News release about safe yoga practice throughout the world.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga Posture - The Pigeon

The One-Legged King Pigeon Posture – (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

‘Eka’ means one, ‘Pada’ means foot, ‘Raja’ means king, and ‘Kapota’ means pigeon. In this posture the chest is pushed forward like that of a pigeon, hence the name given.

The Pigeon is a superb advanced back bending posture in its complete form, demanding great flexibility in the entire length of the spine, as well as in the hips and shoulders. This intense backbend should only be attempted by very experienced practitioners.

A preliminary version of the Pigeon posture can be done comfortably by nearly everyone who has healthy knees. Moving into the preparation of this posture the simple pigeon deeply works the hips and helps to release tension in this region of the body. It requires steady balance while curving backward.

The One-Legged King Pigeon posture affects the whole body as it strengthens, stretches, and tones the spinal column, stimulating the nerves around the spine.

It stretches the thighs, the muscles of the groins and hip joints, abdomen, shoulders, and the neck. It stretches the chest and the rib cage.

The Pigeon posture stimulates the glandular system and the abdominal organs.

Having practiced this wonderful but very difficult One-Legged King Pigeon posture we feel the sense of achievement. This posture gives the practitioner a lot of benefits; however, there are some health conditions in which this posture should not be attempted.

Three important reasons not to do the Pigeon posture:

1) In case of sacroiliac injury do not practice this posture.

(The term sacroiliac refers to the area of a small joint that lies at the junction of the sacrum; a part of the spine and the ilium; a part of the pelvis).

2) If you have ankle or knee injury, avoid this posture.

3) Recent or chronic back injury is contraindication for that posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Monday, October 09, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga Posture - Child’s Posture

The Child’s Posture – (Balasana)

This posture requires the entire body to be folded in on itself in the fetal position and it is simple for those who are flexible as a child. If you have a need of a posture that does not fold you completely into flexion you can place your hands alongside your head.

For those who have good flexibility in the spine and healthy knee joints this posture will be easy to achieve but for some people this posture may not be comfortable. In that case the use of props such as a small pillow under ankles, between legs and thighs, between thighs and torso and under the forehead can be adopted to gain its benefits.

The Child’s posture is very relaxing and refreshing and it can be hold for as long as desired. It gently stretches the hips, thighs, and the ankles. It also stretches the back muscles and separates the individual vertebrae from each other, releasing pressure on the discs.

It regulates the function of the adrenal glands and it tones the pelvis. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue.

The Child’s posture brings lots of benefits to a practitioner; however in a few health conditions this posture should not be practiced.

Three important reasons not to do the Child’s Posture:

1) In case of slipped disc this posture should not be practiced.

(The spine is made up of the vertebrae, which have cartilage discs between them. A slipped disc is when the soft part of the disc bulges through the circle of connective tissue. This prolapse may push on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots).

2) If you have knee injury do not perform this posture.

3) In case of pregnancy avoid practicing this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Half Moon

The Half Moon - (Ardha Chandrasana)

‘Chandra’ in a Sanskrit language means moon, and ‘Ardha’ means half, and as the posture resembles the half moon, hence the name.

The Half Moon posture tones the lower region of the spine and the nerves connected with the leg muscles. It is highly effective for strengthening the legs, buttocks, abdomen, knees and the ankles. The leg strength is gained from balancing on one leg.

The Ardha Chandrasana stretches the groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and the spine. It improves coordination and sense of balance. It helps relieve stress and improves digestion.

You are not ready for the Half Moon posture if your body and top shoulder are dropping forward. Use a support (at first use a chair, then once you are comfortable with the chair use a box that is lower than the chair), until your body is strengthens enough to hold a beautiful and straight Half-Moon posture.

When you are ready to reach down and up simultaneously, you will reintegrate parts that feel separate from the whole and recognize that the body is a whole made of parts that are all aware of each other.

Note: If you have any neck problems, do not turn your head to look upward; continue looking straight ahead.

Although the Half Moon posture has many benefits, in some health conditions it should not be practiced.

Three important reasons not to do Half Moon posture:

1) Do not practice this posture if you have hips injuries.

2) If you have low blood pressure, avoid this posture.

3) In case of shoulder injury do not attempt this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html