Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Today's Health

Yoga may be as old as 5000 years, according to some. One of the six schools of Hindu philosophy and very much a living tradition today, it antedates other major religions of the world. Its wisdom is timeless and its perspectives on health and wellness prescient.

Yoga, like all major religions and religious philosophies explores the relationship of mind, spirit and body. The Bhagavad Gita ("Song of the Lord"), written perhaps between 400 and 100 b.c.e., defines four major branches of yoga. Each is focused on an aspect of mind, spirit or body and explores their relationship from a different perspective.

* The first, Karma yoga, is the yoga of action in the world.

* The second, Jnana yoga, is the yoga of wisdom and intellectual endeavor.

* The third, Bhakti yoga, is the yoga of devotion to God.

* The fourth, Dhyana yoga, is the yoga of meditation.

Hatha yoga, a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama of the 15th century is based on the yoga of Patanjali, who wrote sometime between 200 b.c.e. and 300 c.e. Patanjali's eight-step yogic system is a form of Raja yoga, meaning it presents meditation as the path to the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

Hatha yoga is the style most well-known in the West today. It focuses on purification of the physical as the path to purification of the mind and prana (vital energy). In this respect, it is very different from Patanjali's yoga in that Patanjali's yoga focuses on the purification of the mind as the path to purification of the prana and body.

In viewing the body as the path to the mind and spirit, yoga is similar to those western religions: which emphasize ritual practices as the path to spiritual understanding.

Hatha yoga practices Yoga applies a broad holistic approach that teaches people a different way of being in the world. Hatha yoga teaches this approach by way of a series of asanas, or positions. Asanas should be "steady but comfortable, firm but relaxed", according to the teachings of classical yoga. A first step is to learn rhythmical yoga breathing (pranayama) and to maintain this rhythmical breathing throughout a posture.

For this reason - that is maintaining good breath - one of the first postures that is taught is savasana, or "the corpse" pose. Savasana is a supine asana. Lying on the back, one lets the arms and legs fall naturally at about a 45-degree angle from the body. Starting with the toes and moving upward through the body, one concentrates on each body part, feeling the rhythm of the blood moving through that part. The effect is to produce alert relaxation and regular deep breathing.

Asanas include standing exercises, sitting exercises, exercises which start from a position lying on one's back, exercises which start from a position lying on one's stomach and twisting exercises. Each position is held for a few moments. Early on in the practice of yoga, there may be a tendency to become so relaxed that one falls asleep. The proper state, however, is one of relaxed alertness. While doing the exercise, one should check that breath remains rhythmical throughout - and also that muscles which are not the current focus of the stretch remain relaxed.

Health effects of yoga practice: Yoga concentrates on the spine, which we know today is the sheath, which protects the central nervous system and thereby controls all parts of the body as well as mood and mental functioning. Indeed, manipulation of the spine for the benefit of health is the basis of chiropractic, with which many in the West are very familiar.

In a survey conducted by Yoga Biomedical Trust in 1983-84, 3000 individuals who engaged in yoga to treat a particular condition were asked how beneficial the treatment was. It was reported as most effective for back pain, benefiting 98% of respondents. It was also reported to be 96% effective in cases of nerve or muscle disease. In regard to heart disease and anxiety, respondents reported 94% improvement. And finally, with regard to alcoholism, respondents reported a whopping 100% improvement.

Based on chiropractic information, we can safely assume that yoga might be directed toward treating specific physical issues like, for example, thyroid dysfunction. If the T6 (thoracic) vertebra is affected in such a way as to impinge on the nerve that goes to the thyroid, it will affect thyroid function. Conversely relieving this stress on the nerve, if appropriate yoga practice is introduced early enough, can reverse the problem.

Yoga nutrition Yoga nutrition emphasizes foods that promote prana, or vital energy and to eat them in such a way that these foods have the maximum opportunity to do their work. This means that, according to yogic principles, one should eat small quantities of the best quality foods - those that produce the minimum of toxins and in quantities such that the body is not overtaxed through the process of digestion. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

According to yogis, the best food is fruit, which contributes most to life force. It is a source of energy, which, all else being equal, does not produce toxins in the process of digestion. Yogis emphasize freshness and raw foods. A food, which must be approached with great caution, is meat, which does produce toxic waste products as it is metabolized in the body.

Interestingly, these principles are those which modern medical science is demonstrating are valid today. Drs. Roizen and Oz, in The Owners Manual Diet, recommend eating when hungry, not famished and including at least two snacks. Foods to eat on a daily basis and the foundation of the diet are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. This diet goes hand-in-hand with a program of physical activity directed toward flexibility and strength, as is the yoga "diet".

Conclusion On a recent Oprah show, Dr. Roizen indicated that the next important medical development will be a greater focus on "energy" medicine, bringing us full circle to the perennial puzzle, the one with which we began: the connection between mind, body and spirit and how we integrate between them to reach our fullest potential as human begins. This is the question that hatha yoga addresses, and the teaching is that by learning to speak with our body, we address our minds and souls, increasing the clarity and strength of each.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Yoga [http://yoga-guideto.com/]

Meditation in Motion - The Ancient Chinese Art of Tai Chi

Observing a Tai Chi practitioner as they go through a combination of slow, relaxed and graceful movements (sometimes also called forms or postures) is one of the most beautiful things to sit and take in. Watching them, as they move in an almost hypnotic and controlled slow motion flow (which almost seems effortless) while in a meditative state is truly fascinating and somewhat mysterious. As an accomplish Martial Artist and a Certified Personal Trainer, I have always been drawn to and very intrigued by this ancient Chinese Mind-Body art of Tai Chi.

Although it is actually hard to pinpoint the exact date that Tai Chi originated, it is thought to have been developed around the 12th century A.D. in China. In the beginning, the practice of Tai Chi was originally intended as a means of self-defense, a martial art form (Tai Chi Chuan) but over time people became very aware of the many health benefits of the practice of Tai Chi.

Like other mind-body practices such as Yoga, one of the major benefits of Tai Chi practice is stress relief. Not only does Tai Chi's controlled breathing and flowing, graceful movements help quiet and clear the mind, it also relieves built up tension throughout your entire body. As your mind focuses on being in the "present moment," a state of immense relaxation takes command. The real world is quickly left behind and the wonderful feeling of calm is present; you will carry this with you long after your Tai Chi session has ended. You will be rejuvenated, refreshed and as I like to say, repaired.

Tai Chi also increases muscle strength and greatly improves balance and agility. It develops over-all coordination, reduces anxiety and depression, increases alertness during the day and improves the quality of sleep at night. The regular practice of Tai Chi can also reduce high blood pressure, improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance and relieves many types of chronic pain. Tai Chi is practiced by many for exercise as well as for health management and can be done by just about anyone no matter what their age or current fitness level. Being an extremely low impact activity, it's fairly easy on the body, but being a load or weight bearing exercise, the benefits are many, for example: increased bone density and toned muscles.

As I began my study and practice of both Tai Chi and Yoga, I was amazed of the many similarities there are between both art forms and practices. There are many different styles in both art forms, but their paths cross continually (Tai Chi originating from China and Yoga from India) and the mind and body seem to wind up in the same place. I often think that there must have been an amazing energy flow or life force in that part of the world at one time, since many of the healing and martial arts practiced today have surfaced throughout those lands.

Tai Chi, roughly translated means "balance of the opposing forces of nature or internal martial art." As we are not clear on the date that Tai Chi originated, the accounts of its deep history fluctuates greatly, as with many martial arts, a lot of the Tai Chi history was never recorded in word form, but rather it was passed on by word of mouth, from generation to generation, from master to student.

The one person whose name surfaces frequently and who is said to be one of the innovators is a 12th century, Chinese Taoist Monk named Chang-San-Feng.

History states that this Taoist Monk had observed five very different animals in nature, the Tiger, Dragon, Leopard, Snake and Crane. He then created a set of movements, forms or exercises to imitate the movements of the animals he observed and studied. The most basic form of Tai Chi incorporates 13 simple movements, while more comprehensive styles of Tai Chi are made up of dozens of forms, postures or movements.

In Tai Chi, the practitioner's relaxed body is in almost constant motion, one graceful movement flows seamlessly into the next as their minds are calm, clear of any distractions, totally focused and their breathing is deep, rhythmic and controlled. It's clearly, meditation in motion.

There are several components that make up Tai Chi, the Physical, the Mental and the Spiritual. Chinese philosophy is deeply rooted in Tai Chi, without getting to into it, one of the better known concepts that applies to Tai Chi, is Yin and Yang. These are the two principles that are believed to make up the Universe. Yin and Yang are opposites of each other and should always be kept in balance. Yin and Yang are used to describe how opposing forces are bound together, inter-connected, inter-wined. (female/male, light/dark, high/low, soft/hard). Yin is characterized as female; soft, diffused, tranquil, wet, slow, liquid and associated with feminine, birth and with night. Yang by contrast is: hard, fast, solid, dry, aggressive, hot and associated with masculinity and daytime. There is a beautiful saying, "Life is the Blended Harmony and Perfect Balance of Yin and Yang."

As I mentioned before Tai Chi is within reach for everyone. You don't have to be an advanced athlete, in perfect shape or young in age. Everyone from kids, teens, adults and seniors can reap the benefits that Tai Chi has to offer and enjoy the experience. Since Tai Chi emphasizes technique over strength, women should have no fear.

With Tai Chi there is no costly equipment to purchase, no special clothing or footwear to buy. Tai Chi can be done inside or out, by your self or in a group. Many people's first Tai Chi experience is via an instructional DVD in the comfort of their own living room. This is fine if it's a tape with high production value and if it's the only thing available to you for whatever reason, there are some great DVD's available today.

However, if you are fortunate to have the means, there is really no replacing taking a "face to face" class with a qualified teacher. Especially in the beginning, an instructor can easily guide you through the movements and make any necessary and important adjustments needed, this way you are learning the correct movements and breathing, rather then developing bad habits, which are sometimes hard to break later down the road. Some people start out with the DVD and once hooked move quickly to a class.

Some people enjoy the social aspect of a class-environment, while others prefer to practice alone in their own private setting. Finding a qualified teacher/instructor is easier than ever these days with the use of the Internet, whether you choose private instruction in your home or choose to attend a group class.

Although the practice of Tai Chi is considered very safe, easy on the body and is proven to promote good health, consider talking to your health care provider before starting a program. This is particularly important if you have problems with your joints, spine, lungs or heart.

So, now that you have a basic understanding in regards to the wonders of Tai Chi, go out there and experience it first hand. I'm sure it will take you no time to enjoy the peace and serenity through Tai Chi's gentle, graceful movements while you connect the body and mind.

Markus B. is the Co-Founder of The Fitness Underground-Los Angeles. He has drawn off his years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer, A Professional Athlete and an accomplished Martial Artist to help create with his partner Texas (an elite Yoga Instructor & Certified Personal Trainer) a "New and Innovative" approach to Health, Fitness and Well Being that not only Enhances the Body but also Enriches the Mind. With an increasing following in the Los Angeles area his powerful message of Good Health, Clean Living and the importance of Exercise, Markus is changing people's lives. Helping people achieve and experience "enlightenment" of good health and a higher level of fitness.

Fitness and Well-Being is his passion, his life's work and his personal goal of educating people about this "new way" of living, is one that he takes very seriously. His belief is that health, fitness and well-being is the greatest gift we are given in life. It's a supreme gift that we should always be mindful of, be grateful for and never take for granted. Markus is often heard saying that having the opportunity to help people make important changes in their lives, and in some cases "life saving" changes is an awesome feeling as well as extremely rewarding. Come join Markus and experience the difference first hand. Start enjoying and living a healthier, happier and more active life. Life is too short not to listen to his message!

Ayurveda and Yoga, Ancient Sister Sciences

Ayurveda and yoga are sister Vedic sciences that have been united for thousands of years for the sake of healing body, mind, and consciousness. Generally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness, but in reality they complement and embrace each other.

The ancient rishis (seers) were the original masters of all Vedic sciences. They understood that good health is a great asset on the path toward Self-realization. If the body is neglected it can easily become an obstacle to spiritual practice. Anyone who has practiced meditation for any length of time would agree to how difficult it can be to sit still for long periods of time without feeling discomfort and fatigue. Both yoga and Ayurveda are mutually supportive and offer many ways to prevent and heal various disorders as well as to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.

Besides sharing a philosophical foundation, both systems have many similarities in relation to attitude, nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, cleansing practices, as well as spiritual practices. Traditionally, a student of yoga would first live close to and serve the guru for many years, during which time he would learn healthy habits. The basic Ayurvedic principles for health and longevity were past on in the lineage in oral form to serve as a foundation for a life of sadhana (spiritual practice).

Nowadays, the teachings of yoga are easily available to all, and whether prepared or not we can leap headlong into its practice. This has its blessings, in the sense that more people can be turned on to the teachings, although much is often lost without the parampara, or close guidance at the feet of an accomplished master. With this in mind, modern yoga practitioners would most certainly benefit from a basic knowledge of Ayurveda to help establish a healthy daily routine and adjust their practice according to the constitution, dosha imbalance, season, and so on, to prevent disease and promote longevity.

First, let's take a look at the similarities between yoga and Ayurveda:

* Both are ancient Vedic teachings. Yoga originates in the Yajur Veda, while Ayurveda originates in the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda.

* Both recognize that keeping the body healthy is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).

* Both recognize that the balance of doshas (humors), dhatus (tissues), and malas (waste products) is essential for maintaining good health.

* Both share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of 72,000 nadis (subtle channels), 7 main chakras (energy centers), 5 bodily sheaths, and the Kundalini Shakti (energy).

* Both advocate the use of diet, herbs, asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, astrology, prayer, puja, and rituals for healing the entire being.

* Both encourage physical health as a good foundation for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

* Both share the same view on psychology. Ayurveda embraces all six of the main schools of philosophy including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Vedanta (a non-dual philosophical and spiritual path). They both understand that the attachment to the body-mind complex is the root cause of all suffering and that the ultimate state of health is experienced when we abide in our true nature, which is total peace, regardless of the state of the physical body.

* Both use cleansing methods for the body, all of which encourage the removal of waste products and toxins through their natural routes of elimination. Ayurveda has panchakarma (five cleansing actions) and yoga uses Shat Karma (six purification measures).

Ayurvedic approach to asana practice

The use of asana, pranayama, and meditation for healing is known as Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy and has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic and yogic adepts. In Yoga Chikitsa, a group of yogic exercises are chosen that will best support the individual and are practiced daily. This can be done over an extended period of time in conjunction with an Ayurvedic regime and herbal and dietary therapies. Yoga Chikitsa also plays an integral role in the Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation process known as panchakarma.

For a well balanced personal yoga practice, it is important to take into consideration the individual's body structure, prakruti (original constitution), and vikruti (present constitutional imbalance). The following are general recommendations according to the predominant dosha.

Vata predominant individuals should remember to focus on calming, grounding, stillness, strengthening, and balancing while doing their practice.

Precautions for vata:

* Vinyasa or flow styles of yoga tend to move too quickly from one pose to the next and can aggravate the hyper-mobile quality of vata over time. Flow sequences can be made to be more vata pacifying if they are not excessively long, the length of time poses are held is extended, and transitions are done slowly and consciously.

* Those with lower back problems may find that bending the knees in standing forward bends can prevent discomfort.

* Back bends should be done slowly, carefully and within one's own limits.

Pitta individuals should maintain a calm, cool, and relaxed intention while doing asanas. Pitta types may benefit from trying to cultivate an attitude of forgiveness, and of surrendering or offering the fruits of their practice to the divine of to those in need of positive healing energy. Because asana practice tends to generate heat in the body, it is best to do them at cooling times of the day, such as dawn or dusk. Also, it is useful to place some emphasis on poses that help to release excess heat from the body, such as poses that compress the solar plexus and poses that open the chest like.

Kapha types tend to be sedentary and often dislike vigorous exercise. For this reason, their practice should be energetic, warming, lightening, and stimulating, providing they are physically capable. Vinyasa or flow style yoga is good for kapha because it is dynamic and moves quickly from one pose to the next, it induces sweating and gets the heart pumping.

Yoga poses that address specific doshic problems can be easily added to an Ayurvedic regime and integrated into an existing yoga routine, or they can be organized as a small session with the help of an Ayurvedic clinician who knows each individual case well and can help set up a well balanced program according to the needs of each client.

Ayurveda also offers Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy, for specific doshic disorders. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for an individualized regime.

Ayurvedic Approach to Pranayama (breathing techniques).

The ultimate goal of pranayama is to calm the mind and prepare it for meditation. It also has a therapeutic effect on the physical body as well. It is not essential to do a pranayama practice according to dosha, but knowing its effects on the body is a valuable tool for management of the doshas. Below is a general list of pranayama and bandha exercises according to dosha.

Vata: Nadi Shodhana, Kapala Bhati, Agnisara Dhauti, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.

Pitta: Sheetali or Sitkari, Nadi shodhana.

Kapha: Bastrika, Agnisara Dhauti, Kapala Bhati, Ashvini Mudra (contracting and releasing Mula Bandha), Ashvini Mudra, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.

Furthermore, the Four Purifications taught in our workshops is an ancient method from the Ashtanga Yoga for purifying the gross and subtle body in order to prepare it for more advanced practices. They are tridoshic and safe for everyone, providing they are performed correctly.

Meditation According to Dosha.

These spiritual paths and their meditation techniques can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their prakruti. This list is only intended to give an idea on how dosha can support or influence one's spiritual practice. Many traditions of yoga blend various aspects of the paths listed here.

* Vata: Kriya Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga and other structured techniques help to keep vata stabilized and focused.

* Pitta: Jnana Yoga and Vedanta are good for pitta types because they often have sharp intellects and have a keen interest in self-study (Atma-vichara).

* Kapha: Bhakti yoga is natural for kapha types because they are often loving and devotional by nature.

Ayurvedic and Yogic Diet.

Ayurveda is more concerned with food being constitutionally balanced, while Yoga promotes a diet that is sattwic (light and pure). A combination of both aspects is the best choice for a yogi or anyone wanting to make real progress on a spiritual path.

Ayurvedic diet:

* According to dosha.

* Primarily vegetarian (meat is used as medicine, mainly for extreme deficiencies).

* Primarily cooked (raw food in moderation, especially for vata types).

* Containing six tastes.

Yogic diet:

* Sattwic vegetarian diet.

* Easy to digest.

* Simple meals (to limit desire).

* Both cooked and raw.

* Foods recommended in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika consist of rejuvenating substances such as wheat, whole grain, white basmati, corn, raw milk, raw sugar, butter, ghee, honey, dried ginger, mung beans, pure water, vegetables.

* Fruits, roots and nuts.

* Avoiding excessive hot, sour, salty, fermented, and fried foods.

* Avoiding tamasic (dulling) foods like meat, onions, garlic and mushrooms as a regular part of the daily diet.

Cleansing in Yoga and Ayurveda.

Ayurveda and Yoga both emphasize cleansing of the body for health and support of spiritual practices. Their methods are similar and work by expelling excess dosha and ama, or toxins, using the body's natural routes of elimination.

The yogic method is known in the Ashtanga tradition as Shat Karma, or six cleansing measures. These are:

1. Neti (nasal cleansing):

Jala neti (salt water flushing of the sinuses).

Sutra neti (nasal cleaning with string).

2. Dhauti (washing the GI tract).

Teeth, tongue, eyes, ears and forehead.

Agnisara Dhauti.

Vamana Dhauti (vomiting salt water).

Vastra Dhauti (washing with a cloth).

Varisara Dhauti (washing with water for purgation).

3. Basti (enema).

4. Trataka (forehead wash, gazing into a candle flame).

5. Nauli (intestinal washing, abdominal rolling).

6. Kapala Bhati (skull shining).

The Ayurvedic method for cleansing and rejuvenation is known as panchakarma (pancha karma), or five cleansing actions. This program is usually done for a week or two, but can also be done for longer periods depending on the case. The five actions of this method are:

1. Basti (Enema).

2. Nasya (Nasal application of herbs and herbal oils).

3. Vamana (Therapeutic vomiting).

4. Virechana (Purgation).

5. Rakta Moksha (Blood letting).

It is obvious that Ayurveda and yoga not only complement each other. Both sciences actually embrace each other as they share similarities and fundamental principles on many levels. Ayurveda and yoga should go hand in hand if we want to achieve optimal health, peace, and longevity.

Vishnu Dass, NTS, LMT, CAyu, is an Ayurvedic practitioner and educator and the Director of Blue Lotus Ayurveda - Natural Health & Rejuvenation - an Ayurvedic clinic in Asheville, NC, that offers holistic health care, panchakarma (for deep detox and rejuvenation), rejuvenating therapies, diet and lifestyle counseling, yoga and yoga therapy, therapeutic massage & bodywork, workshops, and more. For more information, articles and products, visit: http://www.bluelotusayurveda.com and http://ayurvedayogashop.com

Yoga Pura Review - Translating the Ancient Science of Yoga Into a Understandable Method

Are you looking for a yoga studio in the Phoenix area that provides you with an ideal environment to learn and practice yoga?

If you are seriously interested in discovering a yoga studio specializes in translating the ancient science of yoga into a practical and understandable method for creating happiness in your everyday life.

Then you will be glad to know that in this review you will learn everything you need to know about Yoga Pura which is a yoga studio that is located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona's Moon Valley neighborhood and serves as a urban desert oasis for many yogis and yoginis.

Let's face it, many people in the greater Phoenix area are looking to find a yoga studio that offers a variety of different types of yoga classes at a variety of different times.

That's why Yoga Pura offers nearly 40 different classes a week, at a variety of different times and days, in a variety of different styles.

The types of classes offered at Yoga Pura fall under these types of styles and practices:

Intro to Yoga - This is a 4 week/eight-class introduction to yoga series that is great for those that are new to yoga or are just interested in learning more about the philosophy yoga,basic yoga postures, and how to integrate the practice of yoga into your everyday life.

Essential Basics, All Levels, and Classic Level 1-2 classes - These yoga classes are great for beginners as well as anyone who is looking to work with the Asana of yoga in a way that deals primarily with physical alignment, yoga postures, and breath work while at the same time learning and discussing yogic theory and philosophy in ways that you can use off the yoga mat as well.

Yin Yoga - In this class you will find yourself holding postures anywhere from three to ten minutes with a focus on allowing the deep connective tissues to breathe.

Gentle Oasis - This is an excellent class to consider if you are recovering from injury, have reduced mobility or are looking for a yoga class that offers you a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Yoga Nidra - This is a deeply restorative practice that helps release stored tensions in your body, renew vital energy, and increases the well-being of both your body and mind. Yoga Nidra is literally translated as "yogic sleep" and is a guided meditation technique that is experienced while you are lying down or in a reclined position with your eyes closed.

Power and Flow Yoga - Offers you a vigorous and challenging series of poses that are linked in a flow style with the breath in a room that is heated to about 80 degrees. If you are looking for an amazing workout that will make you sweat then consider taking one of these classes.

I'm sure you will agree that when it comes to finding the right yoga studio to practice at, knowing what other people are saying about it can provide you with some pretty valuable information as well.

Ask around and these are some of the comments you will find people saying about Yoga Pura:


Felt very welcomed by the teachers and other yoga practitioners.
The studio has very ample bathrooms and studio space
Yoga instructors are great people who know what they are doing.
The yoga teachers really take their time to explain and show the yoga postures
Yoga Pura offers you the kind of classes that give you a physical workout with a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind yoga as well.

As this Yoga Pura review ends, consider what you are looking for in a yoga studio and know that if you are indeed serious about learning yoga in a warm and inviting space that has a friendly staff that exist solely to nurture your practice.

Then now is the time to consider making that drive into Moon Valley and taking a yoga class at Yoga Pura for yourself so that you can learn how to create happiness in your everyday life with the practice of yoga.

Thaddeus Ferguson is just a guy who happens to enjoy Yoga and Meditation because it has helped him experience a functional relationship with God that has led to an extraordinary transformation in his life.

More than that he wants more and more people to experience the benefits of Yoga and Meditation for themselves, especially if they are interested in developing a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life.

Discover many of the Benefits of Meditation Now!

In addition, feel free to explore the practice of Yoga Nidra which is a guided meditation techinque that helps realign your body and mind to your true nature.

Ancient Yoga For Modern Health

Everyone can practice and benefit from yoga, no matter how old. People from the ages of 6 to 80 can easily learn and practice yoga. Even professional athletes have studied it and there are special classes now for handicapped persons. Yoga can be used to overcome a vast array of personal problems and is especially good for people who want to lose weight. The overall philosophy tends to promote a vegetarian diet and encourages the elimination of meat and dairy products.

Raga yoga is the mental practice of yoga and teaches practitioners five mental meditation techniques. Yoga meditation concentrates on breathing and calms the nerves, overcomes anxiety, fear, worry, anger and negative emotions, and quiets the mind. Many people practice yoga meditation to calm themselves and relieve stress. It has been found that older people who practice yoga can often regain some characteristics of youth and vitality such as improved memory and better concentration. They become more flexibility, have better balance, endurance, coordination, and they feel more energized.

Yoga improves both physical and mental health when practiced regularly. Yoga works on every part of the human organism, both internal and external. Physical yoga consists of passive stretching and breathing exercises which improve muscle tone and stimulate internal organs. When combined with proper dietary habits, it cleanses the body and eliminates toxins and waste. The benefits from yoga cleansing techniques include support of normal regularity, stronger resistance to colds and flu viruses, and improved circulation throughout the body.

Westernized yoga classes mostly focus on learning physical poses, which are called "asanas". These yoga classes also include mediation and breathing exercises along with dietary guidelines. The majority of yoga classes are designed for purely relaxation and stress management, however many styles teach people to move their body in special ways to achieve greater flexibility, muscle tone, strength, and balance.

For most healthy people, yoga is a safe, non-aerobic exercise program; however, it is not without certain risks. Although yoga has provided many great health benefits for millions of people, it is not a substitute for proper medical care, nor is it to be taken lightly. Don't try learning yoga on your own from a video or book. It is much safer and better to work with an experienced and certified instructor to learn the proper way to avoid injury while performing the postures and stretches. Learn what your limits are and do not try to strain or stretch beyond them. Go slow in the beginning and make sure you warm up properly before each session. Cold muscles can cause injuries. Wear the proper loose-fitting clothing that allows freedom of movement. Stay hydrated, especially if practicing "hot yoga", which is done in warm and humid rooms to encourage perspiration. Ask questions of the instructor if you don't understand an exercise, or ask to see it demonstrated before you attempt it yourself. Above all, listen to your body and pay attention to what it is telling you. If you feel pain or faint, then stop immediately. Yoga may cause some discomfort, but it isn't supposed to hurt. Stop immediately if you have chest pain, get overheated, or become dizzy, or weak. Get immediate medical care if your symptoms continue after you stop.

Ancient Yogic Recipe - Nerve Tonic Promotes Calmness and Clarity

Performing yoga asanas and practicing meditation are not easy undertakings. They require focus, concentration and strength of purpose. Everyday events take their toll on us physically and mentally. Often we find ourselves at the end of the day frazzled, exhausted and feeling like a nervous wreck. This can keep us from practising our yoga routines even when we know we should and even when we want to.

Millennia ago, India developed a system of medicine know as Ayurveda. A large part of Ayurvedic teaching consists of using foods as remedies for health problems. Ancient yogis taught these dietary remedies to their yoga students to help strengthen them for the rigors of yoga practice.

One vital requisite of successful yoga practice is control of the motor nerves and sensory nerves. When we get stressed by our hectic environments our nervous control can fly out the window, making hatha asanas and meditation nearly impossible. But thankfully, those ancient yogis left us a little recipe to counteract all that stress and heal our jangled nerves.

A lot of modern urbanites unwind after work with an alcoholic beverage. Health-minded yogis don't have that option so I give you an even better one: lemonade. Not lemonade the way Grandma made it -- very tart and very sweet -- but a mellower and medicinal version that won't give you a sugar rush followed by a hypoglycemic crash. Here's the recipe.

Take a large glass of cool, filtered drinking water. Instead of using lemon add the juice of one-half of a lime (or one entire key lime). Add sugar, about one-half teaspoon to one teaspoon. The trick is to get a balance between sweet and sour so that neither taste overpowers the other. The resulting lime drink will be very mild in flavor. It shouldn't be overwhelmingly strong like traditional lemonade. Add crushed ice. Drink, enjoy and feel your nerves start to unwind. It is most effective when taken on an empty stomach so that its properties can be absorbed quickly through the stomach lining.

This has been and continues to be one of the favorite drinks of yogis in India. It has a proven effect on nerve tissue, enabling it to heal by repairing itself. This drink has a definite spiritual vibration. You will notice a markedly soothing, calming effect after drinking it and continued daily consumption will go far in undoing the damage wrought on our nerves by the impact of daily life.

Yasmeen Harper is the owner of Face Value Portraits. She has been drawing and painting high quality commisioned portrait art for thirty years. Portraiture of adults, couples, children and pets is available. You may choose between three different portrait sizes, as well as color or black & white. All work is done from your photos. A custom work of art will be created for you, to your specifications, and be shipped to you, matted and framed and ready to hang. Portrait art makes a perfect gift, to yourself or another, and will come to be cherished as a family heirloom. To view the gallery of her work visit her website. Ordering is simple and easy, and checkout is safe. Visit today: http://FaceValuePortraits.com Yasmeen also creates hand painted signage and murals in the Las Vegas area. Visit her other website: http://JasmineSigns.com

The Ancient Practice of Yoga and its Effect on Your Life

When it comes to yoga, everybody pauses to listen, and always needs to know more about it. Yoga gives us a state of relaxation on just mentioning it, as if it is a magical word. Me, myself when I listen to the word "Yoga", I take a deep breath and relax.

Yoga is an ancient sport, and its origin was in India thousands of years ago. Regarding its direct positive effect on the physical, mental and psychological states of human beings it is considered to be a complete science of life, and an excellent sport for body and spirit.

Yoga is a sport for everybody, young and old. You can practice it at any age. When you practice yoga, you will not get the best out of it, except when you reach a point where your consciousness and the universal consciousness unite. It makes you spiritually committed to nature, managing your stress, nerves, pain and fatigue. In addition, on practicing it regularly you will notice that your body has never been so flexible before. This is because it enables you to do body stretching and many positions aiming for flexibility. These positions increase your concentration, patience and strength, too.

Before deciding to start your Yoga classes, you should have a hint about it. Read as much as you can about Yoga, because the more you read the more you discover its world." It is a world of wonders". First, you should know, what is Yoga? , what is it all about?

The ancient Yogis were less busy than we are nowadays, they were having more time to think, understand and discover the nature, and the human needs. They knew that by balancing the three forces, (which are action, emotion and intelligence), the human body operates its best and this is because the body, mind and soul are integrated together, enabling the person to live in harmony with himself and his environment. Therefore, Yoga became a unique method to maintain this balance, providing us with all the physical movements required for a good health and fitness, plus the breathing and meditation techniques, which relax the body and release it from all the stresses and tensions.

The word "Yoga" means "to join together", since it unites the body, the mind and the soul. It consists of three structures, which are exercise, breathing, and meditation. The exercises designed to improve and maintain the body's glandular function, and so it leads to a good health. Anciently, they were considering breathing is the source of life in the body, so in Yoga; the breathing techniques based on this concept. That is why breathing is essential and one of the three structures in Yoga. On achieving a breath control; together with the exercises; you prepare your body and mind for the meditation.

Yoga teaches us so much; it teaches us how to take care of our body, mind and soul; which enables us to live our life to the maximum. It makes us able to use all our energy in good; to do our best at work; to overcome pressure and stresses at work and in our everyday life; to concentrate; to be patient; and last but not least to relax. In addition, it provides us with strength and energy. On practicing it regularly and on daily basis, you will achieve a clear bright mind and a strong relaxed body; free from everyday stresses.

Now, you should have a quick hint about its history. This will enable you to understand Yoga basics from its early stages and its evolution, and know how it became a worldwide sport.

Darren Williger is an over-caffeinated, low carbohydrate eating, yoga enthusiast who writes for CaffeineZone.com, LowCarbPages.com, and PrimeYoga.com.