Externally, the benefits of yoga are often readily visible: a toned body, greater flexibility, even a relaxed demeanor.But did you know that you can find internal benefits with yoga as well? We don't necessarily mean things like peace, relaxation and mental clarity, though a yoga practitioner can no doubt achieve those things as well.No, we mean actual internal changes such as those affecting the bladder, the digestive system,...more
You might be surprised to find out that yoga has been a part of the U.S. fitness efforts for a long time. For many in this country, the concept of yoga is connected to the 1960s when the ideas of spiritualism and inner peace were promoted by the counterculture.But it may surprise some people to learn that yoga in the U.S. has a history that dates back to the late 1800s.In 1883, the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago welcomed...more
As you continue on your journey of discovery in yoga, you've no doubt probably come across a few terms that are unfamiliar to you, either from your yoga instructor, classmates or in books and magazines you might have read on the subject. Some terms might refer to yoga moves or poses, or they may refer to concepts particular to yoga.If the terms seem strange to you, don't worry. Like many activities, yoga has its own set of terms unique to the practice that become familiar to yoga enthusiasts as the years go on. Many of the terms (if not all) are Hindu in origin and might be difficult to grasp (or even pronounce) at first. But the deeper one gets into the practice of yoga, the words will become familiar and relevant.Below are a few terms related to the practice of yoga that you might find helpful. This list is, of course, in no ways a complete one, but it might provide a useful overview of the concepts of yoga.Abhyasa simply means "practice", as in the regular and constant spiritual practice of yoga.Acarlya refers to a instructor or guide, primarily one in religious areas, but it is also used in yoga.Ananda is the state of bliss and ultimate joy. It is...more
It might seem like a strange phrase to most, but to fans of yoga, "NaYoMo" is a sweet sound.NaYoMo, for those who are unfamiliar, is short National Yoga Month which occurs every September and celebrates the practice of yoga, making it a perfect occasion for those interested in yoga to discover the benefits of the practice.The special...more
With the surged complexity of life, more and more people are switching to the natural ways of achieving good physical and mental health. Nowadays, people are more prone to various ailments because of high working time and less relaxation time. They don't get any time for doing exercises. In such cases, yoga is found to be very...more
Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea - simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is fast sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout. It is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician from Mumbai who started the first laughter club in a park on 13th March 1995, with just 5 people. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 social laughter clubs in 60 countries.Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter.One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.Media coverageThis innovative concept has been widely accepted all over the world and has been written about in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. Laughter clubs were also featured on Oprah...more
A feeling of anxiousness or anxiety prior to taking an examination is normal. In fact, some experts believe it is healthy as it serves as an effective stimuli that prompts one to come up with a preparation strategy for an upcoming examination. But...more
A lot of women perform yoga exercises not just to lose weight or maintain proper body weight but also because they want to be healthy emotionally and mentally. Yoga is also known to contribute to the decrease of a number of problems during...more
Dating back many centuries, yoga isn't only a matter of stretching and flexibility training. It is a philosophical technique that intends to get rid of poisons from the body, open up space for God to come in, bring the mind and body together, and...more
Ancient tantra practices are a means of using the natural concentration of intense passionate desire to direct our minds beyond ourselves. The purpose of learning tantra was never to justify sexual addiction or hypocrisy rather, these practices are...more
Yoga is an age old spiritual and physical activity enjoyed by millions throughout the world. Yoga came to light particularly in the East, and over time it made its way to the West. Although the growth of Yoga has been a long journey with many...more
Yoga diet helps in setting an ideal weight and achieving spiritual and emotional balance. Yoga diet does not insist on planning a complicated menu or calorie tracking, nor does it ask you to stay hungry. Yoga diet refers to vegetarianism, as the...more