Learn About Yoga

We are pleased to offer these FREE excerpts from the groundbreaking alternative healing book “Yoga for Health and Healing.”

INTRODUCTION

Kundalini yoga is an amazing tool for recovery from physical ailments and for maintaining the body in good health. You will find in this article:

A healthy, safe alternative to Viagra, which can help you achieve a satisfying sex life,

A technique that can help you pull out of depression and have a happy emotional life,

An exercise to open the heart to the love that is the source of our being,

And a technique to experience the miraculous wellspring of divine kundalini energy that lies waiting to be tapped in each of us.

Please note that the information below is not intended to be a replacement for competent medical care. The directions stated are not intended as a prescription for any mental or physical ailments, nor does the information claim treatment or cure for any problems.

KUNDALINI ENERGY

Kundalini energy is experienced when the energy of the glandular system combines with that of the nervous system to create such a sensitivity that the brain as a whole receives signals and integrates them. The autonomic and voluntary nervous systems come under conscious control, allowing a person to become completely aware of himself and his environment. The kundalini energy is the creative potential of everyone; in its experience lies the realization of that potential.

Some say that mankind once lived in total God-consciousness. Between man and God there was no difference, except that man was manifest on this earth and God was unmanifest. Then man turned from God-consciousness to maya, the illusion of the senses, so God separated man’s consciousness into two halves. One half man uses to live his earthly life, but the higher consciousness remains sleeping until man evolves far enough to be able to use it again. The story of Adam and Eve might be said to represent this fall from grace, the garden of Eden being a state of total awareness, the apple representing maya, and the serpent representing kundalini, divine knowledge.

In fact, the kundalini energy has often been called “serpent power,” a name whose sinister implications hardly do justice to the benign reality of this energy field. The yogis of India regard it as the embodiment of “Adi Shakti,” the primal creative power. It is the energy that developed us, gave us the shape we have, and brought us on earth. It is pure energy, without residue. The word itself is sometimes translated “coil of the beloved’s hair.” In its dormant state, it lies coiled at the base of the spine.

In a functional sense, all that needs to be done to activate the kundalini is to uncoil this energy and connect it with the pineal gland at the top of our heads, which after a child reaches 8 years of age normally ceases to secrete fully. When that master gland, the “seat of the soul,” taps the energy of the kundalini, it will begin to secrete as it did when we were young. This is the state called “kundalini risen”; some call it enlightenment.

AWAKENING THE KUNDALINI

The process by which this unfolding occurs is complex. The kundalini will not awaken and rise until two energies are integrated and balanced. These two forces are apana and prana. Apana is an eliminating force; it affects functions operating on both gross and subtle levels in the body to expel negative energy and waste. In reference to the process of raising the kundalini, it might be considered the “vital air” below the navel.

Prana is the “vital air” above the navel. The life force penetrating every atom of our form, and indeed, of the universe, is stored in our bodies at the eighth thoracic vertebra, the part of the spine located near the bottom edge of the shoulder blades. This pranic center, by means of the ‘pranic nerve,’ enervates the U-shaped muscle responsible for autonomic nervous system function — heartbeat, movement of the diaphragm, responses beyond our conscious control. The ancient yogis could create pranic energy reservoirs at the “pranic cavity” and live on that reserve.

To stimulate the kundalini, one must inhale and hold the breath, directing prana down to the navel point. Then one exhales and “holds the breath out” (i.e., refrains from inhaling), drawing apana up from the base of the spine to the navel point. When prana and apana meet and unite, a tremendous “white heat” or “tapa” is created at the navel point. The combined energies are often described as the filament of sushumna (“silver cord”), a nerve current or “nadi” thought by some to correspond to the governor vessel meridian of Chinese medical theory, and by others to correspond to the central nervous system of Western medical theory. When the energies combine, this sushumna lights up like the filament in a light bulb suddenly plugged into its source of electric power. Responding to breath control and mental direction, the integrated energies depart the navel point and descend to the base of the spine, where they stimulate the dormant kundalini. Further breath control and the appl!
ication of the will cause the force to rise, along with the kundalini power, charging the higher centers of consciousness, the chakras. In this way a person’s energy can be transmuted into higher forms.

Well, that’s the theory of kundalini yoga. Now here are a few excerpts describing practical applications of this theory:

IMPROVING SEXUAL POTENCY: A YGOIC ALTERNATIVE TO VIAGRA

Stand with the right leg bent forward enough so that the toes can’t be seen over the knee. The left leg is straight back, with the foot flat on the floor at a 45 degree angle to the front foot. Extend the right arm straight out in front of you, parallel to the floor. Make a fist as if grasping a bow. Pull your left arm back as if pulling a bowstring back to the shoulder. Create a tension across the chest.

Face forward. Fix the eyes above the front fist to the horizon.

Hold the position for 3 to 5 minutes, then switch legs and arms and repeat.

DEALING WITH DEPRESSION

Sit with a straight spine in a comfortable, cross-legged position, or sit in a chair with your spine straight and your feet on the floor. Arms are extended straight out in front of you, parallel to the floor. Close your right hand into a fist. Wrap the fingers of your left hand around your right-hand fist. The bases of the palms touch. The thumbs are close together and are pulled straight up. The eyes are focused on the thumbs.

Now inhale for 5 seconds (do not hold the breath in); exhale for 5 seconds; hold the breath out for 15 seconds. Continue.

Start with 3 to 5 minutes and work up to 11 minutes. Build up the time slowly. In time, you can work up to holding the breath out for 1 full minute. However, take care not to hold the breath out so long as to make yourself dizzy or nauseous.

TO OPEN THE HEART

This exercise uses a “mantra” or sacred chant. The purpose of mantras is to help us identify with the infinite healing energy within us. We are all children of God, and the mantra reminds us of our divine birthright.

Sit in a comfortable, cross-legged position, or sit on a chair, with your spine straight and your feet on the floor. The chant to use is SAT KAARTAAR (“a” as in “bus”; “aa” as in “far”), which means “true doer.” As you say SAT, the hands are pressed together at the center of the chest in prayer mudra (fingertips pointing up).

As you say KAAR- the arms are extending out in front of you with palms facing out and fingers pointed straight up. As you say -TAAR the arms are moving out to the sides parallel to the floor, palms still out and fingers still pointed up. Then bring the hands back into prayer mudra. Make the transition from step to step in a flowing movement.

Repeat this process for 3, 11, 31, or 62 minutes.

AN ANCIENT YOGA EXERCISE TO RAISE THE KUNDALINI

The yoga exercise (or “kriya”) described below is probably the most powerful exercise in the science of kundalini yoga. With regular practice, “Sat Kriya” increases the lung capacity, perfects the functioning of all the body organs, stimulates circulation, generates and raises great energy, and brings the experience of kundalini energy rising up the spine. Precisely because it is a very powerful exercise, if you have a medical condition, be sure get your doctor’s approval before you try it out. Also, listen to your own body — it will tell you how long and how strenuously it wants to do the exercise.

Before practicing this exercise, inhale deeply, exhale completely, and tune in to the divine teacher within you. Talk to God in the language of your heart. Next, sitting on the heels, with a straight spine, stretch your arms straight up overhead, hugging your ears. Interlace your fingers, with only the index fingers pressed together and pointing straight up. The eyes are closed and focused at a point midway between and slightly above the eyebrows, about 1/4 inch inside the skull (the “third-eye point” or center of Christ consciousness).

Chant the sound SAT (“a” as in “bus”) from the navel point as you pull “root lock” (pull up and in on the rectum, sex organs, and navel point). Then release the lock as you chant NAAM (“aa” as in “far”). (“Sat naam” means “Truth is my identity.”) The breath will come automatically. The shoulders will naturally rise up an inch or two as the lock is pulled. The spine does not flex.

Continue for 3 to 31 minutes. Then inhale and exhale long and deep several times. On the last exhalation, hold the air out and apply root lock again. Keep the spine straight and the chin tucked slightly in. Focus on drawing energy up the spine to the third-eye point. Inhale. Repeat the breathing exercise and the lock once or twice if you wish, but never to the point of discomfort. Then relax out of the posture.

Lie down on your back, arms resting along your sides, and relax. Be sure to allow at least as much time for this relaxation as you took to do the exercise.

ABOUT SELF-HEALING

Here is a quote from Yogi Bhajan, whose teachings were the inspiration for the book “Yoga for Health and Healing”:

“The process of self-healing is the privilege of very human being. Self-healing is not a miracle, nor is it a question of being able to do something that most people can’t. Self-healing is a process that occurs through the relationship between the physical and the infinite power of the soul. It is a contract, a union — that is the science of kundalini yoga.”

“YOGA FOR HEALTH AND HEALING”

How can you use yoga to maintain your body in a healthy state? What meditations can you do to heal others? What lifestyles will keep you healthy year after year? These questions are answered in the book “Yoga for Health and Healing.”

This book will teach you easy yoga techniques to HEAL OVER 100 SPECIFIC PHYSICAL PROBLEMS — addiction, stress, headaches, backache, colds, constipation, menopause, sinus problems, and sexual potency, to name a few.

Profusely illustrated, this 141-page book offers simple explanations of yoga as a tool for self-healing (the electric force, the magnetic field, the life force, the chakras, the pineal gland, the nadis, and how to awaken the kundalini energy), yoga basics (kriyas, mental focus, breath techniques, mantras, postures, mudras, body locks), and key areas in the body for staying healthy.

You can try “Yoga for Health and Healing” at no risk whatsoever — We offer an unconditional 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. If you aren’t pleased with it for any reason, return it to us for a speedy, cheerful refund.”

TO READ WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID about this amazing new alternative healing technique, go to http://2u3d.com/yoga/YHH_reviews.htm

TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY, go to http://www.2u3d.com/yoga/yhh.htm

With kind regards,

From our heart to yours,

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Written By: Alice Clagett

Ashtanga Yoga is the type of yoga which was created and established by a master named K. Pattabhi Jois. Due to it’s theory containing eight different limbs, or components, it is also known as “Eight-Limb Yoga”. It doesn’t imply that the practitioner has a double set of limbs, but master Pattabhi Jois showed that the optimum path of purification is made up of the eight spiritual practices.

The basic idea is that these limbs only can be kept in balance by the appropriate application of the Ashtanga Yoga method.

The first four limbs that symbolize Ashtanga Yoga, and are considered externally correctable are (original names within double quotes):

- Moral codes or “yama”
- Self-purification or “niyama”
- Posture or “asana”
- Breath control or “pranayama”

Then there is the other set of limbs which are the internal practices:

- Sense control or “pratyahara”
- Meditation or “dhyana”
- Concentration or “dharana”
- Contemplation or “samadhi”

K. Pattabhi Jois declared that practicing these Eight Limbs as well as its sub-limbs of the external practices which contain the niyama and yama is impossible. In doing so, the body should be strong so that it can technically perform the methods well enough. If the body is weak, and the sense organs are not functioning well, practicing will never be productive at all.

This is a primary philosophy that K. Pattabhi Jois has applied, it is of prime importance for the Asthanga practitioner to learn and understand this way of thinking. This will make you confident in that the body will significantly improve and become stronger and healthier.

Vinsaya and Tristhana are performed in Ashtanga Yoga.

The Vinsaya is a style that makes Ashtanga and its fundamental principles different from the others. Vinsaya basically means the movement and breathing which is used effectively together in order to cleanse the body. Each movement done is accompanied by only one breath. Sweat is the most important product of Vinsaya. When you produce sweat, it only indicates that you are successfully applying the method. When you perform the Asanas, or postures, the body produces heat which causes your blood to “boil” and excrete the toxins outside of your body. The contaminations are found in your sweat. So the more sweat you produce, the more toxins are released. This is the natural way for the body to get rid of unwanted substances.

The poses are used to fully develop the physical strength and health of the body. It is the sequence of practices that make this possible. There are three postures used in Ashtaga Yoga.

The three are grouped on different levels:

- The first is the Primary Series which aims on aligning the body and also detoxifying it.

- The second is the Intermediate Series opening and cleansing the energy channels which comes to the process of purifying the Nervous System.

- The last series would be the Advanced Series from A to D. In this set, the grace and strength are assessed.

The Tristhana is another yoga principle which symbolizes the close union of the three places of action and attention. First is the posture, second is the breathing technique ad last is the Dristhi of the Looking Place. All these three should work altogether to perform a function.

The breathing is always controlled and synchronized with the movements, in such a way that each movement is accompanied by breath. Ujjayi Breathing is the Yoga Breathing Technique used in the implementation of Ashtanga Yoga. Applying this ancient technique is something that you should work on gradually in your daily practise. What you need to master is holding your pose longer at the same time hold your breath. This is an amazing breathing exercise that will intensify your internal fire and will toughen the Nervous System.

Both Ashtanga and Tristhana deal with the series of Dristhi. The Dristhi is defined as the point on which you acquire your focus or concentration while doing the Asana. This allows your mind to be purified and stabilized clearly.

Clearing your mind (that is sometimes compared to an over active monkey) and cleansing it is the ultimate goal in the Eight-Limb Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga.

About The Author

Michael Hawkins writes books and articles about Yoga, fitness and health. A free Ecourse that explores the exciting world of Yoga is available at his website http://www.yoga-central.net.

Written By: Michael Hawkins

Ashtanga Yoga is the type of yoga which was developed and founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. This type of yoga is known as the Eight Limb Yoga which has revolved in Pattanjali’s enormous idea. It presented that the path of purification is made up of the eight spiritual practices.

The first four limbs that represent Ashtanga Yoga are – yama, niyama, Asana and the Pranayama. These are considered cleansing practices which are externally correctable. The other set of limbs which are the – pratyahara, dhyana, dharana are the internal practies.

These limbs can only be corrected by the proper application of the Ashtanga Yoga method. This type of yoga method is quite dangerous to the mind.

K. Pattabhi Jois said that practicing these Eight Limbs and also its sub-limbs of the external practices which include the niyama and yama is not possible. In doing so, the body should be strong so that it can perform the practices well enough. If the body is weak, and the sense organs are not functioning well, practicing will never be useful at all.

This is a philosophy that K. Pattabhi Jois has applied, this is important to understand so that in doing the practice, you are sure that the body will improve and the keep it stronger and healthier.

Vinsaya and Tristhana is practiced in Ashtanga Yoga.

The Vinsaya is a style that makes Ashtanga and its principles distinct from the others. Vinsaya means the movement and breathing which is used for the internal cleansing process. Each movement done is accompanied by only one breath. Sweat is the most important product of Vinsaya. When you produce sweat, it only means that you are successfully applying the practice. When you perform the Asanas, the body creates heat which causes your blood to boil and excrete the toxins outside of your body. The toxins are found in your sweat. So the more sweat you create, the more toxins are released.

The poses are used to fully develop the strength and health of the body. The series of practices make this possible. There are three postures used in Ashtaga Yoga.

The three are classified on different levels.

The first is the Primary Series which aims on aligning the body and also detoxifying it.

The second is the Intermediate Series opening and cleaning the energy channels which comes to the process of purifying the Nervous System.

The last series would be the Advanced Series from A to D. in this series, the grace and strength is measured.

The Tristhana is another yoga principle which represents the union of the three places of action and attention. First is the posture, second is the breathing technique ad last is the Dristhi of the Looking Place. All these three should work altogether to perform a function.

Breathing techniques are simultaneous and synchronized. It is important to make a single breath for one movement. Ujjayi Breathing is the Yoga Breathing Technique used in the application of Ashtanga Yoga. Applying this technique must be prolonged after every practice. What you need to master is holding your pose longer at the same time hold your breath. This is an amazing breathing exercise that will increase your internal fire and will strengthen the Nervous System.

Both Ashtanga and Tristhana deal with the series of Dristhi. The Dristhi is described as the point on which you gain your focus or attention while doing the Asana. This enables your mind to be purified and stabilized clearly.

Setting the mind clear and cleansing it can only be done in the Eight-Limb Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga.

About the author:

yogaweb.info is a website that likes to give information to people that needs information. On the site you can find a lot of advice and about 1000 informative articles, daily updated.

Written By: Jos Putzeys

Yoga has helped in curing and preventing many diseases. The poses and asanas stimulate the required organs and help you with your ailments. Asthma is a very common problem. It is basically shortness of breath due to the chronic lung condition. Even kids are not spared by this disease. You suffer wheezing, coughing, heaviness in the chest causing blockage in your lungs. During asthma attack lack of oxygen can lead to death too. By doing the required asanas you can fight back.

Yoga betters your asthma condition due to the free flow of air. By continuously practicing yoga you can leave your medications at bay. Asthma attacks would lessen with the increase of yoga practice. The breathing exercises are very useful to open up your lungs for fresh air.

Back bending postures are very good to open up your chest to improve your heart and lung condition. Practicing upper back bends and chest opening postures helps, in exhaling during asthma attacks. Forward bends and lower back bending poses help in inhaling, during the attack. Mucus can be removed by inverted postures.

Pranayama is an excellent way to have a controlled breath to avoid any asthma attacks. According to the triggering factors for asthma attacks, one should practice pranayama. Dirga prananyama is a multi-purpose asana and helps in slow and deep breathing exercise. Nadi Sodhana can help you with stress and emotional turmoil.

Asthma triggered by cold can be helped by Ujjayi pranayama. Allergic trigger patterns can be avoided by Sitt Kari or Shitali pranayama. Kapalbhatti pranayama is very good to reduce the mucus congestion.

These breathing exercises are very good to strengthen and relax the muscles of lungs. During the asthma attack this proves to be very useful. It reduces the nerve activity in the airways causing fewer bottlenecks during the attack. It helps cleanse the air passage to breathe easily. It helps in stabilizing the autonomous nervous systems.

Pranayama if practiced regularly can do lot of difference to your health. This would help you to have asthma free life. Props used while doing these asanas may help you better. Breathing helps to soothe the lining of the bronchial tree and helps in preventing the external allergens. It is said that the single and long inhalation is very good for relaxation.

Some Asanas which would relieve Asthma from your life

- Dandasana
- Baddhakonasana
- Upavista Konasana
- Virasana
- Supta Baddhakonasana
- Supta Virasana
- Setubandha Sarvangasana
- Adhomukha Svanasana
- Uttanasana
- Tadasana Samasthithi

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

About the Author:

Sharon Hopkins handles sites related to yoga, which opens a new door of knowledge towards yoga and its health benefits Yoga for Asthma Cure – These yoga asana help you live an asthma free life.

Written By: Sharon Hopkins