The key to human health is found not just on the level of the body and mind, according to yogic philosophy, but in all layers of our being. In the yoga framework, our extended being encompasses five layers, or Koshas. These are referred to as the Pancha Kosha, or “Five Sheaths” in yoga philosophy. The five … Continued
Keeping your breasts healthy means keeping your lymphatic system healthy. In this audio yoga download by yoga therapist Lana Reed (aka Shakta Khalsa), you will learn 12 simple things you can do daily to make sure your lymphatic system is able to do its job of removing toxins. Some of these health tips come from the … Continued
One of the greatest lacks in our life is, paradoxically, “nothing.” We rarely take time to just be, to rest, to just feel silence, to hear our heart’s deepest longing. We are just too busy, too occupied, too distracted, too over-scheduled. We try so many strategies: new calendars, to-do lists, New Year’s resolutions, and endless promises to ourselves to do … 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
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
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