All around us we see an epidemic of posture problems that often lead to back pain and other problems. Particularly common is the slumping and forward head posture that often comes with prolonged sitting. Posture problems also contribute to problems in yoga poses and even may predispose students towards injuries. In this course, Julie Gudmestad … Continued
An estimated eight out of every ten people will suffer from back pain at least once in their lives. Recent studies find that yoga shows promise as a complementary treatment for back pain; it has been shown to be more effective than exercise or a self-care book for improving back functioning in people with back … Continued
In this two-part teleclass, Judith Hanson Lasater shares her unique and deep insights into the philosophy and practice of yoga. This audio teleclass focuses on two related topics relevant to anyone practicing yoga, whether beginner, advanced practitioner or yoga teacher. The practice of yoga is a profound and demanding one, because it asks us to look … Continued
Practicing yoga can change our life in numerous positive ways, but as with all forms of physical activity, there can be risks of injury. How can you make the most progress in your yoga practice, without increasing the risk of injury? Join popular Yoga U presenters Dr. Loren Fishman and yoga therapist Ellen Saltonstall for a … Continued
Your spine is a long curving river….in scoliosis, and indeed in all spinal terrains, it is important to sense the course of the river, the riverbanks, the surrounding country. To encounter the inflow of the tributaries of the limbs, and observe their impact on the course of the river-spine. The interior body as felt, known … Continued
Digestive health is considered a key to the prevention of disease in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of natural health. According to this system, sluggish digestion results in the accumulation of toxins in the body. This, it is further theorized, in turn affects our energy and well-being, and in the long term, forms the foundation … Continued
Core strengthening has been a health and fitness buzzword for years, but there is a lot of confusion about what it actually is. True core strengthening has little to do with building a “ripped” or “shredded” six-pack, rather, it is a full-body integration that enables us to strengthen and access the entirety of the core’s … Continued
With the popularity of abdominal strengthening exercises like curl-ups and crunches, many people come to yoga with overly tight and short abdominals. Tightness in the abdominal muscles can restrict the movement of the diaphragm and disturb the proper balance between the different muscles involved in breathing, thus disturbing the breath’s natural rhythm. When the diaphragm … Continued
Central to the teachings of yoga is the concept of “Prana,” the universal life force that is the origin of and animates all living things, also known as “Maha Prana” or great prana. In the human body, Prana is the underlying intelligence that coordinates all functions of the body. This universal vital force is expressed … Continued
The ability to be still and enjoy life is a sacred, sacred thing, but we spend much of our lives absorbed in the bustling busyness of day-to-day existence. Life flies by while we are busy pursuing goals we think we must meet before we can really begin to enjoy life. As we reach our prime … Continued
Yoga is more popular than ever, but as yoga has become a household word, has it also become a mile wide and an inch deep? Are we missing out on the essence of yoga, even as the practice has become a household word? What can we do to capture the deepest aspects of yoga and … Continued
As baby boomers reach 50 and beyond, they are increasingly looking for ways to retain energy and vitality in the second half of life. Yoga offers a unique way to slow aging, restore well-being and vitality, deal with the changes of the maturing years, and even bring greater peace to mind and body. Yoga can … Continued