Yoga Asana for Hip Mobility, Part 2: Spotlight on Adduction and Abduction
In Part 1 of my hip mobility posts, we took a look at mobilizing the hips in flexion and extension in the sagittal plane. Remember the hips move in several directions. So let’s talk about the next ways that we can
How to Make Your Forward Bends Comfortable and Soothing
I have always known that yoga’s seated forward bends are considered quieting poses, but it wasn’t until I interviewed Shari Ser about baroreceptors several years ago that I discovered that forward bends are quieting for the same reason that inverted poses are
The Wise Self: Vijnanamaya Kosha
Vijnanamaya kosha is the part of us that lies beneath the thinking mind, the part that is aware of ourselves feeling our body. It includes the ego, the substrate of personality and conditioning that generates thoughts, emotions, and intentions. As
Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain: Healing the Mid-Back Core
Are neck and shoulder pain the new back pain? Neck pain is now the fourth leading cause of years lost to disability, according to a 2010 study by The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. We spend hours a day
Food Story: How to Eat Like a Yogi
Elise Museles is a certified eating psychology and nutrition expert, creator of the Food Story Method and platform, and host of the popular podcast “Once Upon a Food Story.” We recently spoke with Elise about her recent book Food Story:
Yoga for Healing: The Importance of Developing Body Awareness and Interoception
So often in our yoga practice, we focus on the physical—releasing tension here, strengthening this, stretching that, and so on. Our physiology is usually an afterthought and we don’t specifically focus on it unless it starts to malfunction and shows
7 Variations of Yoga's Side Plank to Build Shoulder and Core Strength
Vasisthasana, or Side Plank, is an especially challenging asana. It takes the challenge of Plank Pose (Phalakasana) and literally turns it on its side, offering support from only one arm, one leg, and one side of the core. But because
Yoga to Soothe Mind and Body: How to Practice Supported Pigeon Pose
Supported Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana) is one of the most soothing yoga poses and a wonderful way to gently release the hips, sacrum, and lower back. Further, it helps to release constriction in the piriformis and psoas muscles. Gentle pressure on
Yoga Anatomy: 3 Easy Steps to Hamstring Health
Hamstring soreness is one of the more common problems encountered when teaching and practicing yoga. Typically, the pain is present during forward bends such as Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose) or Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose) and is located in
Optimum Health: 11 Yoga and Ayurveda Practices to Start Today
What I value most in this precious life is health. To me, health means the absence of disease, stable energy levels and emotions, a steady appetite, regular bowel movements, and a daily urge to be creative. My definition of health
Stop Relaxing Your Glutes in Yoga Backbends
One cue that has gotten a lot of publicity and perpetuation throughout the yoga world is “relax your glutes” while practicing yoga backbends. While the intention behind this well-meaning cue is noble, the results can actually be the opposite of
Yogic Breathing for Better Lung Capacity
Yogic breathing exercises are a very effective way to keep the lungs healthy and improve our breathing capacity. Regularly practicing deep breathing is great for our overall physical and mental health. How Do Your Lungs Work? Every cell in our
Hyperkyphosis (Dowager's Hump) Carries Similar Risks as Osteoporosis, Research Finds
We all know that poor posture isn't flattering. But did you know that new research shows that posture actually affects our health and well-being in ways that most people are not aware of? One particular posture problem significantly impacts our
A New Take on Forward Bends: 3 Ways to Practice Forward Bends with a Chair
Frustrated with your forward folds? It's a common experience, not matter how many years you’ve practiced yoga. But noticing an ingrained pattern may be an invitation to try something new. This is where folding chairs come into play. A folding
Yoga for Back Pain and Scoliosis: Keys to Addressing Spinal Imbalances with Yoga
Do you live with back pain or scoliosis? No matter the cause of your condition, a yoga practice that meets the needs of your unique spine may help! In this article, Certified Yoga Therapist Deborah Wolk, founder of the Samamkaya