The ultimate guide to Yoga

It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale. Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced. In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.

Top 5 Myths About Yoga:

1. Yoga is a Form of Physical Exercise:

This is perhaps the most common view of yoga. That it is a form of physical exercise. This certainly needs to be clarified and I am going to provide some details about true yoga practice in order to do this.

Yoga is actually has 8 parts to it, with the physical aspect being just 1. These 8 parts, include yoga dos, yoga don'ts, physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises, sense control, concentration, meditation and divine union.

So you can see from above that although the physical aspect of yoga, which is called asana, is an important part of yoga, yoga as a whole is certainly more that just a series of postures and movements. Yoga is essentially a spiritual science whose objective is to still the mind of thoughts, so that the truth of Oneness hidden behind the waves of the mind can be clearly seen and embraced.

2. Yoga is a Religion:

The other extreme and incorrect view on yoga is that is it a religion. Commonly yoga is considered part of Hindu religion, but yoga is not a religion. It is a time tested spiritual science with the goal of revealing the true nature of reality. As indicated above, yoga practice is a step by step process with the end goal of calming down the thought waves in our mind and thus prevent them from distorting the truth.

3. To Practice Yoga You Must be Vegetarian:

There is a notion floating around that in order to practice yoga you must not eat meat and be a vegetarian. This is not true. Although there are tremendous benefits to being vegetarian and this is being more and more validated by the mainstream medical community, there is no requirement of vegetarianism in order to practice yoga.

One point I would like to add here is that, vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates and it certainly would be to your benefit to reduce meat intake, nevertheless, you don't have to be vegetarian in order to be a great yogi.

4. You Need to be Initiated by a Guru:

I have also come across this notion that many believe you need to be initiated and have a guru in order to learn and practice yoga. This is not true. According to yoga, the true guru is within and although it would be to your benefit to learn yoga from an accomplished teacher, this is not a requirement.

5. You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga:

Not so. No doubt yoga will improve your flexibility, along with your strength, balance and overall health, but in order to practice yoga you do not have to be flexible. Yoga is designed to be practiced by all.

Different bodies have different degrees of flexibility and in this case one size does not fit all. For most of the complex yoga posture which require great flexibility to do, there are plenty of modifications which allow you to get the same benefits for those who are less flexible. In fact one of the original reasons I took up yoga because I was not flexible and wanted to improve this aspect of my physical dimension.

Summary:

So there you have the top 5 myths about yoga. Essentially, what these myths do is prevent people from taking up this wonderful science. So if you feel you will have to change faiths, find gurus, stop eating meat or are too inflexible to take up yoga practice, you are wrong. Don't pass up the wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this amazing science, which helps you discover your true divine and eternal nature.

There are a lot of yoga poses and you might wonder if some are still exercised and applied. The answer is yes. Yoga poses function and perform differently. Each pose is designed to develop one's flexibility and strength.

Here are some of the yoga poses that are commonly used:

Standing Poses

Standing is one of the important yoga poses. This type of pose is helpful in aligning your body and your feet. This is also very useful in improving and maintaining a good posture. It is an advantage because if you have a bad posture, your backbones can be stretched and straightened without noticing it. Standing poses helps in giving strength to your legs and at the same time increase elasticity in your legs and hips because they are all connected to each other.

Seated poses

These types of yoga poses increase your lower back and hip's flexibility. This also strengthens your back. This adds suppleness to your knees, groin, ankle and most especially your spine. Another advantage is that it helps you to breathe in deep which gives you that calm and peaceful feeling.

Forward Bends

This type helps you in stretching the hamstrings and your lower back also strengthening it. This lessens the tension found in your neck, shoulder, back and increase flexibility in your spine. Calmness is also achieved in this type of pose.

Back bends are amazingly helpful in opening your chest, hips and even the rib cage. This is helpful in strengthening and making your arms shoulders stronger. At the same time, it simultaneously increases your flexibility and elasticity in your shoulders. The great thing is that it helps to relieve the tension from the front of your body up to your hips and it increases your spinal ability. Your spinal cord is one thing that is important in your body so you need to take good care of it.

Back Bends

Notice that the forward bends are challenging because the exercise gives you a nice feeling and it can cause to fix some injuries. In this type of position, you can use a prop like the strap or the black because it will be very helpful.

Balance

Balance poses are very challenging. People who do yoga get too excited in performing balances. This is good because the fun that the person acquires helps him to live up his spirit and enlighten his soul. Balance is helpful in improving your posture. In improving your posture, the spinal cord is elongated which helps to keep yourself from some injuries and falling over.

Balance helps in training your ability to focus on your main goal and attention. However, attention should be obtained in the ultimate level because if your concentration is weak, for sure you cannot perform this type of pose.

Balance is one of the yoga poses that people truly appreciate and exert effort for. Along with the balance poses comes the twist which extremely releases tension all over your body. The tension in your spine is made clear. Twisting may seem to be hard to obtain. It is important to execute twists on both sides of the body so that the balance and alignment is obtained.

Taking note of these yoga poses will help you get along with yoga perfectly. Keep in mind that concentration is your main key if you want to be successful in doing these yoga poses.

Designed by Bikram Choudhury, these twenty six series of Bikram Yoga posture exercises methodically move oxygenated, fresh blood to the entire body, to every fiber and organ, repairing every single system to a healthy working condition, as nature has designed it to be; the result, toned muscles, proper weight, great sense of well-being, and an energetic good health.

There are numerous benefits of Bikram Yoga and its twenty six asanas; however, here are some of the most asked about areas on benefits of Bikram Yoga postures:

Pranayama Breathing

This gives mental relaxation, and works on the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems of the body, as well as detoxification of the body.

Half Moon Pose

This posture helps ease constipation, lower back pain, bronchi stress, stomach obesity, frozen shoulders, and scoliotic deformities. Other benefits of Bikram Yoga half moon pose include working out the pancreas, colon, and kidneys, as well as working on the trapezius, hamstrings, deltoid, and pectoralis major.

Eagle Pose

The benefits of Bikram Yoga eagle pose includes helping the pelvic area to open, alleviating knee arthritis and joint pain, strengthening the lower limbs, relieving sciatica, and improving flexibility of the ankles and toes. It also works on the deltoids and quadriceps.

Standing Bow Pose

This Bikram Yoga posture boosts circulation to the lungs and heart, perks up spine elasticity through spine compressing, assists with lower back pain, and opens lungs and diaphragm.

Triangle Pose

This Bikram Yoga pose is good for the kidneys, and it helps in chemical imbalances of the system, as well as helping in alleviate constipation, colitis, spondilitis, menstrual disorders, hip and back pain. It also gives cardiovascular benefits, as well as working on the circulatory, immune, muscular, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Tree Pose

The tree pose creates knee and hip mobility, helps alleviate inflammation of the lower back, and releases tension of the abdominals.

Toe Stand

This Bikram Yoga posture creates balance in mind and body, strengthens weak joints and stomach muscles, as well as helps with knee problems, arthritis, or gout problems.

These are just some of the benefits of Bikram Yoga postures which deliver total health through strengthening and balancing every system of the body to prevent injury, illness, and limit the effects of aging.

These days, as people find solutions to their weight problem, they have found an exceptional way of losing weight in yoga. Of course it is never easy to change ways of disciplining the body, especially if it entails having the proper diet of vegetarian foods and complex yoga postures to increase metabolism and burn fats; however, it can be the best approach, as it is a form of losing weight gradually without the sudden weight loss that results to skin sagging and other problem

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Yoga is a path for developing potential. Many people who come to yoga for the first time are interested in changing negative lifestyle habits and are searching for increased energy and better health. Yoga offers strength, awareness and understanding, enabling us to enjoy exploring our potential. Inner awakenings are commonly experienced by people during regular yoga practice, giving renewed strength to tackle challenges and pursue aspirations previously put aside due to lack of confidence and fear. There are many tips given by many professionals. Here are some useful tips and you can get much benefit from this:

Practice

It is best to practice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and when the mind is peaceful and the external world is quiet. However, if this is not possible, any time put aside to connect with yourself in yoga is the right time, whether that be in the morning, day, afternoon or evening.

Lightness

Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. If this is not possible, allow at least two hours after eating before practice, so that your stomach is light.

Comfort

Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing made of natural, non-synthetic fibres so that your skin can breathe through the fabric. Don't wear shoes or socks so that you have maximum contact with the ground. If possible, practice in a warm, dry environment out of direct sunlight and wind. A flat surface is good for balance and it helps achieve correct alignment.

Props

You can use yoga props to help get into some of the yoga postures and also to help hold them comfortably. Props can help with balance, coordination, stretching forwards, opening the chest, inverting and twisting.

Sacred Space

Find a quiet place away from any possible distractions to ensure a focused yoga practice. Do not answer your phone and tell your family or housemates you're not to be disturbed. Be with yourself totally.

Breathing

Always breathe through your nose, unless it is blocked. Practice deep, full, slow inhalation and exhalation breaths. Aim to make the inhalation time equal to the exhalation time. Follow the breathing instructions given with postures. Using the breath in practice will deepen your experience of the postures and will also help to prevent injuries. Use the inhalation to lift and extend and the exhalation to soften and release downwards.

Safety

Be sensitive and listen to what your body needs. If you are menstruating, avoid inverted postures or those that are going to make you feel tired. If you are pregnant, consult a prenatal yoga teacher for postures specifically designed for the safety and comfort of you and your baby. While the practice of yoga is beneficial to health and wellbeing on many levels, if you have a known or suspected illness or disease, consult a medical professional before attempting the yoga postures and see a remedial yoga teacher for postures that will suit your individual needs.

Becoming Aware Of The Breath

The breath is the giver of life. As we inhale, we not only draw what the physical body needs, but we also take in an essence of life known as prana. This all-pervading life force, which is available to us at all times, is the subtle energy that feeds our soul. Prana gives us inspiration and connects us with our higher or true self. Therefore, we need to breathe well and deeply. And fundamental to the practice of yoga is deep, full breathing.

Everyday people are reporting their wonderful experiences on health benefits of Yoga, the transformation of being, taking you beyond the here and now. In one great session of Yoga, people get to practice a number of things; some Yoga poses (asanas) breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and chanting. In Yoga you get to learn basic terms like Mudras, Bandhas and Chakras. Best of all, Yoga is fun and soothing while, at the same time, being delectably challenging to beginners.
It seems like a hot new trend, but yoga in fact began more than 3,000 years ago in India. The word yoga is Sanskrit (one of the very old languages of the East). It means to "yoke," or unite, the mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga for kids is an excellent way for a child to exercise and has many other benefits for a child's health. Not every type of yoga can be used as yoga for children though. It must be taken into consideration that children's' bodies are still growing and cannot cope with the strenuous exercises of intense yoga sessions as it can affect both their bodies and minds. There are, however, a number of program created especially for children who utilize the more gentle poses and breathing exercises from a number of special types of yoga . Yoga classes for children can be a very rewarding movement as it can help self-conscious children become more aware of the things they can do.
Benefits of Yoga

Brings down stress and enhances power of relaxation
Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
Bestows greater powers of meditation and self control
Inculcates impulse Control
Intensifies tolerance to soreness and enhancing mental clarity
Boosts functioning of the immune system
Enhances posture and muscle tone
Improves blood movement
Results in healthy, glowing skin
Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life
Infuses a sense of equilibrium and internal harmony

Preventive Value
Yoga helps to bring natural order and poise to the neuro-hormones and metabolism in the body.
At the same time, these aerobics improve endocrine metabolism, thus providing you with a preventive shield.

Curative Value
Yogic postures activate the energies that have accumulated and stagnated in the energy pockets of the body - since left inert, these energies create various ailments.
Yogic exercises cleanse your body, mind and awareness by venting toxins from the body.

Types of Yoga Poses:
1. Seated poses - Seated poses are useful for practicing breathing exercises and relaxation or meditation techniques. Seated poses are also regularly used as a warm up or as a starting point for other poses. Performing seated poses can help get better your posture and open your hips.
2. Standing poses - Standing poses are often used as warm up or as a starting point for other poses. Standing poses are beneficial for intensification your legs, opening your hips and improving your sense of balance.

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The practice of yoga, as you may realize, has been around for thousands of years. Several researches have claimed it to be around for more than 5,000 years, actually. It was first developed in India as a philosophical practice that is centered significantly on obtaining union with the mind and body; hence it is named "yoga" from the Sanskrit word "yuj" meaning "to unite".

Of the many of types of yoga, the most well-known is the Hatha Yoga. This is the most popular simply for the reason that most people often associate this type with the general yoga practice. Also, hatha is one of the best types of yoga that provide the basics to the practice. It involves the basic yoga poses and movements, as well as the fundamental breathing techniques. The movements are slow paced and gentle, making this type really perfect for the beginners.

There are a number of techniques involved in yoga. These yoga techniques, however, share the same purpose of making all the organs in the body function as effective as they should be. The yoga techniques are performed involving several movements which may demand the joints, hands, neck, knee joints, and lower limbs to work.

On the yoga techniques, the so-called Lotus Position is the most basic. This technique is performed with you sitting on the floor. Once you've sat down, place your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot right on your right thigh. Just make sure that both of your knees are on the floor and the bottoms of your feet are facing upward. Don't bend your spine, instead keep it straight.

There is also the Kundalina Yoga which pays much emphasis on breathing techniques which are executed along with proper physical movements. It is this type actually which is more focused to the aim of freeing energy in the lower part of the body, allowing it to flow directly to the upper parts of the body. Of the types of yoga, kundalini is the one that considers the discovery and use of the effects of proper breathing on the poses as vital.

The sequences of ashtanga yoga are primarily based on the book entitled Makaranda. This ancient spiritual approach is an energetic exercise originally intended for the teenage boys. However, things have changed and is now been performed by individuals of all ages.

The term ashtanga yoga actually means eight limbs namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

Yama has five parts such as aparigraha (non- covetousness), brahmacharya (celibacy), asteya (not robbing), satya (honesty) and ahimsa (non- violenece).

Asana is a posture that focuses on breaking free from the tensions.

Pratyahara provides internal strength by getting rid of different manner of interruptions that will lead to the development of will- power.

Dharana begins with concentration which is integrated with meditation finishing off in samadhi.

Samadhi has four impediments namely abhinivesha (fondness of the world), asmita (egoism), avidya (ignorance) and raga- dvesha (all likes and dislikes).

Dhyana proposes that material attachment, gluttony, slothfulness and subtle yearnings are considered as obstacles.

Ashtanga Yoga is a specific area of yoga developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. This form of yoga can also be referred to today as the "Eight Limb Yoga". It is referred to that as it pertains to the eight spiritual practices.

The front four limbs pertained in Ashtanga Yoga are as follows: niyama, asana, Pranayama and yama. These are considered to be the externally correctable practices. The internally correctable set of practices are: dhyana, dharana, and pratyahara.

These limbs can all be corrected by using the yoga form of Ashtanga Yoga. However, this form of yoga can be quite stressful on the mind.

K. Pattabhi Jois concluded that practicing the eight limbs as well as it's sub-limbs is not probable. In doing so the body should be extremely strong so that the body can effectively perform the practices. If the body is not strong enough, and the sensory organs are incorrectly functioning then practicing will be of no use.

This is the theory of K. Pattabhi Jois. It is mandatory, so when doing her practices you make sure that your body and health will improve. When talking about Ashtanga Yoga, there are two styles that pertain to it. These styles are referred to as Tristhana and Vinsaya.

Vinsaya is a style unique to Ashtanga Yoga and helps separate it from the other majority of Yoga styles. Vinsaya pertains to the motion and breathing exercises which are used for internal body cleansing. Each physical action is accompanied by a single breath. When performing Vinsaya, the most important thing is sweating. When you are beginning to sweat is when you know you're doing the exercise correctly. When you are performing Ashtanga, your body starts to excrete toxins from your inner body, so the more you work out and sweat, the more toxins you're releasing from your body.

When performing Ashtanga Yoga you will learn and use three different poses.

1. The first is considered the primary series which aims at correctly aligning
and detoxifying your body.
2. The second is to help purify your nervous system.
3. The last is considered to be the advanced series and helps measure grace and
strength.

Tristhana is yet another yoga technique or principle used to represent three key things: posture, breathing technique, and finally Dristhi of the Looking Place. All three of these key things work together to perform a function.

Breathing techniques are a key practice in Ashtanga Yoga. They must be synchronized and it is important to use a single breath for every movement you make. Ujjayi Breathing is the form of breathing used in Ashtanga. Using this technique is mandatory and should be lengthened after each exercise. What you really need to do is hold your pose for a longer time while also holding your breath. This is a great breathing exercise and can help cleanse your body internally and help strengthen your nervous system.

Ashtanga is a great way for you to help cleanse and strengthen parts of your body. If you're looking for a great yoga workout for strengthening internally as well as helping strengthen your nervous system then Ashtanga would be a great choice for you.

Ashtanga is a Sanskrit word, which is created by joining two words, ashta and anga. Ashta means eight. Anga is translated as limbs or steps. Ashtanga Yoga refers to the eight aspects of Yoga practice. Yoga is union. Yoga is a tangible method of attaining liberation from suffering and ultimate realization of supreme consciousness.

The eight aspects of Yoga practice are Yama(restraints), Niyama(observances), Asana(posture), pranayama(breath control), Pratyahara(withdrawal of the senses), Dharana(concentration), Dhyana(meditation) and Samadhi(absorption).

The Yamas are the moral codes, which free the mind and life of a yoga practitioner from undesirable thoughts and feelings resulting from incorrect

actions. The Yamas include, Ahimsa(non-violence), Satya(truthfulness), Asteya(non-theft), Brahmacharya(preserving vital energy) and Aparighraha(non-envy).

The Niyamas are those thoughts and activities, which promote a state of mind, which is conducive to Yoga. The Niyamas include Saucha(cleanliness), Santosha(contentment), Tapas(heat), Svadhyaya(study of the supreme), Ishvara Pranidhana(surrender to the supreme).

The Asana practice is the gateway into the steps of Ashtanga Yoga. Asana practice, which includes Pranayama, returns the body to a radiant state of health and purifies the subtle energy body. This prepares the mind for meditation and encourages dis-functional behavior patterns to be abandoned.

The Ashtanga Vinyasa System, refers to a method of Yoga practice, which was described in the Yoga Kurunta, by Vamana Rishi. It includes hundreds of postures, which are sequentially linked by Vinyasa. Vinyasa is the breath-initiated movement between postures. Three actions are emphasized in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. Bandhas(locks or energy seals), Dristi(the gaze or looking place in each posture) and Oujaii Pranayama(a sound induced breath applied to both the inhaling and exhaling breath).

When these principles are applied continuously, the Asana practice reveals the culmination of Ashtanga Yoga.

Six Uses of the P90X Yoga Blocks

Yoga is one way of relaxing and enlightening ones mind. You may try yoga for relaxation but you may also use it as a form of exercise. The P90X included yoga in its program. The Yoga X in this program is a higher form of yoga that uses extreme yoga moves that work on you balance, elasticity, and endurance. These extreme yoga moves may require special yoga gadgets like yoga mat, yoga blocks, and many more.

The mat is useful in the floor exercises of yoga. The Yoga blocks are very essential in some of the yoga routines. This block is made with high-density, closed-cell foam and usually measures 4" by 6" by 9". The following are some of the possible uses of the P90X Yoga Blocks in and out of the yoga sessions.

1. You can use this block as a headrest when you are doing a floor or mat yoga exercise. This gives proper cushion and less tension on the head while doing or maintaining an extreme yoga position. Lying on a yoga mat without a block as headrest develops strains on your neck so this one is very useful in that position.

2. You can kneel on it. This block can serve as a perfect cushion for your knees while on your yoga session. This block does not easily deform even if your whole body is centered on it. It is made of special closed-cell foam so it can withstand your weight and its elasticity let this block to retain its original shape after you release its load.

3. You can sit on this block while doing a yoga meditation. The comfort of sitting in this block helps you endure longer yoga sessions. You will feel like you are doing you meditation on your bed.

4. You can use this block to support your back when doing back bends and stretches. Using this block as a support lessens the potential of incurring injuries or accidents. You can put this block below your back when doing slight bending while lying on the yoga mat.

5. After your yoga session, your yoga block still remains useful. You can use it as a pillow substitute. This will surely give you a comfortable sleep after hours of yoga session.

6. You can also use this block as a footrest while you are comfortably sitting on your sofa while watching TV. You can also use this special footrest on your bed when you are going to sleep.

The Yoga block is very important in doing any yoga activity. This block gives you comfort and safety while engaging on your favorite yoga. The use of this block intensifies you're your extreme yoga and you tend to endure more of it because of the comfort offered by the block.

Any exercise when done correctly would help in getting the proper results. Every part of the body would be rejuvenated by getting your exercise right. The yoga blocks used for doing yoga asanas would create extra strength which you need. This helps in doing most of your asanas without strain. Some of the asanas which can be done with the help of this foam is Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose),or use it to ground your lower hand in standing poses as well as a good support for your hips in bridge pose. The foam would reduce the distance of your hand from the ground making it easier to do the asanas easily.

You can get these blocks in different colors to suit your personality as well as according to your needs. These blocks are of great purpose as some of the poses which many may find it hard to do can be modified as it will get the floor closer to you. These are very lightweight and can be used on regular basis. These are easy to grip making it easy to handle the block. There are blocks made of cork too which are very durable and made of natural materials which make it environment friendly. These provide the comfort and support which is required for doing the asanas.

There are foam wedges which are also very important for doing the asanas. It is mainly used for keeping it under your heels while squatting or under the hips while doing forward bends. These foam wedges make the exercise easy and equally manageable. One can also use this to avoid the overstretching or pressuring your joints for poses such as facing dog or upward bow.

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