While millions of Americans suffer from pain in the low back and pelvis, many back and hip issues are actually the result of sacroiliac instability (SI), i.e. an imbalance in the sacroiliac joint, which often goes undiagnosed or is improperly treated. Alarmingly, yoga practitioners appear to experience S.I. problems at a significantly higher rate than … Continued
Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) are often called the King and Queen of the Asana. They are beautiful and transformative postures that build strength and flexibility in the musculoskeletal body, have myriad benefits to the nervous and circulatory systems, and cultivate eka grata, the single-pointed focus that prepares the mind for meditation. And yet with great … Continued
Most people have some degree of scoliosis, characterized by a slight sideways curvature of the spine, which is barely noticeable. When scoliosis advances to a stronger curvature of the spine, however, it can become a debilitating condition. Can yoga help? In this course, Dr. Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall will draw on Dr. Fishman’s groundbreaking … Continued
Everyone loses muscle strength as they get older, and because our daily activities (and fitness programs) don’t usually strengthen the pelvic floor, this part of the body is particularly vulnerable to problems. As a result, many women develop pelvic issues as they get older, including incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and other issues rooted in the … Continued
For many students proper body alignment in yoga poses doesn’t come naturally. Beginners come to yoga classes with the “baggage” of habitual movement patterns, physical restrictions, poor body awareness and lack of understanding of the purpose and form of postures. More experienced practitioners might have improper training or excessive mobility that causes them to “collapse” … Continued
Spinal extension and flexion each have tremendous benefits for both body and mind. When we open the front body with backbends, we counteract the effects of daily lives often spent hunched over screens and steering wheels, thus mobilizing the upper back and opening the heart in transformative ways. When we forward bend, we have the … Continued
Ana’s Easy Does It series invites you to reawaken your relationship with your body. This series is designed to re-energize, refresh, and empower. Awakening Your Body In this first practice of the Easy Does It series, Ana invites you to reawaken your relationship with your body by asking, what part of this can I do? … Continued
In this course with Judith Hanson Lasater, you will learn how to practice yoga twists safely and effectively to receive the benefits of these powerful yoga poses. Judith will explore how you can use twists to promote a healthy balance for the organs in the chest and abdomen, as well as explore the theories of why … Continued
Can yoga practice predispose you to sacroiliac (SI) joint pain? In her travel and teaching around the world, renowned yoga teacher Donna Farhi has found that SI joint issues are one of the most common complaints that she sees in yoga practitioners. Can yoga practice predispose you to sacroiliac (SI) joint pain? In her travel … Continued
Mother always told us to “Stand up straight.” What did she and our ancestors know about standing upright that has taken a backseat in our modern culture? They knew that good posture is intimately related to good function, which is the basis of a healthy, supple, and strong spine that can flex, twist, and extend. … Continued
The ability to balance is essential for numerous aspects of daily living, and it is a prerequisite for retaining mobility and independent living, no matter what our age. Balance problems increase over time, and so does the risk of injurious falls. About one third of people over 65 fall each year; at 80 years, one out … Continued
In an increasingly Vinyasa-oriented yoga world, the lower body often doesn’t receive as much attention as it should. The feet, legs and hips are crucial elements of a well-rounded practice and need to be as strong, mobile and intelligent as the upper body. When we cultivate these elements, the effects can be felt throughout one’s … Continued