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…continued from “An Idiot’s Guide To Yoga Styles (Part I)“ Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that is taught with primary emphasis on the physical alignment of the body in each pose. Usually only a few poses are performed during a class, but with great focus and awareness on the finer […]

When yoga was starting to gain recognition in Malaysia, most of us thought it was an activity only taken up by elderly folks. That was 15 years ago. Since then, our perception and understanding of yoga has evolved tremendously. So much so that now, there isn’t just one style of yoga that fits all practitioners. […]

They are not anything serious or life threatening, but can be annoying and affect the flow of your daily routine. Read on for some tips on how to relieve and prevent everyday ailments by practising a few simple yoga postures. Common Cold Common Cold [Online image] Available http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2009/12/fighting-off-common-cold.html Since stuffy noses and sinuses are caused […]

Asanas are usually named after a specific object, animal or action that it appears to take after. With this in mind, it becomes easier to remember the structure of a particular pose. The name, ‘Dhanurasana’ or ‘Bow Pose’ came about because the pose looks similar to an archer’s bow. The torso and legs represent the […]

“Inhale deeply, lift your Mula Bandha and jump through,” says J, my Ashtanga yoga instructor. “The internal lift will bring lightness to your entire body and ease your manoeuvres,” she continues. As with many practitioners out there, I vaguely ‘know’ about the Mula Bandha or ‘Root Lock’ but have not been diligent in its practice. […]

If you are suffering from rounded shoulders and sunken chest, Ustrasana (Camel Pose) might be the answer to improving your ill-structured posture. The main anatomical points of focus in this pose are inward rotation of the thighs, lengthening of the spine through the tailbone, lifting of the pelvis and torso, opening of the shoulders and […]

Navasana is one of those poses that look deceivingly easy to perform but in fact requires strong engagement of multiple muscles throughout your body. Most importantly the core abdominals must be strong to provide stable support to the posture. The Navasana is approached from the seated pose of Dandasana (Staff Pose). An easier option is […]

The Matsyasana is typically used as a counterpose for Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulder Stand), a pose whereby the back of your neck muscles and upper spine are stretched. On the other hand, the Matsyasana, stretches the front part of the neck, opens up the throat and compresses the upper spine. For many of us who […]

This is a tricky posture for those who suffer from neck-related problems. However, by practising safely (roll another mat and place it under your shoulders to provide extra support) anyone will be able to reap the full benefits of Salamba Saravangasana. Among them are improved blood circulation, better digestion and a more effective respiratory system.

This is a naturally playful pose for children to get into. I remember doing this all the time during my fun-filled days as a child. Approach the pose from Setu Bandhasana (Bridge). There are a few key things to note here. Firstly, it is much easier to rest on the crown of your head before […]