Posts Tagged ‘yoga techniques’

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Popular Postures of Power Yoga

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Jenny Park

Power Yoga has gained quite a following due to its ability to combine Yoga techniques and the added benefit of a cardiovascular workout. Athletes have used it to supplement their rigorous workout programs. Yet, it is also accessible to people who are not athletes. People that are ready for an intense and interesting workout that includes the whole body should definitely look into Power Yoga. It is a complete workout that can help to create strength, improve balance and increase flexibility. Power Yoga workouts vary, as there isn’t a set script for each session. There are a few popular postures of Power Yoga that are usually found in each workout though.

Most Power Yoga sessions will begin with a few minutes of warming up. This serves to get the blood flowing and loosen the muscles. The basis of most Power Yoga workouts is the Sun Salutation. This is actually a series of twelve different poses that help to strengthen and stretch the spine. Of course, these exercises often have a beneficial effect on the abdominal muscles as well. They include the Half Moon Pose, Cobra Pose, and the Downward Facing Dog Pose. The key to Power Yoga is that the body is almost always in motion. Some poses are held longer than others; this is to promote strength and balance.

Unlike other types of Yoga, Power Yoga is designed to make you sweat. It is also designed to help you achieve a great concentration. The focus is more on the physical aspect of Yoga, as meditation and chanting are generally not at the forefront of Power Yoga sessions. The focus of Power Yoga is geared toward fitness. The sessions are at least 45 minutes long, with some classes lasting longer. This gives you enough time for a proper warm up before the workout gets more intense. A cool down period is recommended for afterwards as well.

Power Yoga will engage all muscle groups and can be challenging. The fact that it can vary widely from class to class helps to keep people engaged in a Yoga practice. Some people might not be able to do the more challenging poses at first. However, with regular practice, strength and flexibility do increase. Variations for many poses are also given, which is yet another reason that Power Yoga can be accessible to people of all types of fitness levels.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in power yoga | No Comments »

Chin Lock

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, Director of Yoga Teacher Training at Aura Wellness Center, speaks to you about an easy approach to performing a Chin Lock.

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Posted in Videos | 1 Comment »

A Tapping Technique for Anxiety

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 speaks to you about a tapping technique for helping individuals who suffer from anxiety. Demonstrations give by Yong Yang.

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Posted in Videos | 2 Comments »

Yoga Techniques for a Healthy Spine

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Due to individual habits, movements, illnesses, injuries, and genetics, each spine is unique in its strengths and weaknesses. This means that one Yoga pose may be beneficial to one person’s spine, while it may cause extreme pain to another. When the spine is misaligned, the circulation of spinal fluid, and the nerve responses throughout the body, is affected. With that said – any person who has pre-existing spinal problems, should consult with a medical professional before practicing Yoga postures or any form of exercise.

A Universal View of the Spine

The spine serves as the central axis of the body and is made up of many parts: the spinal cord, nerve roots, the bones, discs, supporting muscles, and ligaments. In Ayurvedic medicine, and Yoga, charts of the subtle body display chakras, marmas, nadis, and much more. These charts are similar to Chinese medical charts, which confirm that Ayurveda, Yoga, Chinese medicine, and Western medicine have all been aware of the intricate nature of the energy that runs through the spine and central nervous system.

Yogic Remedies for Spinal Health

Pranayama (Yogic controlled breathing) helps to circulate life force energy – also known as prana or qi – throughout the body. The idea of breathing one’s way to better health is often a subject for criticism by skeptics. Yet, skeptics are easily convinced if they attend a pranayama workshop. Pranayama is a complicated science, which requires time to master, but it can improve overall health in many ways.

Asana is the Yogic posturing method made popular by modern Yoga magazine covers. Yoga postures (asanas) stretch the spine and help to align the physical body. In turn, the skeletal structure can be given an extra lease on life. Good skeletal health can reduce, or eliminate, pain throughout one’s body.

The Toll of Poor Spinal Health

Muscle imbalance, around the spine, may be caused by poor posture (during the day or while sleeping), genetics, skeletal diseases, trauma, or a variety of diseases that attack the spine. Either way, the source of the problem causes sharp pain or painful tension within the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. Constant pain brings about depression, anxiety, breathing difficulties, as well as other significant health problems.

More Causes of Poor Spinal Health

Although many back problems are caused by physical conditions, such as arthritis, ruptured discs, or overexertion, some are simply the result of everyday living, such as sitting too long at a desk or slumping over a computer.

One More Precaution before Starting a Physical Yoga Practice

In order to make sure that injuries and other ailments are not exacerbated by exercise, seeking the advice of a doctor (orthopedic specialist, chiropractor, family physician, etc.) or physical therapist, before starting a new physical program, is always a good idea. Poses can be adapted by an experienced Yoga teacher, to fit individual needs, and prevent further injuries.

Yoga exercises help the spine by stretching many different areas.

• The lumbar region of the spine (lower back)

• The thoracic region of the spine (middle and upper back)

• The cervical region of the spine (neck)

• The sacrum and pelvis

Eight Types of Yoga Poses for a Healthy Spine

1. Seated Poses, such as Easy Pose, Bound Angle Pose, and Bharadvaja’s Twist

2. Forward Bends, such as Head-to-Knee, Extended Puppy, Downward-Facing Dog

3. Standing Poses, such as Chair, Warrior Poses, and Triangle

4. Inversions, such as Dolphin and Legs-Up-the-Wall

5. Core Poses, such as Plank, Dolphin, Happy Baby

6. Backbends, such as Bridge, Camel, and Fish

7. Restorative Poses, such as Reclining Big Toe, Child’s Pose, Legs-Up-the-Wall

8. Poses that stretch the pelvis, such as Cow, Cat, Big Toe, Tree Pose

Conclusion

It is important to remember: Not all postures are good for every spine. It is a matter of trial and error to find the exact Yoga postures for a pain free, healthy, and balanced spine. When stretching the spine, the weight should be evenly distributed, joints should not be locked, you should not feel pain within a joint, and the spine should kept be as straight as possible.

Unfortunately, it is easy to overwork the neck and under use other areas, such as the upper and middle back. As awareness of the body increases, so does the knowledge of how long poses need to be held and which ones are needed.

If you have pre-existing spinal health problems, seek out a Yoga teacher who is competent, compassionate, and listens to you. Yoga students should not be forced to fit into a “cookie cutter” mold. A Yoga teacher, who is knowledgeable, will know how to modify, adjust, and use props. The muscles may feel taxed, but pain within a joint means you are too far into the posture.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

 

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Posted in Yoga for Physical Health, Yoga for Skeletal Health | 2 Comments »

Yoga for Stroke Recovery

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

The fact that a human can survive and potentially recover from a stroke is a testament to the intricate design of the brain. A stroke essentially kills an area of the brain, thus causing the typical symptoms of a stroke. Depending on the location, the brain can make adjustments and compensations, basically rewiring the other areas of the brain to perform the duties of the damaged section of the brain. This is an amazing feat.

Rewiring of the brain is essential for stroke recovery, and anything that promotes this rewiring is beneficial for stroke victims. Yoga creates new neural pathways in all individuals who perform it, and this can be very helpful for those who are recovering from a stroke.

Studies have shown that stroke victims helped to rewire their brains by simply visualizing themselves performing movements that their bodies were physically unable to do at the time, and these new neural pathways laid the foundation for greater physical recovery later on. Simply teaching yoga for stroke victims brings them to a path of recovery. The theory and method of yoga techniques will allow them to vividly envision themselves performing each technique, which will prove beneficial in light of a progressive string of successes.

When the individual is ready to do so, yoga may be practiced with the individual laying down at first. Corpse pose, Mountain Pose and others are good beginning poses when combined with breath awareness. Later on when the individual is capable of maintaining a sitting position, yoga modified for a chair or starting from a seated position may be started. Various hip stretches, twists, gentle backbends and forward bends may be performed from a seated position with great benefit for those who have suffered a stroke. The discipline of the practice should be at the same level as normal standing yoga with emphasis put on proper form and breath awareness throughout the session. Special attention should be given to areas of the body experiencing paralysis with the goal being to perform the pose to the best ability of the individual. Mental state is critical to making this effective, and students should be encouraged to visualize their problem areas performing the poses correctly even if this is not yet the case.

When standing is possible, many poses may be performed with the assistance of a chair for balance and stability such as Warrior I Pose, Warrior II Pose, Horse Rider Pose and Extended Side Angle Pose. This will help those who have suffered a stroke regain their previous levels of muscle strength in addition to flexibility and increased range of movement in areas of paralysis.

Yoga practice promotes continued healing for victims of stroke, improving their physical and mental state in addition to helping to protect against additional strokes by curbing blood pressure and reducing arterial stiffness. It is the perfect complementary therapy for stroke.  Instructors who wish to help those who suffer from strokes should seek out specialized yoga teacher training in chair yoga, yoga therapy, and a restorative style.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in Yoga for Health | 1 Comment »

Yoga Techniques for Studying

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

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

There are some people for whom studying is easy: they simply sit down, without prompting, and work diligently until the material is covered and papers are written. They usually finish the project ahead of schedule and have time to review and revise. However, we’ve never met any of these people in real life. For the rest of us, carving out the time and effort, whether the material is work or school related, is difficult.

Here are several tips for practicing Yoga techniques to help foster good study habits and achieve more at a given time.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Try this before sitting down to study. Sit in Lotus position, and start by inhaling with the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Alternate by inhaling through the nostril you just exhaled from, and repeat for a minute or two. This cycle focuses the mind and will allow a clear-headed approach to the task ahead.

Vrikshasana or Tree Pose

If you have been working for awhile, but you just can’t seem to focus on what you are doing, or you keep re-reading the same paragraph without comprehension, step away for a moment and challenge yourself with Vrikshasana. Practice on both the left and the right, holding the asana for 60-90 seconds. This should improve concentration.

Backbend Poses

When you are studying material you find difficult, or completing a precise task that you keep second-guessing, such as balancing a budget, you need an asana that will give you a burst of self confidence. Try a backbend pose, such as Ushtrasana, or Camel pose. Backbends require believing in yourself and “making the leap” without looking, so take a few minutes to work on these poses before returning to the project.

Balancing Poses

By practicing balancing poses, with a gazing point, such as, Virabhadrasana III or Warrior III Pose, improves the memory. Intersperse these kinds of poses with flashcards for tasks that require rote memorization.

Public Speaking

When practicing for a presentation or speech, practice Yogic breathing as if you are filling a balloon – first the lower belly, then upper belly, then chest, and exhaling slowly in reverse. Several deep breaths before will help remind you to slow down during the speech and calm the nerves.

None of these things help if they are not done; creating a schedule with preparation and Yoga time, beforehand, is very helpful in getting organized. Many instructors remind students that “breathing unlocks the brain.” For studying, this may be literally true. Whether you are a student of Yogic techniques, studying an academic subject in college, an intern in a Yoga teacher training program, or a seasoned Yoga teacher working on your continuing education, this precious practice is helpful.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in Yoga for Mental Health, Yoga for Personal Growth | 1 Comment »

Yoga Techniques for Chronic Stress

Friday, July 29th, 2011

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

Constant demands on our time – from work, spouses, children, and worrying about the future, can create a subtle background hum of chronic stress. It may seem invisible and inevitable, lurking just beneath the surface like an iceberg. Yet, chronic stress wears the body down, curtailing immune function and giving rise to more frequent illnesses, as well as conditions, such as neck and shoulder aches and tension headaches.

A “fight or flight” reaction in the body is triggered by stress, dumping hormones like cortisol and adrenalin into the bloodstream. While adrenaline, for example, is helpful in short bursts as a reaction to allow the person to escape harmful situations, long term, chronic stress acts like any other disease. Breathing techniques and stretching, in Yoga, is one of the most effective ways to combat chronic stress without medication.

Yoga techniques for chronic stress begin by setting aside time for practice. Though it may seem troublesome, committing to a regular time, and focusing only on Yoga at that time, will help reduce the worried feeling of “too much to do” created by chronic stress. Though some asanas are more helpful than others, any Yoga sequences and mental focus, during a specified period, are beneficial. Yoga techniques for chronic stress include relaxation asanas, stretching asanas, and breathing techniques.

Relaxing Yoga Asanas, include:

Jyeshtikasana or Superior pose

Adhavasana or Reversed Corpse (prone) pose

Savasana or Corpse pose

Matsya Kridasana or Flapping Fish pose

Makarasana or Crocodile pose

Yoga poses can also be practiced with the use of a wall or chair.

Adho Mukha Svansasana, or Downward-Facing Dog pose, can be practiced by reaching out to a chair.

Viparitakarani or Legs Up the Wall pose: This is a gentle inversion that improves circulation in the upper body, where chronic stress seems to leave the most tension.

Trikonasana or Triangle Pose: This asana is truly a treasure and can be practiced with a block, chair, small stool, or while sitting in a chair.

Pranayama for Stress Relief

Yoga breathing (pranayama) during these asanas is important. Stress is best relieved with deep, slow breaths. Start with three to five slow breaths, taking as much time on the exhale as on the inhale. Ultimately, the goal is to reach only one or two deep breaths in a minute, but this takes time to achieve.

At the same time, breath ratio should be one part inhale to two parts exhale (1:2).  However, new Yoga practitioners would be wise to focus on gradually extending the breath, instead of stressing out over the breath ratio.  Therefore, a breath ratio of one part inhale to one part exhale (1:1) is a good start.  Keep in mind that inhaling for five seconds, and exhaling for five seconds, is still a 1:1 ratio.

Cultivate stress-reducing habits “off the mat,” as well. If possible, reduce commute time, which has been shown to be one of the greatest contributers to stress in daily life. Depending on your work environment, try to check Email only once an hour, and do not jump or run to answer the telephone on the first ring. A healthy individual, free of chronic stress, will be far more productive in the long run.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in Yoga for Stress Management | 1 Comment »

Yoga Techniques for Traveling

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Whether you are traveling to a Yoga teacher training intensive, away for vacation, or on business, Yoga techniques can help you before, during, and after your journey. There is no doubt about it, traveling disrupts the body’s rhythms and can make one feel unwell. Practicing Yoga before, after, and during a trip, however, can make the transition much smoother.

Before starting the trip, sit in Sukasana or Easy pose and practice Yogic breath for a few moments. Slow, flowing movements and forward bends will relax the body in preparation for the cramped conditions in a car or airplane. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose or Seated Twist) has a positive impact on the abdominal organs and the effects on the lower back, hips, and spine, reduce discomfort during travel.

During the trip, focus on moving your body at least once an hour for five minutes or more. If possible, stand up in the aisle, at least once, if you are on a long flight in in a plane.  Plan to make pit stops if you are traveling by car. Remove your shoes and concentrate on the sensations in each part of your body. Center yourself and pull your spine up long, then stretch your arms overhead and to the sides. Flex and point your feet to maintain circulation. Deep, mindful, and slow breathing can calm travel anxiety.  Mild pranayama is helpful for maintaining oxygen levels and keeping the muscles comfortable.

If you are staying in a hotel room, there may be no room for full practice. Try a version of Uttanasana supported by the wall in a forward bend. Keep the buttocks on the wall and the heels 6-12 inches from the wall, and enjoy the calming of the nervous system. Try Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose) on the rug or bed, and Utthita Trikonasana or Extended Triangle pose alongside the bed or a wall, to flex and open the hip muscles. A modified backbend can be done over the desk chair against the wall.

If the weather cooperates, Sun Salutations outdoors first thing in the morning fight jet lag powerfully. If not, Vrkasana or Tree pose is an energizing and space-saving asana to start you on the right foot. Hydration is important throughout travel.  Be certain to drink a little water while flying, as the dry air in an airplane dehydrates travelers. An Ayuverdic drink called golden milk is known for being helpful with jet lag. Made of turmeric, water, milk, almond oil and honey or maple syrup, it is usually consumed warm in the evening after arrival to heal and “reset” the body clock.

With time and attention, Yoga practice does not have to suffer during travel, and the body will reap the benefits of continuity at this stressful time.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in Yoga for Health | No Comments »

Yoga Techniques for Cluster Headaches

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

online yoga teacher coursesBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Any person, who has experienced cluster headaches, knows they are quite the nightmare. With the intense amount of pain involved with the onset of these headaches, it’s no wonder they are often dubbed ‘suicide’ or ‘alarm clock’ headaches. Unfortunately, this pesky condition is often treated with over-the-counter drugs or prescription medicines. There are also natural ways to shorten the length or intensity of an attack, such as one or more of the following Yoga techniques.

Pranayama

Oxygen has been known to help relieve cluster headaches, so breathing exercises associated with Yoga (pranayama), can speed a release from pain. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and breathe in deeply for four counts – concentrating on filling your belly with air. Hold in the breath for a few counts, relishing the healing power of oxygen, and then breathe out for four counts, pulling the stomach in to completely expel all the carbon dioxide. Repeat this as many times as you like. This pranayama technique can be especially useful if practiced at the first feeling of an onset of cluster headaches, as this can delay, or even cancel, an attack.

Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool, practiced in Yoga, to foster a strong mind-body connection and can also be used in treating cluster headaches. When you feel an attack coming on, find a comfortable seated position (or lie down, if you prefer), close your eyes, and focus your mind on a part of your body completely unrelated to your head, such as your right foot.

Send all your thoughts to this appendage, concentrating on how it feels as it rests on your mat or bed. You might try wiggling your toes and concentrate all your energy on this action, moving each toe slowly and deliberately. The object of concentration does not need to be limited to a part of your body.

You could also imagine you are somewhere peaceful and relaxing, such as an open field or beach. You could also try this meditation in a shower, as the water gently runs over your head. Personally, I would choose cooler water temperatures, but ideal water temperature is a personal preference. Therefore, try it, and discover what works for you.

Restorative Asana or Flowing Movement

Mild movement has been known to treat cluster headaches, so this could also be a good time to try holding restorative postures or engage in mild synchronized movement. For those who like to move, practicing a few Sun Salutations can ease the pain in your head, by creating a diversion. Restorative postures can be held for minutes at a time, in combination with pranayama or meditation.

On the other hand, some Yoga practitioners flow through the poses at a fairly quickly pace, while placing a strong focus on their breathing, as they move their bodies. The practice of Ujjayi pranayama, while flowing, seems to create a diversion in the mind.

Cluster headaches are definitely no picnic, but with careful practice and the right technique, they can be relieved naturally, or in combination with medicine, and may become much less of a problem as you find a technique that works for you.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in Yoga for Pain Management, Yoga for Physical Health | No Comments »

Yoga Techniques for Cancer Recovery

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

Cancer is a very painful disease in so many different ways; it takes away the health and it also seems to take away an individual’s future and freedom as well. Adding the practice of yoga can make all the difference in the life of a cancer patient.

Cancer’s Effect on the Whole Being

One of the most debilitating effects of this illness is the patient does not know what to do anymore. A cancer patient doesn’t know how much longer they will live. None of us can be certain of the number of breaths we will take during the course of our lives. However, people who are seriously ill feel this view of mortality more keenly. They also have a hard time knowing what to do, while suffering from the condition. ‘What on earth do I do now?’ is a common question they find themselves asking.

In truth, these people are asking a fundamental question that most humans fail to ask unless faced with dire circumstances and suffering. The real questions are: ‘How do I simply be?’ and ‘What is it like to just be?’

Cancer is extremely trying and few would wish this level of suffering on anyone, but like any other experience we perceive as bad, there is a beautiful opportunity for inner transformation and the discovery of true being and peace. Why not use this negative experience for good? What could it hurt?

Yoga for Cancer Patients

Yoga techniques for cancer patients vary from typical yoga asanas, practiced in the average class, in that they are done with more care and attention to the body. The last thing a good yoga teacher wants to see is one of their students causing themselves pain and discomfort.

Yoga practice helps ease the painful side effects of cancer treatments as well. Chemotherapy is known to cause muscle soreness, stiffness, nausea and a general sense of discomfort. The gentle stretches in yoga loosen the muscles, ease tension and the thoughtful breathing reduces nausea as well.

Therapeutic Yoga for Recovery

Gentle, restorative, and therapeutic yoga are acceptable for a cancer patient to practice as long as the instructor exercises caution regarding the patient’s particular variety of cancer.  Yoga instructors must be careful with patients who are suffering from bone cancer since the bone can be more fragile and is prone to breakage. For those individuals, meditation may be a better course of treatment, which yields many of the same benefits.

Another potential problem area is lymph edema in breast cancer survivors; lymph edema is also known as “lymphatic obstruction.  Unfortunately, this condition can last a long time. For those patients, pranayama, meditation, and Restorative Yoga asanas, with a competent Yoga teacher may be a better choice.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

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

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Posted in cancer and yoga | 1 Comment »

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