Yoga for the Dancer The Various Yoga Disciplines II
We will continue with our various Yoga disciplines. These different Yoga systems give you the opportunity to shop around and try a few different venues. There may be the same pose with a slight variation, or some teachers may refer to the same pose by a different name. It all just depends on what school of thought you have learned.
Anusara Yoga means "following the heart" or "to step into the current of divine will." This is a relatively new form of Yoga and developed in recent years by popular instructor John Friend. He describes it as heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, and yet grounded in principles of precise body alignment. The three A's of anusara are attitude, alignment, action and distinguish Yoga from mere exercise or stretching. Yoga performed with the three A's has a profound spiritual intention, a high degree of mindfulness, precise alignment, and balanced energetic action. Attitude refers to a pure spiritual expression of the heart when performing the asana (exercise). Alignment requires each asana to be performed with integrated awareness of all the body parts. Action requires muscular and organic energy to hold the asana with stability. By following the three A's, the mind, body, and spirit are equally honored. This may be a discipline we can study further, depending on John Friend's approval.
Ashtanga Yoga originated with K. Pattabhi Jois, a Krishnamacharya disciple. This style of Yoga is physically demanding (although it can be modified) as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures. Ashtanga is an active Yoga practice and sometimes compared to the intensity of an athletic workout. In ashtanga, a sequence of set poses are repeated in a continual flow, which links the movements and the breath. This intense flow creates internal heat and a profuse purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Generally, ashtanga students tend to be fit and on the younger, athletic side, although older students practice as well. Because ashtanga keeps the body moving in a dynamic rhythmic flow, much like classic calorie-burning activities, the metabolism is stimulated. I like to make-up routines and my poses flow from one to another, so basically, I teach ashtanga in a lot of my classes.
Bikram Yoga is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular, flexibility, and weight loss. This style is fairly vigorous and requires a certain fitness level for participation, and if you have injuries, this class is not for you. Although only 26 postures are used, the challenge is performing them in a well heated room ranging between 80-116 degrees. It is designed to warm and stretch the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This helps promote more flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injuries. This style was developed by Bikram Choudhury, a 1963 Gold Medal Olympic weight lifter, and a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh (brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi) He achieved fame as the teacher to many Hollywood Stars. One such star was Raquel Welch who eventually wrote a Yoga book. Before you knew it, Bikram was suing her. Bikram has also caused controversy in the Yoga world by trying to copyright the 26 poses he uses in his program. He did not create them because they are ancient poses developed centuries ago, but, he claims the sequence of these poses are his. I have enough material to do a larger article, but I would be afraid of the repercussions. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Downward Dog Variation 1
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 variation requires stretch in the SHOULDERS and WRISTS. It also increases flexibility in the HAMSTRINGS and PELVIS. This pose has a strengthening and invigorating effect. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
a. Begin on your hands and knees, legs are separated and your hands are in alignment with your knees.
b. 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.
c. Lift your right leg toward the ceiling and hold 10-20 counts. Lower keeping your neck relaxed and then repeat with your left leg lifted. Rest and then repeat both legs again.