How Yoga Can Benefit Your Health - Yoga for Stress Relief, Pain Management & Weight Loss

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What is Yoga?

Yoga began in India 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The term yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines, and is associated with meditative practices in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In Hinduism, it also refers to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, and to the goal toward which that school directs its practices.

About 5 million people in the United States do yoga. Dance, stretching, and exercise classes often incorporate yoga components into them. In addition, many modern health professionals recommend yoga to their patients to increase flexibility, manage pain, or as part of an overall health and wellness plan.

The branches of yoga include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. Raja Yoga, compiled in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and known simply as yoga in the context of Hindu philosophy, is part of the Samkhya tradition. Many other Hindu texts discuss aspects of yoga, including Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Shiva Samhita and various Tantras.

There are several types of yoga. Hatha yoga is often shown on television, as well as taught in programs such as those offered at your local recreation center or YMCA. It is often referred to as "yoga for health." Hatha yoga has three parts: a series of exercises or movements called asana (poses or postures in English), breathing techniques of all kinds, and relaxation.

Outside India, the term yoga is typically associated with Hatha Yoga and its asanas (postures) or as a form of exercise. Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy is called a Yogi.

This lens will provide general information on the various branches of yoga, as well as the potential health benefits from its practice. It is provided for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on an exercise program.

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Is Yoga Right for You? 

Unlike many other activities and exercises, yoga is suitable for almost anybody at any age and in any condition. There are very few other forms of exercise that this statement can apply to.

Most people will find some form of benefit from doing yoga, particularly if they do so consistently, and follow the correct techniques.

From sedentary individuals to professional athletes, yoga can help to improve so many aspects of your life -- it alleviates stress, increases flexibility, promotes circulation, improves balance, and brings peace to the mind and body. It is likely that you will see many positive changes in your life from doing yoga on a regular basis. It is simply one of the best forms of relaxation available -- and it will certainly change the way you look at exercise forever.



Yoga is also appealing because it is extremely economical -- you don't need a lot of expensive equipment or a health club to practice yoga -- it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. It's no real surprise that many people are turning to yoga to help them to create balance in their lives. There is much to be gained, both physically and emotionally, from practicing yoga.

Recent years have seen a surge in the popularity of yoga as more and more people begin to understand the benefits that it can bring to their lives in many different areas of physical and mental development.

Almost a quarter of the population of America is using some form of stress relief to try to bring about a balance in their life due to the pressures of modern lifestyles. Naturally, yoga is at the forefront of giving them a solution to their problems -- simply and effectively.

The reason yoga and meditation are so popular is because of the fact that they have been shown to be among the most effective ways to reduce stress and bring about the balance that people are searching for.

It's not surprising to find that most people who do yoga regularly begin to notice the health benefits in their lives. The enjoy increased energy level, their sleep patterns improve, and they find their bodies are more flexible than ever before. Quite often, individuals who are regularly practicing yoga begin to make other lifestyle changes, such as improving their diets.



Yoga creates a powerful, positive energy force within us, and brings the body and the mind into greater harmony with one another. Yoga eliminates imbalance and promotes relaxation, and brings about a growing desire to live a healthier life. It opens up the mind to more opportunities, and allows us to achieve higher levels of success.

Easy Yoga Kit
This complete kit serves as both a welcome gift and as a springboard for beginning your own yoga practice. Designed for beginners, this kit has everything you'll need to get started! Kit arrives in a colorful box, complete with Wai Lana's Beginners and Toning yoga videos, Yogi Mat, yoga strap, and a six-month membership in Wai Lana's online Relaxation Club. Mats are available in blue, green, or purple.

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Namaste Yoga 5-Minute Preview 

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Is Life Stressing You Out? 

Consider the Health & Relaxation Benefits of Yoga!

A Vacation for Mind, Body, and Spirit
You've finally found a REAL step-by-step guide that will give you an easy to understand explanation of how to release your inner stress and start living life again.

With today's high stress lifestyle, there are literally millions of people around the world with an inordinate amount of stress in their life, and, like you -- they feel overwhelmed -- like there is no way out.

You aren't alone.

It Won't Simply Go Away on its Own
Stress and anxiety affects more than your emotions -- it impacts your physical health as well.

The good news is that there is a simple way to alleviate those pressures -- allowing the daily stressors of our lives to simply melt away -- recharging your batteries in just a few, relaxing moments each day.

It May Seem Impossible, But...
With a simple strategy of basic Yoga techniques and focused meditation, you will begin to feel the stress leaving your body, leaving you with balance, peace and stability to take on the challenges you face each day.

Give yourself the gift of health and wellness, and take control over your stress before it takes control over you!

Inside this Guide, You'll Discover:
  • The many different styles of Yoga
  • Basic postures and positions of Yoga
  • How to maximize your relaxation space
  • How to meditate for both health and wellness
  • How to stop tension headaches using Yoga techniques
  • Use Yoga to relieve menstrual cramps
  • How to squeeze Yoga into your work desk
  • Much More!

Don't put off peace of mind for one more day. Discover how you can achieve relaxation, and a sense of wellness unlike you've ever experienced before -- all with the implementation of these basic Yoga techniques and exercises. You will gain immediate access to this ebook -- no matter what time it is. Simply click on the link below to claim your copy for just $12.50.



Become a Yoga Instructor or Open Your Own Studio 

As a yoga teacher you will have a rewarding career where you have the opportunity to grow personally while being of service to others.

Why Teach Yoga?
By teaching yoga, you can help people increase their flexibility and strength, enhance their self-awareness and have a sense of unity with all life. You can provide your students with the opportunity to experience feelings of joy and peace.

Yoga's many benefits are attracting the large "baby boomer" population, a group with money to spend and increasing leisure time.

According to data released by Yoga Journal, about 7.5 percent of U.S. adults now practice yoga and one in seven non-practitioners intends to try yoga within the next 12 months.



The Opportunities Are Abundant!
Yoga is now offered in nearly every gym and health club. As a yoga instructor, you can express your own creative spirit through your classes. You might choose to specialize in any of the following:

  • Yoga for physical fitness
  • Yoga therapy
  • Spiritual yoga
  • Prenatal or postnatal yoga
  • Yoga for kids
  • Yoga for couples
  • Corporate yoga
  • Yoga for seniors
  • Workshops or retreats
  • Private yoga lessons

If you start your own yoga business, you will have the freedom to set your hours and decide which days you will teach and which days you will not. You can also be an integral part of your community.

If being a yoga teacher sounds like the career of your dreams, the Guide to Become a Yoga Teacher is for you. In this e-book you will discover how you can get hired as a yoga teacher or start your own yoga business.

Author Sandy Hennessy is a multi-certified yoga teacher who took up the practice of yoga at the age of 49. In this guide she shares advice from her own experiences (she was trained in yoga in the United States and India), plus career and business advice from other successful yoga teachers.



The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone who wants to become a yoga teacher, including:

  • Preparing Yourself to Teach Yoga
  • How to Plan and Teach Yoga Classes
  • Getting Hired as a Yoga Teacher
  • How to Start Your Own Yoga Studio
  • And more! (including free updates)

Save Hundreds & Reduce the Learning Curve!
It can cost hundreds of dollars to take courses on starting a business, and chances are they will not include specific information about opening a yoga studio. The Guide to Become a Yoga Teacher contains some of the best business advice you could get from other sources, and more.

The information in this yoga teacher guide can save you many hours of research and experimentation, help you avoid some common mistakes, and give you advice you need to get a job as a yoga teacher or open your own yoga studio.

If you believe you deserve to have the career of your dreams, this guide is for you. It gives you what you need to know to become a yoga teacher or open a yoga studio. The book is available as an immediate ebook download, and can be in your hands within moments of your purchase.

Don't miss the opportunity to have the career of your dreams -- get started on the path to becoming a yoga instructor today!

Ultimate Yoga Kit
Wai Lana weaves ancient wisdom with modern practicality, making the ancient science of yoga accessible and appealing to people from all walks of life. Wai Lana's latest Ultimate Yoga Kit provides all the tools necessary for a complete fitness workout: Yogi Mat - full-size and latex-free; Yoga ball - anti-burst and latex-free; Double-action air pump for faster inflation; 27 beautifully illustrated yoga ball exercises; Wai Lana Yoga Toning Workout video; Yoga block - 4 inches for added stability; Yoga strap - 6-foot; Illustrated poster of beginner yoga poses; and a 6-month membership in online Relaxation Club.

 

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Determining the Best Type of Yoga for Your Needs 

Yoga


Ashtanga Yoga: This type of yoga is commonly called "power yoga" because it is focused on a powerful flowing movement.

Such movements include pushups and lunges, which deals with strength and stamina. Ashtanga Yoga is best for people who have successfully overcome back injuries and are looking for more challenging movements.

People who are already athletic such as runners, gymnasts and cyclists who want to add more balance and concentration to their routines are also utilizing Ashtanga Yoga.

Bikram Yoga: Bikram Yoga is also known as the "hot yoga," as it is practiced in a very warm room. Bikram Yoga is excellent for increasing flexibility, because the heat helps tissue to stretch. Bikram Yoga is not recommended for those that suffer from cardio vascular diseases, as it will place undue stress on the body.

Viniyoga Yoga: Viniyoga Yoga links breath and movement in flowing exercises that are adapted to each individual. Viniyoga Yoga is a good choice for those with back problems or neck injuries, because it can be easily adapted by anyone.

Raja Yoga: Raja Yoga aims for liberation through meditation. Raja Yoga is recommended only for those people who are capable of intense concentration.

Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is commonly known as devotional yoga. Bhakti Yoga focuses on self-surrender in the face of the divine.

Mantra Yoga:Mantra Yoga is typically referred to as the "yoga of potent sound." Mantra Yoga aims at liberation through the verbal or mental repetition of empowered sounds, such as "om," "hum," or "ram."

In order to find the best yoga experience for you, it is recommended that you meet with an instructor before a class. This will allow you to discuss the instructor's philosophy and beliefs beforehand, and determine if they are a good match for you.the most appropriate and personally appealing form of yoga for you. Of course, there are a great many helpful courses available, as well as books and DVDs that would allow you to practice yoga from the comfort of your own home.

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Yoga For Weight Loss for Beginners: DVD 

Yoga For Weight Loss for Beginners

Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 12/05/2009)Buy Now

Customer Review:
"Having done yoga both with videos and in a class, I found this video to be a step above most other yoga videos. It is arranged in three sections, each having multiple workouts. The first section is designed for beginners, with one section teaching a basic set of poses, and two sections with flow-style practices of varying length. That is, the poses flow from one to the next for continuous, slow movement. The pacing is great - slow enough to allow good form in each pose, but fast enough to allow you to move along with the breath, as you breath in and out. However, it is clearly not "remedial," and includes poses requiring some flexibility, balance, and strength (e.g., downward-facing dog with one leg raised, as well as some balancing poses). If someone lacks flexibility or strength, I'd definitely recommend starting instead with "Essential Yoga for Inflexible People," which a friend tells me is perfect for beginners. The second section (the one I use the most) is a little more challenging and also has several different flow-style practices that vary in focus (arms, legs, total body) and length. It's surprising how much your heart gets beating and you really feel your muscles working. They are the ideal every-day workout. The third section is an interesting twist - yoga along with light weights or a resistance band to get even more strength training work. Again, there are several different practices that vary in focus and length. Very clever and fun. The instructions on how to work in each pose are extremely well done. Usually, the biggest downside to learning yoga from a video rather than a well-conducted class is that you can't get individualized instruction, and so you can learn the poses incorrectly and not get the full benefit of the practice. However, the instruction is so well-done that I found this video to instead help me refine and improve my use of the various poses. Finally, the filming is simply beautiful, with a gorgeous ocean landscape. This is quickly becoming my favorite yoga video!"

 


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Helpful Tips for Combating Stress 

Stress is taking its toll on a lot of people. In the newest "Stress in America" survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of Americans say they are increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family's basic needs. Eighty percent say that the economy is a significant cause of stress.

Stress is the body's response to the demands of the world. There are two basic kinds of stress, acute and chronic. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute stress is your body's immediate reaction to a significant threat, challenge or scare. It's the classic fight-or-flight reaction. Job interviews and fender-benders are examples of stressors that can cause acute stress.

Chronic stress results from long-term exposure to acute stress. Stressors that can lead to chronic stress are often the day-to-day pressures that don't seem to let up - work problems, relationship issues and financial troubles.

Chronic stress can lead to physical problems such as headaches, fatigue, back pain, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, sleep problems, stomach upset and decreased immunity.

It can also affect your behavior, resulting in angry outbursts, over- or under eating, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, relational conflicts and drug or alcohol abuse.

According to the APA, the health consequences of extreme stress are most severe when people ignore symptoms and fail to manage their stress well.

Here are some ways that you can manage your stress:

Identify how you experience stress. Everyone experiences stress differently. You might get irritable, or have a hard time concentrating. Perhaps you get headaches or muscle tension. Keep track of your stress symptoms for several days to give you a better idea of how you respond.

Know your stress triggers. It's important to know where your stress comes from. If you know, you can take steps to deal with the cause and not just the symptoms.

Find healthy ways to manage stress. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends putting together a stress management plan, with methods such as:

Physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which promote good moods and positive thinking. It also increases blood flow to the brain and body, helping you feel better and think more clearly.

Relaxation: Music, meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques help calm the body and the mind.

Reaching out: Interacting with others lets you get your mind off your troubles and lift your spirits. It also keeps you from feeling alone. Talking with friends or professional counselors can be a good emotional outlet and a healthy way to work out problems.

Taking care of yourself: Good nutrition and adequate rest go a long way toward giving your body what it needs to deal with stress. Junk food may feel good for a few minutes, but healthy food will help you feel good for a lot longer.

Stress is normal and something everyone experiences. But if you're undergoing chronic stress, you can take steps to deal with it in healthy, positive ways.

- courtesy family features

Yoga for Stress Relief: DVD 

(With The Dalai Lama)

Yoga for Stress Relief (With The Dalai Lama)

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/05/2009)Buy Now

Customer Review:
"I have to confess I had become a lapsed Hatha Yogini. After years of practice, a few intervening accidents and life intervened and my Hatha Yoga practice was sacrificed in the caldron of daily life.

While I was aware of my body absorbing the toxins of people's nasty attitudes, violence on TV and in the newspaper,etc, I chose to persist in the exigencies of my work and studies ignoring the calls of my ailing body.

In that my work and study centers around stress relief and I am a student of the Dalai Lama, I decided to check out this video.

In my experience this is one of the best yoga videos among the now 1,055 yoga videos now listed on Amazon. It combines meditation instructions from the DVD A Path to Happiness by the Dalai Lama and a host of stress relief combinations from gentle awakening to more vigorous awakening to working on what malady our bodies are using to signal us that we are out of balance.

The instructions are clear and concise without undue explanation. (For students who seek more understanding of the poses, the videos of Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, John Friend and many others are out there.)

The instructions are for the average person. There are no Sanskrit names. There is excellent attention to proper alignment, appropriate focus and attention and use of props. Her breathing instructions are the best that I have heard from any yoga instructor.

As I practiced these routines I could literally feel toxins depart, my stiffness start to leave and my "energy" flow more freely.

This is the video of a seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner and yoga practitioner. If you want to learn complex advanced poses and their Sanskrit names, don't buy this video. If you want to detoxify, and restore balance to your life, this is the video for you."

Yoga Promotes Relaxation 


Yoga, Postures And Chakras


Being relaxed is a natural state that both the mind and the body should be in as much as possible. Many people no longer realize this as they live from one day to another in a state of anxiety brought about by fast living and lifestyles that don't allow enough time to unwind and enjoy life as it should be.

Yoga is one of the best ways to relearn this natural state for those people who have forgotten what it is like to be relaxed and feel free from all the burdens we bring upon ourselves.

By correcting your breathing techniques and allowing for relaxation to embrace your being, you will also allow the energy to flow through your body reducing fatigue that many people seem to have accepted as part of their life.

It is unnatural to be constantly fatigued -- chronic fatigue is an affiliction that affects a great number of people. Among the many benefits that such individuals will gain from yoga exercises is the ability to better cope with life's stresses -- they will be able to remain more relaxed and focused as they are faced with life's obstacles.



Even those who feel that they "don't have time" to do yoga will be surprised at the results achieved within just a few moments of adjusted breathing, stretching, and yoga poses. Those few minutes that you take each day to perform the simplest of yoga exercises will give you the energy to achieve more throughout the day, will also help you achieve more restful sleep at night.

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Soothing Sounds for Meditation & Relaxation 

Listening to meditation music not only helps the mind to calm and focus, but it also helps to block out sounds that would distract you from your yoga or meditation session.

Create your own zen retreat with relaxing sounds on MP3. These featured selections were chosen specifically for this content.

Browse a collection of soothing and relaxing music and sound effects while you are reading this lens. Simply click on the graphic to begin.

 



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Discover How to Start Your Own New Age Business! 

Manifest Your Dreams While Helping Others
Imagine people looking to you for guidance in an inspiring retail environment that you have created. Imagine you have manifested your dream of opening a New Age store and are now attracting grateful customers and greater prosperity into your life -- all while serving a growing community.

As the success of the best-selling book and DVD The Secret has shown, people are hungry for information and inspiration to help them achieve what they want in life. The desire for greater awareness led millions of people to participate in online classes on A New Earth, led by Oprah Winfrey and author Eckhart Tolle in 2008.



When you open a New Age store, you will have the luxury of selling the types of products you want to. You will have the freedom to make your own choices and express your own creative spirit.

For example, you might choose to specialize and open a New Age book shop or a New Age gift shop focusing on stones, crystals, candles, and incense.

Or you might choose to offer a wide variety of New Age products that allow customers to find that special gift for a loved one, or to experience good health, happiness, and harmony themselves. As the owner of a New Age store, you could sell:

  • Angel items: figurines, posters, books, jewelry
  • Books: health, healing, psychic development, past lives, and meditation
  • Candles: spell, meditation, decorative, for religious services
  • Cards: angel, animal medicine, tarot, oracle
  • CDs: music, healing, meditation, self-help
  • Crystals: both healing and decorative, from small to huge amethyst cathedrals
  • Divination tools: dowsing rods, pendulums, crystal balls, I Ching, runes
  • Essential oils: cinnamon, spearmint, grapefruit, patchouli and more
  • Fabrics: wall hangings, tapestries, bags, clothing
  • Feng Shui: wind chimes, coins, water fountains
  • Gift items: fairies, pixies, sprites, decorations, key chains, mugs, magnets, shirts
  • Herbs: packaged with instructions, sold by weight, for both healing and magical
  • Household items: prayer rugs, yoga clothes, humidifiers, Celtic cloths, candles, salt lamps
  • Incense: all scents in cones, sticks
  • Jewelry: silver, stones, wire-wrapped, pendants, crystals
  • Rocks and Stones: all kinds, a variety of sizes

In addition to selling products at your New Age shop, you can increase your revenue by teaching classes, hosting special events, and renting space to healers.

There are many benefits to creating your own New Age store, in addition to making your dream come true. You will grow personally. You will become the expert in all that you offer to your clients, and you will find new ways to influence your world, and those who inhabit it. You can also earn a good living doing what you love.

If opening a New Age Store sounds like the career of your dreams, the Guide to Become a New Age Store Owner is for you. In this e-book you will discover how you can start a successful New Age business.

In addition to working with a New Age store and other metaphysical businesses, author Pamela White also teaches workshops and seminars on a variety of New Age topics. In this guide she offers insider tips and expert advice from successful New Age store owners and experts.

You can have all this and more for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds of dollars to take courses on starting a business, and chances are they will not include specific information about how to open a New Age store. The Guide to Become a New Age Store Owner contains some of the best business advice you could get from other sources, plus much more.

It can save you many hours of research, help you avoid some costly mistakes, and give you information you need to open your own new age store. This guide can help you open a store more quickly and most importantly, more profitably.

If you believe you deserve to have the career of your dreams, this guide is for you. It gives you what you need to know to open a successful metaphysical or New Age store. Don't miss the opportunity to have the career of your dreams. You can gain immediate access to this ebook, no matter what time it is. To learn more, or to secure your copy, click here.

AM/PM Yoga For Beginners: DVD  

(with The Dalai Lama & 10 + Routines)

AM/PM Yoga For Beginners (with The Dalai Lama & 10 + Routines)

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 12/05/2009)Buy Now

"Customer Review:
"This DVD has been a life saver! I have a some family issues and stress at work that have literally caused me to loose sleep and be tense throughout the day. I have tried sleeping pills, but I don't like the side effects. This DVD has helped me get a good night sleep again. It's so simple but effective. I only wish I tried this years ago and I could get all those hours of sleep back. I have begun doing the morning workouts as well and my overall calm during the day has been greatly enhanced. I am giving this DVD to several people for X-mas!"

 


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Traci Hayner Vanover, aka The Promo Diva®, is a freelance writer, coach and consultant that specializes in working with small businesses and startups.... (more)

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