...Half Spinal Twist - (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

This important asana takes its Sanskrit name from a legendary teacher of yoga, called Matsyendra, who was believed to be one of the first founders of Hatha Yoga. This asana is one of the few yoga poses that rotates the spine. Twisting postures in Hatha Yoga complement forward and backward bending asanas by exercising the muscles in more complex ways than is accomplished by the movement of flexion and extension alone. Thats why the twisting poses are essential for a completion of hatha yoga practice.

The spinal twist simultaneously stretches the muscles on one side of the back and abdomen while contracting the muscles on the other side. The compression of the spine improves nutrition to the inter-vertebral disks and squeezes blood out of the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis, imp...more

Beginner's Guide To Yoga Breathing Exercises

...gh your nose. The most important thing is to concentrate on your belly when you are doing the breathing exercise: fill it with pure air and lead this purity towards your lungs. When you are exhaling, release the air in your belly slowly, just like you are releasing the air from a balloon. At the same time, try to expand your chest, in order to allow the air get inside you.

Ujjayi techniques are very innovative yoga breathing exercises that you can perform when you want to improve your focus and attention. At the same time, you can use Ujjayi right before your yoga meditation session. Ujjayi has numerous beneficial effects and the most important one is that it improves the concentration and accelerates the mind processes, including memory and attention. What should you do? First of all, you have to sit down comfortably, but maintain your spine erect. Start with the same long and slow breaths through your nose. T...more

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Is a Hatha Yoga teacher a Karma Yogi?

...oga, it was not because of the money. If money is the prime motivating force behind teaching Yoga, this type of Yoga teacher will not last long. There is too much giving of ones self involved in teaching Yoga.

There are many Yoga teachers who give selfless service to the elderly, to the sick, and to the poor. When a Yoga studio, or an, ashram is profitable, they always give to charities or have fund raisers. All of the Yoga teachers I have met, give to those in need and do not turn their backs on the poor.

Although Karma Yoga, raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and bhakti Yoga are considered higher spiritual forms of Yoga, Hatha Yoga is a gateway to character ...more

Mother and Child Yoga - A Great Activity for You and Your baby

...ing.

Not only does yoga help babies reach movement goals quicker, but it also helps them gain simple concepts. For example, yoga can help your baby improve, develop, and identify their concept of spacial relations as well as depth perception. This ultimately makes them more comfortable in their surroundings.

Developing a healthy, trusting relationship with your little one is key to their future physical and emotional well being. The basic bond between a mother and her child is formed early on in infancy and is absolutely necessary for healthy development. The constant interaction between you and your baby during yoga exercises help to solidify the important bond that you share.

Since baby Yoga helps to enhance the growth and development of your baby emo...more

Exercise Ball Yoga Picture