The word Kundalini is a familiar one to all students of Yoga, as it is well known as the power, in the form of a coiled serpent, residing in Muladhara Chakra, the first of the seven Chakras, the other six being Svadhishthana, Manipuraka, A nahata, Visuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara, in order. Less is historically known of the Agamas than the Vedas because the latter provide descriptive poem-pictures of Vedic life. The original Agamas are twenty-eight in number. They are called Saiva Agamas as they...

Yoga began in India 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means, to join or integrate, or simply union. Yoga started, as far as we know, as part of India's philosophical system, but not everyone practiced yoga, and it has never been a religion. About 5 million people in the United States do some yoga. Dance and stretching exercise classes usually have parts and pieces that come directly from yoga. If you ever go to a physical therapist, he or she may...

Hatha yoga is an ancient Hindu system of working with the human nervous system. Because it releases tension and endows one with renewed energy, far too many 20th-century people, yoga teachers included, have come to look upon the venerable Indian physical science as solely an exercise for the health and vitality of mind and body. It is that, but it is also much more. Hatha yoga practices are more spiritual than physical, more subtle than gross, and more a means of understanding than an exotic...

Astanga or sometimes spelled ashtanga Yoga is actually taught today by a man named Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India.  He brought ashtanga yoga to the west about 25 years ago and still teaches today at 91 years of age.  Astanga yoga began with the rediscovery of the ancient manuscript Yoga Korunta.  It describes a unique system of Hatha yoga as practiced and created by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi.  It is believed to be the original asana practiced intended by...

One of the all-around yoga exercises is the 12-step salute to the sun. Do it once or twice when you get up in the morning to help relieve stiffness and invigorate the body. Multiple repetitions at night will help you to relax; insomniacs often find that six to 12 rounds help them fall asleep.  1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, and thumbs against your chest.  2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while...

If you’re overweight, it can be difficult to take that first step into any new fitness program. There’s the general assumption that you have to be in shape to exercise. Yet you can’t get in shape unless you exercise. It can be a frustrating circle. With yoga, there are no barriers. It is infinitely adaptable and can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels.  Find a Good Yoga Instructor It’s always important to find a good yoga instructor. They can...

When many people talk about taking yoga “off the mat” they are referring to embracing the principles of yoga in your daily life. For example, yoga teaches you to be in the moment and to focus on the present. It also teaches you to be flexible and strong - both mentally and physically. These are all wonderful benefits that can help you take your daily yoga practice into your daily life.  Yoga off the mat can also refer to the new and growing practice of aerial yoga. If you...

In addition to a number of yoga for babies DVDs, there are a growing number of classes offered at local yoga studios. When a baby can’t stand, you might wonder how they can practice yoga and how it can be beneficial for them.  Baby Benefits Yoga Style Babies never stop moving and many of those movements are naturally designed to alleviate discomfort. For example, when your baby arches their back, it may be trying to alleviate gas pain. These natural movements are mimicked in yoga...

What’s your primary reason for practicing, or considering, yoga? Many people, they’re looking for a way to get in great shape. After all, yoga is known for its ability to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. It aids in weight loss and because there are so many styles of yoga, it’s available to almost everyone regardless of their current fitness level.  Many people don’t realize, until after they begin taking yoga classes, that the mental benefits are just...

As yoga continues to increase in popularity, new forms of yoga are developed. In many cases, these new forms are combinations of older forms, designed to offer maximum benefit. There are literally dozens of different yoga styles. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which yoga style is right for you. Calm and Restorative  Some people seek a yoga practice as a way to detoxify, soothe daily stresses, and become more centered. If that is a goal you’re seeking then you...

You might think yoga is a foolproof practice. That there’s no way you can get hurt. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Without a bit of proper care and prevention, yoga injuries can be quite common. Protect yourself by learning a few expert pointers. 1. Listen to Your Body Depending on your personality, your yoga instructor, and your fellow classmates, it can be easy to get a bit competitive. Pushing your body too far on any given day can quickly result in a painful injury. ...

You might be surprised to learn that every year thousands of people end up in the hospital due to yoga injuries. A few simple steps can help you stay safe, avoid the emergency room, and enjoy a safe yoga practice. 1. Start Slowly If you’re new to yoga, be sure to start in a beginner’s class. You’ll be able to practice the poses without feeling competitive or overwhelmed. If you can afford it, a private instructor can help you learn the poses quickly and their hands-on...