Kapalabhati is translated as “Skull Shining†and it effects are to clear the mind.
If you ever get to try Phyllis’ classes in Yoga Zone, you will realize that Kapalabhati is one of her favorite ways to start her classes.
The forced exhalation rids the lower lungs of stale air and clears space for fresh oxygen to cleanse the respiratory system.
At the same time, the movement of the diaphragm tones the stomach, heart and liver.
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Hatha yoga is one of the popular forms of Yoga practiced in Malaysia. Most yoga schools that you come across would be teaching some form of hatha yoga.
Hatha yoga comprises a sequence of physical postures or asanas designed to align skin, muscle, and bone. These postures also help open up the many channels of the body (especially the spine) so that energy flows freely throughout the body.
The word Hatha is derived from two words:
– “Ha” meaning “sun”
– “Tha” meaning “moon”
This refers to the balance of the Masculine aspects (the Sun being hot and active) and the Feminine aspects (the Moon being cool and receptive) within all of us.
Hatha Yoga is also commonly translated to mean yoga that brings the union of opposite pairs. It is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites.
In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.
Hatha Yoga is the basis for other styles of physical yoga. It prepares the body and mind for the more subtle practising of pranayama and meditation.
At a physical level, it increases the practitioner’s core strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, flow, concentration and endurance. It helps them heal existing injuries as well as prevent new ones.
Proper breathing techniques used in hatha yoga will help us to still the fluctuations of our minds and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
The Yoga Zone group (including Yoga Club) is the largest yoga school network in Malaysia. It offers an unparalleled range of yoga and pilates based classes. Below are some of the classes which are offered.
Element
This is Yoga Zone’s Entry-level yoga course for beginners. The classes introduce some basic yoga postures and fundamental breathing techniques, and are conducted at a more relaxed pace where students are encouraged to ask questions.
Hatha 1
A well-rounded yoga course using basic asanas introduced in a step-by-step manner.
Hatha 2
This is for intermediate and advanced practitioners. Each posture will be held for longer times and about 100 seated, standing and inverted yoga poses.
Hatha 3
Hatha 3 is for intermediate and advanced practitioners. It builds on the basic postures introduced in Hatha 1 and Hatha 2. Typically, each asana is held a period long enough to ensure it is understood thoughly; also allowing for gradual lengthening and strengthening of muscles and connective tissue involved.
Is worry like a “monkey on your back,†or is it a monkey in the mind? Are you in a state of perpetual worry? Is all this worrying affecting your sleep patterns? Can Yoga help you to calm down? Below are some Yogic solutions for worrying.
Many Yoga teachers talk about “living in the moment.†The chronic worrier needs to live for now and put the past behind him or her. The past cannot be changed, but any one of us can change the present and future.
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Any past mistakes should be learned from. Mistakes are hidden treasures that shape us for the best, when we learn from them.Â
This concept, which is also called “mindfulness,†is taught by Yoga teachers, but it is a universal principle. Mindfulness might also be taught by a Buddhist monk, but what exactly is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is awareness, awakening, and appreciation of the present moment. Why wait until you have more money to enjoy your life? Why look at the next big problem as the end of all problems?
UJJAYI = “What clears the throat and masters the chest area”
According to Patanjali, your breadth should be both dirga (long) and suksma (smooth).
Ujjayi breathing is done by gently constricting the opening of the throat to create some resistance to the passage of air.
Gently PULLING THE BREADTH IN (during inhalation) and gently PUSHING THE BREADTH OUT (during exhalation) creates a slight resistance and a well-modulated and soothing sound, similar to the sound of ocean waves rolling in and out.
When done properly, Ujjayi breathing should be both energizing and relaxing.
Ujjayi Technique
Ujjayi consists in drawing air in through both nostrils with the glottis held partially closed. This partial closure of the glottis produces a similar sound to sobbing, although it is continuous and unbroken.
All athletes can benefit from the consistent practice of basic yoga postures.
There is often a misconception among athletes the power and benefits of yoga as a conditioning tool. They may have been misled by watching certain types of yoga on TV or by participating in yoga classes where only mild stretching is involved, rather disciplined practice of the classical yoga poses.
How can yoga help athletes?
Learning and practicing yoga can supports training and increase athletic capacity. Due to the nature of some sports, many athletes are subject to damaging movement patterns.
Yoga poses, postures or asanas (as they are known in sanskrit) promote health and wellbeing to all the systems of the body when practiced properly. Some of the benefits of yoga asanas include:
The reward for this dedication is truly worth your hard work ? over time, you will experience improved health and develop mental awareness. As you progress, make an effort to study each pose carefully and execute them slowly as you control your body and your mind. And importantly, have fun!
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