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Teaching Yoga: Demonstrating Yoga Techniques

Friday, January 13th, 2012

yoga teacher training courseBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The difficulty and complexity of Yoga techniques can range from quite simple to potentially complex. One of the tasks of a Yoga instructor is to simplify the process of executing the postures. It takes a bit of practice to be able to lead the students into a more complex pose or pranayama technique, step-by-step. You want the movements to be smooth and easy, the verbal cues to be concise, and your physical demonstration to be accurate.

When you demonstrate Yoga techniques to your students, it is often beneficial to give a bit of background information, such as the history of the technique, the purpose of a posture, or defining the precision of a pranayama technique. It is also important to let your students know about the benefits of each technique, as well as the potential risks or concerns. When introducing new Yoga poses or pranayama techniques, let the students watch you first, as you verbally explain it. Then, let them try it while giving verbal cues. Practice new Yoga poses a few times before adding them into a specific sequence or flow of poses.

Liability is part of the responsibility of being a Yoga instructor. In order to make sure each of your students is safe, you must know your students. Yoga teachers need to be aware if a student has a health problem, injury, or some other area of concern. When you know your students, you can give specific advice, props, and modifications to them for postures that may pose a risk. It is also beneficial to break down more complex Yoga poses into steps. Demonstrate each step, and how to progress to the next step, until the posture is complete.

Make sure you are easily visible to all of your students. This can pose a challenge when you are teaching a large class, with limited space. When the instructor is at the front of the room, facing the students, this could limit visibility for students on the fringe of the class, or students in the back. Avoid potential problems by setting up the class in a way where mats are staggered, or by forming a semi-circle around you. Be aware of the students who might not have the best visibility, and communicate with them to make sure they are with you during the entire class. You might also change the position of your mat from time to time, if it will give the students a better view of the pose.

Demonstrating can also be difficult, when you are walking around the room making physical assists and adjustments. When you are walking around the room, there are times, when it is best to briefly demonstrate in an area where students who do not usually have the best angle can see you. As your Yoga classes expand in size, it is wise to have other teachers in the room to help with adjustments. This extra attention from an assistant provides each Yoga student the optimum learning experience.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Teaching Yoga: Choosing Yoga Techniques for a Lesson Plan

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

yoga certificationBy Narendra Maheshri

Teaching Yoga requires a certain level of commitment, both to yourself and the students who are learning from you. Just as life is always evolving, so is your practice. Choosing techniques for a lesson plan is going to depend on a number of factors. Some of those factors will include the types of classes you will be teaching. After all, a class you would teach for school age children would probably require a different lesson plan than a class you would be leading for people who are senior citizens. A beginners Yoga class will differ from a more advanced class.

Of course, many classes are advertised as “open to anyone, regardless of age or Yoga experience.” It is useful to have a specific set of poses in mind along with how to teach people variations on what you are doing. This can help keep beginners comfortable and focused and can also help keep more experienced students engaged in the class. Yoga lesson plans certainly do not have to be rigid or set in stone. Instead, they should act as a guide that can help you to stay on track and help your students as they are learning.

Lesson plans are going to vary greatly according to what style of Yoga you are teaching. Hatha or Ashtanga Yoga plans are going to be focused more on the gentle flow of poses and some meditation, along with some chanting. After all, this form of Yoga is for people who are looking to relax. Power Yoga classes will be altogether different. This form of Yoga is very physically demanding, with meditation kept to a minimum. The lesson plan for Power Yoga will certainly be more physically challenging than other types of Yoga.

When you are teaching a class keep in mind that you are also learning from your students. The ebb and flow of teacher and student is a constant presence within the class. That’s why it is good to be able to lean upon a lesson plan but to be flexible enough to change it as needed. Poses that seem challenging to one Yoga class might be the perfect option for another class and often that can’t be determined until you are in the depths of teaching. As your practice and experience grows, so will your ability to gauge which lesson plans offer the most for yourself and your students.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Techniques for Substance Abuse

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

yoga certificationBy Sangeetha Saran

Although scientific research has been limited, there is strong anecdotal evidence to support the practice of Yoga in the treatment and management of addictions. In one randomized study done at a methadone clinic in Boston, studies found that Yoga was as least as effective as traditional group therapy.

Although more evidence is needed for substance abuse, there is comprehensive data to support its effects on stress-related illnesses. The link between stress and addictions is well known, and scientists have documented the effect of Yoga on good mental health. Others have observed similarities between Yogic philosophy and 12-step programs, and there is little doubt that Yoga complements traditional treatments for many conditions.

Potential Benefits of Yoga in Treatment of Substance Abuse

• Reduces stress

• Increases self-esteem

• Improves physical health

• Provides social support

• Enhances mental health

• Complements other recovery programs

• Encourages spiritual growth and beauty

Yoga teaches practitioners to live in the present moment: to examine the inner self, to be aware of the breath, and to notice physical sensations. This alone is helpful for battling compulsions and panic attacks. Addicts, like others, hold emotions in their mental and physical bodies. Yoga clears blockages in the energy system, promoting recovery from past trauma.

Yoga Techniques for Substance Abuse

• Asana

The physical practice of Yoga postures, such as Forward Bends and Warrior Poses, keeps practitioners in the moment, reducing compulsions and negative thinking. Exercise also contributes to better self-control and a sense of overall wellbeing.

• Pranayama

When people are tense and worried, their breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Controlled breathing brings the senses to the present moment, reduces anxiety, and stimulates the circulatory system with an oxygen-rich flow of blood and lymph.

When working with students who have a history of substance abuse, it has been my experience that they never realized the feeling of euphoria that pranayama can bring. In Yoga classes, students should be made aware of how prana is similar to candy, but they do not have to be concerned with gaining weight or tooth decay. Pranayama does not cost a dime, makes you feel fantastic, and it is calorie free.

• Meditation

Meditation has always been a part of spiritual and healing practices, and some of the world’s most prestigious universities have endorsed its benefits. Whether labeled as prayer, mindfulness, or one of its many other names, meditation is an ancient art recognized by both the traditional and the holistic care system.

Conclusion

The eight limbs of Yoga, like most timeless teachings, promote a healthy lifestyle that unifies the mind, the body, and the spirit. Unless otherwise indicated, Yoga is recommended as a complement to treatment for substance abuse, not as a replacement for more traditional programs.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher certification courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Techniques

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins 

Kundalini Yoga techniques utilize a variety of Yogic methods to awaken and nourish the dormant energy that lies coiled at base of the spine of each human being. In a Kundalini Yoga class, the students follow a sequence of Yogic techniques that include classic poses, chanting of mantras and shlokas, meditation and also coordinated pranayama exercises. When the Kundalini Shakti energy is awakened and nourished, she travels along the spine and through the seven chakras, activating and cleansing each chakra as she ascends towards the crown chakra. The powerful energy of the awakened Kundalini energy is said to benefit the practitioner on many levels; physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Each chakra has its own particular energetic makeup, design and seed mantra. All seven chakras are correlated with the organs and glands in its general proximity. Additionally, as the Kundalini Shakti travels through each chakra, spiritual powers or siddhis may arise in the student. Powers such as clairvoyance and clairaudience may become readily available to the student. However, enlightened masters over the ages have warned us to not get too caught up in the siddhis, so that the novelty of their powers do not distract us from the ultimate goal of God realization. When practicing Kundalini Yoga, many of the techniques that are employed during class help to activate, cleanse and balance all seven chakras.

One of the main focuses of a Kundalini Yoga class is pranayama (the yogic breathing exercises). The breathing techniques will help to move stagnant energy that is deeply buried up to the surface, in order release the tension and stress that is holding the stagnant energy in place. The breathing exercises are complemented by traditional asanas, meditation practice and chanting with mudras, or sacred hand positions. A Kundalini Yoga class will follow a very specific sequence of Yogic techniques. The class will begin with the chanting of the Adi Mantra, followed by pranayama, asanas or kriyas, shavasana, meditation and closing prayers with a final chanting of the Sat Naam mantra.

The kriyas that are performed during a Kundalini Yoga class are usually done in conjunction with very specific breathing exercises. The coordination of kriyas with pranayama practice creates a synergistic relationship between the different systems of the body. Different kriyas are targeted to isolate and work on certain groups of organs, muscles and glands to cleanse and detoxify them. This synergy will, over time, improve the overall functioning of the entire physical and emotional system of a Kundalini Yoga student.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Techniques for HIV/AIDS Patients

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

Depending upon the advice of a doctor, Yoga techniques for HIV and AIDs are a viable option. Yoga has been used successfully to treat a wide variety of different issues for centuries. HIV and AIDS are relative newcomers in the world of disease, which in turn has made them more difficult to treat. Nevertheless, Yoga has proven beneficial for those who have HIV and AIDS, leading to greater levels of physical fitness, improved immunity, lower levels of stress and a greater sense of inner peace. While almost all yoga poses will prove beneficial, there are a few which may yield a greater benefit for this particular disease.

It is believed that inversions may be good for those with AIDS and HIV because they redirect the blood and energy flow to the thymus. The thymus is a large endocrine gland which helps regulate and control T cells within the immune system. Since HIV and AIDS attack the T cells, supporting the gland which controls them seems like a logical way to help the body fight this disease. Improving the efficiency of the thymus and in turn the immune system certainly couldn’t hurt.

Beneficial inversions include Headstands, Shoulders Stands, Plow Pose and Feathered Peacock Pose. When performing inversions it is important to keep safety in mind. If you are feeling weak or dizzy; it is a good idea to have someone spot you, during your yoga practice. This person may be your instructor, a fellow student or even a close friend since intimate knowledge of the poses is not required for basic spotting.

Backbends are also believed to be beneficial because of the fact that they open up the chest. Opening up the chest increases the performance of the thymus gland which in turn should increase immune function.

Beneficial backbends include Reclining Bound Angle Pose, Supported Bridge Pose, Cobra Pose and Upward Facing Dog.

In addition to supporting immune function, yoga may be used to reduce levels of stress. Stress reduction is critical for those with HIV and AIDS. Anything that can decrease stress levels is profoundly helpful.

Beneficial poses for stress relief include Child’s Pose, Corpse Pose, Hero Pose and Legs Up The Wall Pose.

Those with HIV and AIDS are encouraged to talk to their doctors about adding yoga as a complementary treatment to be used in addition to HIV and AIDS medications. It is important for an individual with AIDS or HIV to consult their doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen.

Yoga is something that patients of HIV and AIDS may do for themselves to promote the health of the body, mind, soul and spirit. Having the ability to improve these areas is a positive, empowering thing for anyone, especially individuals dealing with a chronic illness.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Techniques for Neck Problems

Monday, August 1st, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

Yoga techniques for neck pain can be a “life saver.”  Pain is a very serious negative distraction and distractions get in the way of living life to the fullest. Life is far too short to have negative things like back or neck pain, taking attention away from your free time. Yoga may be used to counter and correct both chronic and short-term neck problems.

We rarely give the neck much thought until it starts having problems but in truth the neck takes a real beating every day. The head itself can weigh up to 15 pounds and improper posture leads to that weight putting a heavy burden of stress on the neck. Having chronically poor posture puts an unnatural burden on the neck which slowly leads to injury since we often lean our heads forward towards computer screens, television screens and so on.

For those with neck pain and injuries, yoga is a wonderful conditioning practice, which will slowly, but surely, ease the pain and improve quality of life. With that said, it must be taken slowly. Neck injuries are best treated in a very slow manner over time since too much movement at once can lead to setbacks lasting several weeks. That’s not at all ideal.

The Shoulder Stand and Plow poses in yoga must be avoided at all costs if one is suffering from a neck injury. These two asanas pus such a supreme amount of weight and compression on the neck that it may actually flatten the cervical curve entirely, which is very bad news for an injured neck.

The first yoga technique for easing away neck problems is sitting in proper posture and breathing. Select a sturdy chair and sit on the front edge with back straight and hands folded over the core of the stomach. The feet should be in firm contact with the floor. Draw in a deep breath and straighten the posture further, feeling the breath deepen the pose.

Now, hold your conscious attention in the lower lungs and stomach and then bring it further up to the mid chest with each conscious breath. Now pull your conscious breathing and attention into the collarbone as you draw a deep, healing breath. Hold it for a second before releasing. Now draw the conscious attention into the neck itself and envision the breath being a healing force as it’s pulled through the nose, down the windpipe and into the lungs below.

If there is any tension in the body at this point, release it. Allow the shoulders to drop from the protective position they have likely assumed since the neck pain started. Slowly, pull the crown of the head higher, only so long as it is comfortable.

In this comfortable, safe place just sit and enjoy the pain free breathing. Breathe for a set of 10-15 deep, slow breaths and then release. The beauty of this technique is that it may be done almost anywhere. Any time tension and poor posture start creeping into your day, take a few minutes to perform the above technique. It will yield wonderful results.

The next technique is a little more challenging and must be taken slowly. At all times listen very carefully to your body. This technique is the Cat Cow pose combination, which together yields a gentle motion that will benefit the neck greatly.

Get down on the hands and knees with wrists directly under the shoulders and the knees directly under the hips. Tighten and engage the core muscles of the stomach so that the spine is straighter and flatter than it would be otherwise. The end of the tailbone and the crown of the head should be almost on the same level.

Once you are fully comfortable, draw in a breath and lower the belly towards the floor, at the same time. Open the chest and slowly, carefully raise the head, taking care not to snap the head back. Inhale in this position and then while exhaling imagine pulling the bellybutton in against the spine and allow the back to round up like an angry cat. As the back is rounding, imagine an invisible string linking the base of the pelvis and the crown of the head together, drawing them close to each other. Take these movements slowly, taking care to not overtax the neck. Now phase back into the Cow position again. Repeat the Cat Cow pose 5-10 times; then rest.

Other poses that may prove helpful for neck problems include Child’s Pose, Downward Facing Dog and Cobra. While performing all of these poses special attention and emphasis should be placed on the neck. The slow, languid movements of these yoga poses will strengthen and lengthen the neck, making it stronger and easing the tension that leads to pain.

Daily yoga practice will help individuals maintain a full range of motion and proper posture, effectively treating existing injuries and preventing future ones all in one step.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Techniques to Enhance Intelligence

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are a variety of Yoga techniques that enhance intelligence and help one make intelligent choices. Yoga techniques, that enhance cognitive functioning of the brain, include inversion asanas that increase the circulation of new blood and oxygen into the brain. Yoga pranayama techniques, that help to quell anxiety, also support a Yoga practitioner in accurately accessing a situation, without the confusion of an anxious, racing, and overactive mind.

Additionally, Yoga asanas and meditation techniques, which demand a one-pointed focus, help a Yogi or Yogini to focus on one task as a time. This ability to focus supports an intelligent appraisal of a situation and enhances the practitioner’s ability to follow through on one task at a time in daily life.

The following inversion poses will turn your world upside down! Both of these Yoga asanas help to circulate fresh blood and oxygen all throughout the body, including the brain. With an increase of fresh blood and oxygen, the brain will function more efficiently and brain fogginess will be relieved – thereby, enhancing intelligence.

Legs up the Wall – Viparita Karani

In order to practice Legs up the Wall pose, place your Yoga mat up against a wall. Scoot your sit bones sideways against the wall, and then slowly raise your legs up the wall, in a perpendicular position, to the floor. This pose is very restorative in nature, and you will receive many of the same benefits of Shoulder Stand or Head Stand, without risking your neck. Stay in this pose for up to five or ten minutes, and then come down slowly, resting for a few minutes in fetal position.

Supported Shoulder Stand – Salamba Sarvangasana

Shoulder stand is a deeper and steeper inversion. Steep inversions are empowering. However, people with pre-existing neck problems, high or low blood pressure, a previous stroke, heart problems, epilepsy, detached retina, or glaucoma should consult their physician or specialist before attempting them.

To practice Shoulder Stand, place a folded blanket on your Yoga mat at shoulder height. Lie down on the blanket and make sure that your shoulders meet the edge of the folded blanket, but do not hang over the edge. Slowly, raise your legs up in the air and perpendicular to the floor. Support your torso with your hands at your lower back. Keep your arms tucked neatly into your sides. Extend your legs further up towards the ceiling. Hold Shoulder Stand for three to five minutes, or however long feels appropriate for you today.

When you are ready to come down, lower your legs slowly back down to the floor, as you roll out of the pose, vertebrae by vertebrae. Please do Fish Pose as a counter-pose after practicing Shoulder Stand. Fish Pose is performed by placing your hands, palms down, under your sacrum area, elbows tucked neatly into your sides, as you arch your torso up towards the ceiling, while you open your neck and throat area to the sky. Come down slowly and rest in Corpse Pose.

Both of these inversion postures will enhance intelligence, by circulating new blood and fresh oxygen throughout the entire body, including the brain. Pranayama Yoga techniques and other Yoga asanas, that lower anxiety levels and require great concentration and focus, will also enhance intelligence.

© Copyright 2011 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!  Paul

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Yoga Techniques to Relieve Sciatica

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many different Yoga techniques to relieve sciatica, and there are many factors that cause sciatica. Sciatica is a painful condition that is often caused by the compression, or irritation, of one or more nerves. Often, this compression is felt only on one side of the body, depending on which nerve is affected by the compression or irritation. Sciatic pain is often felt in the buttocks and lower back. Sciatic pain can even run all the way down the leg and into the foot. Sciatica is very uncomfortable and can limit mobility and even make sleeping difficult.

A consistent Yoga asana practice that is performed with proper alignment in the poses is tremendously helpful in managing pain from sciatica. Many different Yoga postures help to relieve compression on the spinal nerves by releasing stress and muscular tension, as well as promoting good blood flow into constricted areas in the lower back and sacrum. The following Yoga poses will help to relieve sciatic pain.

Extended Child’s (Mecca) Pose into Downward Facing Dog

Start out by practicing Pose of a Child (Balasana) on your Yoga mat, and slowly extend your arms out in front of you, with palms face down, and your fingers point toward the head of your mat. Breathe deeply, and stay in this posture for thirty seconds to a minute.

As you hold Extended Child’s pose, feel the stretch all along the sides of your torso, arms, and heart area. After you have held the pose for an appropriate amount of time, as you exhale, extend into Downward Facing Dog pose.

In Downward Facing Dog, peddle your feet slowly to warm up your legs. This pose will help to stretch out your back, arms, leg biceps, and hamstrings. Tension in your back and hamstrings are huge contributors to tension in the sacrum area, where sciatic pain often originates. Hold Downward Dog for five to ten breaths. Release as you exhale and come down slowly, resting for a few minutes in Extended Childs pose.

Modification for Extended Child

Extended Child can be modified in many ways, but to maintain the straightest possible line, the knees can be brought out to the edge of your Yoga mat, while the two big toes touch. The reasons for this modification are to create as much space as possible in the spine to relieve any pressure. This method uses the gentle pulling effect of opposite directions (the tail bone and your head) to stabilize the position of the spine and release spinal compression gradually. Please be careful to avoid reaching aggressively, forcing, or locking the elbows.

This modification does feel great, but if you pull or draw too hard with your finger tips, you can cause a lower back muscle spasm. Therefore, draw gradually, gently, and slowly, while your muscles take care of stabilizing your spine.

Modifications for Limited Range of Motion

Extended Pose of a Child can be practiced on a bed. Downward Dog can be modified by using a chair. Any posture can be modified for limited range of motion. If you have difficulty finding a Yoga teacher who understands modifications, please visit a local chair Yoga class.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Techniques to Move Beyond Stress

Friday, April 8th, 2011

yoga for stressBy Faye Martins

There are a many different techniques that Yoga teachers can give to students as help to move beyond stress. The feeling of stress in the body often feels like constriction of muscles, difficulty breathing deeply, a low level of constant anxiety that manifests as shallow breathing, and a slightly-increased heart rate. Stress in the mind can manifest as circular, obsessive thinking patterns in an attempt to control a certain situation or person. Stress in the mind can also impact an individual’s ability to think clearly and to remember well. Yoga addresses and alleviates all of these different symptoms of stress.

One of the primary ways that Yoga helps a practitioner to relieve stress is just the sheer act of getting “on the mat” and focusing on one task in particular, doing Yoga. Often, many of us are extremely busy and over-scheduled. We have careers, families to attend to, our own health to care for, and possibly volunteer commitments.

In addition, there are so many electronic devices that keep us wired into the grid at all hours of the day and night, we often feel obligated to “be on” even during our off time. This unrelenting life pace can create great stress in the body. Slowing down enough to practice Yoga for thirty minutes or an hour helps to calm the mind and body by focusing on one task at a time. This practice of dharana (a spiritual exercise that helps one focus on a single point, or thought) is one of the primary ways in which Yoga helps to alleviate stress.

The physical postures of Yoga help to relieve and release stress and tension from the muscles and ligaments. The asanas also strengthen the body and help to increase circulation. Both a vigorous and restorative practice of Yoga asanas will help to release physical holding and tension from the muscle tissues. As the holding patterns in the muscles and ligaments release, mental tension is released as well.

The asanas also re-align the spine, which helps to increase the free flow of prana or life-force energy throughout the entire body. Stress and muscular tension often cause us to feel more tired than we really are and contribute to mental tension as well. As the tension is released, optimal spinal alignment is restored and energy flows more freely. At the completion of a Yoga class a student will feel that the sensation of tiredness and stress is eased and replaced with a feeling of lightness, expansiveness, and complete well-being.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Philosophy of Kundalini Yoga

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

yoga relaxationBy Faye Martins

The practice of Kundalini Yoga began its origins, during the first century, in Kashmir. It is based on a philosophical system called Kashmir Shaivism. The philosophy is deeply rooted in tantric Yoga techniques from Kashmir and falls broadly under the spectrum of Hinduism. The tantric initiation was classically handed down, in secret, from Guru to student, only after a long period of committed service and preparation on the part of the student. After some years with the teacher, the student was often directed to return to his or her home, and continues to live, immersed in God’s love, while fulfilling all necessary familial and householder responsibilities.

For many practitioners, Kundalini Yoga is known as the mother of all Yogic disciplines. Ultimately, the goal of Yogic techniques is to unite the student with the divine energy that lies at the heart of our beings. The practical philosophy, of Kundalini Yoga, is based on a belief that there is an energy called the Kundalini Shakti, which lies coiled at the base of our spines, at approximately the fourth vertebrae. According to Kundalini Yoga philosophy, this energy can be awakened with ardent spiritual practices, such as asanas, meditation, recitation of slokas, and breathing exercises. Traditionally, this inner awakening could only be granted to a disciple, through the divine grace of an enlightened master, through shaktipat or divine initiation.

The philosophy of Kundalini Yoga is ultimately rooted in the very esoteric and mystical tantric practices, of Kashmir Shaivism. Over the centuries, this knowledge has been handed down from teacher to student in shrouded and sacred surroundings. Lord Shiva, himself, is held to be the original Guru of this lineage. One of the most beautiful aspects of Kashmir Shaivism is the concept of Aham. It is the concept of the supreme reality of the heart that is the non-dual abode of Shiva himself. The Gurukula is another wonderful philosophical tenet of Kashmir Shaivism; and hence, Kundalini Yoga. Gurukula is generally translated as a family, or group, that is interconnected by the experience of Shiva’s grace. A Yoga studio, where Kundalini Yoga practitioners gather, to do sadhana, or spiritual practices, is a modern version of a kula.

Kundalini Yoga is said to be the mother of all Yogic disciplines because the practices ignite and nourish the Kundalini Shakti herself. Truly, it is a Yoga of conscious grace-filled awakening. A regular practice of Kundalini Yoga enhances well-being, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually, as well. This ancient set of practices is deeply rooted in the tantric branch of Hinduism, known as Kashmir Shaivism. Ardent, and uninterrupted Kundalini Yoga practices, will help to unleash the primordial creative potential that lies at the heart of every human being.

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