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Yoga – Contraindications For Inversions

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As we practice yoga poses we want to do also inversions. Most common inversions are the Headstand and the Shoulderstand. But there are not only those two poses which are the inverted asanas.

Any posture in which the head is below the heart is called an inversion. Whether you stand on your head, bend forward or bend back, if your head is below your heart, you are performing an inversion.

This also means that Downward Facing Dog, Standing Forward Bend and Fish pose are also inversions; although those poses are mild in comparison to a Headstand. The Camel pose can also be an inversion if you bend back far enough.

Remember – inversions are not for everyone!

Your intentions should be clear when you perform any yoga posture. If the risks may outweigh the benefits there is no logical reason why you should practice any pose which can harm you.

Contraindications for practicing inversions:

If you have any of the following conditions, please omit inversions or work with a qualified and experienced teacher who will never put you at risk and tried to modify your practice.

Anyone who has high blood pressure, heart related problems, eye issues, neck problems, epilepsy, previous stroke or sinus problems should never practice Headstand or Shoulderstand, and omit other mild inversions or be adjusted by the yoga teacher.

During any stage of pregnancy yoga should be practiced in a prenatal yoga classes specifically designed for that purpose or privately with a qualified pregnancy yoga teacher.

During menstruation Headstand and Shoulderstand preferably should be omitted and other milder inversions should not be hold for long, but because of the controversy about the inversions during menstruation it is your personal choice. Let your body guide you.

If you are a yoga teacher explain to your students why the inversions can be dangerous for them if they have any of the condition mentioned earlier.

Why not stand on your head when you have pain in your neck or neck injury? What first thing will come to your mind as you there? Ouch … my neck! Can my small neck carry my whole weight as I am inverted?

Most students put lots of weight on their head and neck instead of shoulders. Use your common sense and listen to your body. Intuition will never let you down.

Why omit headstand if I have high blood pressure? Because the danger is when your blood pressure increase from 100/60 mm Hg while standing on your feet to 150/110 mm Hg or even higher when you go for headstand.

The truth about Yoga

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For some time the science, practice, or lifestyle is present in the Brazilian and American territory, but never before with such proportions, Yoga has previously been considered an oriental science, a Buddhist or practice a healthy lifestyle gained strength in the various offices of psychology and Naturology. However, the ‘jerk doctor’ is that really popularized the search for Yoga. In magazines and newsstands you can find a variety of publications and videos-lessons on the various existing approaches: Prana Yoga, Ratha-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, Nada Yoga and many others, each with a specific goal and so also of finding the balance between body and mind. But whatever the style practiced, yoga has become a powerful ally to mental health, because through its practice leads the practitioner to get your sanity while leading the meditation practice. Mistakenly, many people come up to the great spaces of renowned academies or seeking to lose weight, gain muscle, strength, or looking to seek relief for premenstrual syndrome, sciatica, anxiety and depression. A lesson or practice of yoga (as is commonly said) is not a pill or medicine that is used for some time and after use reveals a ‘cure’ to the practitioner. It is similar to the sessions of psychotherapy, therefore, the practice of yoga is procedurally and as you are doing (like a walk in the park, eating habits more healthy) and learn the various postures that the body is able to do ( comprising the various possible ways of thinking about a situation in therapy), and ways of breathing (acquiring new behaviors and attitudes in accordance with the specific cognitive) the student develops a new way of thinking and focus, acquiring the ability to meditate not only in academy or in the spaces (discharge process of therapy, in which the therapist worked with the patient it be your own therapist), but anywhere you want to meditate. However, for this is necessary to understand that yoga is not a pill or a class of aero ‘something’ to lose weight is a practice linked to an Eastern philosophy of life that aims to teach how to live a more balanced and harmonious between body-mind. It is interesting and vital that every student / practitioner / curious study and read with their teachers / masters, originally on the books’ Yogas Sutras of Patanjali “comprising teachings on what would be the Yoga, for whom he was destined for and practicing”. It is that yoga is a process of identification with the modifications of consciousness / mind, enabling greater control of thoughts, intended for those who want to avoid the kleshas to take good quality of life and that through mental practice techniques Yoga can prepare and qualify physically, mentally, emotionally and morally to take a practice called Yoga higher (samadhi). But ultimately, what are these kleshas? These are elements that cause pain and suffering for individuals and considers the existence of five kleshas, ??these being Ignorance (Avidya), Egoism (Asmita), attachment (raga), aversion (dvesa) and Fear of Death (Abhnivesa). Through, for example, the social disciplines (Yamas) Yoga proclaim the necessity of Truth (Satya), Non-Covetousness (Asteya), Abstention (brahmaccarya), Non-Appropriation (Apharigraha) and Non-Violence (Ahinsa). Apart from other disciplines, named as individual disciplines (Niyama) Courses Physics (Asanas), Disciplines Respiratory (pranayama), Discipline of the Senses (Pratyahara), Attention (Dharana), Meditation (Dhyana) and Harmony Plena (Samadhi). In all, the best known and most widespread are the Asanas and Pranayama. So the next time you start doing yoga does not give up, the first classes are really hard, but are not mystical, in contrast, are only the tip of an iceberg of a philosophy of life that have much to add. Understand that religion teaches what man must be, that philosophy makes man understand why to be and that the psychotherapy teaches how to be, will provide an excellent quality of life physically, mentally and spiritually.

By Cintia Vilani (Psychologist specialized in Cognitive Therapy and Mental Retardation Ms in Clinical Psychology from Catholic University of So Paulo – Brazil)

Website: http://cintiavilani.com.br

Religion And Yoga

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A religious rights leader in the US recently sparked off a debate with his comments on the inappropriateness of Yoga for those of the Christian faith. Arguments have since flown fast and thick on all sides over the linking of Yoga with specific religions.

As a proponent of Yoga as the ultimate challenge for the attainment of holistic wellness, I have been extremely pained to read all things related to the matter. For one, I havent been able to fathom the reasons as to why this should even be thrown on the table.

It is true that Yoga originated in India, the same country which produced great religious systems such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Indeed, India is one of the two regions of the world which has been the cradle of religious thought, the other being the Middle East which produced Christianity, Islam, Judaism et al.

However, Yoga at its best is a philosophical system which is thought to lead to self-realization. For as long as it has existed, there have been no religious incantations associated with the practice, nor does it propagate the worship of any one supreme figure. It is infact philosophical and not iconic in any way.

The Yogic systems prevalent today are a fragment of an entire pristine system, and are mostly only corporeal; they strive to keep the body healthy through various poses and breathing techniques. The only Hindu connotation I have found evidence of, is the sounding of the syllable Om while breathing, which is also equally construable as a shortening of Amen. Interestingly, Om and Amen have similar meanings and origins as well.

I personally know scores of people of various religious beliefs following Yoga, and who have found no conflict between their religion and the practice. Yoga, which is devoid of any religious connotations is even widely practiced by atheists who would have otherwise shunned it in the name of religious circumvention.

My personal experience tells me that one neednt even go deep into research, because a quick online search will point to the fact that Yoga is linked with environmentalism, healthy food habits, exercise, fitness and mostly good health, but definitely not with any strong religious associations. Even specifically searching for a link did not yield any results to indicate the gentlemans concerns that Yoga is a symptom of postmodern spiritual confusion.

I came across an interesting and relevant blog here which I understand to be a product of a mature and analytical mind.

I would be happy to understand just how practicing Yoga is a shameful act as the US Baptist has claimed. Looking forward to your thoughts, as usual.

Yoga

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Yoga can be practiced at home by oneself easily, without any need for formal instruction. By practicing alone, this enables the body and mind to get in touch with the practice and with the own unique needs of the individual body.
Yoga is an ancient practice dating more than 5000 years. It brings health aharmony and peace to the mind and body.
The benefits of the practice are felt and realised during the practice and throughtout the day. Yoga enables mental agility and peace, physical flexibilty and strength. The internal organs are deeply massaged and purified, and this takes place during enjoybale and relaxing sretching.
There are many forms of yoga and there is no right or wrong way to practice thought there is an age old adage stating that yoga without love is like eating without food.
Any age culture size or shape can practice. Yoga is a vast science of spiritualisty, and not a religion. Yoga transcends difference by going to the root of all cultures and differences.
There are four paths of yoga, bhakti yoga, meaning devotion, karma yoga meaingin service, jnana yoga which is the yoga of knowledge and hatha yoga which is physcial practice. Hatha yoga is the yoga commonly taught in classes today which consist of physical postures, conatining their own magical and purifying benefits. Ha means sun and tha means moon. Yoga is a balancing of male and female, mind and spirit, body and soul, sun and moon.
Originally formutlated to enable the body to sit for meditaiton for many hours without being hurt, there are many techniques to yoga.
One technique is to allow the body to move as it feels. Moving and connecting to ones own soul in the process.
Kundalini is known as the serpent power which sits in the spine. It is said through certain yogic pratices to awaken, and give insight into universal consciousness. Allowing the body to move as it wishes can awaken the kundalini, and allow the kundalini energy to move through the body. If the body and mind can allow complete surrender to the kundalini, profound bliss is experienced. There is a form of yoga called Kundalini yoga however one should never attempt to force the kundalini to awaken. It should be a natural process, experienced through a steady practice of yoga and meditation. Similarly with Bikram yoga, yoga practiced in intense heat. This causes the body to contract into positions it is not ready for.
Also for the delicate nasal passages. One must be more gentle.
Pranayama is an important part of yoga. Prana means energy, and pranayama is energy control through breath control. There are many techniques available, all very useful.
A daily practice of yoga need not consist of more than ten to fifteen minutes. Yoga practiced with meditation and a healthy balanced diet enables peace, spiritual harmony and bliss in ones daily life.
Although allowing the body to move as it feels is beneficial also praciciing the traditional postures is of immense benefit. Each individual posture ofers a variety of different benefits, and ones practice can be tailor made to support ones health.

Francesca Marks is asked to instruct yoga and meditation all over the world. Having pracaticed all her life, it is a natural course of life for her. Her students rate her as one of the best yoga teachers in the world. Her style is clear, dynamic, strong and concise. All throughout her life she was travel in amongst many cultures, finding the root of universal consciousness in all, transcending diffences.es.

Yoga Has A Long History In America

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It might surprise many people to learn that yoga has a long history in the United States. For a lot of Americans, their knowledge of yoga may only date back to the 1960s, when the concepts of spiritualism and meditation were embraced by the countrys counterculture.

But it may surprise some people to learn that yoga in the U.S. has a history that dates back to the late 1800s.

In 1883, Swami Vivekananda made an appearance at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago where he greeted his sisters and brothers of America, a salutation that brought a standing ovation from the large audience in attendance. His idea that all of the religions of the world are merely separate parts of a larger religion was a new concept to those hearing him speak about the mind, body and spirit.

Swami Vivekananda was followed by Yogendra Mastamani, also from India, who arrived in the U.S. and settled on Long Island, N.Y. in 1919 and established the American version of Kaivalyadhama, an Indian organization that made major strides in the scientific exploration of yoga. Mastamani introduced Hatha Yoga to the United States.

One year later, one of the most popular yogis of all time, Paramahansa Yogananda, arrived in Boston to introduce kriya yoga to the U.S. He created the Self-Realization Fellowship, which now has its headquarters in Los Angeles. Yogananda also wrote the world-famous best seller, “Autobiography of a Yogi”, a book that is still an inspirational resource for many yoga instructors and students.

In the 1930s, Jiddu Krishnamurti brought the yogi to new level of awareness in the U.S. thanks to this popular, eloquent speeches on Jnana-Yoga yoga, which is the yoga of discernment. His talks earned him the admiration of a number of celebrities of the time, such as writers Aldous Huxley and George Bernard Shaw and actors Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo.

In 1924, the U.S. imposed a restriction on the number of Indians it would allow to move to the U.S., meaning students who sought the teachings of yogis had to travel to India. One of these students was Theos Bernard, who traveled to India and came back in 1947 to write the book “Hatha Yoga: The Report of a Personal Experience”, an influential book which is still widely today.

The same year that Bernard penned his examination of Hatha Yoga, Russian-born yogi Indra Devi opened one of the first Hatha Yoga studios in Hollywood and earned the title First Lady of Yoga. Devi was admired by housewives across the U.S., as well as Hollywood stars such as Gloria Swanson, Jennifer Jones and Robert Ryan. Devi died in her home in Buenos Ares in 2002.

But the man who is generally credited with introducing yoga to middle America is not even a native of India. Richard Hittleman, who studied in India for a number of years and returned to the States in 1950 to become a yoga instructor in New York, introduced a non-spiritual-based yoga to the United States and forever changed the way yoga was thought of and taught in America. It was Hittleman who placed emphasis on the physical side of yoga, letting a Western audience focus on the bodily aspects of yoga and not just the mind. Hittleman’s goal was to teach American students to gradually embrace the spiritual side of yoga, which many people have.

As Hittleman worked to expand yoga on the East, Walt and Magana Baptiste were working to increase yoga’s scope on the West Coast when they open a studio in San Francisco in the 1950s. Both of the Baptistes were students of Yogananda and Walt brought the influence of Vivekananda to the practice, creating an entirely new approach to yoga. Their yoga influence is being continued by their daughter and son, Sherri and Baron.

Elsewhere in San Francisco, Swami Vishu-devananda immigrated from India in 1958 and created “The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga” with famed artist and designer Peter Max. The book has become a go-to manual for yoga instructors and students. Vishu-devananga would later go on to create the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta yoga centers, which has become one of most prominent yoga school franchises in the entire world.

When the counterculture began to take hold in the 1960s, the idea of yoga and its emotional effects caught the interest of many people, and one of the most famous groups to explore the meditative possibilities of yoga were The Beatles, whose relationship with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was famous around the world. He created the Transcendental Meditation school of yoga that today employs more than 40,000 instructors and approximately 4 million followers worldwide.

In the late ’60s, Professor Richard Albert of Harvard took a journey into India and came back with the name Ram Dass and gave talks to college students around the nation in support of his blockbuster book “Be Here Now”, which set thousands of young people on a journey of discovery through yoga. The book continues to be source of inspiration for many people in their quest for spirituality through yoga.

In the 1970s, yoga continued to grow as studios began popping up all over the nation. The Mount Madonna yoga school, founded by Baba Hari Dass, gave residential yoga to the inhabitants of Santa Cruz, California. Shrila Prabhubada began the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which led to the international spiritual study of Bhakti Yoga. Ashtanga-vinyasa Yoga was brought to the U.S. by Pattabhi Jois in the mid ’70s and made yoga popular with new groups of people. Swami Satchitananda was probably the most famous non-musician to appear at Woodstock. Swami Sivananda Radha is the female yogi credited with first investigating the link between the spirituality and psychology of yoga. And the teachings of Swamii Chidananda, who himself was a student of yoga master Swami Sivananda, were delivered to the world by one of his former students, instructor Liliias Folan through her landmark PBS television series “Lilias, Yoga and You” which aired on the network from 1970 to 1979 and made yoga available in every home in the U.S.

Yoga has continued its influence across America with classes and studios in cities all over, from the smallest town to the major metro areas. In addition, the advent of digital media, including CDs, DVDs and streaming Internet video, yoga can go anywhere, further giving it a foothold in the United States.

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