02.11.08
Posted in Articles, Diet & Nutrition, Healing, Spiritual, Yoga at 1:00 am by Administrator
– By Richard A Masla ND
Ayurvedic therapy is a truly holistic approach to achieving and maintaining wellness based on thousands of years of scientific study.
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing tradition from India that teaches us how to enrich our lives by staying in harmony with nature.
Here is a very brief introduction into Ayurvedic theory.
All matter (including the body) is composed of 5 elements which are the building blocks of existence. Living matter has three forces comprised of these 5 elements which govern all psychophysiological processes. These three forces are called doshas.
The term dosha means ‘that which causes things to decay’, reflecting the fact that when out of balance (with our constitutional nature or our environment), the doshas are the causative forces in the disease process. The names of the doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The doshas are the 3 primary energetic principles which regulate every physiological and psychological process in the bodymind. A harmonious state of the 3 doshas creates balance in the body, mind, and emotions, ~homeostasis~ and is the foundation of good health. Any longstanding imbalance in the doshas manifests as disease.
Vata means ‘that which moves things’; it is sometimes translated as wind. Vata is comprised of primarily air with ether being a secondary element. It is the moving force behind the other 2 doshas, which are considered incapable of movement without it. It is responsible for all of the body’s activities and sensations. It is responsible for the movement of air in and out of the lungs, blood through the circulatory system, and thoughts through the mind. It promotes mental balance and comprehension.
Pitta means ‘that which digests things’. It is primarily fire with water as a secondary element. It is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body, as well as for heat production. It also governs our ability to digest ideas and impressions and to perceive the nature of reality. It stimulates the intellect and kindles the capacity for enthusiasm.
Kapha provides support and substance to the body. It comes from a word which means that which holds things together. It’s primary element is water with earth as a secondary element. It gives strength and stability, both physical and psychological, and governs human emotions such as love, compassion, forgiveness, loyalty and patience. Kapha can bestow resistance against disease and can support the healing process. Where Vata and Pitta effects are active on the body, Kapha acts to restrict these 2 forces and prevent their excessive manifestation.
Together the 3 doshas govern all the activities of life: catabolism, (vata), metabolism (pitta), and anabolism (kapha). When vata is excessive, there will be therefore excess catabolism, resulting in a breakdown or deterioration of the body’s natural defenses. Excess pitta dosha results in disturbances of metabolism and heat production including infection. Increases in kapha dosha results in increased tissue growth and weight gain.
Another fundamental idea in Ayurveda is that of ama. Ama is the result of all undigested foods (and experiences; even thoughts!). It begins (usually in the mind, then) to accumulate in the GI tract, then overflows into other channels in the body such as blood vessels, capillaries, and lymphatics where it can cause obstruction. In addition to grossly physical effects on the body, ama also has subtler consequences on the vital energies, mental clarity, and emotions. If allowed to remain, it eventually becomes toxic and accumulates in tissues of the body where an individual has a predilection for disease. As a consequence a disease condition manifests and we give it a name: Arthritis, high blood pressure, gallstone, bronchitis, cancer, depression etc.
Disease manifests as the result of excess accumulation of any of the 3 doshas or ama. Pancha karma is the therapeutic means by which excess doshas and ama are eliminated from the physiology.
About the Author
The Ayurveda Health Retreat contains a group of dedicated health professionals seeking to combine the best of conventional and ayurvedic medicine. We have an Ayurvedic Practitioner, a Doctor of Naturopathy, an Acupuncture Physician and several Massage, yoga and meditation teachers and Reiki therapists. They have studied Traditional Ayurveda under such great teachers as Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Pankaj Naram, and Dr. Syama. They have been taught the ancient art of Kerala ayurvedic massage and pancha karma.Their main center is in north central Florida in the small historic town of Alachua (20 minutes north of Gainesville and 2 hours north of Orlando). Its Main Street has gift shops, restaurants and many other shops to browse through. There is an abundance of natural beauty in the area. The beautiful wooded parks, crystal clear waters of natural springs, rivers and lakes are only 20 minutes away and are a wonderful place to walk, swim, and connect with nature. The center offers 5-8 and 12 day retreats. Stay from 3-21 days is permitted. For more information visit their site at www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com .
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Self Help, Yoga at 12:43 am by Administrator
– By Richard A Masla ND
Ayur means life and Veda means knowledge. Ayurveda is the science of life. If there was a life handbook given at birth guiding us to a healthy and happy life, included would be several chapters on the science of Ayurveda. This ancient healing system has its historical base in the pre-Aryan civilization of India dating back over 5000 years.
Ayurveda is the science of living in harmony with the forces of nature. Its holistic approach to healthcare is unique in that it enables us to treat the individual as a part of the whole. Understanding one’s personal nature (prakrti) and the impact the environment has on one’s life offers us clarity of the most appropriate lifestyle applications that would serve us best. These may include nutrition and dietary changes, simple exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing (called pranayama) and addition of simple herbal medicines. These simple changes will create a greater harmonic balance for the mind, body and spirit.
In Ayurveda, food may be used to support healing. These principles coincide with the basic Hippocratic principle that food serves as the most valuable medicine for supporting and maintaining health. Likewise, poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles create a foundation for disease to begin.
One of the major causes of illness according to the Ayurveda is called jnana-aparadha or offense against knowledge. If you get heartburn every time you eat foods prepared with tomatoes and continue to eat them, you will suffer the consequences. This is called jnana-aparadha. If your body is telling you that a particular food is not good for you; listen. The Surgeon General of the United States said that 60% of diseases are diet related. Ayurveda says that almost all disease can be related to improper digestion of foods and the wrong combinations of them.
Here is some simple advice from the Ayurveda in relation to diet.
1. Eat only when you are hungry.
2. Do not have cold drinks or drink a lot of fluids with your meals. This puts out the fire of digestion.
3. Have your largest meal of the day at midday and your last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
4. Make each meal a preparation of love and be grateful for all of your food. Know that it is a gift from nature and God for you. (We may take this for granted, not realizing that every year on this planet 20 million die of malnutrition).
By following some very simple principles from the Ayurveda, your health can improve and you can live a long and prosperous life. Living a full and healthy life does not need to be a puzzle, we may just need a little guidance from an ancient medical science that has been tested through time.
About the Author
The Ayurveda Health Retreat contains a group of dedicated health professionals seeking to combine the best of conventional and ayurvedic medicine. We have an Ayurvedic Practitioner, a Doctor of Naturopathy, an Acupuncture Physician and several Massage, yoga and meditation teachers and Reiki therapists. They have studied Traditional Ayurveda under such great teachers as Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Pankaj Naram, and Dr. Syama. They have been taught the ancient art of Kerala ayurvedic massage and pancha karma.
The main center is in north central Florida in the small historic town of Alachua (20 minutes north of Gainesville and 2 hours north of Orlando). Its Main Street has gift shops, restaurants and many other shops to browse through. There is an abundance of natural beauty in the area. The beautiful wooded parks, crystal clear waters of natural springs, rivers and lakes are only 20 minutes away and are a wonderful place to walk, swim, and connect with nature. The center offers 5-8 and 12 day retreats. Stay from 3-21 days is permitted. For more information visit their site at www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com .
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Yoga at 12:06 am by Administrator
– By Sheri Kauhausen
We all know breath is life. In fact, in yogic philosophy one believes we are allotted a pre-determined number of breaths for our time here on Earth. If breathing is done hurriedly, instead of slowly and relaxed, one’s life is ended prematurely. The breath in yoga is called prana, which means life force or energy. It is stored in the solar plexus and sent through the body to recharge the various parts. Yogic breathing is called pranayama.
The origins of yoga are thousands of years old. Stone carvings that depict yoga postures have been found by archeologists dating back about 5000 years. The word yoga means “union” or “to unite.” In yoga we unite the mind, body, spirit and breath. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, gender, religion, or fitness level.
There are very few prerequisites to practicing yoga. Bare feet are essential, as well as loose comfortable clothing. Slow, controlled movements make sure that each posture is performed only to the farthest comfortable depth. Eating a few hours before practice, ensures that you do not have a full stomach nor an empty one. It is important to remember that you should never feel pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you to STOP. Always respect it.
Be mindful of your breath. Your breath should be comfortable and steady while holding postures. During vinyasa (flowing movement) asana (postures), the breath should still be comfortable and steady, but may take on a more forceful quality. If you cannot breathe rhythmically, that is a sign that you are practicing too strenuously. Take a step back and slow down. Do not compete - with yourself or anyone else. This is your practice and your time. Do only what you are comfortable with and hold each posture, or practice each breath, only for as long as you remain in your comfort zone. I’ve heard a saying many times that I particularly identify to yoga. “Do not worry about your destination, enjoy the journey.” Your perfect posture is what you can do today, right now, this minute. Relax…and enjoy your journey.
As we learn to breathe properly it is important to note we are required to use our lungs correctly. Many of us use only 1/5 to 1/3 or our lung capacity, breathing only into the upper portion of our lungs. As we age and acquire more stress and tension in our lives, our breathing becomes less and less integral. Take note of your breathing pattern the next time you are anxious, scared, angry or frustrated. Compare it to a time when you are feeling relaxed, joyful or content. You can affect your emotions with the rhythm of your breath. Slow, relaxed breaths promote harmony and tranquillity.
The diaphragm is the major muscle used for respiration. As the lungs fill during inhalation, the diaphragm descends toward the abdominal organs. During exhalation, the lungs deflate and the diaphragm relaxes. Slow deep breathing allows for a good massage of the abdominal organs as well as strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles.
Each of the following breaths can be performed on its own or along with an asana. If combining the breath with asana, hold the asana for as long as comfortable. If you are a complete beginner, start with about 10 seconds. Gradually increase your holding time. If you are practicing the breath on its own, begin with 5 to 10 breaths. Again, increase the number of breaths as you become more comfortable with it.
The first breath we will look at is the COMPLETE BREATH. It is the basis of all other breathing techniques. In it we learn to slow our breath from a usual 15 to 20 breaths per minute to about 6 breaths per minute. Here we begin to understand how to correctly and completely fill our lungs with the much needed life force or prana. The Complete Breath is an excellent way to begin to reduce tension.
Let’s begin by performing a few Abdominal Breaths, just to see what it feels like to use the lower portion of our lungs. Sit comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your chin level with the floor. Your back should be erect, but not rigid. Inhale through your nose letting your abdomen expand. Allow your ribs and chest to remain soft and relaxed. Exhale, through your nose, contracting the abdomen and relaxing the diaphragm. Practice this a few times. Be aware of how you feel. With your next breath, begin expanding the abdomen then continue to inhale and expand your rib cage and then fill your chest with breath. Begin to exhale by contracting your abdomen, then squeeze your ribs together and lastly, relax your chest. Continue to breathe in this fashion. This is the Complete Breath and along with reducing stress, it improves the quantity and quality of oxygen that enters your body. It helps to combat shortness of breath, calm the nervous system and the mind, and improve digestion. This is the breath to practice when feeling angry, impatient or nervous. It lowers the blood pressure and massages the heart. As you continue to breathe, notice if you can take the breath into not only the front of your body, but into the sides and back of your body as well.
The UJJAYI BREATH (Victorious Breath) is another traditional yoga breath. It too, richly oxygenates and purifies the blood, lowers blood pressure and is beneficial to those who suffer respiratory problems such as asthma. The Ujjayi breath helps to remove phlegm from the throat and improve digestion. It calms the nervous system and helps to draw the mind’s attention inward allowing the practitioner to stay focused.
The Ujjayi Breath takes the Complete Breath one step further becoming a more dynamic breath. This time as you inhale through your nose, the breath passes across the roof of your mouth to the back of your throat with a hissing sound. It sounds like the flow of the ocean tide. As you exhale, the air is pushed out past the back of your throat, then across the roof of your mouth, out your nostrils. The epiglottis is slightly restricted to obtain the hissing sound. This one is a little tricky and may take some time to perfect.
The third breath is called the KAPALABHATI BREATH (Skull Shining Breath). It is not recommended for those who suffer with emphysema, blood pressure problems or women who are pregnant. This is a very strong abdominal breath. Slowly and fully inhale through your nose. Exhale very quickly through your nose, as though you have been punched in the stomach, by contracting the abdominal muscles back toward your spine. Relaxing the abdominal area, begin another breath repeating the same forceful action for the exhalation. The inhalation should take slightly longer than the exhalation. Many of the benefits attributed to the Complete Breath and Ujjayi Breath pertain to the Kapalabhati. The strong pumping action of this breath also stimulates the liver, spleen and pancreas and helps to relieve constipation.
About the Author
Sheri Kauhausen has been teaching yoga in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1987. She has been an active yoga practitioner for more than 30 years and brings the wisdom of her studies to her students at their work place and in community centers. She also enjoys teaching infant massage and baby sign language to parents and caregivers. Sheri enjoys teaching yoga classes to students at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as to seniors, and pregnant moms. She is the proprietor of INTO YOGA, which offers on-site yoga, pilates, body rolling and massage in the work place.
Sheri can be reached at (604) 421-9872 or intoyoga@yahoo.com. Visit her website at www.intoyoga.ca.
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Posted in Articles, Yoga at 12:05 am by Administrator
– By Veronica Shaffer
Are you looking for more yoga clients and an opportunity to increase your income or add zest to ongoing classes? When a busy Holistic Health Center offering yoga classes seven days a week asked me to design a spring program for them, I was reluctant. I was intimidated by the center’s competitive teaching positions, and the large clientele who filled the classes— but decided to accept the challenge and create a new program for the center.
To begin the process, I asked several questions: What are people’s needs? Which styles of yoga are currently popular, and what could I use as a marketing strategy to attract clients? The first thing that came to mind in the “needs” category is weight; everyone is looking for the magic weight-loss potion, a new solution to an old problem. Stress is another concern. People are perpetually seeking techniques to reduce stress in their lives. The final key point is commitment, because most of us always vow, swear and promise to take care of ourselves in a more healthy way, but don’t follow through on the promise. Convincing people to make that phone call to register for a class means getting them to commit emotionally and financially. I have taught many courses, and learned that being prepaid for a specific time period is important. People will take their involvement much more seriously if they have put money on the line. You may want to add an incentive such as “Pay by a specific date and receive a 10% discount, or full price after a later specific date.”
Keeping in mind the components of weight, relaxation and commitment, I started to write out all my basic thoughts on paper about these topics. For the advertisement, I came up with the heading “Fit and Wellness.” These words I hoped would draw the reader’s attention to the practices of being fit and staying well. For the class, I wanted a catchy phrase that hooked the reader and sounded like a different approach to weight loss. So “Stretch, Sweat and Shed” became my focal words. I expanded on those three words, defining how this would work in my yoga program. I explained that we would be doing Hatha yoga, a gentle stretching and breathing. I added the word “hot” to show that with the temperature raised, participants would sweat and shed.
After grabbing the readers’ attention with my catch phrase, the ultimate goal would be for them to continue reading and enthusiastically sign up for the course. I waited anxiously as the center’s newsletter was sent out, and within two weeks I had sixteen sign-ups, the maximum for the class. I ran the program again and twelve enrolled, with three from the previous class choosing to recommit.
The amazing thing about this course was that on the first day of class I asked, “Who has done yoga before?” Only three had! Here was a wonderful opportunity to introduce yoga to a new community, and it also told me that the weight focus had been the marketing lure. The group shared during those six weeks they were feeling better, had more energy, were able to handle stress in a relaxed way, slept well and looked at food differently, and overall made healthier decisions.
About the Author
Veronica Shaffer is a Reiki teacher, polarity practioner, yoga instructor and meditation facilitator. She leads meditation and relaxation groups twice a month in her home in Massachusetts. Shaffer also works with women in prison, in a program called Fit and Wellness. The program uses meditation and yoga to offer a positive support system for the inmates everyday lives. You can reach Veronica Shaffer by e-mail at vas4@adelphia.net.
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Posted in Articles, Yoga at 12:04 am by Administrator
– By Thomas Claire
The following yoga posture is an especially powerful one for men to incorporate into their self-care practices. It is one among many poses in my new book, Yoga for Men: Postures for Healthy, Stress-Free Living (Career Press/New Page Books, 2004). Yoga for Men contains the information and tools to help men manage stress and relieve the aches and pains caused by physical exertion and age.
While the following yoga stretch is great for men, women may also find it beneficial! As with any physical activity, individuals with any specific physical concerns or complaints should check with their primary healthcare provider before undertaking any exercise program.
Uttanasana: Standing Forward Bend with Arms Raised Overhead and Behind
Many men are so busy working and competing in the day-to-day world that they don’t take the time to care for themselves. Standing Forward Bend with Raised Arms can help you to nurture yourself by centering, expanding your chest area, opening your shoulders, and practicing from your heart.
Today’s man often spends a great deal of time bending forward with arms stretched in front while working at a desk, typing at the computer, or sitting behind the steering wheel of a car. This can lead to a rounding forward in the chest area. Men who work out a lot trying to develop strong pectoral muscles may actually contribute even further to this rounding tendency. Because many men can benefit from an opening of the chest, and heart, area, an especially good stretching posture to incorporate into your wellness routine is a Standing Forward Bend with Raised Arms. Follow the directions below and try it out for yourself.
Assume an erect standing position, your feet parallel and hip-width apart. Keeping your arms straight, move them back behind you. Bring your palms together and interlace your fingers behind your back. Inhale as you arch your chest and the front of your pelvic basin forward, letting your neck roll gently backward so that your nose tilts toward the ceiling. (If you experience any neck problems, be careful not to arch your neck back too far.) Keep your arms as straight as possible, and, if you can, your palms pressed against one another throughout the remainder of the exercise. If this is too difficult for you, then simply interlock your fingers together without palms touching. Exhale as you bend forward from the hips allowing your upper body and head to lower toward the floor. As you lower your upper body, press your arms and hands out in back from you and away from your body, keeping your arms as straight as possible. Rotating your arms from the shoulders, press your hands as far in back of you as you can, then up toward the ceiling, and, if possible, out over your back so that they are pointing in front and away from your body. The model pictured above is experienced and accomplished in this pose. Work within your own limit of comfort when performing this yoga stretch. With practice, your execution of the pose will most likely become even fuller. Bear in mind when beginning your practice that yoga is about progress, and not necessarily absolute perfection.
Breathe several full, deep rhythmic breaths in your fullest position of Standing Forward Bend with Raised Arms. Feel your heart center opening and expanding as your chest, shoulders, and even armpits expand and widen. To come out of this pose, inhale as you slowly raise your upper body back to a full standing position while releasing your arms down along the sides of your body. Come back to a comfortable, erect standing position. Take several deep breaths as you take the time to be aware of how you feel. In particular, bring your awareness to your heart and chest area. In Sanskrit, this posture is referred to as uttanasana, or “intense stretch.” How do you feel after this intense heart-opening stretch? Do you feel more open and expanded? Does your breathing feel different? Do you feel different? Do you perhaps feel more open to life’s possibilities?
This is a simple yet powerful yoga pose that you can incorporate into your daily life at work or at home. Take a few minutes every now and then throughout the day to open your heart and stretch out your chest with this powerful yogic forward bend. If you’re new to yoga, bear in mind that yoga can be fun. It’s not about competition. Work within your own edge of comfort: Yoga can be challenging, but it is not meant to be stressful.
About the Author
These postures are adapted from Thomas Claire’s most recent book, Yoga for Men: Postures for Healthy, Stress-Free Living (Career Press/New Page Books, 2004). Thomas Claire is considered one of the country’s foremost experts on bodywork, yoga, and stress reduction. In addition to Yoga for Men, he is the author of the critically acclaimed guide, Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get – and How to Make the Most of It (William Morrow, 1995), that has come be considered the “bible” in the field. Thomas facilitates classes and workshops for individuals, organizations, and corporations, as well as individually tailored personal development and stress reduction programs throughout the United States and Europe. Thomas Claire may be contacted at thomasclaire@aol.com or visit his website www.thomasclaire.com.
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Posted in Articles, Pilates, Yoga at 12:02 am by Administrator
– By Deborah Harris
It seems that these days you can hardly turn on a television without hearing someone mention Pilates or Yoga. Articles on Pilates and Yoga fill numerous magazines and it seems “everyone who is anyone” is doing one or the other. Why all the excitement? What is so special about these techniques? What are the similarities and differences between Pilates and Yoga?
Yoga, as we all know it, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body’s posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment.
This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing Yoga - to feel more fit, to be more energetic, be happier and peaceful. The Yoga movements are performed, mostly, in a group setting on a special Yoga mat with an aid of a Yoga instructor.
The body’s own weight is used for resistance and a great deal of focus is accorded to the flow from one posture into the other. There are many different Yoga styles and they differ in their emphasis. No one style is better than the other. The Style you use is a matter of personal preference or a matter of need.
Vinyasa Yoga, for example, makes use of modified Yoga Poses that are designed to meet the specific needs of an individual and to enhance healing, flexibility and strength of joints. The poses also intend to promote the feeling of well-being and strength. 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. As you can imagine, given the scope of practice, the inherent therapeutic applications and the heritage of the lineage, the training requirements for teacher certification are extensive.
Pilates seek to reach much the same goals, also via a series of controlled movements. The major difference is that the Pilates technique not only has a full complement of matwork, but it incorporates work on the Pilates machines. The emphasis of the exercises is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, improve balance and overall strength. Pilates gives you a longer, leaner, dancer-like line.
Unlike many other training programs, Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body. Movements are not performed rapidly or repeated excessively instead, the focus is on quality not quantity. The abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks (”powerhouse”) serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely. This focus on core stabilization makes one stronger from the inside out and is critical for the advancement of the client.
The low impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Its six principles-concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow and precision-train the body to move efficiently with minimal impact on the body. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy, vigorous and symmetrical workout for all muscle groups resulting in a leaner, more balanced, and stronger body.
If after reading about both techniques you are still left with a question of which of these two fitness techniques is right for you then here is the answer: Do them both in conjunction! The nature of the techniques makes it easy for them to complement each other. Get the stretch from Yoga and keep it from Pilates. Strengthen your abdominals on the reformer and watch your poses improve.
Join the breathing techniques of Pilates and meditative aspect of Yoga into your daily routine and see the stress of your everyday life, begin to dissipate. Both techniques are time-proven, established, and with the help of an experienced instructor, you will surely reach the goals you set up for yourself!
About the Author
Deborah Harris runs her own Pilates & Yoga NJ studio Premier Pilates & Yoga in Warren, NJ. Check out www.Yoga-n-Pilates.com or call us at (908) 754 5901 for further information on Pilates and Yoga, and for tips on picking the right studio for you.
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02.10.08
Posted in Articles, Yoga at 11:47 pm by Administrator
– By Bruce Van Horn, Author of Yoga for Men
The ancient Yogic tradition of India viewed sexuality as an important path toward spiritual healing and body-mind-spirit integration. Unlike western religious tradition, which viewed sexual desire at odds with spirituality. This had the unfortunate consequence of creating societies that have institutionalized feelings of shame and guilt, to such an extent that people have to become intoxicated with alcohol or drugs in order to feel free to pursue their desire.
Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, celebrated the magnificence of creation and developed a science for understanding how to get the most out of this joyful, healing, spiritual experience.
In Tantra, energy is viewed as the source of life. Sexual energy is divine energy. Men can learn to channel that energy and extend arousal before they ejaculate. In fact trained yogic masters can maintain their state of arousal for upwards of an hour.
There are a few exercises, which along with some small dietary modifications, that can have a profound effect on your sexual performance:
Physical Exercises:
These exercises include breathing, contractions and holding certain positions. The key to really letting go is developing a state of discipline and concentration, so that you can stay in the meditative state throughout the sexual experience.
1)The Moola Bandha (Benefits include improved prostate functioning, and enhanced sexual performance)
Chair: If you are able to, sit upright in your chair. Take a few deep breaths and then on the exhalation, begin to contract your sphincter muscle, this is the muscle that controls the flow of urine. Try ten long inhalations and exhalations and tighten the sphincter on the exhalation.
Floor: Get down on your hands and knees. Imagine a square block between your arms and thighs so that the arms and thighs are perpendicular to the floor and ceiling. On the inhalation, press your chest forward and arch your pelvis back. On the exhalation, make your chest concave and tilt your pelvis forward. At that point engage and lift the anus and prostate muscles. The alternating motion looks like arching waves. Remember to be gentle with your neck. Continue for sixty seconds with four-second inhalations and eight second exhalations.
2) The Plank (Benefits include improved sexual stamina during intercourse)
Assume a push-up position on the floor supporting the weight of your torso with your hands. Press out through your heels and engage your abdominal muscles so your back doesn’t sway. Over time, attempt to build stamina by holding the position for 30-60 seconds. Follow the pattern of breathing described above in the Moola Bandha Floor Exercise.
3) The Cobra (Benefits include improved sexual stamina during intercourse)
Lying face down on the floor with hands at your sides, inhale and feel the pressure on your hands as you lift your chest forward while keeping your pelvis and the tops of your feet on the floor. Keep your shoulders down, your shoulder blades together, your belly button and lower abdomen on the floor and your legs outstretched. Keep your chest open and lifted. Push away from the floor as you draw your elbows back. Like a cobra open your heart center. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds and follow the breathing described above in the Moola Bandha Floor Exercise.
Psycho-Spiritual Exercises:
Sexual union can be achieved even without orgasm. Many men think that the objective of sex is an orgasm, but healing and spiritual union are the real goals to be achieved. I have developed a meditation on unconditional love, which can make the sexual experience less tense and decrease the pressure to perform.
The most rewarding sexual act is to give completely of yourself to your lover without any expectation of anything in return. The meditation’s focus is on “How can I give how can I serve”. When you are focused on how to please you partner, you take the pressure off yourself to perform and the universe orchestrates a synchronistic flow of loving energy, allowing you to escape into the timelessness of creation. By giving completely you receive fully and the experience can only strengthen your love for each other. Here is an exercise, which will help you focus on giving.
If you are able, you should sit upright in a comfortable chair and close your eyes. Start to follow your breath. (Four-second inhalation, eight-second exhalation)
Imagine a green ball of light glowing from your heart chakra warming and expanding your feelings of love.
Recall the feelings of being loved, whether by a parent, a spouse, a child, a pet or anyone who has cared for you or touched you in some way.
Repeat the mantra “Love Light Joy” now with each inhalation and exhalation.
Now begin visualize your lover. Feel the love that this person has given you. Send loving kindness and visualize their heart chakra’s glowing.
Linger here just a moment longer.
And when you are ready you can open your eyes and begin to share in your expanded feelings.
There Are Also a Number of Ways to Take Your Foreplay to Higher Ground. A Fe of Them Are Listed Below:
Healing Massage:
Gentle stroking is an excellent way to focus on giving. Allow your partner the pleasure of receiving and yourself the pleasure of giving. I have found it much more rewarding to be the giver, as the energy comes back to you. You may want to switch off so that you each experience both giving and receiving.
Tactile stimulation is very healing, both physically and spiritually and healing massages are a beneficial part of a couples energy exchanges.
Reiki/Energy Channeling:
Reiki or energy healing practiced before intercourse can also heighten the sexual experience. Reiki is an Eastern healing art whereby one-partner channels spirit to the other. In this way the receiver can enter a deep state of relaxation similar to that experienced after meditation.
Two simple Reiki exercises are recommended. In the first position stand behind your partner and place your hand on their crown chakra. Hold this position for two minutes with the intention of sending loving healing energy. Reverse receiver and giver.
In the second position face each other with your right hand on your partner’s heart chakra and their right hand should be on your heart chakra. Look into each other’s eyes and send loving kindness.
Dietary Changes:
Reducing consumption of meat will lower testosterone levels, aiding in the fight against prostate cancer. In addition studies have shown that meat consumption increases aggressiveness. For maximum benefits to your Yoga practice and meditation I recommend reducing meat consumption and substituting fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, and soy products.
And of course don’t forget your greens. If you feel good, and you are in good health, your sexual performance will be enhanced.
Accepting and Loving Yourself
Many urologists are convinced that masturbation three or four times per week might help in reducing the number of cases of prostate cancer. Men with diets rich in fat and red meat have elevated their testosterone levels. In addition watching sporting events further increases the levels of adrenaline and testosterone. Men who are not sexually active are at higher risk for developing prostate cancer due to the build up of testosterone and adrenaline. Therefore it is a healthy practice that could help save lives. In addition a visit to the massage therapist would also be advisable as tactile stimulation is very healing.
It has also been shown that for both men and women, connecting with the hormones of the opposite sex can be healing. So sex is not only good for your relationship but also good for your health and a vehicle to commune at a higher spiritual level.
About the Author
Bruce Van Horn is CEO of a Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. based Yoga for Business and author of several books on yoga for the work force including Yoga For Men. Bruce is fully engaged in the practice of reducing stress in our lives through well accepted eastern philosophies and one of their most respected physical manifestations, Hatha Sivananda yoga. Yoga For Business is one avenue he created as a path to enter the workplace to teach employees how to enhance their effectiveness and tap into a level of emotional and intuitive intelligence, which assists in development of entrepreneurial skills. Bruce Van Horn may be contacted at bvanhorn@yogaforbusiness.com or his website (click here) www.yogaforbusiness.com.
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Posted in Aging, Articles, Yoga at 11:43 pm by Administrator
– By Glenda Twining
There is a fountain of youth - it’s not in a forest or hidden on some magic mountain - it’s a fountain that exists within you. I have seen the magic of yoga work, and not merely through the amazing results experienced through my students. I have also experienced these results firsthand. I am 52 years young. I am my own best testimonial. I have not suffered any of the, what is termed as “disabling process of aging”. On the contrary I have never felt better or more energized. Yoga is a beautiful experience with health-giving effects that will find their way into every aspect of your life.
Here are some of the ways yoga can help stop the aging clock:
Degenerative Spine
In Yoga there is an adage you are “young or old as your spine” Keeping your spine healthy is the most effective way to counteract the aging process. If we continually stretch and lengthen the spine for suppleness and flexibility, creating space between the vertebrae, the disks can return to more youthful and healthy condition. The creation of space between the vertebrae is vital for the health of the spine. Yoga prevents and corrects rounding of the spine and helps you regain spinal strength and flexibility.
Bone Loss
Bones are strengthened primarily through weight-bearing exercise. Yoga is a superior form of weight- bearing exercise because it uses your body weight as resistance. Bones go through a constant state of loss and growth so to prevent bone loss and build a strong skeletal system, consistent practice of yoga is key, coupled with a correct diet that builds bones.
Inflexibility
Running, cycling, golfing, and weight training without sufficient and proper stretching can be very aging. Muscles are shortened and tightened and range of motion is restricted Over time this is an invitation to injury. Yoga takes you through the full range of motion of each part of your body, stretching and lengthening your muscles and moving every joint, resulting in flexibility.
Excessive Weight
Being overweight makes people look old before their time. The glands that help regulate weight are the thyroid gland that regulates metabolic rate, pancreas that controls sugar and energy levels, and pineal and pituitary glands that control appetite and moods. Properly stimulated through a yoga program, the results will be quite profound, especially with weight control.
About the Author
Glenda Twining is a yoga professional who lives in Dallas, Texas. She received her yoga certification from the Houston Institute under Lex Gillian. She is also a Physical Fitness Specialist and received her certification from the acclaimed Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. Throughout her training she has studied extensively with teachers and gurus both nationally and internationally. You can read more about Glenda’s program in her two books, “Yoga Turns Back the Clock” and “Yoga Fights Flab”. You can reach Glenda Twining at glenda_yoga@msn.com or visit her website www.glendasyoga.com.
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Posted in Articles, Chakras, Yoga at 11:42 pm by Administrator
– by Michael Nudel and Eva Nudel, Ph.D.
There is no any other discipline more helpful in achieving knowledge of inner- self, and harmony with the world than Yoga. Bio-energy knowledge of methods of mind and body healing cannot be completed without studying Yoga.
Basic Hatha-Yoga is a practical and complex method of developing a healthier body, mind and psyche. Pranayama is the teaching of proper breathing. By studying Hatha-Yoga exercises, and poses, and Pranayama exercises, we learn how to breathe properly, meditate, be centered, relaxed, gain life energy, massage the internal organs, keep the body healthy and flexible, and accelerate removal of toxins.
There are three types of exercises: “Asanas” (or poses), dynamic, and breathing. The Asanas are poses that influence energetic centers and systems of the body. Certain asana influences specific nerve centers. With the system of complex asanas we positively influence the endocrine system, help every cell and organ of the body. We recommend that you to perform the system of poses keeping in mind that any illness is a dysfunction of normal activity.
Yogis’ asanas help keep elasticity and mobility of physical bodies. When people perform everyday work, or do chores, they move joints with little breadth. And if they ignore exercises or sports, they can lose the flexibility, elasticity, and mobility of the spine, joints, tendons, and muscles. By the time the “working angle” of joints decreases, people cannot perform deep inclinations, situps, or wide turns of the body. This immobility can lead to illnesses like arthritis and bursitis. To prevent losing flexibility, people can add exercises for their joint and tendons.
Every day, and for life, you need to do rotational movements of the head, arms, legs, and body; bending the body to the sides, and forward, and extensions of the back; also situps and pushups with maximum amplitude of moving in order to maintain mobility of the entire body. Try to work all joints as well as the spinal column. Repeat every exercise (with every group of joints) 6-10 times. Start exercising by warming up. Begin each exercise with small breadth and go to your extreme “working angle” gradually to avoid a trauma.
Dynamic Yoga exercises help accelerate the removal of toxins from the body. Every system of the body is affected with toxins. One of the reasons for having illnesses is the presence of toxins in the body. Today, people are exposed to chemicals, pesticides, additives in food, and anesthetics in greater concentrations (sources of toxins) than at any other time in history.
People’s organisms have to struggle with constant invasion of toxins, because processes to removal toxins are complicated and take more time than the assimilation and the absorption of nutrients. Toxins and chemicals penetrate membranes and accumulate in intercellular space. Toxins enter lymphatic and blood vessels, where veinous blood carries toxins to the organs of elimination. This transit of toxins through millions of cells is difficult to complete without activity of vibrated cells, muscular contractions, exertions that occur during walking, running, and jumping.
During evolution nature did not find more effective way to clean up cells and intercellular space of toxins than the use of those forces of muscular contractions and forces of jolting due to the body movements. When muscles contract, they compress veins, accelerate a flow of venous blood to the heart, and provide impulses that help blood to eliminate toxins. We can observe how pets stretch their bodies after waking up. When the body stretches, muscles are contracted. The body needs stretching after waking up in the morning. During the sleep, heart muscles help move venous blood with wastes and toxins; however, this help is not enough to remove toxins. The weakening of the body is due not to effects of illness, but to the transgression of the entire metabolism, because of the accumulation of toxins. Removal of toxins from cells and intercellular spaces is a process requiring constant vibration of cells by nerve impulses, and occurs during exercising or moving which provides contractions of muscles. When people do not exercise or move efficiently (stretching, aerobics, running, walking, and dancing), their bodies gradually decline.
In the morning, the best way to help the body to accelerate the removal of the toxins is doing the following exercise. People can do this exercise, even if they cannot run, or walk. You can do it while you take a shower. Pull the heels up off the floor a half an inch, and put them back down sharply but not painfully. Repeat this motion 30 times, then rest for 5-10 seconds. Later, repeat 30 times more. At the same time, you can bend arms keeping forearms parallel to the floor surface, and bend your hands as if you held a ball. When putting the heels up, shove your wrists forward then pull them back. You can do it with a second interval. You can do this exercise a few more times during the day. People who stand or sit for long periods of time will benefit from doing this exercise; it prevents thrombosis (blood clotting) and heart problems.
Healthy functioning of the body is possible when the intake of food products and removal of products of digestion and activity of the cells of the body are balanced. Toxins occur in the organisms as a result of stress and anxiety. When a young person has the energy enough to detoxify the organism through its organs (intestines, kidneys, skin, and lungs), the chances for imbalance small. But between 30-35 years of age the body, if not trained by special exercises, lacks the energy to remove toxins. Besides help in the toxin elimination, dynamic Yoga exercises also help to build a beautiful and strong body.
Breathing Yoga exercises help gain life energy - “prana”. People often think that they can breathe properly. But sometimes people do not breathe correctly for their whole life. Nevertheless, right breathing is the key to gain energy and vitality. Proper breathing influences all bodily processes including brain activity and digestion, and provides oxygen to muscles, organs, and tissues; in addition it removes toxins and wastes. Yogis developed their teachings about proper breathing about six thousand years ago. Some of ancient techniques can help people to maintain health.
When you wake up after stretching your body, you can lie down on your back and relax your muscles. Then inhale deeply while pushing out the chest. After this try to pull the diaphragm down while exhaling and the diaphragm will massage the intestines, kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas. At the same time the stomach applies pressure on the intestinal cavity. You can repeat these movements many times to learn how to move the diaphragm up and down. This exercise helps massage internal organs and increases activity. This pressure will help squeeze toxins and wastes out of cells.
Here is another exercise. Inhale deeply while lying on the back then push out the stomach which moves the diaphragm. Delay your breathing for 3-5 seconds, and start to exhale air in small portions, and pulling it through tightly closed lips. This exercise internally massages all organs. The same massage occurs at moments of laughter. Laughter has been considered important for well-being since ancient times. Physiologically the massage of organs of the abdominal cavity increases the flow of blood to the heart. The contractions of the abdominal muscles help in relieve heart problems. The heart cavity is in the same space as the lungs and the diaphragm. The diaphragm, due to its sensitivity to emotions moves closer to the heart and lessens the heart space. The brain regulates volumes of blood entering the heart. If the amount of blood is less than necessary to sustain life, the rhythms and intensity of heart impulses have to increase. The increase of the heart beat occurs with every move of the diaphragm which decreases the space in the heart cavity. These conditions can even cause heart attack. If you feel an accelerated heart beat rate, inhale and push out the stomach for 2-3 seconds. This provides more space to the heart cavity and (repeat all over for 3-4 times).
Breathing exercises help develop elasticity of the diaphragm, which massages internal organs, increases the volume of the heart cavity, and decreases chance of developing of heart problems. We will learn how to load ourselves with bio-energy using yoga exercises.
Conditions for Yoga Exercises
1. Perform Yoga poses in the morning or in the evening before eating on an empty stomach.
2. The room must have fresh air.
3. No smoking allowed in the room.
4. No talking before Yoga exercises in the room.
5. It is better to do Yoga alone.
6. Do exercises on the floor or on a firm rug.
7. Wear relaxed and stretchy clothing.
Lower Breathing Expiration - all internal organs draw in. Pause on expiration - 1 - 2 seconds.
Deep breath - push the stomach out (slowly, gently, as if drinking the air). Start breathing with this technique putting hands on the stomach. This breathing exercise is ideal to prevent asthma. Lower breathing of the diaphragm massages internal organs.
About the Author
Michael Nudel and Eva Nudel, Ph.D., Energy Healing Specialists, are authors of the books:”Health by Bio-Energy and Mind” and “21st Century’s New Chakra Healing”. You can visit their site Bio-Energy System Services at www.bioenergy-services.com .
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Posted in Articles, Stress Relief, Yoga at 11:40 pm by Administrator
– By Sheri Kauhausen
“Where are you going?” I hear someone ask in the corridor. “For my cardio workout,” comes the reply. The door opens and in walks another participant who quietly slips off her shoes and socks and sits down comfortably on a mat. This is not an aerobics class. This is a yoga class. Where, instead of a heart pumping, sweat inducing workout, we work on heart centering and achieving serenity. Our “cardio workout” involves a heart opening experience, not a heart pounding one.
Yoga has absolutely taken its place in the mainstream. It has been available in community centers, yoga studios and even fitness centers for a long while, but now it is exploding into the corporate world. Employees and employers alike are realizing the ease of yoga and its benefits. No leg behind the head poses here, just energy enhancing and stress relieving ones, combined with simple breathing techniques.
To begin this office based class, we are situated in a weight room where the fitness equipment remains idle during our time of inner reflection. Other days we practice in a conference room with the tables and chairs moved off to the sides of the room. The class is comprised of students, both male and female, of varying ages, sizes and fitness abilities sitting comfortably on a mat. The lights are low and the music heard in the background is reminiscent of birds and babbling brooks. We begin with the breathing component which moves us gently into a state of inner peace before we progress into our asanas or postures. With our breath we combat the stress and fatigue of the day and clear our thoughts of anything other than the present moment. The asanas bring with them the ability to let go of the pressures of the work day and prepare for those yet to come. Tension is released and in its place comes the knowledge and the ability of coping with not only work, but life itself.
Yoga means “union” and synchronizes the harmony of one’s mind, body, and spirit with the breath. As we combine our breath and postures, we are able to reflect inwardly and become more flexible not only in our body, but in our mind, as well. Circulation is improved, blood pressure becomes regulated, performance is enhanced and ailments subside. Such are the benefits of yoga.
The physical part of our yoga session over, I extinguish the lights in the room and reset the music. I hear a participant enthusiastically whisper, “This is the best part.” “Yah,” says another. “I can do this one with my eyes closed.” Everyone laughs, including me as we enter our time for total relaxation. Now is when our body acknowledges and assimilates all that we have done since we entered this room. Everyone lays in Savasana, the “Corpse Pose,” flat on their back allowing any residual tension to be released from their body. Those that need to, bend their knees to rest their feet on the floor. As each person focuses on their breath and relaxation, I help them by softly telling them which areas to relax as they allow a serene tranquillity to replace any tension. At the end, I give them a moment to float freely in this ocean of peace as the music continues to play softly.
Our class is now over. Forty five minutes have come and gone. A brief stretch brings everyone’s attention back to the room. Those who arrived burdened and anxious, leave relaxed and revitalized. Those who were tired and stressed leave energized. Most students stay for a moment to pass by me and tell me how much this was needed in their day and how they look forward to our next class. I look forward to it, too. But, for now, I’m off to another office for another “cardio workout!”
About the Author
Sheri Kauhausen has been teaching yoga in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1987. She has been an active yoga practitioner for more than 30 years and brings the wisdom of her studies to her students at their work place and in community centers. She also enjoys teaching infant massage and baby sign language to parents and caregivers. Sheri enjoys teaching yoga classes to students at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as to seniors, and pregnant moms. She is the proprietor of INTO YOGA, which offers on-site yoga, pilates, body rolling and massage in the work place.
Sheri can be reached at (604) 421-9872 or intoyoga@yahoo.com. Visit her website at www.intoyoga.ca.
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