There is a tendency these days to clutch a water bottle whenever we are going to exert ourselves. The reason to refrain (if possible) from drinking during yoga is that you are quenching the essential thing that you want to generate: heat! When heat is produced internally through asana and the breath (rather than externally, […]
Chanting is more than just a lovely way to start and finish a yoga class. The sound ‘OM’ is considered the universal sound, encompassing three elements: creation (A), preservation (U) and destruction (M); hence the sound A+U (O) and M. OM is the most commonly used mantra or chant, derived from the ancient Sanskrit language. […]
In the western world, we usually equate ‘Asana’ (postures) with ‘Yoga’ and the primary aim of people that come a yoga class is either to become more flexible, stronger or lose weight. However, for some there is also the aspect of ‘stress relief’, so there must be something more to yoga than just the physical […]
The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two parts of Patanjali’s yoga of 8-limbs. The ‘Yamas’ are principles to develop disciplines that helps us interact mindfully with the outside world: 1) Ahimsa: non-harming, including ourselves; developing a sensitivity to all living beings 2) Satya: truthfulness; being honest but not hurtful with your words 3) […]
As with all physical and mental conditions, you have to rely on the medical advice of your doctor. If he/she suggests that yoga would be beneficial in to the recovery of your condition, there shouldn’t be a reason not to practice. However, it is critically important that you let the teacher know about your condition […]
There are no prerequisites or restrictions with regard to who can or cannot do yoga. It is a common misconception that you have to ‘twist like a pretzel’ to do yoga. In fact, yoga is suitable for everybody, regardless of age, gender or physical ability. If truth be told, one of the big lessons in […]
Yoga postures (asana) are more than stretching exercises – at the most basic level, they do not only stretch your muscles, but open locked up joints and improve core strength. On a deeper level, Yoga requires your undivided focus as the aim is to coordinate movement with breath. Through the combination of postures that allow […]
Yoga is a philosophy not a religion, its historical origins are deeply rooted in the ancient Indian cultural traditions associated with Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. As such, while yoga does have rituals and spiritual texts associated with its heritage, it does not have exclusive doctrines that preclude any religion. The aim of yoga is to […]