Gaia: Yoga A-Pod

Re: Hi & welcome!

http://quinoastar.gaia.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:33:00 GMT

Hi everyone!
1) I'm Nat
2) I've been practicing yoga since 2006. I started to discover other types apart from ashtanga this year. I enjoy kundalini and anusara and love yogatoday.com.
3) Favorite pose...I like dancer's pose, although I'm kind of new at it.
4) QUESTION! Is it harmful to my health to continue to use my PVC foam mat? Of course my next one will be jute or TPE...
About mudras - I use them in meditation during kundalini yoga and when I practice buddhist meditation. I unite the tip of my thumb with the tip of my index finger, usually. One I use in kundalini is a fist with the thumb sticking out and up (like a thumb's up).
Thanks for creating this group!
Namaste

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://catalystyogi.gaia.com — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:31:15 GMT

Sat Nam, Peaceful Paradox

I am a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, as taught by Yogi Bhajan.
I'm a little late in the game here -- just joined GAIA.

A lot of students ask me the same question.

Here is a short video that I did that will answer your questions ..

Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous ?

peace & prosperity to you,

Haribhajan Khalsa ( Catalyst Yogi)

http://www.youtube.com/user/CatalystYogi
http://twitter.com/catalyst_yogi
http://www.wellnesscatalyst.com/

Asana for low back injury and pain

http://ookami.gaia.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:07:55 GMT

I have a history of low back injury and sprains\strains and probably somewhere along the way some disk damage. About once or twice a year I over do it just a bit and it will take me out for a day or two...a month ago after a week of solid training and some furniture moving for a yard sell I woke up one morning to intense low back pain, sometimes with pain down my legs or up high in my right hip,other times just stiff and to point around L5 or L4...
It has now been a month with relief for only a few days..while I was on a cruise ship..
I am a athlete, personal trainer, and have even taught yoga..but so far no relief though I fair better with activity than without.
Flexion does hurt though a bit tight..extension like cobra is difficult..though maybe a good thing to do.

Would be interested in others perspectives and suggestions, esp. that of teachers.

Hi

http://serenitee.gaia.com — Mon, 18 May 2009 01:15:49 GMT

Hello, new to gaia and have only been practicing yoga for a couple months. Absolutely love it and want to learn as much as possible!

Spot the newbie!

http://littlelizzi.gaia.com — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:38:06 GMT

I have just joined Gaia - saw the ad in Yoga Journal. I have been practicing yoga for about ten years and i am currently studying for my final exam and then all going well, i should be qualified to teach. I can't wait - they say that when you find a job you love you never work again, well i am looking forward to my unemployment if that's the case. I adore yoga but my friends just don't get it ....

Warning you now, if i get stuck on any points for my notes this will probably be my first stop so be prepared to have your brains picked.

I live in a rural area in Irealnd and there are precious few sports facilities so i'm hoping that i will be able to find my niche in the yoga market.

Fibromyalgia

http://rmwc1965.gaia.com — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:46:22 GMT

I have fibromyalgia, mitral valve prolapse syndrome, Graves disease/thyroid, and fatigue. I would like to start a yoga program, but need advice on where I should start. I went to a yoga class with my mother and sister once and couldn't move for several weeks without a LOT of pain. Please advise. Also, if there is a good dvd out there for such a routine, please let me know, as the only classes I know of in my area are at the YMCA, and I cannot afford that. Thank you for your advice.
Michelle

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://quinoastar.gaia.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:35:40 GMT

Thank you for that, Richelle!

I have recently found out about kundalini yoga and have been dissatisfied with Wikipedia's essays on it. Your explanation is much clearer.

Re: Very New...

http://siona.gaia.com — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:27:54 GMT

Oh, Lucius! I'm so glad, and I can't wait to hear your experience. Yoga, for me (though I'm certainly no expert) has benefited me in the most surprising ways; I feel it's done easily as much for my psyche and sense of presence and calm as it has my physical self.

All I'd recommend is that you stick with it for a bit. The first class can be strange-feeling but after a few months the difference is remarkable (or at least this was the case for me). Also, remember to focus on yourself, and not worry about others--no matter who else is there, and no matter what they're doing or the level they're at, this is, above all, an experience and a treat and a gift for you. :)

Re: Very New...

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:21:30 GMT

Funny, at the same time I received this message, I also received a message from the gym at work announcing an Intro to Yoga class. I've signed up!

I'll let you all know my thoughts after the class.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://kathysmith.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:38:57 GMT

Great Read!!! " there is one common goal: To become more knowledgable and connected to your own self, your true nature, the light within you. " and the fact that you bring out the truth of wikipedia... that it is a work in progress and not put together by research and discovery completely, helps on the journey through the web. Thanks for that stability for all.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://artcoder.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:17:25 GMT

Thanks for both replies. They are insightful. I am interested in the dual nature of stretching exercise and the mind-calming effects of yoga. So yes, I will give it a try starting with local group yoga classes in my community.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://siona.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:47:35 GMT

Oh, Richelle--I only just caught your answer and it's excellent! Thank you so much. I've been familiar with people having psychological reactions to somatic practices such as massage therapy, but it had never occurred to me to wonder whether the same would be true in yoga. I suppose it's just evidence of how powerful (and deeply important / necessary) these practices of mind-body alignment are.

And peacefulparadox: I think what's most important is trust and safety. If you have an instructor who is sensitive to these issues, and if you can trust you body not to let you 'go too far,' I'm sure you'll be just fine. The world tends not to push us harder than we can handle. :)

Re: Very New...

http://unitytherapeutic.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:16:21 GMT

Hi Lucius!

I love hearing about folks making their way to the mat. I hope you are finding some good information here! If you have any questions, let 'em fly. There are alot of people here with great insight into the practice...from many angles.

I myself started my practice in a gym...I had taken a class or two before...but my real practice began in the midst of sweaty, cardio-driven workout junkies. I was fortunate to have a handful of really well-educated, talented teachers there. The most important thing for new students entering a gym class is to introduce yourself to the teacher, let them know about any injuries or pains you have, and to give yourself a break. Yoga takes time...the body takes time...sure as hell the mind takes time! Most of us have to relearn how to be in our body at all, much less on our hands and upside-down and all that...smile, have fun and breathe.

As much as certain yogis like to think it, yoga is not a competition. You have nothing to prove there on your mat. You need only to show up, breathe and listen. Listen to the instructions, listen to your body, listen to your breath...after that the voices in your head begin to fade into the background before disappearing alltogether.

Good luck on this new Journey...I'd love to hear how it's going so far! ~Richelle

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://unitytherapeutic.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:57:13 GMT

Hello Peacefulparadox,

My name is Richelle and I am a student and teacher(RYT) of Hatha Yoga. I am
also a clinical massage therapist and yoga therapist. I am not a
psychotherapist or counselor, but I as a healthcare professional I am
intimately familiar with the mental and physical state of those in my
care. I can speak more to that in a moment. I first practiced yoga over ten years ago and have some insight into the strength and power of the practice.

First I would like to say that I read through the Wikipedia link above
and made a couple observations. 1. That even Wikipedia has a (!)
warning that the article needs some professional review before it is
counted as accurate. 2. That the article speaks to these symptoms
being the result of intense spiritual or contemplative practice, as well as near-death experience and intense personal crises or experience. I think it is important to note that these statements allude to a long-term, intensely committed practice...not a beginner stepping onto a mat and learning about yoga and meditation.

Second, YES! There are literally hundreds of different types, styles and approaches to the practice that are safe. Admittedly, I am curious as to why all of your links have to do with Kundalini Yoga? Kundalini is much more focused on the meditative practices and specifically tapping into the base of our energy and channeling it for enlightenment. Many, many other styles focus, at least initially, on the physical aspects--asanas or poses--that help limber up and strengthen the body. I think you need to ask yourself, and let us know, what you are looking for from a yoga practice?

Without knowing exactly what you are looking for, I can give you some generalized information and some links to other sources of information...

See general differences in style here in the yoga-a-pod for a long list of various styles and links. Yoga Journal also has a number of resources to find the right approach for you.

One thing to keep in mind is that no matter what style is practiced, there is one common goal: To become more knowledgable and connected to your own self, your true nature, the light within you. There is a process that occurs slowly over time that helps your nervous system calm down, your mind quiet and your own personal peace to emerge. It's like peeling off the layers of an onion...your body/mind take it one leaf at a time. You are actually much more likely to strain a muscle than suffer a psychotic break.

My impression of the side-effects you have concerns about, is that they are not dangerous in and of themselves. Most of us walking around out there have effectively detached ourselves from the sensations of the body and have very little control over the wanderings of our minds...Yoga serves to bring us back in touch--first with sensation- and later with the breath, the mind and eventually our inner truth. Some of us have had painful events in our past and a yoga practice may bring up some burried emotions--but in my own experience, those emotion only come up because they are finally on their way out! Once I reach them, I am able to let them go completely and without regret--and they don't come back. I think a person who is not prepared for that may have an aversion to it, but in my experience it has always been a very good thing. These things can be surprising, unnerving and emotional...but that isn't always a bad thing. If you begin a journey into yoga with trained professionals, teachers who have your health and safety in mind, you will move into the practice gradually and peacefully. It took me years to reach that point.

To return to the subject of my own clients and experiences: I have many massage clients who have begun yoga practices in conjunction with massage treatment. They all describe more self-awareness, better control over emotions, less irritability and imroved strength, posture and pain levels. They sleep better, have better range of motion and more energy.

I hope you find what you are looking for. Please don't hesitate to ask more questions! I truly believe there is a practice and a teacher for everyone...

Namaste, Richelle

Yoga Humor

http://yogadawg.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:22:28 GMT

Hello for YogaDawg

My Third Eye Itches

Yoga Humor

http://yogadawg.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:17:43 GMT

Not for the humor impaired!

My Third Eye Itches

Very New...

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:15:28 GMT

Not only am I new to Gaia, but I am new to Yoga. In fact, I've never done Yoga, but I am interested in it as a mind/body connection.

I'm not very flexible, though I realize with the proper flexibility exercises I could improve this. I can also benefit from shedding 10-15 pounds.

I do have availability to Yoga classes through the gym at work, but I do have concerns about just walking in and attempting this.

I plan on going to the gym and asking about the yoga class, but thought I would read some of the posts in this group first.

Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

http://artcoder.gaia.com — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 03:50:49 GMT

I'm new to yoga and this pod caught my attention because it says ask any question about yoga. So here it goes...

Are there some forms of yoga that are dangerous? I'm not talking about sprains. I'm talking about psychological dangers. In particular Kundalini yoga and Kundalini syndrome (links are to Wikipedia source which I consider as reputable). Googling also brought up this FAQ.

What forms of yoga are safe and does not have the possibility of psychological side-effects and is good for beginners to start off with?

Oh, and has anyone ever experienced the side-effects mentioned?

Thanks.

hello new here....

http://lisa88.gaia.com — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:33:48 GMT

my name is lisa and i love yoga,i'm kinda new 2 my practice but i'm learning

New here

http://StoicFlame.gaia.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:48:04 GMT

Hi, I'm Cathy.
I did some yoga to improve my horsebackriding a few summers ago, and have used it off and on since as a form of meditation. I am hoping to find a studio again so I can learn more. yay for moving alot for college.

I remember having a hard time with inversions and was wondering if those poses are more a matter of strength or technique. I was able to acheive them alright, but was in mild pain the next day.