For the last two decades various yoga practices have been brought into the mainstream. These decades could be better termed as renaissance decades for yoga. Among age old yoga practices most objectionable practice of naked yoga or nudist yoga has been also revived.

In America a good number of men and women find nudist yoga as a source of great relaxation and peace of mind. Every year, a reasonable increase in nudist yoga practitioners or seekers has resulted in a good number of nudist yoga classes. Therein you are needed to shed your clothes in order to perform yoga.

The concept of naked yoga has been derived from the concept of Ancient India- Tantra Yoga. This yoga ensures your holistic health improvement like other forms of yoga. You are made to shed clothes to be in a liberated mental and physical state that greatly ensures your desired attainment from yoga practices.

If you are sick of appearing naked before people in nudist yoga classes, a good number of naked yoga videos have come on the block to solve your problem. You can practice nudist yoga while watching these videos at home. However you are required to take tips from an expert nudist yogi before starting your nudist yoga practice.

Naked yoga therapy is specifically meant to enhance your sexual capacity. That’s why a couple not satisfied with their sexual compatibility is often recommended to perform nudist yoga to increase their sexual drive as well as compatibility to lead a better sexual life. The practice has been even found useful in curing various sexual abnormalities. Male impotency could be effectively remedied with certain naked yoga asanas.

Naked yoga is also connected with metaphysics. Its practitioners claim that they get much needed tranquility and salvation by practicing nudist yoga.

An interesting trend has been noticed recently. Folks are longing for a naked yoga performance on beach under the sun to attain twin objectives of yoga benefits as well as suntan. However you are required to take permission from authorities to perform naked beach yoga. Many nudist yoga classes on beach sides are also started to meet this growing demand of nude yoga at the beach side.

Couple nudist yoga is also gaining great acceptance. With the help of naked couple yoga videos, a couple can enjoy performing naked yoga at home. The practice helps in increasing sexual compatibility

between the spouses.

If you happen to be comfortable without clothes, naked yoga is a sheer fun.

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When you first start practicing, it’s easy to get confused with all the different styles of yoga that are offered. Below is an overview of the most popular yoga styles to help alleviate any confusion.

HOT YOGA (a.k.a. Bikram Yoga)

Hot Yoga was founded in Los Angeles by Indian-born, Bikram Choudry, and is taught in studios heated to around 37 degrees Celsius. Our skin in the biggest detoxifying organ in the body, and sweating is one of the best ways to cleanse our system. The heat also helps students work deeply and safely to strengthen and lengthen their muscles and connective tissues. A bottle of water and a towel are essential- and be prepared to sweat! To learn more, visit: www.BikramYoga.com.

ASHTANGA YOGA

As taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in India, Ashtanga Yoga is a set series of postures linked together by vinyasas (flowing movements connected by breath). Traditionally, classes are taught in a “Mysore style” which means students self practice, and a teacher helps and adjusts as needed. In Ashtanga, breath, bandha (internal locks), and dristi (point of focus for the eyes) are the most important elements while practicing asanas. Pattabhi Jois says, yoga is “99% practice, 1% theory.” To learn more, visit www.ayi.org.

POWER YOGA

Power Yoga was born out of the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, and many beginners find this modern style more accessible than its parent. Power classes tend to be very athletic and dynamic as students flow in and out of postures that are carefully coordinated with the breath to help maintain internal heat, sustain the heart rate, and increase strength and flexibility. To learn more, visit www.PowerYoga.com or www.BaronBaptiste.com.

YIN YOGA

Yin Yoga is a slower, gentler practice developed by American yogi, Paul Grilley. In Yin-style classes, postures are held for three to ten minutes, and students are taught to relax their muscles in order to access the body’s connective tissues. Because a calm, focused mind is necessary to remain still and allow the body to move deeper, many students find this practice very meditative. For more information, visit www.paulgrilley.com.

ANUSARA YOGA

Anusara was developed by American yogi, John Friend, in 1997, and classes focus on what he calls “the 3 A’s”: Attitude, Alignment, and Action. This uplifting style of yoga is fun and playful while at the same time athletic and challenging. Anusara’s Universal Principals of Alignment help students learn classic yoga postures in much deeper, more integrated way. To learn more, visit www.Anusara.com.

IYENGAR YOGA

Indian yogi, B.K.S Iyengar, is one of the most influential teachers of our times as his books and methodology influence nearly every instructor and practitioner worldwide. Iyengar-style classes primarily focus on the precise way in which the body should be positioned (often called alignment) in each asana in order to obtain maximum benefits and avoid injury. Props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters are often used, and asanas are usually held for long periods so that students can carefully and consciously experience their effects. To learn more, visit www.BKSIyengar.com.

JIVAMUKTI YOGA

Jivamukti means “liberation while living,” and this school of yoga was founded by American yogis, David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1986. This distinct style integrates chanting, asanas, music, meditation and devotion into a vigorous physical practice. Jivamukti teachers incorporate these five tenets into each class:

Scripture: study of the ancient yogic teachings and Sanskrit chanting.

Bhakti: acknowledgment that God realization is the goal of all yoga practices.

Ahimsa: a non-violent, compassionate lifestyle which emphasizes ethical vegetarianism and animal rights.

Nada Yoga: the development of a sound body and mind through deep listening.

Meditation: connecting to that eternal unchanging reality within.

For more information, visit www.Jivamuktiyoga.com.

INTEGRAL YOGA

Integral Yoga was brought to the United States in 1969 by Swami Satchidananda whose teachings and writings have had a huge impact on modern yoga practitioners. As the name suggests, Integral Yoga aims to integrate the various aspects of the body and mind through postures, breathing techniques, deep relaxation, and meditation. For more information, visit www.Yogaville.org.

SIVANANDA YOGA

Sivananda Yoga was founded in 1959 by the late Swami Vishnu-devananda who was a student of Swami Sivananda in India. In Sivananda-style classes, traditional yoga postures are taught just as they have been practiced for centuries in the Himalayas. This includes a series of 12 postures, breathing, diet, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation. For more information, visit www.Sivananda.org.

KRIPALU YOGA

Developed by Kripalvananda and his disciple Yogi Amrit Desai, this gentle style of yoga encourages students to use poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual conflicts. Kripalu Yoga has three stages:

Stage 1: Initially, postural alignment and coordination of breath and movement are emphasized while postures are held for a short duration only.

Stage 2: Later, meditation is included and postures are held for prolonged periods.

Stage 3: Finally, the practice of postures becomes a spontaneous “meditation in motion.”

To learn more, visit www.Kripalu.org.

KUNDALINI YOGA

The word “kundalini” means awareness, and its purpose is to awaken the life force which resides at the base of the spine and to allow that energy to flow through the body. Previously a secret practice, Kundalini was brought to the United States by Sikh master, Yogi Bhajan, in 1969. This style of yoga combines classic postures with breathing, chanting, and meditation. For more information, visit www.Kundaliniyoga.com.

VINIYOGA YOGA

Inspired by the teachings of yoga master, T. Krishnamacharya, and his son, T.K.V. Desikachar, Viniyoga adapts practices to meet individual students’ needs and to help them along the path of self-discovery and personal transformation. To learn more, visit www.viniyoga.com.

ANANDA YOGA

Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda who wrote the classic yoga text, Autobiography of a Yogi, Ananda practices consist of gentle postures combined with affirmations designed to prepare the body for meditation. To learn more, visit www.Ananda.org.

ISHTA YOGA

Ishta Yoga, (Integrated Science of Hatha Tantra and Ayurveda) is a physical and spiritual practice that addresses the individual needs of each student. Ishta’s founder, Alan Finger, distilled 15 different forms of yoga and blended them into a versatile mix of postures, meditation, teachings and chanting that can be adapted to the skills and abilities of each student. To learn more, visit www.BeYoga.com.

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Yoga is said to be the oldest practice of self-development known. It started in India which dates back about 500 years ago. By exercising Yoga, one can gain information and benefits on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Moreover, it encourages the individual to focus on his or her capabilities as well as self-awareness.

There are several methods of Yoga. This includes physical postures, breathing control as well as meditation. But most of the time, people engage in Yoga to shape up and to improve one’s health and well-being. Only a few are really into pure mediation and reflection without doing or performing the Yoga asanas.

It is said that Yoga is not a series of steps to be followed but an evolving process. Through time, one who practices it is cleansed and aware of his being. As a result, he perceives life as good and does well on many aspects.

Through Yoga, one can practice or improve his body. Furthermore, he can practice controlling his breath and knows self-control. He or she also attains or has the capability to direct his mind and to interact with the object of his concentration. However, one must be dedicated enough in order to achieve these goals and have its corresponding benefits.

Yoga has become a common practice nowadays and has influenced millions around the world. Different classes and groups are found in various cities and regions. The most common form of Yoga is Hatha yoga. This kind of yoga involves breath and body coordinated. Through physical exercise and harmonized breathing, a certain relief and blood circulation is improved.

This can increase one’s vitality, strength and flexibility. Hatha yoga is only one form of Yoga. There are still many other kinds aside from that. Some are fast aerobic Yoga workouts while some are strong precise styles for the fitness conscious people. There are also styles for those who prefer gentle and focuses more on healing.

Yoga is open to all people of different ages, faiths and lifestyles. One need not pay for a personal tutor or attend a prestige Yoga class. There are books and references which you can use if you want to learn Yoga self-taught.

However, you must choose a kind or form of Yoga that is apt for you and your lifestyle. It is also important to know your own qualities so that your learning is guided. It is because each kind of Yoga has its own unique form of meditation.New forms of Yoga are also developed nowadays.

In addition, there are videos and dvd’s available in the market to guide you as a beginner. There are also supplies sold and available when you are already applying or performing the physical activities involved in Yoga. There are videos like Yoga for athletes, yoga for couples, yoga with grace and strength and yoga workout for beginners.

There are various supplies and equipment that can be used while you are into a Yoga session. Equipments like yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga straps and blocks. There are mats that provide support when you are already into the exercise.

hese mats protect and serve as a cushion for you when you are performing on hard floors. They are accompanied with Yoga straps as well as blocks that aid you in your Yoga workout.

In addition, it is advised that you pick clothing that will not prevent you from moving freely. In this way, you can stretch and optimize your flexibility skills.

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Yoga exercises for face plays a key role in maintaining a healthy skin and preventing wrinkles. The human face is a hardworking part of the body and there are about 16 muscles found in the face, and those muscles can be benefited from yoga exercise for face. Yoga exercises for face is the maintenance routine for motivating muscles and keeping the skin in place.

Consider about your face and the whipping it takes. The face is hit by snow, sun, sleet, wind, and rainwater. It is harshly rubbed, applied make-up, grit and grime, scratched, and frayed are attacking it often.

Not only are there about 16 muscles but also a dozen bones, arteries, blood vessels and veins that assists your face to do the work that it need to. These parts of your face aid you to see, breath, speak, cry, laugh, chew, smile, kiss, grin, sneeze, frown and many more.

Your face muscles absorb and accumulate most of your stress and tension. Unless you allow those muscles to relax, they will get hard and there will be a strained look. Tense muscles also limit the amount of blood flowing to your face and the nutrients it needs by constricting the arteries. This facial tension can extend to your neck and shoulders.

So, yoga exercises for face can help you to reduce the tension and makes you feel and look more relaxed.

Various Yoga Exercises for Face

Here are some yoga exercises for face that help to feel relax from stress, tense muscles and improve blood circulation.

Yoga Exercises for Face – Eye Socket Massage

Eye socket massage is for relieving tension and stress from areas around the eyes. It also relaxes the eyes and surrounding facial features. This exercise needs to be repeated for at least 3-5 times and the massage is easy to practice, which gives your eyes a better relaxation.

For practicing this yoga exercise, place both the index and middle fingers of your hands on either sides of your nose just below the bridge. Rub your fingers up to the bridge and along the eyebrows.

You will feel an indentation in your eye socket. Try to continue that indentation for a moment. Do it smoothly, and follow the line of your socket and back to your originating place beside your nose.

Cheek Squeezing

You can improve circulation in your cheeks by squeezing cheeks and grabbing bits of flesh

Yoga Exercise for Relieving your Optic Nerve and Muscles around Eyes

Another yoga exercise that is good and easy to practice is to relieve your optic nerve and the muscles around your eyes. Sit in a relaxed way with back position straight.

Try to focus on your breathing air that is inhaling and exhaling from your nostrils, the cool air will get in and warm air will be out. Rub your palms together rapidly and then cup them over your closed eye sockets. Maximum benefit will get by repeating this for several times.

Yoga Exercises for Relieving Tension in Forehead and Jaws

One of the great yoga exercises for face is for relieving tension in your forehead and jaws that could lead to headaches. Make use of your middle and index finger of both hands and keep them in the middle portion of your forehead.

Rub your forehead gently by making small circles with your fingers and continue the massage across your brow to your temple, where we hold tension and give that area a gentle massage.

Move down from your temples to the pivot of your jaws, another place where we hold stress and tension. Continue the massage with small circle movements along your jaw line and across your cheeks, up your nose and finishing at your starting point. This yoga exercise works well especially for those who compress their jaws when under stress.

Yoga Exercises for Improved Blood Circulation and Muscle Relaxation

One of the important yoga exercises for face is that exercise which helps to increase blood circulation, muscle relaxation and relieves anxiety as well as stress. Try to clench or tighten your teeth and open your lips as wide as you can. Stretch your lips, cheeks, chin and neck to their limit. Hold and release. Continue the exercise for some time.

These are a few simple ways to relax your face from stress using yoga exercises for face and there are many more simple yoga exercises for face to release stress and tension in your face, shoulders, and neck.

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If you go through yoga books, you will be advised to practice yoga in the morning, right after you brush your teeth. You can choose to practice yoga, even before that, after you wake up. From what I had experienced, practicing yoga before brushing your teeth is not a clever idea, since you won’t feel fresh enough to perform yoga diligently.

Mornings are the best time to practice yoga, though you can even do it in the evenings as well. Care should be taken while you practice yoga, trying to do yoga without being informed of the procedures of following yoga schedules can be dangerous to your health. The first step that you need to undertake before you decide to do yoga is to get a yoga book, or a yoga instructor. Following a yoga book would guide you to understand the schedule of doing yoga and why you need to follow them.

Why should you choose morning, to practice yoga? And why not during the afternoon hours, mornings are perhaps the best time because your mind remains calm and still. You are not bothered by any other thought; you wake up in the morning and remain fresh. Yoga should be performed when your mind is empty, the best results of yoga is seen when you practice yoga in the morning.

You can finish your daily chores in the morning, for instance, brush your teeth, and complete your toilet schedule. If you encounter constipation, drink a glass of water kept in a copper or silver utensil before you begin practicing yoga. Drinking water from a copper or a silver utensil relieves your stomach of constipation effects and helps you to perform yoga in a proper frame of mind. You can choose to take a stroll before you begin yoga. It keeps your system in place and prepares you for a good session of yoga.

Always practice yoga in empty stomach, never take any kind of food before you begin yoga in the morning.

Yoga in the evening

You can also choose evenings for practicing yoga. Make sure there’s at least a gap of 5-6 hours after you finish your lunch. Keeping a certain time gap helps you to clear the system of food that you eat. It keeps you fresh and agile.

Do yoga with a certain degree of commitment, and be regular in your yoga schedules. Try and practice yoga at the same time every day. You can choose to practice yoga twice, once in the morning and again, in the evening. Practicing yoga keeps you fit and makes you free from various diseases. Practicing yoga also clears your mind from the daily worries and problems. It prepares you to face problems in life with confidence.

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Yoga Therapy

“Excellence in action is Yoga ” declares the Song Celestial ( Geetha ), an authentic treatise on Yoga & the quintessence of the Upanishads. Yoga, as the science of Holistic living, is a way of life. Yoga does not mean physical exercises even though such exercises have been prescribed for improving the skill of our body. Yoga comprises techniques that transform our intellect, mind and emotions & provides a comprehensive philosophy for Integral Life.

In order to live an integral life, we must develop skill in life. Aurobindo defined Yoga as the Art of Conscious Self Finding. The first & fundamental thing we should do if we are to expand the limits of our Consciousness, is to gain mastery of the mind. This is not easy.

The incidence of most of the physical diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries have been reduced by glorious advances in medical sciences. The eradication of most infectious diseases and the control of many metabolic disorders have been effectuated by better drugs and surgical techniques. Soon, even routine genetic minterventions may be possible. But new and ever more common causes of illhealth haunt us today. They are psychosomatic ailments & chronic stress. Allopathy is less than effective when dealing with these complaints.

The cause of these are found to be attitudes & lifestyle and not physiological anomalies. Allopathy by concentrating on a physical and mechanistic approach to healing, can do little to relieve conditions such as these. The frenetic pace of modern life exposes many people to continous high mental tension & unrelieved stress. And if we are largely sedentary in our habits & overindulge in health damaging substances & foods, as we are fond of doing, our well- being & fitness will be furthur compromised. Eventually stress may manifest itself in the form of physical disease or mental breakdown. Allopathy is symptomatic, and has countered with symptom- suppressing treatments, instead of tackling the root cause of the problem. Lack of disease has been regarded as health, rather
than as a dynamic growth process in which we feel truly well on physical, mental level and spiritual levels.

The Evolution of Medicine & the Three Eras of Medicine

Allopathic Medicine or ” Physical Medicine” belongs to the first era. It is Cartesian and creates a dichotomy between mind & body. Treating a disease is like fixing a part of the machine.

The second era of medicine refers to ‘Mind-Body medicine.” It became popular in the 1960s with the advent of Meditation, imagery, hypnosis & bio-feedback. Mind and body are interconnected by messenger molecules and these molecules are invoked to accomplish the healing process.

The third era of Medicine refers to ” Transpersonal Medicine “. It became popular in 1990s with the advent of group support and spirituality to heal.

Yoga therapy supplements the second and the third eras of medicine.

Yoga therapy complements medical technology with a holistic system of health care that addresses the triune problems – physical, mental & spiritual. The author of Yoga Sutras, Patanjal, defined it as the Science of the Mind. Mind is the root cause of bondage and in order to redeem us from the thraldom of the mind, we have to annilhilate the mind. Extirpation of thought waves is Yoga. And it is through teaching us to control our mind, our desires, and our reactions to stress, that yoga can fundamentally help us. It is based on the tripod of Life – Body, Mind & Self & the three levels of Being- Doing, Thinking & pure Being.

Mastery of the mind involves 2 aspects;

1) Concentration – The ability to concentrate our attention on any given subject or object

2) Meditation – The ability to quieten our mind at will.

Though the first has been mastered partially by most people, the second is very difficult. It is difficult indeed to lapse into a state of inner peace, let alone at will. As an intellectual, skillful means for quietening the mind, Yoga is unparalleled. A still mind is pure Spirit.

All aspects of the Fourfold Yoga work toward this in some way and if we practice this master Science, we reach closer to our goal. Yoga generates that inner mental peace perpetually, in all our actions, and thereby we achieve physical and mental health. This calmness in action is the secret to attaining the skill , according to Yoga Philosophy. This is known as the strength of Superconscient stillness !

Stillness itself is inertia
Action itself is discord
When stillness and action equalise
Then is the Highest Cosmic Union ( Yoga )

Lo! steadfast a lamp burns sheltered from the wind
Such is the likeness of the Yogi’s mind
Freed from sense storms and burning bright to Heaven
When mind broods placid, soothed with holy wont
When Self contemplates Self and in itself
Hath comfort ! ( The Song Celestial )

Health & Yoga Therapy

The World Health Organisation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental & social well-being & not merely an absence of
disease and infirmity. WHO also suggests a fourth dimension – spiritual well-being. It is clear from this definition that health should
be conceived as a continous function indicating the state of well-being and not a lack of ill health.

The approach of Yoga Therapy is based on the holistic concept of human being; the five ” sheaths ” of existence of which the physical sheath ( Annamaya Kosha ) is only the first. The second is the Vital Sheath ( Pranamaya Kosha ), that is made up of the Vital Energy called Prana which flows through invisible channels called Nadis. The third is the Mental Sheath ( Manomaya Kosha ) The fourth is the Intellectual Sheath ( Vijnanamaya Kosha ) and the final sheath is the Bliss Sheath ( Ananda Maya Kosha ). The Bliss Sheath is found to consist of the positive energy associated with the Divine Self. It is from this sheath that the inner peace
characteristic of true Bliss emanates.

More information about Transcendental Philosophy & Yoga can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/yogamain.htm

Disease is defined as any imbalance in any of the three lower sheaths of existence. Ego Consciousness, which is centered around the Self, predominates in the physical, vital & mind sheaths. Harmony in these sheaths can be easily disturbed as the ego is up in arms against the world most of the time. The fourth & the fifth sheaths are permeated by a larger, Cosmic Consciousness and cannot be disturbed as they are closer to the Self. When we are truly healthy, the positive energy in the higher sheath percolates freely through the lower ones and brings total harmony & balance to all our faculties. But the imbalances in the lower sheaths block the free movement of Bliss despite the harmony of the higher sheaths being constant.

A great treatise on Yoga, the Yoga Vasishta, declares that there are two types of physical illness, & each requires a different approach. The first are the illnesses with a strong physical element, such as contagious diseases & accidental injuries. These are most effectively dealt with by conventional medicine, though Yoga can play a substantial supportive role. Yoga is prophylactic & also helps prevent the occurrence of such ailments by improving our general health & making us less accident-prone.

The other types of illness arises through disturbances in the mind sheath and includes all the psychosomatic & degenerative ailments. In these disorders, psychological factors play a much greater role, & conventional treatment alone cannot effectuate healing. According to Yogic Psychology, such ailments are thought to be caused by mental diseases called Adhis. ( Adhi creates Vyadhi , disease ). These arise when excessively strong feelings of like or dislike ( Raga & Dvesha ) becomes amplified & established acting to distort personality & to obstruct the flow of positive energy to the lower sheaths. This causes imbalances that result in physical ailments and also makes us feel restless &discontented.

The positive energy from the bliss sheath is responsible for our natural state which is Peace . While the flow of this energy is interrupted by Adhis ( mental blocks), our sense of well-being is diminished, & in our attempt to regain it, we may be furthur aggravating the problem by behaving inappropriately.

We may eat the wrong type of foods, lapse into negative states of mind, drive ourselves too hard, overwork ourselves, live in unhealthy surroundings and add more tension and stress. These methods, however will give only momentary relief & may be actually damaging to our health.

Y T provides that all-important element that conventional therapies lack while dealing with psychosomatic illnesses, as it acts directly on the mental imbalances that underlie them. While Meditation & emotion- culturing makes us conscious of the fact that thoughts and emotions are tyrants, Happiness-analysis teaches how to look within ourselves to find beatific peace and contentment. This effectively complements allopathic techniques which improve the situation physically but are unable to eliminate the root cause of the problem.

The root Cause of all Disease – Bhoga or Sensory enjoyments

Bhoga ( enjoyments of the senses ) is Roga ( Disease). It can only be cured by Yoga ( Divine Alchemy ).

All food that is tasty is detrimental to the body, declares Prakriti Therapy The food which cometh from Nature, fruits and vegetables,
are alkaline by nature. Maximum health is in an alkaline body. We can only be healthy if we keep a 80%- 20% ratio. ( 80% alkalinity & 20% acidity). This means we have to eat more natural foods & less processed foods ( which are more or less acidic ). Truly speaking, processed foods,even though they taste well, are robbers as they rob us of our natural, vibrant health.

Happiness Analysis for Lifestyle Change

Happiness Analysis is a technique for analysing the cause of happiness, what constitutes Bliss, the inner beatific peace that
characterises the fifth level of Being. It basically embodies the realization that happiness comes from within and is not
dependent on material possessions or physical enjoyment.

When we achieve desires, we are happy temporarily because of the satisfaction involved and happiness is often associated with
jubilation and excitement. But such feelings of euphoria are often followed by negative feelings such as tiredness & disillusionment.
The Beatific Peace, which is the aim of Yoga, involves no great effort and engenders no fatigue. The authoritatie texts of Yoga
postulate that the Ultimate State of Bliss is a state of eternal silence, wherein we are not troubled by tormenting thoughts &
fears and where we are freed from all sorrows.

Though Yoga practices lay the foundation needed for us to achieve this, we must also make determined efforts to sustain a state of
perfect happiness by analysing our feelings of pleasure. The basic hypothesis of Yoga is that actions bring pleasure when they briefly evoke the inner silence that defines true happiness. When our desire is fulfilled or when a goal is won, at the very instance of
success our thoughts vanish & our mind dips momentarily into the Bliss sheath. Actually what we do is to open up temporary channels to the higher sheath, hence evoking positive sensations. This is merely a temporary feeling and cannot be perpetuated.

Can we generate that moment from within and free ourselves from dependency on external aids? Yes, we can, if we try enough. Practice makes one perfect and at first we may not be able to maintain inner peace for long, but gradually we will become less vulnerable to negative influences. The likes & dislikes ( Raga & Dvesha ) that can lead to mental diseases ( Adhis ) will become less important and our growing awareness of Cosmic Consciousness will give meaning & coherence to every aspect of our life.

The Basis Of Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy is fundamentally different from allopathic practice in its approach to health care. Instead of trying to reduce the cause
of disease to a single factor and to correct it using a specific cure, Yoga aims to treat illness by improving health on all the five levels of Being – physical, vital, mental, intellectual & spiritual – simultaneously & restoring inner harmony.

Ill-health occurs when the total balance of perfect health is disturbed. And although the original disrupting influence may only affect one level at first, viz the physical level, the disturbance soon spreads to the other four levels. All the five sheaths of existence interact, thus something that primarily affects the mind can soon spread to the body & the subtler sheaths. A bad day at work may make us irritable & it also increases stress reaction, makes our muscles tense and often depletes our energy level leading to chronic fatigue.

While emotion culturing generates equanimity, Relaxation & Meditation can calm our mind. Positive action produces harmony, just as as negative influences spread disruption. The different types of yoga practice augment each other & are more effective when done together. All wisdom is given in the one word ” Relax”.

Physical relaxation can be effectuated when we do the prescribed Asanas & stretch our muscles as muscular tension is released.

Mental relaxation is effected when we relax our mind during Meditation and release suppressed emotions.

This is the essence of Yoga Therapy, both prophylactic & therapeutic. Daily practice of a complete Yoga session can restore our natural balance and harmony, bringing positive good health to the three levels of Being – physical, mental and spiritual.

The Therapeutic Potential of Yoga

Yoga, holistic science and integral life, has become popular because it promotes positive health and is also useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Its therapeutic potential has largely been investigated for stress-related pyshco-somatic ailments. But with
the recent interest in ” Psycho-neuro- immunology” ( the effect of psyche on the immune system ), there is also a possibility that Yoga therapy can modify the course of infectious diseases.

One of the stress conditions which can definitely be controlled through yoga therapy is bronchial asthma. Beneficial effects of specific yoga practices, such as pranayamas, or kriyas can alleviate asthma. Patients with type II daibetes mellitus were also shown to improve significantly following yoga practice. Systematic studies on the effects of Yoga therapy for essential hypertension has shown that Y T compares favourably with bio-feedback. A study conducted in the UK on patients with rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated that Y T reduced symptoms and need for medicine.

Scientific studies also show that if pathological Angst ( anxiety ) patients practice Yogic techniques such as Pranayamas ( which
means the control of the Vital Force, Prana ), they show significant improvement.

Yoga therapy has also been used in the rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped. Ten months of yoga practice significantly improved the IQ, eye-hand coordination and social adaptation of 45 children with varying degress of mental retardation.

Psycho-neuro-immunology has given rise to interest in the idea that Y T can be used for the management of infectious diseases such
as pulmonary tuberculosis.Studies indicate two months of Y T along with short term chemotherapy caused tremendous change for the better. This beneficial effect of Yoga on the immune system has delighted the alternate medical community. Holistic health practitioners how talk about the the effect of Y T in cancer and even in AIDS patients. It has been shown that the practice of Yoga reduces the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy in patients with cancer of the uterine cervix. It is also interesting to study
scientifically investigated reports on cancer regression following meditation. It is encouraging to note that there has been a scientific
study which showed that AIDS patients benefited ( clinically, psychologically, immunologically ) from Y T.

Ayurveda, Tai Chi, Y T, Kai-Igaku, Pranic Healing, Reflexology, Reiki, Acupuncture are all included amongst the 70 systems of Alternative Medicine which are prevalent today. All these come under Holistic Medicine which highlights the greatness of the Whole more than the parts. ( ” The Whole is greater than the sum of its parts ” )

A good site where you can get quality information about Holistic Medicine is www.holistic-alt.com

Yogic Diet & Prevention of Cancer

Modern reasearch shows that diets such as smoked fish/ meat or other foods known to contain carcinogenic chemicals should be
avoided at all costs. Because of the Western fast food type diet, colon cancer in men, promoted by high meat ( beef ) and fat
consumption is on the increase in the West. There is no doubt that a high fibre, low-fat diet reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Many compounds which are potent carcinogens are contained in cigarette smoking as well as smoked or barbecued meat or fish
products. They include benzenes ( in the tar component of cigarette smoke), heterocyclic amines & polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( in smoked / barbecued meat or fish ). That explains why lung cancer is on the rise in the Western male population during the last century. Colon cancer has reached endemic proportions in the West ( because of higher consumption of barbequed meat and beef fat ) & stomach cancer occurs at an alarming rate in Japan because of the Japanese habit of consuming fish.

Claims which need furthur research

While spices such as ( black or green) or spices such as fresh ginger, garlic & turmeric have been reported to reduce the risk of colon
cancer, onion is claimed to lower the risk of stomach cancer. Soyabean products reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Skin
cancer is reduced, it is claimed, by topical application of some constituents of ginger oil and ginger extract. It is true that more
research is needed on natural compounds. One breakthrough is the discovery of taxol, a plant product which is of tremendous
benefit in certain cancers. There are many such waiting for their discovery, particularly from indigenous plants in India, with proper
scientific research tools & testing.

Hygiea’s Commandment that “Thou shalt eat unprocessed, living natural food ” merits consideration here. Naturopathy
asks us to consume 100 grams fruits & 300 grams vegetables ( organically grown ) daily. Yoga with its emphasis on a naturopathic
diet of fruits & vegetables can show us the path to perfect health & Wisdom. Naturopathy is a branch of Ayurveda, the Science of Life, which is allied to Yoga.

More info about Ayurveda can be had from http://www.chakrapaniayurveda.com

The Healing Centre in us

Yogic philosophy averrs that true healing comes from within, the Self, the divine component in man.

His great transparent mirror, Self !

Within each of us is the source of Life and health, the Divine Centre. We have to learn to turn to that source and return to it again and again. When we breathe it in, the freshness engages us. Yoga frees us from the thraldom of both mind and matter & we become
more whole.

Article by G Kumar, astrologer, writer and programmer of http://www.eastrovedica.com. . Highly experienced with many correct predictions to his credit, he does professional natal charts http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/vedichoroscope.htm To subscribe to his Free highly informative ezine, Z Files,click here.mailto:info@eastrovedica.com?subject=subscribeZF An integrator of East & West, his Astro blog is up at http://zodiacastrology.blogspot.com & his Philosophy blog at http://transcendentalphilosophy.blogspot.com

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As any yoga practitioner would tell you, every yoga routine always starts with simple stretches. Do your stretches in the most comfortable way possible using the Yoga Monster Mat. Its thick and textured surfaces cushion your sensitive bones, helping you reach your goals of mind, body and spiritual discipline.

While you may already have your established routines, these compiled stretches could be added to your list:

1. Thigh and Leg Stretch

This is done lying on your back. Have your right foot crossed over to your left knee. Then clasp your hands behind your left thigh and gently pull the leg towards you. Switch legs following the same procedure.

2. Knee Stretch

Lying down on the floor, gently stretch both knees to your chest. Then clasp your hands under the knees while pressing your hips to the floor at the same time.

3. Knee Hold Stretch

On your back, raise head to your knee. Maintain and hold this position for a few seconds. Switch to other leg and repeat movements.

4. Thigh Stretch

Lie down on your right side while still clasping your hands around your bent knees. Take a deep breath and hold stretch for a few seconds. Push yourself over to your left side using your right elbow. Repeat cycle rolling from your left to your right. Do the cycle thrice.

5. Thigh and Arm Stretch

Lying flat on your back, slowly raise your right leg straight and reach as high as you can. Left leg remains on the floor. Grasp your ankle and maintain position for a few seconds. Switch to your left leg and repeat stretch.

6.  Leg Stretch

Sit and spread your legs apart. Bend forward and grasp your ankle. Bend your upper body and touch your head to your knees. Hold the stretch posture for a few seconds. Switch to other leg and repeat procedure.

7. Inner Leg Stretch

With legs stretched far apart, slowly bend forward with your palms flat in front. Slide your palms away from your body and stretch as far as you can. Repeat stretch position three times.

8. Knee and Ankle Stretch

Sit with your legs apart and spine stretched. Bend your right leg and rest it on your left thigh close to your crotch. With your right hand, grasp your right knee and your other hand on the ankle. Press your hand gently down on the floor. Hold the posture, switch on the other leg and repeat exercise.

Yoga exercises change and evolve over time therefore it is anything but boring. As different routines are discovered, varying equipments are also developed for yoga practitioners to aid them in their quest for its physical benefits and for the union of mind, body and soul.

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Basis of Yoga

Yoga means “to yoke” or to connect. The basis of yoga is making an unbreakable connection between body, mind and soul. It challenges us go deep into ourselves trying to connect all these three aspects into one being.

Basics of Yoga

There are eight forms of yoga. The first form Yama concentrates on behavior and how one acts in the outside world. The second is Niyama that focuses on self discipline pushing the body beyond the comfort level. The third one is Asana that corrects our body postures. The fourth one is Pranayama that corrects the breathing. The fifth one Pratyahama looks towards inner awareness and becomes one with the inner body needs. The sixth one Dharana focuses our attention with outside distractions. The form that focuses on concentration without any distraction is the seventh one called Dhyana. The eighth and the final one is Samadhi that finds total self enlightenment.

Six kinds of Asana

There are six different categories of poses.

1) Sitting: These seated poses are good for beginners.

2) Standing: Standing poses are advanced and require balancing ones body.

3) Supine: These are done on the back at the end of yoga sequence. This helps relieve stress.

4) Prone: Performed on the stomach, strengthens lower back. This also is good for beginners.

5) Balance pose: These engage both body and mind and help memory and concentration.

6) Twisted: They realign and lengthen spine with stretching and opening back muscles.

Health Benefits of Yoga

The health benefits of yoga are countless. Therapeutically, yoga cures a number of diseases. It can cure almost all diseases from allergy to ulcer(A-Z)

Body:

Boosts stamina and physical flexibility

Builds up body immunity, enables tolerate pain

Rehabilitates old and new injuries

Enhances body posture and muscle tone

Improves blood circulation

Cleanses body wastes and normalizes organ functions

Mind and Soul:

Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation and concentration

Helps self control

Bestows a positive outlook that leads to a peaceful life

Infuses in us a sense of balance and promotes internal harmony

Yoga can be said to be the best form of prayer which helps one grow in spirituality.

How to practice?

It is very simple. We can do it with improvised household things. Practicing it is easy with DVD. Nowadays information about yoga is available in plenty in books, TV programs, CDs and websites. If possible groups can help.

To conclude, yoga is a way of life. Just spend 15 to 20 minutes daily in yoga . You will see wonders. The success of yoga lies in regular practice.

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Yoga is an ancient Indian practiced designed to promote relaxation, health and flexibility. By using a series of poses and breathing techniques, yoga also works on the practitioner’s balance, strength and overall health.

Yoga has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, diminish back pain and improve cardiovascular health. Depending on the type of yoga you do, yoga can be an aerobic, anaerobic or stretching exercise or all three.

Essentially, yoga tones and stretches all your joints and muscles. Not only does this unique form of exercise deliver physical benefits, it also reduces stress while promoting relaxation. When it comes to aging well, yoga is one of the best activities you can do.

Some types of yoga are more strenuous than others, so before you sign up for a class or purchase a yoga DVD, you may want to make sure you’re choosing a yoga program that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn about the five major types of yoga:

Integral Yoga: This is a basic and very gentle form of yoga with a set pattern of postures. The emphasis is on pose control, relaxation and deep meditation. Integral yoga is perfect for beginners.

Ashtanga Yoga: You may see Ashtanga yoga listed as power yoga. This type of yoga moves fast and focuses on a continuous flow of movement through the traditional yoga poses. By incorporating strength, aerobic exertion and flexibility, Ashtange embodies all three types of exercise.

Kundalini Yoga: This form of yoga is extremely spiritual and tends to focus predominantly on breathing exercises, chanting, relaxation and meditation.

Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga focuses predominantly on positioning and poses that are precise and correct. Using wooden blocks, buckets or straps, Iyengar concentrates on alignment and the actual structure of a pose. Though slow and steady, Iyengar is not recommended for yoga beginners.

Bikram Yoga: Also known as hot yoga, Bikram yoga is typically done in a room heated to anywhere from 80 to 100 degrees. Vigorous and intense, this form of yoga may be too much for those suffering from respiratory problems, high blood pressure or cardiac issues.

The important thing is that start learning and practicing yoga today so that you can enjoy the health benefits it offers.

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* Complete Harmony

The most important benefit of yoga is its primary goal, which is harmony. Those who have practised yoga for a long time have already enjoyed physical, mental and psycho-spiritual harmony. All the other so-called life-changing benefits of yoga should drive home to this single most important benefit. It is through the achievement of harmony that one’s entire life is modified and enhanced. When one’s parts of the self are harmonized, one can function productively and respond positively to internal and external stimuli.

* Enhanced Self-Awareness

Before practitioners got into yoga, they were probably experiencing body or mental pain and discomfort due to various reasons. Those who practise yoga are usually able to recognize problems in their body and mind before they can even cause problems. Early recognition allows prompt correction. One, for example, can quickly correct bad posture to avoid back pain.

* A Powerful Stress Relief

Among the most crucial benefits of yoga is stress management. The meditative techniques in yoga helps a person relax and view life and stressors differently. Yoga encourages people to focus and concentrate on the exercise or technique, thereby pushing stress away. Practitioner is also taught how to breathe properly and detach himself from tension.

* An Effective Way to Relieve Pain

Many discover yoga for the first time because they wish to learn how to deal with chronic pain. Yoga is good for both people who have minor physical complaints and those with overpowering chronic conditions. For some, all they may need is muscle and body strengthening which yoga can provide to relieve pain. Others may need more intensive techniques to bring about calmness and natural pain relief. In some cases, chronic pain sufferers may have to be aided into achieving whole new perspectives to reduce their pain sensations.

* Body Strength and Flexibility

Yoga can help you move and endure better. Those who practise yoga gain improved range of motions and the ability to hold out longer in daily activities. This benefit is especially important for those who are usually stuck in rigid office positions that restrict posture and movement.

* Physical Healing

Some individuals who are suffering from certain medical conditions may benefit from yoga techniques. This is because yoga enhances blood circulation, thereby assisting in nutrient distribution and toxin elimination. Yoga is therefore beneficial for those with such conditions as high blood pressure and diabetes. Those who have arthritis, asthma and weight problems have also been known to benefit from yoga.

With all the benefits of yoga, you simply can not go wrong with it. You should just try it if you to discover for yourself what it means to have total health and well-being.

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