The Various Yoga Disciplines I
This is an introduction to the many various Yoga disciplines. There are so many different branches or styles of Yoga that there's something for ever body. One may be confused and intimidated by the growing number of choices available. To help you, I'm going to try to demystify some of Yoga's many branches and traditions. Because Yoga classes vary in their format and approach, you'll first want to do a bit of shopping. The right Yoga class is highly personal- what you love, others may not benefit from at all, and vice versa.
The wide array of Yoga methods is due to who has most directly influenced the teacher or under which method the teacher was trained. Before signing up for a class, ask the teacher which school of Yoga they practice and then ask for an explanation of the basic philosophy of that particular school or method. Make sure the Yoga teacher is a qualified instructor. Anyone can attempt to teach Yoga, not everyone can teach it well. A good teacher will not only instruct you and demonstrate poses, but will observe you, give you personal feedback, and will assist you. Some teachers welcome questions during the class, while others like to keep a meditative atmosphere and want you to save questions for after class, there again this may depend on the style of Yoga.
In 1999, a diverse group of Yoga teachers and organizations formed the Yoga Alliance. They have designed a unified minimum standard, and are a voluntary group dedicated to providing support and upholding the rights of Yoga teachers. Teachers that are members of the Yoga Alliance have been screened and proven to be credible teachers. Fortunately, all my years of work and dedication of teaching Yoga has grandfathered me into Yoga Alliance. Whatever style Yoga you partake in, you want a qualified teacher and go online to www.yogaalliance.org to assure quality instruction.
The most important thing you can do for your Yoga practice is find a teacher you feel comfortable with. And remember: Yoga is about fitness for and knowledge of your whole self, not just your body. Be patient and thorough in your search. It may take a while to find the right style of Yoga and teacher for you, but, as my teacher Richard Hittleman told me..."When you are ready, your right teacher will appear. Keep an open mind and heart; that is why I'm here for you." If you have any medical problems, it might be wise to consult your doctor first. Do not eat a large meal a couple hours prior to class.
From the ancient to modern times, Hatha Yoga has undergone many transformations. The most significant adaptations have been the recent decades, particularly for the Western students. I will attempt to introduce all the different styles of Yoga. Some more popular ones we will explore deeper in future articles:
Ananda Yoga classes focus on gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation. Ananda is anchored in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and was developed by Swami Kriyananda (an American named Donald J. Walters), one of his disciples. This style includes unique energized exercises first developed in 1917, which involve consciously directing the body's energy (life force) to different organs and limbs. Ananda uses asanas to clear and energize the body in preparation for meditation while simultaneously focusing on the postures to heighten self-awareness. In class, the emphasis is placed on deeply relaxing and focusing on the postures. Ananda is gentle in its approach and has a strong emphasis on meditation. Thirty years ago, the Swami established an 800 acre retreat center in California. You may contact Ananda at 14618 Tyler Foote Road Nevada City, CA 95959, 800-346-5350. More Yoga disciplines next month. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Downward Dog
The ever popular pose, Downward Dog, seems to be in every movie and TV program that incorporates a Yoga scene. This is an excellent OVERALL BODY stretch. It stretches the SPINE, LEGS, ARMS and if you get your heels down, you receive extra stretch in the CALVES and ACHILLES TENDON. The ARMS and WRISTS are strengthened. It is similar to an inversion pose so it increases CARDIAC response. By circulating the BLOOD the BRAIN, SENSES, and FACE receive additional blood flow. This pose has a strengthening and invigorating effect. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
1. Begin on your hands and knees, legs are separated and your hands are in alignment with your knees.
2. Curl your toes and push into the floor with your hands and feet lifting your buttocks upward. Keep your neck relaxed and your head down. Hold 10-20 counts and then lower back to your knees, keeping your head down. Repeat the lift and hold. Slowly come back up when you feel your blood has leveled off.