Arthritis affects one in five adults in the U.S and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. It is a complex family of over 100 musculoskeletal disorders that result in deterioration of joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and/or other connective tissues, creating challenges for everyday movement. Arthritis can affect people of all ages. Two-thirds of people … Continued
Thirty-one million Americans suffer from low back pain, and increasingly, people with mild to moderate back pain seek out yoga classes to find relief for the condition. In this environment, it’s critical for yoga teachers to understand how to assess and address these conditions with intelligence, and above all, how to keep students safe. In … Continued
At the heart of the practice of yoga is a very important relationship: that between the teacher and the student. The practice of yoga is a quite personal and intimate practice. Traditionally the student lived with the teacher and there were many opportunities each day for interaction and learning. Yoga teachers today face a very … Continued
The core muscles are our physical, structural, and energetic center. A strong core is essential to healthy and functional movement throughout life. It forms the foundation for proper posture, ease and grace of movement, and even creates greater emotional balance and strength. For many people, core work is associated with tedious and unpleasant exercises, like … Continued
Are we born from a universal intelligence, which gives birth to and is intertwined with the entire creation, as we know it? And if so, are we in our essence an indistinguishable part of this divine intelligence, much like a drop of water is distinct from and yet a part of the ocean? Join Yogiraj … Continued
According to yogic science, the granthis are energetic knots located along the central pathway of the spine. These knots hold the life force (Shakti) in the body as a means to help us navigate through this plane of existence, but they can also tighten due to belief patterns and life experiences. The granthis are located … Continued
A woman’s body is unique. It is marked by transitions through puberty, the fertile years, and finally perimenopause and menopause – the “wisdom phase” of our lives. The journey through menopause is a powerful, and often intense time. It is a time that invites us to deepen our connection with the body and experience new facets … Continued
Do you or someone you know suffer from depression or anxiety? You’re not alone. Depression affects 121 million people worldwide. And 80% of people who struggle with depression also suffer from anxiety. Antidepressants are now one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S., but are we getting any better? Yoga teaches us that … 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
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it…Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. ~ Brené Brown A popular bumper sticker notes, “Don’t believe everything you think.” As many wise visionaries have pointed … 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
What does yoga have to do with your hormones? Plenty! Just about every yoga pose you do has an impact on the hormonal (endocrine) system in your body – making yoga a fabulous way to support this system and keep your hormones healthy. With focus and intention, we can use our yoga practice to keep … Continued