yoga types

What Is Restorative Yoga and What Are Its Benefits

September 21, 2017 by Ava Rogers

Yoga is fast becoming one of the major choice of exercise for everyone around the world, especially for women. It is not only a form physical workout but its meditative properties also make it unique. Beyond doubt Yoga is a big help in maintaining and improving overall health.

Yoga has developed over the years. It comes in different types such as Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram yoga or hot Yoga, Hatha yoga, Vinayasa Yoga and more. And one such renowned types of Yoga today is the Restorative Yoga. Restorative Yoga is a bit different from other common types of yoga. But its wide array of benefits may persuade you to perform this activity as a form of exercise. So let’s see what exactly is meant by Restorative Yoga.x

What Exactly Is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative Yoga is a type of yoga that mostly consists of six positions. Also in this kind of yoga we see the abundant use of various kinds of props. This is the yoga that will bring you to a state of relaxation since it does not involve too much physically demanding postures.

The primary motive is to bring relaxation of the mind. This yoga will help you to get deeper into the state of relaxation through its meditative techniques. As a result you get the opportunity to rest both your body and mind. Usually, the props used for restorative yoga are bolsters, blankets, and yoga blocks. The main functions of these props are to that help in supporting the body while performing the poses.

What Are The Benefits of Restorative Yoga

These days, the choice of any particular workout type depends on its specific benefits towards individual needs. Benefits of Restorative Yoga are manifold and hence a growth of followers can be noticed throughout the world.

Here the 3 major benefits are listed below

Regulates The Nervous System

One of the benefits of restorative yoga is that it regulates the nervous system. This in turn calms the sympathetic system that experiences most of the stress in your body caused by work, financial problems, pressures, and more. The name of Restorative Yoga is not without a reason.

Because performing this helps restore normal state of the nervous system. It prevents the stress hormones to come out because the mind attains calmness through the different yoga poses and deep breathing associated with them.

Brings Deep Relaxation

More than physical, benefits of Restorative Yoga tend to be mental and spiritual. Deep relaxation is one of the direct effects of Restorative Yoga. This type of yoga may let you think that you are not doing much. But that’s where the trick lies. This actually helps in putting the mind at rest since it balances your inner organ functions and nervous system.

Which otherwise are mostly affected by stress and other problems of day to day lives. When you do restorative yoga, you can achieve a better sleep. That will help in enhancing your mental health and improves mental alertness. And that in turn prevents you from going through any kind of depression.

Improves Body Flexibility

When you perform yoga, the natural expectation is that you have to be flexible because you have to stretch your body. But hardly anyone comes molded that way. One of the benefits of Restorative Yoga is that it helps in improving your flexibility without risking your tendons and ligaments.

When executing the poses for this yoga, there is no need to go over the top or even over stress. Most of the Restorative Yoga poses are easy to perform and even people with stiff bodies can perform those without facing much difficulty.

These are the primary benefits of Restorative Yoga which is fast gaining popularity among masses. Yoga is always known to be a big help in improving the overall health. This is due to its holistic nature which does not only make the mental health achieve wellness; the physical health is also improved.

Restorative Yoga is one of the types of yoga that you can perform especially if you want to achieve a deep relaxation. And since you can perform this without over straining yourself much, regular practice will surely help you overcome stress.

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Ashtanga Yoga And Its Features Explained

September 12, 2017 by Ava Rogers

Practicing yoga is one of the simplest methods to get rid of obesity and stressed brain. The ancient practice comes with a complete range of medical benefits. Correct yogic postures can have soothing effect on various diseases. Which can often be better than gulping down tons of medicine. Yoga is nothing but just stretching your body and reviving it in such a way. That you relieve it from painful ailments. Ashtanga Yoga is one form of Yoga which has become quite popular throughout the world

Different poses of yoga have a different impact on our body. Moreover, there are several levels of yogic postures. The beginners must go for Ashtanga yoga as it is much easier to practice. Besides, there are many Yoga Asanas that focuses from top to toe of your body. And does not require rigorous twists and turns.

There are different yoga postures for pregnant women and blood pressure patients. It also works well for diabetes sufferers, and depressed individuals. This article shall discuss the Ashtanga yoga postures in complete detail;

What Is Ashtanga Yoga?

Let us begin the discussion with, what is Ashtanga Yoga. It has its reference in various mythological books. Not only saints but professional health practitioners also practice Ashtanga Yoga. This yoga form is more than just a normal yogic posture.

It is rather a divine yoga form that synchronizes your body towards a particular energy form. The yogic postures stimulate various mental emotions. It elevates your mental capabilities and eliminates all the barriers that are not letting your body grow spiritually.

This Yoga prepares your body for true spirituality. The yoga posture lets you explore various meditation dimensions. It helps you attain more energy and positivity. The surge of energy will automatically make your body conducive. After all, preparing the body to explore those hidden dimensions of meditation is quite necessary for a spiritual awakening. And Ashtanga yoga is certainly going to help you in doing it

Best for the beginners

The beginners who are looking forward to fundamental yoga forms can undertake Ashtanga yoga without any doubt in mind. Depending upon your tradition and physical requirements you can practice this popular yoga form. It has enormous potential to capture positive effects.

Although there are multiple versions of this yoga. Talking about the literal meaning; it refers to 8 limbed yoga form. That lets you achieve a different level of discipline.

What does Ashtanga Yoga feature?

This form of Yoga includes back bending opening and twisting different body parts in the correct way. The Asanas begins with a sun salutation and several standing poses.

Who can practice Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga yoga can be practiced by any beginner or an expert yoga practitioner. You don’t have to actually learn a series of yoga postures. But what you have to do is to undertake one after another yoga posture. Practicing a series of postures is somewhat challenging.

The ones who wish to practice meditation and spiritualism will definitely find Ashtanga yoga to be the best. If you ever wish to explore your physical limits or define your strength Ashtanga yoga is the thing for you.

Ashtanga yoga works best for the ones who have ever suffered from cardiac ailments. The swift yogic postures can synchronize the bodily rhythm. It works as a great stress reliever and a fat burner. Several yoga postures that come under Ashtanga yoga are the best for attaining more flexibility and stronger muscles.

The current scenario of Ashtanga Yoga

Currently, people are not learning Ashtanga yoga in its original form. They are largely focusing towards its studio version which is more inclined towards the physical aspect of growth. Ashtanga yoga has its own deep hidden method which only true spiritual Yogi Gurus can help you to know.

The yoga doesn’t need you to twist your body or stand on your head. It also doesn’t need you to hold your breath or undergo tough physical atrocities Practicing Ashtanga yoga correctly just needs two-way guidance. The Yoga form can endorse peace of mind along with setting you free from painful circus of life. I personally learned hatha yoga when I was 11 years of age.

Vinyasa Yoga resembles Ashtanga Yoga

Some of the yoga postures can vigorously strain the beginners. Practicing yoga needs you to explore something new every time. There are tons of reasons why practicing this yoga is beneficial. I guess you would have heard about the term Vinyasa flow.

When talking about general yoga postures. Vinyasa flow basically refers to a pose of inhaling and exhaling air. Vinyasa yoga is one of the fundamental yoga postures because it prevents your brain from wandering elsewhere. The yoga resembles quite a lot with Ashtanga yoga.

The breathing patterns of both the postures are similar. Sometimes yoga instructors mix the two forms and implement it together without any particular rules. Ashtanga yoga may include playing of certain yoga soundtrack so that you may feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Ashtanga yoga is relaxing as well as stimulating at the same time. It triggers your physical limits and lets you master Iyengar standing poses. Few other poses of this yoga balance your body and pushes your limits.

Important to keep in mind

Any yoga form is an osteopathic approach towards wellness. In any case, yoga practices create harmony, positivity and strength. There are more than hundred types of yogic postures. Practicing some of the other forms of yoga each day can help you stay safe against present and potential physical disorders. The best results are achievable when you practice yoga on a routine basis at fixed time duration.

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The Benefits Of Yoga For Pregnant Women

September 12, 2017 by Ava Rogers

Prenatal yoga is the healthiest practice that a would be mum can ever undertake. Such yoga is a blessing in disguise for a mom to be. As it generates positive energy and help avoid physical difficulties that may come in her pregnancy pathway. Yoga for pregnant women is gaining increasing popularity throughout the world.

According to the renowned gynecologist, Robert Johnson, “Practicing yoga during pregnancy tenure helps you to attend a series of positive results. It makes your body stronger and helps it to adjust for supporting the changes that are internally taking place. By practicing the correct prenatal yoga postures. A mother can strengthen her lower body part which would support the enhancing belly”.

Yoga for pregnant women is particularly beneficial because it strengths the body and tones up the pelvic muscles. It looks after the abdominal core muscles, fortifies hips, and various other body parts. Let us know various benefits of prenatal yoga.

Here are the 8 Primary Reasons why Yoga for pregnant women is important.

1) Helps to have better connection with your baby

The prenatal yoga would constantly remind you of being pregnant. Certain yoga postures stimulate the physical changes. It makes you more comfortable during those nine month period. Moreover, various postures naturally prepare you for timely delivery. The mindful breathing postures of prenatal yoga help to lose in the body. It prepares the mother for a smooth delivery after nine months. It releases fear and tension and instills positively.

2) Regulate breathing

Sometimes breathing is more than just inhaling and exhaling air. The entire process of pregnancy and birth taking is directly linked with several mechanical functions related to breathing. Yoga instigates Ujjayi breathing that includes the diaphragm and abdominal body parts. Your muscles will relax as you breathe.

3) Strengthen the pelvic floor

As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, yoga is helpful for pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor supports digestion and reproduction process more seriously than we can imagine. Pelvic floor forms the basis of intercourse.

Correct yoga postures evacuate any potential problem related to weekend pelvic floor. It cures the issues of painful intercourse and lower sexual satisfaction. It also helps cure constipation, stool incontinence and constant lower abdominal ache.

Similar to eyes, ear and nose, sexual organs also need to be stimulated in order to function with other body parts in a systematic manner. “If you want to enjoy a beautiful and deeper sex, then healing the reflex organs is really compulsory”.

Just like the base of the penis is the most sensitive part of a man, the cervix is the focal point of a woman. These should be synchronized in such a manner that the intercourse turns into an eternal bliss. For a better sexual position and comfort initiate Cat and cow postures.

4) Triggers satisfaction

The cervix of a woman, when stimulated through yoga postures, can create a better satisfaction. You don’t have to always encounter your partner sexually for generating the feeling of contentment. Sometimes, yoga techniques have their own role play.

5) Looks after the fetus posture

As the baby grows inside the womb, it needs a specific direction that would suit the delivery. Prenatal yoga postures work best during the third trimester. The simple yogic postures prevent any kind of abdominal weaknesses. It helps the baby to develop in the right way. Moreover, after the baby takes birth, the mother won’t have to suffer from the pain of separation. She can quickly regain her normal body structure and bring that ab back in shape.

6) Works eternally

The great yogi says “in order to achieve a painless delivery, begin with prenatal yoga much before the actual date”. You should mentally prepare yourself from beforehand. “It may sound like a lot of work, but then, you have to do this much if you seriously want to enjoy pregnancy”.

7) Releases stress

Saat Kriya is one of the best ways to release tension. Many of the yoga practitioners are a big fan of Saat Kriya Asana. It needs you to sit in a rock pose with the buttocks over the heels. Stretch the armpits and interlace all the fingers together. Keep the eyes shut and focus primarily on the brow point.

Breathe naturally and chant “sat nam” mantra loud. On ‘sat’, give a pull to your rectum. On ‘nam’, stress release yourself. Practice this for about 3-11 minutes and stretch your arms, rectum and naval point. Exhale and repeat for few more times.

Relax on your back after few minutes of exercising. You don’t have to do it for a lot of time. Just a few minutes each day are enough to attain strength and vitality.

8) Strengthened bone structure

The sense of comfort and flexibility during pregnancy is achievable only when you have a strong bone structure. Hormonal emanation during the child birth often softens joints and bones. However, with certain yoga postures, you can facilitate your joints and bones in the right way. Lung hips and knee bones are a major focus area of prenatal yoga. Once the bone structure becomes strong, it would be much easier for would be mum to reproduce a strong baby.

Get Professional Advice Before Starting Out

Practicing yoga or pregnant women is a good thing. However, you must keep a note that the overall duration doesn’t exceed more than 30 minutes. Besides, any particular posture that is laying stress over your body must be avoided. Practice any posture in the presence of expert guidance. A wrong posture can give you serious side-effects. Hire a certified professional or join the best prenatal yoga classes.

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The Different Types Of Yoga And Their Classifications Explained

August 10, 2017 by Ava Rogers

Yoga can be classified in various different types each having a distinct name derived from their particular features. It has been seen that the beginners who are new to Yoga tends to get confused by all the terminologies and unable to decide which type of Yoga to choose. But it should always be kept in mind that irrespective of the type, all forms of Yoga are based upon few core principles which remains same.

The difference mainly is based upon which aspect the emphasis is being given in any particular Yoga type.

The basic principles of Yoga revolves around alignment of body parts in various poses, following a particular breathing pattern and focusing the mind away from external distractions. Some of the broad classifications of Yoga has been explained in the later part of this article.

With the emerging popularity of Yoga, numerous fitness organizations all over the world has started promoting and marketing their Yoga programs putting some of their own marketing twists in it. This makes it all more confusing and difficult to understand and choose. Especially when they tend to market new methods and new benefits in exchange of boat load of money.

But be aware of the fact that most of these companies are selling you hypes. So if you feel your finances are limited, there is absolutely nothing to worry. There is no dire necessity of courses and classes. You just need to gather information on various poses and internet is a classic source of this information. Remember, Yoga is an ancient art and has always been performed with simplicity through ages.

Although if we start discussing about the various forms of Yoga in details, it can potentially become a huge document. Which is far beyond the scope of this small article. So let’s touch upon the main characteristics of the various types which will help understand the classification.

Ashtanga Yoga:

The word Ashtanga or Astanga means “having eight limbs” in Sansrit. The ancient Yogic sage Patanjali first developed Ashtanga Yoga.

In modern days, it has become a very popular choice.This Yoga is based on the principle of executing a series of successive poses, and synchronising the breathing pattern with it. Ashtanga Yoga does involve quite a high level of physical activity and thus can take some time to master.

But if you practice this form of Yoga, beyond doubt it will help you shade extra weight and become slim and strong at the same time.

Ananda Yoga:

Ananda Yoga is actually a form of Yoga which has been sub branched from Hatha Yoga by Yogi Kriyananda, who is a direct disciple of Indian spiritual guru Paramahansa Yogananda.

There is less emphasis on physically demanding postures in this form of Yoga. Principle focus is to relax the body and mind through gentler poses combined controlled breathing. An initiation to deeper meditation is a greater objective of Ananda Yoga.

Hatha Yoga:

In Sanskrit the word Hath means “force” and it is most prevalent form of Yoga all over the world.

Hatha Yoga lies high emphasis on physical exercises along with controlling the mind to shield it from distractions. Chances are that you have seen Hatha Yoga images at multiple places including Yoga related TV programs and DVD covers. The principle is to perform a continuous series of movements to attain different poses in succession along with controlled breathing. The entire needs to be done in a relaxing manner with always taking care of the slow breathing pattern. It is not allowed to hasten through the sequence of moves and follow the process.

If you practice Hatha Yoga religiously, it will be help you gain clarity and self awareness.

Bikram Yoga:

This form of Yoga, as the name suggests have been synthesized from Hatha Yoga sequences by an Indian Yoga expert Bikram Choudhury.

Bikram Yoga needs to be done in heated up atmosphere. The room where the practice will take place need to have a temperature ranging from 95 -105 degree Fahrenheit. The heat is said to make the body more tolerant to injuries and give the muscles a level of flexibility. Also it has been claimed that it helps in detoxification.

How true is that? Well, no clear answers, because, that claim is yet to be proved scientifically.

But nonetheless, this form of Yoga has gained popularity among masses. But Bikram Yoga can be a costly affair due to its commercialized nature since special rooms and arrangements are needed in addition to professional supervision. So make an informed decision if you want to opt to opt for Bikram Yoga.

Yoga has branched out to multiple other types like Vinayasa Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and many others. But the most popular and vastly followed were mentioned above. Do not forget to research appropriately depending upon your own unique needs before starting with a particular form of Yoga. As mentioned above Internet is an unending repository of knowledge.

The bottom line is still that the basic principles are more or less same irrespective of the forms of Yoga. What is important is to get started and be regular and persistent in the practice. So, do not overthink, get started with your choice of Yoga poses and be assured that you will soon be able to reap several health benefits from it.