How Does the Energy Body Work?

We know how the physical body works. But, many participants, who attend my workshops, show keen interest in knowing how the energy body works. According to yoga, the energy body (sukshama sharira) contains seven major chakras (pronounced as chuck + raas). The chakras are energy centers that absorb fresh energy from the surroundings and expel used up energy from the body. Constantly rotating in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions alternately, the chakra absorbs fresh energy in the clockwise motion and expels used up energy in the anti-clockwise motion.

You could correlate this action to your breathing process. Every inhalation leads to drawing of fresh air (oxygen), while an exhalation causes the release of used up air (carbon dioxide). Each chakra controls and energizes different sets of organs. Did you know that the energy body has a large network of energy channels, called nadis (pronounced as naa +rheez), akin to the blood vessels in the body that carry oxygen to all parts of the body? These nadis carry fresh energy to different organs of the body and take back the used up energy. Nadis are said to be the energy counterpart of blood vessels.

You must be wondering how this knowledge was ever made known to man, since the entire process works on an invisible plane. In ancient India, sages and saints had a highly developed sense of clairvoyance. They were trained to see the aura and energy body, and study how it functioned. It is similar to your seeing the aura, though on a highly advanced level. Clairvoyant ability at a basic level comes naturally to every human being, which can be further developed through meditation.

So, we too can develop our clairvoyant faculty, provided we make a conscious effort to develop it, and make consistent effort to see how the energy body works.

The author is a qualified energy healer, yoga practitioner, and a Reiki Grand Master. He loves to experiment with energies and is always looking to simplify techniques to help people benefit from esoteric practices. You may visit his blogsite [healingguru.com]

The Benefits of Yoga For Children & How to Make Your Children Love Yoga

Today stress are very commonly, not only to adult but also for children. The task for regulating the rivalries with other children on the broader question it seems to eliminate the many programming calendars. Unfortunately, children are not learned how to deal with the stress, as adults, and not that stress can lead to mood swings, fatigue and illness. Yoga can be a good way to relax the children, the displacement by the release of energy and reduce pollution in general.

Apart from the alleviating stress, yoga has been shown to hyperactive children to acquire more control over themselves and their lives. We all know that children have an innate need to be proactive - ruling from an elementary school in the district, if you do not believe me! Yoga can help children learn by it at the exit from the market and the auto-promotion, they need to these impulses in the right direction. Yoga provides some are for children than others. Children tend to react and the trees warrior category posts. The two to help them provide the children in peace, confidence and a sense of balance.

The secret for the children really in the practice of yoga is to think about what the actual position of the media. For example, if the practice of education of a warrior, to encourage children to believe they are strong, mighty warriors. In the tree represent, we ask them a question on the energy of a tree and that their movements.

Another technique, yoga for children is visualization exercises. These exercises will help the students themselves from the idea of a positive or other things that they enjoy. Encourage your child to focus on breathing in their abdomen, and pull the music to help the perception. If your children are not able, in the first place, invite imagine that they float in space, a little radiation to a secluded beach, his favorite sport, or anywhere they like. Over time it will be easier for them to focus on the exercises and guided visualization.

At the end of each period of relaxation, you can encourage your children to their experiences. Ask for the environment to describe the display and the emotions they are known. In this way, a contribution to the promotion of relations between you and your children and strengthen the positive experience to see. A word of caution, though - make this exercise works best with the younger. As the children grow into the young people, born May not believe, even at home with their visions, especially if a certain friend. This is a good thing. Do not press the issue and your child feels uncomfortable, enough to encourage him or to the private relaxation exercises.

If your children have difficulties in training their own positive images for display during the exercises, can help, and by your imagination for a story reassuring. The children are very active and have the imagination of their history and experience in their mind. Tell them on a walk near a green lawn or a child, a butterfly, the flag is a beautiful garden. The whole story is good, it's enough to remember that the goal here is a feeling of tranquility and peace.

Children who learn yoga when they are young are easier to relaxed at home, it also improve their studies at school and can affect the health, relationship to maintain. Moreover, these children might be healthy way of life in the course of life. Let your children learn Yoga, it is for their benefits also.

As you could see above, yogaexercisesgeartour.com yoga for children is really helpful to our children now days. So, encourage your children to learn yogaexercisesgeartour.com children yoga.

Shaping Up With Cardio X

For someone who wishes to lose weight fast, a workout program such as Cardio X will surely give him amazing results. This merely requires him his determination to succeed achieving a leaner body and the discipline to follow religiously the rules applied in the program. There is no need for any fitness equipment such as elliptical trainers or treadmills. It only demands one to do non-stop physical motions for the entire period required. It is not at all difficult to do and the only challenge it gives is the length of time one has to execute it without the privilege of any rest.

Cardio X is just like most cardio routines, basically, but it is more intensive and fast-paced. It is just like performing all the common aerobic and anaerobic exercises in continuous and fast-forward motion. One can just imagine how much milliliters of perspiration he produces while doing it. This could also be his gauge at how much fat he is burning during the workout. The immediate consequence, of course, may just be the sweat and the lighter feeling afterward but the long-term result will be a much-deserved trimmer body.

Most of the movements in the Cardio X pushes one to move as many joints and muscles as possible. Lateral movements, leaps, and push-ups are just some of those enough to make him sweat out a lot. Usually, a routine is divided into four major parts. Each of these parts is an exercise taken from other routines involved in the P90X workout program. These are Yoga X, Kenpo X, Core Synergistics, and Plyometrics. While these may be quite tedious and performing them all at once may be unimaginable, the Cardio X routine only gets those portions that can be done easily in around forty minutes without breaks.

This is definitely one of the most effective fat-burning routines produced by experts in the fitness industry. It is proven to deliver weight loss in just a short period if done on a daily basis. To see the results even sooner, it is best done in the morning when the body has fewer calories. With nothing else to burn in the body, Cardio X will certainly rid it of the ugly fat. At the same time, this will also improve the function and health of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Because of its intensity, it is recommended that Cardio X should not be done too often in a week. One can instead do other cardiovascular routines such as using the treadmill or the exercise bike. This is meant to avoid losing interest with the routine and to use as much joints and muscles with other exercises.

The Cardio X is just one of the routines performed in the P90X fitness program. It is usually done in days when no P90X regular routine is executed. Other people, however, find it as a great warm-up exercise before playing an active sport. Whatever the reason is, people will always like it for its results.

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Origins of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient art of physical and spiritual well being that originated in India. Even today in India it is a vibrant living tradition, it is also seen as a means to attain enlightenment. In other parts of the world especially the west, where yoga is popular it is seen as a fitness exercise. Throughout the world yoga has influenced other religious and spiritual practices but it is seen as an ultimate way of attaining enlightenment in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.

History of Yoga researchers have established the timeline of the sculptures of the meditating yogi from the Indus Valley Civilization to be around 6 to 7 thousand years old. The ancient Hindu scripture Rig Veda contains the earliest written account about yoga. As it was maintained and communicated orally for almost a millennium before it was penned down between 1500 and 1200 B.C., it is very difficult to point out the exact timeline. Patanjali (first yoga text) dated around 2nd century BC, preaches about adherence to "eight limbs" to provide harmony to one's mind.

The Upanisads thought to have been written between the eight and fourth centuries B.C provides the earliest complete narrative of the principles and goals of yoga. Since Upanishads constitute the end of Spiritual wisdom they are also called as Vedanta. In the Vedantas, the practice of sacrificing animals and conducting ceremonies in order to appease the gods was replaced by the understanding that man can achieve union with God by the means of inner sacrifice. The inner sacrifice meant leading a life of restraint, moral culture and training of the mind.

Yoga is loosely translated as "ordinary being achieving union with the Supreme Being". The follower of yoga is called a yogi. The practitioners who have made considerable progress in yoga are called "yogin (male)" or yogini (female)".

There are many types of yoga, but basis of most of the forms is concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). The yoga text describes them as being interconnected; continuous single pointed concentration gradually leads to meditation, through which one's inner self expands and merges with something vast.

The tradition of yoga incorporates the beliefs and techniques of yoga with the practical experience. Many gurus have written on the subject, shedding meaning onto the ancient yoga texts. Also a guru can open an institution of yoga through which he can teach yoga the way he wants it. Many artists have derived their inspirations for art, poetry, dance and music from yoga. The students who become associated with a particular yogic institution follow common practices, such as the mantras (chants) and studying sacred texts. The difference between the various schools teaching yoga may always be the way of approach to the various types of yoga.

The yogic gurus sometimes have been portrayed as going beyond every day way of life in a rule bound society, which does not mean that they act in an unethical fashion but will act to a certain extent with a direct knowledge of ultimate truth.

Some of the notable yogis are Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to yoga.tips-and-gear.com Yoga

Two Easy Therapeutic Yoga Techniques for Back Pain Prevention

There are a number of Hatha Yoga styles that we can label as "therapeutic." Among these styles are: Iyengar, Viniyoga, Restorative, Sivananda, and others. Each of these Yoga styles addresses skeletal and spinal health in a variety of ways.

When you consider the number of people who are coping with back pain, every happinesslifetime.com Yoga teacher training should include a segment on back care, pain management, maintenance, and prevention. Let's look at a couple of methods, anyone can incorporate into their day, in order to prevent back pain.

1. Strengthen the core muscles. This is an area of the body we would like to ignore, but when we do, it continues to blossom in size. A big stomach is not useful for supporting the lower spine. Asana, alone, will not make a big belly shrink. We all know that eating moderately will help us control the size of our waistline.

That said - any asana or pranayama technique should be performed with balance in mind. If one performs hundreds of crunches, one must devote an equal amount of time to performing back-bending asanas. Crunches, alone, will tighten the abdominal muscles, but will stretch the back forward and out of balance.

This is why Bidalasana (Cat pose) and Bitilasana (Cow pose) are so beneficial for balancing the abdominal muscles with the back muscles. There are other methods, but these two simple postures, practiced as Cat and Cow, help us contract and stretch core muscles with ease.

2. Sleep with good posture. Many Yoga teachers know this, but few students are made aware of this concept. Most people find that the morning is filled with stiffness. Many chalk it up to simply "sleeping wrong." The mattress, pillows, and foam mattress pads, we choose, should be of good quality. Much like the quality we expect from good Yoga props, these "bedtime props" are very important for back pain prevention.

When we sleep, we are, in fact, practicing Yoga asanas for many hours. Your spine will thank you for sleeping on your sides. Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended, and you should avoid sleeping on your back for long periods of time. Pillows, of different sizes, will gently lock you into a side-relaxation asana. If you wake up during the night, re-adjust your pillows and shift to the opposite side.

You should flip, or rotate, your mattress position every month. When a mattress is concave, you need to replace it. You can ignore it, but your back will let you know. Pillows and foam mattress pads should be replaced every 1 - 2 years. This will enable you to have better neck and spinal alignment.

There is also another reason for getting rid of old pillows and foam mattresses - this will help reduce allergies, dust, dust mites, dust mite remains, pet dander, hair, and body oils, that have worked their way into a pillow's fabric. Some studies indicate that the weight of a pillow can double in three years.

? Copyright 2010 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Diabetic Students and Yoga - What to Expect

The effects of Yoga, on persons with diabetes, are extremely healthful, and sometimes, cause the unexpected. Be conscious of potential effects of Yoga on diabetic students.

Diabetes has become a more prevalent disorder, over the last decade, than ever before. While many struggle to control their diabetes, sometimes, simply following the doctor's orders, are frustrating and not enough.

Many studies show that Yoga postures impact fasting blood glucose levels, reducing them in some studies by as much as 50 milligrams per deciliter (or 50 points) in type II research subjects. In addition to this drop in blood sugar, there is an increase in nerve function.

Certain postures and movements stimulate the glands of the body and have the most profound impact. Asanas, the Yogic postures that induce relaxation, and certain breathing exercises, stimulate the pancreas. This is theorized to occur because of alternating contraction and release of the abdominal muscles; thus, the pancreas is stimulated. An increase in blood flow and oxygen to the organ increases efficiency.

The rotation of the body, as well as holding the position and stretching the body, in these positions, increases circulation. Poor circulation is a major side effect of diabetes and leads to long term complications. Increased circulation and oxygen to the body helps everything function better; and several glands within the endocrine system are vitalized. Yoga helps retain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces high blood pressure, in some cases. Additionally, lethargy and depression are relieved by these effects on the body.

Practicing Yoga, on a regular basis, helps diabetics increase nerve function and relieve the symptoms of sub-clinical neuropathy, as well as prevent some at the onset.

Meditation is an imperative part of Yoga practice. Attaining a relaxed and concentrated mental state relieves stress and brings about a calming effect on the nervous system. High stress levels cause drastic changes in blood glucose levels in some diabetics, so learning to meditate effectively is a useful management method.

It's difficult for Yoga to have much impact on type I diabetes, due to the fact that the body does not produce any insulin at all; therefore, stimulation of the endocrine system is not as effective. That does not mean there is no effect, but the impact of Yoga on type II diabetes is much more dramatic.

However, in studies, a decreased dosage was needed by many participants who were insulin- dependent. A study, comparing aerobic activity, found that direct stimulation of the pancreas, by Yoga positions, were more effective in stimulating the endocrine system than more exertive activity.

These positive impacts are very encouraging; however, diabetic students must regularly monitor their glucose levels and take proper medication. It is likely that, after practicing Yoga on a regular basis, the amount of the required medicine will decline.

Many diabetic students may not be aware of the potential decrease in their blood glucose levels. Educate them of this possibility and devote extra attention to their progress. Additionally, it is recommended that glucose tablets be kept on hand in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. aurawellnesscenter.com aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Cardiovascular Cross Training - Is it Important?

You change into your workout attire all the while contemplating another boring cardio workout. The same boring workout you have been doing for some time now. STOP...! It doesn't have to be this way. You can do something different. Ever heard of cross training? Cross training is a fun and exciting way to not only spruce up your work outs, but to learn new and challenging skills, reduce risk of injury, maintain a consistent work out routine, achieve better results, and diversify your circle of sports buddies.

Many sports professionals and recreational athletes alike are incorporating cross training into their workout routines just for that reason, so they are not so mundane. Participating in different activities for cardiovascular training continuously challenges you to learn new skills and realize accelerated performance gains while reducing the risk of injury. You may even meet a new friend or two!

If you're like most people the thought of doing your cardiovascular work is less then thrilling. How many times have you heard that inner voice quietly encouraging you once again to get on that Stairmaster, treadmill or bicycle in the gym. Well, don't: switch gears. If you always jog or walk on the treadmill, in the gym, then take it outside. You could also try biking in the gym or out doors.

If it's impossible to take your cardio work outside try a different activity. There are numerous other cardiovascular activities you can participate in which are fun and challenge you to learn new skills. For instance, have you ever tried mountain biking, hiking, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, boxing or jumping rope? Even vigorous martial arts or yoga classes can be extremely aerobic.

The body is very much like a machine. Repetitive use of muscles in the same activity with the same amount of resistance at the same speed wears down joints and strains muscles were the greatest amount of stress is located. Let's take jogging for instance. Think about it? What are you doing when you participate in resistance activity? Contract and release right? Jogging uses the quadriceps and gluteus maxims primarily. The gluteus maxim is a muscle just like your biceps or deltoids. The gluteus will get harder and more tone over time, however, every muscle needs recuperation time.

Joggers tend to develop the infamous runners knee. Sharp pain located directly under or surrounding the patella. This pain is typically the result of inflammation of muscle tissue due to over use syndrome and over pronation. This inflammation and pain can become chronic or develop into chondromalacia if not attended to by refraining from running for a period of time. Other running injuries resulting from over use include shin splints, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. The musculoskeletal system needs time to recuperate from the mechanical stress of running.

As a runner myself, I have first hand experience with most of these stress related injuries and the frustration and pain associated with them. Over the years, I have learned to use cross training as a way of preventing injuries before they happen without stopping my cardio training. By participating in a variety of activities I decrease down time due to injury and pain. Running then becomes much more enjoyable and less of a mechanical necessity.

Biking is a great solution because of the angle at which the knee operates while biking. Biking actually helps to heal this type of injury by opening up the joint area and taking pressure off of the inflamed muscle tissue. This is true for the Stairmaster as well. Don't just ignore that pain and hope it goes away. Changing cardiovascular activities on a consistent basis is not only the best way to heal muscle areas suffering from over use syndrome but also to prevent injuries from occurring.

If your passion is biking that's great, but you too need to use cross training to prevent injury. Bikers are prone to injuries like compression of the ulna nerve and strains within the knee capsule. Biking is one of the sports I use to cross train with since I love the outdoors and live close to the beach. I also use mountain biking for a change of pace and scenery. Since biking and running are both joint stress producing activities I use swimming as another alternative to cross train and keep things interesting.

Swimming is another great cardiovascular activity and very refreshing. Water resistance is much less demanding on the joints and is a great cross training activity for people who are prone to joint injuries. To improve your swimming ability and cardiovascular workout attempt to increase your stroke length and the force of each stroke.

As human beings we are naturally creatures of habit, continually striving for stability and consistency. In your workout routine, however continually repeating the same cardiovascular exercise is also the quickest way to reach workout boredom. We are all motivated by pain and pleasure. The harder it is to do something, the less apt we are to do it. If you are like most people you're not exactly jumping for joy when it comes time to do the cardio portion of your workout to begin with. So why make it more difficult?

Change activities on a regular basis and you will find it much easier to do your cardio work more effectively. You can split up your time on various cardio machines or activities you participate in. Instead of doing 30 minutes on one activity, do 15 minutes on two separate cardio machines or activities.

We have all experienced that ever dreaded plateau where we just can't seem to make any significant gains. This is especially noticeable if you're trying to lose a few extra pounds. Changing cardio activities can be one of the solutions. When an activity becomes routine we tend to slack off or not push as hard, which in turn limits our progress. It is necessary to gradually and consistently push our body to work a little harder. Over time your body becomes stronger with greater stamina. It takes a little harder work to keep your body progressing.

By participating in diversified cardio activities you will be more enthusiastic and eager to do the activity and your cardio- workouts will become much more effective and efficient. In this day and age were everything needs to be done yesterday this is important. So if you have hit that plateau don't get frustrated, try a different cardio activity and break through the barrier.

By participating in a conglomerate of various cardio activities you will also challenge yourself to learn new skills and it's also a great way to keep your cardio exercise interesting and fresh. For instance, say you always ride a bike, whether it's in the gym or outside. Try jumping rope or playing a game of basketball or volleyball. You might feel awkward at first but through practice you will get better and more proficient at each skill. Who knows you might even find a new sport or activity you like so much that it becomes a hobby or regular activity in your life.

What about taking a boxing class and learning some self defense in the process? How about taking a step class or a dance aerobic class and gaining some balance and agility skills? Remember you don't have to be perfect from the get go. Everyone has a learning curve and has to start from the same place, the beginning. Even if you try a new activity and really give it a chance, but find it isn't for you. You still learn something, what you don't like. Don't give up. Try another cardio activity. Eventually you will find a whole spectrum of cardio activities you enjoy.

Could you use a new friend or group of friends? Most people are interested in making new friends. Participating in different cardiovascular activities or sports can provide you with a very fun and relaxed way to meet new people. Health clubs and sporting events are excellent healthy choices for developing new friendships. They provide you the opportunity to meet people with diverse backgrounds who care enough about themselves to pursue recreation and a healthy lifestyle. What better way to start a new romance than by spending quality time together in a healthy environment.

CARDIOVASCULAR CROSS TRAINING IS THE KEY TO MAKING YOUR CARDIO-WORKOUT MORE EXCITING, CHALLENGING, EFFECTIVE, INJURY FREE AND SOCIAL ALL IN ONE SWOOP.

Michael George is a Personal Health Coach, Fitness Expert, Speaker and the Author of "Body Express Makeover". Michael facilitates and conducts wellness programs, workshops, seminars and motivational speaking lifestyle transformation, self-empowerment and wellness principles. His Los Angeles based company; Michael George Enterprises can be reached at (310) 575-3500 or on the web at MichaelGeorge.com MichaelGeorge.com.