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Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Nutrition, Yoga and Ahimsa

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Great sustenance is key to any sort of physical endeavour and this incorporates yoga asana drill. Anyway in yoga the thought of nourishment is augmented as yoga practice incorporates contemplation along these lines we require a decently adjusted eating regimen that is not just favorable to physical health however to mental health as well.

The eating regimen that we try to as yogis or yoga specialists is regarded as the sattvic eating methodology and is discussed a ton in the aged Indian scripture regarded as the Bhagavad Gita. The sattvic eating methodology could be deciphered as an immaculate eating regimen.

A fundamental educating in yoga theory is that of ahimsa or non-brutality. The teachings of ahimsa identify with the way that our contemplations and our movements make our karmas -for the purpose that assuming that we suppose and act in a careful, cool and non-savage way we make such a karma around us and impact the planet around us in a great manner. As per this a vegan eating regimen (and additionally furnishing us with more than enough vitamins and minerals) fills us with a feeling of being in agreement with nature and acting and experienced a quiet lifestyle.

One doubt a considerable measure of meat eaters ask is 'how can a vegan acquire protein in their diet?' It is a bona fide address as generally wellsprings of meat protein hold a complete tie of amino acids to make up a complete human protein. Protein is essential for yogis as throughout asana hone muscles are reinforced and protein in demanded to assist those muscles develop. Likewise the antiquated yogis truly esteemed protein as they utilized asana practice to reinforce their back and center muscles keeping in mind the end goal to help them sit for a long time in reflection. The trap is that by blending no less than two regular vegan protein sources, for example beans, eggs, tofu, natural soya lumps, lentils, nuts, seeds, tan rice or quinoa, we get all the amino acids needed for a full protein chain needed by people.

Note that the formulas don't must be exhausting. A sample of a high protein vegan formula is tan rice paella with vegetables and nuts. The tan rice acts a protein source as do the nuts. An additional blend is lentils with tan rice.

The yogic eating regimen is regarded as a sattvic eating regimen and incorporates more than enough new leafy foods. These are demanded to give the form vitamins and minerals. Certain vitamins, for example vitamins B and C are regarded as water solvent vitamins. They can't be saved in the form and are disposed of each time you pass water. Henceforth they are required each 2-3 hours along these lines a general admission of crisp products of the soil is paramount for a sound eating methodology and a sattvic eating methodology. Different vitamins, for example vitamin E (discovered in almonds, tomatoes, avocados and sunflower seeds) are regarded as oversized dissolvable vitamins and stay in the form for more drawn out.

Sattvic nourishment may as well conceivably not be singed however ought to be bubbled or dry-fricasseed (where no oil is utilized) -searing, particularly profound fricasseeing has a tendency to put master oxidants into the figure which are joined with malignancy and coronary illness. Samples of utilizing bubbling might be to bubble vegetables and afterward add your favourite Chinese sauce to the fluid. Likewise you can dry-broil Chinese vegetables then after that include your favourite sauce once they are cooked. In a perfect world steaming vegetables is superior to bubbling as along these lines less vitamins are denatured by the hotness and more supplements stay in the vegetables.

A different significant part of a yogic and sound eating regimen is to have wholemeal sustenances, for example spelt which might be discovered in breads and even pastas. Wholemeal sustenances have a tendency to have flat glycaemic files. This implies that they send to a lesser extent a 'sugar rush' to the form and to the cerebrum, so reducing the danger of diabetes. Additionally high glycaemic file nourishments, for example white/refined sugar are addictive and the brown/wholemeal nourishments are most certainly not. Thus as far as sugars, white sugar is addictive to the form and supports diabetes and coronary illness. Utilizing flat glycaemic sugars, for example molasses, muscovado, natural agave syrup and stevia diminish these dangers.

Both science and the old scriptures let us know that an adjusted, sound yogic eating regimen expedites health, joy and serenity of the brain. 
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Balance in Yoga - The Importance of Ida and Pingala

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In yoga the thought of equalization is extremely significant.

There are two extremely paramount vigor directs or nadis in the human form out of the 72,000 nadis that exist in every person. Both of these essential nadis stream symmetrically. One is regarded as ida and the different as pingala. Ida speaks for the imaginative, female qualities inside you and pingala acts for the fiery, male qualities inside you. Carrying equalize into the form by utilizing equalizing postures achieves equalize between ida and pingala and subsequently adjust accomplished not simply physically additionally on an overwhelming level inside ourselves. Between ida and pingala lies sushumna nadi which exists parallel to and marginally before the spinal string.

Ida nadi starts and closes on the left half of sushumna nadi. Ida acts for the lunar vigor inside us, that is the vigor inside us that is identified with the moon. It is a cool vigor and it is nurturing by nature. The colour white is some of the time utilized within yogic teachings to speak for the inconspicuous vibrational characteristics of ida. Ida is likewise animated in the right half of the cerebrum. Pingala speaks for the sun based vigor inside us, that is vigor identified with the sun. It starts and closes on the right half of sushumna nadi. It is warm and empowering by nature. Pingala is answerable for all the crucial substantial courses of action inside our forms. The unpretentious vibrational characteristics of pingala are once in a while acted for by the colour red in yogic teachings. Pingala is animated in the left half of the mind.

The cooperation between ida and pingala identifies with the play between instinct and judiciousness, awareness and key force and the right and left sides of the equator of the mind that takes places inside us. In day-to-day life, one of these nadis is dependably predominant. Despite the fact that this strength updates throughout the day, one nadi is generally more prevailing. This achieves disposition, conduct, and health figures that could be depicted as ida like or pingala like. One objective of yoga practice is to realize equalize between ida and pingala.

The thought of equalization in yoga is seen when yoga is portrayed as hatha. "Ha" identifies with the sun or the sun oriented rule of pingala and "tha" identifies with the moon or lunar guideline of ida. In hatha yoga then, adjust between sun based and lunar energies inside us is the point of our practice.

It is said in numerous yogic teachings that adjusting sun and moon, or pingala and ida, permits the arousing of kundalini, and hence the arousing of the higher awareness that is felt at sahasrara, the seventh chakra. Truth be told, sure yoga teachings say that with the assumption that either ida or pingala is prevailing, sushumna nadi remains lethargic or snoozing and the force of kundalini can't be stirred along these lines you can't sense the familiarity with sahasrara.

Provided that we take a gander at these definitions as far as science we watch that the left and right sides of the equator of the mind are every answerable for diverse capacities. The left side of the equator of the cerebrum controls the right-sided capacities of the figure and is likewise answerable for deductive musings. The right half of the cerebrum is answerable for inventiveness and in addition the capacities of the right half of the figure. In yoga we are searching for a parity between left and right along these lines adjust between left and right half of the cerebrum and right and left half of the form all commit.

Equalize between ida and pingala happens at ajna chakra which is acted for as a lotus bloom with two petals at the inside of the brow. One of the petals is acted for by the vigor channel of ida and the other petal by the vigor channel of pingala.

Further to this, yoga hypothesis states that there is an association between the brain and the form so when there is adjust in the brain -between ida and pingala -between left and right halves of the globe -then there is equalize too in the figure. Subsequently it is paramount to tackle equalize in the brain to improve adjust in the form. This could be attained utilizing reflection (dhyana) or breath control methods (pranayama).

However the converse is additionally correct -when there is equalize in the form then excessively, equalize in the psyche could be made. Subsequently tackling the physical asanas of parity additionally assists make adjust in the psyche -particularly when we keep tabs on the breath, as when we concentrate on the breath then we are additionally concentrating on prana or the life compel inside us.

Essential adjusting postures in yoga polish incorporate standing equalizes, for example:

Garudasana (Eagle posture)

Vrikshasana (Tree posture)

Natarajasana (Dancer's stance)

Utkatasana (Fierce posture)

Arm adjusting stances incorporate:

Bakasana (Crane posture)

Mayurasana (Peacock posture)

Tolasana (Weighing scale posture)

Pinchamayurasana (Feathered peacock posture)

Bhuajapidasana (Hand force posture)

In all adjusting postures you may as well center your consideration on your center muscles as they serve to stabilise you and additionally on your ajna chakra as your ajna chakra is the order focal point of the form and the brain.

Consequently by taking on adjusting postures, you are not simply carrying equalize into the form additionally into the brain and your nadis. A healthy lifestyle is dependably a more joyful life. 
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Thursday 20 June 2013

Yoga Pose Modifications for Back and Neck Pain

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Yoga has many therapeutic benefits, including reducing and alleviating pain. However, when the pain is chronic or is a direct result of injury, care needs to be taken when performing certain postures. Yoga Journal lists a number of poses that are considered contraindicated for those with back and neck issues and we will explore some of those poses here. As always, consult with your doctor or health care practitioner before attempting any new exercise program.
Plow pose is a perfect example of posture that is best avoided by those with sciatica or those who have a bulging disc in the lower back. This pose can cause a flattening or even a reversal of the normal inward curve of the lumbar spine. When the curve of the lower back is reversed the front sides of the vertebrae move closer together. This compresses the front side of the spinal disc between the vertebrae, which can cause the disc to bulge backward. If pain is felt or intensifies in this pose, that is a good indication to either not perform the pose or try a modified version.
To get into this pose, lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Hug the knees close to the body and gently roll forward and back and/or side to side in order to release and relax the vertebrae. This should actually feel wonderful as it greatly relieves back pain and everyday stress. Once your back is feeling warmer, gradually begin extending your legs straight up towards the ceiling. Flex the feet so that your toes are pointed towards your face. Bringing your hands to your hips, gently push your hips up and off the floor as you elongate your legs and bring your toes to the floor behind your head. Keep your legs as straight as possible as you touch your toes to the floor. You should certainly feel the stretch in the back and possibly the backside of the legs as well, but it should not hurt. Again, if pain is felt, try a modified version.
In order to modify plow pose, bring your feet down onto the seat of a chair rather than bringing the feet all the way to the floor. This takes some of the pressure off the back. Bending the knees also takes pressure off the spine. If you still experience pain with these modifications it's best to skip this pose altogether.
Camel pose is another posture that can relieve mild back pain, but if the back has been injured or there is severe pain it would be considered a contraindicated posture. For those with neck pain it is often avoided, but modifications can be made in some cases. Camel is performed by kneeling with the knees directly under the hips and the hips perpendicular to the floor. Bring your hands to your lower back, fingers pointed downward and palms against the lower back/buttock area. Allow your hands to support your lower back as you gaze upward and slightly arch backwards. This gives you a slight back bend that is fully supported.
If you feel you can continue with more, slide your right hand down the back of your right thigh and extend the opposite arm up towards the ceiling. Reach and stretch with your left arm, leaning backwards a bit more. Allow your neck to tilt backwards so that you're looking straight up. After a minute or two come back upright and repeat with the opposite arm.
If you feel you can still do more, you can move into full camel pose by repeating the posture and reaching each hand, one at a time, to the heel of the foot or back of the ankle. Once you have completed this pose, come into child's pose for several minutes as you relax and breathe.
There are ways to modify this pose. You can incorporate the use of a wall for support if this posture causes pain or stress in the neck. Get close enough to the wall so that you can use it to support your head which will take the strain off your neck. If bending backwards causes back pain, stick with the hands supporting the lower back version or avoid entirely.
A good rule of thumb to always keep in mind is to listen to your body. Yoga poses can be challenging, but they should never cause pain. There is a big difference between feeling muscle fatigue and feeling actual pain that makes you wince. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and never push yourself further than you feel you should.
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Wednesday 21 November 2012

Practice Yoga And Enjoy A Happy Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is one of the most special times in the life of a woman. The experience of pregnancy is great, but a woman undergoes a number of bodily changes during this time which makes the person feel uncomfortable. To feel relaxed and comfortable, yoga can be a great solution. Most uneasiness and sufferings of pregnancy can be cured with the help of yoga. Yoga can be considered as an ancient form of exercise which is carried out to get rid of the tension of the body and the mind.

The regular practice of yoga during pregnancy makes delivery less painful and helps a woman to stay fit post pregnancy. There are numerous types of yoga poses that can be beneficial for pregnant women. Each of the pose has its own benefits and targets specific areas of the body some focus on the nervous system while others on the muscles. Studies have proved that women who practice yoga during pregnancy stay much healthier and happier compared to those who do not do such exercises.

Yoga adds flexibility to the body and is very effective during labor. Different yoga poses help to stretch the muscles, soft tissues, ligaments and tendons and thereby prepares a woman's body for the birth giving process. Pregnant women often suffer from pains and aches but regular practice of Yoga can solve this problem. This form of exercise also boosts the circulation process of the body and eliminates back ache that very often occurs during pregnancy.

In the present day scenario one can come across a number of DVDs or CDs on different types of yoga poses that can be practiced during pregnancy. However, following these DVDs on one's own is not a wise decision and a pregnant woman should practice yoga under certified supervisors. One has to learn these poses correctly as any wrong act may have negative impacts. These poses should not be practiced alone at home for safety reasons.

A pregnant woman should immediately discontinue the yoga poses if she faces any kind of confusion or any kind of pain. A woman should always consult a doctor before taking up special yoga classes during the time of pregnancy. One should always keep in mind not to overstretch the ligaments during the time of pregnancy as they tend to become loose. None of the yoga poses that is practiced during pregnancy exerts pressure on the abdomen, as it can lead to mishaps.
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Tips To Follow And The Precautions To Take While Doing Yoga

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If you are planning to do yoga for the first time then it is best that you do it first thing in the morning before you have your breakfast. However if you are a late riser then you can do it in the early evening. One thing that you should remember is that yoga should be practiced on a daily basis. If you start doing it then you cannot miss it frequently.
It will help in increasing your spiritual growth and improve your breathing too. Generally it is best if you do yoga for at least an hour per day. There are times when your body may feel tired, if you have such a feeling then it is best that you do yoga for some time. It will increase the blood circulation in the body resulting in a fresher mind and most importantly you will be filled with energy.

Places where yoga can be performed
Yoga should be performed in a place which is airy and where you can breathe freely. It is advisable not to practice yoga in closed rooms. Some of the common places where you can do yoga are as follows:
  • The roof of your house can be a good place to perform yoga. Basically the place has to be filled with fresh air and you should be able to concentrate properly. The place where you are practicing yoga should also be far away from sources of loud sound or noise.

  • Secondly you should not perform yoga in a place where you will get direct sunlight. It is possible to do yoga outdoors but you will have to make sure the place is free from direct sunlight. It is also advised not to perform yoga after taking a sun bath.
Breathing techniques while doing yoga
Yoga is just not another exercise which you can do casually. There are certain rules which you have to follow, especially the breathing rules. Some of the rules are given below:
  • You should always remember the concept that the nose is for breathing and the mouth is for eating. You should always breathe in through the nose and do it slowly.

  • If you have any breathing problem and you feel that you are not comfortable with the breathing techniques then you must consult the doctor immediately. This would help you to get a proper check up and you will know why you are having the breathing problem.
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Thursday 15 November 2012

Silver Age Yoga

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Silver Age Yoga is a unique yoga discipline designed for seniors that combines hatha yoga and principles of gerontology. The program was developed by seasoned yoga instructors in cooperation with scientists—many of them yoga practitioners—from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD); the Stein Institute for Research on Aging, a department of UCSD; and physicians affiliated with Scripps Health San Diego.
Founded in 2003, the nationally recognized program is designed to empower seniors to take charge of their own health by addressing typical age-related health issues, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and depression. Meditation is used to address stress, while postures address flexibility, balance, strength and joint mobility.

Fitness professionals who want to work with this population need to understand the needs of seniors. While every discipline of yoga is based on the traditional hatha postures, the application and teaching of the postures vary from one discipline to the next (Iyengar, ashtanga, Anusara, Indra Devi, etc.). Silver Age Yoga differs from other styles in that it takes into consideration the limitations of the participants. For example, the same downward-facing dog that is performed on the floor in all other major yoga styles becomes a standing posture supported by a chair, wall, rail, etc. in Silver Age Yoga. This type of adaptation is evident throughout the entire portfolio of over a hundred postures.

Silver Age Yoga has earned substantial recognition and various awards since its inception. The innovative program received the Public Health Champion Award from the County of San Diego in 2008 and the Healthcare and Aging Award from the American Society on Aging, in collaboration with Pfizer, in 2007. IDEA will honor Frank and Serpil Iszak, founders of Silver Age Yoga, with the Inner IDEA 2008 Inspiration Award at this year’s Inner IDEA® Conference, which will take place September 11–14, 2008, in Palm Springs, California.

Close to 200 yoga instructors have gone through the training and certification program to share the Silver Age Yoga program with seniors. To learn more poses, breathing and meditation for seniors, attend Frank and Serpil Iszak’s workshop, “Silver Age Yoga,” at the Inner IDEA Conference. The workshop will teach instructors how to operate a Silver Age Yoga program in their own community; how to reach out to low-income seniors; and how to create a profitable and successful program for an underserved population.
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Yoga for Seniors

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Learn about the benefits of yoga for seniors

You are likely seeing a larger number of seniors walking through your yoga studio doors. Are you prepared to serve them? What are some of the benefits and contraindications of yoga for seniors? Are there appropriate yoga breathing techniques and pose sequences for older adults? And what can we do to appropriately adapt our yoga classes to accommodate them?

Here are some overall guidelines to consider when designing a yoga class for active seniors:

*Incorporate pranayama, gentle asanas and meditation in every class.
*Teach proper spinal alignment for every pose.
*Avoid poses that require forward spinal flexion, twists and lateral flexion (for any client with diagnosed or suspected osteoporosis).
*Advise students to move gently through and within poses.
*Incorporate spinal stabilization exercises in every class.
*Include yoga mudras to develop fine motor conditioning in the hands.
*Feature poses that are comfortable and steady.
*Encourage participants to rest whenever needed.
*Urge students to use a chair or wall during balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls.

The following chart provides two different sample vinyasas, or yoga pose sequences. Each vinyasa can be used as part of a yoga class or expanded into a full class by simply repeating the poses two to four times, as desired. Vinyasa #1 is designed for active seniors who do not suffer from osteoporosis. Because this sequence includes forward-bending poses, it is contraindicated for osteoporosis clients. Vinyasa #2 is a better choice for these clients.

Vinyasa #1: Includes Forward-Bending Poses

Yoga Pose/Sequence
Purpose/Benefit
Notes
Seated Easy Cross-Legged Pose
Establishes neutral spinal alignment.
Provide yoga blocks, blankets or bolsters as needed to support tight joints and facilitate neutral alignment.
Pranayama: Breathing
Promotes internal focus; calms the mind; slows breathing; warms the body.
Use props described above. Option: Incorporate positive affirmations and stress reduction guidelines.
Seated Spine Extension and Flexion
Prepare joints for deeper work to follow; develop kinesthetic awareness of movements of spine.
Option: Include raising and lowering of arms, and teach coordination of shoulder girdle.
Seated Hip Internal and External Rotation
Involve rhythmic movement of hip through full range of motion.
Place hands behind back to support spinal alignment and assist balance.
Reclining Big-Toe Pose
Increases hamstring flexibility, joint mobility and back decompression.
Use strap around foot to facilitate pose. Keep pose dynamic by gently moving leg back and forth in hip socket.
Quadruped, Cat and Cow Poses
Take spine through full range of motion; provide weight bearing for the shoulders and wrists.
Reinforce stabilization of shoulder girdle while performing movement. Place folded towel under knees for cushioning.
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
Stretches back; strengthens upper body; releases spine.
Distribute weight evenly over whole hands; lift tailbone while engaging abdominals. Use chair or table top to facilitate pose.
Mountain Pose
Reinforces standing neutral posture; indicates imbalances.
Align from mat up. Keep shoulders relaxed. Option: Do pose against wall to teach alignment and support balance.
Warrior 1 Pose
Strengthens back extensors and legs; challenges balance.
Align hip bones to face forward. Lift back heel to facilitate alignment and challenge balance. Add shoulder squeeze to strengthen muscles between shoulder blades and stretch chest and anterior shoulders. Option: Perform with chair or stability ball for support.
Bridge Pose
Opens shoulders; strengthens legs.
Keep feet and knees hip width apart. Use yoga strap above knees, as needed.
Corpse Pose
Decompresses spine; supports relaxation.
Let legs roll open from hips. Let arms roll open from shoulders, palms facing up. Support back if needed by placing blanket under knees.

Vinyasa #2: Safe for Clients With Osteoporosis

Yoga Pose/Sequence
Purpose/Benefit
Notes
Corpse Pose
Begins breath work; decompresses spine.
Teach breathing technique; allow time for inward focus. Support pose with pillows or bolsters as needed.
Supine Shoulder Press
Strengthens shoulder girdle; stretches front of shoulders.
Coordinate movement with breathing. Support arms with towel folded under elbows, if needed.
Supine Shoulder Stretch
Strengthens shoulder girdle; stretches latissimus dorsi.
Keep entire hand on floor, with abdominals engaged. Use opposite hand to support arm, keeping elbow up and close to head.
Rib Lift
Strengthens back extensors; stretches anterior muscles.
Combine with shoulder press for more advanced variation. Very weak students can use bolster for support.
Supine Bridging
Strengthens core muscles; stretches quads.
Vary by lifting heels, adding leg raises or moving bridge. Place yoga block between thighs, or use yoga strap.
Alternate Prone Hip Extension
Strengthens hip extensors and lower back.
Add opposite arm raise for variation. Option: Perform pose standing against wall for support.
Cobra Pose
Stretches anterior muscles; relieves compression of thoracic vertebrae.
Move carefully through range of motion.
Mountain Pose
Reinforces standing neutral posture; indicates imbalances.
This is the foundation point for standing balance work. Option: Perform pose against wall to teach alignment and support balance.
Tree Pose
Challenges balance; builds stability of the ankle, knee and hip joints.
Reinforce neutral alignment. Use chair or wall for support if needed.
Warrior 2 Pose
Strengthens legs; opens chest; extends back.
Use chair for support if needed.
Mountain Pose With Reverse Namasté
Opens front of shoulders; strengthens between shoulder blades and spinal extensors; stretches wrists.
If wrists are too tight, simply clasp hands behind back and retract shoulders, or use yoga strap.
Legs Up the Wall Pose
Decompresses spine; improves circulation; assists relaxation.
Restorative posture. Use blankets or bolsters as needed.

Sample Yoga Breathing Practice 

This simple exercise can reduce stress, teach mindfulness and relieve spinal compression. It is beneficial for senior clients with arthritis, hypertension and osteoporosis.
1. Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep knees and feet hip width apart. (Place a yoga strap around the thighs to assist with this alignment.) Use a small pillow to support the head, placing it in such a way that the face is parallel to the floor.
2. Place one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen. Breathe, letting the abdomen expand naturally during inhalations and contract without force during exhalations. Keep the chest as still as possible throughout the breath.
3. Keeping the breath steady, bring the arms to the sides, slightly away from your body, palms up. The elbows and shoulders should be at the same level. If the elbows are lower than the shoulders, place a folded towel under the elbows for support.
4. Spend several minutes in this position, taking slow, deep, unforced breaths.
5. When ready to come out of this position, roll onto one side, using the hand of the arm on top to push up to a seated position.
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