yoga

Om Yoga

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:57:44 +0100

Om Yoga is a novel form of Yoga. It offers an approachable, nurturing and playful style of yoga which concentrates more on alignment and right technique at its 3 New York centers. Om Yoga style was developed by Cyndi Lee. She is a long time Yogi, who has been practising and teaching Yoga for more than 20 years. The Om Yoga center is staffed with more than 50 teachers, all of whom are certified by Om Yoga’s extremely revered teacher training program.

This, by the way, is considered one of the most rigorous in the Yoga community. All the Om Yoga center instructors meet the 200-hour requirements of the National Yoga Alliance.

Sivananda Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Yoga, it really does not matter at all. What sort or form of Yoga you are practising, whatever you learn, which form you are doing,, just make sure you learn it well. Tune your body. Remember this much, if your body – and mind – is tuned, no matter which class you go to, you will only be comfortable.

All sorts of Yoga have their own benefits. And all of them have their weaknesses. Please don’t fall into the trap of believing that your type is better, because it isn’t. Never fall into an obsession with the sort of Yoga you are practising. Always keep an open mind, never forgetting that there is only one Yoga. That Yoga is union with the mind and body, union with the cosmos. Even Om Yoga is just tool for that goal.

There are literally millions of Yoga students in the world today, and I have seen may of them – strong, yet lacking flexibility and balance!! So many students are aligned, but lack the right posture! Iyengar possesses Discipline, Sivananda is spiritual, Ashtanga teaches dynamism. Take all of them, combine them together. That is Om Yoga.

Ishta Yoga

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:12:31 +0100

Ishta yoga is actually an acronym which stands for Integrated Sciences of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda. This discipline was started by Alan Finger. The meaning for ‘ishta’ is ‘individual’. Ishta yoga concentrates on the individual to make them comfortable in themselves.
Hatha:

Hatha is the main physical part of Ishta yoga. The poses are created to revitalize and strengthen the physical body.

Tantra :

Tantra is the philosophic part of Ishta yoga. Tantra comes from two words trayati and tanoti, which means ‘liberation’ and ‘expansion’. Using the tools of tantra while meditating, like yantra shape and mantra sound, you can enter into a blissful state within yourself.

Ayurveda :

Ayurveda is the third part of Ishta yoga. Ayurveda is a healing system originated in India that focuses on balancing your constitution while considering what affects you in a positive and negative way.

Ishta Yoga Benefits:

Some of the benefits of Ishta yoga are an energized mind, flexibility, and the elimination of various diseases. The Hatha yoga poses in Ishta yoga makes sure that there is proper muscle contraction and stretching. The various poses help increase the flexibility of the joints. Ishta yoga brings unity to the body and mind. It is also considered to be good for personality development. It will help you to become smatter and bolder. It has become quite popular with teenagers who are stressed and have mental disturbances.

Ishta Yoga Centers:

Though Ishta yoga centers are present in different countries like Japan, Canada, England, Australia and the United States, the central location is New York City. You can find regular Ishta yoga teacher training classes in New York. The teacher training classes happen in nearby locations like Maryland from time to time, but they are not very many. You can check the Internet for other areas that offer Ishta yoga teacher training classes. The teacher trainings in Ishta yoga promote individuality and help each person define and discover their own path.

For many individuals just beginning teaching will help improve their flexibility and also improve the way they teach and learn. The Ishta yoga schedule may include injury management, restorative yoga, pre-natal yoga, Sanskrit, anatomy, yoga history, Tantric philosophy, pranayama, postural alignment, asana, meditation, and much more. The teachings are based on ancient Indian teachings, but they also consider the modern approach and perspective to yoga. Though this style of yoga is not as popular as the other forms of yoga, it is still considered of great value because of the respect it has towards the history and lineage of the origin of yoga.

Power Yoga Tips And Benefits

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:17:17 +0100

There are many different forms of yoga and Power yoga is one of them. Power yoga is a term coined in the West and it describes a vigorous fitness based approach to the Vinayasa style of yoga. The word “power” in the phrase describes the intensity this kind of yoga involves. Most of the exercises in Power yoga are modeled on the Ashtanga style of yoga. Both these kinds of yoga (Power and Ashtanga) use the Vinayasa poses.

Vinayasa poses link together the principal poses in a yoga class. Unlike other forms of yoga, Power yoga does not follow any particular sequence. This means that any Power yoga class can vary widely from the next. Variety is the key difference between this form of yoga and the others. This form of yoga works with free flowing power yoga poses. This kind of yoga helps to increase one's strength and flexibility. It also helps in building one's stamina. The different Power yoga poses make power yoga workouts very challenging and also put one's mental, physical and emotional abilities to the test.

More About Power Yoga: This term 'power yoga' was coined somewhere in the mid 1990s, when yoga teachers in America were looking for ways to make yoga accessible to yoga students in their country. But unlike Ashtanga yoga, this form of yoga does not follow any set pattern of postures. So no two power yoga workouts are the same. Power yoga asanas are interesting and different and very popular in the gyms of America.

Yoga teachers Bryan Kest and Beryl Bender Birch are often credited for creating power yoga. Both these teachers had studied Ashtanga yoga under the master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Power yoga exercises are intense and free flowing while the traditional yoga exercises are about meditation and stretching. Baron Baptiste is another name associated with power yoga. He has his own unique style and this is taught by certified teachers.

Power yoga practices can vary from one teacher to the other. Power yoga exercises generally appeal to people who are already physically fit and enjoy exercising.

Power Yoga Practice: Power yoga moves and exercises have been invented to strengthen the whole body and develop on a person's willpower. These workout are known to burn calories, improve the muscle mass, reduce fat and increase the Basal Metabolic Rate. People often do power yoga for weight loss. It is generally recommended to do power yoga workout about thrice a week and for 45 minutes each time. Before you start doing power yoga postures to burn calories, you may want to speak with a medical practitioner.

Power yoga is an impressive form of practice with very stimulating styles. This is of course, the American way of doing Ashtanga yoga or their interpretation of it. The core of Power yoga is about a vigorous workout that builds muscles and gets people to sweat. This form of yoga is not for calm, mild or moderate yoga students, and for those who love a fast-paced workout. It is also advised to learn this form of yoga from a qualified Power yoga teacher and not attempt it on their own.

In power yoga, the practitioners hardly stop between the poses and the practice happens in one smooth flow. This is quite like a forceful and powerful aerobic regimen. Power yoga is quite popular with sports enthusiasts who enjoy a strenuous workout and like exercises that can balance various muscle groups.

Hatha yoga is commonly known as just "yoga". This kind of yoga is also referred to as Hatha Vidya which means the knowledge of hatha. This type of yoga has originated from the healing traditions of India. Hatha is made up of two words: "ha" meaning sun or the solar channel. This refers to the masculine active energy. "Tha" means the moon or lunar channel which represents the feminine, receptive energy. The two words when combined together mean forceful. Yoga means to yoke or join two things together. Hatha yoga therefore means the joining of the masculine and feminine energy together.

Power yoga workouts are designed to strengthen the entire body, develop one's willpower and to fortify one's mental outlook. Such workouts help to burn calories, increase the Basal Metabolic Rate, improve lean muscle mass and reduce the fat content in one's body as well. It is advisable to do such a workout at least 3 times a week. The work out should last for about 45 minutes. Do check with your medical practitioner before starting out on this workout.

The Ashtanga form of yoga was made popular by K. Pattabhi Jois. This kind of yoga involves synchronizing one's breath with a progressive series of yoga postures. Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous form of yoga. This form of yoga is traditional and is popular with many athletes.

Power Yoga is one of the impressively stimulating Yoga styles that, primarily, is the result of the American interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga. Power Yoga is the ultimate sweat generating, muscle-building vigorous workout.Power Yoga exercises are not for the mild, calm or even moderate types of students. It is certainly not for those coming it from a beginner's point. They too would be well advised to be careful about throwing themselves into it without very good instruction. Ideally, a good Power Yoga teacher can cater to such newcomers, too.

As against other forms of Yoga, in core power yoga there is very little or almost no stopping between yoga poses. For this reason, it is a powerful and forceful aerobic workout regimen. A lot of sports enthusiasts take up Power Yoga because of its ability to balance opposing muscle groups. This lets ease a number of - if not all - sports pains and injuries. However, it is also true that the word Power yoga does not automatically compare to a full on exercise session. A lot of folks employ the term. However they are yet are mindful of the passionate internal power that comes with the practice. A lot of people come to Power Yoga carrying with them the impression that 'good workout routines' are what this practice is all about.

Oftentimes, such folks end up realizing that not only has a strong work session been accomplished but what is happening is that life changes start tiptoeing in. These changes, likewise, correct their perception of workout to work within. That is the magic of Power Yoga. Power Yoga teachers and instructors who recognise this fact, underscore their approach accordingly. They, subsequently, help enhance the Power Yoga experience for people whose early agenda was a strong, perspiring session. What more can you ask for?

Power Yoga Tips

· If you are pregnant or suffer some ailment, then it is advisable to speak with your doctor before signing up for a class. You must also speak with your yoga instructor, if you have joined a class or planning to. The teacher at the class will be able to tell you which poses you should attempt and which ones to leave out.

· It is believed that an early morning practice of Power yoga is supposed to be very beneficial for yoga students. Do speak with a yoga expert before you try it though.

· It is advisable to wear comfortable and sweat absorbent clothes while practicing power yoga. Also, work with a yoga expert instead of learning the postures through a DVD or book.

· Try to follow a series of exercises and concentrate on every posture.

· Do not over exert while doing power yoga. Try to follow the slow and steady mantra when you start doing Power yoga.

Benefits of Power Yoga

There are several benefits of power yoga. Here are some.

· It is known to flush out the toxins from the body through sweat.

· Power yoga can heal problems like acidity.

· Power yoga also helps people lose weight and get fit. It is known to increase the capacity of the body to burn calories.

· This form of yoga is also known to deal with menstrual problems and hypertension.

· Power yoga postures can make your body more flexible, increase strength and stamina.

· It also strengthens the immune system and improves the blood circulation.

· Power yoga workouts also improve a person's concentration.

Does power yoga help us for weight loss?

Power yoga is considered to be one of the best tools for weight loss because of the fact that it combines the bone structure benefit of yoga as well as the high energy that is required to burn the excess calories in the body. Just like any form of yoga though, hatha yoga for weight loss, hot yoga for weight loss and power yoga for weight loss all depend significantly on making sure that you perform the posture properly. As a result, taking the help of a trained yoga instructor is likely to be of great benefit. It is also imperative to use the spiritual and mental side of yoga when attempting to lose weight.

Power yoga is considered one of the most beneficial forms of yoga to lose weight. With one hour of power yoga the calories burned could go up to 300 and therefore this is one of the most useful tips for weight loss. Bikram yoga or hot yoga is another form of yoga that also helps you to shed those pounds. Bikram yoga aids weight loss as this type of yoga exercises are performed in a room that is heated to 105° F. This makes the body sweat and therefore helps to lose the extra calories. However, this weight loss is only temporary and not permanent. Hatha yoga for weight loss is another type of yoga that is well known among people. One hour class of this yoga burns around 100 calories. However, weight loss with this type of yoga is only possible if you take at least one class a day.

What is power brain yoga?

Many people turn to yoga as it benefits, the mind and body. Some even practice yoga to increase brain power.Power brain yoga is a type of yoga which is derived from Power yoga. If you are looking for a kind of yoga to increase brain power, then opt for power brain yoga exercises. In Power brain yoga, the instructor places an emphasis on holding a particular pose for a longer period of time. Doing this kind of yoga to increase brain power involves practicing it daily for at least five days a week. Certain lifestyle changes will also have to be made in order to attain the benefits of power brain yoga.

How many calories burned during power yoga workout?

Power yoga is one form of yoga that has gained popularity over the years. The word "power" in Power yoga refers to the intensity of the power yoga poses that this type of yoga advocates. A power yoga routine is different from other yoga routines. This is because unlike other forms of yoga, power yoga poses do not follow any specific series of poses. With the help of power yoga the calories burned are more than the amount one would burn doing normal exercises. This is because power yoga poses place emphasis on developing endurance, stamina and strength. Most of the power yoga poses are based on the Ashtanga style of yoga. About 300 calories are burned during a one hour power yoga routine.

What is core power yoga?

Core power yoga is a kind of yoga that is based on Power yoga. Power yoga, is in turn based on the Ashtanga style of yoga. Core power yoga poses are vigorous poses which help to give your entire body a complete workout. There are three main programs in core power yoga. These are:-

1. Core power: This could be described as core strengthening yoga as it focuses on strengthening the core muscles around the spine and pelvis

2. Unlocking Athletic Power: This program develops strength while placing an emphasis on the abdomen, hips, and back

3. Soul of Strength: This has some challenging exercises for both the mind and the body

What is Pilates power yoga?

Power yoga is well known as the Western version of Ashtanga yoga. Power yoga moves are more intense than other yoga moves, hence the name given to this kind of yoga. Power yoga moves place emphasis on the flow from one pose to another. This kind of yoga also emphasizes on executing the yoga poses well. This is attained in this form of yoga by holding the pose longer. This in turn helps to improve the flexibility and endurance of the person practicing these power yoga moves. Core power yoga is an energetic yoga exercise and this is both mentally and physically challenging.

Tantra Yoga

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:32:58 +0100

Rather than limit itself to any one branch of a tree, Tantra Yoga studies the whole tree of life itself. This tree is a microcosm, a great organization of miscellaneous essentials all connected together by a uniting law (called the dharma), which is intrinsic in their very nature. Tantra Yoga makes an attempt to understand this law.

The purpose and objective of Tantra Yoga is to develop awareness in all states of consciousness. This may be waking state, dream state or sleep states. To achieve this sort of deprogramming and reprogramming of the human computer becomes necessary. Our being born in a certain place and time is responsible for our fundamental programming. This is further impacted by heredity and environment. If we are satisfied with the outcome and continue living our lives devoid of many problems, then there is no need for transformation of any sort. But when we go through a lot of trials and tribulations in life or start to look for something beyond our limited program then we require some way to modify it.

Tantra Yoga offers the line of attack as well as the means and devices for this. Tantra Yoga tutors us in identifying the wide range of factors that impact our thoughts and feelings. It helps us rise above the impediments to our development, particularly those cropping up from ignorance, intolerance, attachment to our animal nature, and selfishness. By purifying our thoughts and feelings with the help of these Tantra Yoga techniques and methods, we learn to create peace, harmony, and order within ourselves. Tantra Yoga thus inculcates a centeredness, concentration and focus, which help us to release our consciousness from limitations.

What is Tantra according to hindu philosophy?

Yoga is an ancient Indian form of meditation and exercise that deals with the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of an individual's life. According to Hindu philosophy, tantra involves the practice of various spiritual exercises and techniques to achieve spiritual liberation. In that sense tantra and yoga are similar. However, tantra yoga is a fairly odd statement as the tantric practices tend to differ quite a lot from yoga. However, there is a branch that deals with how to practice tantra yoga. Tantric yoga is an extremely intense and advanced form of yoga where all physical barriers and inhibitions are done away with.

What is Pancha Makara in Tantra?

The term pancha makara is used to describe the five practices performed as a part of tantric prayer. These are wine, meat, fish, gestures and sexual intercourse. These five aspects were used to as dual meanings referring to important aspects of life such as speech, good company and spiritual union. The term tantric massagepanchamakara is most of the times misinterpreted. Perhaps one could apply sensual panchamakara as a part of the process of achieving true union which is described as the fifth aspect of panchamakara. This is only one aspect of panchamakara. However, the aspect of union between two bodies is of great importance in tantric yoga.

How to understand Tattwa Elements in Tantra?

The understanding of tattva elements depends on one's spiritual leanings. Tattva elements in Hinduism are differently applied when compared to similar practices in Buddhism. Even within Hinduism and Buddhism there are many different interpretations for the tattva elements and their importance. There is also the interpretation of tattva which applies to the Jain religion and to their practices. Therefore, the interpretation of this aspect is purely individual based on what the person believes in and practices. The pancha tattva elements or five tattva elements are air, water, fire, earth and spirit. The tattva elements for spirit are represented by an oval shaped depiction.

Does Tantra Vasugupta help to awake kundalini?

Vasugupta is a sage who is credited with authoring the Shiva Sutras. The tantra Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta are believed to have been taught to him during his meditations and during dreams where he is said to have been in contact with Shiva. The Shiva Sutras are thus considered to be of holy origin and not a human product. The terms tantric massage Vasugupta and sensual Vasugupta are misinterpretations of the teachings of Vasugupta. The tantra Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta are meant mainly for the spiritual salvation of human beings. This is done through the attainment of liberation from the physical form.

What is Tantra Massage? Is is sensual?

The term tantra massage is used to describe massage techniques that are sexual in nature designed to provide the ultimate pleasure and relaxation to one's partner. The yoni massage is used on a woman's vagina whereas the lingam massage applies to the penis. These massage techniques are well described and are used to provide intense pleasure to one's partner. A sensual massage is important from the aspect of human bonding. Thesensual massage is also important to bring one's partner to a state of heightened pleasure where spiritual satisfaction is achieved through physical actions. The prostate massage technique is an extension of a sensual massage and is performed through the anus.

Anusara Yoga Poses

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:41:15 +0100

The Sanskrit word Anusara literally means to follow or flow after. It also means to flow with grace, to go with the flow, or go with the follow of the heart. This is an integrated style of Hatha Yoga that is unique, inasmuch as it combines a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment. Anusara Yoga is an inspiring and enriching experience. You manage to discover your individuality and creative self-expression through its practice. Further, Anusara Yoga enhances and reveals to the practitioner the beauty of life; helps unveil one’s innate goodness, build and empower self-esteem. At the same time you feel light-hearted, playful, and joyful creativity rising within you. You also feel yourself empowered by the revelation of your Divine nature.

The technique of Anusara Yoga is differentiated from other forms of Yoga, by the incorporation of several elements, which are common in every class:

Anusara Yoga consists of over 250 poses (asanas). Almost all of these asanas are commonly practiced in the foremost Hatha Yoga styles around the world. Anusara Yoga includes all the fundamental asanas within the major categorizations of poses. This includes standing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists, hand-balances, inversions, and restoratives.

In Anusara Yoga you are encouraged variations of the basic asanas as a full expression of your human spirit.

· Even though in Anusara Yoga there are no fixed routines with regard to posture, sessions are designed based on principles of sequencing. One of them has to do with gradually sequencing poses to help participants of all levels proceed in their practice.

· Anusara Yoga sessions end with Shavasana, meditation. Alternately, they might conclude with a quiet centering within oneself. This is done to help participants absorb the teachings better and honor the spiritual experience of the class.

· Participants leave with a blessing or a reminder on how to continue to exemplify the heart theme “out of class” in their daily life.

· Eventually, all participants leave an Anusara Yoga session feeling better about themselves, empowered by the revelation of their Divine nature.

Basic Yoga Exercise

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 07:23:00 +0100

There are a numbers of contemporary physical culture systems. All of them are designed to develop the muscles through mechanical movements and exercises. However, Yoga is different, inasmuch as, it considers the body a vehicle for the soul on its journey towards perfection. Yoga's physical exercises are specially developed to build up not just the body, they even broaden the practitioner's mental faculties as well as spiritual capacities.

The Basic Yoga exercises are Surya Namaskar, spot jogging, rapid forward and backward bends, sideward bends, sideward twists, neck exercises, shoulder rotations, hip / waist twists and knee rotations. Then there are hundreds of Yoga poses called Asanas, a term that literally means steady pose. This is due to the fact that the Yoga Asana (or pose) is supposed to be held for a while. Then again this is a rather advanced practice; to start with, the concern is just to enhance body flexibility.

Your body is as young as you keep it lithe and supple. Yoga exercises lay stress on the strength and fitness of the spine, its endurance and litheness and elasticity. The spinal column is home to the 2 important keys of the body: the nervous system and the telegraphic system. By maintaining the flexibility and strength of the spine through Yoga exercises, body circulation is enhanced and the nerves are guaranteed their supply of nutrients and oxygen.

Yoga Asanas also influence the working of the internal organs and the endocrine system. Conventional Yogis practice Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation, prior doing the Asanas. Even though there are literally thousands of Asanas (8,400,000 going by scriptures) the practice of the 12 - 20 basic postures is enough to deliver the essence as well as all major benefits of this wonderful system. The rest of the advanced benefits may be derived through the practice of breathing exercises (Pranayama).

Tantra Yoga

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:04:09 +0100

Tantra Yoga is a holistic technique of studying of the macrocosm from the point of view of microcosm. It is the study of the universal through the study of the individual. Tantra Yoga brings into play all the sciences - astronomy, astrology, numerology, physiognomy, physics, chemistry, alchemy. Further it is also inspired by Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India), psychology, mathematics, geometry, so on and so forth. All this in a bid to provide a practical means of realizing the highest ideals of philosophy in daily life. Rather than and categorize the different areas of human knowledge, Tantra Yoga pulls them together. Rather than limit itself to any one branch of a tree, Tantra Yoga studies the whole tree of life itself. This tree is a microcosm, a great organization of miscellaneous essentials all connected together by a uniting law (called the dharma), which is intrinsic in their very nature. Tantra Yoga makes an attempt to understand this law. The purpose and objective of Tantra Yoga is to develop awareness in all states of consciousness. This may be waking state, dream state or sleep states. To achieve this sort of deprogramming and reprogramming of the human computer becomes necessary. Our being born in a certain place and time is responsible for our fundamental programming. This is further impacted by heredity and environment. If we are satisfied with the outcome and continue living our lives devoid of many problems, then there is no need for transformation of any sort. But when we go through a lot of trials and tribulations in life or start to look for something beyond our limited program then we require some way to modify it. Tantra Yoga offers the line of attack as well as the means and devices for this. Tantra Yoga tutors us in identifying the wide range of factors that impact our thoughts and feelings. It helps us rise above the impediments to our development, particularly those cropping up from ignorance, intolerance, attachment to our animal nature, and selfishness. By purifying our thoughts and feelings with the help of these Tantra Yoga techniques and methods, we learn to create peace, harmony, and order within ourselves. Tantra Yoga thus inculcates a centeredness, concentration and focus, which help us to release our consciousness from limitations. What is Tantra according to hindu philosophy? Yoga is an ancient Indian form of meditation and exercise that deals with the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of an individual's life. According to Hindu philosophy, tantra involves the practice of various spiritual exercises and techniques to achieve spiritual liberation. In that sense tantra and yoga are similar. However, tantra yoga is a fairly odd statement as the tantric practices tend to differ quite a lot from yoga. However, there is a branch that deals with how to practice tantra yoga. Tantric yoga is an extremely intense and advanced form of yoga where all physical barriers and inhibitions are done away with. What is Pancha Makara in Tantra? The term pancha makara is used to describe the five practices performed as a part of tantric prayer. These are wine, meat, fish, gestures and sexual intercourse. These five aspects were used to as dual meanings referring to important aspects of life such as speech, good company and spiritual union. The term tantric massage panchamakara is most of the times misinterpreted. Perhaps one could apply sensual panchamakara as a part of the process of achieving true union which is described as the fifth aspect of panchamakara. This is only one aspect of panchamakara. However, the aspect of union between two bodies is of great importance in tantric yoga. How to understand Tattwa Elements in Tantra? The understanding of tattva elements depends on one's spiritual leanings. Tattva elements in Hinduism are differently applied when compared to similar practices in Buddhism. Even within Hinduism and Buddhism there are many different interpretations for the tattva elements and their importance. There is also the interpretation of tattva which applies to the Jain religion and to their practices. Therefore, the interpretation of this aspect is purely individual based on what the person believes in and practices. The pancha tattva elements or five tattva elements are air, water, fire, earth and spirit. The tattva elements for spirit are represented by an oval shaped depiction. Does Tantra Vasugupta help to awake kundalini? Vasugupta is a sage who is credited with authoring the Shiva Sutras. The tantra Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta are believed to have been taught to him during his meditations and during dreams where he is said to have been in contact with Shiva. The Shiva Sutras are thus considered to be of holy origin and not a human product. The terms tantric massage Vasugupta and sensual Vasugupta are misinterpretations of the teachings of Vasugupta. The tantra Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta are meant mainly for the spiritual salvation of human beings. This is done through the attainment of liberation from the physical form. What is Tantra Massage? Is is sensual? The term tantra massage is used to describe massage techniques that are sexual in nature designed to provide the ultimate pleasure and relaxation to one's partner. The yoni massage is used on a woman's vagina whereas the lingam massage applies to the penis. These massage techniques are well described and are used to provide intense pleasure to one's partner. A sensual massage is important from the aspect of human bonding. The sensual massage is also important to bring one's partner to a state of heightened pleasure where spiritual satisfaction is achieved through physical actions. The prostate massage technique is an extension of a sensual massage and is performed through the anus.

Learning Yoga The Iyengar Way

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 06:13:46 +0100

To begin with, Iyengar Yoga is learnt through the thorough study of Yoga poses(asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama).

Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar has organized in excess of 250 classical yoga Asanas and several different types of breathing exercises from the easy pranayamas to the extremely difficult ones. They have been arranged and classified in such a way that the beginner can advance surely and safely from basic practices to more advanced ones as they increase their flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind, body and spirit.

When it comes down to it, Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga concentrates particularly on 3 aspects. Right body alignment lets the body develop pleasantly in an anatomically right manner so that the practitioner experiences no pain or injury while practising. Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar has also improvised the use of props to assist the body in doing the poses properly.

Even though the therapeutic benefits of Yoga poses and breathing exercises have long since been established Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar’s constant stress on right body alignment and working techniques have advanced the therapeutic aspects of Yoga, particularly in the West. As a result the practice of Iyengar Yoga will often bring about cures, especially from aches and pains, enhance body posture etc. Further, taking a cue from the natural results, Iyengar Yoga is now widely used to treat many a variety of ailments.

Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar starts teaching the student Pranayama once has established a firm foundation in asana. This is because, physically the student needs the alignment, flexibility, lung capacity and training so important for sitting and breathing properly while doing pranayama. Pranayama has innumerable benefits including toning up the digestive, circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems, activating the internal organs and developing a feeling of energy and calmness. Above all it also puts the mind and senses under the control of the individual and makes prepares him for of meditation.

Nada Yoga

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:06:54 +0100

Nada Yoga involves experiencing the subtler vibrations caused by the internal music and sounds of the body. By tuning in to these sounds, a practitioner is able to attain a state of complete silence and peace.

Nada yoga is more of an experiential form of yoga and hence one can delve into it without any intellectual understanding of the practice.

According to the philosophy of Nada yoga, there are external and internal sounds. External sounds are those which originate from elements outside the body, while internal sounds are those which come from within the body. Through the practice of Nada yoga, a practitioner is able to hear the external sounds as well as the natural sounds that emanate from within.

Practicing Nada Yoga

It is quite easy to practice this style of yoga. Nada Yoga training is focused on sound and hence the practice requires music. You can choose from various options such as Indian classical music or sounds of nature such as the humming of a bird. It is important that the music is relaxing and helps to induce a sense of calm. Avoid any music or sound that is harsh on the ears. Also, instrumental music is necessary since any music with words or voice may limit the meaning of the music. In Nada Yoga meditation, one should use only the sound to access the inner sentiments and thoughts.

Nada Yoga sessions

In a Nada Yoga workshop, the practitioners simply sit and focus on the music in the background. This is done for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. It is best to listen to the same form of music for a while. Once this becomes a habit, you will be able to hear the external sound and also tune in to the subtler inner sounds from within. Nada yoga practice enables you to get in touch with your inner spirit with the help of sound. This has a calming effect on the mind and is even known to sharpen the listening skills.

Most practitioners prefer to engage in Nada yoga practice from midnight till the early hours of the morning since there are minimal external sounds during this time. Most also find it an added benefit to close their eyes and switch off the lights. This kind of practice is not restricted to only meditation sessions. Certain lifestyle changes such as healthy, balanced diet also assist in bringing about physical and mental peace.

Information on Vinyasa Yoga

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:32:33 +0100

If you’ve tried conventional Yoga practices and found them too slow, you probably need Vinyasa Yoga. This is because you are, without any reason, losing out on the wonders of Yoga. Vinyasa Yoga is so fast it can make the practitioner’s head spin. The word Vinyasa stands for breath-synchronized movement. Meaning to say, here the guru instructs the pupil how to proceed from pose to pose on an inhalation or an exhalation.

This method – sometimes also referred to as Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow owing to the smooth way that the poses flow one into the other, like a dance – is fast catching up as one of the most popular forms of Yoga in the West. The Sun Salutation sequence is the basic and simplest example of Vinyasa Yoga. In every sequence of vinyasayoga poses, all movements are performed on an inhale or an exhale. So, in a manner of speaking Vinyasa is a term that covers a broad range of Yoga classes.

This style still facilitates loads of variety. Then again, it will – more often than not – include the Sun Salutation sequence. Vinyasa yoga classes have a lot of movement, not merely stretching. Whether, the sessions are conducted slow or fast, whether they include mantra incantation or not, depends largely upon the teacher. Some very popular Yoga styles, like Ashtanga and Power Yoga employ the Vinyasa technique. However they tend to be listed on a class schedule by their specific names.

When used as a noun, Vinyasa expresses a series of three poses performed as part of a sequence. When your Yoga instructor tells you to go through the Vinyasa at your own pace, he or she is telling you to perform the Phalahnk asana, Chaturanga asana, and Adho Mukha Svanasana.

Vinyasa’s strength lies in its variety. No one philosophy, rulebook, or series tell it all. Hence there is lots of scope for individual personalities and idiosyncrasies to figure in. all the more reason why you should find a Yoga instructor you can relate to.