...the brain, allowing neurons to freely move. Its said to balance the creative side and the logical side of our brains and help us to freely think.

Yoga is a form of exercise and its this form of activity provides great benefits psychologically. In studies done in Finland in 2000, participants were asked to partake in exercises. Based on this study, scientists discovered a connection between mood and recreational exercise. Those who participated in exercise at least two times a week had some positive effects on mood. There were fewer signs of depression and anger found among these individuals. Moreover, the ones who participated in these exercises more than twice a week were prone to be sociable, allowing one to be less stressful.

John Locke aptly pointed out A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world. Yoga fits this description very well. The psychological benefits of yoga provide individuals a more balanced approach to our individual well-being. Yoga can indeed be food for the mind.more

A Discussion of Yoga for Arthritis

... forms and levels of arthritis they are burdened with. Therefore, always begin any exercise program, yoga or otherwise, with the approval of your physician. Be aware also that you may or may not be able to achieve what someone else has achieved. You will NOT, in most instances at least, be able to achieve the pretzel-like contortions of the masters in the pictures. However, most people will be able to increase flexibility and strength while decreasing the negative effects of arthritis by regular, consistent practice of yoga.

Almost any low impact exercise program from swimming, bike riding, and walking to weightlifting and bodybuilding (yes, I said weightlifting and bodybuilding) will be beneficial for almost anyone afflicted with arthritis. In fact, according to treatment guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology, exercise is considered to be an integral and effective part of any treatment for arthritis, whether it is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Exercise can contribute so much to the arthritic or non-arthritic individual that it is almost a given that anyone should participate in regular physical activity of some kind. However, relative to those with arthritis in particular, who often are already on their own downward spiral of decreasing physical strength, lack of energy, and decreasing endurance or sta...more

Try These Yoga Poses for Jet Lag

...Jet lag appears definitely to be one these things: A Condition resulting when travel across time zones leaves a person feeling out of sync with local time at his or her destination. That considered, to get you 'back in sync', one highly recommended solution will be Yoga

What, with the poses balancing effects on the body (namely the inversions), yoga helps immensely to deal with the effects of jet lag, of course when used correctly.

The two m...more

Weight Loss and Yoga

...d a teacher with at least a 200-hour certification, minimum.

Next it's important to develop a yoga practice that's suitable for your body as it is today -- not how you'd like it to be. With that in mind, yoga can be a very powerful tool for weight management.

Use yoga to breathe more deeply and simply relax. Yogic breathing (pranayama) increases the delivery of oxygen to the cells, allowing the organs to function as they should. This will give you more energy.

Deep breathing also triggers the "relaxation response," reducing stress and the production of cortisol. Cortisol is one of the "fight or flight" hormones that your body produces when it gets stressed -- like when a tiger is chasing you, or its modern equivalent: traffic and work. Overproduction of cortisol can lead to damage in the cardiovascular system as well as -- get this -- weight gain.

Conscious relaxation, as opposed to unconscious relaxation like sitting in front of the tv, activates the parasympathetic nervous system and t...more

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