Yoga Shows Promise as Complementary Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
Researchers in Sweden recently looked at the effects of yoga on people suffering from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Their findings are good news for those suffering from this widespread heart condition. Those in the study who practiced yoga had a higher
Yoga For Heart Health
Those familiar with yoga understand that the practice works with individuals as whole people–body, mind and soul. Yoga is also coming into the medical mainstream, with the medical world beginning to recognize its benefits as a treatment form, when combined
How to Use Nutation to Refine Uttanasana Part ll - A Fringe Benefit
In our last post, Part I of this series on Uttanasana, we explained nutation and gave a trick for engaging the tensor fascia lata (TFL) and gluteus medius. Contracting these muscles allows us to access movement at the sacroiliac joint and
Your Body’s Bottleneck – How Your Neck Affects Your Health
You know that your heart, organs and lungs are critical for your health. But your neck?! In fact, the neck is a delicate part of the body, and when neck health is compromised, it can affect you in many ways.
Yoga for the Bendy—Learning to Back Off
My earliest recollection of being an über-bendy person is from when I took ballet lessons. I was about eight years old. The first time we went into side splits and bent forward, I was surprised to see that no one
Yoga Games for Families
Many people believe, and for very good reasons, that the family is the foundation of society. In an ever-changing world, however, factors including high divorce rates and technology-driven shifts in communication can threaten that important cornerstone. In “The most important
4 Steps to Minimize the Stress on the Intervertebral Discs
Did you know that astronauts get taller in space? According to NASA studies, when the spine is not exposed to the pull of Earth’s gravity, the intervertebral discs expand and as a result the spine gets a bit longer. That
Diastasis: Zip It Up!
Diastasis: Close the Gap Commonly referred to as the "post-partum pooch," Diastasis—a separation of the abdominal muscles—affects a surprising number of people: research indicates that up to two thirds of pregnant women develop it. And it's not just a "post-partum"
6 Yoga Poses to Counteract the Effects of Sitting
According to a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the average person sits for more than half the day. We spend long hours sitting at our desks in front of the computer, in the car getting to and from
5 Fun Yoga Poses for Parents and Kids
Looking for a way to connect with your child while having fun and getting some exercise? Try partner yoga! "Practicing partner yoga is a great way to facilitate communication and connection," says Mira Binzen, co-founder of Global Family Yoga. "It teaches
Preparing For Childbirth—Pelvic Floor Style
I love helping women prepare for childbirth—I really do. In fact, it made me want to consider becoming trained to be a doula a few years ago! Unfortunately, most of the women I have helped have either been women who
Yoga In Schools Improves Health According To New Research Review
A recent survey suggests that roughly 80% of children and adolescents will have some form of psychological problem by age 21. Many of these conditions, like depression and anxiety are rooted in chronic stress. This is one reason why more
Vagus Nerve and Sound: Can You Tone Up the Whole Body?
You don’t need to be a scientist to know that sound (music and singing) has a profound effect on the way we feel, often in a predictable way. For example, you probably won’t fall asleep when you listen to a
What Childhood Stress Does to the Heart and How Yoga Can Help
Whether it be pressure from teachers, trouble focusing, or a particularly challenging classroom environment, children in school today are experiencing high levels of stress. Some of this stress is constructive, and pushes them to learn, but other types of stress