http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/classifying-asanas-levels-methods-mastering-them-part-ii.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/classifying-asanas-levels-methods-mastering-them-part-ii.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 1. When an Asana / Position is assumed, stability is an integral part of the process. After assuming a requisite asana, one is required to maintain the body in the same position for a period of time, stabilising all the muscles in the body, whether stretched or relaxed. The classical definition of Asanas explains that the first level is meant for stabilising all bodily functions.
2. After holding a particular asana for a certain period of time, the next level is to feel the comfortable in the position, and maintaining which should come easily.
3. After being able to hold the position in a comfortable and steady manner, one should try to try a gradual relaxation of muscles, which allows one greater stability and comfort in holding the asana. A relaxed body also calms the mind and allows for greater introspection and easy focus.
4. A relaxed mind means one can focus easily on the object of meditation to experience a higher stage, an asana level related to the higher mind, leading to transcendation of a physical experience.

Being able to practise all four levels in progression means one has achieved mastery over the Asana, regular practice of which imparts great physical and mental benefits. Ability to maintain an Asana for 3-hours without experiencing any discomfort and simultaneously reaching the higher stages of meditation means mastery on both the physical and the mental level.


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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/physiological-benefits-of-yoga-iii.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/physiological-benefits-of-yoga-iii.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Pain Management
Yoga reduces pain by helping the brain’s pain centre regulate the gate-controlling mechanism that is located in the spinal cord, including the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises that are the main feature of yoga also help to reduce the pain. One can induce the body to relax and free itself from tension by lengthening one’s exhalation time, since muscles tend to relax when we exhale. Awareness of breathing and controlling one’s inhalations and exhalations are useful in calming down and slowing respiration, even as this procedure helps one relax and successfully manage pain.

Incorporating relaxation and meditation techniques in Yoga also goes a long way in reducing pain. And, the effectiveness of yoga in reducing pain is due to its strong focus on self-awareness, which not only has a protective effect, but allows for early preventive action, as well.

Back Pain
There are many people who suffer from back pain, which is the most common reason for which medical attention is sought. However, consistent practice of Yoga Asanas not only cures but also prevents back pain by enhancing its strength and flexibility. Since, both acute and long-term stress lead to muscle tension, thereby exacerbating back problems, Yoga’s relaxation techniques are useful in combating stress.

If, you are not convinced, why not browse online yoga books, including Yoga books on meditation and spirituality. And in the practical sense, equip yourself with some yoga accessories e.g. yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mats, etc. for some beneficial yoga sessions!


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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/yoga-benefits-part-i.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/yoga-benefits-part-i.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Doing pranayama, asanas and meditation daily helps in diverse ailments, such as, diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions. Scientific tests have proven a yogi’s increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Currently, research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is underway and has indicated positive and promising results.

Medical scientists attest to the success of yoga therapy, as it helps to balance both the nervous and endocrine systems, which directly influence all the other systems and organs of the human body. Not only a curative, but a preventative therapy, as well, the very essence of yoga lies in attaining mental peace, improved concentration powers, a relaxed state of living and harmony in relationships.

Practising Yoga makes us aware that there is an inter-connectedness between our emotional, mental and physical levels, as we gradually begin to understand the more subtle areas of existence. The ultimate goal of yoga is to make it possible and enable one to fuse together the gross material (annamaya), physical (pranamaya), mental (manomaya), intellectual (vijnanamaya) and spiritual (anandamaya) levels, within our being.

In case, you are still unconvinced about the benefits of Yoga, why not read some yoga books, including yoga books on meditation and spirituality. There are even online yoga books and audiotapes, one can listen to while driving or running errands. Once you are convinced of the benefits of practising Yoga, the next step before beginning to practise it is to equip yourself with some yoga accessories, such as, a yoga mat, yoga strap and yoga block. Go Yoga!


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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/healthy-mind-and-mind-with-yoga.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/healthy-mind-and-mind-with-yoga.html Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
While, doing any exercise, it is obvious that the strain on muscles increases, as does the requirement for blood and oxygen. However, practitioners of Yoga have found the reverse to be true, instead of feeling strained; each and every muscle of the body is relaxed, even as the requirement for blood and oxygen goes down. Doing Yoga Asanas, you will find, also reduces the strain on the mind, which becomes stable and focused. As well, the body twists and stretched postures improve the functioning of endocrine glands, digestive organs, heart and other organs.

Why not study a few books on Yoga and learn a few simple asanas, regular practice of which will prove most beneficial for your mind and body, but not before you equip yourself with some yoga accessories, such as, a yoga mat, a yoga strap, even a yoga block. To get the most benefit out of your Yoga experience, you must also read yoga books on meditation and spirituality, and there are many such online yoga books that one can choose from, as can you from yoga accessories, which include a wide range of yoga mats, yoga straps to yoga blocks.

You’ll never have felt better, since after you begin practicing Yoga!


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Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, <Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/yoga-a-blend-of-spiritual-and-physical-exercises.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/yoga-a-blend-of-spiritual-and-physical-exercises.html Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A traditional Indian system of healing the mind and body, through a series of mental, spiritual and physical exercises, Yoga is designed to yoke or unite or fuse individual consciousness and awareness (atma or the human soul) with super conscious awareness (Paramatma or the Supreme Being), which is, but a natural state of mind for both. Ultimately, this yoking process leads to a realisation of identity, and by integrating mind, body and spirit; it enhances physical and mental health and well-being, even as it helps attain spiritual insight and harmony, a union with the divine.

A blend of spiritual and physical exercises that encourage mental, spiritual and physical fitness, these exercises are also known to be effective against anxiety, arthritis, headache, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Yoga’s special exercises, breathing and meditation techniques are renowned for cleansing the body of toxins, improving the muscle tone, as well as, blood circulation.

A way of life, the aim of Patanjali Yoga is to set man free from the cage of matter. Mind being the highest form of matter, the mind, body, soul union that is the goal of everyone practicing Yoga, frees them from the dragnet of Chital or Ahankara (mind or ego), making for a pure being. Practising Yoga does that and more!


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Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/branches-or-basics-of-yoga.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/branches-or-basics-of-yoga.html Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The six branches of Yoga tend to have some aspects in common and familiarizing oneself with all six will certainly help in the selection of your own yoga programme that incorporates routines that appeal from any of the six branches. Asanas or postures, Pranayama or breath control, these two disciplines along with meditation and a strict moral code are the fundamentals of the practice of yoga.

Hatha Yoga
Introduced in the 15th century by an Indian sage as a preparatory stage of physical purification to enable the body to be fit for the practice of higher meditation as in Raja Yoga, Ha means sun and tha means moon, a reference to the energy channels of the body. Fully opened energy channels allow the body to become supple enough to attain the mental disciplines of Raja Yoga. In practice, both Hatha and Raja Yoga are inter-related and dependant upon each other. Western practitioners associate yoga with the hatha branch to attain mental and physical wellbeing.

Raja Yoga
Raja translates as ‘royal’ and meditation is central to this branch of yoga, which has eight side branches or limbs in an order that must be strictly followed. We start with Yama meaning ethical standards, Niyama – self discipline, asana – posture, pranayama – breathing control, pratyahara - sensory withdrawal, dharana – meditation, samadhi - ecstasy or final liberation. Those inclined to introspection or meditation are best suited to Raja yoga.

Though members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote themselves to this yoga branch, one does not have to embrace a monastic lifestyle to gain from the benefits of practicing Raja Yoga.

Karma Yoga
The fundamental principle of Karma Yoga is that what we experience now is created by our past actions, whether in this life or a previous one. Once we understand this principal, then we can ensure all our present actions help create a future free of negativity and selfishness. To practice Karma Yoga is to lead a life of selfless service to others.

Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is yoga of the heart, a branch of devotion Bhakti is the Sanskrit term for selfless love of God and mankind. Bhakti principles are universal and common to many world religions. By following the path of bhakti we learn to channel our emotions, accept and have tolerance for all those that cross our path.

Jnana Yoga
This is the branch of knowledge, the yoga of the mind and is both the most difficult and the most direct of the six branches. It is yoga of the mind, of wisdom, the path of the sage or scholar. The practitioners of Jnana Yoga develop their intellects by intensive study, particularly but not confined to, the yoga tradition and other spiritual teachings. This is the path that most appeals to the intellectuals pursuing the practice of yoga. Within the context of our Western religious traditions, Kabalistic scholars, Jesuit priests, and Benedictine monks epitomise Jnana Yogis.

Tantra Yoga
Tantra, from the Sanskrit ‘to weave’ or ‘loom’, is the branch of yoga that practices ritual as a means of experiencing the divine in all our activities. Probably, the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yogas, tantra, the sixth branch, is the pathway of ritual, an in tantric practice; we experience the Divine in everything we do. A reverential attitude is, therefore cultivated, encouraging a ritualistic approach to life. In essence, tantra is the most esoteric of the six major branches and appeals to those yogis who enjoy ceremony and relate to the feminine principle of the cosmos, which they call Shakti.

In the West, the tantric path of yoga has become associated almost entirely with sexual activity. It is because of this emphasis on only one aspect of this branch that it has become misinterpreted and misunderstood by so many. It is amusing to note that, although tantra has become associated exclusively with sexual ritual, most tantric schools actually recommend a celibate lifestyle. The ‘Kama Sutra’ an ancient Hindu book of sexual techniques is the best known example of the lack of understanding of the true objectives of tantra yoga.

A discipline that leads to a reverential attitude to even the most every day celebrations of giving and receiving, of birth and death, of achievements and of failure, and of relationships and understanding, this is a path that will appeal to westerners who enjoy being actively involved in celebrations, church going, clubs and associations and other types of ceremonies.

Combining the Paths
You do not have to limit yourself to one expression, but can practice hatha yoga, taking care of your physical body, while simultaneously cultivating the lifestyle of a Bhakti Yogi, expressing compassion for everyone you meet. Whichever, avenue of yogic expression draws your interest; it will probably be the right yoga path for you.



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Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/a-comfortable-state-of-mind-and-body.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/a-comfortable-state-of-mind-and-body.html Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Furthermore, the twists and stretched yoga asanas or postures compel the organs of the body, such as, the endocrine glands, the digestive, heart and other organs to function in an improved manner. And, all this can be achieved with even the most simple of Yoga asanas!

Practised in India for centuries, this ancient practice is elaborated in great detail in sub-continental historical treatises and texts! As in everything else, India is beginning to show the world how to heal the mind and body, without resorting to the swallowing of heavy doses of poisonous chemicals in the guise of medicine, or expensive surgery and psychiatric treatment. Prevention is better than cure, and practicing Yoga not only prevents an individual from falling sick, it also helps to recover a healthy state of mind and body!


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Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/yoga-explained.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/yoga-explained.html Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
In addition to other forms of treatment, yoga proves an effective physical therapy for helping alleviate painful conditions, such as, arthritis, stiffness of neck, back and feet, improved blood circulation, constipation, increased lung capacity, improved respiratory conditions, insomnia, and much, much more.

Yogic exercises called Asanas or postures in Sanskrit language comprise of what is designated as Hatha Yoga. If, one practices this ancient and respected system, it most certainly helps in maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. And, best of all, regardless of age or present physical condition, one can perform these non-strenuous exercises, without any harm or damage to self. Easy of pace, yoga is not based on competition, nor does it believe in competing with others.

While, the results of doing strenuous physical exercise is reflected in the muscles and tone of one’s body, yoga addresses every mental and the physical aspect of mind and body, and helps a yogi slowly come to realization of the spiritual reality of one’s existence over time.

This ancient system is a unique method has proved its timelessness by helping combat the stress and strains of modern day life!


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Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/different-stages-of-yoga.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/different-stages-of-yoga.html Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The next two stages consist of physical preparations, such as, Asana (‘seat’), a series of physical posture exercises intended to condition the body, making it supple, flexible, and healthy. Mastery of the asanas can be calculated by one’s ability to maintain a prescribed postures for an extended period of time, without involuntary movement or physical distractions. Pranayama ("breath control") is a series of exercises intended to stabilize the rhythm of breathing in order to encourage complete respiratory relaxation.

With great benefits, Yoga is becoming very popular all over the world, including making a come back in the land of its birth i.e. India.

Pratyahara (‘withdrawal) is the fifth stage, which involves control of the senses, whereby one can centre all of one’s senses from outward objects to the mind. The first five stages of Yoga are considered external aids, while the remaining three are purely mental or internal aids.

Dharana (‘holding on’) is the ability to focus awareness of externals to one object for a long period of time, such as, focusing the mind on an object of meditation e.g. an image of a deity or some such. Dhyana (‘concentrated meditation’) is the uninterrupted contemplation of an object of meditation, beyond any memory of ego. Samadhi (‘self-collectedness’) is the final stage and a pre-condition for attaining moksha or being released from the cycle of life and death. This stage, allows the meditator to perceive or experience the object of his meditation and himself as one entity.

Though, the pre-history of Yoga is not clear, however, early Vedic texts speak of ecstatics, who may well have been predecessors of latter day yogis or the followers of Yoga. Although Yoga has been made into a separate school (‘darsan’), its influence and many of its practices have crept into other schools.

In the course of time, certain stages of Yoga become ends in themselves, notably, the breathing exercises and sitting postures, as in the school of Hatha Yoga. In a less technical sense, Yoga used for achieving union with God, in the epic poem the Bhagavadgita, is also used to distinguish the alternate paths (‘margas’) to such a union.

With the philosophy and practice of Yoga increasingly becoming popular in the West, the physical and spiritual benefits of Yogic techniques have become available through a wide variety of sectarian Yoga organisations, non-sectarian classes, and television programmes in the United States and Europe.

‘Prapti’ is the fifth power that a practitioner of Yoga can gain mastery over. Anyone, who becomes proficient in it, is able to reach distant places according to his will, in just a matter of moments. Those people wishing to expose this psychic claim as a hoax conducted experiments, only to find that 95% of the time the yogis were able to transport themselves to distant, remote places.

Next, mastery over ‘Prakamya’ shows one how to achieve whatever one desires. Like the Genie in the bottle who granted every wish and carried out every command issued by Alladin, a person who can perform Prakamya can make his every wish come true e.g. asking for Eternal Youth will ensure he is forever young.

In meanwhile, you can read yoga books or buy yoga accessories, if you are convinced it is time to become a yoga devotee. One can purchase online yoga books on meditation and spirituality, yoga audiotapes, including yoga accessories, such as, yoga mats, yoga straps, yoga blocks! from Yogabestseller.com Prepare yourself well to make yoga practice a pleasant and fruitful experience! We can promise you, it is one decision you will never regret!



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Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com



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