...The ancient Yogis created a science of breathing, which we know as Pranayama, but very often new Yoga students do not see the higher value in this practice. The new Hatha Yoga student may only see a value in the physical Yoga postures.

Therefore, it is up to Yoga teachers to guide their students toward happiness with the aid of Pranayama. The body and mind become linked, in awareness, through the steady practice of Pranayama.

Awareness brings about a realization of the true value of life, but Pranayama is the driving force, which opens the gateway to happiness, euphoria, and tranquility.

Happiness transcends far beyond power, money, material, and lust, but many people confuse it for a one dimensional possession. Money and power can help or destroy us. The choice is up to us, because in reality, we are only the temporary custodians of money and power...more

Yoga - Torture Or A Holistic Holiday?

...Despite its apparent relaxing qualities, Yoga has never really appealed to me. Twisting my body into unnatural shapes and then trying to stay still is not my idea of relaxation. I come out of Yoga classes feeling disgruntled with my inflexibility and with several aches and pains! Needless to say, I have long since given up on perfecting the art of Yoga and have instead settled for sporadic trips to the gym and the occasional home workout video.

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Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - Crow

...The Crow (Kakasana, sometimes called Bakasana)

"Kaka" means crow (a large black bird with a loud cry) and "Baka" means crane (a tall water bird with very long legs). The body in this pose resembles that of a bird, thus the names, crane or crow. The Crow is a moderate inverted balancing posture, which builds strength in the upper extremities (arms, forearms, elbow joints, hands, wrists, clavicle, and scapula) and gives you the confidence to begin work with the Headstand and the Handstand. The Crow requires courage (to risk falling on your nose) and hip flexibility (to brin...more

Yoga instructor training - Yoga and Sciatica

...ressing on the sciatic nerve. women who already have sciatica before getting pregnant will suffer an increase in symptoms during their pregnancy.

For anyone with sciatica and especially pregnant women, it is important to keep a slight bend in the knee during any forward fold. As mentioned previously, it may be best to avoid these types of poses. If the student is comfortable doing these poses, make sure they are modified to avoid further pressure on the sciatic nerve roots.

poses suggested for sciatica suffers are the cat-cow pose and pelvic...more

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