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The practice of yoga, especially asana and pranayama, not only supports our structural physical health, but also the internal physical health of our organs. One particular internal benefit of yoga is the support of digestive health, governed by the Manipura Chakra....
One of the most fundamental, yet often overlooked, characteristics to cultivate during yoga practice is groundedness. Even teachers can assume that students are grounded during class simply because they are standing, but without a proper ground, the asana, or posture,...
In yoga class we are presented with an array of yoga postures, or asanas, each pose fitting each body differently. For example, one person may find comfort in downward facing dog while another person finds the pose greatly challenging. Throughout the class, each...
Sometimes all we want is a nice quiet space to practice yoga. We come to class and set down our mat in the perfect spot—with plenty of space in every direction. We enter a relaxing posture as we wait for class to begin. Then, someone sets down her mat to our right, closer than we might like. Then, someone else sets their mat down to the left, closing in. Soon, the entire room fills up with mats squeezing closer and closer together until it seems like no one else could possibly fit—until someone else does.
Continuing our Pranayama focus this month, we move to the cooling breath, or Sitali Pranayama. The Sanskrit word sita means “cool,” describing the refreshing effect of Sitali. Usually this breath is practiced in the summertime as a way to cool the body, but during the...
Corpse Pose or Final Relaxation by Jennifer Arnold sava: corpse asana: pose/posture instructions: 1. Lie on your mat and extend your legs out long with your heels a little wider than your hips. 2. Take your arms about five to eight inches away from your torso and turn...
Seated Wide-angle Forward Fold by Jennifer Arnold upavista: seated kona: angle asana: pose/posture instructions: 1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bring your hands to the ground beside your hips and lift up tall through your spine. 2. Open...
Revolved Seated Forward Fold by Jennifer Arnold parivrtta: revolved, reverse paschima: back uttana: stretched out asana: pose, posture instructions: 1. Sit on the ground with your legs stretched straight out in front of you. Bring your hands to the ground beside your...
benefits:
Increases flexibility in the spine; opens the chest; strengthens the back; stimulates thyroid, kidneys, and adrenals; improves digestion; teaches alignment and movements required for deeper backbends.
benefits:
Increases circulation to spine and abdominal organs; improves flexibility in spine, hips, and torso; strengthens legs and abdominal muscles; helps to relieve back pain; develops balance and concentration.
benefits:
Stretches legs, hips, spine, shoulders, and wrists; strengthens legs; tones abdominal organs; develops balance and stamina; improves circulation; quiets the mind; relieves anxiety and nervous tension.
benefits:
Strengthens and stretches the muscles in the legs, back body, and torso; brings openness to the sides of the waist; massages the abdominal organs; flushes the spine and abdominal organs with fresh nutrients; relieves fatigue; removes sluggishness; calms the mind and brings a sense of groundedness.
benefits:
Strengthens and stretches the legs, spine, and back muscles; opens the hips, chest, and shoulders; calms the mind, brings a sense of groundedness, strength, and balance; helps improve function of reproductive and digestive organs.