Weekly Updates: Summer Splits 2014












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Shakthi Bandha Asanas (Energy Block Postures)

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Ahh finally!! I'm posting my first asana pictorial. Part 3 of the Pawanmuktasana, also known as the shakthi bandha group of asanas. This group of asanas are concerned with improving the energy flow within the body. They eliminate energy blockages in the spine, activate the lungs and heart, and improve endocrine function. These asanas are useful for those with reduced vitality and a stiff back and specially useful for women suffering with menstrual problems due to its toning effect on the pelvic organs and muscles. It can be practised after pregnancy for retoning flaccid muscles. The shakti bandha series may be started straight away if good health and fitness prevail. However, if there are any serious ailments, a yoga therapist or an experienced yoga instructor should be consulted. Difficulty Level : Beginners      1. Raju Karshanasana (Pulling the Rope)           Instructions: 1.        Sit comfortably on a mat with your legs stretched out straight and together.
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Day 5: Pawanmuktasana Series. A yogi's warm up.

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When you take up a yoga class at Malaysian Yoga Society, they start off the class with a warming up routine called Pawanmuktasana series or generally known as joints exercise. This series focuses on engaging various joints of our body and it was introduced to yogis around the world by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in his book Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha ( Refer to Pawanmuktasana 1: Anti Rheumatic Group) I begin my practice everyday with joints exercises and proceed to sun salutations. I have to say, its's a great way to warm up your stiff muscles and joints early in the morning to improve flow of air, heat and prana in your body. It's gentle enough to be practiced by anyone irrespective of your age. Just practicing these basic exercises would be a great way to kick start your day if you do not have the time to allocate for an hour practice. A great relief from morning stiffness, beginning with your toes and all the way up to your neck. Here's a list of exercises/joints that
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Sheetali & Sheetkari Pranayama.

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Can you imagine the feel of drinking a cold, sweet drink filled with ice cubes up to the rim of a glass. Imagine the cold sensation down your throat. We have all been there and done that. Sounds refreshing, doesn't it? Well, have you ever thought of what happens inside your body after gulping a liquid which is that cold. Ideally, the human body is supposed to be maintained at 37⁰C. Let's say your iced drink is at about 10⁰C, can you picture how hard your system has to work to maintain the temperature of all your internal organs at 37⁰C. If you have some knowledge of heat transfer or even basic science, you would have probably heard of latent heat and that theory applies to the human body as well. Enough said. I agree it's easier said than done. Especially, when the summer heat waves really gets on your last nerves. All I have to say is, we can't change the environment, but we can surely makes better choices. Opting for fruits and practicing the breathing technique tha
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