bikram yoga

Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the path of Physical Yoga or Yoga of Postures is the most popular branch of Yoga. Hatha Yoga considered the body as the vehicle for the soul. It uses Physical Poses or Asana
Breathing Techniques or Pranayama
Meditation in order to bring the body in perfect health and for the more subtle spiritual elements of the mind to emerge freely. The practice of Hatha Yoga will result to the union of the body and the soul
it aims to make the body perfect and fill it with life force.

Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is the path of heart and devotion or the Yoga of devotion. Yogis who practice Bhakti Yoga sees the Divine in everyone and everything he encounters. This lead him to develop love
acceptance and tolerance for all. Bhaki Yoga teaches a person to have a devotion to God and all things through devotion to life and love.

Raja Yoga
Raja means "royal". Raja Yoga is the path of Yoga that focuses on meditation and contemplation. It is based on the Eight Limbs of Yoga which was discussed in the Yoga Sutra. This Yoga path teaches deep self respect through self mastery. The self here is honored. Raja Yoga believes that the universe exists for the self
giving the self an illusion of centrality which results to self respect and respect for all creatures. Raja Yoga is also referred to as the King of Yogas
majority of its practitioners live in spiritual or religious orders.

Jnana Yoga
Jnana Yoga is the path of Yoga that deals with wisdom and knowledge or the Yoga of the mind. Jnana Yogis pays tribute on man's intelligence. They try to surpass limitations by unifying intellect and wisdom. Jnana Yoga tries to obtain existence beyond doctrine and ideological controversies by accepting all other philosophies and religion. It also uses an open
rational and curious mind in studying the spirit.

Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga believes that your present situation is based on your past actions. Karma Yoga is the path of service; it refers to the energy of action. This path requires you to be selfless. Performing a selfless service is the essence of Karma Yoga or consciously choosing a future that is free from negativity and selfishness knowing that your life is a consequence of your past actions. Karma Yoga practices try to change your action towards the good - good words
good thoughts
good deeds
in order to change your soul. By being selfless
you change your consciousness which leads to a change in your destiny.

Tantra Yoga
Tantra Yoga is the path of ritual and perhaps the most misunderstood path. Some may think of Tantra Yoga as sorcery
witchcraft
magic spell or some mysterious formula. Most people perceive Tantra Yoga as sexual. All of these perceptions are far from truth. Tantra is the knowledge concerning Tattva (Truth or Brahman) and Mantra (mystic syllables). It utilizes rituals to respectfully experience the sacred in everything we do
not just sex though sex is a part of it. It aims to expand our awareness in all states - whether awake or asleep. Tantra Yoga practitioners must have purity
humility
devotion
courage
dedication to his Guru
cosmic love
faithfulness
contentment
dispassion
non-covetousness
and truthfulness.

What you are about to read applies to teaching
in general. In fact
we are all teachers
to some degree. You teach your friends
co-workers
strangers and family members on a daily basis.

The example you set teaches someone in some way. Whether you are a positive role model
or not
people
and the world
react to you. Sorry to say
you have more responsibility than you thought possible.

Do you realize that when you hurt one person
it will set a chain of events into motion? Even worse is that
most violent acts were stimulated by smaller
seemingly unimportant events.

When you talk to your students
always show mutual respect. Don’t take advantage of your position as a Yoga teacher to temporarily feed your ego.

The first thing a Yoga teacher should instill
in his or her students
is self-motivation. The serious Yoga student must be a self starter. This is a person who practices Yoga at home
as well as in class. They don’t depend on their friends to come to class
and they show up like “clockwork.”

How can you make your Yoga students become self motivators?

You must show up to class early
enthused
and energized. Encourage all of your students and sincerely praise their achievements. The truth is
Yoga is like music
you can teach a student the basics
but to be a master teacher
you want to stir the creativity from within.

When your students become creators
you can help them refine their Yoga practice and watch them become self motivators.

A truly great teacher will produce teachers
who surpass him or her; and isn’t “passing the torch” what it’s all about?

Every yoga asana has been made with the intention of being useful to the different parts of your body. All the yoga asanas you would learn or must have heard about would be useful one way or the other. Viparita - would mean inverted
opposite karani would mean - in action
an act of doing. It is also known as the leg-up-the-wall-pose. Most of the yoga positions keeps your feet on ground but this position does the opposite
helping you ease up your muscles by the flow of blood from the leg to your head.

This inverted position leads to increase in blood flow to your upper body as well as to your brain which is very useful to maintain your blood pressure. The longer you be in this position it will be more beneficial to you. Your day long or week long fatigue would go away and gets you refreshed. It can be termed as one of the best medicines to revive you from the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue.

This helps in many ways to calm your nervous system which would have worn out by excessive use. This asana would help you in all the possible ways to restore your health. While doing this asana by concentrating on your testes or ovaries
it can prove to be very beneficial to your reproductive system. This asana helps you keep your strength and vitality intact. It prevents premature aging by giving you a wrinkle free skin. Your thyroid glands also functions with more energy to prevent any thyroid problems. It also lessens your menstrual discomfort.

While doing this asana do not stretch yourself too much. Start off with minimal seconds and then gradually and slowly increase the duration for ten minutes. People who have health conditions should consult their doctor before practicing these asanas. As many of these asanas have unknown facts which should be clarified.

Prenatal yoga is an exercise that is designed to promote breathing exercises
posture and emotional relaxation. This approach is often sought by pregnant women who are preparing for a natural childbirth or who wish to stay physically and emotionally healthy during their pregnancy. One of the many benefits of prenatal yoga is the lack of physical exertion that is required
which makes it a safe practice for many moms-to-be.

During the pain that is associated with a natural childbirth
prenatal yoga will attempt to promote proper breathing that will help to make the process an easier one. In addition
relaxation is essential during the childbirth process and although it can be difficult
prenatal yoga can help to teach women how to relax themselves as much as possible.

For some
prenatal yoga may be sought as part of a spiritual process that helps them to connect with their unborn child and/or prepare for the new arrival. In some cases
prenatal yoga may even be beneficial after the birth as it instills techniques that are associated with relaxation. As every new mom knows
there is a definite need for relaxation after having a child.

For some
prenatal yoga may help women to return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly than others. For most
this is a struggle that takes a lot of patience and determination. In general
yoga is an exercise that promotes physical fitness
relaxation
breathing
spiritual and emotional connections
etc.

If you are searching for a prenatal yoga class or instructor
the best place to start is through your physician. During your next visit
ask the doctor if prenatal yoga would be safe for you and
if so
who you could contact for instruction. Most physicians are aware of any local classes or instruction being given and will often be able to refer patients to a class that is most convenient for them. Most women prefer that the father of their child or a friend or family member attend prenatal yoga classes for support and guidance. Having someone familiar will also make the classes more enjoyable and relaxing for the mom-to-be. Before enrolling in prenatal yoga
it’s best to make sure that the instructor is licensed
certified or highly trained and experienced in teaching this type of relaxation method.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of
or in conjunction with
professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding prenatal yoga must consult their physician for further information.

Pranayama
also known as yogic breathing is the method of silencing the breath. Prana has been defined as the air which flows through the body. Pranayama is made up of three parts: controlled inhalations
controlled exhalations and holding of the breath. When you do all three parts
it is called sahita
while doing only the holding breath without the other two is called kevala. You should start with sahita till kevala comes into being. This is a technique that controls all that is associated with prana.

Our breathing is made of two acts of inhalations and exhalations. These acts are followed in cycles where inhalations and exhalations succeed each other
where you take in air into the lungs and then release some of it back from the lungs. In between the inhalation and exhalation
there is a short gap which usually escapes our attention. This act is called respiration and is usually completed in four seconds in the resting phase. We usually respire nearly fifteen times a minute. You can take in about 400 cubic centimeters or 0.4 liters in a minute. When you do deep inhalations
you take in additional 1.6 liters of air and 2 liters in all. At the time of deep exhalations
you throw out all these 2 liters of air but still your lungs contain another 1.5 to 2 liters of air.

Thus
the total lung capacity of the human body for a normal individual is about 5 liters. The amount of air that you can exhale through deep exhalation after a deep inhalation is called as Vital Capacity. Dividing this number by the weight of the body gives you the Vital Index
which shows the capacity to breathe as well as the vitality of the body and its efficiency in the body’s functions. Regular practice of yogic breathing has been shown to increase yogic breathing. This raises the vitality of the body and efficiency of the bodily functions.

Cultivating Positive Energy

Most of us who study Yoga have been taught that an abundance of Prana (vital air or vital energy)
can be found at the ocean
lakes
large open fields
and in the mountains.

Although the air is different
this same energy can be found where people assemble for a positive reason. For example: when people assemble to meditate or pray.

You can feel it in your home
at a church
mosque
temple
shrine
ashram
seminar
martial arts hall
etc. This is when people bond in a mass for the common good. The energy can be used to help humanity and our little planet for the best.
You can project this energy outward by acts of kindness every moment of your life. This is not to say
you allow yourself to be abused. You can be kind to everyone who comes into your life
without becoming a “doormat.”

You have influence over a limited number of people who you see in a day. Why not make every contact a harmonious and positive experience?

Some examples would be:

Stop making foul gestures
becoming angry
and swearing when another driver on the road has irritated you.

Don't take advantage of respect with anyone.

Treat everyone as special – no matter what their economic status.

In regard to your next question: What is the mystery behind attracting positive energy?

To be honest
there isn't one
but I will give you the formula.

Firstly
you have to realize that you have infinite potential
and it comes from within. You also have unlimited potential from the outside
when you engage in prayer
and meditation
on a daily basis. Prayer and meditation will positively charge you
and you will contribute to the benefit of others as a result of it.

In turn
all of this helping of others will result in finding people around you who are more than willing to give you a helping hand.

The following ideas will cultivate positive energy around you.

Make it a point to wake up in the morning with excitement and say hello to everyone you come into contact with. This goes for the security guard
janitor
maid
garage attendant
cashier at the store
and anyone you may overlook in the course of your day.

Stop criticizing your family members
co-workers
friends
and associates.

Be diplomatic first
before giving any advice.

Let your family know that you love them everyday.

Be sincere and treat everyone as important.

Take time to give to people. This doesn't have to be expensive. You could give a sincere compliment
a card
a letter
or flowers.
Become a trustworthy partner with family
friends
co-workers and associates.

Set goals - whether they are tangible or not. It is a healthy practice to have goals at any age. The final results will be that your positive energy will attract positively charged personalities and successful people will seek you out. If this is a major change for you
it will not happen overnight.

Let me share a related Zulu saying: “Patience is an egg that hatches great birds.”

Why should you become an eternal optimist?

Every one of us has a choice. When you fall down
you must pick yourself up. You can't blame life's hurdles or obstacles – you have to find solutions to get over
around
under
or through them.

Focus on your past achievements and learn to be happy with yourself. Everyone has failed
at some point
but we must constructively learn from our past experience.

Your individual approach
to life's daily obstacles
is the gateway to success or failure. Therefore
success is a matter of choice.

Building Positive Energy

In relation to what most of us see as possible - success is unlimited. When primal man first discovered fire
could he imagine the concept of a forge? When modern man discovered the forge
could he imagine sky scrappers?

To build positive energy for pursuit of common goals and success
you need a support group. Find and seek out like-minded people.

Once you have decided to practice yoga for better living and spiritual health
you need to take care of the following points so as to prevent injuries to your physical self:

• Physical condition of the individual: usually
it is recommended that people with normal health do yoga practice. But if you are suffering from some physical problems and are using yoga to cure it
you need to follow certain precautions since performing yoga practices without proper precautions may lead to harmful effects on the body. This is because the internal organs like the heart
lungs
kidneys etc. are involved and may get harmed if you do not practice yoga properly. Hence it is recommended that you follow the yoga techniques under expert guidance.

• Right advice: it is important for you to get the proper instructor to teach you the yoga techniques. Usually
people who choose the profession of a yoga teacher do not understand the scientific basis behind the yoga practice and just impose their opinions and likes and dislikes on the students. They bring an element of mystery
charge exorbitant fees and introduce rites and rituals which are not a part of yoga.

• Age and sex: yoga can be practiced by anybody irrespective of age and sex. However it is important to note that certain yoga techniques should not be followed under certain circumstances. Women
who are pregnant or menstruating
should avoid the poses which lay a great stress on the abdomen. Children below eight years should not practice any yogic technique but yogic breathing should be introduced only after twelve years. Very young and old should avoid the poses with the intense twists. After a certain age
avoid strenuous practice but you can practice pranayam
dhyana and simple postures.

• Place and surroundings: The place for yoga should be well protected from
animals
rodents and insects. If you choose the indoor room
keep it well lit and it should be airy. If you choose the outdoors
the surroundings should be quiet. But avoid the outdoors if it is cold
rainy or very hot.
The ground chosen should be plain and flat.

• Time: Morning is the ideal time for practice since it incorporates regularity
but evening time can also be chosen since the body is already warmed up. Your stomach should not be completely full. So if you have had a meal
you can perform yoga after five hours.

• Diet: Take simple and nutritious diet. Do not overeat. Keep chillies and spices to the minimum. It is not important to be vegetarians but do not eat more than your body’s requirements.

• Interval: it is advisable to be regular but if for some reason like a lot of work in office or sickness or any other reason you need to skip a day or two
it is fine. But once the reason is over
go back to your original routine. Avoid taking long and frequent gaps.

• Clothing: Choose light and loose fitting clothes. If you live in a hot climate
you can opt for the sleeveless shirt or a vest. However
in temperate climate
your clothing should offer protection against the cold weather but at the same time
they should not hinder your movements.

• The seat: Always perform the yoga practice on a mat or a carpet but never on an uncovered floor.

• The order of different techniques: When you are combining different techniques like surya namaskar
weight training etc. with yoga
keep a rest period of fifteen minutes between the two. Within the yoga practice
start off by postural techniques
followed by breathing techniques and the techniques of mental concentration in the mentioned order.

Pavan means wind
mukta means relieve or free and asana means pose. This asana is similar to many other yoga poses based on nature. It is being used to foretell the strength and power of the wind from within. It helps in removing the toxic gas present in your body. It creates space for fresh air in the body to create maximum utilization of the bodily resources.

This yoga pose would improve the digestive system very well. It would do real wonders to your stomach as the excess gas is being removed from the abdomen. The intestines also function better due to the removal of the gas. You can get rid of constipation by initiating this exercise in your life. The use of legs
hands and hips strengthens the hip muscles.

It is termed to be very useful for patients who suffer from sciatica and joint pains. It releases the muscles of the lower back creating an environment of relaxation for your body. The way this asana is performed it helps in massaging the colon. Any irritation with the bowel movement is also cleared while doing the asana properly.

This exercise stimulates your liver
small and large intestine as well as the spleen. The abdominal area is very well strengthened by the performing pavanamuktasana. Your sagging body attains a level of firmness to perk you up. The abdomen
thigh and hip area are toned while performing the asana. Our body is well equipped to produce acids; pavanamuktasana normalizes that level. It brings hydrochloric acid to a normal level.

Problems relating to acidity are averted. If you are facing any back problems that is also cleared. It is a good exercise for the abdominal muscles as it tones the abdominal wall making much stronger and useful. This wind removing technique helps the entire body. It purifies the impure air creating a fresh supply of blood to the entire body. Level of diabetes improves so does your blood pressure.

It may look simple and easy to perform this asana but do not get fooled by it. If need be you can take help of any of your friends or your yoga instructor while doing this asana. The key element about performing this asana is the inhaling and exhaling part. You should do this at least for three to five minutes.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas
it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents
who are considering Yoga for their children. For your child
Yoga is much more than a kid's fitness class. Just like adults -- kids need time to learn to deal with life's daily pressures
too.

Make sure your child starts with easy postures
and be patient with your child's progress. Some beginner children can often be more flexible than advanced adult Yoga practitioners
but they don’t know their own limitations.

Discover your child's real passions. When your child wants to go to Yoga class
it is much better than what you want for your child. This is not to say that you should avoid guidance. However
it is not advisable to push a child into a Yoga class
if your child doesn't enjoy it -- no matter how popular Yoga may be. All children are different
and what is good for one of your children
may not agree with another.

Encourage your child to see the deeper benefits of Yoga: Learning to live within the moment
and appreciating the present situation
instead of focusing on desires
these are built-in mental assets of Yoga practice. Enhanced concentration skills are another benefit that will result in improved academic performance.

Look for a qualified Yoga instructor
who has experience in teaching children. Make sure the child's Yoga instructor has adequate experience.

Watch your child practice
with his or her
Yoga teacher
and make sure you are comfortable with the environment
policies
and safety guidelines. Rules and discipline policies are usually in place so that each child can learn Yoga and get the most out of their experience.

For your child's safety at home: Parents who are not familiar with Yoga
should not let their “beginner Yoga children” practice anything beyond beginner techniques
without a competent Yoga instructor's approval. Once your child's Yoga instructor gives approval of home practice
you are fine. This one safety factor should encourage parents to learn Yoga
practice with their children
and live a healthy life.

A smaller kids Yoga class is actually better than a larger one. This insures that your child's Yoga instructor can pay close attention to each student during practice session.

Price should not be the top factor in choosing your child's Yoga teacher.
Would you choose the cheapest dentist
clothes
or car? Very often
“you get what you pay for.”

Core power yoga is an energetic yoga exercise that physically and mentally challenges to help connect to inner power without stopping and accompanied by a heated
climate controlled Vinyasa. It heals
detoxifies and stimulates the body and mind through balance and intention.

Power yoga has created a dynamic
challenging program that combines strength
sweat and spirituality. It recognizes power in diverse levels; first is the physical power which develops the body’s strength and improve health; second is the mental power or the will to contemplate on the practice; and last the spiritual power which is the power behind the physical and mental power.

Core power yoga is the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. The term was given by Beryl Bender Birch
an Ashtanga Yoga teacher. It has been brought to the west by followers of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
a renowned Sanskrit scholar who inspired Western Yogis with his Ashtanga Yoga Style and philosophies.

There are three programs in power yoga. “Core Power” is designed to strengthen abdominals and back and includes both abs-focused Vinyasa power yoga poses and variations of muscle-toning moves. “Unlocking Athletic Power” will expand flexible strength with an emphasis on abs
back
hips and pelvis. “Soul of Strength” on the other hand is a fast-moving power yoga program with a distinct “mid-body” emphasis and some very challenging moves.

Yoga sessions are done in a heated room and composed of different cardiovascular exercises intended to develop strength and flexibility
increase stamina
improves the ability to focus
release tensions and remove toxins through sweating.

Core power yoga practice also requires the implementation of yoga poses. Poses are done in a fast pace
some poses are even held longer than the required five breaths. This practice can augment physical endurance and ability to focus on any task for a long time without breaking the concentration.

What is the difference between core power yoga and other exercises?

Core power yoga is a vinyasa style that has a unique program offering and focuses on core strength
balance and flow to build a solid practice based on strength and spirit. It offers diverse classes like Hot Yoga
Yoga Sculpt
Bootcamps
Yoga Teacher Trainings and Mat Pilates. Moreover
it provides better instructors that are personally involved in students’ progress
strong and forceful leaders who pays more attention to the students needs. Also the teachers of this exercise work with the students to personalize their programs and creating a sense of belonging and community. And lastly
it provides quality amenities equipped with a unique top tier amenities and a balance aura.

This exercise also offers great health benefits; this lengthens and stretches the muscles and at the same time it builds stamina
strength and lean muscle and mass. It also increases body heat that kills some bacteria and creates a finely tuned state of consciousness of the workings of the body. The focus of core power yoga is on the coordination of the breath movement
connecting the body
mind and spirit to the warmest level.

Core power yoga is finest to those who want to improve their performance in their chosen sports like cycling
football
swimming
skiing
surfing
running/athlete
martial arts and other team sports. Some training grounds in sports practice this exercise in transition for aerobics.

Core power yoga can reshape your body and mind!

We present some brilliant
very effective and simple mudras
which you can practice anytime and anywhere:

• GYAN MUDRA – This is one of the most important mudras. It is widely used in all yogic meditation practices. Join the tip of forefinger to the tip of the thumb. Hold together gently for at least 15-30 minutes.

Advantages

• Increases intelligence and wisdom
• Purifies the mind of the practitioner
• Cures many mental problems
• Makes one joyful
• Cures intoxication and addictive habits

• PURN GYAN MUDRA – This mudra is known as the mudra of Lord Buddha
since it was propagated by him. Sit cross-legged. Keep both hands in 'Gyan Mudra' Posture. Now keep right hand near chest region. Keep left hand near knee region.

Advantages

• Clears the aura in the subtle astral body
• Causes electrical changes in the electromagnetic activity of the brain leading to increased clarity and understanding
• Improves memory to a great extent
• Soothes irritable temperaments
• Improves intelligence and wisdom

• ABHAYA MUDRA - This is normally practiced after Gayatri Mantra recitation. Raise both your hands to the sides of your head. Touch the forefinger to tip of thumb (just as you do in Gyan Mudra). Hold the hand vertically straight by the sides.

Advantages

• Makes your mind fearless
• Gives you a feeling of courage and strength

• DHYAAN MUDRA - Sit cross-legged. Place hands in Gyan Mudra
on your lap. Right palm should rest above left palm in Gyan mudra

Advantages

• Makes you tremendously peaceful and tranquil
• Helps in increasing concentration powers
• Cures depression and other mental ailments
• Practitioner can experience the final state of eternal yogic bliss

• PRITHVI MUDRA - Touch the fore part of third finger (ring finger) to the tip of thumb.

Advantages

• Helps balance the earth element in the body
• Normalizes body equilibrium
• Makes you physically stronger
• Increases tolerance and patience
• Helps practitioners of spiritual meditation

• VARUN MUDRA - Touch the fore part of the smallest finger to the fore part of thumb.

Advantages

• Regular practice balances water element in body
• Improves physical appearance
• Decreases dryness in skin and body

• VAYU MUDRA - Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the base of thumb. Press the forefinger gently on the pad. Keep the other fingers away.

Advantages

• Helps in all nervous ailments
• Improves balance of air element in body
• Helpful in pains and aches
• Recommended for patients of Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's ailments.

• PRAN MUDRA - Touch fore part of third (ring) finger and tip of fourth (little) finger to fore part of thumb.

Advantages

• Reduces body fatigue and thus energizing the whole body
• Improves eyesight
• Optimizes the circulation of the life current throughout the body

• MRITSANJIVINI MUDRA - Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the base of thumb. Press the forefinger gently on the pad. Touch the fore part of third (biggest) finger and fore part of fourth (ring) finger to the fore part of thumb.

Advantages

• Makes the heart stronger
• Very useful for people with heart ailments
• Helps normalize blood pressure
• Increases self-confidence

• SURYA MUDRA - Touch the third (ring) finger to the base of thumb. Press the thumb gently over this third (ring) finger. Keep the other fingers away.

Advantages

• Decreases Earth element in body
• Cures mental heaviness
• Reduces body fat
• Enhances weight loss