The heart area can often become contracted and even caved-in due to difficult and painful life experiences. When the heart area is not expanded, cardiovascular circulation can be compromised, neck and back problems can develop and a sense of lethargy may predominate an individual’s emotional state. Yoga poses that open the heart area are great tools for releasing tension and difficult emotions.
Raja Yoga places a high value on what some people refer to as “breathing.” Yet, pranayama is actually the systematic cultivation of prana (energy). When one practices pranayama, the ratio of breath is important for controlling the amount of energy one draws in.
When designing a safe Yoga Asana sequence, it’s important to remember one thing: Don’t take chances. The body isn’t designed to move in…
Recently, a dedicated Yogic scholar and practitioner shared with a group of us that what makes him the happiest now is to serve other people, not reading the classical Indian scriptures or chanting divine names. We could all feel his love. This is the highest expression of Bhakti Yoga and is fueled by the love and compassion that is generated by traditional devotional practices.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped, pinkish-colored gland, situated in the neck in front of the trachea. It does not weigh more…
Obstetricians often recommend prenatal Yoga to help mothers-to-be stay in shape, relax, and become aware of their bodies. Prenatal Yoga…
Repeating a favorite series of asanas can really ground a practice and help focus, but sometimes Yoga training sessions can feel stale. Trying some new tricks can help even the most advanced Yoga practitioner see himself in a new light and make him look forward to his time on the mat.
Chakra meditation is much like any other meditation, but concentration is placed individually on each chakra, starting with the root and…
n order to silence the ego; it is necessary to understand what the ego is. Let’s start with what the ego is not. Within Yogic…
Yoga teachers know that pre-existing physical conditions are important when teaching students. Yet, there are a few yoga students who…