Health and Lifestyle
viniyoga of Yoga - 121
08/02/12 19:09
The concept of the viniyoga of Yoga is a fundamental hallmark of the teachings of T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar. It is the application (viniyoga) of Yoga to the person rather than the person to Yoga. It requires a profound understanding of only 3 numbers in order for it to work as intended by Krishnamacharya and Desikachar
- 121.
Courtesy - Paul Harvey Yoga Quotes Page
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Prāṇāyāma within Rāja Yoga and Haṭha Yoga
06/01/12 06:30
Some excerpts from an article by Paul Harvey outlining the viniyoga (application) of prāṇāyāma from a Rāja Yoga and a Haṭha Yoga perspective.
“In the Rāja Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Yoga Sūtra, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of attention, timing and number of breaths.
The fruits of this approach are a reduction in confusion (Yoga Sūtra C2 v52) and fitness for the first steps in the meditative process (Yoga Sūtra C2 v53) towards cultivating an experience of being filled with a subtle sense of stillness (Yoga Sūtra C1 v3).
“In the Haṭha Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of using two primary channels (īḍā and piṅgalā) through a variety techniques to effect a śodhana (clearing of blockages) of the nāḍī (channels for prāṇa).”
“…..the practice of Prāṇāyāma links the student to the more refined aspects of dhāraṇā (concentration) and dhyānam (meditation) as a seated practice.”
Read full article. The article is also available as a downloadable PDF, courtesy of Dharma Downloads
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“In the Rāja Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Yoga Sūtra, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of attention, timing and number of breaths.
The fruits of this approach are a reduction in confusion (Yoga Sūtra C2 v52) and fitness for the first steps in the meditative process (Yoga Sūtra C2 v53) towards cultivating an experience of being filled with a subtle sense of stillness (Yoga Sūtra C1 v3).
“In the Haṭha Yoga approach, as delineated in texts such as the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, the practice of Prāṇāyāma is focused around developing and refining the principles of using two primary channels (īḍā and piṅgalā) through a variety techniques to effect a śodhana (clearing of blockages) of the nāḍī (channels for prāṇa).”
“…..the practice of Prāṇāyāma links the student to the more refined aspects of dhāraṇā (concentration) and dhyānam (meditation) as a seated practice.”
Read full article. The article is also available as a downloadable PDF, courtesy of Dharma Downloads
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T Krishnamacharaya Quote
05/01/12 20:57
“Food will either sustain the body or eat it.”
-Śri T Krishnamacharya
Scans 'show mindfulness meditation brain boost'
04/01/12 19:50
From the BBC website:
“The theory that meditation can reduce stress, depression and even chronic pain is one that has been gaining in momentum in recent years.
So the BBC's David Sillito has been learning the art of mindfulness meditation in order to find out for himself.
After getting to grips with the activity, he joined some other devotees for an MRI scan to find out what impact the practice can have on brain activity.”
View article and video.
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“The theory that meditation can reduce stress, depression and even chronic pain is one that has been gaining in momentum in recent years.
So the BBC's David Sillito has been learning the art of mindfulness meditation in order to find out for himself.
After getting to grips with the activity, he joined some other devotees for an MRI scan to find out what impact the practice can have on brain activity.”
View article and video.
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T Krishnamacharaya Quote
04/01/12 06:27
“Food will either sustain the body or eat it.”
-Śri T Krishnamacharya
New Year Resolutions
02/01/12 07:25
Have just read some interesting articles on New Year resolutions.
It is difficult for people to shake underlying conditions that lead to poor habits. A quick fix based on a short period of time whether it be based on exercise, diet or the giving up of alcohol is insufficient in terms of improving and sustaining health. It can lead to a false sense of security and feeds the idea that you can abuse your body as much as you like and then sort everything else with a quick fix.
What is required are sustained changes to diet and exercise.
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- The first published by the New York Times on how some business thrive on our failure to change.
- The second published by the BBC on how the giving up of alcohol or going on a detox for one month is futile.
- The third published in the Irish Times on ditching quick fix dieting in favor of regular healthy eating.
It is difficult for people to shake underlying conditions that lead to poor habits. A quick fix based on a short period of time whether it be based on exercise, diet or the giving up of alcohol is insufficient in terms of improving and sustaining health. It can lead to a false sense of security and feeds the idea that you can abuse your body as much as you like and then sort everything else with a quick fix.
What is required are sustained changes to diet and exercise.
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Patients & Complementary Therapy - Irish Study
09/11/11 06:30
A summary of the details of a new Irish study has shown that a significant number of patients use alternative and complementary medicines without informing their GP, despite the fact that these may negatively interact with conventional medicines. The article is published by Irish Health.
"We found that a significant number of patients were using alternative and complementary medicines, with the majority not disclosing this to their GP and a significant proportion having chronic medical conditions for which they were also taking conventional medicines," the researchers explained.
I think if research was conducted on the disclosure by clients to their complementary therapist in relation to their use of conventional medicine the findings would be similar. My experience in the area of Yoga teaching and Yoga therapy, in Dublin, is that students/clients quite regularly do not disclose relevant information in relation to specific physical conditions and the taking of prescribed medication.
While clients complete a confidential health questionnaire, additional information is frequently revealed though dialogue and verbal questioning. Clients often do not appreciate the importance of full disclosure in relation to their medical situation. It is as if there is a perception that medical treatment and complementary treatment are separate and that what is prescribed by one may not relevant to the other.
The point is that they are mutually supportive.
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"We found that a significant number of patients were using alternative and complementary medicines, with the majority not disclosing this to their GP and a significant proportion having chronic medical conditions for which they were also taking conventional medicines," the researchers explained.
I think if research was conducted on the disclosure by clients to their complementary therapist in relation to their use of conventional medicine the findings would be similar. My experience in the area of Yoga teaching and Yoga therapy, in Dublin, is that students/clients quite regularly do not disclose relevant information in relation to specific physical conditions and the taking of prescribed medication.
While clients complete a confidential health questionnaire, additional information is frequently revealed though dialogue and verbal questioning. Clients often do not appreciate the importance of full disclosure in relation to their medical situation. It is as if there is a perception that medical treatment and complementary treatment are separate and that what is prescribed by one may not relevant to the other.
The point is that they are mutually supportive.
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Health Benefits of Yoga
25/09/11 20:57
Most common questions on Yoga relate to the health benefits associated with practicing Yoga, together with questions around how Yoga practice differs from conventional exercise.
Answers to these questions have been researched and are presented in a detailed article published on the IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists) website, providing interesting reading.
In terms of the health benefits the information is grouped under physiological benefits, psychological benefits, and biochemical effects. It is based on the regular practice of traditional āsana (yoga postures), prānāyāma (breath), and dhyāna (meditation).
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Answers to these questions have been researched and are presented in a detailed article published on the IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists) website, providing interesting reading.
In terms of the health benefits the information is grouped under physiological benefits, psychological benefits, and biochemical effects. It is based on the regular practice of traditional āsana (yoga postures), prānāyāma (breath), and dhyāna (meditation).
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Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis
23/08/11 21:18
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing the immune system to attack joints. However it can also affect other areas of the body such as lungs, heart and bone marrow. It is a painful inflammatory condition that can lead to loss of mobility due to pain and damage of joints. It is known that the practice of Yoga can help people with rheumatoid arthritis. An article referring specifically to recent research in this area has been published on the Irish Health website.
The research was completed in United Arab Emirates. The details of the findings were presented at the 2011 Annual Congress of EULAR - The European League Against Rheumatism, in London. The findings state that “....individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who practice yoga showed significant improvements in disease activity....” Their view is that the practice of yoga long term could result in further significant improvements. They are continuing their research into the benefits of Yoga in the context of RA.
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The research was completed in United Arab Emirates. The details of the findings were presented at the 2011 Annual Congress of EULAR - The European League Against Rheumatism, in London. The findings state that “....individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who practice yoga showed significant improvements in disease activity....” Their view is that the practice of yoga long term could result in further significant improvements. They are continuing their research into the benefits of Yoga in the context of RA.
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Āyurveda - A Guide to Healthy living
23/08/11 21:05
Ayurveda is India’s traditional natural system of medicine. It provides an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness through diet, lifestyle and natural therapies.
Download a practical guide to Āyurveda
via Dharma Downloads
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Download a practical guide to Āyurveda
via Dharma Downloads
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Exercise Guidelines Recommend Yoga
13/08/11 06:05
Important new guidelines were issued in July 2011 outlining the amount of exercise adults and children need to do to stay healthy. They are based on a comprehensive review of the latest scientific evidence regarding physical activity and health. The new guidelines include the following points:
• The intensity at which we exercise is key, heartbeat must be raised
• The more exercise you do, the better
• Sedentary time (time spent sitting down to watch TV, use a computer, etc) is bad for your health
The guidelines, which are now much more in line with those used in the United States, also include recommendations for muscle-building and bone-strengthening, for which lifting weights and Yoga are recommended activities.
For more detailed information
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• The intensity at which we exercise is key, heartbeat must be raised
• The more exercise you do, the better
• Sedentary time (time spent sitting down to watch TV, use a computer, etc) is bad for your health
The guidelines, which are now much more in line with those used in the United States, also include recommendations for muscle-building and bone-strengthening, for which lifting weights and Yoga are recommended activities.
For more detailed information
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Questions about Yoga….
05/08/11 21:23
I like this post from ‘Paul’s Musings on Yoga Today’. Paul was recently asked to provide ‘expert quotes’ in response to three questions for a media article by a freelance journalist for MSN on a Yoga related issue. The questions are questions that are often asked in relation to Yoga. His reflections are thought provoking and reflect the intelligence and solid principles underpinning the application (viniyoga) of Yoga.
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