The human wrist and ankle are both marvels of mechanical design and utility. Some authorities site the dexterity of the human hand as our basic advantage over other mammals. Yet in yoga we choose to become four-legged, three legged, legless or one legged creatures – dogs, cobras, cranes, storks and more – with demand for … Continued
Most yoga students think of yoga as the physical postures of asanas or the breathing practices of pranayama. However, in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra we are introduced to the Yamas and Niyamas, the ethical guidelines for all practitioners. In other words, the classical teachings of yoga begin not with asana, but rather with the guidelines for how we … Continued
Have you ever found yourself repeating the same habitual pattern over and over again, even though you know it doesn’t serve you? Yes, of course. Unless you are a superhuman, like everyone else you struggle with habits and emotional patterns that can subtly undermine various aspects of your life, be it your health, your happiness, … Continued
Who is vulnerable to long-term health impacts of COVID-19? As it turns out, a surprisingly large number of people are vulnerable to the longer term effects of COVID. According to studies, more than one third of COVID survivors experience lingering symptoms 3 to 6 months after being infected, and in some cases, symptoms remain much longer. … Continued
There is promising news in the field of back pain relief: Numerous studies show that yoga practice can help reduce pain and disability in people struggling with back pain. In fact, the American College of Physicians recently recommended that physicians should attempt to treat back pain with non-drug therapies like yoga, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation before prescribing … Continued
Osteoarthritis affects 30 million adults in the USA, causing pain, severely restricted essential activities such as walking and other daily movement, and fear of exercise. Ironically, while arthritis tends to limit movement, movement is also the best antidote against arthritis – if it’s the right type of movement. Yoga enhances coordination and flexibility, the very … Continued
Chronic neck and shoulder tension affects millions of people, and can seriously detract from our day to day well-being. In this online course, yoga therapist Robin Rothenberg, author of The Essential Low Back Program: Relieve Pain and Restore Health, will discuss the factors that often result in neck and shoulder pain and offer a yoga … Continued
Every body is unique. This can present a challenge to yoga teachers and practitioners, not only in terms of adapting to ability, but also figuring out how to deal with muscle tightness, weakness, over flexibility, and other common asymmetries. In this 6-part course, yoga therapist Shy Sayar addresses key approaches that can help us and … Continued
Informal surveys indicate that the highest percentage of yoga injuries come from forward bending postures. One likely reason is that numerous biomechanical factors impact the safety of forward bends. These include not just tight hamstrings, but many other interactive anatomical and kinesiological factors, which most yoga teachers have not been trained to observe or correct. … Continued
Every person that comes to a yoga class has her own unique challenges and needs. One student can’t raise her arms up because she has tight shoulders, another one cannot be on his knees because of previous injury, and so on. As yoga teachers, we need to be able to give those students pose options, … Continued
Yoga for a Healthy Back: Addressing Pelvic Asymmetry Most people are aware that imbalances in the curves of the spine can lead to back issues. A lesser well known fact is that asymmetry in the pelvis equally can be linked to back pain or joint issues. Asymmetries in the pelvis can set up a kinetic … Continued