Archive for January, 2008

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

With all the endorsements Hatha Yoga gets, you would think that new students might know the benefits of the practice. In fact, some surveys indicate that the majority of adults have never attended a Yoga class, in their lives. With that said, most teachers should have a prepared handout for new students, who arrive, and do not know what to expect in the different classes offered.

Usually, new students have no idea about the differences, features, and benefits, which can be gained by attending Yoga classes. They might have heard about Yoga from a friend, co-worker, family member, their family doctor, or they may have heard something on the news.

To simply state: “Yoga is good for flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health.” – is nice, but it sounds like the promises the skeptical public often hears about the latest exercise fad or the ultimate food supplement. You need to find details, facts, and research related to Yoga; then let the pubic know about the health benefits of your classes.

Add to this fact, there are many variations of Hatha yoga, which is the most common style in the west. For example: Hot Yoga and Chair Yoga are both Hatha sub-styles, but they are very different. This is why some students are afraid to attend a “Beginners Gentle Yoga class.” They have seen the covers of magazines, with the latest Yogic version of “mission impossible.” As a result, prospective students picture themselves being physically tortured.

After all, many of us have heard that medicine has to taste bad to be good, and doctors are beginning to refer their patients to our classes, in hopes they will adopt a pro-active stance on health. Most doctors freely admit that they do not need more patients in their waiting rooms.

In turn, a larger population of people, living a healthy lifestyle, would take some of the strain off of our health care system. So far, we have only addressed physical health, but Yoga has many mental and emotional benefits, as well.

It is a well known fact that high levels of stress can cause a variety of illnesses, and some of them are fatal. This is where Yoga shines above any other health maintenance system, in regards to stress management methods. No other health maintenance system has devoted so much to breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation sequences.

Classes can be as safe as needed and designed for the needs of any student. Yoga can safely help wheel chair bound students, with a variety of neurological disorders, yet it can also be adjusted to challenge any elite or professional athlete. There is no shortage of areas where Yoga can help the world population, because it is an evolving system.

These days, you see Yoga on the ball, in a pool, on a beach, or at a pre-school. Does this take anything away from the traditional Yogic path? Absolutely not – the ancient Yogis left us a tree with branches. If a tree is healthy, it will grow many more new branches.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Written By Sheryl Walters

Yoga is known for its amazing power to boost the systems of the body. A good yoga workout massages and nourishes every single organ in the body. Each cell is caressed and nourished.

Yoga helps lower stress hormones which can compromise the immune system, while also conditioning and giving love to the lungs and respiratory tract. The lymphatic system is strengthened and toxins are swept away. You may notice that you get far fewer illnesses when you have a regular yoga practice.

Personally, I haven’t been sick this year at all. I have been a little surprised just how well I have been. I do have a fairly high immune system, but normally I would have had a minor cold or at least a moment of feeling under the weather by this time of year. This year… nothing! Just great health!

So what I have I done differently? I always take vitamin C and Zinc… this year and last year. I have been eating more immune system boosting super foods, but somehow there seems to be more to the story…

Last year I was doing yoga once a week, but it has only been this year that my passion has lead me to practice as often as possible and really see what happens when you twist your body into mad positions on almost daily basis.

Recently, I had a slight sore throat. The next morning as I walked to my Ashtanga yoga class, my nose was definitely dripping a little bit. When I stepped into class, I needed a tissue and I was a slightly concerned that my practice might be tricky with a cold brewing.

By the time I got to triangle pose (about 20 minutes)… there was no dripping nose whatsoever.

I left the class feeling fantastic (as always)… and realised that the cold had totally disappeared. And I haven’t had one symptom since! In fact, I am once again feeling above average in my health, which when I think about it is a definite improvement from last year.

I practice in an Ashtanga yoga class and lately we have been in a small room with lots of heaters…so the sweat is dripping (not the nose.) I can’t imagine the amount of toxins and germs that must be forced to exit the body through the sweat glands.

More than ever, I am convinced of the incredibly powerful effect that yoga can have on our immune systems and overall wellbeing.

1. Downward Dog Clears the Sinuses and and congestion.
2. Tortoise and Shoulder stand stimulate the Thymus gland to boost the immune system
3. Camel Pose and Backbends flush out the lungs
4. Corpse pose and Child’s pose give the body a chance to integrate the postures and provide deep healing.

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many times a lack of student attendance has nothing to do with the yoga teacher. For example: When students experience job changes, divorce, illness, a death in the family, or an automobile accident; these are circumstances, which are beyond the control of a yoga instructor.

Yet, student motivation is an area where we can definitely help. The following are some methods for raising the motivation level in our students, in anyone we meet, and within oneself.

Record keeping, or documenting goals achieved, is a great way to measure our progress toward our objectives. When students have a track record of all their successes in life, they become inspired and motivated. This does not only apply to yoga, but to life itself.

It is easy to lose the will to go on, if we believe we are not worthy of anything. One’s inner vision can easily become so distorted, that we believe we are failures, and we do not deserve to succeed. If we believe anything about ourselves, it should be positive, inspiring, and raise our spirits.

Yoga must become a lifestyle for students to experience complete health. Students should be constantly reminded to practice yoga at home, while traveling, or in any place they go. Sitting up straight, walking tall, and standing erect, are every day examples of correct posturing and proper alignment (asanas). Good posture can be practiced at any time.

The same can be said for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama). We breathe all day; so why not make a conscious effort to breathe correctly. Bastrika, Udgeeth, Nadi Shodana, Shitali, Ujjayi, Dirgha, and Kapalabhati pranayama can be practiced throughout the day. Granted, we may not want to practice all of them in a public place, but breathing correctly, and fully, will increase the quality of our lives.

Are students learning anything about Yamas in Niyamas in your classes? They do not have to learn them all at once. You could briefly cover one aspect, over the course a week, at the end of your class, or after meditation. This would give your yoga students motivation and encouragement.

Mantra and Japa can be practiced mentally, at home, while traveling, or in between tasks. Regardless of religion, prayer is a universal concept. We live at a time, when people say they are too busy to pray. They are busy working and making money. While it is true we need money to survive, it is false to claim we have no time for prayer.

Most Hatha Yoga classes do not discuss religion or prayer. In fact, praying and spiritual growth are not covered in detail, because there have been many conflicts over religion. Yet, the concepts and benefits of prayer are universal to all religions. Praying is good for spiritual health and motivation.

Making quiet time for a short meditation is something very few people do. Meditation can help us in many ways, but mental focus also brings about a new state of awareness, and the motivation to make positive changes.

Yoga teachers should also develop a handout to cover living a Yogic lifestyle. This would provide information about the benefits of developing a “home yoga practice.” Students can then make healthy changes gradually, as a result of the information you provide.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Written By Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into his discipline over two decades ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh.

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.

YOGA AND HYPERTENSION

MEANING OF HYPERTENSION:

Hyper means excessive or more than normal and Tension means an act of stretching or mental and emotional strain. Thus, it is a condition in which the blood pressure is abnormally high & can lead to a state of great emotional tension.

The rise in blood pressure is caused due to narrowness of the arteries & the heart has to work harder to push the blood through. When pressure is normal, an adult person registers 120 systolic and 80 diastolic mm of mercury pressure.

Abnormalities of arteries or circulatory system can increase this pressure to more than 140 systolic & 90 diastolic and if it remains constant at these levels then the condition can be termed as Hypertension.

A consistent excessive blood pressure causes various diseases such as lack of strength, tiredness, headache, nervous tension, insomnia, confusion, decreased memory restlessness, difficulty in breathing, bad temper, visionary troubles, coldness in the hands and feet etc.

Hypertension is a major cause of heart attacks.

THE HIGHER BLOOD PRESSURE CAN BE BROUGHT DOWN BY OBSERVING THE FOLLOWING RULES:

1. Get your health fully checked up by a doctor every six months after you cross the age of 40.

2. One must get blood pressure checked every 2 or 3 months.

3. Reduce your weight, take food which is balanced and which has no fat. Cut down consumption of sugar, jaggery, salt oil, ghee etc.

4. If you have any problem with urinary system consult your physician.

5. Try to remain free from mental tension during stressful situations. Mature your mind & don’t over react to day to day situations.

6. Control your reactions to avoid arguments. Do not rewind your past mistakes, worries, tensions repeatedly. Stay in the present moment. Be aware of yourself always.

7. The most positive step you can make is to practice yoga, pranayama, meditation daily to relax the mind, as these will not only remove symptoms but also prevent further disease.

8. In addition, the last is to keep smiling, specially, whenever you are under stress. Try this formula… whenever you smile, you do not think. The tension will go away. It really works.

CAN THOSE HAVING BLOOD PRESSURE PRACTISE ASANAS?

Yes, they can surely practise Asanas. The special Asanas and Pranayama that can offer help readily are Shashankasana, Sukhpurvaka, Sivananda Pranayama, Pranayama and Shavasana

SHASHANKASANA:

1. This Asana is performed while sitting in Vajrasana. Keep back, neck and head in a straight line.

2. Sit with your legs folded behind in a manner similar to position occupied by Muslim friends while they sit for ‘Namaz’.

3. Take a deep breath and raise both the hands in one line with head up.

4. Now releasing breath and keeping the head steady in between the shoulders come down right up to the ground so that both the palms of the hands, the elbow and the forehead touch the ground.

5. Be sure that while bending down in this manner both the buttocks will remain set between both the heels. They should not be raised.

6. As you go on bending forward, go on releasing the breath.

7. Breathe normally, when the head touches the ground.

8. Remain a witness of inhaling as well as exhaling of breath.

9. While you come up, breathe in.

In this asana, the forehead is touching the ground. This part of the head goes lower than the heart so for a little time blood circulation in head is also increased. Heart has to work less in pumping the blood to the brain.

SUKHPURVAKA PRANAYAMA:

For the practice of Sukhpurvaka Pranayama, one should sit steadily. Keep the palm of the right hand facing the face. Bend the first two fingers next to the thumb inside. Now put the right thumb on the right nostril and last two fingers of the same hand should be used to press the left nostril.

Always start breathing with left side & finish this pranayama also with the left side.

TECHNIQUE:

1. Breathe in through the left nostril. Close the left nostril and breathe out through the right nostril.

2. Breathe in through the right nostril. Breathe out through the left nostril.

3. This becomes one round.

4. Make few more rounds like this.

Do this pranayama everyday, morning and evening, at least for 5 to 15 minutes.

SIVANANDA PRANAYAMA:

Lie down on the ground with face upwards. Bend both the legs from the knees. Knees should be kept pointing towards the sky and the heels of both the legs should be brought up to the buttocks but not touching them.

Keep the distance between the legs same as the distance between the two shoulders. Keep both the hands loose and a little apart from the body and thighs. Keep palms of the hands facing upward. Concentrate your mind on the solar plexus (navel).

1. Now start breathing deeply and slowly. You should be aware that you are inhaling and exhaling.

2. Remain a witness to the breath so that the breathing in and breathing out do not happen without your knowledge.

3. You must remain happy in this watchfulness. The more that you can maintain this awareness, the more you will have control over your respirations and then you will also be able to control the blood circulation system.

4. You can practise Sivananda Pranayama for a period of ten to fifteen minutes in the morning, noon, evening as well as late night, whenever your stomach feels light, about three hours after meals.

5. You can increase this period to half an hour so that you will get mental soundness. It is very useful panacea for blood pressure, mental tension and irregularity of the stomach.

SHAVASANA:

1. Lie down with the back on the ground.

2. Relax the hands and the legs.

3. Listen the beating of the heart.

4. Be a witness to the breath coming in….. going out.

5. Observe your body from head to toes – starting with the feet and slowly moving up to the head. Start becoming aware of the toes, feet, knees, ankles, leg muscles, buttocks, waist, back belly, chest, both the hands and the arms, shoulders and face, all these must feel relaxed.

You must experience the relaxation of these parts. You must go through the bodily relaxation, mental relaxation and in the end feel that the blood circulation system works quietly in a perfect manner. It reduces muscular, emotional and mental tensions in a very systematic way.

OTHER MEASURE:

• The safest way to cure hypertension is to remove the real cause.

• Drink tons of water (normal temperature).

• A tablespoonful each of fresh amla juice / lemon and honey mixed together should be taken every morning.

• Before breakfast have a tablespoon of mixture made with equal amounts of onion juice and honey.

• The evening meals should be taken at least two hours before going to bed. Light evening meals are recommended.

• Sleep for 8 – 10 hours.

• Must avoid overstrain, worries, tension, anger and haste.

• Develop a calm and cheerful attitude and develop a contended frame of mind.

For more information contact:

Dr, Rita Khanna
2nd floor, Plot#22, Suman Housing Colony, West Marredpally Secunderabad-500026
Mobile: 09849772485 Ph:-040-65173344
Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com
WWW: http://yogashaastra.blogspot.com/
The Yoga Studio is open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

While there are no set regulations on what level of training is necessary to teach yoga, choosing to pursue teacher certification demonstrates a commitment to yoga. CYT certification reveals that a yoga instructor has pursued a certain level of education in yoga techniques.

There are many different programs offering certification to yoga instructors, and it is up to individual organizations to decide what the appropriate professional requirements are. Globally, there is very little regulation of yoga. There are some registries, in different countries, which work to set standards for yoga teachers and the public.

It is important to understand the difference between being certified and being registered as a yoga instructor. You may teach yoga as either a CYT or an RYT. The difference comes from being registered with the Yoga Alliance after a certain level of training has been completed according to their requirements.

The Yoga Alliance publishes their requirements for the RYT on their website. As of this writing, they are the only recognized association in the United States that registers yoga instructors. The main difference between these two acronyms comes from the RYT designation, which is a registered trademark by the Yoga Alliance.

To become a CYT, or certified yoga teacher, one goes through an educational program with a yoga teacher training school. Certification is evidence to students that you have pursued an active education in your yoga practice. Certification as a yoga teacher allows you to teach yoga classes and start your own practice.

The principal elements of yoga: asana, breath, meditation, mantra, and more, are focused on in certification programs. Additionally, learning to modify poses for beginners, knowing the fundamentals of posture and alignment, how to explain a pose verbally, and correct common mistakes, is crucial to becoming a certified yoga teacher.

Many training programs set their standards the same as the Yoga Alliance, so that when the certification is completed, graduates move forward and can become registered. Other schools are extensive in their training and offer certified graduates the opportunity to gain higher credentials in other ways to reach their training goals. They may choose to register after further teaching.

A minimum of 200 contact (face-to-face training) hours is required by the Yoga Alliance to be considered a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). The framework of these training hours is broken down into five categories of techniques training and practice, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy and ethics, teaching methodology, and practicum. The aim of this program is to have a deep understanding of yoga, as well as a comprehensive ability in teaching others.

Holding CYT, or RYT, status is an indication that you are committed to Continuing Education (CE) hours to maintain the status. Continuing your education, as you teach, is the best way to grow, while adding expertise as a yoga practitioner and a teacher. Possessing a Certified or Registered Yoga Teacher certification will provide comfort about competency to students seeking you out.

Consider your training to become a yoga instructor as part of a lifelong learning experience, yet one that has steps and levels to attain. Much like any other profession that requires a progression of degrees, the practice of yoga instruction begins with becoming a Certified Yoga Teacher.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Sometimes, all of us need to be reminded to stay on course. After becoming a certified Yoga instructor, some of us become quite comfortable at the front of a class, but there are more than a few teaching mistakes to avoid. Here are some examples of the many pitfalls to avoid, when teaching a Yoga class.

When a student asks you a question, it is wonderful to answer it, but you want to avoid digressing, lecturing, and talking about yourself. Your students have taken the time to come to your classes because they have needs. As teachers, it is easy to get wrapped up in answering, by telling a story.

This is fine, to a point, but make sure it is a short story. Most of the class wants to progress in their practice, has a personal reason for being there, and may not appreciate our personal opinions. We want to focus on the lesson plan, at hand, and subjects related to Yoga practice.

Anything else is a distraction, which will prevent our students from becoming present for their practice. The last thing we need to do is create a diversion, within the Yoga classes we are teaching.

Avoid over correcting: Most students need a little help seeing, hearing, or feeling the right technique. This is fine, but some students begin to feel they cannot do anything right in our classes. Especially, if they are the first one we constantly assist after we have demonstrated a technique and cued the class.

This is not an easy call. Yoga teachers tend to assist the person who needs the most help first, but we have to show attention to the entire class. Each time you enter the class, remain impartial, and move around the room.

Do not become conditioned to constantly hovering over a student who seems to struggle with concepts. Instead, spread your attention out and praise the good technique of a student beside the one who struggles.

Sometimes, Yoga teachers spend so much time correcting, that most students feel they are not worthy of the time spent in class. If we are verbally beating any student’s ego down, is he or she receiving the best possible Yoga instruction?

This does not mean to ignore poor technique, but students should feel better about themselves after leaving our classes. If Yoga teachers appear impossible to please, dedicated students will find a different place to practice.

Therefore, one of the guidelines every Yoga teacher should remember is to encourage students to achieve their personal best, but never discourage them. Always be prepared to create a modification. This will be enough to help a student reach the next horizon on the Yogic path toward better mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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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By Paul Jerard

Yoga has been shown throughout its ancient practice to provide innumerable health benefits to those who practice it. More recently yoga has been shown to benefit people with specific health issues such as fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, and scoliosis.

Fibromyalgia is a condition originating in the body’s connective tissue causing inflammation and soreness in the tendons and ligaments. In addition to the pain resulting from fibromyalgia, sufferers can experience sleeplessness and poor quality sleep, often times resulting in a chronic fatigue. This leads to depression and anxiety in many people. Many times these problems are aggravated by drugs prescribed to fibromyalgia sufferers, and they become avoidant of movement and grow increasingly weak.

Yoga benefits fibromyalgia in several ways. As yoga exercises increase core muscle strength, there is a reduced amount of fatigue and a decrease in muscle pain. Greater levels of endurance and stamina lead to a less depressed physical and mental state. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and concentration levels. Also, while some higher impact types of exercise can sometimes worsen symptoms for sufferers, yoga is low-impact and strengthens connective tissue while allowing a more free range of movement.

What instructors need to be aware of is that because of the nature of this condition, there is a certain level of pain almost consistently. While this discomfort exists, students must learn how to work through this and to also know their personal limits. It is up to the student to know when to rest, and the instructor must recognize that students with this condition will have more limitations. Yoga should not leave the student worn out and sore. However, long term practice, with gradual progression, should relieve some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

For many, yoga reduces high blood pressure and lowers stress levels. High blood pressure is damaging to the heart and arteries. The heart must work harder at pumping, and the arteries resist damage from a more forceful blood flow. Long term high blood pressure puts one at risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Yoga asanas relieve in several ways: by combating the causes, relieving the symptoms, and balancing the nervous systems that control stress levels. Yoga also helps to retain the elasticity of blood vessels, and this reduces the potential for injury in those with high blood pressure. Breathing and meditation activities help reduce stress levels, which in turn balance out the body as stress is managed in healthier ways.

Instructors encourage persons with high blood pressure to practice supine and sitting positions, as well as forward bends and inversions. However, as with any exercise, it is important to know whether the person has their blood pressure medically under control in a healthy way. If not, the student should bring down their blood pressure before practicing inversions specifically.

Scoliosis is a condition of curvature in the spine. The effects of scoliosis are severe, causing imbalance in the body by shifting the body’s center of gravity, as well as rib displacement. There are four major curves that can exist in this condition. Depending on whether the scoliosis is of the structural or functional type, the condition varies in severity. The condition may be very painful, but for many with this health issue, yoga helps.

Emphasis should be placed on postural alignment for students with scoliosis, and it is very important to stretch and strengthen muscles that support the spine. This helps relieve pain and stiffness that comes with the condition. The feet and legs are focused on, enabling the legs to offset pressure on the spine by carrying some of the weight. Also, the position of the feet are given special attention for the sake of balance.

Core body strength needs to be built in the area of the abdominal muscles to prevent back muscles from overworking, causing tightness and pain. Last but definitely not least is breath. Due to the curvature of the spine, often the lung on that side will not get as much breath. Becoming aware of this and working to inhale evenly on both sides will open up the chest and cause more balance and evenness from within. With yoga, students with scoliosis learn how to be balanced again from the inside out.

While any of these conditions create debilitating conditions in the lives of their sufferers, yoga offers relief and treatment for causes and symptoms without side effects. In tandem with medical care, yoga students suffering from these conditions become more aware of their bodies and gain great relief. Pay attention to the individual needs of students with these conditions, and guide them to balance again.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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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By Paul Jerard

The effects of yoga on persons with diabetes are extremely healthful. But sometimes cause the unexpected. Be conscious of potential effects of yoga on diabetic students.

Diabetes is more prevalent disorder over the last decade than ever. While many struggle to control their diabetes, sometimes simply following the doctor’s orders are frustrating and not enough.

Many studies show that yoga postures impact fasting blood glucose levels, reducing them in some studies by as much as 50 milligrams per deciliter (or 50 points) in type II research subjects. In addition to this drop in blood sugar, there is an increase in nerve function.

Certain postures and movements stimulate the glands of the body and have the most profound impact. Asanas, the yogic postures that induce relaxation, and certain breathing exercises, stimulate the pancreas. This is theorized to occur because of alternating contraction and release of the abdominal muscles, the pancreas is stimulated. An increase in blood flow and oxygen to the organ increases efficiency.

The rotation of the body, as well as holding position and stretching the body, in these positions increases circulation. Poor circulation is a major side effect of diabetes and leads to long term complications. Increased circulation and oxygen to the body helps everything function better and several glands within the endocrine system are vitalized. Yoga helps retain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces high blood pressure in some cases. Additionally, lethargy and depression are relieved by these effects on the body.

Practicing yoga on a regular basis helps diabetics increase nerve function and relieve the symptoms of sub-clinical neuropathy, as well as prevent some onset.

Meditation is an imperative part of yoga practice. Attaining a relaxed and concentrated mental state relieves stress and brings about a calming affect on the nervous system. High stress levels cause drastic changes in blood glucose levels in some diabetics, so learning to meditate effectively is a useful management method.

It’s difficult for yoga to have much impact on type I diabetes due to the fact that the body does not produce any insulin at all; therefore stimulation of the endocrine system is not as effective. That does not mean there is no effect, but the impact of yoga on type II diabetes is much more dramatic.

However, in studies a decreased dosage was needed by many participants who were insulin dependent. A study comparing aerobic activity found that direct stimulation of the pancreas by yoga positions were more effective in stimulating the endocrine system than more exertive activity.

These positive impacts are very encouraging; however diabetic students must regularly monitor their glucose levels and take proper medication. It is likely that after practicing yoga on a regular basis, the amount of the required medicine will decline.

Many diabetic students may not be aware of the potential decrease in their blood glucose levels. Educate them of this possibility and devote extra attention to their progress. Additionally, it is recommended that glucose tablets be kept on hand in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Certification
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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
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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By Paul Jerard

Training to become a yoga teacher is exciting. People who become yoga teachers are generally those who have been practicing yoga for several years and have a basic understanding of the different aspects of yoga. Once you have completed your training, you may wonder what opportunities are available for you to begin teaching others the fine art of yoga.

A lot of this depends on your level of certification, if you have achieved certification, and what your personal goals are for teaching yoga. For instance, do you want to teach at a facility in your area? Are you willing to travel to find a teaching position? Or do you prefer to open your own facility and take ownership?

Certification Matters

When applying for a position as a yoga teacher at a facility such as a yoga studio, health club, college or retirement home, having certification is very valuable in landing your first job. Certification is not required in order to teach yoga in the U.S., but it proves that you know what you are doing and that you are trained teach yoga to others competently.

There are usually two levels of certification: a 200-hour and a 500-hour certification. You may teach yoga after you receive a 200-hour certification. Most teachers who want to advance their career as a yoga teacher will complete the 200-hour certification and progress to the 500-hour shortly thereafter.

Start Out Substituting

Sometimes the best way to break into yoga teaching is to become a substitute teacher first. If the facility where you attend classes will let you be a substitute teacher, jump at the chance. You might also find substitute gigs at local gyms, schools, health care centers and other places that offer yoga classes. Prove you teaching skills and knowledge while getting much-needed teaching time. It helps you become comfortable with teaching others on a regular basis. You may now put this facility down as a reference when ready to take on a permanent teaching position.

Opening Your Own Facility

Starting your own business may seem like risky business, and it can be. To ensure that you get students, you have to prove you have the qualifications to run your own studio. People will not flock to a new yoga studio without knowing they will receive proper training and care. Your best bet is to receive a certification through training, have references from past places you taught yoga instruction and a creative spirit that transcends your classes.

Becoming a Professional

You know that you have reached a pinnacle in your yoga teaching career when you want to take being a yoga teacher even further. One opportunity that exists for such individuals is training to become a yoga therapist. A yoga therapist not only holds certification as a yoga teacher, but also has a degree in traditional healthcare. Yoga therapy uses the body’s own healing process, aided by ancient yoga practices, in health-challenged individuals.

Often times modern-day scientific techniques may be used in conjunction with yoga techniques to promote better healing. A yoga therapist earns a degree in Yoga Therapy. It generally takes two years or less to earn a diploma in this field. Yoga therapists may expect to find jobs at hospitals, healthcare facilities or operate their own yoga therapy business.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Certification
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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
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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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Written By Paul Jerard

Training to become a yoga instructor consists of many different aspects, such as learning about proper diet, asanas, relaxation and meditation, enlightenment, pranayama and others. Each is equally important in order to become a well-qualified yoga instructor. A good training program will not omit these aspects from their curriculum.

Asanas Aspect

Asanas are basic positions used in yoga. They are relatively easy to perform. They are used by beginner yoga students, but must be taught properly in order to avoid injury. Asanas can be seated positions, standing positions, balance positions, among others. Asanas are used to open energy channels through the body in order to purify the body and strengthen it. Performing asanas should be comfortable, firm, and relaxed. You receive a good stretching through asanas positions, but avoid straining your muscles.

Relaxation and Meditation Aspect

Yoga is equally used to strengthen your body as well as help you find inner peace and spirituality. For this reason, learning to teach proper relaxation and meditation techniques is essential in training to be a yoga instructor. The goal of meditation is to bring your mind to a central focus and keep it there in order to block out any irrelevant thoughts. If the mind starts to wander, you must bring it back to that center focus.

Pranayama Aspect

Pranayama, simply put, is the act of being able to control your breathing. Pranayama was developed by yogis long ago. Their breathing techniques have been carried through the ages and are still used today. Pranayama is used to clear and cleanse one’s mind in preparation for meditation. It is also used to prepare for asanas in order to gain the most benefit from the postures.

Enlightenment Aspect

Enlightenment is coming to the realization of yourself or being conscious of your being. It is becoming aware of your existence. This is done through awakening the psychic force within you that is called kundalini. It is believed that by eating properly, keeping your body clean and staying fit, you bring yourself into better unity with your higher being.

Chakras Aspect

Chakras are energy centers within your body, as they pertain to yoga. The spine and human energy fields contain charkas, and when taught how to release them properly, bring peace even when facing the challenges of life. This in turn helps individuals’ live purposeful and fulfilling lives.

Bandhas Aspect

Bandhas are muscle locks. These locks are used to direct the flow of prana in the body to release spiritual energy. They work by forcing prana to flow up the spine, rather than release it in the lower body. A person training to be a yoga instructor must learn how to teach bandha techniques properly to students, otherwise improper technique may cause injury.

Mudras Aspect

Mudras are positions, usually of the hands, that lock and guide energy flow to the brain. They also send reflexes to the brain. The key to proper mudra technique is to apply enough pressure to feel energy through the psychic channels, but not cause the fingernails to turn white. There are 10 basic mudras that a yoga instructor in training must become very knowledgeable about in order to teach the techniques to students.

Yamas and Niyamas Aspect

Yamas and Niyamas are a set of ten guidelines that help you live a happy and healthy life. They are not designed to be your conscious, but let you discover your own conscious and awareness.

Yamas are guidelines on how we should react to the outer world and those around us. They consist of:

* Ahimsa
* Satya
* Asteya
* Brahmacharya
* Aparigraha

Niyamas are how we react to our inner world. They consist of:

* Shaucha
* Santosha
* Tapas
* Swadhyaya
* Ishwara-Pranidhana

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Instructor Course
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
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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