Yoga And Meditation » Spine

What Is Kundalini Yoga?

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:02:31 +0000

Kundalini Yoga is a powerful type of yoga that focuses on the energy within the body. The focus is usually pinpointed through an area. In the old language, the definition for this type of yoga is known as ‘energy’ and also as ‘coiled’ and is likened to the accuracy of a coiled up snake. This energy is said to reside at the bottom of the spine, lying in wait until users tap into the power and let it flow throughout the body.

To be able to focus on this energy results in the ability to achieve consciousness of one’s inner being on a new level. This consciousness is referred to as chakras. Within the body, there are seven chakras or energy centers.

These energy centers are said to give those who practice the yoga a system of energy, control or subtle power. The chakras have within them things like the spiritual side, the kindness of a person.

They also help focus on the ability to share verbally and in the way we express ourselves. To tap into the chakras is to tap into the love, the power within and even the will to survive.

For someone who’s never studied any type of yoga, Kundalini Yoga isn’t a starting point but rather a graduating point. The poses used in the yoga are also done with practiced breathing much the same as in other styles of yoga.

However, the main component of this versus other types of yoga, is the concentration on bringing the unreleased energy into play and having it travel through the chakras until the goal of understanding or enlightenment is reached.

There are rewards to be reaped from undertaking any kind of yoga designed to improve your overall health and emotional well being. But because this style of yoga is so powerful, beginners are cautioned to align themselves either with an instructor who’s familiar with the power involved or with someone who understands how to use the energy correctly.

There are challenges involved with a yoga that has coiled energy and you don’t want to tap into something you’re not sure how to handle emotionally or physically.

While other styles of yoga do center on several different aspects such as physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, Kundalini Yoga has a strong emphasis on the spiritual. But like the other yoga forms, partaking in this kind of yoga will also strengthen the body and help users obtain a balanced life.

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Safe Yoga For Seniors

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:10:38 +0000

` Yoga has become a popular means of exercise for older adults. And no wonder. It makes their bodies fitter and their minds calmer. Seniors benefit from improvements in balance, stronger muscles, reduced joint pain and more energy.

Modifications should be made to the various yoga poses for seniors with ostoporosis and joint problems. Instructors should be knowledgable about these necessary modifications.

Here are some pointers for older adults to consider when participating in yoga:

* Keep proper spinal alignment with each pose.

* Avoid poses that require forward flexion (bending forward at the waist).

* Move slowly and gently from one pose to the next.

* Poses should feel comfortable and steady.

* Rest when needed.

* Use a chair or wall for balance exercises as required.

Following is a short list of the vinyasas, or yoga pose sequences suitable for a participant with osteoporosis or joint problems:

* Corpse Pose. Begins breath work and decompresses the spine. Breathing is used for inward focus. Use a pillow or bolster as needed.

* Supine Shoulder Press. Strengthens the shoulder girdle and stretches the front of the shoulder. Coordinate with breathing. Use a pillow under the elbows if needed.

* Rib Lift. Strengthens back muscles and stretches the front muscles. If you are weak in this area use the bolster for support.

* Supine Bridging. Strengthens core muscles and stretches the front thigh muscle. Vary with heel raises or leg raises. Place a yoga block between thighs for support.

* Cobra Pose. Stretches anterior muscles. Move carefully throughout the full range of motion.

* Warrior 2 Pose. Strengthens legs and opens chest. Use chair for support if needed.

* Legs Up The Wall Pose. Decompresses spine, improves circulation and promotes relaxation. Maintain good posture. Use blankets or bolsters as needed.

Yoga has many benefits to offer senior citizens. Some of the regular moves, however, aren’t suitable for older adults, especially those with joint problems or osteoporosis. The modifications are small and don’t take much away from the original move. Making a few safety changes to your yoga program will reduce injury and allow you to reap all the outstanding benefits of yoga practice.

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness ideas go to www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

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The Essence Of Kundalini Yoga

admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:19:29 +0000

Kundalini refers to the dormant power in the human organism, which lies at the root of the spinal column and is the individual bodily representation of the great cosmic power. The Kundalini energy is generally described figuratively as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. The coiled state of the kundalini represents the unmanifested spiritual power and consciousness of humans

The awakening of kundalini energy requires long practice and preparation under the expert supervision of a teacher through the various stages of discipline involving asanas (postures), mudras (psycho-physical gestures), bandhas (muscular locks), pranayama (breath-control), meditations and mantras. . These disciplines enable the practitioner to purify and balance the two subtle channels of energy, called ida and pingala, which run adjacent to the spine on each side. This results in the gradual ignition of the kundalini energy at the base of the spine and it begins to rise up through a central channel in the spinal column, known as the sushumna nadi. As it rises, it passes through various psycho-energetic centers known as chakras. As the chakras are interconnected with different dormant areas of the brain, when the kundalini passes through them, all of the latent faculties and divine potentialities, innate in mankind, are awakened.

The main purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken this Kundalini energy which gradually takes the practitioner to progressively elevated levels of consciousness. The awakened Kundalini energy merges the individual consciousness of the practitioner with the vital consciousness of the entire universe and thus bestows upon them many divine, occult powers. It also brings upon the practitioner the realization that we are all spiritual being having a human experience. The keyword here is realization, that is, when the practitioners understand this as the truth in the very core of their being.

Kundalini Yoga is the highest form of yoga and all other forms of yoga are merely preparations of the mind and body for its practice. A focused and diligent practice of other forms of yoga will ultimately lead the practitioner in this direction, of its own accord, by raising their levels of consciousness.

In yogic traditions there is a mention of three types of spaces: Mahakasha, Chittakasha and Chidakasha, all derivatives of the word akasha which means sky in Sanskrit. Mahakasha means the space outer to oneself. Then comes Chittakasha or Mental Space, which is the abode of all thoughts, dreams and imaginations. All experiences at this level are hallucinations when compared to genuine spiritual experiences. And finally, we have the Chidakasha or Knowledge Space, which is where all genuine spiritual experiences take place. The practice of Kundalini Yoga gives us access to this Chidakasha.

Kundalini Yoga is simply the most efficient method for balancing body, mind and spirit with the infinite nature of the Universe. Once the Kundalini energy is awakened and reaches the topmost chakra called the sahasrara the practitioner achieves spiritual enlightenment and experiences a state of joyfulness, which radiates in every aspect of their living.

Nicholas Martens is a long time practitioner of Yoga. For more information about Kundalini Yoga visit the Kundalini Yoga Site

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How To Cleanse Your Chakras Through Meditation?

admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:20:27 +0000

According to the ancient Vedic philosophy, the harmonious functioning of our chakras ensures our overall physical and mental well-being. Guided meditation is one of the simplest self-help techniques used for chakra-cleansing. Practicing the following steps once a week can help contribute to your overall health and well being-

Step 1- Lie down or sit in a comfortable position

Step 2- close your eyes and deep breathe

Step 3- Focus on your breathing

Step 4- Imagine that you are taking in light and energy with every in-breath and exhaling all your stress with every out breath

Step5- After a while you’ll start feeling calm and relaxed

Step6- Now imagine a white beam of light entering your body through soles of your feet

Step 7- Let it travel to the base of your spine, feel it circulating in that area and let it dissolve all the blockages from your root chakra. See the blockages as black soot covering your chakra. As the black soot disappears it will reveal your earthy red root chakra. Tell yourself “I am grounded and confident”

Step 8- Let the light now move up towards your sacral chakra, below your navel, around your genital area. Let the light dissolve away all the blockages from this chakra, see it as a whirling orange mass or an orange colored spinning wheel. Tell yourself “I release all my fears and express my desires freely”.

Step 9- See the light clearing your solar-plexus (6 inches above your navel). Let this whirling white light cleanse your bright yellow chakra. Tell yourself “I accept myself the way I am and I respect others for who they are”

Step 10- Let the light now move up towards your heart chakra. Watch it cleanse your chakra, feel the throbbing pink/red/green chakra in the area between your breasts. Tell yourself “I now accept and give love freely”

Step 11- Feel the light move in a circular motion around your throat area. Watch it cleanse your throat chakra; you’ll see a pale blue spinning wheel or blue colored spinning mass of light emerge. Tell yourself “I now express myself freely and without fear”

Step 12- Let the light move to your third eye chakra, the area between your eyebrows. Feel it cleanse your indigo/violet colored chakra. Tell yourself “I am focused, alert and at peace with myself”

Step 12- Let the light finally move up towards the crown of your head. See it move upwards towards the sky. Now silently pray for guidance and request the universe to silence your ego and help you achieve a higher level of consciousness

Step 13- Relax

Step 12- Slowly, open your eyes

This guided meditation technique is a combination of meditation, hypnosis and positive affirmations. In case you feel it will be difficult for you to remember each and every step while meditating, record these steps as instructions to yourself on a tape or cd and play it before you sit down to mediate. Make sure give a time gap of at least 2-3 minutes between each instruction.

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Step 1- Lie down or sit in a comfortable position

Step 2- close your eyes and deep breathe

Step 3- Focus on your breathing

Step 4- Imagine that you are taking in light and energy with every in-breath and exhaling all your stress with every out breath

Step5- After a while you’ll start feeling calm and relaxed

Step6- Now imagine a white beam of light entering your body through soles of your feet

Step 13- Relax

Step 12- Slowly, open your eyes

Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com

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Easy Meditation Technique: Visualization

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:38:48 +0000

Are you interested in trying out some meditation techniques to help you relax and relieve your stress? It may appear that meditation is a complicated procedure requiring lots of knowledge and skill, but at its core, meditation is just about focus and relaxation.

By performing the visualization technique that follows, you will see just how easy it is to meditate. The instructions are straightforward, and you can do this exercise right at home in a comfortable setting.

Many people prefer to meditate first thing in the morning, although it can be done anytime that’s convenient for you. There are usually fewer distractions in the morning, and your mind hasn’t had a chance to become cluttered with to-do lists, irritations and everyday crises.

Before you start, find a peaceful, secluded room, somewhere where you feel calm and quiet. Now seat yourself in a comfortable position, sitting straight with your spine relaxed but upright. Sit wherever you feel most comfy, either in a chair, on the floor, perched on a cushion, or on the bed. People frequently meditate sitting cross-legged on the floor, but if you find this uncomfortable or restrictive to your circulation, keep your legs extended. The important thing is that you’re relaxed.

Now that you’ve settled in, it’s time to calm yourself. Close your eyes and relax your body. Let go of your thoughts for the moment.

Now comes the visualization part. Choose an object to think about. This can literally be anything – a flower, a pet, or even a kitchen appliance! Mentally focus on this object and think about its features. Think about its color, its shape and its texture. Then imagine what it would be like to be that object.

Let your thoughts come effortlessly. Be aware of the object you have chosen to focus on and feel it becoming part of you.

The key to your success in this visualization exercise is to not let your focus be sidetracked by obtrusive thoughts or noises. If you hear something that distracts you or if you start thinking about your schedule for the day, just let go of the distraction and concentrate once again on your object.

To achieve this kind of concentration and focus of the mind will take much practice. But in time, you will be able to visualize an object easily and naturally.

By adding visualization meditation to your daily routine, you’ll find it becomes less effort to concentrate fully and block out distractions. And you will find that you have learned to relax your body and focus your mind.

Keira Adams writes about women’s wellness, including meditation techniques. If you want to know more about this calming practice, visit Meditation-Info.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

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Balance and Coordination With On the Ball With Sara Ivanhoe

Guest Author — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:16:17 +0000

You would have to be living in isolation to have missed the big hurrah about exercise or medicine balls. These plastic, giant balls are often used in workout routines to help the body get fit and toned. The New Year is here, yet have you stuck with your resolution to workout more or to get in shape? With a medicine ball you can and if you really want to up the ante on your workout and feel great you need to combine it with On the Ball With Sara Ivanhoe: Yoga Workout for Beginners.

On the Ball With Sara Ivanhoe: Yoga Workout for Beginners incorporates the use of a medicine ball with the stretches and exercises associated with yoga. The ball is extremely useful in keeping your spine aligned and also provides a great foundation to do some of the core exercises. It definitely makes you aware of where your center is and how to improve your balance.

For those not familiar with medicine ball training, it is a giant rubber ball that you use to help you isolate certain muscle groups. It has been around for a while now and most gyms even use them in their classes. The ball is fantastic for targeting your abdominal muscles without straining your neck or back due to improper technique. The ball forces you to assume the correct position and helps cushion your spine.

When you add in yoga to traditional medicine ball exercises you uncover a realm of new techniques that can help you strengthen your muscles and learn the poses often associated with yoga classes. But do not worry about the DVD being too advanced. It is specifically designed for beginners.

The ball, in conjunction with the yoga workout, is really practical and can help you learn balance. That is fundamental for learning yoga. Sara Ivanhoe takes the time to teach you the proper techniques and also how to modify them, if you are not able to maintain a particular position or stance. That is extremely helpful for those completely unfamiliar with the various poses and exercises used in yoga.

All in all, if you are looking for a great beginner’s workout DVD that focuses on yoga, then this is the one for you. On the Ball With Sara Ivanhoe: Yoga Workout for Beginners is terrific for those who may have limited abilities due to an injury or are just not coordinated enough for other DVDs. You will have to purchase the ball separately but those are relatively cheap.

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Health Benefits Of Yoga Exercise

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:26:11 +0000

Yoga studios are springing up in many cities all over the world to cater to the demand by yoga beginners in the midst of the current economic downturn that is characterized by daily stress, fatigue and pollution. More and more people are taking up yoga classes to seek that elusive sense of relaxation, comfort and inward consciousness. It has provided them with a refuge away from the daily confusion and yielded benefits useful to their practical daily lives.

The benefits of yoga is that it is therapeutic both physically and mentally and it conditions the mind and body. Hatha yoga which is very popular in the west, for example, conditions the muscle joints making them flexible, tones the muscles, strengthens the spine, eases back pain, correct body postures, creates balance, improves overall fitness and health, increases circulation, strengthens the heart, reduces blood sugar levels and cholesterol and assists in weight loss.

It also creates balance and relaxes the mind and body, by freeing the spirit and sharpens mental concentration and awareness. Hatha yoga is known to relieve the symptoms of illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, obesity, fatigue, arteriosclerosis and prolongs youthfulness. No wonder then that yoga is becoming a popular activity to help solve modern day illnesses and problems.

In practicing yoga, practitioners will attain a sense of centeredness, grace and coordination. The different postures in yoga heals and invigorates the body as it stretches and tones the muscles and joints and improving blood circulation and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Yoga postures involves every muscle of the body and challenges them in a passive way, creating resistance by moving the body’s centre of gravity. The quality of yoga postures and strengthening of the muscles brings relaxation and refreshes the body and mind.

Unlike other forms of exercise like aerobics or jogging, yoga when done correctly does not cause any strain or injury and has no negative effects. For beginners, it is recommended that the presence and direction of a qualified yoga teacher is sought before fully practicing yoga on one’s own.

Yoga is suitable for people of all ages, including children. It helps to develop self-discipline and improves a person’s physical and mental health. It also improves memory and concentration through breathing exercises, and for young people it enables them to keep their natural flexibility for years. The benefits that the practice of yoga provides far outweigh the time and effort that practitioners put in their daily routine.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a yoga practitioner. Subscribe to his newsletter for interesting articles on yoga at his website www.power-to-live.com/yoga.htm

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

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Chakra Meditation For Everyone!

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:36:28 +0000

Meditation provides a much-needed succor to the battered mind and soul. This fact is known for centuries to ancient civilizations, like Hindu. However, the Western world has only just realized the potency of meditation as a means towards a healthy physical and meta-physical existence. Chakra Meditation is one of the Meditation methods that is most popular the world over purely because of its simplicity and effectiveness in bringing about a change in anyone’s life.

Chakra Meditation – A Primer

Quite simply, Chakra Meditation refers to the process of balancing and energizing all the 7 energy centers (Chakras) in order to align the flow of energy through them. These 7 energy centers, or the Chakras, are:

1. Root Chakra governing your general health, prosperity and well being is located at the base of the spine and related to the element ‘Earth’.

2. Orange or Naval or Sacral Chakra located at the center of abdomen and related to the element ‘Water’. It governs our emotions and sexuality.

3. Throat Chakra is situated at the base of the throat. It is related to the ‘Sound’ element, which governs our creativity, communication ability, and resonance.

4. Heart Chakra is situated right at the center of the chest. It is related to the ‘Air’ element, which governs our feelings of love, compassion, and general relationships.

5. Power Chakra, also called the Solar Plexus, is situated just above the naval region. It is related to the ‘Fire’ element, which governs our will power, metabolism, and autonomy.

6. Brow Chakra governing your power of imagination, visualization, and interpretation is located between the brows on the forehead and related to the element ‘Light’.

7. Crown Chakra located at the top of the head and related to the element ‘thought’. It governs consciousness, wisdom, and knowledge.

If you want to reinvent yourself and bring back those vitalizing moments in your life, then there’s no substitute to Chakra Meditation. If these vital seven Chakras are rotating in sync, physical, mental, and spiritual well being is assured. Thus, you can safely conclude that Chakra Meditation is the key to overall health of your life, taken as a whole.

Chakra Meditation – The Process

Chakra Meditation involves three techniques in this order:

1. Grounding Technique refers to the process whereby, your body feels connected with Earth. The visualization involves assuming a root growing from your body and entering into the Earth, thus, transfixing your body to the ground. With some intense focus and determination, you can achieve this state of Chakra Meditation.

2. Centering Technique, which aims at preparing your body to receive the benefits of Chakra Meditation. Just take three to five deep breaths and visualize relaxation of every body part from toe to crown. In simple words, just tighten and relax each body part from toe to the crown, and then visualize the act of centering a pot on a pottery wheel.

3. Relaxation Technique, which is the final step in Chakra Meditation. There is no hard and fast rule to relax your body. Everyone has his or her own method of relaxation.

Here is a simple method of performing Chakra Meditation:

a) Sit or lie down comfortably.

b) Loosen all your clothing so that there is no tension on any part of the body, and close your eyes.

c) Take relaxing breaths – neither too fast nor too slow. Just give up your control on the breath, and let it flow naturally.

d) Feel every part of your body from toe to the crown in that direction. Feel the earth you are lying on or the sofa you are seated on, feel the clothes you are wearing. Feel completely present with yourself and relaxed.

e) You may experience a wave of thoughts, fears, and every kind of emotion during this process. Don’t avoid them! This represents the release of stress-related thoughts. With practice and regular exercise, these negative emotions and feelings will disappear.

f) Feel every subtle inner detail and let your awareness travel freely from one body part to the other.

This exercise can be done at any time of the day and for any duration of time. However, the longer the better!

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

The author Jonathan Benjem is one of the experts who writes for chakra-balance.com site. Visit here to understand how chakra meditation can change your life and receive twenty nine Free chakra meditation Audios.

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