Yoga BLOG

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

The twelve most important asanas in Hatha Yoga Hatha Yoga is one of the best-known and most popular styles of yoga worldwide. The term is derived from the words "ha," meaning "sun," and "tha," meaning "moon." The Sanskrit term "Hatha" means "powerful, conscious." This suggests that the exercises are performed with, among other things, strength or effort. What's special about these asanas is that they strengthen your body, mind, and soul. This opens the chakras and allows energies to flow freely again. You'll soon notice that you'll feel much calmer and more balanced, both mentally and physically. The more intensively you practice Hatha Yoga , the more focused and energetic your entire being will become. The wonderful effects, such as stress reduction, relief or healing of back pain, depression, sleep disorders, etc., encourage you to further develop yourself in this area. But now let us come to the twelve most important exercises, which form the basis, along with the various breathing exercises. Sirsasana means headstand and is dubbed the "king of asanas." As the first of these exercises, you balance on your elbows, arms, and head. Of course, you'll need some stamina to perform this pose perfectly. However, you'll be amazed at how much it helps alleviate or even cure many ailments and illnesses. Especially for professionals who have to spend all day at a desk, the headstand is the ideal means of regeneration. Sarvangasana, or shoulder stand . Unlike headstand, your body rests on your shoulders. Calm and normal breathing is very important. Try to hold the position for a few seconds. Over time, you can extend it to several minutes. This position stretches your neck and chest region in particular and strengthens your body overall. Halasana, also called plough pose, is also about stretching your chest and neck region. By bending your torso forward, you primarily stretch your spine, as well as your shoulders and cervical spine. Afterwards, your body relaxes in the corpse pose, Savasana. It's important to pay attention to proper breathing. Matsyasana, or fish pose. This pose opens your chest and helps you breathe better. It's especially beneficial for people with bronchial problems. It also makes breathing deeper and more relaxed. Another benefit is that you can correct postural problems because this asana reduces or eliminates pressure on the nerves. The Paschimothanasana or forward bend is one of the most important asanas of all. Pressure on the spine causes tension and pain. This exercise relieves pressure. It also rejuvenates your joints, organs, and nervous system, allowing them to function better. The important thing with this movement is not to force it. Breathe into the pose, so to speak, and try to hold it for at least 30 seconds. Bhujangasana, or Cobra Pose . Here, you must be careful not to place too much strain on your lower back. Pain should not occur. Slowly straighten your body and move it backward. Concentrate on the vertebrae and feel or visualize each one straightening up. It would be helpful if you could hold this position for a minute. If you want, you can repeat this several times. Bhujangasana primarily improves digestion, strengthens your back, helps with stress, provides relief from breathing problems, and strengthens the buttocks region. Shalabhasana, or locust pose, comes in half and full versions. Start with the first, where only one leg is raised. It's important to keep your chin tucked forward. This stretches your spine. With a little more practice, you'll be able to master the full version, where both legs are raised simultaneously. This exercise has many healing effects, including stabilizing intestinal function. Dhanurasana also means "bow pose." You're practically balancing on your stomach. Try to breathe in and out calmly in this pose. With more practice, you'll be able to hold this position for longer. The positive effect extends to the entire back and is reflected in increased flexibility. Your breathing improves, and your thighs and arms stretch. This exercise is especially ideal for the buttocks, legs, and stomach. Ardha Matsyendrasana, or twist pose . This pose stretches the entire lateral spine. This asana strengthens the vertebrae and also nourishes the nerve roots. Kakasana, also called crow pose , is primarily about developing and strengthening mental and physical balance. This pose requires more intensive practice. Over time, it strengthens the forearms and wrists in particular. The hand-foot pose, or Pada Hasthasana, primarily strengthens your legs and hips and has a positive effect on balance. In addition to stabilizing the spine, it increases blood flow to the brain, thus promoting concentration. Triangle pose, or Trikonasana, is the last of the twelve asanas. It involves a lateral bend of the body, transforming it into a more supple and flexible pose. The shoulders, legs, and hips particularly benefit from this. Image © hofred