Home > Yoga News

Yoga News

Yoga News — No Comments
3
Dec 11

Seniors’ balance and confidence improve after taking part in yoga

Practicing Dahn Yoga can be a great way to achieve good health, particularly if enthusiasts are older and want to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. According to research from Indiana University, seniors who have experienced a stroke can engage in the gentle breathing and stretching of yoga to decrease their risk of having painful falls.

Scientists evaluated 19 men and one woman, all of whom were around the age of 66. Over a period of two months, the participants engaged in hour-long yoga sessions twice a week. Their progress was then assessed using the Berg and Fullerton Advance Balance Scales.

Lead author Arlene A. Schmid and her colleagues from the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center found that the seniors' balance and confidence both improved after taking part in the holistic mind-body program.

"It also was interesting to see how much the men liked it," Schmid said. "They enjoyed it so much partly because they weren't getting any other treatment. Everything was modified because we wanted them to be successful on day one. Everyone could be successful at some level."

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
2
Dec 11

Yoga in the Garden helps enthusiasts connect with nature

A flower garden can be a wonderful place in which to relax. Surrounded by fragrant flowers and shady trees, one can truly appreciate the beauty of nature amidst the gentle breezes and bird calls of spring.

Breathing deeply, stretching and posing can further enhance this feeling of peace and tranquility. Engaging in Dahn Yoga meditation in the midst of a garden in bloom can be a great way to reforge the sometimes tenuous mind-body connection.

In the spring and summer, yoga enthusiasts may find a great variety of outdoor classes to suit their tastes. The Bay City Times reports that the Mid-Michigan Medical Center and the Midland and Dow Gardens are teaming up on an initiative called "Yoga in the Garden," which features one-hour yoga sessions twice a week.

Enthusiasts will gather at the Dow Gardens Visitor Center, where they will be led to the class site, called the Secret Garden. There, they will perform soothing stretches and gentle poses on exercise mats.

By practicing these techniques, individuals can enhance their emotional, mental and physical well-being simultaneously. They may also find inner peace and improve their mindfulness while appreciating the beauty of the Earth. 

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
15
Nov 11

Arthritic patients find relief by practicing yoga

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition when left untreated, and many patients with the condition report significantly lower quality of life. As a result, researchers and healthcare providers are looking for ways in which to help alleviate the painful, uncomfortable symptoms that many individuals experience.

A study presented at the EULAR 2011 Annual Congress explored the efficacy of yoga as a way in which to relieve the discomfort of arthritis.

Researchers recruited participants through the Emirates Arthritis Foundation database and collected information such as age, symptoms and quality of life. Half of the study subjects were asked to perform gentle exercises such as deep breathing, posing and stretching, while the control group did not engage in physical activity.

At the end of the study period, those who had engaged in yoga showed significant improvements in their disease activity scores, a measure of the effect of the condition on patients' daily lives.

"While our study has been conducted in a small group of patients, the results show clear benefits for patients who regularly practice yoga," the scientists concluded. 

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
10
Nov 11

Yoga relieves pain and fatigue of breast cancer for many patients

Breast cancer affects millions of women in the U.S. and causes a great deal of stress, anxiety and fear. Although chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many of these patients, the pain and side effects that are often associated with it may induce even more tension and frustration.

However, more of these individuals are turning to yoga as a powerful method of pain management, according to The Independent.

Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center recruited a total of 163 women with an average age of 52, all of whom were undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. The participants were randomly divided into groups, one of which engaged in yoga while the other performed simple stretching exercises. A third set of subjects did not exercise.

The one-hour sessions were held three times a week over a course of six weeks. At the end of the study, the women in the yoga and stretching groups reported having more energy, compared to those in the non-exercise group.

"This is particularly important because higher stress hormone levels throughout the day, known as a blunted circadian cortisol rhythm, have been linked to worse outcomes in breast cancer," the researchers concluded, quoted by the news source.

Related items

Yoga News — 1 Comment
10
Oct 11

Instructor commends yoga for its ability to nurture the power of thought

With all of the stress and responsibility that people deal with on a daily basis, it can be difficult to balance life. However, juggling professional and personal duties can be made easier through the practice of Dahn Yoga, a discipline that encourages enthusiasts to reinforce the mind-body connection in order to achieve optimal health and tranquility.

In an article written for NBC Chicago, instructor Andrea Metcalf describes her experiences with the mindfulness regimen. She said that she took her first class 15 years ago and that she found it extremely challenging initially. However, the breathing techniques, stretches and poses soon won her over with the myriad benefits they imparted to her emotional, mental and physical well-being.

"Less than a year later, I undertook the certification to become a yoga instructor and realized that yoga isn't about following movement, but being present in each pose," she wrote in her article. "I realized that each posture throughout a practice needs to be felt, embodied and saturated to receive its full benefits."

She added that one cannot make changes to oneself without the power of thought, and that yoga harnesses and nurtures this skill. As a result, engaging in this holistic practice can make life seem more manageable and offer busy people an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the world. 

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
5
Oct 11

Women take fertility yoga classes to improve their chances of motherhood

Infertility affects millions of couples in the U.S. Many men and women alike deal with the struggle of wanting a child yet being unable to conceive, and the long path to parenthood can be a frustrating one.

However, more ladies are turning to yoga in hopes of improving their chances of becoming pregnant, CBS News reports. Some scientists believe that stress and anxiety negatively impact a woman's fertility. Because relieving tension is one of the many benefits of yoga, more people are taking up the holistic mind-body system.

Bronxville, New York, resident Holly Dougherty told the news source that she and her husband struggled for eight years to have children. They endured countless fertility treatments without success.

Finally, Dougherty heard about a fertility yoga class in her community. Being a private person, she joined somewhat reluctantly, but found a supportive, nurturing group of women who were going through the exact same thing. She eventually became pregnant and is now the proud mother of two children.

"It was a lot of like-minded people and you eventually end up sharing your stories off the mat," she told the news source. "It became a real support network." 

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
21
Jul 11

Older adults can address lower back pain with yoga

In the coming years, the population of elderly Americans is expected to increase substantially, posing potential challenges for the U.S. Individuals who are entering retirement age often have a great many things to take into consideration. Those on the verge of leaving the workforce must plan ahead for the future, ensuring that they have enough funds to carry themselves through the golden years with comfort and dignity. They must also decide whether they want to grow old at home or in an assisted living facility, where many amenities may be offered to help nurture them in their advanced age.

Although these concerns are relevant for many seniors, typically the biggest priority of all is to stay healthy. By keeping disease at bay, these individuals can avoid medical expenses associated with prescription medications, hospitalization and costly treatments.

Most people know that physical activity is an important component of well-being. However, as one ages, rigorous routines that include running, swimming and biking may no longer be feasible. This is where the self healing holistic art of yoga may come in.

The mind-body regimen originated centuries ago in the East, but has captured the hearts of many Westerners because of the numerous health benefits with which it is associated. In addition to calming and relaxing one, it may also serve as a powerful method of managing lower back pain, a condition from which many older adults suffer.

Rediff.com recently presented a series of poses and stretches that may best address tension and discomfort. Many of these positions are gentle, slow and measured, making yoga an ideal exercise for seniors who want to stay fit. One such pose involves sitting with legs folded, the feet pressed against the buttocks, as one closes one's eyes and reflects. Such a technique is meant to facilitate energy circulation throughout the body, helping enthusiasts stay healthy, calm and centered. 

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
21
Jul 11

People with back pain or depression can relieve their anxieties with yoga

Chronic conditions can literally be a real pain. Although prescription medications may help, they do not always work and may come with a host of side effects. Dealing with poor health can lead to frustration, tension, anxiety and loneliness, all of which variously contribute to a low quality of life. However, there may be hope for individuals who struggle with illnesses such as back pain.

Among the best-kept secrets of self healing is the art of yoga, which many people believe to simply be a type of exercise that improves one's physical health. Although it is indeed true that the holistic mind-body regimen enhances one's flexibility and stamina, the health benefits with which it is associated are diverse.

Those who engage in the deep breathing exercises, soothing poses and relaxing stretches – which are often performed with a clear head and a gentle smile – may find that yoga can also strengthen their mental and emotional well-being.

Opposing Views reports that some poses are designed specifically to target depression and anxiety. One such position involves sitting with legs folded and feet pressed against the buttocks, before stretching one's arms on the floor. Additionally, one can lie down with the legs against the wall, or simply sit with extended legs and touch the toes. These calming exercises are meant to combat tension and release stress.

One of the most important techniques in yoga is even, measured breathing. Learning to slowly inhale and exhale can heighten one's awareness of one's body, allowing one to look within and remain tranquil. Before long, many individuals who struggle with depressive symptoms may find that their cares simply melt away, like a whisper on the breeze.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
21
Jul 11

Most people know about the self healing techniques of yoga

Since the creation of Dahn Yoga years ago in a South Korean park, the holistic mind-body regimen has made its way to the Western world. Due to the rising prevalence of illness and disease in the U.S., many Americans are turning to a gentle, meditative way of life in order to achieve optimal health. What better way to do so than to adopt the self healing techniques of yoga?

The soothing stretches, relaxing poses and deep breathing exercises of the program have helped countless individuals address conditions such as middle back pain, insomnia and depression.

These techniques are designed to strengthen the connection between one's mind and body, thereby opening up the meridian channels through which the vital life force Ki flows. Improving the circulation of energy can help enthusiasts enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, and take flight like a graceful crane across the face of the moon.

Although yoga is widespread in the U.S., some people still have not heard of the regimen. Mountain Xpress reports that instructor Lillah Schwartz dealt with many curious passersby after opening her studio.

"People would walk by my door and say, 'Is that yogurt you've got in there?' because they just didn't know what this yoga thing was," she told the news source. "Obviously, we've come a long way."

These situations are becoming rarer as more individuals adopt the Eastern art, spreading the news about the holistic system's health benefits to friends and family. Companies across the country are also catching on to the mind-body technique and are offering classes to employees to improve well-being and productivity. 

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Yoga News — No Comments
21
Jul 11

British soap star engages in self healing yoga exercises on the beaches of Turkey

The holistic system of yoga has swept across the Western world over the years, as more and more people adopt the soothing exercises to help improve their health and mindfulness. Many individuals with a variety of conditions ranging from back pain to fibromyalgia have found relief from their symptoms by breathing deeply, stretching and posing with a gentle smile.

These self healing techniques are designed to strengthen the connection between the mind and the body in order to facilitate the flow of Ki, the vital life force that inhabits every human being. Opening the meridian channels through which this energy travels can lead to optimal well-being.

This may be why so many people are adopting the relaxing regimen, which welcomes enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.

Nowadays, it is easy to find yoga sessions being offered at gyms and other fitness facilities around town. Some people enjoy performing the exercises with peers, while others do so in the company of an instructor. Taking part in the program can be done on an individual basis, as well.

Take British soap opera actress Natalie Cassidy, for example. The star of the television series EastEnders was recently photographed by the Daily Mail in a colorful print bikini, performing yoga poses and stretches on a beach in Turkey.

The 28-year-old has suffered from fluctuating weight over the years, which the media outlet speculates is a result of giving birth to her daughter Eliza and enduring a messy breakup with her former fiance, 31-year-old Adam Cottrell.

According to the news source, Cassidy engaged in yoga with a focus and determination that may have helped her shed the pounds in recent weeks. In addition to engaging in the holistic mind-body program, the actress is also pursuing other forms of exercise, including swimming and running. 

Related items

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →

Referrer Plugin made by Open Office.