aadhidaivik).

This is so because, according to the ancient Indian sages, the sufferings in humans’ life are not due to the exposure to germs or pathogens, rather because of their actions in their past lives which is known as “The Spiritual Law Of Karma”.

It has been found by various spiritual masters that a spiritual disease can be cured by spiritual remedies which can further be done by practicing Yoga under the supervision of spiritual masters. Because, these spiritual remedies will enable the sufferers to cut down their web of Karmic past so as to free themselves from various diseases and to understand the main purpose of their lives via self-awakening.

Not only this, it has also been proved that Yoga has come up with the fruitful outcomes in curing various chronic disorders like arthritis, diabetes and even deadly diseases like cancer or AIDS. Furthermore it has always succeeded in the cases where the medical science has reached to their final limitations to cure various diseases.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ

Significance of Yoga Apparels while Practicing Yoga - By: Bertil Hjert

2008-05-21

Likewise other practices that require movements, Yoga also requires comfortable clothing so that you can make your movements easily and comfortably. The yoga apparels enable you to concentrate on your Yoga’s practice instead of annoying yourself by wandering about your clothing.

It is always advisable to opt for the proper yoga apparels depending upon the style of the Yoga which you are going to practice, as the tight apparels may restrict your movements or even circulation, whereas the loose ones may get twisted or caught up.

A) Finding a yoga apparel

Choose your Yoga apparel by considering the type of Yoga practice to be performed by you, as it will enable you to feel comfortable throughout. Now-a-days, there is an exclusive range of yoga apparels available in the market that are durable, flexible, comfortable, and even modish.

Such as Lycra tops with spaghetti straps are especially fabricated to proffer an extensive range of movements along with a high level of support, and they even make you to stay cool throughout your practice; tank tops with silkscreen writing; polar fleece jackets enable you to keep your muscles relaxed even after your yoga session has got over; thermal T-shirts; colorful hoodies; and yoga pants.

In case of taking yoga classes at a yoga school, it is always recommended to ask for the line of clothing offered by the school itself. Most of the schools have started offering their own line of apparels to their yoga students.

But if in any case, this is not so then you can search for the various websites which proffer an extensive range of yoga clothing. Not only this, these websites also offer an exclusive range of mats and towels which deliver comfort and easiness to the performers while doing yoga.

B) Tips to be considered while choosing yoga clothes

The followings are the certain tips which should always be taken into consideration while choosing your yoga apparels.

a) The very first thing is to look for the comfortability that is you should be able to make free movements in various postures of the yoga. In case of women, it is always recommended to opt for a sports bra, as it proffers a great comfort and support while performing various asanas.

b) Another major factor which should always be taken into consideration is the material of the apparels. Therefore, it is always recommended to opt for organic clothing so to protect your health as well as environment around you. Along with it, you should go for sweat absorbent clothing so as to deliver comfort even if you have sweat a lot during the various activities of yoga.

c) You should always opt for the yoga apparels that are of reasonable price instead of choosing the ones with extremely high price because of their faddy look or designing.

d) Last but not the least point is to opt for durable yoga apparels so that they should not get worn out due to stretching, bending, and twisting accompanied in various asanas. Therefore, it is advisable to go for the clothing composed of the longer fibers of organic cotton and hemp, as they are stronger and more comfortable as compared to other materials.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ

Yoga - Reap the Benefits of Yoga Asanas by Performing Various Yoga Positions

- By: Bertil Hjert, 2008-05-21

As we all know, yoga is a group of ancient spiritual practices, which has shown a tremendous growth in generating awareness among the people all across the globe, regarding their physical fitness since last few decades.

Yoga is not only confined to the various aspects of physical fitness, rather it also enables to achieve the state of mental balance as well as enlightenment which will further lead to the betterment of the life.

The various types of yoga positions are the simple movements which are capable of being performed by the normal individual simply. But in order to obtain the best outcomes, the mind and body should work in accordance to each other. Therefore, all the movements should be performed gradually, amiably, and with an ease.

A) Yoga Positions (Asanas)

It has been found after undergoing various researches that the yoga positions are considered as the best practices for the toning up of muscles, lubrication of the joints, and massaging of the body as compared to other exercises.

Not only this, these positions enable each nerve inside the body, glands, ligaments, and muscles to exercise. Therefore, it is apt to say that the performing yoga asanas is the most outstanding method of self care.

B) Various types of yoga positions

Standing Yoga Asanas; One of the most effective standing yoga position is Tadasana, which deliver flexibility and pliableness to the joints and muscles in case of physical and mental stress.

a) Forward Bending

Paschimotanasana is one of the forward bending asanas, which is accompanied by the gradual stretching of the body for the extension of back portion of the spine so as to deliver elasticity which will further impart flexibility to the limbs.

b) Back Bending

Bhujangasana is a type of back bending asana, which extends the front portion of the spine. Therefore, the combination of Bhujangasana and the Paschimotanasana results in obtaining nimbleness for the body.

c) Matsyendrasana

The combination of Matsyendrasana with the Paschimotanasana and Bhujangasana delivers buoyancy to the spirit as well as a whole arrange of new bodily movements.

d) Adho Mukhavasana

Adho Mukhavasana is an inverted position which strives against the stresses of day-to-day life.

e) Padmasana, Vajrasana, & Simhasana

These three asanas are the sitting yoga positions, which enable the body to maintain upright position by correcting the defective posture as well as to help in toning up of the muscles.

f) Marichyasana

Marichyasana focuses over the abdominal and lumbar regions due to which it maintains the good functional state of various abdominal organs and results in the massaging and toning up of the pelvic and lumbar areas.

g) Sirsasana & Sarvangasana

These two positions play a significant role in making the forelimbs strong.

Therefore, it has been found that by going through various types of yoga positions, you can easily keep yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually fit. But, it is always recommended to avoid performing all the yoga asanas at one go, as this may lead to various severe outcomes instead of benefits. Therefore, you should always practice different types of positions each day for a variety.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Of Altruism

The mythological treatises eighteen
Or the quintessence of million books
Highlight this doctrine divine !
Hurting is Sin & helping is divine

Trees exist for Altruism
Rivers also for the same
Cows exist for Altruism
This body is for Altruism

Loving all & serving All
Is the highest duty divine
Hating none & helping ever
Is the royal path to Heaven !

No study of scriptures only
No talk about any doctrine
Will save us; only duty divine
And sacrifice can get us Heaven !

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Yoga and the Yoga Practice

- By: Noel Swanson, 2008-03-25

Yoga is a direct experience of the vast interrelatedness of all life and of all things. It is about learning from direct experience. It is control of mind and its modifications. Yoga is intimately connected to the religious beliefs and practices of the Indian religions.

What Yoga is not.

Yoga is not running away from home and human habitation, but a process of moulding one's attitude to home and society with a new understanding. It is not a turning away from life; it is spiritualization of life.

Although Yoga is not a religion, it aids to the practice of the basic spiritual truths in all religions. You can not experience Yoga by taking lysergic acid or mescalin or peyote (of Mexican origin) or divine mushrooms. Although Yoga is not a medical practice, it has been shown to be very helpful in many ways, so, Yoga is not just physical fitness training.

Meditation and Yoga

In addition to practicing the poses, yoga classes may also include instruction on breathing, call and response chanting, meditation, or an inspirational reading by the teacher. Using the term power yoga differentiated the intense, flowing style of yoga they were teaching from the gentle stretching and meditation that many Americans associated with yoga. However, power yoga will most likely appeal to people who are already quite fit, enjoy exercising, and want a minimal amount of chanting and meditation with their yoga.

Yoga practice

Practices may also include meditation, reflection, study and other classic elements, but the emphasis of this branch of Yoga practice is on coordinating breath and movement. What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word "asana", which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Practice asanas that draw your attention inward; forward bends and restorative poses. Outside India, Yoga is mostly associated with the practice of asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga or as a form of exercise, although it has influenced the entire Indian religions family and other spiritual practices throughout the world.

It will not be out of place, therefore, for me to tell you frankly and clearly that not all that has been put across as Yoga is really Yoga. There are many heartening signs that this Yoga is being considered by many seekers in the West to be the most suitable method for the solution of the perplexing problems of their civilisation.

Eventually yoga is an all day long practice. While yoga is very effective in alleviating certain types of medical conditions, these are secondary benefits. The physical foundation of yoga is a series of structured poses (asanas) performed with breath awareness. Yoga is a complete practice that joins back mind, body and spirit. Decide if yoga is right for you.

Almost 25 years ago, Lillian Suamibinith recovered from a very dangerous physical injyry and found in Yoga and in Yoga practice a strong and gentle way to relief her pain. Feel free to visit Lillians's website to find more resources about Yoga.

All About Yoga

- By: Robert Watson, 2008-03-25

Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying, or the inability to carry pregnancies to a live birth. It affects one out of six couples of childbearing age in the United States today - at least ten million people. And in a career-oriented area like Washington, where many couples postpone decisions about childbearing until professional goals have been met, the ration of one in six is probably on the conservative side. Yet it is rarely discussed, and understood even less.

For almost all couples the condition comes as a surprise. And no wonder. It seems as if the whole is on its guard against producing unwanted children. Every day 19.9 million women in this country wake up and remind themselves to take the Pill. In China, a woman with more than three children is considered an enemy of the state. In India, population experts fear the country may end up at century's close with four times as many people as it started with - up from 250 million in 1900 to one billion. The huge nation has resorted to quickie vasectomies and cash rewards at commuter train stations. Two will do posters are everywhere.

Although infertility may affect people of all social classes, the childless poor usually have neither the time nor the money to undergo a lengthy series of tests - commonly called an infertility work-up - to determine the cause of the problem. There may also be class differences in a person's willingness to endure many sacrifices so that a long-range goal can be realized. For these reasons, the inability to conceive and bear children seems to be a middle and upper middle-class problem.

The anguish of infertility will strike increasing numbers of couples in the next few years, however, as the children of the baby boom reach their late twenties and early thirties. Many who till now have postponed marriage and childbearing for their careers will turn to both to round out their lives - and find child-bearing not possible.

The men, after years of enjoying what they consider a healthy sex drive, will be shocked to learn that their sperm are too few in number or perhaps not active enough to effect a conception. The women may be given a finding of endometriosis, a condition in which parts of the uterine lining seed themselves in various places along the reproductive tract. Unknown in cultures where women marry young, it is a common finding in American women past 30. Or the women may be part of the 10.9 million who took the Pill every day whether or not previous gynecological abnormalities should have warned the physician against a prescription.

A generation ago, before the current explosion in medical technology, many couples who could not produce children were told there was nothing wrong with them: either it was all in their heads or God's will. There was also smirking ignorance on the public, the insinuation they weren't performing correctly in bed.

In fact, male impotence is the source of less than five per cent of the cases of male infertility, and the sources of impotence are extremely varied, from diabetes to perineal nerve injury to psychogenic causes.

Robert Watson, noted hypnotist and owner of Yoga Instruction Therapy, a website dedicated to providing the best Yoga Articles on the internet.

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