...er trained the first Yoga student, there had to be a bonding for the relationship to progress, and for Hatha Yoga to flourish into the many physical Yoga sub-styles, we see to this day.

There are times when, despite all the verbal cueing skills imaginable, a Yoga teacher must make a physical assist. No matter what is said, some Yoga students will learn more from a solid assist than by cueing. This helps a student feel where he or she should be. A verbal explanation is close, but is not the same as feeling proper alignment while an Asana is practiced.

This is difficult, if you are from a culture where men and women do not casually touch each other. Sometimes, some students just do not feel comfortable getting physical assist from their Yoga teacher. So, what do you do?

Firstly, before giving an assist, during Asana practice, a Yoga teacher should ask permission. If anyon...more

What Is Hatha Yoga?

...for making your life very beautiful and enhanced. It is the way for your spiritual realization and the important of making it an integral part of your life.

The whole meaning of this word is harmonizing your body or soul. The principle on which hatha yoga works is feeling, thinking, willing and acting. These all when come in perfect balance which makes it a perf...more

What is Yoga?

...What is Yoga?

Yoga is a science of health and spirituality that originated many thousands of years ago in India. The ancient yogis sought to harmonize the body, mind and soul in an effort to achieve health, long life, and ultimately, enlightenment. Thus, the Sanskrit word yoga means union with or to join. This union with the divine is achieved through the disciplined practice of specific exercises, meditation and breath work.

Yoga is essentially a lifestyle, dealing with all the aspects of our being. The physical postures, or asanas that are widely perceived as yoga, are just one aspect of a very profound science of life. The Eight Limbs of Yoga, articulated by C.E....more

Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

...ation (Dhyana), and contemplation (Samadhi).

Breathing correctly is an important part of practicing yoga, and Vinyasa refers to movement that is synchronized with the breath. Astanga vinyasa yoga uses a particular style of breathing called ujjayi pranayama. This is a somewhat noisy type of breathing that is done by keeping the mouth closed, and slightly constricting the throat. Its' effect is to reduce the amount of air passing though, which thereby increases its' force and speed.

A lot of heat is generated in the body when breathing ujjayi style. It also helps keep the mind focused on the asanas themselves, and is thus a good way to train the mind. It is said that the asanas, in combination with the heat generated, help eliminate toxins from the body....more

Hatha Yoga Teacher Training