YOGIC LOGIC

Well yoga has an answer for almost every ailment known to human beings; however, in order to take care of everything, you need to perform the postures correctly and with unfailing regularity. There are many chronic ailments that the allopathic medicines do not have the right answers for. More and more people are looking for alternative medication and processes of healing and yoga is growing in popularity every day across the globe.

Can Yoga Help You Grow Taller?

Well, the answer is both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. There is a perfectly logical explanation for this. This is because yoga improves your posture, it frees your spinal cord from tension and your muscles and ligaments become aligned properly – as they are supposed to be.

This results into a perfect body alignment, which enhances by a correct posture makes you taller.

This is not because you grow any taller; rather it is because it makes your body stand taller through facilitating its correct posture.

The yoga frees not only your spinal column from all the unnecessary (and most imperceptible) twists and contractions, but also promotes more flexibility of the body overall. In this way very often people feel better and look better. Therefore, many think that yoga does indeed help in growing taller.

There is one thing with yoga though. In order to enjoy its benefits in full, you would have to practice it daily without fail. This is not a regime that you could undergo anytime you like, whenever you like. The best time to practice yoga is in fact the sunrise time. Yogis believe that the early morning sunrays and air are highly beneficial for the body and mind and hence when one does yoga at this time, the impact is optimal.

Some of the major benefits you could receive from yoga besides healing of numerous diseases and ailments are as follows:

• Body balance and complete muscle workout and relaxation
• Correct any imbalance, strengthens the skeletal system with emphasis on the spinal cord
• Lubricates joints and ligaments (for which arthritis pain can be relieved to a great extent) enabling better movement of limbs/ joints
• Balances your inner energy and pacifies your mind promoting higher concentration and memory power
• Aligns knee joints to perfection
• Improves mood, confidence levels and self esteem
• Massages and promotes the correct functionality of each and every organ inside and outside the body
• Increases both mental and physical stamina by renewing the inner energy of the body
• Improves sleep and capacity to relax
• Brings discipline in one life – both mental and physical

Summing it up

To sum up, yoga is a great system of exercises which can benefit you in more ways than you would think possible. However, yoga cannot help you in height growth, in other words yoga cannot make you grow tall.

On the other hand it would help in aligning your body optimally so through your correct posture and body movements you would look taller than you were before you practiced yoga.

Trapped wind in the body can make you feel extremely uneasy. Yes, there are tablets that help you get rid of it but as you would already know, these medications come with their fair share of side effects. So is there a natural way to become free of this frustrating problem? Yes there is!

There is a simple Yoga posture that you can do at home that will work immediately to help you get relief from trapped wind. And don’t worry; you don’t have to be a yoga genius to do this posture.

Yoga to Remove Trapped Wind

1. Wind Removing Pose (PavanMuktasana)

The yoga position which is beneficial in relieving gas and flatulence is aptly named as ‘Pavanmuktasana’ or in other words ‘The Wind Removing Pose’. The main benefit of this pose is to help the body release trapped wind and it works beautifully.

Here are some basic instructions on how you can do this pose:

1.) Lie down on your back and relax. Take around 2 to 3 deep breaths to aid relaxation. Breath in deeply, hold the breath for a few seconds and then breath out slowly.

2.) Now as shown in the image below, inhale and lift both your legs, fold your legs at the knee and bring them towards your chin. Your thighs should rest on your belly.

3.) Wrap your arms around the knees and raise your head slowly so your forehead touches your knees.

4.) Now hold this pose for around two minutes. During this time, inhale deeply, hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale.

As this point all the trapped gas in your body should have come out.

5.) Bring your body back to the relaxed position as in Step 1.

Repeat the process once again if you still feel that the trapped wind has not come out.

Here’s a good video that provides detailed instructions:

For best results, do the pose with only the right leg first, followed by the left leg and then both the legs together as indicated in the above steps. In other words, you will complete the entire pose with the right leg first and then with the left leg.

This is an extremely effective yoga pose and can be done any time of the day. If you ate a heavy meal, wait for a couple of hours before attempting to do this wind removing pose.

If you are not comfortable doing this pose, there is another simple exercise that you can do. Just lie down on your stomach on a flat surface and do the deep breathing exercises mentioned earlier. Breath in deeply, hold it for a few seconds and then breath out. Repeat for around 2 minutes and you should start feeling free.

2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Another pose that can prove equally helpful in relieving gas is Balasana or Child’s pose. Here’s a video explaining how to do this pose.

 

3. Qigong shake

If the above poses do not work, you can follow them up with a Qigong shake. A Qigong shake is a simple practice of shaking your body that removes stagnant energy, improves circulation, helps relaxation and can even help relieve flatulence.

Here’s a video on how to do Qigong shake.

 

What is the Reason for Trapped Body Wind?

The main reason for trapped wind in your body is a bad diet. A simple way to avoid this problem is to add plenty of raw veggies during your meals. In addition to that, you will need to speed up your metabolism. A simple jogging exercise every morning should help you achieve this with ease.

So there you go, it’s now very simple to relieve wind from your body using Yoga.

Yoga is basically a type of exercise that affects not only the muscles of the body but also the function of the internal organs as well as the mental condition of a person. These exercises were practiced in ancient India more than two millenniums ago by sages. Yoga, besides being an excellent method of exercise is a meditation form as well.

There are seven principle types of yoga each offering different benefits; each could be used separately or in unison. Six different types of yoga are explained here:

What are the Different Types of Yoga?

1. Hatha Yoga

This is the most common form of yoga today. ‘Ha’ here means ‘sun’ and ‘tha’ means moon. In other words, Hatha yoga brings together the energy of the sun and the moon towards a complete balance in the body.

Hatha yoga uses different postures combined with breathing exercises to purify both body and mind and thereby controlling and reversing a number of diseases. This type of yoga can be practiced by anyone who wants as long as you have access to a training video – though the best way to learn to practice yoga is with the help of a teacher who could guide you in your performance.

2. Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga is also known as ‘Royal Yoga’ (Raja means King in Sanskrit). This yoga is practiced by people who are using meditation for a higher achievement than only physical and mental fitness.

This type of yoga is used by people who have a religious bent of mind and want to immerse themselves in long and deep meditation. The Hatha yoga prepares both the body and mind for this type of yoga and hence, before Raja Yoga is even attempted, the person should first of all be well adept with Hatha Yoga. This is a branch of yoga that is practiced by sages.

3. Jnana Yoga

Jnana means wisdom is Sanskrit language and hence this type of yoga concentrates on learning. Jana yoga is one of the most difficult of the yoga practices as this involves the study of the ancient scriptures besides practicing yoga physically.

This type of yoga concentrates on the development of the intellect of an individual and his/ her connection with the larger universe as a whole.

4. Tantra Yoga

This type of yoga is definitely the most misunderstood and at the same time controversial forms of yoga. This pertains to discipline and training to accept desire as an integral part of one’s function.

Tantra yoga is a spiritual way to enjoy sex in a more sublime form. This is definitely not a license for orgies, neither it calls for abstinence or celibacy.

There are two major branches of Tantra Yoga – Dakshinachara or the “Right Hand Path” and the Vamachara or the “Left Hand Path”.

Each of these branches encompasses sex in the day-to-day life on a higher level. The Right-Hand Path uses worship, meditation and concentration while the Left-Hand Path uses rituals, intoxication (substances like marijuana, alcohol, etc.)and meditation to achieve the same level.

5. Karma Yoga

Karma yoga believes in the complete balance of the Universe and hence implies that a person’s behavior usually impacts his/ her future. It shows that there is a complete and definite connection between each person and the Universe and literally ‘what goes in, comes out back’.

This is another branch of yoga which is mostly practiced by those who renounced the worldly life and want to lead an ascetic life. Karma yoga promoted selfless service and care to the less fortunate as devotion to God.

6. Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti means ‘devotion’ and hence this branch of yoga is dedicated to the love of God and through it, love of all life and mankind. This is a form of meditation which concentrates on channelizing all the energy towards becoming more loving and tolerant of others.

How to choose the right type of yoga to practice?

Anyone who wants to practice yoga could choose any of these different yoga types or a combination of these branches according to their own needs and preferences. The best way to learn to practice yoga is with the help of a guru (teacher) who can not only clarify your doubts and help you practice the asanas correctly, but also help you choose which type of yoga would suit you best.

Though all these different types of yoga is not as difficult as it seems at the fist glance, it still needs to be practiced a number of times before you master the technique. Besides, you would also need to learn to meditate and the physicality is only one part of the yoga; the other part is meditation and trying to become one with the Universe.

No matter what type of yoga you choose, you would need to practice it daily and very seriously. If practiced correctly, yoga could get you rid of the majority of common ailments and keep you fit enough both mentally and physically to achieve the best results in anything you do in your life.

Not every student who walks into your yoga class will be all peace and OM.

You know, there are the students who talk loudly while everyone else is trying to relax and get centered. The ones who question everything you do and try to take over your class. The ones who grunt and moan out loud. The ones who leave – loudly – during savasana. Not to mention the students who dare to bring a cell phone into the studio.

If you are going to be a successful yoga teacher, you will need to learn how to use some of your yoga calm to deal with some challenging students, so that those students don’t feel alienated and your other students don’t get so frustrated that they stop coming to your class.

The following five tips can help you all breathe easier:

1. Remember that everyone has issues

Have some compassion for your trying students. Everyone struggles and suffers sometimes; some people are just more effective at dealing with their issues than others. Take a few deep breaths and approach your difficult students in the spirit of compassion rather than frustration.

2. Talk to the student one on one after class

With kindness and warmth in your voice, let your difficult student know that you love having him or her in your class and appreciate the questions or enthusiasm that person brings. But also let the student know that you can’t focus all of your attention on his or her questions/practice/issues during class, although you would be more than happy to answer any questions before or after the class.

Sometimes people just want a little attention and you can give it in a respectful manner without disrupting others.

3. Use a little humor

Yoga doesn’t always have to be so serious, and this goes for dealing with difficult students as well.

For instance, if you have a student who is constantly talking and interrupting while you’re trying to craft a beautiful sequence of yoga postures, ask everyone in the class to “bring your lower lip to meet your upper lip. Keep your lips sealed and breathe.”

This is a fun reminder of the need for quiet and respect in the yoga studio.

4. Be clear

The better you communicate your instruction and ideas, the less room for confusion or questions. If you practice delivering crisp, clear cues, your students will better tune in to your lessons and tune out from their busy and distracting minds.

5. Be willing to let go

Part of yoga philosophy involves the notion of aparigraha or non-attachment. You must be willing to let go and lose students sometimes for the better of everyone’s practice.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your manager about removing a student from your class if an issue continues to escalate.

Summing it up

As a yoga teacher, you are, in fact, much more than just a teacher. You are a role model. A guide. It is up to you to set a tone for an amazing class, or a not-so-amazing class. Deal with your disruptive students sooner than later, so that everyone can return to their yoga bliss.

A difficult student can be a good reminder than yoga is practice – it’s not perfect. Do your best to handle a challenging situation and all of your students will respect you for it.

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Article by YogaClassPlan.com

Yoga science of breathing is called Pranayama. Oxygen is the most vial nutrient to our body. It is essential for the integrity of the brain, nerves, glands and internal organs. We can do without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen; we will die within a few minutes.

Where to Perform Pranayama Yoga?

Pranayama techniques are best practiced while sitting on the floor on a folded blanket.

Typically it done while seated in a Padmasana (Lotus pose), Sukhasana (Easy pose) or Siddhasana (Accomplished pose). But any other posture will do provided the back is kept erect from the base of the spine to the neck and perpendicular to the floor. Bad and poorly performed posture will lead to shallow breathing and low endurance.

One must empty the bladder and bowels before starting pranayama yoga.

Also do not worry about doing the asana perfectly. The important thing is to ensure that you feel comfortable. If you feel any kind of discomfort, it means you are over exerting yourself and that you should stop. Also, stay conscious of your body as you are doing the Pranayama.

When to Perform Pranayama?

Pranayama yoga must be performed in empty stomach.

The best time for practice is the early morning, preferably before sunrise when the pollution is at its lowest level, and the body and brain are still free.

However, if morning is unsuitable, pranayama may be practiced after sunset, when the air is cool and pleasant. The place suitable for all kinds of Yoga must be clean and calm.

11 Major Types of Pranayama with Instructions

Some major types of pranayama yoga are as follows. They have been marked from Easy to Advanced. If you are a beginner, consider starting with the easy ones :

1. Nadi Sodhana (Easy)
2. Shitali Pranayama (Easy)
3. Ujjayi Pranayama (Intermediate)
4. Kapalabhati Pranayama (Advanced)
5. Digra Pranayama (Intermediate)
6. Bhramari Pranayama (Easy)
7. Udgeet pranayama (Easy)
8. Bhastrika Pranayama (Intermediate)
9. Anuloma & Viloma Pranayama (Intermediate)
10. Agnisar Kriya (Advanced)
11. Bahya Pranayama (Advanced)

Now let’s have a look at the detailed steps on how to perform each asana.

1. Nadi Sodhana

Following steps instruct on how to perform the Nadi Sodhana pranayama:

Step 1: Sit down in a comfortable place assuming a cross legged position.

Step 2: Now use your thumb (right hand) to close the right side of your nose. Inhale deeply using the left nostril.

Step 3: Now close the left nostril and exhale using the right one.

Step 4: In the same way, now with the left nostril still closed, inhale using the right nostril and exhale with the left one.

You can continue doing this exercise for around 10 – 15 times.

2. Shitali Pranayama

The word ‘Sheetal’ means cool in Sanskrit, and this pranayama technique will help you achieve the same. It helps you cool down your body.

Step 1: To perform Shitali pranayama, be seated in a comfortable position.

Step 2: Cross your legs and take five to six deep breaths to get yourself warmed up.

Step 3: Now open your mouth in a “o” shape and start to inhale through the mouth. As you do, the cool air will caress the tip of your tongue.

Step 4: When you exhale, do so with your nose.

This can be repeated five to ten times.

3. Ujjayi Pranayama

Ujjayi means the ocean and this pranayama is about mimicking the oceanic sound or the sound of the waves.

Step 1:  To do this, be seated in a comfortable position crossing your legs.

Step 2:  Start to inhale and exhale deeply using your mouth.

Step 3:  While doing this, constrict your throat as if something is choking it when you exhale and inhale the air. This will produce a sound similar to the ocean when you breath.

Step 4:  Now close your mouth and start to breath using your nose, but maintain the same tone to your throat so you still continue to make the same sound as your breath.

You can repeat this prayanama breathing exercise for about ten to fifteen times.

4. Kapalabhati Pranayama

To perform the kapalabhati pranayama technique, sit in a comfortable position crossing your legs.

Step 1:  Perform two to three deep inhales and exhales.

Step 2:  Now inhale deeply and exhale forcefully drawing all the air out. Your belly should be drawn in, as you exhale.

Step 3:  When you inhale, let it happen passively without you making any effort to inhale as the belly goes back to normal position.

Step 4:  Exhale forcefully again and continue doing this for about 10 to 15 times.

Please note that this is an advanced technique and it is better to try this under supervision from a professional.

5. Dirga Pranayama – Three Part Breathing

The dirga pranayam is a bit different from other types as it involves lying down on your back instead of being in a seated position. This technique involves very deep inhalation and exhalation.

Step 1: To perform this panayama, lie down on your back and close your eyes.

Step 2:  Breath normally and then slowly take deep breaths, relaxing your body.

Step 3:  Now inhale a lot of air in slowly to fill your belly up. Your belly should rise up like a balloon. Hold this position for a few seconds and exhale drawing the belly inwards ensure there is no air left.

Step 4:  In the second step, inhale deeply to fill up the belly. Inhale a bit more to fill up air in your rib cage. When you exhale, exhale air from your rib cage and then from your belly.

Step 5:  In the third step, inhale deeply to fill up your belly and rib cage with air. Inhale a bit more to fill up your heart center (area around the heart) with air. When you exhale, exhale air from the heart center, then the rib cage and then the belly.

Repeat the whole process for five to six times.

6. Bhramari Pranayama

The bhramari Pranayama also known as the Bee Breathing technique involves breathing in deeply, covering your ears and making a humming sound as you exhale. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Cover your ears using your index fingers.

Step 2: Inhale deeply through your nose.

Step 3: Exhale through your nose while making a humming sound.

This is a great technique to become from stress, anxiety, frustration and anger.

7. Udgeet Pranayama

Udgeet is a deeply calming Pranayama technique that involves the chanting of OM mantra. Here are the steps to do this Pranayama.

Step 1: Sit comfortably, with your spine erect and take in a slow, deep breath through your nose.

Step 2: Exhale through your mouth while making an ‘OM’ sound. Draw out the ‘O’ sound for long and end with a short ‘EM’ sound. Try to keep the levels of the sound fairly consistent.

You can repeat this 8 to 10 times.

8. Bhastrika Pranayama

Here are the steps to do Bhastrika Pranayama:

Step 1: Sit comfortably and do a few slow inhales and exhales.

Step 2: Slowly inhale deeply and as you do this, make sure that your belly inflates.

Step 3: As you exhale slowly while gently pulling in your belly to push all the air out. keep the intensity of the exhale similar to the intensity of the inhale.

Do this 5 to 10 times. The intensity of your breathing can be as per your comfort.

9. Viloma Pranayama

VILOMA Pranayama involves paused breathing at regular intervals and can be divided into two stages. The first stage is called ‘paused inhalation’ and the second stage is called ‘paused exhalation’. Let’s look at these stages in detail:

Viloma Paused Inhalation:

Step 1: Lie down in a comfortable position and try to relax. Breath deeply, but normally.

Step 2: Now inhale for 2 to 3 seconds and pause. Hold your breath for two seconds and then restart inhalation. Pause inhalation again after 2 to seconds. Inhale again. Repeat this process until the lungs feel full of air

Step 3: Exhale now, slowly, till you feel empty of air.

Viloma Paused Exhalation: The paused exhalation is the exact opposite of the inhalation process. In this case, you inhale deeply and normally without interruption, but exhale with regular pauses.

10. Anuloma Pranayama

Just like Viloma, Anuloma is about alternate nostril breathing. In this case, the inhalation and exhalation is done with one nostril blocked and the other partially open. Some variations of the yoga are granular anuloma. This type of pranayama is particularly useful in cleansing the nasal passages and creating calmness within.

11. Agnisar Kriya

The Agnisar Kriya can help re-energize your digestive system. Here are the steps to do this Kriya:

Step 1: Sit comfortably with your spine erect and take a deep breath through your nose.

Step 2: Now exhale completely so you feel empty of air.

Step 3: With your lungs emptied, hold your breath and gently pull your belly in and out around 2 to 5 times.

Step 4: With your stomach pulled in, inhale and do a few regular inhales and exhales before doing another round.

You can repeat this 2 to 5 times.

12. Bhaya Pranayama

This is an advanced pranayama technique that involves using the Maha Bandha along with the breathing. A bandha is when you contract and hold certain muscles of the body and Maha Bandha involves contracting muscles in three areas (the perineum, chest and throat).

Step 1: Breathe in deeply.

Step 2: As you exhale, pull your stomach in so as you expel all the air out. Hold this position while doing the Maha Bandha for about 5 to 7 seconds before inhaling again.

Points to Remember While Practicing Pranayama

Here are a few important points your need to bear in mind while performing or before attempting to perform Pranayama.

1. It is important to understand that the base of yoga is relaxation. All the Asanas and breathing exercises involved in Pranayama should be performed in a mentally and physically relaxed state. If your mind is filled with thoughts, try to relax and let the breathing exercise take your concentration away from the thoughts.

2. It is important never to strain yourself while performing any of the exercises. It takes practice to perfect the control of your breath and it cannot be achieved in a day or two. It takes a few months of patient practice but the returns are worth the effort.

3. It is normal for people to get impatient while practicing Pranayama initially, this is just your body reacting to its old conditioning of irregular breathing. Be patient and continue your exercises in a relaxed manner. Slowly your mind will also relax and enter into the state of alert consciousness.

4. There should be no abrupt movements, no sharp exhalations or inhalations and neither should you feel uncomfortably suffocated. Yoga is none of these. There should be no discomfort while performing yoga. Initially it helps to perform yoga under the guidance of an experienced guru because it entails great care and precision. Once you have perfected the exercise you can perform on your own.

5. It is advisable to perform Pranayama in an empty stomach. Early in the mornings is preferably the best time. If you prefer doing Pranayama in the evenings, make sure to keep a gap of four to five hours depending on the type of meal you are eating. This is considering that heavier meals take more time to digest.

6. If you find it difficult to sit in Padmasana, you can sit in a pose that you feel comfortable in. You can also considering sitting on a chair if sitting in Asanas is difficult for you.

7. Pregnant women and women who have recently delivered should not do Pranayama.

8. People suffering from abdominal problems should not perform Pranayama.

9. People suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure, weakness and/or back-pain are advised to do inhalations and exhalations slowly without exerting pressure.

10. Make sure to sit in an erect pose (your spine must be straight) while performing pranayama. If you want, you can assume a Vayu mudra or Dhyan mudra.

11. It is best to take training from an expert before attempting to perform advanced Pranayama techniques like the Kapalbhati. The expert will be able to guide you on the duration and proper methodologies of performing these breathing exercises so you can benefit the maximum.

Understanding Pranayama – The Art of Breathing

What does pranayama mean? The word Pranayama is made up of two syllables – Prana and Ayama. Prana indicates the life source or the consciousness. The entire play of life is nothing but consciousness that is around us and within us. Everything in this universe is made up of one source, one energy and this is called the Prana. Ayama means control.

Hence Pranayama means the control of life energy. If you ask yourself what is the vital source of life energy for you? The answer would be “your breathing”. Your breath is as good as your life itself. When you inhale you take in the energy around you or the life source surrounding you.

You breathe in life energy. That’s the reason why your breath is so important. Pranayama as a practice in hatha yoga teaches you how to control your breathing. Through the control of your breathe you start controlling your self. This is the first step towards the attainment of higher consciousness.

Hazards of Irregular Breathing

Irregular breathing is not normal but is followed by almost everyone who has not been taught the value of their breath. Yoga points towards the fact that the reason for imbalance in our lives is due to irregular breathing. The various diseases which have inflicted the human race in the recent times have their roots founded in this pattern of irregular breathing. Most disorders whether it be mental or physical are instigated by the way your breath day in and day out. If you observe carefully there are two types of irregular breathing most frequently observed in yourself

1. Shallow breathing
2. Rapid breathing

Shallow breathing: Whenever you are feeling low or depressed you will find yourself breathing slowly and shallowly. Your intake of air would be less and it would be slow.

Rapid breathing: Usually when you are angry or in a fit of rage you don’t observe your breathing but if you do, it will be evident that it is very rapid in nature. You tend to take breaths in short gasps.

Both these patterns of breathing cause an imbalance of Prana in you. The life energy is not flowing smoothly and hence it manifests as a disorder outwardly seen as depression or anger. Anyone who practices yoga with discipline would attain control over his breath with practice. After that his/her breathing would rhythmic and hence the flow of life energy would be balanced. Such a person will never feel disturbed or succumb to destructive emotional states.

The functions of breathing as explained in yoga literature

Breathing is vital to our existence and it is a life giving force for each living organism. Yoga literature explains the various functions fulfilled by the air that we breathe-in as below:

Prana: The air circulates around the heart and provides oxygen which is vital to its functioning

Vyana: The air circulates around the body via the blood stream and distributes the life giving force of food

Apana: The air we breathe controls the functions of excretion.

Samana: The air we breathe stimulates the flow of gastric juices and hence it aids digestion.

Udana: The air maintains its presence in the thoracic cage and allows absorption of vital constituents.

Naga: Relieve abdominal pressure.

Krkara: Prevent foreign or harmful substance from entering into the nasal cavity or descending into the throat by inducing sneezing.

Dhanamjaya:  Air is one constituent which remains in our body even after our death.

Devadutta: When you are lazy it provokes yawning and ensures absorption of oxygen to revitalize the body.

Imagine the harm you are causing your body organs and glands as well as your brain by practicing irregular breathing. Without your knowledge you are sabotaging the life force within you and this is the reason why most people in today’s generation are afflicted with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and heart problems. There is so much stress prevalent that is almost palpable. The reason for all these disorders is the imbalance that has crept into our breathing.

5 Main Benefits of Pranayama

Practice of pranayama yoga has been reported to be beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, stuttering and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Pranayama techniques are also effective for depression cure. Practice of prayanama develops a steady mind, strong will-power and sound judgment.

In addition regular pranayama helps extends life and enhance perception. In old age, the respiratory function decreases due to the contraction of the air cells of the lungs, which there by takes in less oxygen.

Prayanama will help to normalize their size and make the red corpuscles circulate in all parts of the body, infusing life and vigor throughout. Through regular practice even old people can delay the ageing process.

1. Pranayama Helps in the Improved functioning of your kidney and bowels

Yoga advocates that function of excretion as vital to the functioning of a healthy body. Breathing induces a massaging action on your internal organs including the kidney, bowel and diaphragm. The alternate inhale and exhale which is performed while breathing induces a contraction and expansion of these organs.

Pranayama practice ensures that the inhaling and exhaling is rhythmic. Moreover the exercises which entail holding your breath and exhaling slowly apply a definite pressure over these organs inducing a stimulating massage. The result would be stronger and more elastic muscles controlling the kidney and your bowel leading to better functioning of these organs.

2. Pranayama Helps in the Improved function of your liver

People who face digestive problems on a frequent basis tend to have a weak liver. The functioning of their pancreas and stomach would also be suboptimal. The various Pranayama exercises induce a massaging action upon all these organs relieving them of all the congestion improving the blood flow. There is an immediate improvement in the process of digestion once the liver is free of congestion. The stimulation of the pancreas also ensures that the digestive system functions optimally.

3. Pranayama Helps the Lungs Perform Better

The various Pranayama exercises induce the lungs to open as far as possible. Due to this expansion the lungs have an increased surface area to absorb oxygen and to relieve themselves of toxic gases. This ensures that you are free of all the breathing diseases such as asthama.

4. Improves the circulation of blood

Proper circulation of blood is vital to the proper function of a human body. Diseases such a thyroid problems, heart problems and prostate problems are usually due to improper circulation of blood to the endocrine glands. Pranayama exercises induce a rapid circulation of blood. Moreover the blood is rich in oxygen and reaches the nerve endings faster. The action of rhythmic breathing stimulates the nerves around the spinal column and the synaptic nerves inducing a rich blood flow to the brain inducing clearer thought.

5. Pranayama Aids the Endrocine Functioning

The endocrine glands work in cohesion with the nervous system to ensure that nerve impulse are transmitted quickly. In people who feel sluggish through out the day and have the tendency to sleep longer, there could well be a problem with their endocrine functioning. Pranayama stimulates the endocrine glands to ensure proper transmission of nerve impulses. People who practice Pranayama stay active through out the day and do not feel sluggish or fatigued.

 

Though not proven scientifically, taking oil bath at-least twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday or any other day which is convenient) helps the body and mind remain hale and healthy. Our body is like any running machinery and oil is said to act as a form of lubrication.

Oil bath may be taken during early morning hours using cold pressed sesame oil (or Olive oil). You can also use coconut oil or castor oil. Just make sure that they are organic and cold pressed.

The oil before applying to body and head may be heated slightly for a second or two. Oil may be applied from head to toe and smooth massage can be done from head to toe thereafter. Wait for 15 to 30 minutes before taking bath. At the time of bathing one can use a organic paraben free shampoo for the head and organic bath soap for the body. If possible, you can also consider using herbal hair wash powder (instead of shampoo) for the head and body mixed with lemon juice to remove the oil.

Meditation can be practiced immediately after the oil bath and after drying your hair and body thoroughly. Peace of mind ensues at the time of meditation when practiced after oil massage and oil bath.

However, one should avoid sleeping after oil bath during day time. Oil bath also helps one get sound sleep at night so you feel rejuvenated the next morning.

When to take oil bath?

The best time to take oil bath in early in the morning. To get maximum benefits, consider taking this bath on an empty stomach. You can take this bath once a week or once every two weeks.

Steps to take oil bath

Here are the steps to take oil bath the proper way.

Step 1: Take around 100ml of oil. Heat the oil at low flame for around a minute or two. As the oil is heating you can consider adding a few black pepper seeds (5 to 8) and one crushed raw garlic.

Step 2:  As the pepper starts cracking turn off the flame and let this oil mixture cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Take some of this oil in the palm of your hands and start to apply it all over your body starting from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. This is similar to giving yourself a self massage.

Step 4: Apply on your scalp, face, ears, in and around the neck area, on your chest area, underarms, belly and belly button, legs, hands, glutes, upper and lower back.

Step 5: Stay oiled up like this for around 10 to 15 minutes allowing your skin to absorb the oil.

Step 6: After 15 minutes, you can take a warm/hot shower to clean off the oil from your body. Consider using organic shampoo and soap to wash off the oil.

Some benefits of taking oil bath

Oil baths can help reduce inflammation in your body, improve your mood, relieve aching muscles, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, improve skin health and induce a sense of calmness. But as mentioned before, none of these benefits have a scientific backing. You will have to try for yourself to see what kind of benefits you receive.

Some points to bear in mind

It is said that it’s best to avoid oil baths during full moon and no moon days and on days when it is raining or when the temperature is very cold. It is also a good practice to avoid eating cold items like yogurt, ice cold water/drinks, lemonade etc. on the day of oil bath.

 

This article discusses the various benefits of performing yoga. It is important to understand that yoga consists of four disciplines and each provides benefits of its own.

What are the four disciplines in yoga?

The four disciplines in yoga are as follows:

• Pranayama (the control of breath).
• Asana (postures in yoga).
• Mudras (exercises in endurance).
• Bandhas (exercises in contractions).

Here we will discuss the immense health benefits of the various Asanas practiced in HathaYoga.

It is very empowering to know, and realize with practice, that the human body can achieve all the benefits of most stimulating physical sport just by practicing the different Asanas in Yoga, without any exertion. Physical exercise and sports would involve loss of breath, increased heart beat and fatigue which points to the fact that they are not optimally stimulating to the body. Instead they cause fatigue and friction within the body.

While it is better to indulge in sports than lead a sedentary life, the practice of Yoga ensures that you get all the benefits that sports offer without the fatigue and the wear entailed in it.

Asanas are a continuous sequence of contraction and expansion of muscles that lead to higher blood flood, stronger muscles, more elasticity and the resultant better functioning.

Here’s how asanas can benefit various systems within your body.

1. Benefits of Yoga Asanas in Improving the Digestive System

The stomach, pancreas, liver and the intestines are the major components of a digestive system. The proper functioning of all these organs is vital to a healthy digestive system. Yoga through the use of Asanas aims to do just that. To aid the muscles of these organs and to maintain elasticity and strength it is important to stretch and contract them. When the organs lose their elasticity, their functioning becomes very poor. Elasticity is vital to the functioning internal organs.

There are Asanas which are designed specifically towards improving the digestive system. The benefitial yoga asanas which cause the stretching of your abdominal muscles and organs while contracting your back are as below:

• Salabhasana: This posture resembles a grasshopper.
• Dhanurasana: The posture of a bow.
• Bhujangasana: The posture of a cob.ra

There are other Asanas that do the exact opposite effect of stretching the abdominal muscles. They contract the abdominal muscles and organs while stretching the back muscles. The beneficial yoga Asanas which perform this function are as below

• Paschimottanasana: Stretching the back muscles completely while lying flat.
• Halasana: The plough pose which stretches the back muscles.
• Yogamudrasana: This is a mudra which stretches the back muscles similar to the way Dhaurasana stretches the abdominal muscles.

2. Yoga Asanas Improve the Blood Circulation

Asanas such as Uddiyan-Bandha which induces a rising and falling of the diaphragm provides massage to the heart which is very stimulating. The other yoga asanas which are beneficial for improved circulation are as below:

• Viparitakarani (the inverted posture)
• Halasana (the plough posture)
• Sarvangasana (the head stand)
• Shirsasana (head stand position)

The practice of these Asanas on regular basis increases the blood circulation in the body inducing a healthy functioning of all the organs. Another benefit of inverted positions such as Savangasana leads to the ease of blood flow in the veins reducing the pressure therein

3. Benefits of Yoga to the Respiratory System

Keeping the lungs in good shape is extremely important towards the optimal functioning of the respiratory system. The various inhaling and exhaling exercises which are performed during the Asanas aid the lung in inflating fully.

The below yoga poses are extremely beneficial towards preserving the elasticity of the lungs and the clearing of respiratory tract:

• Salabhasana
• Sarvangasana
• Viparitakarani

All the Asanas above involve the holding of breath which causes the inflation of the pulmonary cells increasing their elasticity and getting them stimulated.

4. Yoga Benefits the Endocrine Glands through Stimulation

There are 6 endocrine glands present in a human body as follows:

1. The pituitary gland
2. The pineal gland
3. The thyroid gland
4. Parathyroid gland
5. Adrenal glands
6. Gonads or sexual glands

The pineal glands located in the brain region are highly benefited by the practice of Sirshasana, Viparitakarani and Sarvangasana. These three yoga poses are also good at maintaining the health of the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland and the pituitary glands.

The Adrenal glands are highly benefited by the practice of the below Asanas

• Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
• Uddiyana-Bandha (abdominal lock)
• Dhanurasana (bow pose)

The health of gonads or sexual glands is vital for the proper functioning of the human body. In men the gonads are the testicles while for women it’s the ovaries. The practice of Sarvangasana and Uddiyan maintain the good health of the gonads.

5. Yoga Asana Aid the Excretory System

Urine contains uric acid which should be promptly disposed from the body. Present in the large intestine are various bilious waste and other fecal substances which should also be discarded. If these toxic substances are not removed properly they cause severe defects in the human body.

The practice of the below Yoga Asanas helps keep the execratory system in a healthy state.

• Dhanurasana (bow pose)
• Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
• Uddiyana-Bandha (abdominal lock)
• Sirshansana
• Paschimottanasana
• Sarvangasana

6. Benefits of Yoga to the Nervous System

The Asana Uddiyana-Bandha is known to help the spinal column remain in a supple condition and is highly beneficial to the synaptic nerve system. The practice of Asana like Sirshasana and Viparitakarani aids the proper function of the cranial nerves situated in the brain region.

Benefits of yoga poses to the human body are immense. Following these Asanas on a daily basis will keep your body working in an optimal state and ensure that you are disease free. With improved blood circulation and digestion comes energy assimilation and with improved excretion the body stays free of toxins. Yoga maintains the functional balance in the body and thus creates good health.

As more people are starting to get very involved in yoga both as a means to reconnect with their spirit and focus on the mental aspect of their training, some often wonder just how many calories yoga burns. Can yoga really be used as a means to lose weight or are you better off sticking with your running and weight lifting workouts instead?

Here are some things to consider about how many calories yoga burns.

The Form Of Yoga

Generally speaking, the most significant influencing factor that will determine how many calories yoga burns is the type that you are doing. The more intense forms of yoga that have you focusing on strength development and positions where you are holding in deep muscle contraction for extended periods of time will definitely be burning up far more calories than those forms that have you sitting in a relaxed position just breathing in and out.

For instance, for half an hour of intense yoga such as Ashtanga, you’ll burn 222 calories (based on a 140 pound person). This is a significant number of calories and it almost parallels that of jogging. If you want to lose weight and are doing this on a daily basis, you’ll definitely be working towards creating the calorie deficit you need to see success.

Even higher, 30 minutes of Bikram yoga will burn about 318 calories, so even if you just added this to your week on a daily basis, you’d be losing almost 3 pounds each month.

Hatha yoga on the other hand is more relaxed in nature so for thirty minutes of that you’ll burn just 90 calories, so it’s not quite as effective it weight loss is the main goal.

Your Effort Level

Second, when it comes to yoga and calorie burn, another thing that must be considered is the amount of effort that you are putting in.

Yoga is one form of exercise that is fairly easy to self-regulate how hard you’re working simply by focusing less on the specific muscle groups being worked and not maintaining the proper form like you should.

If you are really zeroing in on each muscle that should be contracting and being sure to fully tense it as best as possible, that’s also going to up the calorie burn both during the workout session as well as after you’re finished.

If you kind of coast through the yoga session though, executing the movements with some effort but not really putting your all into it, then you’re going to notice a much lower level of overall calorie burn and won’t see nearly the same degree of weight loss benefits.

So keep these two main factors in mind when thinking about how many calories yoga burns. When you’re doing the right variation and working as hard as you can, it definitely can be an effective way to lose weight as long as you’re also following a good diet plan as well.

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Article by yogaclassplan.com