The effect of yoga on the nervous system is one way we can understand the truly integrative approach of yoga to health and well-being. The nervous system is our communication network through which we respond to internal and external stimuli and through which we work to maintain a homeostatic environment within our body. The effects … Continued
The reason why we feel better after a yoga class is because we have changed our prana, or our energy body. We have moved energy (that may have been stuck in our shoulders or hips from a day of work) into different parts of our bodies, and in this way, cleared out any minor blockages … Continued
If your neck is chronically tense and tight, and if the muscles in your upper back and shoulders feel as hard as a rock, you’re not alone. In our high-stress, hurried, 24/7 world—filled with work deadlines, financial pressures, terror alerts, and sleeplessness—many of us feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. Add to this … Continued
Imagine a time in the last week when you felt really stressed. Maybe it was during a misunderstanding with a family member, friend or a co-worker, while standing in line, sitting in traffic, checking email or watching the news. How did you feel? Chances are your heart rate was elevated, your breath was short or rapid and … Continued
The most foundational yoga pose of all is Tadasana, or Mountain Pose. Tadasana demands just one simple thing: that we stand with good posture in a way that supports the natural curves of a healthy spine. In our Western sedentary society, however, it’s surprisingly difficult for most yoga students to achieve correct alignment in Tadasana. … Continued
It is now increasingly recognized that the fundamental connective biological matrix of the body, the fascia, is far more than the inert wrapping material, it was previously believed to be. In fact, says Anatomy Trains author Tom Myers in this interview, fascia is now recognized as an independent regulatory system in the body. And while the nervous system … Continued
While backbending is a part of asana practice, it is still an unfamiliar movement for the vast majority of our students. It is also a necessary one for a flexible and strong back. In this course, Judith Hanson Lasater will start with a review of the structure of the vertebral column and the primary muscles … Continued
There are many health conditions that lead to illness, disability and premature death as we age. Two of the biggest culprits are diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is probably not a family in the US that has not been affected negatively by one of these two major issues. There is a “syndrome” called metabolic syndrome, … Continued
Twists are profoundly delightful. They take us deep into the spine – rotating, twisting, squeezing, strengthening, and releasing the tissue that lies along the midline of the body. Twists can improve digestion, relieve pain, and help improve posture. Almost immediately the upper body stands more upright with greater ease and relief. However, as incredible as twists … Continued
The symptoms of menopause begin earlier than most people realize, and last longer. In a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse group of 1,449 women with frequent hot flashes or night sweats — the largest study to date found that the symptoms associated with menopause can last up to fourteen years after a woman’s last period. Menopause … Continued
Who are these children? Why are they here? What do they bring to our lives? What are the challenges they present? How can we turn the challenges into gifts? These are some of the ideas Lana Reed (aka Shakta Khalsa), a leading teacher of children’s yoga, will explore in this 3-part audio interactive lecture series. This … Continued
Are you preparing for a hip replacement and want to learn how yoga might help you recover faster? Or, if you already have a hip replacement, which are the yoga postures that are safe and which should you avoid? And, for yoga teachers, which are the teaching practices that are particularly useful for people with … Continued