Archive for September, 2006

By Jennifer Jordan

Back pain is a part of many people’s lives. From long hours of sitting in a chair staring at a computer to the moments spent lifting up a heavy box to the hours spent toting a three-year old around on a hip, pain often manifests in one of the workhorses of our body: the back. While this sort of pain may simply seem like a load to bear, something with which we all must deal, there are ways of lessening it, getting the proverbial monkey off our back completely.

Many people plagued by back pain have recently turned to yoga, using it as a way to condition their body by the way they think and feel about its relation to their mind and spirit. Yoga moves every joint in your body. You begin to realize where you hold tension in your body and this allows you to let it go. You can actually make changes and live your life in a tension free relaxed manner. Along these lines, pain is sometimes informative. It’s your body’s way of saying that it’s time to change your habits. Yoga encourages us to explore pain, using it as a way to understand our body and habits.

Restorative yoga helps you become aware of and relax chronic tension held in the muscles, for example, muscles along the spine and in the neck and shoulders. Decreased chronic tension can begin to relieve back pain that manifests. A healthy resilient spine distributes weight throughout the whole body. With correct posture, you can help prevent muscular tension in the back and future structural problems, as well as give your internal organs room to function normally.

Conditioning the entire body – especially the legs, back and stomach muscles helps support the back and spine. These muscles bear a lot of the body’s physical load and they are highly conducive to proper posture and correct alignment. Thus, when these muscles are strong and resilient, the support comes from the inside out. A well conditioned body allows it to self-regulate and the pain that once plagued you begins to subside.

In addition to relaxing and strengthening muscles, yoga also elongates them through flexibility. For people with back problems, particularly lower back problems, flexibility is highly important. Stretching and improving the flexibility of a seemingly unrelated muscle, such as the hamstring, decreases the amount of stress placed on the back, ultimately decreasing tension and pain.

But, flexibility doesn’t stop there, flexing its muscles in other aspects. In addition to relieving the stress and tension placed on a person’s back, flexibility also increases circulation, sending nutrients into back muscles and filtering toxins out of them. This nourishes back muscles and muscle tissue, leaving them healthier and more properly armed for pain prevention.

Proper breathing, one of the backbones of yoga, is also essential to quieting back pain. Many times people erroneously perform yoga poses with their breath held, creating stress on their body. This tendency, however, must be broken in order for proper breathing to promote the body’s natural healing potential. Once people have learned to take deep, rhythmic, natural breaths, their body becomes relaxed, freeing them of pain-causing restrictions and facilitating proper circulation. Proper breathing also oxygenates the body, which creates harmony and calm, producing a better balanced being.

Making a commitment to the techniques taught in yoga can help commit our backs to a less painful existence. The practice of yoga is intended to improve a person’s well being not merely for one 75 minute session at a time, but for a lifetime. When a person begins applying the knowledge they learn in yoga class – correct posture and relaxed breathing to all their waking hours – proper body alignment begins to manifest. This, while improving general health, also protects the curvature of the spine, an element that is essential to the decrease in, and prevention of, back pain.

While the ways yoga physically helps a person’s back can be researched, checking out medical journals and highlighting important phrases, only those who practice yoga can fully grasp the way it mentally benefits back pain. One benefit is through the art of self-awareness. Self-awareness helps us to better understand our body’s capabilities, and its limitations. By knowing these, we are far less likely to strain our body in such a way that causes back pain. This is because self-awareness leads to empowerment, empowering us to be proactive in our own pain prevention.

Another way yoga mentally benefits back pain is through the concept of perception. Perception is the way we look at things; it conceptualizes the old “glass half empty or half full” adage. We all recall scraping our knees as children and thinking that it didn’t hurt until we saw our own blood flowing through an open wound. At the sight of this, our perception of the injury worsened and the pain skyrocketed. The perception, alone, fueled the pain. Similarly, when we perceive our back pain with negative thoughts – thoughts of hopelessness and despondency – the pain will undoubtedly worsen.

Yoga, however, is a vehicle of positive thinking. By teaching people to embrace thoughts of gratitude, hope, and encouragement, yoga helps us to alter our perception of things, spinning our perception of pain into a more positive light – a gift actually. This is, ultimately, one of the greatest ways to get pain off our backs for good.

TWISTED is a medical yoga studio at the Center for Osteopathic Medicine in Boulder, Colorado. Twisted integrates osteopathic medicine, hatha yoga and mindfulness practices to teach optimal balance between physical, mental, and emotional health. It aims to educate and help people to live a healthy life from the inside out. Rehabilitation programs offer a comprehensive treatment regime for the whole being, empowering each person one breath at a time to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential.

Jennifer Jordan is senior editor of http://www.yogatwisted.com Specializing in articles that not only teach yoga techniques, but also teach techniques on fulfillment and enrichment, she aims to educate students proudly enrolled in the school of life.

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

You Are As Young As Your Spine Is

By Dr. Rita Khanna

General: Back pain is the pain at the end of spinal column and in the muscles connecting the bones. Both young and old get this pain and if it is not treated in time the disease takes a permanent shape. Ladies suffer backache to a great extent during the period of menstruation. At times this pain may result in fever if it is excessive. In general, the neck and back problems are referred to by various names, such as arthritis, spondylosis, rheumatism, fibrosis, slip disc etc. and when the pain extends to arms and legs it is termed as neuritis and neuralgia. In fact, all visceral organs are innervated through the spinal cord.

Anatomy of the Spine: Nature has provided us with long, strong and hardy bones in the back region of the body. The spine is made up of thirty- three small bones called vertebrae. These are held together by ropes called ligaments and in turn are protected by muscles which are strongest in the body. The spine, or back, carries out very important jobs in the overall functioning of our body. To understand its role in the daily functioning of the body we first need to have some understanding of its physical composition. Within the vertebrae of the back there is a canal, known as the “spinal canal”, in which runs the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the tail of the brain and descends to the near end tail of the spine, stopping a few inches short, at the level of second lumbar vertebra.

At the junction of these two vertebrae there is a hole on each side, through which emerge the spinal nerves. These nerves service and supply muscles, skin and other organs situated in the respective area. They also carry the information and orders to the brain which allow us to deal with situations and function on a daily basis. We can begin to understand, therefore, that these nerves play a very important & vital role in the functioning of the body.

The back bone is divided into different regions:

• Cervical region, the neck area

• Dorsal region, the chest area

• Lumbar region, the abdominal area

• Sacral region, the pelvic area

• Coccyx region, the tail bone area

Out of these regions, the bones of the lumbar region are the strongest and are protected by thick, strong muscles. This is because it has to endure the traumas and weight of our body whilst we are seated and is the area of the spine where most wear and tear takes place. Seeing how we spend 40- 50% of our whole lives sitting, we need the lumbar region to be tough and resilient. Back problems most commonly affect the lumbar region and when it is confined to this area alone it is called lumbago.

Many back problems and aches are caused due to wrong postures, modern food habits, negligence, lack of exercise, tension, stress, migraine, neck and back problems, or overweight etc. As we get older, or if we suffer repeated back trauma, muscles can also go into spasms as they lose their elasticity. In old age backache can also be caused due to the “brittleness” of the vertebrae (osteoporosis) or due to the degeneration of these bones from wear and tear. This stimulates the muscles, sending them into spasms, or it can press on the nerves causing nervous pain.

Yogic Cure: In Yoga great emphasis has been given to the spinal region. This is largely because it is thought that the main energy of our emotional body which surrounds the physical body, the aura, runs along the spine in Sushumna Nadi. This is synonymous with the central spinal canal. Whilst the energy travels in this canal in both directions, it mostly travels upwards from Mooladhara chakra to Sahasrara chakra. With this action, energy is supplied to all parts of the body through different nadis or nerves. Correct posture whether we are sitting, standing or walking is vital in looking after our spinal region. There are lots of Yoga Asanas which have been described for this purpose, of which I have selected few which can easily be performed by every individual.

Makarasana: Crocodile Pose

Position of Readiness: Lie down on your back with legs straight and together. Bring the feet close to your hips, keep them together and flat on the floor. Interlock your fingers below your head.

Steps of Actual Practice: Without lifting the elbows, inhale and start moving your head and knees in the opposite directions repeatedly. Stretch the spine to the maximum. Do this according to your capacity. When done, come back and exhale.

Benefits: It is proved to be very useful in relieving the waist pains, neck pains, spondylosis, and displacement of the spinal disc.

Kati-Uthanasana / Ardha Chakrasana

Position of Readiness: Lie down on your back with legs straight and together. Bring the heels close to your hips. Keep them slightly apart and flat on the floor. Hold the ankles or if you can not hold them just keep the palms on the ground near the feet.

Steps of Actual Practice: Inhale and lift the hips and waist upwards as much as you can, breathe normally while remaining in this position, exhale and come back. Repeat this asana two or three times.

Benefits: It helps in relieving back pain.

Ardha Bhujangasana:

Position of Readiness: Lie face down on the abdomen with legs straight and apart, forehead on the floor.

Steps of Actual Practice:

Place the hands directly under the shoulders. Inhale; raise your head and chest upward with forearms resting on the floor. When done, exhale and come back.

Benefits: It cures neck and waist pain. Cures slip disc and cervical spondylosis.

BHUJANGASANA:

Position of Readiness: Lie face down on the abdomen with legs straight and together, forehead on the floor.

Steps of Actual Practice:

Place the hands directly under the shoulders. Inhale; raise the upper part of the body as high as you can. Draw your head far back by stretching the arms fully. Only go as far as you are comfortable. When done, exhale and come back.

Benefits: One gets pressure on the end of spinal column by this exercise and back pain gets relief.

BADDHA-NAUKASANA:

Position of Readiness: Lie face down on the abdomen with legs straight and apart, forehead on the floor.

Steps of Actual Practice: Place both the arms behind your back. Interlock the fingers. Inhale; raise your chest, head and legs. The shape of the body will resemble a boat. When done, exhale and come back.

Benefits: This practice relieves pain in waist appreciably.

Ushtrasana – Camel Pose

Position of Readiness: Sit in Vajrasana

Steps of Actual Practice: From Vajrasana stand up on your knees. Keep the knees and feet slightly apart. Place your hands on your back. Arch back and place your palms one by one on to the soles of your feet. Exhale and bend the neck fully. Push the pelvic region forward. When done, inhale and slowly return to the starting position. . In the initial stages this will be found a little difficult but once you get used to the position you will feel very good. (In the meantime just cross the arms at the chest and bend backwards.)

Benefits: Ushtrasana has proved a panacea and a boon for all the pain in the waist, hump and cervical spondylosis.

Neck Exercise:

Sit in a comfortable posture with your neck and back straight. You can sit in cross-legged, or in padhmasana, or in dandasana or in Vajrasana or on a chair or recline on your back with elbows on the floor in padhmasana. Relax and keep your eyes open or closed. Place both of your palms at the knees in. Mentally get ready for the neck movement.

1. Slowly bend your head forwards and try to touch your chest with your chin. Inhale as you move forwards. Now exhale as you bend your head backwards as much as you can but do not strain your neck. Repeat this 10 times.

Contraindications:

Cervical spondylitis

2. Exhale and Move your neck towards the right shoulder, inhale and return it to normal position, exhale and move your neck towards the left shoulder as far as possible, inhale and return it to normal position. This is the first cycle.

Repeat this ten times on each side. Feel the tension release in the neck muscles and the loosening of the neck joints. Never exert any pressure at your neck.

3. Exhale and bend your head towards your right shoulder, inhale and straighten the head then exhale and bend it towards your left shoulder as far as possible, inhale and come back to the centre without raising the shoulders. This is the first cycle. Repeat this exercise ten times.

4. Now very slowly rotate your head clockwise and then anti clockwise like this. Exhale and bend your neck forward. Allow the chin to touch your chest. Now inhale and rotate the head downward, to the right, backward and then to the left side in a relaxed, smooth, rhythmic, circular movement. This is the first cycle of the exercise. Do these ten times in both the direction.

Contraindications:

Old aged persons, Person suffering from high or low blood pressure, and cervical spondylitis.

Immediately stop the exercise if you feel dizzy. Keep your eyes closed and recline in the Shavasana pose, only when you feel better, proceed further.

Note: While doing neck exercise, move only the neck and not the shoulders.

Overall Benefits:

All the nerves connecting the different organs and limbs of the body pass through the neck. Sometimes the neck muscles get stiff due to bad physical or mental health. This stiffness also affects the blood flow and the various information passing through the nerves.

These asanas release tension, heaviness and stiffness in the head, neck and shoulder regions. Useful for those who work in the bended position for long hours. They are also useful for treating spondylitis and thyroid related problems.

Shithilasana on the stomach- Left Side / right side – Relaxation Pose

Position of Readiness: Lie face down on the abdomen.

Steps of Actual Practice: Place your head lo left side. Draw the left foot near the right knee and left hand near the face. Right arm is straight by your right side. Relax the whole body. Breathe slowly. For right side reverse the movements.

Benefits: This Asana provides rest to all parts of the body. It relaxes the muscles and is good for keeping mind calm and cool. It is a good sleeping posture too.

Bhramari pranayama:

Position of Readiness for Pranayama: Sit with straight spine in a Padmasana or you can sit in any other easy Asana. Close your eyes gently and be calm and rest the back of the wrists on the knees, join the tips of the index fingers to the tips of the thumbs while keeping the other fingers extended.

Steps of Actual Practices

Inhale deeply and slowly through both the nostrils each time; just do humming with lips closed. This is one round. Make few more rounds like this.

Benefits: By performing this Pranayama the speed of blood circulation increases. The practice of Bhramari Pranayama is helpful in the pain connected with all the joints and muscles.

In so doing we can avoid / cure most of the ailments of the back. Take care not to over stretch.

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well known name in the field of yoga and Naturopathy. She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is teaching Yoga in Secunderabad. She has been treating and curing various diseases and disorders through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy and has been achieving tremendous satisfaction in disseminating this virtue.

She can be contacted on +91-98497 72485

E-mail: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Is worry like a “monkey on your back,” or is it a monkey in the mind? Are you in a state of perpetual worry? Is all this worrying affecting your sleep patterns? Can Yoga help you to calm down? Below are some Yogic solutions for worrying.

Many Yoga teachers talk about “living in the moment.” The chronic worrier needs to live for now and put the past behind him or her. The past cannot be changed, but any one of us can change the present and future.

Any past mistakes should be learned from. Mistakes are hidden treasures that shape us for the best, when we learn from them.

This concept, which is also called “mindfulness,” is taught by Yoga teachers, but it is a universal principle. Mindfulness might also be taught by a Buddhist monk, but what exactly is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is awareness, awakening, and appreciation of the present moment. Why wait until you have more money to enjoy your life? Why look at the next big problem as the end of all problems?

Life is a journey and you might as well “enjoy the ride.” When you are in a Yoga class, focus on the lesson at hand. Do your personal best, and use your breath as a tool for the connection between mind and body.

Yoga creates a state of tranquility and harmony. In contrast, worrying creates a state of restlessness, anxiety, and mindlessness.

Therefore, Yoga creates the exact opposite frame of mind. Can you get the same effect from a Yoga tape? Sorry to say, Yoga tapes and DVD’s gather dust very well. You might watch one a few times, but the cat jumps on you, the kids are hungry, or somebody is calling you on the telephone.

Life is full of distractions. You can be a slave to distraction, uneasiness, worry, and less sleep, or you can take action by participating in your Yoga class. When you do not take time out for yourself, your health will suffer.

Consider your Yoga class to be “me time.” This is time you need to improve your well-being. There is no “short cut” to good holistic health. Many have tried to design a pill for the illusion of good health, but so far, all the public gets are the side effects.

You can take positive action against worrying – by practicing Yoga. The practice of Yoga is a method used for thousands of years as a counter to aging, suffering, and stress. Take action for yourself and attend a Yoga class.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Anger is such a powerful, negative emotion. It is much similar to an amusement park ride you wish you had never tried. Many of us believe anger must just run its natural course. How could Yoga really help you with anger management?

Yoga helps develop awareness at all levels, and you must be able to identify the “triggers” to losing self-control. This technique cannot prepare you for every situation in life, but it can help you with knowing the source of your problems.

For example: Let’s say we have constant fits of anger in traffic. We have identified part of the problem. To go a bit deeper: Are we worried about being late or do we just get anxiety in crowds and traffic jams? Once we know the answer, we can work toward a solution.

Depending upon the exact source of our anger, there could be a Yoga technique to solve it. If the problem is anxiety, while in a crowd or traffic jam, we can work on Yoga breathing techniques. In some cases, we may want to work on our Yoga breathing (Pranayama) – before we get into the car.

Attending Yoga classes will bring your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being into focus. You will learn Yogic relaxation techniques at the end of most Yoga classes.

You will also become much more aware of being short of breath, chest pains, feeling over anxious, heart palpitations, and any other unhealthy side effects that can be associated with fits of anger.

Due to your new-found awareness from Yoga practice, you may start to realize that an extra cup of coffee could be “digging an early grave” for you. Yoga practitioners are much more aware of their blood pressure than people who do not practice Yoga.

Hatha Yoga practice will allow your body to vent anger. Whether you practice a Restorative Yoga style that holds postures, or you practice a flowing Vinyasa Yoga style – the unhealthy negative feelings of anger, and its side effects, can be released from your body within a Yoga class.

Anger is similar to a mental toxin, which must be purged from your body on a daily basis. Pranayama, meditation, relaxation techniques, Yoga postures, and Yoga philosophy, may also help you with the power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness allows you to let past issues go. You must let anger go, with your past, for your own heath and well-being. It is extremely unhealthy to hold onto hate and anger.

In cases of extreme anger, a Yoga class might not be enough to help you rid your body, and mind, of your angry feelings. In such a case, you should seek professional counseling. Some psychologists, and psychiatrists, recommend Yoga and counseling to their patients. Only you will truly know which method, or combination of methods, gives you the best results.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Take a Yoga class in Attleboro, MA

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Within the average Yoga class, or ashram, the principles of mindfulness are mentioned for the benefit of Yoga students, their friends, and the people they associate within the course of a day. Mindfulness is living in the moment, and putting the wisdom you have learned, during Yoga class, into practice.

Therefore, mindfulness is carried into everyday situations. What good is learning Yoga, if you cannot apply it to “real life?” If all you learn, in your Yoga class, is postures, then you have missed out on the vastness of Yoga and its many aspects. With that said, we will discuss the aspect of mindfulness, as it applies to our communication with others.

Whenever, you engage another person in conversation, always think before talking. This may sound simple, but everybody knows someone who does not think before talking. Hence the saying, “Putting his/her foot in his/her mouth.” Children do this, but it is innocent, and they do not yet understand all the rules of etiquette.

Your mind has many random thoughts, and there is no need to expose them to the world. Good politicians, sales people, and diplomats are masters at saying enough to stay out of a conflict, but still manage to get a particular point across. What is the technique they use? In a “nut shell,” it is mindfulness.

Try to avoid conversation when you are not focused, tense, or not in the present moment. If a situation seems potentially volatile, you should pick the time to engage the other party in conversation. Set the tone of the conversation by using a relaxed approach and listen carefully.

When you maintain an air of good will and positive thoughts, it becomes difficult to pursue a conflict with you. Be aware that when you slow down and relax, most people will respond the same. Therefore, you can control a meeting by radiating thoughts of kindness. You do this by showing respect and thinking positively about the other person, despite your differences.

There are exceptions to every rule, and I do not endorse complete surrender, unless you are wrong. However, when you listen emphatically and are fully present for the other party, you will most likely resolve, or avoid, a conflict.

All of us need to learn to laugh at ourselves and develop a sense of humor. This will give you a completely different perspective of yourself, and you won’t worry about feeling embarrassed or making a mistake. This perspective will also allow you to be mindful of yourself and your words.

If you take the time to speak with gentleness, mindfulness, and loving kindness, the world will respond in kind. At the same time you won’t waste energy defending your ego. Always remember the old saying, “Life is too short to waste time fighting.”

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Karma Yoga has many principles, which are interchangeable with any religion. Many people think of karma as fate; but karma is action, not fate. Karma is also known as, “The law of cause and effect.”

We are responsible for our actions in this life and beyond. In contemporary terms we say, “What goes around; comes around.” Does this seem like a law that is specific to a certain religion?

Some would say, “Yes,” but this is a universal Yogic principle within all religions. There is no religion which has exclusive rights to the law of karma, but all religions address karma, in principle, even though the word, “karma,” may not be mentioned. Giving to those in need, without seeking a reward, creates good karma.

Karma Yogis exist in all cultures, religions, and races. In the twentieth century, we had Mohandas Gandhi, Anwar Sadat, and Martin Luther King, Jr,. as famous examples of Karma Yogis. Each man practiced a different religion.

In the words of Mohandas Ghandi: “Gentleness, self-sacrifice, and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.”

Throughout time, inspirational religious leaders have referred to self-sacrifice, charity, and generosity, which create good karma. The following are a few timeless quotes to ponder:

Jesus said, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand, know what your right hand is doing. So that you’re giving, may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Mohammed said, “God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds.” He also said,’ “Charity does not diminish wealth.”

Buddha said, “If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.”

Selfless Service, which we know as Karma Yoga can be practiced by anyone. It does not matter, which religion you practice; that is entirely your own prerogative.

You do not have to be materially rich in order to help people. You do not have to be a religious leader, famous person, politician, messiah, prophet, or Yoga teacher to practice Karma Yoga, but each of us can easily start by practicing acts of kindness toward everyone. Let go of demands, anger, swearing, intolerance, and “road rage.”

Help your family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who is in need. It is as simple as listening, helping, giving a card, showing a gesture, or telling your family that you love them.

Karma Yoga is about helping others and forgetting about our own desires. A Karma Yogi will find peace of mind by abandoning anger, jealousy, envy, and hate.

Regardless of our religious beliefs, if all of us practiced Karma Yoga, we would finally attain world peace.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Some Yoga teachers forget the need for instruction at the beginner level. Recently, I have been guilty of that, as well. Many of your Yoga classes should still be geared toward beginners.

Our wellness center has just relocated to Attleboro, Massachusetts, with more focus on our Yoga teacher training program. We plan on having diversified Yoga classes for the public. However, before we have officially opened the door, we have more beginners than we have space for.

Although I have an entourage of on-site Yoga teacher interns, and had envisioned creating a learning center for teachers, the demand for beginner classes was far beyond my expectations.

What does this all mean? Any Yoga teacher will do fine with beginner classes, as the demand for the benefits of Yoga is also global. I hear similar stories from many other Yoga teachers in every part of the earth.

If you have been teaching and practicing Yoga all day – assist, cue, and guide, when you need a break. When you find yourself tired, do not be concerned with performing every Yoga posture in your classes. Most of all, make it fun and incorporate stimulating methods and ideas.

For internal healing and healthy lifestyles, Yoga teachers are on the right path. Most humans are disconnected from their bodies and run on “auto-pilot.” This is much similar to the behavior of a pigeon. To link the mind, body, and spirit, in unity, is rare for pigeons and humans.

With global obesity on the rise, Yoga will not fade in popularity. There are too many people who are mentally detached from their physical body. This can be observed by the increase in the size of children.

This will require action on the part of everyone, but Yoga teachers have an opportunity to educate their students toward the best quality life. Teach your Yoga students about the doshas. If you need to know more about this, or any Yoga subject, get the continuing education required to help your students.

The demand for Yoga teaching services is great. Grow with your Yoga students. You are already a few steps ahead on the path of unity. That is the definition of any teacher: “One who has been there before.” Your mission is to show them “the way.”

Do not worry about physical feats, when performing Yoga postures. Yoga has pranayama, mudras, mantras, doshas, meditation, relaxation, chakra awareness development, and much more.
There is no doubt that you will be a safe Yoga teacher, when you have concerns about contraindications for Yoga postures. The safety factor is a more important aspect for a Yoga teacher, than a gymnastic “circus act.”

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

Yoga FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
By Megha Brahmankar

What is Yoga? Is yoga a religion? Has it been “proved” that Yoga is good for you? What are the benefits of yoga? When should a patient take Yoga Treatment? Which are the diseases that can be cured by Yoga? How many styles of yoga are there? Will yoga help me to reduce weight? Should women do Yoga during menses? Yoga during pregnancy?

What is Yoga? Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years designed by the ancient Indian seers in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. These days the focus is often on the more down-to-earth benefits of Yoga, including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control, and general well-being. Though in the West today, “yoga” has come to refer, in the main, to the physical stretching poses or “asana” that is one part of the yoga.

Is yoga a religion? No. Yoga developed in India alongside Hinduism and also has influenced and been influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. But yoga is not itself a religion. The physical and psychological benefits of Yoga are real and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, color. Yoga encourages each person to explore his or her consciousness. Today many branches of yoga are practiced across the globe.

Yoga teachers differ widely in the extent to which they incorporate such elements as chanting and meditation into their teaching, so spiritual practices do form some part of many yoga classes. To attain the supper consciousness is the goal of all yoga but spiritual principles may be either implicit or explicit in a given teacher’s approach to teaching. Regardless of whether you choose to incorporate the spiritual aspect, the benefits of Yoga are real. Yoga is truly universal. Most people find that they can practice Yoga without any conflict with their religious beliefs.

Has it been “proved” that Yoga is good for you? Studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga can help conditions such as stress, anxiety, and even epilepsy. Western science has been studying yoga for nearly 50 years and evidence suggests numerous physical and psychological benefits.

What are the benefits of yoga? Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Lowers fat, Improves circulation, Stimulates the immune system keeps one young. Younger biological age i.e. one is younger than one’s chronological age. Lowers levels of cortisol, lactate, cholesterol etc… Maintains blood pressure. And that’s just the surface stuff. In fact, most of the benefits mentioned above are secondary to yoga’s original purpose. Reduces stress and tension, anxiety, depression, irritability and moodiness. Boosts self esteem, Improves concentration and creativity Heals old traumas Increases brain wave coherence. Improves comprehensive ability and memory. Enhances emotional stability. Brings happiness and leads to vitality and rejuvenation. Promotes an interdependence between mind, body, and spirit. Helps you live the concept of “oneness.” Sets one free from one’s illusions and preconceptions that prevents from fulfilling oneself. Attains the union between a person’s own consciousness and the cosmic consciousness.

When should a patient take Yoga Treatment? When a Patient needs quick relief he takes Allopathic ,Ayurveda or Homeopathy treatment. But when such treatment does not bring in the required effect a patient takes “Yoga Treatment” because these treatments cure without medicine.

How many styles of yoga are there? Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Tantra Yoga are considered the main yogas, but there are many other types. The various yoga practices are a methodology for reaching the same destination.

What is the meaning of Asana? Asana is a steady and comfortable posture of body.

How many asanas are there in Yoga? It is very difficult to say How many asanas are there in Yoga? Patanjali has defined asana as “Sthir Sukham Asanam” that is “Asana means steady and comfortable posture”. There can be thousands of probable states and so, it is difficult to fix total no of asana.

What is Pranayama? Pranayama means controlling the Prana i.e. bio energy which is behind all activities of the body.

What is Om and why is it chanted? The syllable Om is composed of the three sounds a-u-m which represent several important triads: the three worlds of earth, atmosphere, and heaven; the three major Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva; and the three sacred Vedic scriptures, Rg, Yajur, and Sama. Thus Om mystically embodies the essence of the entire universe. It is uttered at the beginning and end of Hindu prayers, chants, and meditations. It often is used as a mantra during meditation. Although often pronounced as if it rhymed with “home,” it is also pronounced “ah-oo-mm.”

What is mantra? Mantras are handed down since ancient times by religious seers who had attained self- realization by chanting them, mantras are words or syllables in Sanskrit which when repeated in meditation helps you transcend into a higher state of consciousness. As sound energies that have always existed the universe, they cannot be created or destroyed and command the power to heal you physically & spiritually. At the very basic level mantras help you to concentrate in meditation. And once you enter its auspicious circle, the mind instantly gets focused.

Which are the diseases that can be cured by Yoga? Yoga can be useful in reducing the effects of the diseases like Hypertension, Spondilities, Asthma, Arthritis, Slipdisc, Digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, mental disorders and sleeplessness and many more like these.

How can Yoga be helpful to improve your personality? The physical development as well as psychological improvement can be obtained by Yoga. The proportionate body structure can lead to increase your confidence. The stability of mind, increase in the concentration of the mind can be obtained with the help of Yoga.

Is there any age limit while performing Yoga? There is no limitation of age. Yoga can be practiced at all ages above twelve 12 years .It can be practiced at the age of 80, years. But one should do only those asanas that are suitable to one’s physical conditions.

Which is the best time to perform Yoga? Early in the morning. But if not possible then, you can practice Yoga in the evening at least Four hours after your lunch. It’s best to do the asanas in the early morning or the early evening at least Four hours after or before meals.

What should I wear? Comfortable loose clothing, particularily around the waist so that you can breath and stretch freely. Tight clothes may restrict the circulation to some areas of the body. This would defeat one of the purposes of the asanas, that of increasing the circulation to various parts of the body. Make sure you can kneel, squat and reach down toward your toes without being encumbered by clothing. Avoid wearing very large T-shirts and tight fitting pants other than exercise pants that stretch. Shorts, sweats, leggings, non-bulky T-shirts, leotards, and fitness wear are all appropriate.

Is it okay to eat before yoga asana? No, never exercise on a full stomach. Before exercising, wait at least three hours after eating a main meal, about one hour after eating a light snack such as a piece of fruit and about half an hour after drinking juices. After finishing the asanas, wait about a quarter of an hour before eating.

Will yoga help me to reduce weight? Yes definitely. Yogasana and Pranayama can improve the digestion capacity of the body which reduces excessive fat consumption of the body. Yoga can help you to lose weight gradually and permanently when you practice regularly and eat reasonably. You will look and feel better very soon. As you become stronger and develop greater stamina, a more intensive Yoga practice will help your body maintain weight control and excellent tone.

Should women do Yoga during menses? Mostly it’s a matter of personal preference. Some women don’t want to do Yoga during their period, many don’t mind and continue to practice during menses. Yoga Relieves menstrual discomfort and sciatica also helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. yoga poses are calming. Lower abdominal and pelvic compression aids cramps and heavy bleeding. For women who do choose to practice, it is suggested that they avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners, extended holding of any pose, or energizing breaths (kapalabhati). The issue is that these practices might interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort.

Is it okay to practice Yoga while pregnant? It’s okay to continue practicing yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were practicing before conception. Yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. In particular it can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed — all of which is good for the baby, too. In general, however, you want to avoid strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures, especially in the later stages. Still if you are pregnant, please talk with your doctor before beginning any yoga program. It is also very important that you let your instructor know prior to the start of class.

Can I practice yoga with an injury or medical condition? If you have any injuries, medical conditions or other health concerns, it is very recommended that you should consult yoga experts, they may safely guide you through the postures.

What’s the difference between a yogi, a guru and a swami? A yogi is someone who practices Yoga. A yogin is a male Yoga student, a yogini a female student. A guru is a teacher. “Swami” is a title of respect for a spiritual master.

I just have started yoga practice, but I feel drowsy all through the day. Yes in several cases it happens. One may feel uneasy for one to two weeks after starting the practice of asanas. It may happen because the yoga exercises cause the body to release deep rooted toxins, this toxins when comes to the surface, it spends some time in the blood before being eliminated. After this initial phase of body clean-up, you will start to feel much better. The more toxins you have, worse you will feel in the beginning.

Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga? Although the traditional Yoga diet is vegetarian, you don’t have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga. But it is recommended to be vegetarian.

What are Do’s and Don’ts while practicing Yoga? Time for practice Actually anytime is suitable if your stomach is empty. Considering our schedules, the time early in the morning is most suitable for study. The evening time about 4 hours after lunch is also suitable for practice, provided no additional food is taken in between.

Practice the sessions continuously Do not split the time of study in the morning and evening. Place The place where you are going to study must be clean, airy, spacious, pollution free, warm and with not so bright lights. Accessories Used You can use carpet or mat for the study. The floor should be level. Requirement for yoga is a mat or a folded blanket. Position As explained in ancient texts, you should face either east or north during the study. Clothes Comfortable loose clothing, particularily around the waist so that you can breath and stretch freely. Tight clothes may restrict the circulation to some areas of the body. This would defeat one of the purposes of the asanas, that of increasing the circulation to various parts of the body.

Never exercise on a full stomach. Don’t exercise immediately after getting out of bed, since you’ll be too stiff. Wait at least one hour. Don’t practice the asanas before bed, since their stimulating effect may prevent you from getting to sleep easily. Don’t take a hot shower or bath immediately after yoga, since this draws blood away from the internal organs and glands to go to the skin Take a bath if possible and empty your bowel and bladder before you practice asanas. Always be alert, attentive and watchful when you practice asanas. Concentrate on your own pose. Light physical exercises, followed by yogasana, pranayama and meditation is the ideal sequence.

Author is dedicated to introduce yoga and Energy Medicines more into mainstream and to provide a comprehensive resource of information on yoga and energy medicines. you can find more stuff at www.theholisticcare.com

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Aura Wellness Center has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT

Lately, we have had many inquiries about the Tuesday night Vinyasa Yoga class, at our 21 Park Steet location, in downtown Attleboro. Most peolpe want to know what Vinyasa Yoga is and how challenging it will be. Let’s look at what Vinyasa Yoga is and you can be the judge.

Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word, which refers to breath and movement. For example each Yoga posture is matched by one breath. This is what you do when you perform Sun or Moon salutations, and these are also a form of Vinyasa Yoga.

So, any sequences of postures that are synchronized, with your breath are classified as Vinyasa Yoga. There are many forms of Vinyasa Yoga and even the gentle ones are vigorous. The Yoga postures (Asanas) are not held in a fixed position for long and classes flow with rhythm, similar to music.

The energy used in flowing from one Yoga posture, to the next, continues throughout a typical Vinyasa Yoga class. This type of Yoga class will challenge aerobic endurance, enhance flexibility, and build overall strength.

There are many variations of Vinyasa Yoga classes. Some are related to or offshoots of Ashtanga Yoga, some are very gentle, and others are variations of extended Sun or Moon sequences. The variety of Vinyasa Yoga classes is further expanded when you consider different sequences of Yoga postures, pace of the class, and the temperature of the room.

What about heated Yoga classes; is Vinyasa Yoga known as hot Yoga? No, but the temperature can vary depending upon the policy of the Yoga studio.

At our wellness center in Attleboro, the temperature can be in the high 70’s Fahrenheit during winter months. During the summer months, we keep the temperature in the low 70’s. That is a far cry from a 105-degree hot Yoga or Bikram classes.

Most of the heat generated in a typical Vinyasa Yoga class is internal body heat. As a result of all this internal heat, you will most likely sweat. Therefore, bring a towel and a bottle of good quality water.

When used for personal health maintenance, Vinyasa Yoga is the ultimate cross training system, with low impact movement, aerobic, and muscle toning benefits. Your body will go through an incredible positive transformation, but it does require determination. This explains why Vinyasa Yoga attracts so many type A personalities.

Even if you don’t have a type A personality, it will rub off. As a “by product” of Vinyasa Yoga practice, your self-esteem will be improved. You will manage stress and develop a much more calm personality.

Now, where do you start? Visit us for the beginners Vinyasa Yoga class on Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m. Our first Vinyasa Yoga class will be on October 3rd. You do not have to be flexible, but if you give it your best try, you will see many more results beyond improved flexibility.

Your body will become firm, your heart will be stronger, your balance will mprove, and your mind will become relaxed. That is why Vinyasa Yoga is so popular. The tremendous improvement to your physical appearance is Vinyasa Yoga’s largest “drawing card.”

If you have been on the couch for a while, it will be best to take some gentle Yoga classes first. Marie has a gentle Restorative Yoga class on Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m.

However, if you are very active, you may want to jump right in to a Vinyasa class with me. You should have an honest talk with any Yoga teacher, before starting Vinyasa Yoga practice. It’s always best to be honest with yourself, about your level of fitness. Have fun, but do not push yourself, when you are in unfamiliar territory.

You can always schedule an appointment and visit us at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro. We would be happy to discuss your goals, needs, or concerns. We also have private Yoga training, personal fitness training, and can give you a fitness assessment.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There seems to be a stereotypical view of what a Yoga teacher should look like. Worse yet, there seems to be a preconceived notion about what a Yoga teacher should weigh. There are many reasons for this – Athletes, doctors, and exercise instructors are expected to be slim and trim. Hatha Yoga teachers are also expected to be role models of good heath.

This type of thinking will not change, but we can make the public aware that stereotypes are often wrong. Most of the adult population in the West is overweight. Some Yoga teachers also fall into this category.

Many adults can identify with the daily struggle at the plate and on the scales. Does this mean a person should go through a “weigh in,” before deciding to become a Yoga teacher?

Consider this: Any style of Yoga causes lifestyle changes. Yoga students, and Yoga teachers, make gradual changes that result in weight control. These are not the changes of “instant gratification” that we are so familiar with.

We are not talking about, “Losing 30 pounds in 30 days.” The many “Yo-Yo” diets and weight loss pills can make those promises, but at what cost to your overall health? Life endangering weight loss products are a waste of money and an insult to your intelligence.

Then again, teaching most people to drink more water, eat more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains is not as easy as showing them the “new ultimate diet pill.” The Yogic diet has been around for thousands of years, so it’s “old news.” Remember the saying, “Out with the old, and in with the new?”

People fall for the “new and improved,” more than old and proven methods, until the hard data comes in. This is why people, who said Hatha Yoga was just another fitness fad, were terribly misinformed.

Yoga was around long before the Shaolin temple, and Yoga influenced the health maintenance of the Shaolin priests. Kung Fu was then created within the Shaolin temple, but the relationship to Yoga is still apparent.

The exposure of Yoga to the West is only centuries old, but the Pilates method is one more example of a “Hatha Yoga spin off.” This is not meant with disrespect toward any health maintenance system, but most of them have origins in Yoga.

In the West, Yoga teachers have a responsibility to be role models for physical health. Therefore, if an obese Yoga teacher lost weight at a safe rate, that is a good thing. A Yoga teacher who takes positive action is a good role model; especially, since Yogic dieting methods are sensible, safe, and proven, in comparison to the many fad diets that come and go.

Over the years, I have seen people lose weight from a Yogic lifestyle change, but it is a very gradual process. Lifestyle changes, like Yoga, also result in weight loss that stays off.

Getting back to an obese person becoming a Yoga teacher; does the public feel that he or she should go on a diet first? We are all guilty of classifying and itemizing, until it affects our perception of reality. Tolerance is a daily challenge for all of us.

There are many good Yoga teachers who carry a few extra pounds due to any number of different reasons. The idea that a Yoga teacher should only be a young, thin, very flexible, super model, with a background in gymnastics, is a pure myth.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

You can also contact Marie at: aurayoga2@aol.com

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/