Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years in India. To the Western countries it came just recently and became a fashionable form of exercise, a new trend in the fitness world.
Yoga is based on a simple concept to attain a healthy mind and a healthy body. By practicing yoga we do not mean only practicing physical hatha yoga postures but also correct breathing, relaxation, meditation and a healthy diet.
Those five principles make yoga as a whole and without them yoga will be only a mere physical exercise, like any other.
1. The first principle of yoga is - Proper Exercise
The correct form of exercise in yoga is achieved through different form of hatha yoga poses and stretches. These exercises tone the muscles, enhance the flexibility of the spine and regulate the blood flow.
Yoga poses are co-ordinated with the breathing. Each movement is tuned with a correct breathing allowing to feel the union between the physical body and the mind.
2. The second principle of yoga is - Proper Breathing
Proper breathing is deep, slow and regular. When the breathing is correct it utilizes all part of the lungs to increase the oxygen intake. Regulating the inhalation and exhalation brings deep relaxation to the body and mind.
3. The third principle of yoga is - Relaxation
Relaxation is done at the beginning, in between and in the end of the hatha yoga session. Proper relaxation will help to release muscular tension and put the mind and body in a tranquil state.
Deep relaxation revitalizes the nervous system and makes each day of our life complete and peaceful.
4. The fourth principle of yoga is - Meditation and Positive Thinking
To meditate is to still the mind. It is a very difficult thing to achieve as our mind is in constant movement and never still.
But through regular meditation we can relax and refresh the mind. It will help us in concentration and having more clarity in our lives.
5. The fifth principle of yoga is - Healthy Diet
The food we eat greatly affects the way we think. For example chilli food can bring unrest at mind level. Our diet should be light with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and eaten in moderation. The good thing to remember is to eat only when you are hungry.
The last evening meal should be very light and taken three hours before going to bed, allowing for good digestion and sound sleep.
So! When you start your yoga practice try to keep in mind the five principles of yoga and implement them into your daily schedule. That way you will be healthy and happy for the rest of your life.
Issued in public interest by Barbara Tomasik, a Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Ms Barbara Tomasik is a certified yoga trainer and also a teacher in physical education. She is a member of REPs as Advance Instructor level 3. She have been learning, practicing and teaching many styles of yoga for around 10 years.
http://www.subodhgupta.com
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Yoga and Nervous System
In today’s fast changing world everyone seems to be in a race, high adrenal activities and on constant alert. By the time one reaches forty years of age one feel burnt out.
We live in a sympathetic mode most of the time and our nervous system becomes overly
stimulated. Prolonged stress responses result in suppression of our immune system and we become prone to infections and constipation.
We suffer from asthma, allergies and hay fever. Our pH balance is affected so we live in a more acid state as our bodies cannot relax.
The sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the "fight or flight" system, becomes more active when we are under constant stress, causing our breath rate to quicken, blood pressure to rise and stress hormones to flood into our body.
In order for our body to function optimally we need to have a balanced autonomic nervous system. That means we have to switch to our parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers our blood pressure and slows down our breath.
Our parasympathetic nervous system controls smooth muscle contraction, regulates cardiac muscle, or stimulates glandular secretion and is known as "rest and digest" system. When we are in a parasympathetic mode our blood can freely travel to the digestive, immune, glandular and reproductive systems to restore balance and to heal the damage done during our stressful time.
Through daily practice of yoga we can bring equilibrium into our body and mind i.e. balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and stress can be reduced. Slow and deep yogic breathing encourages the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system and allows relaxation and healing to occur.
While practicing yoga we need to respect our own body, learn how to deal with stress, incorporate deep breathing into our daily life and we become physically and mentally healthy.
The yoga system includes practice of yoga poses (asanas), controlled deep and slow breathing(pranayama), relaxation, concentration, meditation and healthy eating.
Remember: Yoga is an excellent way to bring balance in our nervous system and to stay healthy forever.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London, for those who are living a stressful life.
Subodh Gupta is author of many books on yoga and weight loss. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
We live in a sympathetic mode most of the time and our nervous system becomes overly
stimulated. Prolonged stress responses result in suppression of our immune system and we become prone to infections and constipation.
We suffer from asthma, allergies and hay fever. Our pH balance is affected so we live in a more acid state as our bodies cannot relax.
The sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the "fight or flight" system, becomes more active when we are under constant stress, causing our breath rate to quicken, blood pressure to rise and stress hormones to flood into our body.
In order for our body to function optimally we need to have a balanced autonomic nervous system. That means we have to switch to our parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers our blood pressure and slows down our breath.
Our parasympathetic nervous system controls smooth muscle contraction, regulates cardiac muscle, or stimulates glandular secretion and is known as "rest and digest" system. When we are in a parasympathetic mode our blood can freely travel to the digestive, immune, glandular and reproductive systems to restore balance and to heal the damage done during our stressful time.
Through daily practice of yoga we can bring equilibrium into our body and mind i.e. balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and stress can be reduced. Slow and deep yogic breathing encourages the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system and allows relaxation and healing to occur.
While practicing yoga we need to respect our own body, learn how to deal with stress, incorporate deep breathing into our daily life and we become physically and mentally healthy.
The yoga system includes practice of yoga poses (asanas), controlled deep and slow breathing(pranayama), relaxation, concentration, meditation and healthy eating.
Remember: Yoga is an excellent way to bring balance in our nervous system and to stay healthy forever.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London, for those who are living a stressful life.
Subodh Gupta is author of many books on yoga and weight loss. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Yoga Pose Sitting Forward Bend Benefits and Dangers
Never force yourself into a forward bend when sitting on the floor.
Hatha yoga, the third limb of raja yoga also popularly understood by mass population as yoga is getting popular as never before in both eastern and western countries. The reasons for hatha yoga to gain popularity are numerous; ranging from releasing stress, flexibility to helping patients suffering from various diseases.
Although the initial objective of hatha yoga was different, however the ability of hatha yoga to help participants with various ailments is really praiseworthy.
The Sitting Forward Bend is one of the most demanding pose of yoga. In this pose the body is folded almost in half, providing an intense stretch to the entire back of the body, from the scalp down to the heels.
Beginners often struggle in this yoga pose. If you pull yourself forward using your shoulders and arms you will create the tension through your body and you will end up tightening your muscles and this will not allow you to get into the posture any quicker. While doing this yoga pose, give some time for the muscles to stretch and to release the tension.
The yoga pose Sitting Forward Bend stimulates the kidneys, liver, spleen and pancreas improving digestion in the body. This yoga pose tones and massages the entire abdominal area and it relieves constipation.
It stretches the hamstring muscles, lumbar and sacral regions and increases flexibility in the hip joints. Regular practice of this yoga pose removes excess weight in the abdomen area.
However, this pose may be dangerous and not recommended in case of the following health conditions:
(a) When suffering from slipped disc and sciatica
(b) When suffering from asthma
(c) In case of pregnancy, as this yoga pose puts stress on the womb
Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha yoga by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Hatha yoga, the third limb of raja yoga also popularly understood by mass population as yoga is getting popular as never before in both eastern and western countries. The reasons for hatha yoga to gain popularity are numerous; ranging from releasing stress, flexibility to helping patients suffering from various diseases.
Although the initial objective of hatha yoga was different, however the ability of hatha yoga to help participants with various ailments is really praiseworthy.
The Sitting Forward Bend is one of the most demanding pose of yoga. In this pose the body is folded almost in half, providing an intense stretch to the entire back of the body, from the scalp down to the heels.
Beginners often struggle in this yoga pose. If you pull yourself forward using your shoulders and arms you will create the tension through your body and you will end up tightening your muscles and this will not allow you to get into the posture any quicker. While doing this yoga pose, give some time for the muscles to stretch and to release the tension.
The yoga pose Sitting Forward Bend stimulates the kidneys, liver, spleen and pancreas improving digestion in the body. This yoga pose tones and massages the entire abdominal area and it relieves constipation.
It stretches the hamstring muscles, lumbar and sacral regions and increases flexibility in the hip joints. Regular practice of this yoga pose removes excess weight in the abdomen area.
However, this pose may be dangerous and not recommended in case of the following health conditions:
(a) When suffering from slipped disc and sciatica
(b) When suffering from asthma
(c) In case of pregnancy, as this yoga pose puts stress on the womb
Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha yoga by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Yoga Pose Plank Benefits and Precautions
The yoga posture Plank, called sometimes High Chaturanga, is a good precursor to more challenging arm balances postures.
In the Plank pose the body is in a straight line from the ears, through the shoulders and hips, to the heels. Ideally the body should not arch or sag in this pose.
While performing this yoga pose the abdominal muscles are kept lifted throughout. If your body starts to shake, release the posture, relax for a moment and start to hold the Plank again.
The Plank yoga pose targets the abdominals (muscles responsible for holding in the stomach and giving the appearance of a flat stomach), but it can be an excellent way to get a full body challenge.
In order to do the Plank properly, there must be integration of all the core stabilization muscles, and the arms, as well as keeping the gluteus (large muscles which form the buttock) and legs active.
The Plank posture is a well-known exercise that can be seen in many exercise systems. It is one of the most popular exercises for developing core strength and stability. It strengthens muscles of the arms, shoulders and the spine, and strengthens the wrists.
However in one health condition the Plank posture is strongly not recommended.
If you have a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, do not attempt this yoga pose.
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
In the Plank pose the body is in a straight line from the ears, through the shoulders and hips, to the heels. Ideally the body should not arch or sag in this pose.
While performing this yoga pose the abdominal muscles are kept lifted throughout. If your body starts to shake, release the posture, relax for a moment and start to hold the Plank again.
The Plank yoga pose targets the abdominals (muscles responsible for holding in the stomach and giving the appearance of a flat stomach), but it can be an excellent way to get a full body challenge.
In order to do the Plank properly, there must be integration of all the core stabilization muscles, and the arms, as well as keeping the gluteus (large muscles which form the buttock) and legs active.
The Plank posture is a well-known exercise that can be seen in many exercise systems. It is one of the most popular exercises for developing core strength and stability. It strengthens muscles of the arms, shoulders and the spine, and strengthens the wrists.
However in one health condition the Plank posture is strongly not recommended.
If you have a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, do not attempt this yoga pose.
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Monday, 31 August 2009
When Yoga Pose Bridge can be Dangerous
The Bridge pose is also known as Setu Bandhasana, which means construction of a bridge. In this posture, the whole body forms an arch which is supported at one end by the crown of the head and at the other on the feet, hence the name.
When the Bridge is performed immediately after the Plough pose it acts as a gentle counter pose to complement the benefits of Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and the Plough (Halasana). It releases any tension that may have built up in the thoracic (part from the neck to waist) and lumbar (lower part of the back) regions of the spine while practicing the two previous asanas.
Tightness in the back and spine results from poor posture, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. This pose is a wonderful way to ease tension in the shoulders, upper and in the lower back. The Bridge can reverse the strain of sitting at a desk or computer all day. It will help to pull back the shoulders, which may tend to roll forward while sitting.
Unlike many backbends, this asana can be hold for longer period of time without risking injury to the lower back, because the back is protected by the working of strong leg muscles.
This asana strengthen the back, arms, shoulders, buttocks and thighs, promoting flexibility of the spine. It strengthens arches of the feet, ankles, hamstrings (tendon behind the knee) and triceps (large muscle at the back of the upper arm) and it rejuvenates tired legs.
The Bridge stretches the chest and the neck. It opens the heart and lungs, stimulates the abdominal organs and regulates the thyroid and endocrine system. It increases blood circulation.
Note: The Bridge is a good preparatory posture for the Wheel pose.
The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.
Following are some of the conditions when yoga pose - the Bridge can be avoided:
1) If you have any problem with your knees avoid practicing this pose as it is places a lot of tension on the knees.
2) In case of neck, shoulder or spinal injury this pose should be avoided.
3) Not advised in a last trimester of a pregnancy (6–9 months).
Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
When the Bridge is performed immediately after the Plough pose it acts as a gentle counter pose to complement the benefits of Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and the Plough (Halasana). It releases any tension that may have built up in the thoracic (part from the neck to waist) and lumbar (lower part of the back) regions of the spine while practicing the two previous asanas.
Tightness in the back and spine results from poor posture, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. This pose is a wonderful way to ease tension in the shoulders, upper and in the lower back. The Bridge can reverse the strain of sitting at a desk or computer all day. It will help to pull back the shoulders, which may tend to roll forward while sitting.
Unlike many backbends, this asana can be hold for longer period of time without risking injury to the lower back, because the back is protected by the working of strong leg muscles.
This asana strengthen the back, arms, shoulders, buttocks and thighs, promoting flexibility of the spine. It strengthens arches of the feet, ankles, hamstrings (tendon behind the knee) and triceps (large muscle at the back of the upper arm) and it rejuvenates tired legs.
The Bridge stretches the chest and the neck. It opens the heart and lungs, stimulates the abdominal organs and regulates the thyroid and endocrine system. It increases blood circulation.
Note: The Bridge is a good preparatory posture for the Wheel pose.
The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.
Following are some of the conditions when yoga pose - the Bridge can be avoided:
1) If you have any problem with your knees avoid practicing this pose as it is places a lot of tension on the knees.
2) In case of neck, shoulder or spinal injury this pose should be avoided.
3) Not advised in a last trimester of a pregnancy (6–9 months).
Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Obesity Killing UK
Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges we face nowadays. Almost 1 in 4 adults in England are currently obese and the experts predict that if we do not do anything about it three-quarters of the population could suffer the ill effects of excess weight within the next 10 to 15 years.
The problem is growing rapidly and the costs are soaring. The NHS estimated cost to treat obese and overweight individuals is around £4.2 billion and is forecast to more than double by 2050.
Obesity is a medical condition when a person is carrying too much body fat for their height and sex to such a degree that it rapidly increases the risk of diseases leading to reduced life expectancy. Obesity causes about 30,000 deaths a year in England alone.
The standard expression of body size is the body mass index (BMI). It represents body weight (in kilograms) relative to body height (in metres squared).
By the official standard being obese is having a BMI over 30.
Our lifestyle has changed rapidly. We no longer walk to work or school or eat home-made food. We replaced it with cars and ready-made high-in-fat and high-in-sugar meals. We also eat 'super-sized' portions at home or eat out in restaurants offering eat-as-much-as-you-can meals.
So, it is no wonder that we are getting fatter and developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.
Tackle the problem may not be easy but with a bit of determination we should be on our way to a healthier Britain.
To achieve a healthy body we have to permanently change our eating and exercise habits. It is a long-term lifestyle change rather than a quick fix fad and it can provide sustained weight loss and minimize the risk of chronic diseases.
Incorporating exercise in your lifestyle such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, swimming or Yoga at least three times a week for 20-30 minutes will be a great start to weight loss.
Adding to your daily meals fresh fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, nuts and seeds will bring gratification and will result in fewer cravings of fatty and sugary snacks.
Drinking plenty of still water will keep you hydrated and it will reduce your urge to eat when you are not hungry.
In no time you will feel better and see the difference. You will be on your way to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
The problem is growing rapidly and the costs are soaring. The NHS estimated cost to treat obese and overweight individuals is around £4.2 billion and is forecast to more than double by 2050.
Obesity is a medical condition when a person is carrying too much body fat for their height and sex to such a degree that it rapidly increases the risk of diseases leading to reduced life expectancy. Obesity causes about 30,000 deaths a year in England alone.
The standard expression of body size is the body mass index (BMI). It represents body weight (in kilograms) relative to body height (in metres squared).
By the official standard being obese is having a BMI over 30.
Our lifestyle has changed rapidly. We no longer walk to work or school or eat home-made food. We replaced it with cars and ready-made high-in-fat and high-in-sugar meals. We also eat 'super-sized' portions at home or eat out in restaurants offering eat-as-much-as-you-can meals.
So, it is no wonder that we are getting fatter and developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.
Tackle the problem may not be easy but with a bit of determination we should be on our way to a healthier Britain.
To achieve a healthy body we have to permanently change our eating and exercise habits. It is a long-term lifestyle change rather than a quick fix fad and it can provide sustained weight loss and minimize the risk of chronic diseases.
Incorporating exercise in your lifestyle such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, swimming or Yoga at least three times a week for 20-30 minutes will be a great start to weight loss.
Adding to your daily meals fresh fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, nuts and seeds will bring gratification and will result in fewer cravings of fatty and sugary snacks.
Drinking plenty of still water will keep you hydrated and it will reduce your urge to eat when you are not hungry.
In no time you will feel better and see the difference. You will be on your way to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Yoga for Back Pain Simplified
The new yoga book “Simplified Yoga for Backache” authored by celebrity yoga trainer Subodh Gupta is released and available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and all other major online retailers.
Back pain is very common and it is one of the most frequent complaints among people. According to a survey published in 2000, almost half of the adult population in the UK (49%) report lower back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year. 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time.
This book includes simple yoga poses and is a practical guide with a plan on preventing and managing back pain.
People most often suffer from lower back, shoulder and neck pain for various reasons, such as: during long hours of sitting at a workstation, working in front of a computer, driving long distances, gardening, lifting a small child from
the floor, stress, etc.
However, majority of back pain cases happen because of a weak and inflexible back.
A strong and flexible back creates the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. If our back is not healthy we cannot be healthy. Back pain can be avoided or at least minimised in the first place if our back is strong and flexible.
Simple yoga poses described in this book will not only strengthen the back muscles and bring flexibility to the back but will also help reduce stress. Simplified yoga postures as described in this book can be practiced by everybody, whether young or old, beginner or advanced.
This is a concise book (68 pages) with a large number of photographs to explain each yoga pose clearly.
This book consists of 3 parts. The first part of the book contains understanding about back pain, how it affects our body, its prevention and the benefits of yoga. The second part is about simplified yoga exercises for flexibility, strength and reducing stress. The third part is to record your yoga practice and improvement.
Subodh Gupta is a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK. http://www.subodhgupta.com/aboutus.html
He has organised more than 500 workshops on yoga for leading companies such as Oracle, Sapient, International Data Corporations, etc.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Back pain is very common and it is one of the most frequent complaints among people. According to a survey published in 2000, almost half of the adult population in the UK (49%) report lower back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year. 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time.
This book includes simple yoga poses and is a practical guide with a plan on preventing and managing back pain.
People most often suffer from lower back, shoulder and neck pain for various reasons, such as: during long hours of sitting at a workstation, working in front of a computer, driving long distances, gardening, lifting a small child from
the floor, stress, etc.
However, majority of back pain cases happen because of a weak and inflexible back.
A strong and flexible back creates the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. If our back is not healthy we cannot be healthy. Back pain can be avoided or at least minimised in the first place if our back is strong and flexible.
Simple yoga poses described in this book will not only strengthen the back muscles and bring flexibility to the back but will also help reduce stress. Simplified yoga postures as described in this book can be practiced by everybody, whether young or old, beginner or advanced.
This is a concise book (68 pages) with a large number of photographs to explain each yoga pose clearly.
This book consists of 3 parts. The first part of the book contains understanding about back pain, how it affects our body, its prevention and the benefits of yoga. The second part is about simplified yoga exercises for flexibility, strength and reducing stress. The third part is to record your yoga practice and improvement.
Subodh Gupta is a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK. http://www.subodhgupta.com/aboutus.html
He has organised more than 500 workshops on yoga for leading companies such as Oracle, Sapient, International Data Corporations, etc.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Yoga Breathing Exercise Kapalbhati Benefits and Its Dangers
In Sanskrit Kapal means forehead and Bhati in Sanskrit means shining. Practicing Kapalbhati on a regular basis leads to shining face with inner radiance. Kapalbhati is a highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise. In kapalbhati quick exhalation and natural inhalation are performed.
Quick exhalation generally takes about one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follow each other.
Yogic breathing exercises were meant for preparing mind for meditation and were not designed as remedy for diseases though these exercise promote well being in general.
Regular practice of Yoga exercises do help in cleansing the lungs and entire respiratory system, purifying the blood and the body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all its cells.
Breathing exercise also helps in improving the digestive system, strengthening abdominal muscle as well as energising the mind for mental work.
How to do Kapalbhati Pranayama:
Step 1) Sit in comfortable crossed leg position with Back straight. Hands resting on knees in either chin or gyana mudra. Face to be relaxed.
Step 2) Inhale deeply through both nostrils, expanding abdomen and exhale with the forceful contraction of abdominal muscles. (Pull the abdomen in by quickly contracting the abdominal muscles and exhale through the nose). The air is pushed out of lungs by contraction of the diaphragm.
Step 3) After exhalation again inhalation but inhalation should not involve any effort. To inhale just relax and the lungs will automatically expand and filled with air. One can begin with 10 respiration. After completing 10 quick exhalation and natural inhalation, inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round. One can start the practice of Kapalbhati pranayama with 3 such rounds for practice.
However numerous benefits of kapalbhati as described by modern day yoga gurus as panacea for many major illnesses are far from truth, misleading and even dangerous.
In fact kapalbhati though beneficial for a healthy person can be dangerous for many people if they are suffering from conditions such as:
a) Heart disease
b) High blood pressure
c) A hernia
In addition this exercise should never be practiced when an asthmatic attack is in progress, or if pain or dizziness is experienced. Quick exhalation should be comfortable to oneself, i.e. quick exhalation should not be too forceful as suggested by many Indian yoga gurus.
Following are the common mistake observed among the participants while practicing kapalbhati pranayam:
1) Abdomen is contracted while inhaling.
2) Shoulders are contracted to push the air out when exhaling.
Additional Point to remember:
a) Exercise should not be done if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time during the exercise.
b) Kapalbhati should be practice on an empty stomach only.
c) Kapalbhati should be practiced after the asanas and Relaxation (atleast 10 minutes) and before meditation
It is extremely important that one should first explain his/her health condition to their yoga teacher before beginning any yoga exercise.
Ignorance on the part of yoga teacher and participant can be very dangerous and can bring more harm to practitioner instead of benefits.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, an author and celebrity personal yoga trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Quick exhalation generally takes about one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follow each other.
Yogic breathing exercises were meant for preparing mind for meditation and were not designed as remedy for diseases though these exercise promote well being in general.
Regular practice of Yoga exercises do help in cleansing the lungs and entire respiratory system, purifying the blood and the body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all its cells.
Breathing exercise also helps in improving the digestive system, strengthening abdominal muscle as well as energising the mind for mental work.
How to do Kapalbhati Pranayama:
Step 1) Sit in comfortable crossed leg position with Back straight. Hands resting on knees in either chin or gyana mudra. Face to be relaxed.
Step 2) Inhale deeply through both nostrils, expanding abdomen and exhale with the forceful contraction of abdominal muscles. (Pull the abdomen in by quickly contracting the abdominal muscles and exhale through the nose). The air is pushed out of lungs by contraction of the diaphragm.
Step 3) After exhalation again inhalation but inhalation should not involve any effort. To inhale just relax and the lungs will automatically expand and filled with air. One can begin with 10 respiration. After completing 10 quick exhalation and natural inhalation, inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round. One can start the practice of Kapalbhati pranayama with 3 such rounds for practice.
However numerous benefits of kapalbhati as described by modern day yoga gurus as panacea for many major illnesses are far from truth, misleading and even dangerous.
In fact kapalbhati though beneficial for a healthy person can be dangerous for many people if they are suffering from conditions such as:
a) Heart disease
b) High blood pressure
c) A hernia
In addition this exercise should never be practiced when an asthmatic attack is in progress, or if pain or dizziness is experienced. Quick exhalation should be comfortable to oneself, i.e. quick exhalation should not be too forceful as suggested by many Indian yoga gurus.
Following are the common mistake observed among the participants while practicing kapalbhati pranayam:
1) Abdomen is contracted while inhaling.
2) Shoulders are contracted to push the air out when exhaling.
Additional Point to remember:
a) Exercise should not be done if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time during the exercise.
b) Kapalbhati should be practice on an empty stomach only.
c) Kapalbhati should be practiced after the asanas and Relaxation (atleast 10 minutes) and before meditation
It is extremely important that one should first explain his/her health condition to their yoga teacher before beginning any yoga exercise.
Ignorance on the part of yoga teacher and participant can be very dangerous and can bring more harm to practitioner instead of benefits.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, an author and celebrity personal yoga trainer in London.
Subodh Gupta has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Paula Abdul Bulimia Yoga and Nutrition
Eating disorders are a serious mental illness affecting 1.1 million people in the UK.
One of the main eating disorders is Bulimia Nervosa, popularly known as Bulimia. Bulimia was recognised by doctors as an eating disorder in 1979.
As food and eating play a very important part in our lives we experiment with different eating habits or we try to change our diet. However, some eating patterns can be damaging.
People with bulimia crave food and binge-eat, and afterwards they make themselves sick or misuse laxatives to get the food out of their bodies.
They feel guilty about the binge eating but because they are very afraid of becoming fat they continue the destructive cycle of compulsive eating and vomiting, which they cannot control.
Emotional difficulties in life, demanding jobs, low self-esteem, family relationships, death of someone special, sexual or emotional abuse can lead to Bulimia.
Bulimia is more common in girls, effecting women between the ages of 16 and 40 and is most likely to begin at about 18-19 years of age according to National Health Service UK.
Recent studies suggest that around eight in every 100 women will have bulimia at some point in their lives.
Bulimia can cause not only physical problems such as: lethargy, tiredness, irregular periods or frequent weight changes but can also develop psychological problems like: obsession with food, mood swings, depression, shame, guilt or feeling lonely.
It can take over the life of the ill person making her/him feel trapped and desperate and can lead to self-destruction. In extreme cases the illness can be fatal due to heart failure.
‘American Idol’ judge and Pop singer Paula Abdul is open about her life with bulimia. During an interview on the ABC-TV news show “Prime Time Live,” she revealed that she has suffered from the severe eating disorder for about 17 years.
After years of struggling with bulimia Paula Abdul admitted: "It became a living hell for me and I wanted to get help. I wanted to be free from weighing myself on the scales."
She sought the help of professionals and went through an eating disorder treatment program. For overcoming her long-time battle with bulimia The National Eating Disorders Association presented Abdul with its highest honour, the Profiles in Living
Award.
The good news is that nutritional counselling along with Yoga can provide an effective solution in treating bulimia.
What is needed in case of Bulimia is education about basic nutrition and sensible eating to promote a healthy relationship with food and daily yoga practice to reduce the emotional need for food, as hunger is also an emotional need and cannot be
satisfied by food alone.
The nutritional counselling and yoga can help the patient to release the emotional stress and break the binge-and-purge cycle and to stabilize chaotic eating behaviour.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Weight Loss Trainer in London, holistic health consultant and also the author of the book “7 food habits for weight loss forever”.
Subodh Gupta is a celebrity yoga trainer based in London and conducts Yoga, Nutrition, Stress Management and Weight loss sessions.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
One of the main eating disorders is Bulimia Nervosa, popularly known as Bulimia. Bulimia was recognised by doctors as an eating disorder in 1979.
As food and eating play a very important part in our lives we experiment with different eating habits or we try to change our diet. However, some eating patterns can be damaging.
People with bulimia crave food and binge-eat, and afterwards they make themselves sick or misuse laxatives to get the food out of their bodies.
They feel guilty about the binge eating but because they are very afraid of becoming fat they continue the destructive cycle of compulsive eating and vomiting, which they cannot control.
Emotional difficulties in life, demanding jobs, low self-esteem, family relationships, death of someone special, sexual or emotional abuse can lead to Bulimia.
Bulimia is more common in girls, effecting women between the ages of 16 and 40 and is most likely to begin at about 18-19 years of age according to National Health Service UK.
Recent studies suggest that around eight in every 100 women will have bulimia at some point in their lives.
Bulimia can cause not only physical problems such as: lethargy, tiredness, irregular periods or frequent weight changes but can also develop psychological problems like: obsession with food, mood swings, depression, shame, guilt or feeling lonely.
It can take over the life of the ill person making her/him feel trapped and desperate and can lead to self-destruction. In extreme cases the illness can be fatal due to heart failure.
‘American Idol’ judge and Pop singer Paula Abdul is open about her life with bulimia. During an interview on the ABC-TV news show “Prime Time Live,” she revealed that she has suffered from the severe eating disorder for about 17 years.
After years of struggling with bulimia Paula Abdul admitted: "It became a living hell for me and I wanted to get help. I wanted to be free from weighing myself on the scales."
She sought the help of professionals and went through an eating disorder treatment program. For overcoming her long-time battle with bulimia The National Eating Disorders Association presented Abdul with its highest honour, the Profiles in Living
Award.
The good news is that nutritional counselling along with Yoga can provide an effective solution in treating bulimia.
What is needed in case of Bulimia is education about basic nutrition and sensible eating to promote a healthy relationship with food and daily yoga practice to reduce the emotional need for food, as hunger is also an emotional need and cannot be
satisfied by food alone.
The nutritional counselling and yoga can help the patient to release the emotional stress and break the binge-and-purge cycle and to stabilize chaotic eating behaviour.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Weight Loss Trainer in London, holistic health consultant and also the author of the book “7 food habits for weight loss forever”.
Subodh Gupta is a celebrity yoga trainer based in London and conducts Yoga, Nutrition, Stress Management and Weight loss sessions.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Insomnia Michael Jackson Yoga and Art of Sleeping
Insomnia can be described as a symptom of a sleeping disorder, is an inability to sleep or chronic sleeplessness. According to one estimate, approximately 64 million Americans regularly suffer from insomnia each year.
As per recent news, Michael Jackson also suffered from insomnia. He was seeking drug to get some sleep. He requested for the powerful sedative Diprivan, despite warnings that it could be harmful to his health.
If you experience difficulty to sleep at night, incorporating yoga into the life can certainly help, especially if the reason for insomnia is stress-related.
You will wake up every morning completely fresh with full of energy instead of wishing you could stay in bed.
Yoga will certainly help in case of insomnia. With regular practice of yoga, the quality of sleep is bound to improve because of the stimulatory effect yoga has on the nervous system, and particularly on the brain.
The practice of yoga postures such as Child’s pose and Headstand can increase the blood circulation to the sleep centre in the brain, which can normalize the sleep.
One can have a more restful sleep because of the relaxing aspect of yoga and the subsequent relieving of stress and fatigue. Exercising Hatha Yoga at least four times a week is a good choice.
In addition to regular yoga, following are additional steps one can take if suffering from Insomnia:
(a)It is best to avoid drinks such as coffee before sleeping.
(b)The last meal should have been taken at least three hours before sleeping.
(c)Regular practice of yoga relaxation techniques is good before sleeping.
If these recommendations are followed, one should have no problem getting a good night's sleep.
Yoga exercises can help to beat stress, which is a common factor in sleep disorders. In fact you can also do Yoga at night just before going to bed, if sleeping is difficult for you and you will be surprised to see the amazing benefits.
Issued in public interest by a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London, Subodh Gupta.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/aboutus.html
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
As per recent news, Michael Jackson also suffered from insomnia. He was seeking drug to get some sleep. He requested for the powerful sedative Diprivan, despite warnings that it could be harmful to his health.
If you experience difficulty to sleep at night, incorporating yoga into the life can certainly help, especially if the reason for insomnia is stress-related.
You will wake up every morning completely fresh with full of energy instead of wishing you could stay in bed.
Yoga will certainly help in case of insomnia. With regular practice of yoga, the quality of sleep is bound to improve because of the stimulatory effect yoga has on the nervous system, and particularly on the brain.
The practice of yoga postures such as Child’s pose and Headstand can increase the blood circulation to the sleep centre in the brain, which can normalize the sleep.
One can have a more restful sleep because of the relaxing aspect of yoga and the subsequent relieving of stress and fatigue. Exercising Hatha Yoga at least four times a week is a good choice.
In addition to regular yoga, following are additional steps one can take if suffering from Insomnia:
(a)It is best to avoid drinks such as coffee before sleeping.
(b)The last meal should have been taken at least three hours before sleeping.
(c)Regular practice of yoga relaxation techniques is good before sleeping.
If these recommendations are followed, one should have no problem getting a good night's sleep.
Yoga exercises can help to beat stress, which is a common factor in sleep disorders. In fact you can also do Yoga at night just before going to bed, if sleeping is difficult for you and you will be surprised to see the amazing benefits.
Issued in public interest by a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London, Subodh Gupta.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/aboutus.html
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Monday, 24 August 2009
Dangers of Practicing Yoga Pose Headstand
The Headstand is called the King of all yoga poses because of the tremendous benefits it has for the body and the mind.
All our physical and mental activities are governed by the brain which is the seat of intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, discrimination and power. Headstand increases the blood flow to the brain and it revitalises the entire body and the mind and also regenerates the nervous system.
Practice of yoga pose headstand provides the feeling of equilibrium and well-being and it increases memory and concentration.
The Headstand inverts the pattern of blood pressure in the body – increasing it in the head and dropping it in the feet:
The blood pressure at the top of the head increases from 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position to 150/110 mm Hg in the Headstand.
The blood pressure of the feet in a standing position will be about 210/170 mm Hg and it will drop to 40/0 mm Hg in the Headstand.
The blood pressure will remain the same at 120/80 mm Hg at heart level.
However like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.
There are a few yoga schools which encourage beginners to do this headstand pose from day one without checking their medical history which is quite dangerous.
Following are the conditions when Yoga pose headstand should never be performed.
(1) If you are suffering from high blood pressure, Yoga pose headstand should never be performed.
(2) If you are having weak eye blood vessels or previous eye operation.
(3) During menstruation and pregnancy it is best to avoid this pose.
(4) If you have a neck injury.
Please remember on many occasions GPs (Doctors) are also not aware of the contraindication of various yoga poses and they may say that yoga is safe based on their perception which is not exactly the case.
By ignoring your conditions you put your health at risk.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/precautions-headstand.html
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London. Subodh Gupta is author of numerous books on Yoga and weight loss.
He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
All our physical and mental activities are governed by the brain which is the seat of intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, discrimination and power. Headstand increases the blood flow to the brain and it revitalises the entire body and the mind and also regenerates the nervous system.
Practice of yoga pose headstand provides the feeling of equilibrium and well-being and it increases memory and concentration.
The Headstand inverts the pattern of blood pressure in the body – increasing it in the head and dropping it in the feet:
The blood pressure at the top of the head increases from 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position to 150/110 mm Hg in the Headstand.
The blood pressure of the feet in a standing position will be about 210/170 mm Hg and it will drop to 40/0 mm Hg in the Headstand.
The blood pressure will remain the same at 120/80 mm Hg at heart level.
However like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.
There are a few yoga schools which encourage beginners to do this headstand pose from day one without checking their medical history which is quite dangerous.
Following are the conditions when Yoga pose headstand should never be performed.
(1) If you are suffering from high blood pressure, Yoga pose headstand should never be performed.
(2) If you are having weak eye blood vessels or previous eye operation.
(3) During menstruation and pregnancy it is best to avoid this pose.
(4) If you have a neck injury.
Please remember on many occasions GPs (Doctors) are also not aware of the contraindication of various yoga poses and they may say that yoga is safe based on their perception which is not exactly the case.
By ignoring your conditions you put your health at risk.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/precautions-headstand.html
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London. Subodh Gupta is author of numerous books on Yoga and weight loss.
He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Yoga Hernia and Madonna
Yoga, the oldest system of personal development needs no introduction nowadays as it is becoming popular all over the world because of its tremendous physical and medical benefits.
However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: 'Are all yoga exercises safe to be practiced by all people with various health conditions?'
"This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself, otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial" said Subodh Gupta, celebrity Yoga trainer based in London.
While some of the yoga exercises can be taught easily without much complication and have various benefits, others can be very dangerous for people who are having the problem of a hernia.
"For example, the yoga exercises such as Sun Salutation, Cobra pose, Locust pose, Bow pose, Standing Forward Bend and Kapalabhati few to name are strictly not recommended if somebody is diagnosed with a hernia as these exercises may make the hernia problem worse" said Subodh Gupta.
Considering the fact that over half a million hernia operations are performed in the United States every year and more than 2 percent of British people are affected by hernias, the question to ask is if all yoga practitioners are aware of their health condition and precautions before beginning the Yoga exercise.
Madonna, the famous singer who practices Ashtanga yoga regularly also had an operation for a hernia (the Ashtanga yoga exercise series is a system developed by mysore based famous Indian Yoga guru Shri K Pattabhi Jois).
In fact, the famous Ashtanga yoga series which involves jumping can be very dangerous for people who are having hernia problems according to Subodh Gupta.
Hernia develops when the outer layers of the abdominal wall weakens, bulges or actually rips. Among many reasons for a hernia the most common is straining due to: jumping, defecation, coughing, lifting heavy objects, etc.
The practitioners need to understand that their ignorance and lack of yoga knowledge may lead them straight into an operation room said Subodh Gupta.
A noble effort has been done by some of the renowned yoga gurus from India and the teachers from the West to spread the awareness of yoga but unless Yoga exercises are done with precaution, more and more people will get injured without realizing.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/yoga_hernia.html
Issued in public interest by a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London, Subodh Gupta for all those who are suffering from a hernia.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: 'Are all yoga exercises safe to be practiced by all people with various health conditions?'
"This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself, otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial" said Subodh Gupta, celebrity Yoga trainer based in London.
While some of the yoga exercises can be taught easily without much complication and have various benefits, others can be very dangerous for people who are having the problem of a hernia.
"For example, the yoga exercises such as Sun Salutation, Cobra pose, Locust pose, Bow pose, Standing Forward Bend and Kapalabhati few to name are strictly not recommended if somebody is diagnosed with a hernia as these exercises may make the hernia problem worse" said Subodh Gupta.
Considering the fact that over half a million hernia operations are performed in the United States every year and more than 2 percent of British people are affected by hernias, the question to ask is if all yoga practitioners are aware of their health condition and precautions before beginning the Yoga exercise.
Madonna, the famous singer who practices Ashtanga yoga regularly also had an operation for a hernia (the Ashtanga yoga exercise series is a system developed by mysore based famous Indian Yoga guru Shri K Pattabhi Jois).
In fact, the famous Ashtanga yoga series which involves jumping can be very dangerous for people who are having hernia problems according to Subodh Gupta.
Hernia develops when the outer layers of the abdominal wall weakens, bulges or actually rips. Among many reasons for a hernia the most common is straining due to: jumping, defecation, coughing, lifting heavy objects, etc.
The practitioners need to understand that their ignorance and lack of yoga knowledge may lead them straight into an operation room said Subodh Gupta.
A noble effort has been done by some of the renowned yoga gurus from India and the teachers from the West to spread the awareness of yoga but unless Yoga exercises are done with precaution, more and more people will get injured without realizing.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/yoga_hernia.html
Issued in public interest by a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London, Subodh Gupta for all those who are suffering from a hernia.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Baba Ramdev and Unsafe Yoga Camp
Yoga - the oldest system of personal development needs no introduction nowadays. Its popularity can be estimated by the fact that more than 15 million people practice yoga in USA alone. Almost every health club in a country like the UK has yoga classes.
In India where the yoga system was originated it was not practiced on mass level until couple of years ago. Of course, yoga was taught as a free service for years by organization like Bhartiya Yog Sansthan but never before as an unquestionable
and unsafe mass hysteria.
Recently with the help of TV channels the whole concept of Yoga has rejuvenated in India.
Shri Baba ramdev Ji orange clothed Indian ‘gurus’ have started teaching yoga to the masses to the extent of millions of people.
It is really good that now people in India are developing healthy habits by waking up early in the morning followed by energizing yoga practice, thanks to TV channels and shri baba ramdev Ji. As Yoga exercises have tremendous physical and medical benefits which help people to get rid of various diseases, it is good that those TV channels and Indian gurus are doing marvelous work to help the nation to get rid of diseases.
However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: ‘Are all yoga exercises safe to teach through the TV media and can the same exercise be taught to all people with various health conditions?’
“This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial”.
Let us understand how:
There are some breathing exercises like simple alternate nostril breathing (without holding the breath), which can be taught easily without much complications and have various benefits.
However, at the same time some of the exercises, for example: kapalabhati breathing technique which is taught to the masses is quite questionable. “This exercise even though having tremendous benefits, can be equally dangerous if somebody has heart disease or problem related to hernia” said Subodh. ‘Will it help or rather make the hernia and heart problem worse?’ considering the fact that many Indians suffer from hernia and heart problem. Perhaps medical expert can better answer this question in more details.
Similarly there are number of other yoga postures which require great precautions.
As we all have different body structures and different fitness level, conducting same exercises (apart from very few which are comparatively safe) for 30000 people in a camp by Baba Ramdev Ji without checking their medical conditions is quite questionable.
Also ‘Are the instructions about Kapalabhati and other yoga exercises safely delivered by Gurus?’ ‘Are they ensuring that people are following their practices safely?’ ‘Is it really safe for the beginner to learn yoga only through the TV channels?’
“Well, it is a serious question for the Indian gurus and Baba Ramdev who are teaching yoga in masses to answer”.
If seems that in India there is no governing body which understands the fragility of adverse impact of yoga exercises if done in improper way.
No doubt yoga is effective for treating various diseases and a noble effort has been taken by swami ramdev ji and organizations like VYASA but unless these exercises are not done in a proper system and with supervision, the whole concept of yoga teaching will become more of mockery or maybe it has already become.
Perhaps in near future when the ill effect of unsafe yoga practice will come to the limelight, the media will come up with great news stating that 50 or 100 million Indians are making fun with yoga everyday in front of TV and playing with their health.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London, for all those who are beginners and are learning Hatha yoga through TV, video cassette or DVD.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
In India where the yoga system was originated it was not practiced on mass level until couple of years ago. Of course, yoga was taught as a free service for years by organization like Bhartiya Yog Sansthan but never before as an unquestionable
and unsafe mass hysteria.
Recently with the help of TV channels the whole concept of Yoga has rejuvenated in India.
Shri Baba ramdev Ji orange clothed Indian ‘gurus’ have started teaching yoga to the masses to the extent of millions of people.
It is really good that now people in India are developing healthy habits by waking up early in the morning followed by energizing yoga practice, thanks to TV channels and shri baba ramdev Ji. As Yoga exercises have tremendous physical and medical benefits which help people to get rid of various diseases, it is good that those TV channels and Indian gurus are doing marvelous work to help the nation to get rid of diseases.
However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: ‘Are all yoga exercises safe to teach through the TV media and can the same exercise be taught to all people with various health conditions?’
“This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial”.
Let us understand how:
There are some breathing exercises like simple alternate nostril breathing (without holding the breath), which can be taught easily without much complications and have various benefits.
However, at the same time some of the exercises, for example: kapalabhati breathing technique which is taught to the masses is quite questionable. “This exercise even though having tremendous benefits, can be equally dangerous if somebody has heart disease or problem related to hernia” said Subodh. ‘Will it help or rather make the hernia and heart problem worse?’ considering the fact that many Indians suffer from hernia and heart problem. Perhaps medical expert can better answer this question in more details.
Similarly there are number of other yoga postures which require great precautions.
As we all have different body structures and different fitness level, conducting same exercises (apart from very few which are comparatively safe) for 30000 people in a camp by Baba Ramdev Ji without checking their medical conditions is quite questionable.
Also ‘Are the instructions about Kapalabhati and other yoga exercises safely delivered by Gurus?’ ‘Are they ensuring that people are following their practices safely?’ ‘Is it really safe for the beginner to learn yoga only through the TV channels?’
“Well, it is a serious question for the Indian gurus and Baba Ramdev who are teaching yoga in masses to answer”.
If seems that in India there is no governing body which understands the fragility of adverse impact of yoga exercises if done in improper way.
No doubt yoga is effective for treating various diseases and a noble effort has been taken by swami ramdev ji and organizations like VYASA but unless these exercises are not done in a proper system and with supervision, the whole concept of yoga teaching will become more of mockery or maybe it has already become.
Perhaps in near future when the ill effect of unsafe yoga practice will come to the limelight, the media will come up with great news stating that 50 or 100 million Indians are making fun with yoga everyday in front of TV and playing with their health.
Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London, for all those who are beginners and are learning Hatha yoga through TV, video cassette or DVD.
http://www.yoga-london.org.uk
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Yoga and Stress
Yoga provides a holistic approach to manage stress. It combines several stress management techniques
such as breathing, meditation in addition to hatha yoga.
Stress is the byproduct of the present day competitive work environment and unhealthy life style.
Stress is the silent killer and affects almost all spheres of life such as health, energy level, work related
performance and yet so little is done in this direction to cope with it.
In fact, stress when persists over a period of time become the most dangerous factor behind most of the
psychosomatic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, migraine, digestive disorders, ulcer and even
cancer, etc.
Stress is the second biggest cause of employees’ sickness absence days in the UK. According to the
Health and Safety Executive UK, “The cost of stress to Britain’s economy is around 6.7 million working days
lost per year, costing society around £4 billion”.
Stress is costing an estimated £13B ($20B) per year in Europe according to a study by the European
Commission. The cost of stress related illnesses is constantly increasing around the globe.
Modern medicine can’t provide effective treatment to the stress because the real problem doesn’t lie inside
the physical body. It originates from the mind, and then disturbs our energy level and finally appears on our
physical level in the form of a disease.
Yoga provides holistic and effective approach to manage stress. The major benefit of yoga is that it
combines the practices of several stress management techniques such as breathing, meditation,
visualization in addition to holding yoga poses.
The approach of yoga to manage stress is multidimensional. It not only helps on physical level but also
releases stress at the level of mind and improves the energy level of a practitioner. Yoga is a complete
approach towards managing stress.
The gentle yoga helps in releasing stress at physical level as stiffness of joints can be improved. Breathing
exercises such as kapalabhati and alternate nostril breathing bring balance at energy level. Regular practice
of meditation helps to eliminate stress at the level of mind.
People fail to realise that things don’t happen of their own; we have to make them happen. If we want to stay
healthy, we need to ensure that we stay stress-free by exercising regularly such as swimming, dancing or
adopting a holistic approach through yoga.
If we don’t take care about our own health then who will?
Issued in public interest by celebrity trainer Subodh Gupta.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been
interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and
newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is a celebrity yoga and weight loss trainer in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
such as breathing, meditation in addition to hatha yoga.
Stress is the byproduct of the present day competitive work environment and unhealthy life style.
Stress is the silent killer and affects almost all spheres of life such as health, energy level, work related
performance and yet so little is done in this direction to cope with it.
In fact, stress when persists over a period of time become the most dangerous factor behind most of the
psychosomatic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, migraine, digestive disorders, ulcer and even
cancer, etc.
Stress is the second biggest cause of employees’ sickness absence days in the UK. According to the
Health and Safety Executive UK, “The cost of stress to Britain’s economy is around 6.7 million working days
lost per year, costing society around £4 billion”.
Stress is costing an estimated £13B ($20B) per year in Europe according to a study by the European
Commission. The cost of stress related illnesses is constantly increasing around the globe.
Modern medicine can’t provide effective treatment to the stress because the real problem doesn’t lie inside
the physical body. It originates from the mind, and then disturbs our energy level and finally appears on our
physical level in the form of a disease.
Yoga provides holistic and effective approach to manage stress. The major benefit of yoga is that it
combines the practices of several stress management techniques such as breathing, meditation,
visualization in addition to holding yoga poses.
The approach of yoga to manage stress is multidimensional. It not only helps on physical level but also
releases stress at the level of mind and improves the energy level of a practitioner. Yoga is a complete
approach towards managing stress.
The gentle yoga helps in releasing stress at physical level as stiffness of joints can be improved. Breathing
exercises such as kapalabhati and alternate nostril breathing bring balance at energy level. Regular practice
of meditation helps to eliminate stress at the level of mind.
People fail to realise that things don’t happen of their own; we have to make them happen. If we want to stay
healthy, we need to ensure that we stay stress-free by exercising regularly such as swimming, dancing or
adopting a holistic approach through yoga.
If we don’t take care about our own health then who will?
Issued in public interest by celebrity trainer Subodh Gupta.
Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been
interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and
newspapers in India and the UK.
Subodh Gupta is a celebrity yoga and weight loss trainer in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.
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