Introduction to Yoga

I miss doing yoga.

The problem I've had for the last 15 years is that most teachers only teach Hatha yoga. I learnt Iyengar yoga which, as I share some back problems with Mr Iyengar for whom the system was developed, suits me best. There isn't even a Hatha yoga class round here for me to attend (I did lobby at the local sports cente, but nothing doing).

My arthritis limits my movement - but I was daydreaming yesterday on how I could modify the Salute to the Sun to something I can do...that's the first step!!!

Thanks for the inspiration - in searching for the wiki article, I've found there's a British Iyengar Association- previously I've always looked at the British Wheel of Yoga site.

PS: That Poisoned Pigeon Pose is called The Swan in all my books...nice meditative pose.

In cooler climes, a blanket is also useful to prevent you getting too cold during the end of session meditation.

I had never heard of Iyengar yoga before. To be fair, I mostly just learn poses and find my own ways to connect the dots. One of the people who comes to lunch-time yoga regularly has back problems and find twists and backbends (like locust pose) to be highly beneficial. I know that there are yoga poses which alleviate arthritis symptoms, but I left my book at my parents home. It is full of poses for people with back pain, arthritis, wheelchair confined people, and other things like that. But you probably know all this, you have a lot more experience with yoga than me. I have been self- and video-taught and have only been to a teacher once. Although I would certainly go again if I had the chance.

It seems as though The Swan isn't as well of a known pose, but I will inform Bone Crusher of the real name. I will bet that he will keep calling it poisoned pigeon pose. He likes making up names for poses that he doesn't know the real name to. He calls Happy Baby Pose: "Peeing Baby Pose."

I will remember to use a blanket if I am in a room with a slightly cooler atmosphere. Neat idea.

My nearest class is 50 miles / 1½ hours away...ah the problems of living in an underpopulated county.

The two Indian gentlemen make very good points about a teacher or guru being needed. Although the moves are slow, it is still possible to damage yourself, or unconsciously modify a pose in a way that removes its worth.

For example:

The Swan (I've now found it under Pigeon and Sleeping Swan!) can cause damage to the knees if the foot of the bent leg isn't fully flexed.

Any of the poses that use side bends will lose their impact if, as many people naturally do, a slight twist in incorporated. A good teacher will spot these and will be able to help make slight adjustments to the pupil's pose. My teacher did this to me and the difference it made is amazing! To see if you twist, try doing a simple side bend with your heels, bum (butt) and shoulders against a wall. Keep them against the wall as you bend to the side!

In your pose, your foot position is good, but your leg should be higher. Casteer should have her back leg in line with her body. If she can't raise it higher, then bring the body more upright to get them in line, then gradually increase the lean until (eventally - after several months) she's horizontal. Tell Moose the Sphinx didn't cross her arms, they should be a right angles to the body! There will be other things that can't be seen in a photo that a good teacher can point out.

I'm not an expert by any means. If you are able to get the book nd can give me pointers to arthritis appropriate poses, I'd be really grateful - I need to get out of the the "in too much pain can't do anything" mode!

Thanks for this thread and well done to all of you for getting out there and trying something different (for you).

I will tell you that getting a picture of us all in the correct position is difficult. Especially the poses that require adequate balance and focus. In one picture, I was in horrible position because I was in mid-fall. Moose has no excuse for not having the arms in Sphinx Pose correct. Good hints for Warrior III, we haven't practiced that pose during our yoga sessions often, but with your beginner hints, we may have to add it.

I may not be able to grab the book until sometime next week, I will PM you if I find anything interesting (which I probably will).

Thanks Jaxy. Nothing I said was meant as criticism - swift typing at work sometimes leads to that impression . Just trying to be helpful and give examples of what a teacher can give to a class.

Good on you all for being photographed in pose - I wouldn't let a camera anywhere near me!! Real teamwork too.

Thanks on the book. Whenever you can will be great.

Very well said

The principles of Yoga as part of the Hinduism has been founded, and fostered by great saints and illustrious guides have eternal validity and scientific foundation.

For instance I recall an American patent for an yoga called " Super Brain Yoga" which is nothing but the simple "Thoppukaranam", the reverential practice done by Hindus in front of Lord Ganesha's temple

Hindus have been doing "Super Brain Yoga" for ages in front of temples devoted to Lord Ganesha. In fact, I have observed that while crossing a Ganesha temple on road, most people stop, take off their footwear, perform "Thoppukaranam", and then resume their journey. Lord Ganesha is associated with Knowledge/Memory, a point which is now proved by Western research.

It is saddening that many indigenous traditions are being copyrighted by the western world, and the latest point in this case is "Thoppukaranam" being copyrighted as "Super Brain Yoga".!.

Something more about Suryanamaskara:

Do this sequence minimum 12 time or even more say 100 time, with each posture about 10 seconds.

You will be healthy. This is the belief (and experience) in India

In English this is known as "The Salute to the Sun" and is recommended to be done first thing in the morning. There is also "The Salute to the Moon" to do at the end of the day.

Thank you for sharing more of the history and origins with us; it is right and proper that we should acknowledge the correct origins.

I'm self taught also, like Jaxy, and like English Rose, live way out in the boonies where instruction isn't available. The Suryanamaskara, which you depict, is from a book I've used - although I don't have it in front of me.

I'm asking a general question - what exercises might be good for upper body (since I'm concerned about doing more damage elsewhere) and which ones may be good immediately post-op? Should I just stick with breathing exercises?

Thank you.

The important thing to remember with all yoga exercises is that if any point you are straining yourself or are uncomfortable, to either scale the pose back or to stop the pose altogether. While a lot of yoga poses target a particular area of the body, there are a lot of poses that depend on the balance, skill, and flexibility of your whole body. Take plank pose which predominantly works the arms and core muscles. You are working your whole body to create perfect alignment. I am not as seasoned as I would like to be in order to recommend poses for you. Since I am not familiar with your condition, it would make for a bad idea on my part. Perhaps someone else may have gone through your same predicament and has suggestions for you, but I feel uncomfortable giving advice.

You should definitely consult with either a doctor or a yoga instructor with some experience under their belt. Maybe English Rose has some suggestions.

Your body knows what it can and cannot do, listen to it and don't push.

My advice would be the same - contact a reputable yoga instructor. To properly advise, one needs to be with the pupil.

I am not an instructor, and while I'll make comments to help, that are within the bounds of what I know and can see (like on the poses in the picture) nothing I say should be taken as comments of an expert.

Talk to your doctor/surgeon about what general movements are and are not recommended - this will allow you to pick and eliminate certain poses (e.g. twists or bent leg poses).

Hello Jaen

To be frank, I am not expert to such small but very important details. Better you consult some expert or contact Mr. Iyengar

All the best

Take care

Nice job Jaxy! Thanks for offering such a great yoga class. - Larry

It's funny, I saw your blog this morning and then this evening my friends were doing yoga on the floor after a day of farm work. And the dog did yoga as well!

I read a book about it someone gave me, but I never did a yoga class. I'm not that good at keeping still, Tai Chi is about as slow as I can handle. I learned some nice stretches from a Shiatsu book though, the holds are only three breaths long which is just about right for me.

You guys look great in the photo! Fun!!!

My wife is a long-time yoga instructor and adept yogini.

The health benefits are obvious to anyone who practices.

Thirty years ago I had a ruptured disk removed. Yoga (other than walking) was the first type of exercise I could do, and went on from there to distance running, lifeguard certification and a black belt in TaeKwonDo. And you can regain lost flexibility after an injury, because I was told that I had a 10% permanent disability, but I kept at yoga until I could do Scorpion, Wheel and Eka Pada Sirasana.

I have a hip busted now - but as soon as I get the old part switched out and a new one in (I'm told titanium gives good flexibility) I'm looking forward to another 30 years of yoga. (Cats like yoga, too. Mr. Lightning used to snuggle up against my back when I did Shoulder Stand.)

People come up to me all the time and say: "Oh my goodness, Jaxy! How did you get such a healthy body?"

I would (and surely this forum would) like to see your ful posture photograph.

I am practicing Yoga Asan since last 30 years. I would like to put forth some of the points to be noted. For most of the Asan (postures) there are corresponding counter Asan (postures). So it is very important that each posture is followed by its counter posture. Otherwise it may lead to some problem like pain. The benefit of yoga asan come very gradually and demands lot of patience. One should not expect immediate benefit. But once it is achieved, it is for a Long time.

Generally people look towards yoga asan only when they have some problem. At that stage due to their problems many restrictions are imposed (about which some people may not be aware) which restrict some asan to be performed. ( like blood pressure, hernia, spondelitis etc). Many times neither teacher asks from the student nor students spell out the existing ailments and they perform certain asan which they should not perform. All this may cause other problem to crop in.

People over exert them self to achieve quick results and may land in problem. The asan should be performed in a manner that absolutely no jerk is experienced by any part of body. After each asan, breathing rate goes high and therefore it should be followed by "Shavasan" (dead body posture) so as to bring back normal breathing rate. At last, one should not feel tired after asan. He should have feeling of awaiting the next day for perform again.

Normally, an asan should be performed for 80 seconds. But not necessarily in one go. To start with it could be done in number of attempts with death posture between each attempt. As one practices, number of attempts reduces.

There could be other way of starting. One can remain in a posture up to 80 seconds on one go but limiting the bend or stretch only up to the limit so as to remain there for 80 second. Then gradually increasing the stretch / bend to attain final pose.

Good advice! Thank you.

PS. In English, we often call Shavasan the "Corpse Pose" (Posture). Corpse means dead body

"Some yoga poses also alleviate common ailments like back pain, arthritis, and constipation."

Do you really want to alleviate constipation in front of a group of people? Just kidding.

I'm considering taking yoga to improve my flexibility and breathing but I know it looks difficult. Do you have any advice for those that aren't too flexible?

Another slightly off topic question: it seems that most people that do yoga are women (in the US at least). Is there a reason for this?

To answer your last question first, I think western women (since in Asian it's at least equal if not male biased - our Asian CR4ers can comment) are/have been more health conscious. Yoga doesn't give you bulging muscles and have you running with sweat, so there's no instant "look at me" result. We also don't worry so much about learning in the prescence of someone "better" than us.

Huge generalisation. Those men who do yoga are obviously more enlightened!

Advice for you: check out several classes in your area (if you're lucky enough to have the choice) to find a teacher who is simpatico with you and who understands that the class consists of individuals.

You don't have to do the "full" pose instantly. Can you touch your toes with your legs straight? If not, how far down can you reach? Get to there then relax and let your muscles stretch...in a few months you will touch your toes. If the stretch is too much, come back a bit. Your teacher should take this attitude with all poses they teach you.

Slowly slowly gently gently. Progress at your BODY's pace and enjoy!

It took me a year or more to do the full "Head of a Cow" pose (one arm over the shoulder, the other up the back and hold hands). I worked at it and got there. Can't do it now will do it again ... sometime

GA's to both gsuhas and suresh sharma

Exemplary Gentlemen.

Thanks for your GA.

Regards,

Suresh Sharma.

I would like to add to benefits derived from Yoga:-

1.Your mind and body is in your full control.

2.You become peaceful and are not agitated due to any hostile surroundings.

3.Come what may you are always remaining at peace.

4.You do not have to suffer from diseases caused by stress, bad food or any exertion.

5.You can carry on with with whatever crowd you have in your surroundings.

Yoga is not an physical exercise it should be practiced with peaceful mind and observing simple lifestyle of avoiding smoking, drinking, and eating vegi foods (you may laugh at me) but if you practice it you will only gain peace of mind and purpose of living in this volatile world.God bless you all.

Regards,

Suresh Sharma.

Me and Mrs Cat used to go to a class but it folded (went to an origami class that folded too). We try and do a bit on a Sunday, thow a Chicken in t'oven, do some Yoga, eat chicken.
Got a good CD we play and follow, pretty basic stuff. I somethimes do a little bit in the morning, helps alleviate stiffness (stop sniggering, I didn't mean that) and can lift the spirits when one is a bit down.
Cat stretch is best pose of course ane fule kno that.
Del

A year or so ago I had a back/neck pain that lasted a few days.

Doing Wii Fit Yoga for a couple days helped it immensely and was gone soon after.

Hi Jaxy, Let me add a few more tips to your blog entry. Yoga is skill in action. 1.Yoga should always be done without any jerk. Straining of any sort should be avoided. 2 The exercises should be practised in the morning on empty stomach.3. If they are to be practised in the evening, 4 hours should lapse after taking solid food or half an hour after liquid food.5. After doing the exercises, a few sips of water can be taken.Any other type of food, solid or liquid, can be taken 15 minutes after completing exercises. 6. Those suffering from ailments such as heart trouble, etc. need advise of a qualified master.7. Throughout these exercises, one should endeavour to concentrate on the movements of the body. 8.A mat or some thick spread on the floor should be used. 9. These exercises are suitble for all climatic conditions. 10. Those who have undergone surgery start practising after 3 or 4 months. 11. It is better to learn yoga from the qualified master.

If practised regularly ( to make it a habit, one should practise continuously for a period of 21 days ) one will feel bright & fresh throughout the day and would be able to increase one's immunity against diseases. Be blessed by the Divine. Rangasamy

Despite the best efforts of the witness protection program, Bone Crusher was felled by a snipers bullet during an outside break at a local insane asylum.

(Oh, sorry, I thought this was a 'caption this' thread)

rofl ! Very nice of the people up at Troy posting that pic. Makes me wince just looking at it.

There seems to be no negative aspect to yoga (if done properly). Reportedly, and I don't have a source/link to hand, many doctors advocate meditation. Just mentioning because the two appear related.

This blog, together with the "Meet the Mods" one, has put me in a nicely relaxed mood. Great ! Now I don't have to get off my chair and do it . Nah, it's actually put me in mind to try this - the bones and joints are starting to get a little too creaky.

Hi Kris,

"Reportedly, and I don't have a source/link to hand, many doctors advocate meditation. Just mentioning because the two appear related".

I Have already given link where you can learn both Yoga & meditation.I am giving link again:-www.divyayoga.com.

Regards,

Suresh Sharma.

Thank you, suresh.

It's a fascinating topic, and one which 'western' culture can learn more from. I was astonished while watching a documantary yesterday ; an elerely gent (age 90 +) was able to demonstrate his ability by bending one leg over his head. It sounds slightlly absurd when described thus, but he was very fit for a person of his age. Please forgive the cliche's, but western diet seems heavy in protien and obesity is almost endemic. People who live a more vegetarian lifestyle and practice fugality seem to live longer. A quick check on google will show how many Japanese people live to a great age. The 'secret' seems to be moderation in all things (as far as I can tell).

The irony is that many people in what are often termed 'third world' countries often have a better lifestyle. Great poverty and suffering, I know, but frugality and vegetarian based diet does seem to improve health. Combined with practice such as meditation and yoga, it appears to give one a better life.

For want of a better description, Europeans and Americans seem to have too much. All very phillosophical and a bit beyond CR4's remit, but I'm grateful for your input on the topic. Once again, I learn more from CR4 and the latitude it gives us all to discuss topics. It means nothing other than helping others to read your post, but I GA you for that. Well deserved.

Hi Kris,

Thanks for such wonderful compliments.I will be more happy if our other friends also start practising Yoga or any other Physical Exercise and change their eating habits to remain fit and healthy. As being Engineers it is very essential for us to remain trim and active to climb monkey ladders in plants.

Regards,

Suresh Sharma.

You said it Kris.

The 'secret' seems to be moderation in all things (as far as I can tell).

Yes, this is the key for healthy life. Veggies are better in health. But even if you are taking non veh food, moderation is the real key. The obesity has one more reason... the consumption of beer and other alcohols. I do not say, you do not take any alcohol. But here too moderation is the key to avoid bad effects.

Personally, I do not follow any restrictions regarding Veg, Non veg, rice, no rice, spices, alcohol, oil, salt, tea, coffee.... whatsoever. To tell you the truth, I do not follow any Yoga or meditation. But whatever I do is in good limits (moderation). Thus, I am perfectly fit, can climb, not only ladder as Suresh says in his next post, but can do mointaineering and rappelling and any sort of monkeying at my age nearing 60.

Latest News about Yoga.(Ref:Times Of India Dt.5-23-2010) :-

Heading:- Yoga Boosts Energy After Chemotherapy.

New York: Cancer survivors might want to try yoga to get better night sleep and to boost their energy levels according to U.S study. Researchers from

the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York randomly assigned more than 400 cancer survivors, most of whom had been treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer, into two groups. One group did gentle Hatha yoga and restorative yoga -- including special postures and breathing and mindfulness exercises -- twice a week for a month.
The other was only monitored, following standard practice. Those who did yoga were able to cut back on sleeping pills and slept better, as measured by a 22 percent increase in sleep quality on a commonly used scale. That was nearly twice the improvement of survivors who didn't do the exercises.

Yoga also cut fatigue by close to half, and led to a small increase in quality of life. That is good news for cancer patients, said researcher Karen Mustian who led the study that will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in early June. "We really don't have any good remedies for fatigue for cancer survivors," she told Reuters Health.

Although patients may take drugs to help them sleep, such medications have side effects and aren't usually long-lasting which led Mustian's team to look for alternatives. How yoga achieves its relaxing effects isn't completely clear. "It may be promoting social bonding," Mustian said, adding that preliminary studies have suggested it could also lower stress hormones. For cancer survivors seeking help from yoga, Mustian recommended looking for Yoga Alliance-certified instructors, especially those who have experience with people dealing with illness. She also stressed that the results may not apply to all forms of yoga. Dr. Douglas Blayney, president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, said physicians and oncologists were often uncomfortable advising patients who wanted to use therapies that were complementary to standard cancer therapy.

"A physician can say with some confidence, "yes, this kind of yoga program may be useful"," Blayney, who was not involved in the research, told Reuters Health. "Here we have a studied intervention, one that has been subjected to clinical trials and, lo and behold, it seems to be beneficial."

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<a href="http://netspiderads2.indiatimes.com/ads.dll/clickthrough?slotid=36458" target="_blank"><img src="http://netspiderads2.indiatimes.com/ads.dll/photoserv?slotid=36458" border="0" width="660" height="95" alt="Advertisement"></a>

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aRHLJckbLOvM refers to an very interesting piece of information about Yoga under caption " Yoga for Cancer Patients Provides Benefits of Sleep, Vitality"

Here is link where all our friends from U.S, U.K etc can learn Yoga on video in English taught by Guru Ramdev. Hope all will benefit:-

http://www.divyayoga.com/miscellaneous/free-yoga-pranayam-training.html.

Regards,

Suresh Sharma.

... now, if we could just get people interested in the spiritual part of "yoga"... we might actual make inroads to peace on earth.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1288661/Thousands-bring-Times-Square-standstill-day-long-yoga-thon-mark-summer-solstice.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Just thought that I would share this with Yoga fans.

(Special thanks to Kaplin, who showed me this news article)

I am really surprised to learn even though being working day traffic was stopped in heart of big city like N.Y.This shows popularity of Yoga in U.S.

Jaxy good article.

Suresh Sharma.

You're probably correct about yoga being popular, though the specific incident is more of a social phenomena known as 'flashmobbing'. Usually younger people (the mobile phone generation) who enjoy the slightly anarchic, fun/prankish element of such gatherings.