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Yoga Bites: Yoga walking: A simple path to better health
Posted: June 20, 2012 at 9:14 am
Yoga Bites appears every four weeks.
Did you know that the best form of yoga is walking? By applying yogic breathing and meditation techniques to simple walking, one can practice yoga walking, which delivers even more benefits with each and every step.
When we incorporate yoga principles into walking, it becomes not only good for the physical body, but good for the soul.
The health of our powerful legs, which include the biggest and strongest muscles in the body, is very important to our circulation, digestion, bones, inner state, fitness, coordination, blood pressure, and much more. As we draw energy up from the earth into the body, our legs are our roots and our mobility.
Yoga means union and the practice aims to unite ourselves with our innermost selves and the universe at large. Staying present with the breath in yoga on a mat or yoga on a walk offers us access to a deep inner reservoir of calm, balance and strength. Yoga happens whenever we feel fully present in the here and now.
Yoga walking can be done practically anywhere, anytime, by anyone. Its safe, convenient, economic and enjoyable. Health experts across the board agree that walking is the perfect exercise. Our bodies are built for movement, especially for walking specifically. If you could bundle the effects of a regular yoga walking practice into a pill, youd have a miracle drug on your hands. Research shows that walking four miles burns more fat than running the same distance in less time.
To go on a mind-expanding walk, begin walking and feel into the right pace and rhythm for your body today. Just like Goldilocks, not too fast and not too slow. Walk at a pace that feels invigorating. Gently pump the arms naturally with each stride to integrate the whole body into the movement, powerfully and fluidly. Breathe in and out through your nose as much as you can during the walk. Let your breath be full, long and rhythmic. Breathing through the nose strengthens the lungs, filters the air, increases energy, and stimulates the production of endorphins (feel-good hormones).
Focus fully on the present moment. Easier said than done, I know. One simple and effective way to achieve this is to use your senses. Begin to notice the sky, the trees, the ocean, the cars, the people. Tune in to the birds, the wind, the rhythm of your feet and breath. Feel your feet meet the earth, the air moving in and out of your lungs, the sun warming your face, the air moving through your fingers, your hair. Absorb the energizing negative ions from the trees and ocean air.
Enjoy this gentle practice that generates total health and keeps us connected to our bodies and souls as often as you can, ideally for at least 20 minutes four times per week. Youll feel like you meditated rather than exercised, with the added bennies. Incorporate yoga walking into your daily life; park a little farther away from where youre going, take the stairs, walk to the park for lunch, walk after dinner, walk with a friend (two-legged or four-legged). Look for opportunities to create your yoga anywhere and everywhere.
Sarah Hundley, a certified yoga instructor and massage therapist, owns Shambala Studio in Crescent City. Email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Yoga Bites: Yoga walking: A simple path to better health
Dahn Yoga Celebrates 16th Anniversary of Wellness
Posted: at 9:14 am
GILBERT, Ariz., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --This month Dahn Yoga celebrates its 16th anniversary of sharing a special brand of health and wellness in the United States. Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc. was created 16 years ago when Dahn Yogainstructors brought the Korean practice to the U.S. Integrating many forms of exercise and meditation, Dahn Yogapractice has become key to a healthier lifestyle for many Americans.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120619/LA27338)
Dahn Yoga history began with founder, Ilchi Lee, who developed this unique system of mind-body practices based on Korean Taoist teachings. The DahnYogacommunity includes practitioners all around the world, but began with Lee teaching exercises to a stroke victim in a public park in South Korea in 1980. Within little more than a decade, the universal appeal of these holistic living and empowerment techniques saw expansion to other countries, most notably the United States. Various students of Ilchi Lee taught Dahn Yoga basics in several U.S. cities before formally organizing as one company in 1996.
Years of inspiration, creativity and growth have resulted in a dynamic company at the core of a healing community. At this stage in Dahn Yoga's maturity, the company has begun to focus on what it can directly contribute to and benefit the local communities in which it operates. This year has seen an emphasis on DahnYogameditationand has created many opportunities for individuals to become acquainted with Dahn Yoga principles. It has also created leadership opportunities for a variety of practitioners.
Through these activities, Dahn Yoga hopes to help people develop a broader definition of what it means to be "healthy." The Dahn Yoga health approach holistically integrates ancient wisdom to modern life skills, a practice which has changed and adapted itself over the years, but continues to help many individuals unlock their potential.
Though Dahn Yoga has grown, and has developed and diversified its practice over the years, the holistic company aims to maintain its founding commitment to community service. In many cities, classes are still held in parks, as well as the studios.
During the month of June, national and local celebrations will take place to honor of the company's 16th anniversary. There will be also be special national and local promotions on memberships and workshops. For more information, visit http://www.dahnyoga.com.
About Dahn Yoga:
Dahn Yoga is a dynamic mind-body practice originating in Korea. Dahn Yoga classes combine stretching, flowing movement, deep breathing exercises and meditation in a simple and easy to learn format. Dahn Yoga is often taught alongside Tai Chi, Ki Gong and advanced mediation classes.
In the United States, Dahn Yoga classes are offered at Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness. Dahn Yoga classes are also offered at Body & Brain Yoga franchises and affiliate and community-based locations.
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Dahn Yoga Celebrates 16th Anniversary of Wellness
Department Store Yoga – Video
Posted: June 19, 2012 at 4:16 pm
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Department Store Yoga - Video
Office Yoga, Ninja Style with Mike Taylor – Video
Posted: at 4:16 pm
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Office Yoga, Ninja Style with Mike Taylor - Video
'Laughter yoga' club causing 'mental agony' to neighbours
Posted: at 4:16 pm
According to their lawyer, Veena Thadani, it is no laughing matter. "It's true that laughter is contagious, but if 30 people laugh every day in your window and you wake up to the sound of this cacophony you do not start laughing. They encourage each other to laugh louder 'laugh through your belly! Laugh through your eyes! Laugh through your ears!' they shout," she said.
Despite a number of rulings, the police have not yet taken action against the laughing yogis because they are not a formal registered club.
Mumbai's High Court judges have now voiced their frustration that their order has not been enforced. "Solve this problem. This is (an) unnecessary headache ... people coming and laughing outside your house," said Justice Bobde.
Laughing yoga has grown in popularity throughout the world after it was developed by Mumbai doctor Madan Kartaria, who styles himself the 'Guru of giggling.' He began his 'movement' with just five followers in the early 1990s and has since inspired 6000 'laughter clubs' in 60 countries around the world.
These clubs have proliferated throughout India's public parks where groups of devotees throw back their arms and heads in unison and laugh in exaggerated breathing exercises.
Despite its 17 year history, crowds still gather to enjoy the spectacle and in many cases laugh along with them.
But according to Veena Thadani no one is laughing in the upmarket Mumbai suburb of Kurli, where residents are fighting for the right to be glum in peace.
"It's aural aggression. You can't be forced to hear sounds you don't want to hear. Everyone is miserable because these activities are outside their home every day. What if you want to get up late or you're not feeling well? They're still waking you up with this cackling," she said.
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'Laughter yoga' club causing 'mental agony' to neighbours
Workout of the week: Aerial Yoga at Boulder Spirals
Posted: at 4:16 pm
4700 Sterling Drive Boulder,720-989-1838, boulderspirals.com
Instructor: Sasha Viers, owner of Boulder Spirals is a woman of many talents. Trained in drama at New York University, a student of ballet, jazz and modern dance and certified in: yoga, gyrotonic, gyrokinesis, Thai yoga massage and pole fitness, Sasha brings her love of physical expression in its many forms into teaching.
Viers followed the lead of many other pole dancers who practice aerial fabric and took a teacher training course in aerial yoga. She was "hooked at the first swing" she said, since it combined many her favorite elements of her drama, dance, yoga and gyrotonic practices.
What is the workout? Aerial yoga is the practice of standard yoga asana enhanced and assisted by the use of fabric hammocks suspended from the ceiling. While the entire class isn't performed with the hammock, when it is, the body feels supported, effortless and free. The use of the fabric hammock can also help to deepen stretches resulting in a more intense expression of a yoga pose. Other benefits of aerial yoga include core strengthening, spinal decompression and assistance with inversions. The best part? You get to fly!
The instructor begins class by adjusting the height of the hammock for each student. You resin up your hands so that you'll have a no-slip grip for the silky fabric. Once sticky and situated, basic floor stretches such as cat/cow and downward dog get you warmed up. You'll familiarize yourself with the size and position of the hammock. Because you're using an unfamiliar yoga prop, there is a lot of cueing on how to use the fabric to enhance your pose. At times you'll find a leg or an arm woven through the purple fabric, a few cues later, your entire booty is sitting and swinging. One of my favorite multi-cued maneuvers was "the winged angel," a move that had students' arms wrapped into purple wings and inverting into a sit swing. I can't tell you how we got there, but it looked really groovy in the mirror. You'll swing seated, you'll swing standing, you'll even swing with a flip if you're lucky. Each class is a bit different since Viers tailors the class to the energy of the students partaking that day.
What's different? The apparatus used, in this case was a flowy, stretchable fabric hammock. In other classes I've taken, we used a more rigid style hammock with strap-like handles and grips. If you're comparing aerial yoga to standard yoga classes, there's a huge difference. While traditional yoga has you breathe with movement in an effort to quiet your mind, aerial yoga has you concentrating on how to maneuver.
Level: You need to be able to support your own body weight and possess some basic body awareness to enjoy this class to the fullest. On a scale of 1-10 it's a 4 in difficulty. Less experienced yogis or acrobats will have a bit harder time navigating the fabric and understanding body alignment, but either way you won't be huffing and puffing. People prone to motion sickness or who get dizzy easily might find it more difficult.
When: Aerial yoga is currently offered Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., but check the schedule since it is subject to change. boulderspirals.com
What to prepare: Pre-register via the website, since only four students can fly at a time. Bring a yoga mat and wear tightly fitted yoga pants and a T-shirt. You can wear a tank or sleeveless shirt, but if you are a delicate flower, wear the sleeves so it can be a buffer against the pain of bunching fabric against your pits and upper arms. I wore baggier yoga pants and found it slightly annoying having to smooth them out once inside the hammock.
Muscles worked: There was one strength maneuver that tested the will of my triceps most of all, but aerial yoga, like traditional yoga is a full body-mind workout.
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Workout of the week: Aerial Yoga at Boulder Spirals
'Yoga Tour' aims to set record
Posted: at 3:16 am
DENVER - Tyrone Beverly is a yoga expert. But he will be the first to tell you that yoga goes beyond fitness. He uses the practice to bring people together. "We really want to promote health and wellness socially, as well as physically," said Beverly, who operates the organization I'm Unique which focuses on fostering healthy lifestyles in all communities.
That is why he is planning on a hopefully large and diverse group of people practicing yoga in a museum. They will gather for the Illustrated Union Yoga Tour on Saturday, June 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Wildlife Experience in Parker.
The event is open to the public, and Beverly welcomes people of all fitness and ability levels.
"We just want to open it to a wide group of people," he said, adding that the class will welcome people ranging from those who have never practiced yoga to advanced levels. Prenatal and kids classes will also be included. The event is open to people ages 8 and up.
To learn more about the Illustrated Union Yoga Tour, call 720-448-3300 or 303-358-9455. More information is also available on the organization's website: http://www.imuniqueunited.com.
(KUSA-TV 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
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'Yoga Tour' aims to set record
Elaine Gavalas: Yoga May Help Breast Cancer Survivors
Posted: at 3:16 am
Standard breast cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can have severe side effects. During and after cancer treatments patients often experience persistent fatigue and sleep problems that affect quality of life. Many women may also suffer from depression, anxiety and weight loss.
There are few treatments available to truly relieve these problems. Traditional care usually includes antidepressants and sleep meds that can have adverse side effects. Studies show that supportive therapies such as stress reduction and exercise classes can benefit cancer patients.
Current research reports that yoga practice can improve quality of life in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Yoga may also help promote sleep, boost energy and improve mental health.
Yoga Improves Sleep and Fatigue
A 2010 randomized controlled study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found yoga improved sleep problems and fatigue. About 75 percent of the patients were breast cancer survivors. All of the cancer patients suffered from sleep disruption for 2 to 24 months.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center administered either a yoga program (yoga group) or standard care (control group) to 410 cancer survivors for four weeks. Sleep quality, fatigue and quality of life were assessed before and after the study.
The yoga group participated in 75-minute yoga sessions two times per week. The yoga program, called YOCAS (Yoga for Cancer Survivors), included gentle hatha yoga and restorative yoga poses, breathing and meditation. Certified yoga teachers trained in the YOCAS program conducted the classes.
The researchers found that the yoga participants had significantly reduced fatigue and improved sleep quality compared to the control group. Furthermore, the yoga group used less sleep medication while the control group increased sleep meds.
"This is great news for cancer survivors who deal with persistent and debilitating side effects from their cancer and its treatments long after their primary therapy ends," said lead investigator Karen Mustian, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at the university of Rochester Medical Center, in a news release. "There are few treatments for the sleep problems and fatigue survivors experience that work for very long, if at all."
Yoga Benefits Quality of Life
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Elaine Gavalas: Yoga May Help Breast Cancer Survivors
Yoga with a twist
Posted: June 18, 2012 at 11:23 am
Acroyoga teacher Marc Bauchet lifts a student at his class in Ho Chi Minh City
Yoga is synonymous with calmness. It focuses on breathing, breath control and inner contemplation. But a French yoga teacher has given me cause to reconsider all this.
Marc Bauchet teaches acroyoga, a combination of acrobatics and yoga with a little bit of Thai massage thrown in to boot.
Acrobatics represent dynamism, Thai massage represents stillness, and yoga, the spiritual connection, Bauchet explains.
I was at his class last weekend at the Yoga Meditation Center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Acroyoga involves giving and receiving, strength and sensitivity, trust and communication, the guru says.
At the start the 16 of us warmed up with some stretching in a circle. After that we split into groups of three, with two people trying the yoga postures and a third keeping an eye to ensure the flier does not fall.
I was teamed with Daphne Chua, a Singaporean yoga teacher. I took first turn on top as she lay on her back, planted her feet on the top of my thighs, and hoisted me in the air. I cupped my face with my elbows halfway between us, and she grasped them.
It was my first time at the class - most others had attended the previous three - and a scary thought crossed my mind: What if I fall on her and we both break our noses?
But the with the help of ourspotter, an English woman who seems to have been practicing yoga for years, I managed to steady myself and gradually began to enjoy moving my hands, legs, hips, and feet in tandem with Daphne.
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Yoga with a twist
Why You Should Drink Tea After Yoga
Posted: at 11:23 am
Both tea and yoga are great for your health, so it is no wonder that they go hand in hand. In fact, many yoga instructors serve tea after their classes. Drinking tea after performing yoga poses (asanas) gives students a way to slowly go from the peaceful experience back into the real world. I will offer insight as to why tea and yoga are beneficial to your health and what type of tea makes a great ending to a rejuvenating or relaxing workout.
Benefits of yoga
Yoga offers so many benefits, it is almost impossible to name them all. The following are some of the ways that yoga is a healthy form of exercise:
-It helps circulation.
-It helps to alleviate stress.
-Yoga lowers the chances of one obtaining heart disease.
-Regularly participating in yoga can ward off depression.
-Since yoga makes the spine stronger and more flexible, it helps to thwart back pain.
-When performing inversion poses, such as head and shoulder stands, we age more gracefully since these poses offer anti-aging benefits.
-Yoga helps women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause.
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Why You Should Drink Tea After Yoga