Month: January 2019

There are more than twenty techniques of yoga. Most of you probably had no idea that yoga had different techniques until now. Well, there are several procedures, each serving a different purpose. Some of them were passed on decades ago and are still being used presently.

Whether you are a beginner or you have been doing yoga for some time, it is also healthy to challenge your body to attempt these techniques. You will be surprised that yoga is not always about meditation but also incorporates work-outs to improve your body and mind. Make your yoga sessions interesting, by trying out these different yoga techniques.

Kripalu yoga: This technique uses your mind and body to relax and strengthen your body. It is not about achieving a specific goal and instead, enables you to relax and enjoy the experience and feelings at that moment. Its benefits include, increase in flexibility, teaches you on breathe and awareness, experience deep stillness and bonding your body and soul which comes from deep relaxation.

Ananda yoga: This is what most people see in movies; someone taking deep breathes while crossing their hands and feet. It involves simple postures that relax your mind as you prepare for some meditation. Health benefits include proper management of stress, improved breathing and alignment of your body.

Jivamukti yoga: This is the most intense and vigorous type. If you are a yoga teacher, you perhaps remember just how it was difficult for you during your yoga teacher training sessions. It suits religious people because it engages sacred and principled aspects of yoga, which most people disregard. This technique involves, vigorous studying of the scripture, meditation, chanting, vegetarianism and devotion to God.

Power yoga: Most athletes prefer this kind of yoga. Just like its name, this type of yoga involves a full body work-out which needs your complete concentration and stability of your mind. Some of the work outs include push-ups, hand-stands, bending your sides and touching your toes. Now you understand why it is good for athletes. From this technique, there are other several benefits to your health such as toning your body, enhances your stamina, it cleans your system and increases your suppleness.

Bikram yoga: Here, you might feel a pinch in your joint at the end of your session. It is the only technique that uses heat, specifically on your muscles which helps in achieving a deeper stretch. The stretches will further help to flush toxins from the body, improving your immune system. Other health benefits include stress relief, increased energy, heals chronic pains and old injuries that never seem to heel.

Benefits of Prana

Breathing is a normal part of our life, though we fail to pay attention to it. It is an autonomic function of the body that we perform even without concentrating on it. Why then do we have to learn prana yoga breathing? Here are some reasons why Prana yoga is important:

Prana yoga teaches us the proper way to breathe. We became used to breathing from our chest, using only a fraction of the lungs, not knowing that this unhealthy and unnatural way of inhaling may lead to several complications. With yoga breathing, we increase the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function well. We learn how to breathe slowly and deeply – the right way.
Prana yoga reduces the toxins and body wastes from within our body. It prevents one from acquiring diseases.
Prana yoga helps in one’s digestion. With the proper way of breathing, one’s metabolism and health condition will start to improve.
Prana yoga develops our concentration and focus. It fights away stress and relaxes the body. Controlling one’s breathing also results to serenity and peace of mind.
Prana yoga offers a better self-control. Through concentration, one can better handle temper and reactions. Mind can function clearly, avoiding arguments and wrong decisions. Moreover, self-control also involves control over one’s physical body.
Prana yoga eads to spiritual journey through a relaxed body and mind.

However, Prana yoga should not be forced and done without proper preparation, or it may lead to nervous breakdowns. It is part of a process in yoga. Breath control is a spiritual practice of cleansing the mind and body which should be done appropriately and with proper guidance and preparation.

Are you confused by Yoga’s many techniques and their similarities? If so, you are not alone. Let’s look at a question and answer session from a recent Yoga teacher training intensive.

Q: Would it be possible to tell me what is the difference between the following breathing techniques (Agni Sara, Kapalabhati, and Uddiyana Bandha)? They are performed in a similar way (forced abdominal contraction) and bringing the thoracic cage into neutral position while holding the breath.
A: All of these techniques are somewhat similar, but there are subtle differences in technique and purpose.Agni Sara – On the physical level, this looks like a combination of Kapalabhati and Uddiyana Bandha. The combination of pranayama and asana looks to be more similar to Uddiyana Bandha. The deeper emphasis is on the use of all muscles in the lower abdomen and, specifically, use of the pelvic floor. When we consider agni sara for the subtle body, it is said that this technique activates kundalini shakti, at our navel center. Agni Sara is a primary step toward harnessing prana, which should result in spiritual growth.Kapalabhati is a shatkarma (Kriya – primary cleansing duty) and an important pranayama technique, which focuses on cleansing the nasal passages and lungs. When practicing Kapalbhati, force is used only during the exhalation (rechaka) stage of breathing. Many Yoga teachers explain Kapalabhati as an active exhale, and passive inhale, pranayama technique.The preferred position is a seated and comfortable asana. Relax the abdomen and forcefully exhale through your nose. The force is all at the stomach level – not at the pelvic floor. Ten rounds is a good start. This is a gradual practice which can expand to minutes, but never more than a total of ten minutes in one day.It should be noted that any pranayama technique, that deprives your brain of oxygen, can cause brain cell damage, to some degree. Sometimes, too much of a good thing can become potentially dangerous. Uddiyana Bandha is the abdominal lock itself. Uddiyana Bandha is not actually a form of pranayama, but a pure abdominal retraction locking technique. It is recommended that most students begin the practice of Uddiyana Bandha in a standing position. Later, it will be possible to practice in a sitting, all fours, or supine position.

Q: If I wanted to practice Yoga breathing, what breathing is the easiest and hardest?
A: This is a matter of opinion, but most of the teachers I talk to, mention that their students have more difficulty with Kapalabhati than any other technique. As for the easiest, the answer is wide open. Each student will have a different answer, but their favorite pranayama technique is often the easiest and the one technique they identified with right away.

Q: What is the goal in these exercises?
A: To open the mind and body connection is the most common goal of Kapalabhati and any pranayama technique. Agni Sara and Kapalabhati can also be classified as cleansing techniques for the physical body. All of the above mentioned techniques, massage the internal organs.

Q: How many repetitions should one reach to master these exercises?
A: Mastery of any Yogic technique depends on how much time we spend practicing and how much guidance we receive along the way. If a student practiced one million repetitions with poor technique, mastery may never happen. Therefore, there is no clear cut number of repetitions. However, it would be wise to receive guidance from a hands-on training session with a competent Yoga guru.

For more guidence and to receive guidence from Jen of Modern Yoga Today, visit her site Here.

Yoga is pleasurable anywhere but especially when it is practiced in spacious locations of scenic beauty breathing the clean air of nature. There are several beautiful yoga locations one can opt for. Marrakech known as the “Ochre City” is a former imperial city of Morocco. It stands near the foothills of Atlas Mountains and is quickly growing into being a yoga paradise.

Yoga in Marrakech is enchanting for yoga lovers. One can choose contemporary high profile stylish accommodation as well as eco-resorts and more economic solution to spend a yoga holiday in order to express their yoga passion. No matter how it is put together a yoga retreat improves the mental as well as physical attributes of the individuals participating in a yoga retreat.

Through yoga retreats in Marrakech people may avail services through teams of massage therapists, chefs, nutritionists and guides. All these ascertain maximum benefits for the visitors. Visitors are benefitted through weight-loss, stress relief, enhanced fitness as well as a higher sense of well-being.

Healthy meals as well as regular yoga practices through a course de yoga Marrakech significantly benefits the individuals. All these together work to kick start the health and fitness plans of the individuals. Various activities devised by those holding the retreat will work to rejuvenate the participants. Apart from practicing Yoga they will experience the joy of natural beauty and will relish a peace filled atmosphere. One can also go for regular deep massages to relax as well as restore. There are many opportunities to explore various fascinating sights in Marrakech while taking pleasure of picturesque views.

Evenings can be brightened up through fire-lit drawing rooms. Those looking for more than a Cours de yoga Marrakech and seeking adventure can opt for stunning hikes in High Atlas, camel rides, buggy excursion or simply walk the Medina.

A yoga retreat in Marrakech can prove to be a rewarding experience for individuals who need to rejuvenate from the daily grind. Yoga in marrakech is a favorite activity for many who wish to improve their health while enjoying the refreshing bounties of nature.

Yoga is a Treasure of Physical, Mental and Spiritual well being of people nowadays, Yoga is post and parcel of all healthcare related activities, be it Gymnasium, Health Clubs or even place of education like School, Colleges. Yoga is being discussed every day and people, who are experiencing its benefits, convey it to others, friends and relatives so it has a very vast span worldwide.

Yoga relates not only to health but also wealth and fame and it brings immense satisfaction also. Keeping in view the growth opportunities in this sector. This can be a very new challenging and satisfactory career option. Many Govt, and Pvt. Organizations are offering Diploma Courses to PhDs in this steam, moreover a student from any stream can pursue a course in this field.

Eligibility: Interest is the eligibility for pursuing a formal course in this field, Yoga must be a subject that interests you. Be inquisitive about human body, knowledge of Yoga Aasan, Postures, types of Yoga, Meditation and flair for teaching yoga is the eligibility required.

Scope : After taking a formal course you can work as a Yoga Instructor also as a Yoga Consultant. You can also become a Freelance Yoga Trainer. There is no limitation of earning in this field as it has a very wide scope and more people growing health conscious nowadays.

Yoga Departments in Different Universities of Uttar Pradesh & Uttrakhand

Uttar Pradesh

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi (U.P.)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Chaudhary Charan Singh University,
Meerut (U.P)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith,
Varanasi

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Deendayal Upadhyay University,
Gorakhpur (U.P.)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Kanpur University,
Kanpur (U.P.)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Lucknow University,
Lucknow (U.P)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Avadh University,
Faizabad (U.P)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University,
Agra, U.P.

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Rohilkhand University, Bareilly (U.P)

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya,
Khairagarh

Uttrakhand

Department of Human consciousness
and Yogic sciences
Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Jwalapur
Haridwar

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
Kumaon University,
Nainital, Uttaranchal

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
IIT Roorkee,
Roorkee, Haridwar
Uttaranchal

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
H.N.B. Garhwal University,
Srinagar (Pauri)
Uttaranchal.

Department of Yoga / Yoga Centre
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology
Pantnagar (US Nagar)
Uttaranchal

A holiday is supposed to be a time to recharge your batteries and get some much needed rest. Many people take a holiday and come home more tired than they were when they left. There is a great way to ensure that you release some of your stress and come home from your holiday rested and ready to handle your everyday life with renewed energy.

Most people spend a lot of time planning their holiday with the idea that they will have a fabulous time and enjoy every last minute of the trip. What may end up happening to many people is that you come home feeling tired and worn out from a week or two of eating junk foods and running around from one place to another.

Yoga retreats are one way that you can have a fun holiday that will restore your energy and send you home feeling wonderful and rested. If you love yoga, this is a fun holiday for you. A little bit of planning can go a long way toward finding the right retreat for your stress free holiday.

When you arrive at the retreat, take the time to enjoy everything that there is to offer. A yoga retreat is meant to recharge your batteries and you should explore every opportunity that is available to you at the facility. Look into the variety of classes available and the restorative activities that will help you feel better at the end of the retreat.

The yoga treat is your time to enjoy yourself and relax. You do not have to participate in every yoga class that is available. Remember that it is your holiday and you should only participate in the activities that you want. There should be no pressure to join in any of the classes. If you want to spend time in your room just relaxing, feel free to do just that.

Check out the menu before you choose your yoga retreat. The focus of the menu should be on healthy eating. A good yoga retreat will provide you with a healthy menu that gives your body what it needs to be healthy and stress free.

Plan to bring along the family for a stress free holiday and get everyone in the family feeling good. Or you could plan to take your yoga retreat holiday with your friends for a fun way to spend time together. A yoga retreat is always more fun when you spend it with friends or your family.

Research your yoga retreat well before you book your trip. Find the one that meets all of your requirements for a yoga retreat that will give you the stress free holiday that you are after. A little bit of planning and research will ensure that you have the kind of retreat that you need to get your body and mind relaxed. Your yoga retreat will help you relax from a full year of work and stress. The benefits that you gain from your yoga retreat holiday will have you feeling ready to face your trip back home.

Sara Miller is a yoga aficianado and is a great believer in the benefits of yoga holidays. For more information on yoga holidays and their benefits visit our website.