Fit and Youthful Life

Guest Author: Alien


Yoga Practice – Conquering the Obstacles in Practicing Yoga



In yoga practice, the human body is treated with concern, care and respect because it is the principal instrument in a person’s efforts and growth. Yoga is also about the unification of a person’s own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

Anyone who tries yoga practices will go through a sequence of obstacles, difficulties and deviations. It is necessary for you, as a yoga practitioner, to eliminate all the obstacles noticed during yoga practice so as to benefit fully from the positive aspects of yoga.

Nine Major Obstacles during Yoga Practice

Here are some of the major obstacles that are noticed by the practitioners when practicing yoga:

Vyadhi

It is an obstacle that refers to physical or mental illness. It is even more difficult for you to do yoga practice when you are not in a good condition or health. The triumph of this obstacle can be obtained by avoiding any type of sickness and with a balanced, healthy life style.

Styana

It is the second major difficulty related to yoga practice, which refers to an advanced state of lack of concern that obstructs your willingness towards committing your responsibilities. In general you ignore and avoid yoga practice by postponing it and this, in turn, leads to several types of excuses for avoiding or not doing your work.

Sanshaya

This is one of the major obstructions in the yoga practice that is related to the matter of doubting the benefits of yoga and yoga practice. This obstruction also occurs when there is low confidence in your self-capabilities. This directs to a divergence from the original purposes, preparing you to suspect more to outside interference.

Pramada

When there is lack of determination and willingness in performing yoga practice, then it refers to the fourth obstacle of yoga practice. Yoga needs a unique approach, since it is a grouping of arts and sciences. If you perform yoga practice with lack of good emotional and mental conditions, then you may turn its positive features into negative ones.

Alasya

It is an obstacle that refers to the laziness and immobile state of mind and body that stops you from gaining the benefits of yoga wholly. Most of the people will have a tough time coping with their own will power, generating the perfect circumstances for this obstacle to emerge. Most of the times, the way to get success is tough and a strong will power can prop your way up. An inactive approach, conversely, will almost surely lead to a slow and ineffective progress.

Avirati

One of the other major obstacles of yoga practice that refers to the physical things hold a magnetic attraction to the majority of people. Yoga needs you to avoid these ropes that tie you to the materialistic life and the world and makes advancement in the realm of the spirit. Eliminating the mass of physical things is central while doing yoga practice.

Bhrantidarshan

It is the misunderstanding of the course you are taking while performing yoga practice and can produce displeasure. Keeping your hopes in good contact with reality can avoid this obstacle.

Alabdha-bhumikatva

It is an obstacle of yoga practice where you are frequently becoming victim of your own discouragement. When a failure takes place you fall into a state of self-depreciation and lower confidence levels. Failing to arrive a step on your way to get your ideal can cause motivated forms of this obstacle.

Anawasthitatwa

The last interference of yoga practice. Poor yoga practice may also lead to the inability to achieve and hold a superior level of perception. This can be annoying and gives rise to dissatisfaction.

However overcoming these obstacles of yoga practice is achievable by making your mind to focus on single elements at one time. Never allow any of these obstacles to rise in power as it makes the other to follow very soon.

The passing of time with a strong will power and dedication is generally very efficient in managing these major obstacles of yoga practice.



Fountain Of Youth

Guest Author: Spyros Kapnias Garudananda


Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. It is a combination of breathing exercises (pranayama), physical postures (asana), deep relaxation (yoga nidra) and meditation (dyana), practiced for more than 5,000 years.

 

While Yoga evolved as a religious practice in Hinduism, in the Western world has grown as a form of purely physiological, psychological, mental and spiritual practice. Most of the yoga practices in the western yoga have little or nothing to do with Hinduism, but are simply a way of keeping all levels of the human being, fit and healthy and this is only a part of the broad view of yoga. Through the practice of yoga, we become aware of the interconnection between our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical levels. Gradually this awareness leads us to an understanding of the more subtle areas of our existence.

 

Yoga practice prevents specific diseases and maladies by keeping the energy meridians (nadis) open and life energy (prana) flowing. Yoga is considered a mind-body intervention that is used to reduce the health effects of generalized stress.

 

Laboratory tests have proved the yogi’s increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure.

 

Yoga acts both as a curative and preventive therapy. According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body.

 

Regular practice of poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), deep relaxation (yoga nidra) and meditation, can help such diverse ailments such as: acidity , allergies, Alzheimer disease, anaemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, colitis, common cold, constipation, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, eye problems, facial wrinkles, gastro-intestinal disorders, headaches, heartburn, haemorrhoids, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hypertension, immune-deficiency, impotence, menopause, menstrual cramps, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, nervous tension, obesity, osteoporosis, prostate, enlargement, sciatica, skin problems, sleep apnoea, slipped disk, sterility, stiffness, stress, insomnia, intoxication, thyroid problems, kidney stones, stuttering and stammering, urinary tract disorders for women, vaginal infections and many more…

Benefits for the Physiological Level (Annamaya – Pranamaya Kosha)

 

Increasing flexibility. Cure and prevent Arthritis - The yoga poses (asanas), act upon the various joints of the body, including those joints that we never really use. By practicing yoga poses we can experience a remarkable increase in the flexibility of the joints, ligaments and tendons. Yoga is exercise and relaxation combined and this is the perfect anti-arthritis formula. Yoga’s slow-motion movements and gentle pressures, reach deep into strained joints. Also, the easy stretches in conjunction with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up the muscles and further tightens the joints.

 

Cure and prevent back pain – Back pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention in the West. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility.

 Massaging to all the internal vital organs of the body – Research has shown that yoga poses are the only form of activity that massages all of the internal glands and organs of the body and this promotes good health and well-being.

 

Complete detoxification – Yoga poses (asanas) helps to gently stretch the muscles and joints allowing the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps to flush the toxins out of the body. This leading to benefits such as delayed in ageing, providing energy and a remarkable zest for life.

 

Excellent toning of the muscles – Yoga practice can stimulate the muscles that have become flaccid and weak.

 

Provide balance in the nervous system – yoga is a great form of mediation in motion and that can balance the nervous system.

 

Reduction of stress – Because yoga practice is a slow and gentle form of exercise combined with breathing exercises, it can relieve body stress.

 

Cure and prevent respiration problems and asthma

Various studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of yoga for patients with respiratory problems. Physicians have found that the practice of asanas in combination with breathing exercises and meditation makes the treatment of asthma more effective. It has also been proved that asthma attacks can usually be prevented by yoga practice, without resorting to drugs. Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing exercises, it is possible to control an attack of severe shortness of breath without having to seek medical help.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

The yoga postures, yogic breathing (pranayama) and the deep relaxation techniques (yoga nidra), which are basic components of yoga, have a major role to play in the treatment or prevention of high blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication for people suffering from it.

 

Pain Management

 

Concentration during yoga postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation techniques and meditation can also help reduce pain. Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain’s pain centre regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body.

 

Weight Reduction

Yogic practices that reduce anxiety tend to reduce anxious eating. Regular yoga practice can help in weight management, for the reason that some asanas stimulate sluggish glands, to increase their hormonal secretions. There are specific asanas, such as the shoulder stand (Sarvangasana) or the fish pose (Matsyasana), which are targeted on the thyroid gland. This gland has a great effect on our weight because it affects the body’s metabolism rate. Fat metabolism is also increased, so fat is converted to muscle and energy and we have better muscle tone and a higher vitality level.

Also, the practice of “yogic breath” (yogic deep breathing) increases the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This causes increased oxidation or burning up of fat cells.

 

Benefits for the Psychological Level (Pranamaya – Manomaya Kosha)

 

Self-awareness

Yoga practice increases the self-awareness. The yoga practitioner learns to act instead of reacting. They start to control their feelings and learn to be conscious, living the moment, the Now and not in the past or in the future.

   

Self-confidence

Self-confidence, or low self-confidence, is something, which Yoga seeks to eliminate through the practices. Someone with low self-respect cannot do their work properly or becomes easily tired, irritable and haggard. One who practices yoga starts to believe deeply in themselves and in the incredible potentials, which they have inside. 

Vitality and Change of Mood

Everyone who practices yoga over a period of time, reports a positive effect on both their outer appearance and energy level. Yogic postures with breathing exercises have been seen to result in having an invigorating effect on physical energy and improved mood.

 

Benefits for the Mental Level (Manomaya – Vijnanamaya Kosha)

 

Mental balancing

A common breathing (pranayama) practice in yoga is the “alternative nostrils breathing” (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama). Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies of the electrical impulses of the brain have shown that breathing through one nostril, results in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. The regular practice of alternative nostrils helps to improve communication between the right and left side of the brain.

 

Benefits for the Spiritual Level (Vijnanamaya – Anandamaya Kosha)

Self-knowledge

Yogic philosophy and practice lead to increased Self-knowledge. This experienced knowledge is merely the spiritual side of yoga practice, which has as a goal to cultivate the “Observer” and increase the knowledge of the nature of the Self.

Knowing the Self, the Observer, which is a genuine kind of knowledge, tends to get lost in the hectic pace of our daily lives and pursuit of desires. The discovering of the Self, inside us, is indeed the most precious spiritual value in our life.



Longevity and Health Now

Guest Author: Abhishek Agarwal


One of the oldest known techniques which helps in the all round development of a person is Yoga. Yoga has been around for ages dating back as far as 500 years. Yoga practices helps in the well being of a person by making him or her mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually sound. Yoga also helps a person achieve a sense of self awareness because it helps enhance the person’s capabilities.

There are many parts to Yoga which include meditation, physical postures or asana and breathing techniques. Most people only do yoga for their physical well being and to remain healthy. Very few take up meditation to contemplate upon the truth without doing the yogic postures.

Many people mistake yoga for a series of steps which have to be followed but actually yoga helps you to evolve so that as you practice you will soon find that your inner system is cleansed and you become more aware of your inner self. This changes the perception of the person and he sees everything in new light.

Yoga postures help you to gain perfect health and strength. You can also learn to breathe correctly and learn and gain self control. Mastery over the mind can be achieved and concentration improves. To achieve focus and mind concentration total dedication is needed so that you can achieve what you set out to do.

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of therapy which many all over the world are taking up. Many people relate to Hatha yoga when they hear the word Yoga in general as it is this form of yoga which is highly popular and practiced by many all. Hatha yoga involves techniques which include physical exercises and controlled breathing techniques. Through harmonious breathing and postures one can achieve a well balanced body.

The benefits of hatha yoga are it improves your strength, vitality and gives greater flexibility. There are many other forms of yoga other than Hatha yoga like aerobic yoga workouts which are fast and demanding and still other forms which fitness conscious people follow. The gentle forms are for people who need healing.

Yoga is universal and does not cater to the needs of any faith, lifestyle and can be practiced by people of any age group. You do not have to attend a class to learn yoga or be instructed personally through a teacher. You can learn yoga through self taught books.

Choose the form of Yoga that you think would suit you and your lifestyle. There are various kinds of meditation techniques so you need to choose one that you think would be apt for you. Different variations of Yoga are being developed today.

For beginners, the use of videos and DVDs which are available are an ideal way to learn the art. There are videos and DVDs on Yoga for couples, athletes, yoga with grace and strength and yoga or beginners.

The various supplies that you would need to practice yoga include Yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga straps and blocks. The yoga mats give you perfect support while you move into various postures. The very purpose of the yoga mats is to provide adequate cushioning and protection when you are doing Yoga on hard floors. Along with yoga mats, yoga straps and blocks help in your workout. Another essential supply that is very important for yoga is buying the proper clothing which will help you to stretch freely and allow you to be more flexible.

Guest Author: Jolly Majumdar


The term “Yoga‘ has been originated from Sanskrit which means union of mind , body and spirit. Yoga can be also defined as practice of physical postures or poses. The vast field of Yoga includes techniques of breathing, meditation, body awareness, purification, and emotional stability.

Yoga has wide range of features which can very well diminish, managed and cure a particular disease by carefully selecting elements included in the Yoga traditions.

Yoga Therapy:

In the first half of the 20th century, Yoga therapy has been evolved in India. Yoga therapy is a new discipline which integrate traditional Yogic concepts and techniques with the western medical and psychological knowledge. It is a therapy without medicines and surgery without tools. Yoga therapy deals with the holistic treatment of various kinds of psychological or somatic dysfunction. The natural and innate healing resources of the body is promoted by this therapy. It also helps in restoring the proper functioning of the various systems present in our body.

Depending on the individual needs and also considering the medical accounts, Yoga therapists designs Yoga practices for the patients. They prescribes some specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Yoga therapy can diminish various symptoms and guard the body against various diseases which are mostly evolved due to stress. It treats various ailments ranging from back problems to arthritis to heart conditions to hyperventilation to asthma to irritable bowel syndrome to diabetes to multiple sclerosis to chronic fatigue syndrome to anxiety to hypertension.

In contrary to this, traditional Yoga is primarily concerned with personal fineness on the part of a “normal” or healthy individual. But both the techniques, however, share an understanding of the human being as an integrated body-mind system, which can function optimally only when there is a state of dynamic balance. Yoga therapy is more effective than general yoga practice as a safe means of treating medical conditions.

Advantages of Yoga Therapy:

1. Yoga therapy is good for everyone.

2. It is a modified form of all the classical Yoga practices and therefore provides same advantages the traditional Yoga practices provides but without having any risk of injury.

3. Yoga therapy keeps the body flexible and mobile and keeps the joints moving.

4. Yoga therapy helps in both preventing and curing the diseases..

Yoga Therapy in Kerala:

Kerala which is situated in the southern most part of India is renowned all over the world for its Yoga therapy. Kerala has many Ayurvedic resorts which offers Yoga therapies. Some of the famous Auyurvedic resorts of Kerala are Athreya Ayurvedic Resorts, Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort, Somatheeram Resorts, Kare Yoga Centre (Iyengar yoga therapy kerala) and many more.

All these resorts offers special therapies to treat various ailments depending upon the body condition. These therapies included general body massages with herbal oils, Steam bath in herb enriched steam, Dhara [with medicated buttermilk], Half body massage with herbal oils, Special head massage, Panchkarma tretmens, Slimming programs, paralysis, weight loss, Anti- aging, Yoga and mediation, Detoxification and rejuvenation therapies.



Look 10 Years Younger

Guest Author: Alliance


Nakul Kapur

Street Address #1: 1641 Lonsdale Avenue

City: North & West Vancouver

Province: BC

Country: Canada

Yoga means to unite. Unite our physical body and our physical mind with our Divine Mind, the Higher Mind. This alignment is basically our physical mind’s cooperation and surrender to the Higher Mind. It is the basic requirement for the people who love yoga very much. Nowadays these are very much popular because mats give the best practice at the time of doing yoga exercises. It enables you to do certain yoga practices properly and efficiently.

Divine Light Yoga brings its distinctive Teacher Training Program to Vancouver in Canada, which are particularly focusing on the understanding of Yoga and creativity. The courses are particularly designed to raise the knowledge of the creative sources within every student. Divine Light Yoga Teacher Training Program is a 200 hour and 500 hours intensive training program and Batch Starts from Feb 19, 2009. They aim to encourage and promote the original flow within students and to show them, how it is kept alive and used in every day’s life to make the most of it.

Nakul kapur has expert instructor of yoga in Divine Light Yoga, he is instruct several types of yoga like Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga).

1.HATHA YOGA: It prepares us, through kriyas (cleansing techniques), asanas (physical postures) and pranayam (breathing techniques), for higher practices in yoga.

2.KUNDALINI YOGA: Shakti is the active creative force of the universe. It is this life force that binds the whole of creation. It is this life force that is responsible for our existence and is also known as the Kundalini.

3.MANTRA YOGA: A mantra is a combination of syllables or words that correspond to a particular energy vibration. The essential technique is japa, or mental repetition of the mantra to invoke that energy in our selves. If done with concentration and pure intent, it is a form of prayer that purifies and raises our vibrations. It brings a sense of peace and calm, which are essential to meet the Divine within.

4.JNANA YOGA: It is the path of knowledge. Through spiritual knowledge, we are able to discern right from wrong, so that we can make good choices and avoid building bad karma (the law of cause and effect). We use spiritual knowledge to get rid of our bad qualities and replace them with good qualities. Most of our suffering is due to the darkness of ignorance and this suffering can be removed only with the light of knowledge.

5.KARMA YOGA: It is the path of selfless service. Selfless service is at the core of our Higher Self and is the source of true peace and happiness. We express our love for God by serving all His creations. This yoga is the key for making the worldly path a divine path, by helping genuine good people.

6.BHAKTI YOGA: Bhakti is the approach of pure intense love, devotion to God, and attachment to Him alone. God is to be regarded as the devotee’s parent, master, friend, child, husband or sweetheart, each succeeding relationship representing an intensification of love.

7.RAJA YOGA (Ashtanga Yoga): It is a practical and systematic path, codified by sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras somewhere around 200 B.C. It is also known as the eightfold path as it is made up of eight angas, or limbs.