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Posts Tagged ‘yoga’

Make Your Yoga Class a Motivation Mecca

Monday, October 24th, 2011

By Jenny Park

As a yoga instructor, an important part of your job is playing the role of motivation master. Not only is vital for your students, but effective motivation techniques mean a higher rate of returns. “What can I do to improve the motivation mojo in my class,” you ask? Below are a few simple pointers to get you started.

Spend Time Crafting the Art of Yoga

Think of yourself as the Balanchine of yoga and really take the time to plan out each and every asana within your lesson plan. If your classes are fluid and intuitive, you’ll find that students will take more easily to your routine – and that translates into impressive attendance numbers.

Be Mindful of Your Words

Be conscious and careful with our tone of voice. If you’re tired or feeling under the weather or in a terrible mood, the pitch and positivity of your voice may wane. And believe it or not, humans subconsciously pick up on this change in tone, which alerts our “danger Will Robinson” instinct. So remember to keep your voice encouraging and consistent. If you really are under the weather, instead of risking coming off tired and angry, while spreading a flu around, call in sick – your yoga class, and the person who gets to substitute, will thank you for it.

Be Mindful of the Music

Choosing the right tunes is essential. Our bodies respond to sound and vibrations; if your music selection clashes with the pace of the yoga class, it makes for an awkward experience. Make sure to coordinate the slower parts of class with serene songs, and choose more vibrant melodies for the power parts.

Motivate Through Relaxation

A deep relaxation routine at the end of a class is always a good idea. As you know, our bodies love to stretch and breathe after an intense – or particularly deep – workout. Build it into your yoga class, your students will love it, and the great feeling at the end of every class will contribute to student motivation.

Awareness is at the root of yoga practice. As instructors, we must not only be aware of our own postures, but we must also keep an eye on our students. Keep notes of people’s progress; be sure to acknowledge individual improvements; let your students know that you really do have a genuine interest in their efforts. If you follow these simple tips, in short order, you’ll be known as the maverick of motivation.

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.”

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Tags: effective motivation, effective motivation techniques, motivation techniques, pace of the yoga class, yoga, yoga class, yoga instructor, Your Yoga Class
Posted in yoga class, Yoga Teacher Issues | 1 Comment »

Power Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

By Faye Martins

Power Yoga is considered to be a contemporary form of Ashtanga Yoga and can be a very intense workout. Yoga teachers can benefit from taking a Power Yoga teacher training course, as aspects of this particular form of Yoga can be added into an already established practice. Power Yoga workouts can often attract new students who otherwise might not be interested in Yoga. That is because it is a very cardiovascular and aerobic workout, with emphasis on strength and flexibility. People that are already in great shape might find that it helps to improve their bodies, therefore adding to their overall fitness levels.

In order to grow a Yoga practice, teachers must not be static. The practice of Yoga has evolved over time and teachers have been at the forefront of that movement. A Power Yoga teacher training course can be a great asset to an already established practice. Beginners may also be attracted to it because it is more of an Americanized version of Yoga – meaning that there isn’t a lot of chanting or meditation. The focus is more on the actual physical body instead of the spiritual one. For many people that are just getting into Yoga, it can be a more accessible way to practice.

In order to gain real perspective on Power Yoga, aspiring teachers should know how to do the poses correctly, with the correct posture and breathing techniques. A teacher training course can help teachers create routines and establish a rapport with the students in the class. It will also help educate teachers on how to work with and around injuries. All of those are core aspects to becoming a knowledgeable and evolved Power Yoga teacher.

The power of Yoga as a recognized workout is a momentum that is best kept moving forward. Becoming an informed Power Yoga teacher requires some time and dedication, but doing so can help to improve your connection with Yoga, therefore helping your students do the same. Change through growth and forward thinking can help us on our journey through life. Finding and then taking the right Power Yoga teacher training course can greatly expand your understanding and help to deepen your connection to the practice of Yoga.

Regardless of which style one has roots in, Yoga certification in more than one style helps teachers become well-rounded in their knowledge. Power Yoga instructor courses contain knowledge regarding safety, alignment, adjustments and assisting. The Yogic subtle body and some Sanskrit training are a plus, when shopping for the right Yoga course.

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.”

Tags: Power Yoga, power yoga teacher, power yoga teacher training, yoga, yoga teacher, Yoga Teacher Training
Posted in power yoga, Yoga Teacher Training | 1 Comment »

Teaching Fitness Yoga Classes

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

By Faye Martins

In the 1890s, Swami Vivekananda was the first yogi to tour the Americas and Europe. The free-loving 1960s ushered in renewed interest in the ancient Indian practice, and Dean Ornish, in the 1980s, popularized the healthy yoga movement. Today, yoga has arrived as a standard offering at most gyms, health spas and even cruises!

Yet, as instructors, we know that life is largely about balance. While yoga may have officially arrived on the exercise scene, its increased popularity can sometimes present a problem for yogis and yoginis who take a more spiritual approach to practice; because let’s face it, not everybody wants to be bothered with ancient Indian religions.

Many folks would rather just focus on fitness. And that’s all right! After all, one of the essential aspects of yoga is seva – or service – and as evangelists for yoga, part of our job is listening to what students want and servicing their needs to the best of our ability.

Below are a few quick tips for yoga teachers about how to promote and fill a fitness-focused yoga class.

Visit the Other Side of the Yogic Fence

Do you teach a physically challenging yoga style? Do you know the ins-and-outs of Bikram and Vinyasa yoga? How about Ashtanga – or “power”—yoga? If not, get to class yourself and start learning from a competent fitness yoga teacher. Power yoga teacher training may be the answer. Today’s yoga-as-exercise enthusiasts tend towards the sweat-inducing, quick-moving styles, so study up! Teaching a different style of yoga is a challenge, but you can do it.

Prepare Fitness Yoga Handouts

Once you have mastered a routine and feel comfortable with a gym-friendly school of yoga practice and land yourself a job teaching class, it’s time to do some homework. Gather information about yoga’s health benefits and make hand-outs for after class. In can be a one page sheet and most gyms will have a photocopier available for use. Not only will it give your students a broader picture of yoga’s fitness benefits, but it’s also a way to stand out in the yoga-teaching pack. There may be dozens of instructors at your gym; if you can think of novel ways to connect with members, your attendance will skyrocket.

Sideline the Sanskrit

The gym is where most people first “give yoga a try” – which makes you a defacto yoga ambassador. And an ambassador’s first job is to make others feel welcome. So remember, Sanskrit can be off-putting to beginners. Hey, you’re already asking them to pose and move in “weird” ways, leave the ancient language in the locker-room – at least for intro level classes. As your yoga students advance in level, so will their knowledge of the ancient aspects of practice.

The benefits of teaching fitness yoga are plentiful; just remember to keep things interesting, accessible and simple in the beginning.

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.”

Tags: fitness Yoga, fitness yoga classes, fitness yoga teacher, teaching fitness yoga, yoga, yoga teacher
Posted in teaching fitness yoga, Yoga for Physical Health | 1 Comment »

Improving Child Literacy in Yoga Classes

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

By Faye Martins

Childhood literacy skills can be improved through kids’ Yoga classes. Learning to read, write and do basic mathematical computations are some of the cornerstones of literacy. A well-designed Yoga class that is geared for young children from kindergarten through the second grade will help young students to develop a solid literacy foundation. Yoga classes can help to facilitate the development of sensory motor skills and basic language skills. These rudimentary skills are critically important to the development of language, reading and writing skills that form the basis of further academic study and later career achievement.

The ability of a child to be able to soothe and self-regulate his or her emotions under stress has been linked to the successful acquisition of reading, writing and math skills. Through focused attention, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, Yoga teaches children how to calm themselves and to compassionately and patiently practice reading, writing and math exercises until they solidify a competent level of literacy in these subjects. The open and accepting context of a Yoga class also encourages children to explore their own abilities and potential in a non-competitive environment. This sense of openness and acceptance also supports a child in being less anxious about practicing new academic skills.

Yoga classes for children also increase their vocabulary and comprehension of new terms and ideas. During the course of a Yoga class, children are exposed to a wide range of unfamiliar terms as they follow a Yoga routine. Children are also exposed to different ways of thinking about the world through the cultural background of Yoga. This exposure to new ideas, vocabulary and cultural ideas, in addition to new ways of moving their bodies, helps to build neural pathways in the brain and form new linguistic connections that further support literacy acquisition.

The incorporation of music and rhymes also help children to develop phonemic awareness that is one of the building blocks for new readers. Weaving in music and rhyming is an easy and fun way for young children to enhance their phonemic awareness skills. Singing, playing and telling nursery rhymes will also create a fun and light-hearted context in which the children can enjoy practicing Yoga asanas, breathing exercises and even a bit of meditation. All of these Yoga techniques are wonderful tools that will help children to develop solid literacy skills through emotional regulation, the acquisition of new vocabulary and the solidification of phonemic awareness.

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher certification 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.”

Tags: child literacy, solid literacy, yoga, yoga class, yoga classes, yoga classes for children, young children
Posted in kids yoga, yoga for children, Yoga for Kids | 1 Comment »

Can Yoga Help Seniors With Memory Loss?

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

By Faye Martins

Can Yoga help seniors with memory loss? Ancient Yogic texts indicate that “memory is holding on to that which has been known.” The ability to retain, assimilate, and recall data about past and present events varies among different people, but the issue is of special concern to senior citizens. It is a life quality issue that we might find unimportant, until it happens to us.

Research has shown that stress and unhealthy lifestyles affect memory, and the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that Alzheimer’s alone will reach epidemic proportions as the baby boom generation ages. Although the loss of memory results from a variety of inter-related factors, there is some good news.

At one time, scientists thought the brain fully matured during childhood, but recent technology has shown that it can develop new neural pathways at any age. Neuroscientists say, “Neurons that fire together wire together.” When the brain repeatedly involves the same thought or action, it can rewire itself.

It is little wonder, then, that Yoga is becoming popular among seniors. Sanskrit manuscripts expressed many of the ideas that run parallel to modern medicine and the western scientific community is just beginning is just beginning to recognize many Yogic concepts, which are listed below.

• Yogic practice revolves around the idea that purification burns away old ideas and habits, leading to new ways of behaving and thinking. In Hindu philosophy, the burning away of old habits and perceptions, known as samskaras, prepares the mind for new ways of thinking and behaving. This ancient teaching is very similar to the neuron theory in contemporary science.

• The disciplines of controlled breathing, meditation, and physical postures taught in old Yogic philosophy serve in today’s studios as effective ways of increasing the flow of fresh blood and energy to the brain.

• Deep breathing increases energy (the flow of prana) and oxygen to the body’s cells, promoting good memory.

• Inversions provide the brain with an increased supply of blood and oxygen.

• Meditation improves focus, clears the mind of negative thinking, and reduces rumination. A mind that is free of worry and anxiety leads to a better memory.

• Chanting, japa, mantra and kirtan, restores vital life energy (prana) to the body, refreshing the brain and enhancing memory. The OM vibration and mantras work in much the same way.

The theory of neuroplasticity, meaning the brain’s ability to produce new cells, has one drawback. New brain cells need a stress-free environment in which to thrive. Amazingly, Yogis figured this out long ago. With systematic practice, Yoga has the potential to preserve the mind’s ability in the 21st century – much the same as it did thousands of years ago. For seniors, this is good news.

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.”

Tags: old yogic, old yogic philosophy, yoga, yogic philosophy, yogic philosophy serve, yogic practice revolves
Posted in yoga for seniors | 1 Comment »

Will Yoga Help Fibromyalgia?

Monday, September 19th, 2011

By Faye Martins

Although fibromyalgia is a common disorder, its cause remains a mystery. Symptoms may begin after physical or emotional trauma, stress, or illness; but its onset may also be gradual with unknown triggers. Researchers think that it results when the body amplifies pain signals to the brain, causing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and tension headaches.

Fibromyalgia is much more common in women than in men, and at this time there is no cure. Not long ago, male doctors often speculated that fibromyalgia was another one of those imaginary stress related female problems. Just to get fibromyalgia recognized as a legitimate medical problem has taken some time.

In addition to prescription drugs, doctors encourage patients to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and reduce stress. One of the ways to do this is Yoga, and a study in 2010 revealed that there might be a scientific reason for its success.

Published in the journal “Pain,” the findings showed that symptoms of fibromyalgia decreased by 30 percent in over half of the participants in the Yoga study. A control group of sufferers who maintained their normal schedules experienced no improvement in their symptoms.

According to psychologist James Carson, head of the research team, Yoga may actually change the response of the central nervous system to pain. The information revealed several interesting facts:

• The study used a modified Hatha style of Yoga that lasted two hours.

• Participants spent 40 minutes doing postures, such as Child’s Pose and Warrior I.

• An additional 80 minutes covered breathing exercises, meditation, and support groups that allowed patients to share their ways of coping with pain.

• Dr. Carson acknowledged that non-Yoga activities were major factors in pain reduction.

Another study led by Harvard professor Dr. Robert Shmerling also showed improvements in symptoms among participants who practiced Yoga. While additional research comparing Yoga to other exercises is still needed, similar studies have found gentle exercise techniques, such as tai chi, to be helpful in coping with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia patients should do low impact exercises with a well-trained teacher in a supportive environment. This points directly toward gentle yoga classes with a competent yoga teacher. Private classes may be a good option, at least in the beginning. It may also be necessary to find additional resources, such as support groups or meditation classes, to receive optimal benefits.

As in any illness, techniques like energetic bodywork and journaling may complement a gentle Yoga practice.

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.”

Tags: competent Yoga teacher, help fibromyalgia, Is yoga, practiced yoga, style of yoga, will yoga help, yoga, yoga teacher
Posted in Yoga for Physical Health | 1 Comment »

A Practical Approach To Yoga Off The Mat

Sunday, September 18th, 2011

By Faye Martins

Yoga off the mat is an oft-used term. The idea is to extend one’s practice outside the studio by incorporating Yogic elements into everyday life. Have you ever been at Whole Foods and noticed your line-neighbor in an asana? Now, that is what we would call extreme off-the-mat practice, which is absolutely encouraged if you can stand a stare or two. However, for most of us, the principle is about incorporating Yoga skills into everyday life.

While the premise seems simple, some students may shy away from yoga off the mat practice; which happens when we apply yogic principles to life. However, many people, for one reason or another, only engage in Yoga as a physical exercise and want little to do with its roots or meditative machinations. Even if you instruct more secular minded students – or those with deep faith in a particular religion – there are ways to promote “Yoga off the mat.” After all, no matter what your religious affiliation – or lack thereof – the skills taught in Yoga class can be applied to everyday interactions from the boardroom to the classroom.

Knowing Your Limits

Pushing one’s limits happens all the time. A first time student enters class expecting to breeze through, only to discover that Yoga isn’t as easy as the models make it look. Even experienced yoga practitioners still feel the burn when it comes to certain asanas.

Yet, in class, we learn how to train our minds to accept what our bodies are saying. Perhaps most importantly, we teach our students to identify their limits. As yoga instructors, we’re constantly reminding students that, “just because someone else is doing the most challenging variation, doesn’t mean you have to!” The deeper message is a lesson everyone, at some point in their life, should work on – as it leads to greater self-discipline, which results in heightened awareness and understanding of others.

Healthy Breathing

In Sanskrit, the word for breathing (pranayama) translates to “extending life-force,” which is the goal of 99.9% of people living on the planet today. Elemental to the practice of yoga, pranayama is also the essence of every human being. When one learns to notice their breath and observe its calming effect – healthy things happen. Stay on your students’ cases about breathing; remind them that breath is the core human function. If you make it a class focus, the proper breathing habits will become intrinsically manifest in all your students – both inside and outside the studio.

Remember, not all of your students want to explore the spiritual side of yoga – and that’s all right! However, it doesn’t mean you can’t guide them to off the mat practice. Good luck and Namaste!

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.”

Tags: experienced yoga, experienced yoga practitioners, yoga, yoga practitioners, yoga practitioners still
Posted in About Yoga, Yoga Lifestyle | 2 Comments »

Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga?

Friday, September 16th, 2011

By Faye Martins

Bikram Choudhury is the creator of Bikram Yoga. Bikram’s style is a type of Hot Yoga practice. Bikram Yoga falls under the auspices of Hot Yoga because it is practiced in a heated room. In this series of postures, 26 asanas are performed twice, as well as two breathing exercises. The sequence of postures and the dialogue of the teacher leading the series is very set. The Yoga studio must also be heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. The class itself lasts for 90 minutes. These guidelines must be strictly followed in order for a Yoga class to be considered a Bikram Yoga class. Additionally, the Bikram style Yoga teacher must be certified by Bikram’s Yoga College of India. Any modulations of these criteria make the class a Hot Yoga class instead of a Bikram class.

The practice of Hot Yoga is a milder and more flexible form of Yoga practice. A Hot Yoga class is also practiced in a heated room, although the room does not necessarily need to be heated to 105 degrees or the humidity level quite as high. The Hot Yoga class itself may vary in length from an hour to an hour and a half. Hot Yoga classes may also deviate from Bikram’s set sequence of 26 asana poses and incorporate other poses, such as Sun Salutations, hip openers or restorative poses, in order to accommodate the students’ needs on any particular day.

Another substantial difference between a Bikram Yoga class and a Hot Yoga class is that a Bikram Yoga teacher does not demonstrate the poses; instead he or she simply leads the class and maintains the discipline of the structure of the practice. On the other hand, a Hot Yoga instructor is free to modify the posture sequence in order to tailor the class to the students’ needs and is also free to demonstrate the poses and correct a student’s alignment if needed. A student in a Bikram Yoga class is highly discouraged from leaving the heated room, even if he or she is faint or weak from the heat. A Bikram student is also dissuaded from drinking water outside of the pre-established water break times.

Bikram has developed an amazing, strong and extremely therapeutic series of Yoga asanas and breathing exercises to be practiced in a very hot and humid room and in a set order. Bikram style classes are only considered to be authentic Bikram classes if they are lead by certified Bikram Yoga teachers and are performed in the manner elucidated above. Hot Yoga classes are more flexible in all of these aspects. The class may be shorter, the room a little less hot and humid, and the teacher is more free to modify the asana sequence if need be. As a student or a prospective Yoga teacher, it is wise to experiment and decide which type of Hot Yoga class works best for yourself and your students. It may be that taking or teaching some traditional Bikram classes and some heated classes would “fit the bill” most appropriately.

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.”

Tags: bikram yoga, bikram yoga class, heated room, hot yoga, hot yoga class, yoga, yoga class, yoga practice
Posted in hot yoga | 1 Comment »

Yoga Techniques for a Healthy Spine

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

By 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.

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.”

Tags: healthy spine, spinal health, yoga, yoga pose, yoga poses, yoga postures, yoga teacher, yoga techniques
Posted in Yoga for Physical Health, Yoga for Skeletal Health | 2 Comments »

Yoga Relaxation Techniques for Extreme Stress

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Stress-related health problems are so prevalent in our society, that the United States Public Health Service has actually set a goal to see that changes are made. While some stress can be motivating, no one benefits from long-term anxiety and worry.

Individual reactions are partially influenced by sensitive sympathetic nervous systems – the fight or flight response that speeds up the pulse rate, tightens muscles, and disrupts the endocrine system. Even significant events, such as death or illness, are made more or less stressful, by the way they are perceived.

If the brain has a store of negative memories that it relates to new stressors, the conscious mind perceives them as a threat. The subconscious mind then reacts, by generating physical and emotional responses, that fit accordingly. Eventually, the conscious mind becomes overwhelmed and filters information less effectively, by firing off negative alarms to the subconscious. The subconscious responds by sending adrenaline to the body, and a cycle develops.

Learning to avoid thoughts and actions, that perpetuate stressful reactions in their early stages, addresses the problem at its root level. Practicing the following Yoga relaxation techniques lowers stress levels and clears the mind.

• Yoga Postures and Yoga Nidra

Practicing Yoga, especially during restorative posture practice, relaxes the body and prepares it for meditation. Yoga Nidra, or Yogic sleep, is an ancient form of relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Visualization

Close your eyes, and picture in your mind, a comfortable, serene place. Imagine you are there. Add the five senses; for example, see a beautiful beach, hear the ocean roar, smell the fragrance, feel the sand and the warm sunlight, and taste the salty air. Take slow, deep breaths. For performance anxiety, you might visualize yourself acing a test or doing a perfect headstand.

• Progressive Relaxation

Sit in a chair, or lie on your back, in a quiet, comfortable place. Take three deep breaths, and begin by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your feet. Move upward, slowly breathing, squeezing each muscle group, and then releasing. When you reach your head, rest as long as you like, then open your eyes, while feeling relaxed and calm. This technique may be used alone or before meditation.

• Meditation

Sit quietly. and comfortably. while doing one of the following meditations: focusing on an object or sound, counting your breaths, or listening to a guided meditation. Soothing music may also be helpful.

• Abdominal Breathing

Lie on a comfortable surface in a quiet place. Close your eyes, and put your right hand on your diaphragm, and your left hand on your chest. Breathe smoothly from the diaphragm, feeling the hands rhythmically rise and fall with each breath. Continue for as long as you wish. Then relax and open your eyes.

These Yogic methods may be used alone, or combined, for more powerful results. They may also be used with biofeedback or self-hypnosis. Managing stress, on a daily basis, strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent burn-out.

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.”

Tags: following yoga relaxation, relaxation techniques, yoga, Yoga Relaxation, yoga relaxation techniques
Posted in yoga for relaxation, Yoga for Stress Management | 1 Comment »

Posts Tagged ‘yoga’

Make Your Yoga Class a Motivation Mecca

Power Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Teaching Fitness Yoga Classes

Improving Child Literacy in Yoga Classes

Can Yoga Help Seniors With Memory Loss?

Will Yoga Help Fibromyalgia?

A Practical Approach To Yoga Off The Mat

Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga?

Yoga Techniques for a Healthy Spine

Yoga Relaxation Techniques for Extreme Stress

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