Yoga Archives...
Return
to Stillness
In
a world of information overload, the yoga practice of pratyahara
offers us a haven of silence.
By Judith Lasater
During
my first few months of yoga classes, the teacher taught us to
backbend deeply during the first step of Sun Salutation. Not
only were we encouraged to bend backward deeply, we were also
taught to drop our heads back as far as we could. Occasionally
a student would pass out in the middle of the movement. Luckily,
no one ever hurt themselves in their fall to the floor. I was
intrigued to discover that other students in the class perceived
the fainting not as a physical problem, but as some form of spiritual
event. Download
Word Doc.
Yoga for Back Care
by Elise Browning Miller
Up to 85% of American adults experience back pain at some point
in their lives (Andersson 1999).
As we age, ligaments and tendons shorten and joint range of motion
(ROM) decreases. Disks lose their ability to absorb shock, muscles
weaken, and bones lose mass. To add to these inherent biological
weaknesses, we spend too much time sitting—in cars, at desks
and in front of televisions or computers—and our back muscles
weaken. Bad posture makes matters worse. The low back, which bears
much of the burden, is particularly prone to disk problems. Download
Word Doc.
Yoga
Before or After Weight Loss?
I am 48 years old, 80 pounds overweight, and new to this
whole thing. I always wanted to begin yoga, but friends
say I should forget it until I lose weight.
Is this true? —Rita
Download Word Doc.
Breathing
for Relaxation
How
simple breath work can lead you to a deep state of relaxation.
Beginning students often ask for instructions on the "right" way
to breathe. Alas, there's no single answer to that question, since
the optimal breathing pattern at any given moment depends on the
type of practice. — By Claudia Cummins
Download Word Doc.
In
the Mood
If
you've lost the desire to practice, these ideas will help rekindle
your passion for yoga. "There should be a Yoga Inspiration
Hotline for those who have gotten away from the practice, call
me: 714.421-0477
Hip
Parade
Hips too tight? This unusual sequence creates
balance in your pelvis and can unlock even the most stubborn hips.
Standing in chair pose for what seems like hours-legs quivering,
arms aching—I'm sweating bullets...er, I mean, "building
heat." I'm thinking, "Will this ever end?" and then, "How
does this pose help open my hips?" — By Andrea Ferretti
Download Word Doc.
Spine
Savers
Back
bothering you? Join the club. Better yet, try these poses. Physician
Loren Fishman still recalls clearly the day 30 years ago when he
found his calling. Not yet a doctor, he knew that he wanted somehow
to help people in pain.— By Melanie Haiken
Download
Word Doc.
Back
Talk
The
course of yoga you choose for sciatica depends on the cause of
your condition. Before turning to yoga, you should meet with a
doctor to determine what's causing your sciatica. Sciatica is defined
as pain caused by irritation or pressure anywhere along the sciatic
nerve. The nerve extends from the sacrum, between layers of the
deep buttock muscles, and then into the deep muscles of the back
of the thigh. — By YJ Staff
Download
Word Doc.
