Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Yoga to keep you cool
In summer, when body temperature increases, the heart has to work harder to release heat.
It pumps more blood to the surface of the body and heat is released through the process of sweating. The nervous system, too, has to work harder to maintain body balance.
The added pressure on the heart and the nervous system can cause discomfort, fatigue and rising pitta, which may lead to irritability, anger, anxiety and restlessness or more serious conditions.
Here are yoga techniques to maintain body heat:
Naukasana
· Lie flat on chest, with forehead resting on floor.
· Inhale and slowly raise arms, head, neck, shoulders, trunk and legs as high as possible without bending knees and elbows. Make sure there are no jerks while doing this.
· Balance body weight on lower part of abdomen, which should touch ground.
· Hold breath and maintain posture for as long as comfortable.
· Exhale and slowly return to original position.
Kati naukasana
· Lie flat on back, with arms by side.
· Inhale and raise legs and upper body 60 degrees from ground, with arms stretched out towards knees.
· Exhale and turn torso sideways, bringing arms to the side of thighs. Look towards hands.
Santulan asana
· Standing on right leg, bend left leg and bring heel near hip.
· Hold toes of left leg with palm of left hand.
· Bring heel of left leg to buttock and slowly raise right palm up.
· Hold position for 6-8 seconds, keeping lifted hand tight. Right leg should be tight and straight.
· Look straight and breathe normally.
· Rest for some time and repeat a few more times.
Natrajasana
· Stand with feet apart.
· Bend knees and rise on heels so you stand on balls of feet.
· Raise arms over head and stretch.
· Hold for 10-15 counts, breathing normally.
· Caution: People with knee injuries should avoid this asana.
Sheetali pranayama
· Sit in comfortable pose and rest hands on knees. Keep eyes closed and relax body.
· Gently extend out tongue as far as possible. Make sure you don't feel tension or strain.
· Roll both sides of tongue so it forms a tubular, straw-like structure. Inhale. Feel air cool tongue.
· Draw back tongue, close mouth and exhale through nose. This inhalation-exhalation cycle forms one round.
Sheetkari pranayama
· Sit in comfortable position.
· Touch tongue to palate and inhale through mouth, producing hissing sound.
· Hold breath till comfortable and exhale through nose.
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Yoga for six pack abs
| Not many of us know that yoga is very beneficial for those who want to get the perfect six pack abs. Here's how... ![]() Padottanasana is helpful to tone your abdominal muscles. Lie down on your back and place your hands next to your body.
Breathe in as you lift your legs up. ![]() Breathe out and bring your legs down. Repeat at least seven-eight rounds. Relax
Once your are comfortable doing this asana it is important to make the postures more intense. To do so breathe out and raise your legs up.
Inhale as you come down. Do seven-eight rounds and relax your body. In case you experience any kind of pain in your back keep your hands behind your back.
The next asana puts direct pressure on your abdomen. Lie down on your back, place your hands behind your neck. Lift your legs up as you exhale. Feel the contraction in your stomach.
Naukasana is also very helpful to burn out the excess fat from your abs. Lie down on your back. Place your hands on your thighs.
Inhale and lift your legs up and try touching your knees
Exhale and open your legs and hands wide.
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Yoga to avoid cramps
| Most of while working out ignore stretching out many parts of our body for example the groin. Men specially must make their groin region flexible as it will help them curb many old age diseases. These exercises are also very helpful for pregnant women. The most important affect of the following asanas is that they will help you avoid stomach cramp. Titli Asana: Join your feet and bring it closer to your groin. Be very gentle while doing this. ![]() Place your hands on your knees and gently push them downwards. This asana relieves the inner thighs of muscle tension. ![]() Bhadrasana: Stay in the same posture just bring your feet a little bit forwards and hold them.
Bring your head down and try to touch your feet with your head. This asana expands the tissues, nerves and arteries of the pelvic region.
Ashvasanchalan Asana: Bring one leg forward and one leg back and both the hands to one side.
Lift the back knee and drop your forehead and try to touch the ground. Make sure you keep your leg straight. Repeat the asana on the other side
Lie down on your side in a very relaxed position and keep your head supported by your hand.
Bring up the top leg and hold the toes and straighten up your leg. In case your find it difficult to do so while holding the toes, hold the ankle and straighten it up.
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