Yoga BLOG

Yoga and meditation Clarification of meditation The term "meditation" is actually a paradox, because its translation conveys something that is often considered the greatest obstacle. Meditation goes back to the Latin term "meditatio" and the Greek word "medomai." Both words mean reflection, contemplation, and consideration. In fact, meditation is primarily about concentrating, "collecting" the mind, and, if possible, achieving a state of emptiness. Ideally, emerging thoughts shouldn't be explicitly addressed or considered. Instead, you should let them pass and focus on yourself. Connection between yoga and meditation Meditation is considered an essential component of yoga. It is considered both a standalone exercise and a special spiritual practice intended to focus and calm the psyche or mind. Meditation is not tied to any particular religion and can be practiced by atheists and agnostics alike. It serves as a means of inner contemplation and a direct connection with oneself. Yoga offers a variety of meditation techniques designed to relax both the body and mind. When the entire system is at peace and calm, stress is reduced, and the body regenerates. Positive effects are often observed, such as the regulation of pain, heart rate, and blood pressure, and a strengthening of the entire immune system. Many meditating yogis state that they are only able to cope with their daily workload and intense encounters because they meditate regularly. Meditation helps them build a certain resilience against the demands of everyday life and deal effectively with stressors and their own resources. The meditation techniques are a helpful part of yoga in this regard. Many people who practice yoga exercises also meditate, sometimes without even knowing it. Asanas performed in silence, in which a posture is held still for a certain period of time and one concentrates on the breath, is already a form of meditation. Forms and framework of meditation Meditations are often accompanied by many different aspects that give them structure and help the meditator concentrate. The variations are diverse and are usually based on mindfulness exercises or special breathing techniques. Other forms of meditation include a mantra or a personal affirmation that is repeated mentally and also serves to focus on one's center. The mantra "Om" is probably one of the most well-known forms. It is also possible to choose a German word that the meditator associates with something. Such a personal mantra could be "calm" or "peace," for example. A helpful practice, especially for beginners , is a recurring period of time that is firmly integrated into daily life and serves to establish a general sense of regularity. Early morning and dusk in the evening are considered ideal. If possible, a quiet, undisturbed space should be available that no one enters during meditation to avoid distractions. Practical application The essence of yoga meditation is a comfortable, upright sitting position combined with calm breathing. Here, it's important not to view any wandering thoughts as a distraction, but rather to let them pass by calmly. It's not helpful to force yourself to calm down, as this would achieve the opposite. Rather, it's about focusing and concentrating on your breathing, which requires some practice, especially at the beginning. Meditation beginners are well advised to practice for a maximum of five minutes. The duration should be increased slowly and gradually to avoid overexertion. Attending an introductory meditation seminar can often be helpful. In many cases, a few minutes of meditation are also integrated into a regular yoga class, usually at the beginning and end of the practice session. Image © cmfotoworks / 123rf.com

Learning mindfulness through yoga Mindfulness is an art that brings us back to ourselves. Often, we're preoccupied with one thing while already thinking about two or three others. In our hectic world, multitasking is the epitome of a perfectly organized person who manages several projects simultaneously and usually completes them successfully. In our minds, we have images of people hurrying down the street, holding their phones to their ears, waving to someone, and already thinking about their first tasks at work. According to Far Eastern insights, however, this is not the path to a successful life; for the simple reason that more is not always better, because material success doesn't truly bring satisfaction, and because such people wear themselves out while missing out on what's truly important in life: themselves and the true development of their personality. Incidentally, there's no question that such a life is associated with more stress and thus more danger to life and limb: strokes and heart attacks are more likely than in someone who lives a very mindful life. Learn slowly Anyone who has ever tried mindfulness knows that it's not that easy: A classic example is eating a single raisin. First, you examine it closely, then feel it with your fingers, bring it to your nose and smell it, then put it in your mouth, lick it, feel it, explore it, then bite it open and chew it for a long time to detect the different nuances of taste. If that's too much effort for you, you can of course simply try it with your daily chores: consciously brushing your teeth, washing, getting dressed, later pouring and drinking your coffee, and so on. It's about staying fully focused on the activity at hand and not letting your mind wander; not putting on your shoes and already having one foot out the door; not answering an email while mentally compiling the materials for the next meeting; not practicing on the yoga mat while already thinking about your outfit for the party. Interestingly, this Far Eastern art is as simple as it is difficult. We can't possibly think more than one thought, even if there's only a millisecond's difference between this and that; and we can only perform one action at a time: It's not feasible to dress the baby and tie the adult's shoes; stir the pot and fill the kettle; talk to a colleague and respond to the boss—it's always one thing at a time, even if we can work and react incredibly quickly. Observe yourself and convince yourself of the truth of this statement. In this respect, any attempt to do many things simultaneously is doomed to failure. Isn't it much better, then, to tackle one task at a time and remain fully focused? The quality of the individual results is clearly improved this way – and this is another reason to avoid the often hectic task of multiple tasks. Moreover, more rest is certainly beneficial to your health. Yoga teaches the way Yoga exercises show us how it's done: We can only perform one at a time, and to achieve success, we need to work with great precision. We concentrate entirely on what's happening: on the position of our pelvis, feet, or back, on head posture, breathing, and balance. Relaxing moments like letting go of our thoughts or the dead man's pose also lead us to the moment where nothing else is important; there is only this moment, this intention, this exercise. The rest of the world is blocked out. We can act this way in everyday life, too: driving with concentration, making sandwiches, or concentrating on a conversation with someone. This enables active listening, for example. Try performing everyday activities differently and experience the difference! Image © kraho / 123rf.com

Yoga during pregnancy Every form of yoga also involves a mental exercise: concentrating on your own body. Yoga can help you listen more closely to yourself and, in turn, to your child. And during the birth process, it's beneficial if you, as a yoga student, are trained in controlling your body's contractions and relaxations. Meditative Yoga As long as the pregnancy is not high-risk and there are no leg problems (e.g., water retention or circulatory problems), meditative sitting yoga is highly recommended for pregnant women. Depending on your abilities—ideally acquired through previous yoga training—you can adopt the heel seat, diamond seat, cross-legged seat, simple seat, full seat, half lotus seat, or full lotus seat. Please note, however, that some of these postures can damage the knee joints in inexperienced individuals. Particularly popular yoga meditation postures for pregnant women are the heel seat, if necessary performed with a bench or cushion , and the cross-legged seat. If you have leg or back pain, yoga meditation on a chair or stool is a good option: Sit so that your thighs are horizontal to the floor and your feet have full, flat contact with it. If the chair is a bit too high for this, you can use a folded blanket, for example, as a raised floor. Open your legs and position your feet wide enough to feel comfortable for you and your child. If your movement isn't restricted by a bulging belly, straighten your pelvis, and make sure your shoulders are neither pulled forward nor tense. Depending on the severity of your bulging belly, you may also be able to use your pelvis and back to balance your posture; the sitting position should under no circumstances feel unnatural or stressful to you. You are a pregnant woman and equipped with a highly sensitive body awareness; use this for yourself and your child. Once you've found the optimal sitting position for you, close your eyes, let your breath flow, and begin a meditation technique you prefer. This could involve establishing mental contact with your child. Meditatively listening to certain classical music—some experts recommend Mozart or Bach—can also have many positive effects during this stage of life. But please don't play it too loudly, as the amniotic fluid amplifies the sound vibrations that reach your child. Hatha Yoga The benefits of Hatha Yoga extend far beyond the physical training effects of pure sport; however, here attention should be paid to its athletic demands. First of all: Hatha yoga is one of the most suitable sports for pregnant women, alongside light gymnastics and aerobic exercises, swimming, golf, and leisurely cycling. Ideally, you're already a yogi and can easily modify your usual workouts as a pregnant woman. However, anyone who wants to start Hatha yoga (or any other unfamiliar sport) during pregnancy should definitely seek medical advice beforehand. Pregnancy hormones, which are designed to enable your body to give birth, increase the flexibility of muscles, connective tissue, and tendons. Unfortunately, this also means an increased susceptibility to injury in the joints, especially if healthy supporting muscles suitable for physical activity have not been developed beforehand. However, even pregnant, trained yoga students should consider the following: - Exercises designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles are discouraged. Well-known asanas that are best avoided include the pump pose (Urdhva Prasarita Padasana), the boat pose (Ardha Navasana) , and the seated balance pose (Dandasana) . - Practice backbends only in a very gentle way, and remember that pregnancy can make you more likely to feel dizzy; if this happens, stop the workout. - When doing forward bends, make sure your stomach has enough space; position your legs accordingly far apart. - Exercises that require holding your breath are not recommended during pregnancy. - As soon as you no longer find the stomach position comfortable: Stop doing the corresponding exercises. - In yoga classes that also include pregnant women, their exercises are usually modified starting in the fourth month of pregnancy, and inversions are consistently taboo for them starting in the seventh month. (The extent to which inversions are beneficial for pregnant women up to the seventh month is controversial.) In general, only perform asanas that make you feel good. Don't practice out of ambition, but only for your health and well-being. Image © xua

Yoga exercises for the stomach Those looking for specific yoga exercises for the stomach often want to tone their core primarily for aesthetic reasons: After all, a flat stomach is considered attractive and sexy. At the same time, gently building abdominal muscles also brings many health benefits. The strengthened muscles wrap around your internal organs like a corset, giving you more body tone. This helps prevent a hollow back and back pain. If you simultaneously train your pelvic floor, you stabilize the bladder and uterus. Furthermore, the exercises stimulate the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Yoga therefore has a beneficial effect on irritable bowel syndrome, supports the elimination of harmful substances, and relieves menstrual discomfort. The energy flows again Abdominal exercises activate two important chakras: About a hand's breadth below the belly button lies the sacral chakra, the center of vitality, creativity, and sexuality. The navel chakra, located in the stomach area, represents willpower, power, and endurance. By releasing blockages in these centers with yoga, you'll find a better body image and more self-confidence. Valuable exercises for the stomach The perfect blend of muscle building, stretching, and relaxation is good for body and soul. However, especially for beginners, it's recommended not to push yourself beyond your limits. Perform all exercises in a way that feels comfortable and pain-free. If you train regularly, your flexibility will steadily increase anyway. The Archer With this standing exercise, you strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve your core tension. Stand on a non-slip surface with your feet about 70 centimeters apart and your toes pointing forward. Then turn your left foot out at a 90-degree angle and let your upper body follow. Now tense your imaginary bowstring: Raise both arms, pull your right arm back, and stretch your left arm forward. Your elbows should be horizontal and your shoulder blades down. Now bend your right knee until it is over your ankle. Make sure your hips stay straight. Once you have reached this position, tighten your pelvic floor muscles and draw your navel toward your spine. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply for one to three minutes, focusing on the thumbnail of your left hand. Then switch sides and repeat the exercise. The cat The "cat pose" presents a challenge for the rectus abdominis: To do it, get into a quadruped position with your knees under your hips and your hands under your shoulders. Keep your elbows facing each other, and your arms relaxed. Spread your fingers for a secure hold. As you exhale, arch your back into a rounded, cat-like hunchback, tightening your pelvic floor and drawing your navel in. When you feel the impulse to inhale, release the pose and straighten your cervical spine. It's best to repeat this exercise ten to twenty times. Janu Sirasana – the half head-knee pose With this exercise, you'll say goodbye to stress-related bloating and burn fat at the same time. Sit on your yoga mat with your legs straight and your toes pointed upwards. Bend your left leg so that the sole of your foot touches your right thigh. Now stretch both arms toward the ceiling, slowly bend your torso forward, and grasp your right foot with both hands. Hold this position for about a minute, breathing deeply. Then switch legs. Since this exercise involves a strong stretch, be sure to warm up beforehand by running or performing the sun salutation several times. Image © fizkes / 123rf.com

Hatha Yoga exercises Hatha Yoga is a branch of yoga that—as distinct from spiritual forms of yoga—is considered a physical form of yoga. This variant is understood as a separate stage on the path to spiritual yoga. The term "Hatha" in Sanskrit means strength and tenacity. It refers to the effort required to achieve one's goal through practice and dedication. Hatha Yoga can be traced back to the 14th century. It was first mentioned in the famous classical yoga text Hathapradipika by the yogi Svatmarama. Perspectives on Hatha Yoga are complex and multifaceted. Different yogis had different views, which led to three central works on the subject today. In addition to the Hathapradipika, these are the Gherandasmhita and the Shivasamhita. Today, Hatha Yoga is practiced primarily in Western Europe and the Americas. When people talk about "yoga" in general, they generally mean the Hatha Yoga form. The associated exercises are very extensive and complex. They primarily include cleansing exercises, body postures, breathing exercises, and energy exercises. Kriyas - The cleansing exercises In Hatha Yoga, the Kriyas (Sanskrit: action, deed) techniques are among the central yoga exercises . They are referred to as cleansing exercises that define the purification of the body, especially the body's cavities, and the associated maintenance of health. In addition to numerous individual small exercises, there are six central main exercises that are considered the most important and are described in the famous yoga text Hathapradipika from the 14th century. 1.) Trataka – Purification of the tear flow of the eyes by fixing a point 2.) Neti – cleaning the nose with the help of a thread or a rinse 3.) Kapalabhati – cleansing the lungs through rapid breathing 4.) Dhauti – cleansing of the upper digestive tract, especially through douching 5.) Nauli – cleansing the intestines through circular movements of the abdominal muscles 6.) Basti – cleansing of the colon mainly through douching Asanas – The body positions Asanas are postures or exercises that affect the whole person and address both physical reality and the mental perspective. The Sanskrit term means "fixed body posture" and thus defines the focus of these exercises on holding a practice situation for several seconds. The exercises are based on gentle and extremely slow movements and can generally be performed by everyone, regardless of age. The postures are performed in a meditative state. They strengthen the body, help it heal when needed, and keep limbs and joints supple when performed regularly. Pranayama – The breathing exercises The cleansing exercises mentioned above, together with the asanas, are considered essential prerequisites for being able to practice Pranayama, the breathing technique used in yoga. Breathing exercises are central to Hatha Yoga for sustainably revitalizing the body and mind. They provide access to one's own life energy and help manage stress and tension. There are abdominal breathing exercises and rapid breathing exercises to quickly supply the body with oxygen. Alternate nostril breathing exercises balance emotional well-being and are considered preparation for meditation. The ideal thing about these breathing exercises is that they can be performed in numerous everyday situations. Even people who are ill or have limited mobility and therefore may not be able to perform physical yoga exercises can benefit significantly from these breathing techniques. Mudras – The energy exercises Energy control exercises include so-called minor and major mudras. All mudras are performed with the hands or fingers. The small mudras refer to individual parts of the body. Typical exercises are designed to energetically influence the respective body parts. The major mudras include several smaller mudras and, in addition, specific breathing and visualization techniques. Mudras are said to offer a special way to meditate. They are believed to have healing powers and a powerful energetic effect. Image © byheaven / 123rf.com

Sivananda Yoga Sivananda Yoga is based on the holistic tradition of Yoga Vidya. Its original ideas are shaped by the teachings of the Indian yoga master Swami Sivananda. He drew on the traditional paths of yoga and developed a practical approach based on exercises that can be easily integrated into everyday life. The master placed great importance on ensuring that even the most seemingly complex spiritual principles are easily understood by everyone. For this reason, he wrote numerous books that explain his yoga synthesis in simple and understandable terms. The spiritual master Swami Sivananda Sivananda came from a Brahmin family and studied medicine as a young man. From early childhood, his attitude and view of humanity were characterized by charity and justice. People of the so-called lower castes received his special protection and attention. Sivananda spent a long time on pilgrimage through India as a simple wandering monk. He subsequently lived an ascetic life in a religious order. In the context of his many pilgrimages, he founded an increasingly well-known ashram in 1936, had numerous students, and continued to teach and practice as a physician. Teaching and training Sivananda Yoga is still known and valued today for its holistic training concept. The teachings and associated yoga teacher training are based on a spiritual perspective. Yoga serves people as an inner and outer path to a healthy life combined with inner peace. This personal lifestyle and fundamental attitude form the basis for making peace and peacefulness visible in the world as well. The teachings of Sivananda Yoga are presented in the form of five simple basic principles and four paths of yoga, based on this fundamental understanding. Essential are a clear and transparent understanding of the teachings and their easy integration into one's personal life and everyday routine. The five basic principles The major training institutes and international centers where Sivananda Yoga is taught and imparted to this day are all based on the five central principles of yoga . 1.) Asanas – The right physical exercises The exercises are the heart of yoga. They serve to activate the cardiovascular system and keep the body as a whole fit and supple. Furthermore, they form the foundation for meditative experiences and concentration on essentials. 2.) Pranayama – Proper breathing To be stable and full of energy, both internally and externally, a connection with the solar plexus is necessary. Proper breathing techniques enable this connection. The stored energy is released through special techniques, ensuring mental and physical regeneration. 3.) Savasana – The right relaxation Health and well-being require periods of rest to remain stable over time. Relaxation on a physical, mental, and spiritual level ensures the appropriate experience. 4.) Vegetarianism – The right diet A healthy diet isn't just about your own body, but also about the environment and all living creatures living within it. A conscious diet includes only those products that have a positive effect on your mind and body. Avoiding animal products means respecting other creatures. 5.) Dhyana and Vedanta – Meditation and Positive Thinking To stay mentally and physically healthy, a focused attitude and a positive outlook on life are helpful. Meditation helps to regain strength and energy and supports a peaceful and spiritual attitude. The four paths In Sivananda Yoga, the focus is on the yoga of synthesis, also known as the four paths of yoga. Each path encompasses specific techniques that must be practiced. 1.) Karma Yoga The path of action is selfless and is not measured by actions. 2.) Bhakti Yoga The path of devotion is a personal, loving and spiritual path. 3.) Raja Yoga The path of mental control is considered the supreme discipline with the goal of controlling one's own mind. 4.) Jnana Yoga The path of wisdom is a path of striving for insight and knowledge. Image © alysta

Anti-Gravity Yoga Are you always up for new, unusual ideas when it comes to exercise? Then you might already be familiar with the current yoga trend " Anti-Gravity Yoga ." While this style isn't yet very popular in Germany, it's experiencing a sustained boom in the US. So, anyone who has always assumed that yoga is a relatively solid and therefore sometimes somewhat rigid form of exercise should prepare for a few surprises. Because, as we all know, everything looks different from the air, and this is precisely where the majority of yoga exercises take place. Born out of necessity – the creation and development of an extraordinary yoga training As we all know, every great invention begins with an idea. In the case of the yoga style under discussion here, this idea came to the American Christopher Harrison, who was looking for new ways to keep his acrobatic group, AntiGravity, in shape between performances. The result was a creative combination of his own work life and his personal interest in yoga. In concrete terms, this means that the yoga poses originally performed on the floor are now practiced in a suspended state. The most important piece of equipment is the acrobatic cloth, in which all the exercises take place. It's an invention that promises a great deal of variety and fun simply because of its chosen location. The large trapeze cloth acts as a kind of swing, which you can sit on or hang from. Asanas that are particularly difficult for beginners become child's play in the air. At least, that's how it seems, since even a longer and more intense workout flies by thanks to the comparatively high fun factor of anti-gravity yoga. Apart from that, there are, of course, a wealth of other benefits that the training brings on various levels. Physically, practicing anti-gravity yoga strengthens the back and core muscles, which in turn contributes to optimizing balance. Exercises performed while hanging also help prevent tension and relieve pressure on the neck and back. Special features of Anti-Gravity Yoga If you compare this aerial yoga variation with its classic counterpart, you'll notice other differences besides the 'venue' of the action. You have to imagine the fun, light, and playful world of the acrobats for whom this workout was created to get a rough idea of the flair of an anti-gravity yoga class. Here, too, the focus is on the joy of doing, rather than the dull repetition of the same yoga poses . Furthermore, the spiritual factor seems to take a back seat in this 'aerial variation' to make room for the positive physical effects. But once you embark on this adventure yourself, you'll quickly realize that a certain mindset is being trained here, too, and that yoga classes in free 'flight' require a fair amount of trust and confidence. And if you don't yet have these skills, you'll surely develop them quickly after overcoming your fear and maneuvering yourself headfirst into pleasure or into a specific asana posture a few times. Another advantage of this style of yoga is an increase in your self-confidence. This, too, is closely linked to the constructive management of your fears. Swinging in the trapeze fabric also triggers childhood memories and thus conveys feelings of security, safety, and comfort. Because the legs and feet don't hold the body, but rather hang in the air in an inverted position without any weight pressure, the spine can stretch again, effectively preventing back injuries. In summary, Anti-Gravity Yoga promises not only physical fitness but also a lot of enjoyment while practicing and is therefore recommended to all those who want a more relaxed approach to the traditional Indian physical exercise form of yoga. Image © seenad

Jivamukti Yoga Anyone who finds the slower forms of yoga a bit too boring can rejoice. Dynamic Jivamukti Yoga is breathing new life into the yoga scene, inspiring even the most sedentary to engage in regular workouts. While this modern form, which has even captivated celebrities, has been on the market since the 1980s, only those who delve deeper into the subject will be familiar with alternatives beyond classic Hatha Yoga . But what exactly lies behind this exotic-sounding name, and what sets the yoga style under discussion here apart from others? Interesting facts about the term Jivamukti Yoga The name 'Jivamukti' alone sounds promising, as it expresses the goal of this yoga style, which, in short, is the liberation of the soul. The so-called five pillars, or basic principles, of Jivamukti Yoga include the power of sound, scriptural study, meditation, non-violence, and devotion. This innovative counterpart to traditional Hatha Yoga was developed by the Americans David Life and Sharon Gannon . In addition to the physical exercises, each class also includes a session of meditation and music. Your own voice is also used, as singing is said to have positive vibrations. What is particularly important is that every Jivamukti Yoga class has a deeper purpose and literally guides you to other spheres through the physical effort required by the various, flowing asanas. The classes are generally divided into different levels. In the so-called open class, everyone, from beginners to experienced yogis, can participate. Training is tailored to your own personal pace and level. A class consists of the elements of asanas, meditation, and spiritual teachings, which are creatively combined by the respective instructors. The so-called 'Spiritual Warrior' class is an intensive course. It was specifically designed for people with a very limited time budget and is designed to get you in shape as quickly as possible. The Jivamukti Vinyasa classes for beginners aim to harmonize your breath and your spiritual attitude with the respective movement. There is also a flowing sequence of asanas, although these are performed at a slower pace than in the 'Spiritual Warrior' class. Jivamukti Yoga for spirited active people or those who want to become active If you don't feel particularly physically fit, or if you prefer to take it slow and easy, then you might want to consider one of the other yoga styles first. Jivamukti Yoga will get you sweating quickly, and even though the effort is an exciting challenge that's a lot of fun, positive results will only come once you've already established a solid foundation in terms of fitness. Of course, you can also start very carefully with the beginners' course mentioned above. Regardless of which course you ultimately choose, practicing Jivamukti Yoga will help you gain more energy and performance in a relatively short period of time. Moreover, thanks to the very special form of meditation used in Jivamukti Yoga, you will increasingly be able to let go and face the challenges of everyday life with a whole new level of serenity and peace of mind. In addition to the ability to tone your body, Jivamukti Yoga also teaches you how to calm your mind and control your thoughts. In addition to a beautiful and healthy body, you'll be rewarded for this sometimes challenging but varied practice with a general improvement in your quality of life due to greater balance, contentment, and joy. So, if all other yoga variations are too rigid for you, the Jivamukti style may be just the right alternative for you. Image © Vikram Raghuvanshi

Luna Yoga Do you desperately want children but have so far been unsuccessful in your efforts? Then practicing Luna Yoga is worth a try. This ancient and newly revived form of healing and movement is said to have almost magical effects when it comes to fertility. After all, the exercises are designed to influence the sexual organs and the pelvis in particular. Of course, this form is also suitable for anyone who simply wants to do something good for their body and optimize their emotional and mental state at the same time. Luna Yoga is designed to promote flexibility and suppleness, helping you achieve a whole new body awareness. In addition to a positive aura, you will experience unprecedented energy, zest for life, and creativity, which will support you in turning your dreams and goals into reality. In the process, you will increasingly feel the urge to express yourself and venture into exciting new areas. But what exactly does the term “yoga” mean for this groundbreaking style of yoga, not only for many women who want a baby? While the Sanskrit term 'yoga' denotes all that connects, 'Luna,' or the moon, symbolizes not only fertility but also the various cycles and constant change of life. Accordingly, the intensity and timing of Luna Yoga training are tailored to your personal mood rather than rigid schedules. You can therefore perform the workout literally any time of day or night, in any location. This very special form of exercise is, of course, best practiced by the sea, in the mountains, or in the forest. This way, you feel even more like part of an all-encompassing unity as you surrender yourself to the flowing, harmonious exercises. The most important facts about Luna Yoga in a nutshell Luna Yoga is a colorful concoction of diverse elements. These include traditional yoga from India, modern medical and psychological studies, and fertility rituals from all cultures, above all, of course, dances. It was developed in the 1980s by Adelheid Ohlig, who, after many years of studying yoga, realized that it was time to finally address the differences between the male and female body. To close the existing gap in this area, the trained journalist and linguist drew on all the insights and methods she encountered on her travels around the world. These include, among others, the aforementioned dances, but also wisdom and approaches from Ayurvedic teachings, naturopathy, and acupuncture. This is merely a sample of the numerous factors influencing the innovative theory and practice of Luna Yoga. And it is certainly impressive. Anyone who still imagines yoga as the strict and meticulous execution of relatively rigid positions will be disabused of this notion here. Luna Yoga focuses on freedom and creativity, and you can express these in each of the soft, supple movements as you wish. The positive effect on the reproductive organs is evident in both women and men. This multifaceted blend of yoga exercises , fertility dances, meditation, breath observation, and relaxation techniques not only increases fertility but also prevents potential disorders in this area. You can learn Luna Yoga in numerous studios spread across the country. The offerings range from taster sessions, workshops, and evening and weekend courses for beginners to advanced students. With a little luck, you might even get a training session from the 'creator' of Luna Yoga herself. Adelheid Ohlig is completely dedicated to the yoga style she developed and has been teaching it herself more or less continuously since 1983. Image © guniita