relaxation

Does Yoga Reduce Stress? What Do Studies Say?

Posted on by yogacentral
Stress free with Yoga
It is a well-established scientific fact that physical exercise improves the mood and reduces stress. As a yoga instructor I have certainly found this to be true. I have seen students not only become physically fitter but also calmer and more relaxed as a result of doing yoga regularly. My experiences are also supported by researchers, who have examined the connection between ...
Read More

Special Relaxation & Kriya Session for Yoga Teachers from Hungary – Sept 30, 2019

Posted on by yogacentral
Hungarian Teachers Yoga Session
I had the opportunity to meet many yoga teachers from halfway across the world. Some Hungarian yoga teachers on a trip to India came by The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz East, where I conducted a Special Relaxation and Kriya Session for them. It was a fun mingling of cultures. We had a translator who helped with the communication bit. It felt great to spread our Yogic knowledg...
Read More

Shavasana – Why the Corpse Pose is So Important

Posted on by yogacentral
Shavasana in class
Among one of the seemingly easy poses of yoga is shavasana or the corpse (dead body) pose. It may seem easy but it is not. It may seem as though this aasan is not an important one; however as a yoga instructor, I find that this is also inaccurate. The corpse aasan is important, and it is also surprisingly difficult, I feel. Students doing Shavasana at a Yoga Central class ...
Read More

The Concept of Nispandbhava in Yoga

Posted on by yogacentral
Nishpanda Bhav
Perhaps our ancient predecessors were really wise; that they realized the importance of reducing stress and maintaining mental equilibrium. Since the connection between low stress levels and physical well being were well understood at the time, various methods were prescribed for relaxation and enhancing feelings of calm repose in yoga. A yoga class advertisement will often pro...
Read More

Sukhasan – The Easiest & Most Difficult of Yoga Aasans

Posted on by yogacentral
Sukhasan
Sukhasan is the easiest of aasans or yoga positions – if you take a yoga class you probably know this. It is the simple cross legged seated position that is like an easier version of the padmasana or lotus position. The aasan is thought to be very effective for meditation and according to Jnana Yoga guru Ramana Maharshi, it is also suitable for attaining enlightenment. Though S...
Read More

Yoga and Vihaar (Recreation and Relaxation)

Posted on by yogacentral
Yoga and Vihaar
Last week we spoke of the importance of eating right to supplement and maximize the positive impacts of Yoga practice and how a healthy diet is one of the important aspects of the holistic life system of Yoga. Another important contributive factor of this holistic system is ‘Vihaar’ which we understand as leisure or recreational activities, but which also encompasses the im...
Read More