Plantar fasciitis is a painful over-use injury caused by chronic irritation of the sole of the foot due to excessive strain. In this article, my primary emphasis is recommending a series of highly effective yoga asanas that deal directly with the most common causes of this condition. As a multi-pronged attack speeds recovery of this…
06/08/2020 Roger Cole, Ph.D. is a certified Iyengar yoga teacher trained at the Iyengar Yoga Institutes in San Francisco and Pune. He is also a Stanford University educated scientist with specialties in the science of relaxation, sleep, and circadian rhythms. In the video below, Roger explains why setu bandha and viparita karani are such beneficial poses.…
Yoga linked to lowered blood pressure with regular practice Lisa Rapaport 5 MIN READ (Reuters Health) – Adults who practice yoga with breathing and relaxation exercises at least three times a week may have lower blood pressure than people who don’t, a research review suggests. For the study, researchers analyzed data from 49 trials with…
“Great to see yoga therapy taught by people who really know what they’re doing” Bullet damage, a fractured spine and scoliosis; three people who were suffering from pain and lack of movement turned to a form of yoga taught by B.K.S. Iyengar, and improved the quality of their lives immeasurably UPDATED : Tuesday, 10…
A comprehensive guide on 18 amazing health benefits of yoga by Jenn Miller Yoga is becoming more mainstream in western cultures as those who practice it realize the numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits that come with the ancient art. Science has proven that yoga can have a transformative effect on the body, resulting in…
Another article that supports the now headlining evidence that taking a Vit D supplement is a good idea. Vitamin D is understood to be one of the most important nutrients required for the body to function optimally and for an individual to be healthy. It is also famous as the nutrient our body can…
It’s fascinating to know that the brain is a muscle and there are processes which help it thrive or deteriorate, most particularly, if it doesn’t get the essential fats it needs. The amount of these natural fats we eat needs to increase with age. This, and regular exercise are essential and headstand and shoulderstand are…
This superb article outlines how the wisdom of the Yoga philosophy can be a profound tool to help guide us back to our unchanging, essential core. BY GARY KRAFTSOW Although yoga therapy is a new and emerging profession in the modern world, its roots reach back thousands of years into Vedic teachings and…
This is a particularly important article, the main significance being the neurological issues this particular type of bad posture can precipitate. By Lindsey Bever November 20, 2014 (Courtesy of Dr. Ken Hansraj M.D.) The human head weighs about a dozen pounds. But as the neck bends forward and down, the weight on the cervical…
This article is definitely worth a look at . Did you know the gut contains up to 80% of our immune cells? Another reason to eat wisely and avoid sugar. JESSICA, OCTOBER 7, 2015 Let’s talk about the sewer system of your body. Did you know the lymphatic system circulates, cleans, and filters all the leftover blood in the…
I agree completely, you dont have to travel far and wide to find the Bliss that is with in you always by Kalee Thompson Disclaimer: Some of what I am about to say is a bit woo woo, new age-y and out there. More than that though, it is authentic. I use words like ‘source’,…
Simple steps that are good advice to anyone recovering from illness or trauma by Abigail Atkinson I am a stroke survivor. Two years ago I suffered a devastating stroke. My body was impacted through loss of vision, balance and the inability to walk. After three weeks in the hospital and six months of…
Good read – the gut is our second brain and thus an extremely important area August 28, 2014 |By Dr. Mercola Story at-a-glance Your microbiome is much like a fingerprint—it’s unique to you. Some researchers have even suggested that we might belong to one of a few “microflora types,” which are similar to…
This is a thoughtful and highly informative look at how yoga can be a very powerful tool to combat depression. Yoga teaches us how to lift ourselves out of depression and move toward a deeper sense of self. Find out how—and try these poses, breathing exercises, and mantras. MAY 31, 2013 BY GARY KRAFTSOW…
How inspiring! Rob Schware Executive Director, Give Back Yoga Foundation; President Ex-Officio & Advisor, Yoga Service Council This is an interview with Peggy Hong, who is part of a growing movement to incorporate themes of social justice into yoga classes, workshops, and programs. Peggy has taught yoga since 2001. She became a certified Iyengar Yoga instructor…
Here’s a light hearted nudge to do the king of yoga poses by Ali Washington Sirsasana or headstand is one of my favorite postures, and has been for many years. There was a time when I would request a headstand on every class I went to whenever the instructor asked us what we wanted to…
This piece of research has determined that yoga practice can have an almost immediate impact on gene expression, particularly in immune cells. Yoga works on so many levels. Apr 30, 2013 by Carolyn Gregoire Studies have shown yoga to be beneficial for both physical and mental health, but the biological mechanisms for why have been…
Meditation is the most important activity you can do – simply that. by Ivana Demmel Nov 3, 2015 Meditation is not just an Eastern esoteric practice. In one form or another and under different names it has been around for centuries in both East and West. It has been practised by monks, mystics and intellectuals alike — from…
This is a simple and powerful account of how yoga slowly transforms all of your life by anant mendiratta Practice Yoga | Personal Story When I first started “practicing” yoga, it was really just a substitute of “physical activity”. It was just like going to the studio for a workout. When my teacher asked, how…
“A fascinating story about the famous co-founder of Apple and the yoga book that accompanied him since his teens until his last days. His last gift to all guests at his funeral held in Stanford”
This fascinating little article tells us what Ayurvedic medicine has known for centuries, that the body can track the passing of seasons in a “Chemical calendar” By James GallagherHealth editor, BBC News website 25 September 2015 Image copyrightThinkstock The way the body can track the passing of the seasons in a “chemical calendar”…
Here’s another excuse to celebrate your feet by Katrin Heuser A foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. This is one massive clue that our feet are meant to move and be moved. They are designed to walk barefoot over uneven ground, not to be squeezed into pointy…
This is a thoughtfully written piece which illustrates the tangible benefits of yoga for sportsmen Harry Taylor, June 5, 2014 The troughs: Geelong after their 110 point round 11 loss to Sydney. Photo: Getty Images T.W. Sherrin’s ball is 730 millimetres in circumference and 300 millimetres long. It’s as unique as a unicorn and…
This study gives welcome proof that “high cortisol levels are a known contributor to weight again, particularly in the abdomen, and yoga, in general, reduces cortisol levels” BY YJ EDITOR | OCT 23, 2013 Though one might think the right yoga practice for losing weight would be an aerobic style, like Ashtanga or a…
Short, sweet and effective… by JAMES COLQUHOUN Stress. It’s a killer. Linked to heart disease, cancer, mental illness, inflammation and reduced immunity, among with a whole host of other ailments, an unhealthy level of negative stress on a daily basis is not good. Designed as a primal instinct to assist us in survival via a fight…
This article discusses evidence-based research showing the health benefits of yoga Yoga was found to reduce BMI, lower blood pressure and cut cholsterol By Sarah Knapton, Science Editor Yoga is just as good as aerobics, cycling and walking for cutting the risk of heart disease Photo: Alamy If leaping around in a leotard or pounding the…
This is a fresh, candid account of how meditating really is so powerful and profound by Jon GabrielJune 27, 2014 4:35 AM I’m a weight-loss expert, not a meditation teacher. However, I happened to have logged a lot of hours of meditation. I’ve learned that when you remove all the mysticism and dogma, there…
Another reason to be positive… JUNE 12, 2014 Judith E. Glaser Richard D. Glaser Why do negative comments and conversations stick with us so much longer than positive ones? A critique from a boss, a disagreement with a colleague, a fight with a friend – the sting from any of these can make you forget…
It is worth saying that Yoga is first and foremost a spiritual path. However, serious practitioners develop a profound knowledge of the human body which can then be used to help others. Medical doctors often referred to BKS Iyengar for clarification and advice. We often injure the part of our body that is…
by: Deepak Chopra, M.D. Before I began meditating I felt that I had two advantages: I came from India, and because of my medical background, I had looked into the health benefits of meditation. So when I think of five things that I wish I’d known 30 years ago, I would amend the topic to…
Yoga is for Everyone! Malini Nair, TNN | Jun 14, 2015 Delhi has hardly any avenues for the visually impaired to keep fit. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: “Will you teach me yoga?” It was a routine question but it left Iyengar yoga teacher Nivedita Joshi speechless: the man in the lobby of her school was…
This is a candid and beautifully told story of how yoga helps you tune in to your own healing energy by Dennis Milling Many of us are suffering with addictions. An addiction could be described as a habit that has spiraled out of control. Addictions can take the form of smoking, caffeine, sleeping pills, antidepressants, painkillers,…
This is a useful tip for those with tight thighs! by Eve Johnson One of the most fruitful areas for a new yoga practitioner to explore is something I call television yoga. It’s not a formal practice. You don’t have to put on special clothes, roll out a mat or light a candle. And if…
This is a story to warm the heart and inspire dieter waiblinger Practice Yoga | Personal Story Photography by cassie goodluck-johnson “The best thing you can do is stay in bed, mostly, and forget about any future plans.”This was the very matter-of-fact advice I received from my doctor at the age of 21. A…
I like this fresh, positive approach; how you do yoga is up to you… by Tina Bindon The humble yoga mat is a powerful tool which can change your life, and give you access to parts of yourself which you may never have otherwise been aware of. What you experience and do (or don’t…
This is a short piece which describes important processes of emotional release very succinctly Posted on April 26th, 2014 by Erin Casperson | Thrive in Conscious Living, Yoga A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He…
This is a good, short introduction to a highly effective breathing exercise system. There’s a lot about it on the internet. It is basically yogic pranayama
Here’s an interesting piece on the importance of the psoas muscle, such an important area of the body. It has great diagrams! MARCH 23, 2011 / DANIELLE PROHOM OLSON I was delighted when I first came across Liz Koch’s amazing work because it confirmed much of what I’d been intuiting on my own. I had…
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to realise how good things really are. ” Marianne Williamson by Tara Brach, Clinical Psychologist, Author, Teacher of Buddhist Mindfulness Posted: 08/15/2013 3:35 pm EDT Updated: 10/15/2013 5:12 am EDT When I talk to people about how much they experience joy, most say, “Not so much.”…
It’s never too late to start yoga… by Phyllis Sues Dancer and musician Posted: 06/14/2014 7:52 am EDT Updated: 08/15/2014 5:59 am EDT Yoga is a way of giving back. The gift of life. Your body is a temple and if you give in, you will find universality. Yoga clears the mind and energizes the body…
An excellent read for those with neck and shoulder issues Neck and shoulder pain is epidemic in our Web-surfing society, and the typical yoga practice may not cure it. Here are three easy poses to keep you pain-free. BY Doug Keller ON June 4, 2013 One of the most common problems my yoga students…
by Susun Weed Honey has been regarded as a healing substance for thousands of years. Greek healers relied on honey water, vinegar water, and honey/vinegar water as their primary cures. An Egyptian medical text dated to about 2600 BCE mentions honey 500 times in 900 remedies. What makes honey so special? First, honey is antibacterial.…
Very interesting – some compelling food for thought on modern technology “Make no mistake: email, Facebook- and Twitter-checking constitute a neural addiction…” In an era of email, text messages, Facebook and Twitter, we’re all required to do several things at once. But this constant multitasking is taking its toll. Here neuroscientist Daniel J Levitin explains…
Just as the sea shapes the rocks over time our soft tissue shapes our bones over time, the physical posture reflects the mental posture. This is a fascinating look at how it all works. by YD in Featured, Neato The rad (short for radiological) folks at Hybrid Medical Animation have developed an incredibly neato way to…
This teenager’s description of her relationship to yoga is very profound yet presented like a breath of fresh air. It’s New Year’s Eve, 2014. My dad’s upstairs watching the ball drop on TV, all of my sisters are either sleeping or reading in their bedroom, and I’m in my room, scrolling through…
This is an authentic description of the centrality of the role yoga plays in one man’s life which I think many will relate to. by Peter Bertero For as long as I can remember, I have been trying to find a way to make each day count, to live each day as if it…
One of the better reflections on a life well-lived by Eve Johnson In the week and a bit since B.K.S. Iyengar died, this has become my new favorite quote. And as each day passes, I am more grateful to him for setting such a good example of a happy life and a majestic death.…
Interesting article which gives food for thought on how bacteria is essential to us 27 August 2014 Allergens are all around us, but only some of us are sensitive to them One in three of us is allergic. From grass pollen to latex, peanuts to pets, allergies send 20,000 of people in England…
Here is another opportunity to gain the benefits of a free 21 day guided meditation by the inspirational Deepak Chopra. Begins on Monday 3rd November – it’s FREE! more info below: https://chopracentermeditation.com/?utm_source=eyh-recruit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eoa-recruit-8
It’s always good to get another perspective on an old favourite By Sara Calabro, Downward-facing dog is the most ubiquitous pose in yoga. This popular yoga pose is the one we see in advertisements and movies, on yoga DVDs, and the covers of health and fitness magazines. Downward-facing dog is taught in beginner yoga classes and…
Excellent article about knee problems With a simple anatomy lesson, isometric exercises, and attention to alignment in standing poses, you can undo chronic pain in your knees. BY Doug Keller ON September 25, 2013 If you have chronic pain in your knees, if they “snap, crackle, and pop” when you bend or extend them, or…
This is a very balanced tribute which includes a compelling film showing Mr Iyengar teaching in Pune BKS Iyengar was an Indian yoga teacher who popularised the 3,000-year-old practice among disciples across the world after ‘retuning’ the violinist Yehudi Menuhin BKS Iyengar as a young man 20 Aug 2014 BKS Iyengar, who has died…
This article is a honest and sincere account of Sylvia Prescot’s relationship with Mr Iyengar. I feel privileged to have been a student of both teachers by Silvia Prescott The Guardian, Friday 22 August 2014 15.29 BKS Iyengar, who died this week in India, reinvented yoga. A forrmer student of his – and at…
There aren’t many scientific studies done about yoga (because there’s no money in it) but this is an inspiring study which shows the very concrete benefits of yoga How far you can reach beyond your toes from a sitting position – normally used to define the flexibility of a person’s body – may be…
My teacher of 28 yrs and my inspiration BKS Iyengar passed away last night. His light will shine on into the future. This is one of his later interviews, worth a read. by Shekhar Gupta | May 6, 2014 1:55 am In this Walk the Talk with The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta on…
For those of you in London “Join Deepak Chopra’s ‘global meditation for peace’ on Friday 8th August at 5pm. This is a very special event and every one of us will be adding to the coherence needed to make a shift in world consciousness. Go to the link below and sign up so that Deepak…
How wonderful it would be if yoga was taught in all schools Story by: Jordanna Schriever Education Reporter The Advertiser April 28, 2014 5:30AM FOCUSED: Walkerville reception teacher Jo Dekok with students Isabel, Samarbir and Sophie Photo: Calum Robertson Source: News Corp Australia AS more than 200,000 South Australian students return to school this week,…
This article touches on the plateau many of us reach at some point in our evolution as yogis. Over the years I’ve noticed how, just when things are getting ” interesting”, some students relegate yoga to a once a week pastime and start another physical activity instead. People heal and grow in their own…
This is a “must read” if you use products containing parabens. We are working towards unity and purity with our yoga after all … By Sayer Ji Contributing Writer for Wake Up World What you put on your skin goes directly into your body. Indeed, human autopsy studies have shown that mineral oil widely permeates…
This article says a great deal about the Iyengar movement as a whole. I wish them every success with their new institute after their hard work setting it up Iyengar: a different kind of yoga Posted on May 1, 2014 by Barbara Kate Repa Yogis celebrate the opening of the Iyengar Yoga Institute on Sutter…
This small article gives food for thought… Amarjit Singh on April 22, 2014 The pattern is simple. It’s not that you don’t understand it. You know very well that certain behaviors put you on the correct path, making you feel good about yourself, while others don’t. Knowing this, you take the correct actions and…
This is an inspiring story of how yoga helped to re-connect with the body and begin the process of healing BY Shannon Sexton ON May 9, 2013 When Sarah Bates was 42, she could hobble into yoga class on crutches and, later, flip her thin, flexible body upside down into a perfect headstand. The…
This is a highly informative article which could really make a difference. Posted on March 31, 2011 by Patricia Walden essentialyogastudio Menopause workshop with Patricia Walden. March 27th Please note: Any omissions or mistakes are clearly my error not Patricia Walden’s. Patricia’s book, “Woman’s Book of Yoga and Health” During menopause, it is important…
Great to see scientific studies which back up the benefits of yoga which we often feel but cant quantify Poses like down dog can bring down levels of inflammation in cancer patients. Yoga practitioners, like these students in the bow posture, could experience reduced stress and better sleep. PHOTOGRAPH BY RENE JOHNSTON, GETTY IMAGES…
This is a small but powerful article to help to open the chest and groin. Five-Minute Yoga by Eve Johnson friendly advice for growing a home yoga practice Lately I’ve come to have a whole new appreciation for my shoulder blades, and in particular, for the thick part at the very top rim. In the…
This is hard evidence of how yoga can help ward-off depression: alongside evidence of the study it comes complete with an uplifting sequence poses BY Jessica Berger Gross on May 7, 2014 When I was in my early 20s, I’d often feel a dark cloud of depression descend over me. A bad mood would…
This a gust of fresh air that brings all the chatter right back to basics; a teacher/guru can only take you so far. Everything you need to go beyond suffering is inside of you already. Teachers are useful to remind you of this and inspire your better-half, but only you can find you. via…
It’s always good to stay on top of your feet!! Sick of sore feet? Try our simple asana tips to soothe the aches and pains caused by weak or fallen arches. No arch support required! BY Doug Keller ON June 7, 2013 Our cultural epidemic of weak and fallen arches provides a sure and steady…
I find this link about the Prison yoga project extremely interesting. It is a clear expression of the transformational power of yoga. The testimonials say it all; one can’t help be moved by them. When one takes a step back, the difference between a person in prison, and a monk or nun who lives in…
The shoulders are a tension hot spot. This makes interesting reading…. BY Doug Keller ON March 26, 2014 This shoulder-strengthening, chest-opening asana routine targets injuries in the rotator cuff and restores muscular balance. No surgery required! Each time you lift your arms, your shoulder muscles—both big and small—initiate a dance full of subtle nuances. The…
Yoga helps bring out the best in you, and here are some examples… Posted by Kath Walters on Friday, 21 March 2014 in Griffins Hill Blog When Chloe Munro walks into the Canberra headquarters of the Clean Energy Regulator she wants to fill its floors with positive energy. As chief executive, she believes part of…
This is an informative article which may well inspire late-starters to try a yoga class. There really is nothing better to keep the body healthy and active than yoga. By THE NEW YORK TIMES Published: May 8, 2013 65 Comments More than 100 readers submitted questions about aging and yoga to Dr. Loren Fishman, a…
Increasingly I’m reading that many of us city dwellers have a vitamin D deficiency. This short articles gives a few tips to check we don’t. Posted: 04/29/2014 8:37 am EDT Updated: 04/29/2014 8:59 am EDT With the Polar Vortex now firmly in our past, we’re ready to shed some layers and soak up some…
This is a good example of how yoga therapy is becoming increasingly recognised in the wider community and the medical profession. Amanda Koster for The New York Times FLEX TIME Lynn Hughes, left, an assistant therapeutic yoga instructor, and a client, Barbara Morgan, at the Yoga Barn in Issaquah, Wash. Ms. Morgan’s goal is…
This is a great read. Music to my ears! via Rebelle Society on Apr 1, 2014 {Photo via bohemiandiesel.com} By Vikram Zutshi. As an American of Indian descent, I have always been fascinated by the arcane depths of the Hindu culture to which I belong. I have been…
This is an informative article advising on a simple but effective way of opening the large joints of the body by Eve Johnson Notice the thick, heavy rim at the top of the shoulder blade. It can take your weight. Lately I’ve come to have a whole new appreciation for my shoulder blades, and in…
This youtube link follows the transformative power of yoga through the eyes of 3 Kenyan teachers on the Africa Yoga Project. They talk about being exposed to a lot of harshness, about a reality where you maybe forced to be married early, high exposure to drugs, violence… And about the power of yoga in transforming,…
It’s always good to focus some time on your feet as they are often neglected! By adding a few foot strengtheners to your asana routine, you can ease the pain caused by bunions—or prevent them from developing in the first place. BY Doug Keller ON June 4, 2013 A bunion…
This is a highly informative article on how to work with the sacroiliac joints safely. For some specialists, SI pain is a mysterious phenomenon. Learn some theories about its origin as well as practical ways to help your students prevent or treat SI problems. By Roger Cole Figure 1 The SI Joint View in Detail…
Yoga is for everyone but not everyone is for yoga. It’s good to see yoga moving into areas otherwise considered as out of bounds. This articles is a good example of this. In 1997, Rachel Kolberg was newly married, pregnant and living in Tel Aviv when she went to her first yoga class. It…
This article gives a very brief but potent insight into the mechanics and benefits of pranayama. It inspires one to do more…….. Posted: 02/20/2014 8:54 am EST Updated: 02/20/2014 8:59 am EST By Angela Wilson, MA, RYT Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. — Thich Nhat…
The Bhagavad Gita talks about yoga in action. This article has a very moving account of just that. via Simone Datzberger on Feb 3, 2014 | Lamu Island Backbend – Kenya © Robert Sturman In 2003, the international community-based HIV/Aids initiative, WE-ACTx, was founded in response to an urgent global appeal from Rwandan…
Patricia Walden demonstrates phenomenal backbends at her 60th Birthday Celebration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAaxoSMX3kU
This is a great article about the benefits of yoga that would melt the toughest cynic. It supports another article which I wrote which will be published here soon Why Every Athlete Should Do Yoga By Rich Roll May 14, 2012 8:40 PM EDT Just the other day I was having dinner with…
This a rather unorthodox method to get your balance, but it works! Up to you what you make of it… Here’s a fun trick: Use your hands like feet and your arms like legs to balance in handstand. BY Roger Cole ON May 24, 2013 1 If you believe that someday you will balance on…
from hybrid medical animation Plus A visual study/exploration of the body in motion with a focus on yoga poses. Our goal for this piece was to create a realistic representation of radiological (x-ray) imaging. Instead of just creating a still image, however, we wanted to combine the beautiful moves of yoga with this new visual…
“They come from all over to disconnect. Bankers, CEOs, marketing managers, dancers,” enthused my lively masseuse Marion, as she pulled my naked thigh to a new angle and pressed down. “I think there is a need for a place like this. For people to reconnect to themselves.” Reconnect to themselves while disconnecting from electricity. The…
BY Timothy McCall ON June 6, 2013 0 When I was in medical school in the 1980s, we were taught that after a certain stage of childhood development, the architecture of the brain was fixed. Brain cells, or neurons, couldn’t be replaced; at best, we could slow the rate of their loss by cutting down…
The Four Bs (bolsters, blankets, blocks, and belts) help open the body to deep relaxation. BY Marla Apt ON June 4, 2013 0 Too tired. For many it’s the default response to every request—even the fun ones. Some of the walking weary are simply too overworked or overstressed to get adequate rest, while others may…
Worth watching! The Film condenses the vast subject of Yoga. Millions of people around the world today practice some from of Yoga and this Film explores the origins of Yoga, its development and practices, its integration across religions in India, the science behind it and its successful spread all over the world. It demonstrates how…
This is a good article which I think has more than a grain of truth in it. I know I meditate and focus on my yoga much better if I dont read my emails first. The first part of the day is like a microcosm for the rest of the day. By Sheryl Paul November 21,…
Amankora’s Yoga retreat gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of Bhutan with this exclusive, healthy package. Discover the Buddhist way of life, stroll through sacred temples, go on hikes and end your day with meditation and personal yoga sessions at any of the four Amankora lodges. For further information click here
Bhutan The Heavens Keep It Well Hidden | Travel Guide – World Spa Magazine Is there any place on earth where people don’t scramble in packs to lay hands on the latest version of the iPhone? Yes, there is. The name is Bhutan.
Headstand (Shirshasana) is often referred to as the king of all yoga poses. Here are 10 reasons why headstand should be practiced everyday.