January 2008 - Yoga Tap

Yoga Tap

E-mail Subscription

Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Vimu Subscription

Spotlight Posts

The aim of Yogatap.com

[ more ]

Yoga Tap - January 2008

Advanced breathing techniques: Using the Bandhas

January 30th 2008 20:39

Although I do not personally practice any of the following Pranayama techniques - due to my preferring not to use single-nostril procedures - I have on occasion added the Bandhas to my session in conjunction with basic breathing exercises. The following are more regular suggestions for their use, listed at three differing printed sources.

Ujjayi is performed by inhaling deeply via the nose, whilst partially closing the glottis. As you hold the breath inside, perform Jalandhara and Moola Bandhas. (see previous post) On release of these locks, exhale through only the left nostril. Once you have practiced this 5-8 times on several occasions and feel comfortable with it, try to perform it10-20 times within your Pranayama practice

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: sandeye - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Advanced breathing techniques: The Three Bandhas

January 28th 2008 19:23

Although I do not yet personally indulge in these techniques on a regular basis, I have experimented a few times, whenever feeling my fittest and my breathing sequences were going exceptionally well. One is not supposed to indulge until having become well acquainted with both your own body and basic pranayama routines. Some sources additionally recommend maintaining a regular daily practice of asana, commencing the spiritual aspects of Yoga, and the partaking of an appropriate diet prior to using the advanced exercises. It is also often advised that you learn these procedures from an instructor, especially if you are not in touch with your own body or otherwise unsure of what you are doing.

Jalandhara Bandha is used whilst holding the breath inside. You press your chin down into the chest region securely. Once you are ready to exhale, lift your chin out of the position. The object of this lock is to inhibit the escape of prana

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: sandeye - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Alternative breathing techniques: Sithali and Sitkari

January 25th 2008 19:03

These two breathing techniques are said to both cool the body and also reduce hunger. One information source also claims they assist with the ease of thirst. I will sometimes add Sithali to my own sequence and have been considering trying Sitkari as an alternative to Brahmari or sea-breathing some days, in order to liven up my routine and prevent it from becoming too set in a rut. Both these practices should be performed between five and twelve times if used in your yoga routine.

To perform Sithali, you should attempt to curl your tongue upwards, as if making a sled-run for the air to flow along. Your curled tongue should be slightly extended from your lips. I have attempted to take a demonstration photograph, but alas they did not come out very clearly; they may however show the basic protrusion required.

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: sandeye - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Alternative breathing techniques: Anuloma Viloma

January 19th 2008 04:21

This strange finger assemblage of the right hand is entitled the Vishnu Mudra and is used during the breathing exercise labeled Anuloma Viloma. (It is much easier to demonstrate via a photograph, than describe in words.)

When you have created your Vishnu Mudra, you place yr hand over your face, your thumb should be close to your nose on the right hand side, your bent fingers below the nose, and your two long fingers beside the left hand side of your nose. You are then ready to commence Anuloma Viloma

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: sandeye - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Other poses, which I do not indulge in: (child's pose)

January 11th 2008 21:59

One of the yoga poses that I often performed without knowing it to be yoga is the Child's pose. I used to do such a pose before I was aware of yoga, when suffering from an arthritic back that gave me extensive pain and much cramped discomfort. Taking up this pose used to temporarily ease the misalignment of my spine, and remove the tension and aching. The spine becomes gently stretched, releasing the pressure on the intervertebral discs and relaxing the spinal ligaments. When used as part of a yoga routine, the Child's pose is generally performed post Headstand (Sirshasana) in order to return the circulation to regularity, or post backward bending poses to stretch the spine in the opposite direction.

To perform the asana, kneel upon the ground, sitting upon your heels, which should be bent outwards slightly. Then, gradually lower your forehead to the floor in front of you, whilst bringing your arms along the side of your body, your hands positioned next to your feet with the palms facing upward. Breathe leisurely and relax

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: sandeye - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

The benefits I have felt myself

January 4th 2008 22:34

When I first seriously began a yoga practice, around a year ago, the two main reasons were that I suffered from an arthritic back, which additionally caused cramping in my leg and hip, and was expecting a very dramatic and stressful year to occur in 2007. Doctors had given me pills and no hope for my back and I was not satisfied with that. I did not want to get annually worse, suffer winter through, and become an invalid in the coldest weather. Nor did I have sufficient finances to allow me to obtain temporary assistance in the recommended forms of physiotherapy or chiropractic help. I had heard that yoga was helpful and I was hopeful. Certain financial, career, and family situations were expected during 2007, that would be testing my patience and ability to cope with life. I knew they were coming, and yoga was the best preparation I could think of - a chance - to lessen the anticipated impact.

2007 is now ended and 2008 started. Reviewing the results, I would have to state that I definitely made the right choice when choosing to take up yoga. This past winter, I have felt no cramping of hip or leg whatsoever. Nor have I felt any pain in my back at all. I felt mild stiffness in my back on two, maybe three, occasions, and that is the sum total of back problems for 2007. I had an even worse series of life events than estimated. The year was exceedingly tense and full of major changes. Whereas I attribute some of my success in managing to get through the entire year to my newly arisen studies and practice of Buddhism, the rest is definitely due to yoga. One of the major contributions yoga has made to my health, is my new look upon breathing; this has mostly been responsible for carrying me through the tough times without being endlessly caught in the net of stress

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: sandeye - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

October 2008

3 Posts

September 2008

7 Posts

August 2008

8 Posts