Posts Tagged ‘yoga styles’

Yoga Styles – Trying to Sort Through the Confusion

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

By Amruta Kulkarni

The many different styles of Yoga can be confusing. Most Yoga teacher training programs spend a fair amount of time deciphering the differences. It takes time to realize the subtle differences between these classical styles of Yoga. The most common form of Yoga is Hatha.

Sivananda, Bikram, Iyengar, Kripalu, Restorative, Viniyoga, and Yoga therapy are branches of the Hatha Yoga tree. Even Vinyasa can be a combination of Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is one of the physical branches of Raja. Raja is the mother of modern day Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa.

The main Yoga styles are: Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Yantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga. The Yogas and their specific path may be different, yet their techniques may be intertwined into each other in any non-specific yoga practice.

For example Jnana Yoga guides the Yogini towards seeing her true self, through meditation similar to Raja Yoga, which teaches awareness of the mind through concentration.  Bhakti Yoga teaches loving kindness towards one’s self, allowing you to combine it with Karma Yoga, not focusing on the rewards or results of kindness towards all sentient beings, expanding Bhakti (love) outward.

Your practice can deepen by utilizing the techniques of Mantra Yoga, reinforcing the “oneness” through chanting, to your self (in silence) or out loud. Creating awareness of the self, the mind, through sight, could be defined as Yantra Yoga, while performing the postures of Hatha Yoga, incorporating Laya and Kundalini Yoga and their breathing techniques.  In other words: It’s hard to be a purist and mixing Yogic techniques has been in practice for thousands of years.

A similar methods in Yoga practice is  taking energy from the lower part of the spine all the way up to the mind and Sahasrara chakra. Ending with the same drawing of energy through the chakras as in Tantra Yoga, which gives us the awareness of the “factors” that influence our thinking, the WHY?   Tantra Yoga, as traditionally taught in Tibet is one of the paths to Brahman and the absolute (truth).


© Copyright 2010 – Amruta Kulkarni / Aura Publications

Amruta Kulkarni is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

Click here for more information about Yoga teacher certification courses by Aura Wellness Center.

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How to Become a Creative Yoga Practitioner

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Each of us establishes a foundation of knowledge about a specific subject. When we consider the field of Yoga, there is more knowledge about this science of life than one person can learn in one lifetime. Each of us has a different view of Yoga, whether we study Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, Raja, Hatha, Kundalini, or something else.

With that said, our point of origin will affect our perception of Yoga. For example: If one studies Bikram Yoga, it may be hard to appreciate japa (the meditative repetition of a mantra). In addition to this, our original guru will also influence our viewpoint and our direction of Yogic study.

We learn the fundamentals, until we have established a firm foundation of knowledge. It is common to observe Yoga students who translate fundamentals in the same manners as their gurus. In a way, each of us is programmed to be a reflection of our first Yoga teacher.

Some people refer to disciples of strict Yoga styles as “parrots.” The point being, some Yoga students recite their guru’s opinions, without any deep thought as to the reactions of the rest of the world. To follow a discipline is one matter, but to blindly follow a leader off the side of a steep cliff is a sad existence.

Therefore, let’s look at methods to develop our best potential as Yoga practitioners, once we have mastered the basics. Objective observation of our Yoga teacher, and other teachers in the field, is now more possible than ever. With the help of the Internet, we can see many styles of Yoga. We can also find Yoga conferences, intensive training, and workshops, within a reasonable distance from home.

There are more Yoga books, DVDs, and CDs accessible to the public than ever before. Information, alone, does not give birth to creativity. Yet, the translation of existing information may take a few twists and turns when it is communicated to others.

There may be no intention to reword or change anything, but two human minds will translate the same ideas in many ways. This is one example of how there are so many different forms of Hatha Yoga. Some people tend to create for different reasons.

If a Yoga teacher has learned a system that needs to be adapted to his or her students, the teacher may modify the practice to suit the student’s needs. On the other hand, a teacher who resists change will make the student conform to the style, or encourage that student to leave. This is another way we see innovation, or the intentional lack of creativity, in some Yoga instructors.

In summary, creativity is spawned from our imaginations and our subconscious minds. If there is a need, the human mind will find a way to meet it – if it is allowed to be creative. Beware of systems that claim to have all the answers. Human history is filled with cultural declines that resulted from the suppression of innovation and creativity.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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

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Two Easy Therapeutic Yoga Techniques for Back Pain Prevention

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are a number of Hatha Yoga styles that we can label as “therapeutic.” Among these styles are: Iyengar, Viniyoga, Restorative, Sivananda, and others. Each of these Yoga styles addresses skeletal and spinal health in a variety of ways.

When you consider the number of people who are coping with back pain, every Yoga teacher training should include a segment on back care, pain management, maintenance, and prevention. Let’s look at a couple of methods, anyone can incorporate into their day, in order to prevent back pain.

1. Strengthen the core muscles. This is an area of the body we would like to ignore, but when we do, it continues to blossom in size. A big stomach is not useful for supporting the lower spine.  Asana, alone, will not make a big belly shrink. We all know that eating moderately will help us control the size of our waistline.

That said – any asana or pranayama technique should be performed with balance in mind. If one performs hundreds of crunches, one must devote an equal amount of time to performing back-bending asanas. Crunches, alone, will tighten the abdominal muscles, but will stretch the back forward and out of balance.

This is why Bidalasana (Cat pose) and Bitilasana (Cow pose) are so beneficial for balancing the abdominal muscles with the back muscles. There are other methods, but these two simple postures, practiced as Cat and Cow, help us contract and stretch core muscles with ease.

2. Sleep with good posture. Many Yoga teachers know this, but few students are made aware of this concept. Most people find that the morning is filled with stiffness. Many chalk it up to simply “sleeping wrong.” The mattress, pillows, and foam mattress pads, we choose, should be of good quality. Much like the quality we expect from good Yoga props, these “bedtime props” are very important for back pain prevention.

When we sleep, we are, in fact, practicing Yoga asanas for many hours. Your spine will thank you for sleeping on your sides. Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended, and you should avoid sleeping on your back for long periods of time. Pillows, of different sizes, will gently lock you into a side-relaxation asana. If you wake up during the night, re-adjust your pillows and shift to the opposite side.

You should flip, or rotate, your mattress position every month. When a mattress is concave, you need to replace it. You can ignore it, but your back will let you know. Pillows and foam mattress pads should be replaced every 1 – 2 years. This will enable you to have better neck and spinal alignment.

There is also another reason for getting rid of old pillows and foam mattresses – this will help reduce allergies, dust, dust mites, dust mite remains, pet dander, hair, and body oils, that have worked their way into a pillow’s fabric. Some studies indicate that the weight of a pillow can double in three years.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher certification 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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How to Begin Your Practice in a Safe Yoga Class

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many different forms of Yoga. Some Yoga styles focus on development of mental and spiritual growth. Some focus on physical development, as a stepping stone toward development of mental and spiritual growth; while other Yoga styles focus on every aspect of growth. A few of the physical styles teach Yoga as little more than an exercise.

With this much diversity in styles of Yoga, a new student would be wise to do a significant amount of research, before beginning a practice. Yet, many people do more research about the features of their new cell phone, than they do before walking into a new Yoga class.

Outside of India, Hatha Yoga, and its sub-styles, are the most well-known styles. The Hatha sub-styles are known by names, such as: Sivananda, Iyengar, Restorative, Viniyoga, Kripalu, Bikram, and many more. These styles vary, in comparison, from extremely physical to therapeutic.

With that said, it is always best to cover your concerns with a prospective Yoga teacher, and find out if the style taught will meet your needs. New students, and those who have pre-existing injuries, should arrive early (at least 20 minutes before class time) in order to complete forms, and discuss any health concerns.

Some Yoga schools have very informative web sites, but the Internet appearance of a studio cannot give you an accurate indication of what it is like to participate in a class. Some schools have much to offer, while some may not cater to the needs of students, as individuals.

There are a number of rights students need to be aware of. The doors of the studio are not bolted shut. You have the right to leave at any time; especially, if you are feeling a complete lack of compassion on the part of your Yoga teacher. In fact, you have legal rights to prevent being harassed. As a student, you have the right to talk to your teacher – especially, if you have health concerns, about any Yogic techniques.

The student and teacher relationship is founded on mutual respect. If a Yoga teacher does not show courtesy toward students, do you really want to be in this class? A Yoga instructor’s ability to observe, give compassionate advice, and make timely assists, speaks volumes about the quality of instruction you will receive.

Credentials mean absolutely nothing if a Yoga teacher has no regard for the safety of his or her students. No amount of certification, registration, or accreditation can make up for a Yoga instructor, who leaves students in harm’s way.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

For information about Yoga teacher training courses or to join our online Yoga community, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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Yoga for Self-Discovery – The Discipline of Yoga

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Yoga class on the beachBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When we consider the word “discipline,” we might think of the military or harsh training. Yoga may not come to mind, when considering the many faces of discipline. Yet, Yoga is a genuine discipline, which has evolved for thousands of years, and it qualifies this description for two reasons.

1. Yoga is an immense branch of knowledge.

2. Yoga will develop positive behavior through instruction and practice – especially in the art of training one’s mind.

When you listen to people talk, one of the most common complaints is a lack of respect for each other. This complaint is timeless, but it stems from the fact that people resist self-discipline. Who wants to be the keeper of him or herself?

Most of us would rather let someone else be the disciplinarian. To regulate manners, responsibility, and respect is a daunting task for anyone who supervises others. At the same time, rules and regulations tend to have a logical order. Who wants to be the example of a trained mind?

Humankind tends to overindulge in many different vices. Although we are proud to be considered intelligent, we have the ability to make poor and self-destructive choices. It seems the ingredient missing, in many of us, is self-discipline. There are many ways to train the mind, but Yoga may be the most compatible to humans.

A Yoga practitioner does not have to go through a harsh process in order to see changes from within. Moderation, in all things, is the key to unlocking our true potential as a species. However, a moderate lifestyle is quite a challenge because we tend to gravitate toward extremes.

As we know, extreme diets, environments, and challenges can be exciting experiences in the short term. If we can help it, we should avoid extremes. Extreme Yoga styles tend to be a short-term hobby for those who participate.

Extreme heat in a class, or an extreme athletic Yoga challenge, may be considered measurements of progress in the short-term, but over the years, experienced students may seek moderate styles. Yoga styles, which focus on healing, or balanced holistic development, will often attract students for life.

If we seek longevity, we are more likely to pursue a Yogic discipline, in which the objectives are balance, focus, and purpose. The results of long-term practice, in such a style are: improved physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It takes much more than a quick insincere commitment to practice Yoga for life, but a lifetime of practice has many rewards.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Meditation – The Logical Benefits

Monday, February 9th, 2009

Yoga Meditation - The Logical Benefits

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

All forms of Yoga originally contained meditation techniques. Some Hatha Yoga styles have little, to no, meditation time, within the classroom structure. How did this happen and why? As Yoga was transplanted outside of India, many more forms took root.

This is not entirely a bad thing, but some of the core aspects of Hatha Yoga have been pushed aside in order to make time for more asana (posture) practice. Among the aspects, which have taken a back seat to asana, are meditation and pranayama (Yogic breathing).

The benefits of Yoga’s many forms of meditation are not to be taken lightly. Improved concentration, health, and attitude are keys to a better quality life, which results in states of happiness. The inner peace within, brings about better relationships with family and friends.

A focused or trained mind is a powerful tool, when used for acquiring knowledge. With that said, meditation will enable a student or teacher to become more proficient. For a young adult, meditation is a tool for academic achievement.

At the same time, peer pressure to “go out and party” is put aside for the real priorities of learning and achieving. It is easy for a young adult to stray off the path, while in college, and away from home. It takes much discipline to pursue your goals, with so many distractions around you.

Yet, these same distractions and temptations can take place at any point in our lives. Yoga meditation is a method for bringing the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual self, into balance. As a result of steady practice, we can achieve harmony with the people, and the world, around us.

With the right mindset, we can heal ourselves better, and faster, when faced with a health crisis. The opposite effect is to become a pessimist, when faced with a life endangering health problem. Therefore, enlist the power of your mind when faced with chronic stress, distraction, or illness. Meditation is a method which trains your mind to become your best ally.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga for the People – Sorting out Reliable Yoga Information on the Internet

Friday, December 26th, 2008

Hatha YogaPaul Jerard, E-RYT 500

It has been said that Yoga cannot entirely be learned from a book, it is the practice that develops the practitioner. While this is partially true, it must be remembered that books were what we heavily relied upon before audio, visual, and Internet technology were developed to their current levels. These days, there is so much information about Yoga, that it is hard to have enough time to absorb it all.

In the past, many of us read the few Yoga books that were available, many times over. In some cases, we were guided by line drawings in between the author’s valuable wording. We worked in small groups analyzing the text and line drawing until we got it right.

It is easy enough to access Yoga techniques on the Internet with libraries full of information, videos or video streaming technology, and Podcasts. Yet, how do you decipher which sites have reliable information. Yoga is an evolving system, and there are many different Yoga styles. Below are a few guidelines for sorting out Hatha Yoga information on the Internet.

Research your own pre-existing medical conditions and find out if there are any warnings that directly pertain to you. For example: If you have high blood pressure, your head should not be below your heart and you should seek professional medical advice before practicing Hatha or any physical form of Yoga. Make it a point to consult with your physician about the condition of your health.

Antiquated or erroneous information does exist on some Yoga sites. Hatha Yoga is a constantly evolving science of life. It is better to take the time to do your research, consult with your doctor, and speak to a professional Yoga teacher, about your particular case.

Even if you are young, athletic, flexible, and in perfect health, you should still consult with your doctor and do some research. The point here is: Educate yourself enough to avoid injury. If you have pre-existing injuries or ailments, you should be very cautious. Hatha Yoga can be very safe, but depending on the class, it can also be very challenging.

If you do not have access to a doctor, who is knowledgeable about Yoga, or a competent Yoga teacher, you should research Yoga and seriously consider taking an entry level Hatha Yoga teacher course. These courses can be found online or at an on-site intensive. Education is a safe method for discovering the subtleties of Yoga.

Whether you are practicing Hatha Yoga postures (asanas) or Yogic Breathing (pranayama), you should never force, push, or strain, through a technique. This is just common sense, but even the best of us can forget, if we let our ego get the best of us.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Therapy for Chronic Back Pain – The First Step Toward Relief

Thursday, December 4th, 2008

Utthita ParsvakonasanaBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When considering Yoga therapy for chronic back pain, you should have the endorsement of your physician or medical specialist. Reducing the back pain in your life can be a team effort. It is important to realize that many forms of therapy work well in harmony with medicine and each other.

In the case of Yoga therapy for back pain, one should feel a reduction in pain, but this does not mean you should discard your prescriptions, or the advice of your doctors. Most people, who constantly suffer from back pain, try medical or chiropractic solutions, prescriptions, and a variety of physical or alternative therapies.

After trying a variety of solutions, most people tend to continue with anything that helps them manage, or eliminate, pain. With that said, Yoga therapy sessions, or Yoga classes, are often part of a larger solution for pain management; and in some cases, the complete elimination of back pain.

Does this mean that every Yoga teacher has solutions for backaches and serious back pain? No, because there are a variety of Yoga styles, and many of them address mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Mental, emotional, and spiritual health are important in any healing process, but you want to be sure treatment of the physical body is included in your Yoga therapy.

A smaller, but very popular, group of Yoga styles are off shoots of Hatha Yoga (union by physical mastery). Does this mean that Hatha Yoga is purely physical in nature? No, because depending on the teacher and the sub-style, Hatha also covers mental, emotional, and spiritual health, in various degrees. The variation among Hatha Yoga’s sub-styles covers a wide spectrum of knowledge and approaches toward health.

From the Hatha style, modern Yoga therapy has sprung. Among the therapeutic Yoga systems are: Viniyoga, Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and other forms of Yoga therapy. This short list is where a person in chronic pain should begin to seek pain management solutions.

This will also require an extensive search for the right teacher, school, or Yoga therapist. The right teacher, or therapist, is knowledgeable, competent, gentle, understanding, and has time for you. You can easily make an assessment in one consultation, private session, or over the phone.

Generally speaking, Yoga schools do not have group therapy sessions for the same ailment. There may be a specialized workshop for back pain, but these are rare. Therefore, it would be wise to schedule a private Yoga session with the most qualified teacher or therapist you can find.

© 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, Paul
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