power yoga asanas

Working with yoga asanas

Yoga has been prevalent nowadays. So many people are engaged in it. Most of them say that there are many benefits that can be gained from the practice of Yoga. Flexibility is one of the so many advantages acquired in practicing Yoga.

With the so many positions, a person may enhance his or her own physical well-being. Some say that it acts as a cleansing exercise which lessens the pain and offers a degree of relief from certain disorders. While some others say that it is an extremely effective form of exercise.

By the various yoga asanas or positions, one can establish and experience an amazing improvement in the flexibility of some parts of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.

In addition, some researchers have found that various yoga positions can carry out certain processes together creating harmony. When this harmony is attained, developed flexibility is achieved.

Furthermore, researches have revealed that diverse yoga asanas is one form of activity that rubs down and massages the organs and internal parts of the body which results to enhanced well-being and very good health.

Moreover, these different yoga asanas promotes improved blood circulation and allows optimum supply of blood going to various parts of the entire body. With all of these, there is a complete detoxification process that occurs.

Little by little, this exercise aids in washing out and cleanses the body as time goes by. As a result, ageing is deferred plus an extra amount of energy is released which gives a refreshing feeling. Practicing the different yoga asanas, the muscles are not only exercised but it also nurses back its strength. The muscle that was weakened and had become lifeless comes back into its original nature.

By engaging in Yoga, repeated stimulation occurs, thus, improves the flaccidity of the muscles. Moreover, the muscles of the body are healed and toned during the process.

Another thing is, Yoga serves as an enormous form of contemplation and reflection which helps in balancing the activities in the nervous system. People who practice it often say that they have improved their health and well-being through mediation and performing Yoga.

In addition, it is a tremendous solution to the reductions of stress. Since it is a form of a slow exercise together with a controlled breathing exercise, it promotes a relaxed feeling or eases stress.

There are many known positions that can be performed when practicing Yoga. They are all trouble-free and efficient body movements that help increase vigor of the back and firming the muscles in the stomach. It also fosters and improves stamina and endurance.

Common yoga positions are also known as asanas.

It is the Sanskrit name for yoga poses and positions. It is a very effective and efficient way of meditating and reflecting.

In Yoga, one’s mind must be coordinated with the body’s movement. In this manner, the body experiences a harmonious activity that results to a forcible and healthy life.

Some of the categories of positions are standing, twisting, balancing, back bending and many others.These positions are made to achieve alignment and balance as well as improve strength both in the body and in mind.

However, these different poses are varied for different kind of people which vary in flexibility, age and strength. Some of the basic poses or Yoga asanas are corpse pose, mountain pose, and four-limb staff pose.

what is hatha yoga

Have some Hatha Yoga 

Hatha yoga is known as the 5000 year old system which was used to increase the healthy body, mind and spirit. People who do Hatha Yoga combine the stretching exercises of asanas into their practice. It includes the mental concentration and breathing techniques.

The Lotus position from Asanas is being used in practicing Hatha Yoga. 

The goal of applying Hatha Yoga is just the same as using other kinds of Yoga. It aims to blend the human spirit with the peaceful spirit of the Universe. With this practice, the person doing the Yoga exercise increases their spiritual, mental, physical and emotional health and aspect.

Doing Hatha Yoga gives you peace and keeps your environment and the world as one. In doing yoga, including all types of yoga, concentration is the root or main ingredient for a successful yoga

All other types of Yoga have some similarities in one way or the other. The main focus of Hatha Yoga is to prepare the body to give in so that the spirit will be able to absorb and accomplish its mission. The spirit is responsible in lifting and enlightening. When the spirit is enlightened, the mind is relaxed and it throws away all stress and pain. The body does too.

Too many people get confused because they do not understand that if your body is not healthy and unfit; your spirit cannot successfully accomplish the task. So the goal of Hatha Yoga is perfect to apply if your spirit is weak.

Hatha Yoga will help encourage your body to move and advance positively to a level in which the spirit will be able to work properly. Your spirit and body needs to respond positively so that the mind will be able to keep up with a good concentration.

When people hear of the word Yoga, Hatha Yoga will come to their minds first. Hatha Yoga is popular and it is the popular branch of Yoga. In fact, the other style of yoga such as the Kundalini, Ashtanga, Bikram and Power Yoga has originated from Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is known as the vehicle for the soul. It is responsible for driving the body and the spirit into the universe. Just imagine soaring to the universe and feel no gravity at all. That is just so relaxing and tempting.

Concentration is something that is hard to maintain and recover. If you find yourself easily distracted by outside forces, Hatha Yoga might work to fight it.

The best thing about practicing Hatha Yoga is that it helps you find out for your self that there is a divine light that shines in you. Not only does it enlighten you but it can help you become stronger, relaxed and flexible.

The exercise involved in doing Hatha Yoga allows the spiritual energy to flow through the open energy channels. This will be possible if the mind, body and spirit is working good and has harmony. Of course maintaining a healthy body is the most important of all. If your body is weak, your mind and spirit is affected too

When you practice Hatha Yoga, you can easily cope up with stress and relieve some pain and tension. Sometimes, work leaves you wasted and exhausted so you need to relax once in a while. Hatha Yoga is the best remedy to release that pain and tension.

ashtanga yoga poses

Ashtanga Yoga – Is it right for you?

Ashtanga Yoga is the type of yoga which was developed and founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. This type of yoga is known as the Eight Limb Yoga which has revolved in Pattanjali's enormous idea. It presented that the path of purification is made up of the eight spiritual practices.

The first four limbs that represent Ashtanga Yoga are – yama, niyama, Asana and the Pranayama. These are considered cleansing practices which are externally correctable. The other set of limbs which are the – pratyahara, dhyana, dharana are the internal practies.

These limbs can only be corrected by the proper application of the Ashtanga Yoga method. This type of yoga method is quite dangerous to the mind.

K. Pattabhi Jois said that practicing these Eight Limbs and also its sub-limbs of the external practices which include the niyama and yama is not possible. In doing so, the body should be strong so that it can perform the practices well enough. If the body is weak, and the sense organs are not functioning well, practicing will never be useful at all.

This is a philosophy that K. Pattabhi Jois has applied, this is important to understand so that in doing the practice, you are sure that the body will improve and the keep it stronger and healthier.

Vinsaya and Tristhana is practiced in Ashtanga Yoga.

The Vinsaya is a style that makes Ashtanga and its principles distinct from the others. Vinsaya means the movement and breathing which is used for the internal cleansing process. Each movement done is accompanied by only one breath. Sweat is the most important product of Vinsaya. When you produce sweat, it only means that you are successfully applying the practice. When you perform the Asanas, the body creates heat which causes your blood to boil and excrete the toxins outside of your body. The toxins are found in your sweat. So the more sweat you create, the more toxins are released.


The poses are used to fully develop the strength and health of the body. The series of practices make this possible. There are three postures used in Ashtaga Yoga.

The three are classified on different levels.

The first is the Primary Series which aims on aligning the body and also detoxifying it.

The second is the Intermediate Series opening and cleaning the energy channels which comes to the process of purifying the Nervous System.

The last series would be the Advanced Series from A to D. in this series, the grace and strength is measured.

The Tristhana is another yoga principle which represents the union of the three places of action and attention. First is the posture, second is the breathing technique ad last is the Dristhi of the Looking Place. All these three should work altogether to perform a function.


Breathing techniques are simultaneous and synchronized. It is important to make a single breath for one movement. Ujjayi Breathing is the Yoga Breathing Technique used in the application of Ashtanga Yoga. Applying this technique must be prolonged after every practice. What you need to master is holding your pose longer at the same time hold your breath. This is an amazing breathing exercise that will increase your internal fire and will strengthen the Nervous System.

Both Ashtanga and Tristhana deal with the series of Dristhi. The Dristhi is described as the point on which you gain your focus or attention while doing the Asana. This enables your mind to be purified and stabilized clearly.

Setting the mind clear and cleansing it can only be done in the Eight-Limb Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga.

@ Benefits of Yoga
@ Bikram yoga
@ The Principle behind Christian Yoga

namaste yoga

Namaste Yoga

By Satori Ebedes

Have you ever heard of Namaste yoga?

It is a Sanskrit word that means "Bow to the god inside you." The word Namaste has a specific connotation that points to spirituality and oneness. By doing this type of yoga, you recognize a mutual and shared respect with the rest of your class. It is an exercise which can serve to encourage a spirit of unity and focus with your yoga class.

How do you do Namaste yoga?

Usually, namaste yoga is done by putting your hands together near your heart. The position of your hands can vary, however students of yoga usually have their index fingers pointed up. Meanwhile, the rest of their fingers are folded. After that, close you eyes and bow your head. This is not a prayer, but rather just a calming way to focus on whatever you like. For the purposes of your yoga class, focus on your upcoming exercise routine.

When are you supposed to do Namaste yoga?

It is the first thing you do to get your yoga class started off right. You can do it at the end also. When you first walk into a yoga class, chances are you are bringing in some stress or tension from the outside world. Namaste is a simple yoga exercise that can help you cleanse your mind from all worries so that you are completely focused on your workout.

What should you expect from namaste yoga?

It depends on what you put into it. The point of this type of yoga is to relax with the rest of your class. While the rest of your class should be normal, if you perform namaste to begin your workout, it should help set the tone for you and your class for the rest of the session. Everything in the class that comes after this simple exercise will benefit.

Heal the Mind, Body & Spirit.
*namaste yoga

bikram yoga retreats

Your Perfect Yoga Retreat

By Cameron Karsten


Yoga is the art of release. It is the study of one's concentration upon the diverse layers of the body, exploring deeper with an advanced focus into the mind, until eventually delving and settling forever within the spirit. This ancient tradition of breath, movement and meditation developed within the Hindu culture of the Indian subcontinent becomes the practitioner's sacred ritual. Therefore, finding the right yoga retreat is equally a part of one's practice as is a particular inhalation of breath, an exhalation into a specific posture, or the stillness of silent observation. The right retreat must align with the right individual, and only then will one have the relaxation to let go and discover the true depths of their yogic journey.

The Destination Is Also The Journey

Yoga retreats are aplenty. They come in all different shapes, sizes, destinations and complete packages. Some offer 24/7 yoga, strict meal guidelines, and absolute silence. Others begin the day with a series of opening postures (or asanas in Sanskrit), and then immerse participants in the culture of their environment, performing creative activities and restorative downtime. The day ends with a final series of relaxation. It's all up to you-the practitioner. It is your practice and only yours. So how do you find the right retreat?

Close the eyes. Take a long inhalation through the nose. Hold. Now release all breath out of the mouth. Settle into your seat and relax. Imagine you yoga-ing. Imagine the setting. Where would it be?

To offer a little input, I'm on a beach. I'm not in the Himalayas watching a fast approaching lightning storm upside down while shaking in Sirsha-asana (or head-stand pose). No. I'm in the tropics, half naked (okay... completely naked) on warm sands with the sound of the ocean's waves cresting upon one another. Breezy palm trees rustle overhead and their shadows offer refreshing shelters. I am far from the office, the phone calls, the expectations others' harbor of me. These are long gone and far out of mind. I am relaxed, warm, at peace and loving life.

Your dreamy setting might be different. It might not. No matter, it's your yoga practice (as the conscious instructor reiterates); therefore it's your yoga retreat.

Take Me To Your Leader

From the location of the retreat, the next important element of the practice is who's teaching. Who is it that will lead you through the doorways of your "guesthouse" as the Sufi mystic Jelaluddin Rumi referred to when speaking of the body? Whose guidance will you trust and surrender to? At best, it's safe to say that if a professional institution certifies the teacher you have no reason to doubt their practice and capabilities. However, each person's style of teaching is unique and each system of yoga is different. Search their name on the Internet, find their website and if possible take their classes. Acquire feedback and read their students' testimonials. Where have they lead retreats before? And most of all, find an instructor whose style of practice and system of yoga aligns with your needs. But how do you do that? There can't be that many traditions of yoga...

Oh yes. There is Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Flow Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, etc., etc., etc. The list goes on and for the practitioner to choose the most fitting retreat it is advisable to carry basic knowledge about and experience within that appropriate yogic system.

For example, you're looking to work yourself. You want to physically sweat, strain, push and endure your entire body-muscles, joints, ligaments, bones and all-then open the doors to a vigorous Ashtanga practice. Or say you're seeking peace and tranquility-long restorative postures-then settle into a form of Yin Yoga. The choices are as many as the thoughts found within the mind.

Your Life, Your Retreat

With a destination and style of yoga pinned down, then it's up to you to find out what is being offered beyond your guesthouse's doorstep. Check the local studios for flyers. Browse through conscientious periodicals and publications that focus on spirituality and self-improvement. Search the Internet for retreats in specific destinations or in a certain tradition of practice. Ask your friends. Ask the universe. Ask yourself.

A yoga retreat is a sacred offering to your body, your guesthouse, your temple. It is time taken off the daily frivolities of "making-a-living" in order to honor who you are; in order to develop the mind, body and soul closer to a state of relaxation and peace. In essence, yoga is learning how to accept and love oneself whole-heartedly and unconditionally.

Practice your yoga practice. Observe your breath and welcome all sensations of the body. Let the mind go and find your perfect yoga retreat to learn to release and live your own life.

kripalu yoga

Kripalu Yoga - The New Ancient Yoga
By Robin Larson

The principal objective of Kripalu yoga is to intertwine the body, mind, and energy. Individuals who perform it deem that the body holds energy rhythms in a flow which are known as prana, (occasionally referred to as life force.) The belief is that the tiniest worry or thought may create troubles with the prana in your physical body. That's why Kripalu is significant; it's a method of remaining conscious of the prana and utilizing your breathing together with your thought to avoid disturbance or blockage of the life force in your body. Consequently, you'll experience an amplified intensity of emotional control and mental clarity.

At its core, Kripalu yoga is on the subject of examining yourself so you can free yourself. Kripallu yoga believers think that by merely experiencing and examining emotional, physical, and mental developments, you start to wipe away obstacles in the prana. Consequently, this produces an improved current of life force within you and evokes a feeling of mental and physical well-being.

Yoga has been revealed to be extremely effectual in perfecting the physical human body. Yoga's immense popularity is due to this. Kripalu uses the physical body combined with the benefits of yoga as a means of following the better good of emotional and mental strength and clarity. Thus, lots of people consider it to be the most beneficial and complete form of yoga. The thought is that as you leave go of your mental and emotional impurity, you boost the quantity of prana in your system that then also aids with physical performance and healing. While all yoga meditation and practices are premised with practices, like the Maharic Seal (Azurite Press), which close up the body's energy fields from outside effects, the feeling of self knowledge is both authentic and clearer. However, Kripalu yoga doesn't teach this.

A lot of people exercise this prevalent form of yoga to blend self growth and physical fitness with the empowerment of the self. With Kripalu, you'll be taught to guide yourself through self-examination instead of through an instructor or leader. With this type of yoga, guidance is there just to assist you to become your own leader. Your understanding of self, your own body, and others will intensify from the concentration you will obtain as you peer inward. Many trust that you're utilizing your body as a temple to draw the aura of those powers superior to yourself. While a few might be doubtful, a lot more experience such auras when guided there during their own self-inspection.

After you gain knowledge of Kripalu from a teacher, you'll discover that it typically doesn't matter what your yoga level is. Classes are usually lead in the same fashion for yoga beginners and veterans equally. The importance is on introspection and observing what's there. While there are poses and a "correct" method to do them, you'll probably be persuaded to focus on your mental condition and on raising the current of your prana.

Likewise, Kripalu is in fact about life alteration. You'll be taught to concentrate on your spiritual happiness beyond the classroom in addition to while you're on the yoga mat, adding to your general well being and aiding you on your path to being the best you can be.