Archives for September 2015

Called the yoga of consciousness, Kripalu puts great emphasis on proper breath, alignment, coordinating breath and movement, and “honoring the wisdom of the body” — you work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength. Alignment follows awareness. Students learn to focus on the physical and psychological reactions caused by various postures to develop their awareness of mind, body, emotion and spirit. There are three stages in Kripalu yoga. Stage One focuses on learning the postures and exploring your bodies abilities. Stage Two involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness. Stage Three is like a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously. Who teaches this style of yoga?

Kundalini yoga in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan, who brought the style to the West in 1969. Before that time it was only taught in a master to student lineage and was known only by dedicated deciples of the master. It focuses on the controlled release of Kundalini energy. The practice involves classic poses, breath, coordination of breath and movement, meditation. Who teaches this style of yoga?

Meditation is a self-directed  or guided practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. Most meditative techniques have come to the West from Eastern religious practices, particularly India, China, and Japan, but can be found in all cultures of the world.  Until recently, the primary purpose of meditation has been religious, although its health benefits have long been recognized. It is now being further explored as a way of reducing stress on both mind and body.

Studies have found that regular meditation can reduce healthcare use; increase longevity and quality of life; reduce chronic pain; reduce anxiety; reduce high blood pressure; reduce serum cholesterol level; reduce substance abuse; increase intelligence-related measures; reduce post-traumatic stress syndrome in Vietnam veterans; and lower blood cortisol levels initially brought on by stress. Who teaches this style of yoga?

A prenatal Yoga practice is similar to a typical Yoga practice, combining Yoga poses, breathing and meditation. While there are some Yoga poses that you should not attempt while pregnant, most are safe during pregnancy.

When combined with cardiovascular exercise, Yoga helps pregnant women gain an appropriate amount of weight and stay strong and limber. You can practice prenatal Yoga throughout pregnancy, from the first trimester right up into early labor.

Practicing prenatal Yoga will help ease back and leg pain as well as reduce swelling and insomnia during pregnancy. Through deep breathing and relaxation, a prenatal Yoga practice can also help reduce anxiety and stress before and during labor. By practicing prenatal yoga, you can peacefully tune in to the changes happening in your body. Who teaches this style of yoga?

Passive yoga poses lasting up to 20 minutes, supported by pillows, bolsters and folded blankets.  This style is meant to encourage relaxation via the release of tension in the muscles and spine. Who teaches this style of yoga?