... and an art that coordinates the movement of the body with the breath, improves oxygenation of the blood, allowing better blood flow to the brain, ultimately producing clearer, more concise thoughts. Yoga can also boost dopamine and other neurotransmitters, boosting both moods and the retention of memories.

An essential part of yoga, breathing, is also a cornerstone of the mental aid exercise provides. While breathing does facilitate circulation - allowing vital minerals and nutrients to get where they need to go and letting all organs of the body, including the brain, function more adequately - breathing also helps the brain in a more direct manner. For example, a practice that is sometimes used in yoga is the act of concentrated breathing through one nostril at a time. In EEG studies - studies that monitor a person's brain pattern this practice shows that breathing through one nostril can increase activity on the opposite side of the brain (i.e., breathing through the left nostril will increase activity on the right side of the brain). This ultimately results in better communication between the brain's two sides, creating better mental function and enhancing a person's ability to learn.

Mindfulness, a foundational component of yoga helps students to embrace, and focus on, the present moment, can also assist mental function. This is because those who practice mindfulness train their brain to work in a certain way. By relaxing, and severing the rope that keeps you clinging to stresses and worries, yoga calms the mind. A calm mind is better at retaining information, remembering information, and concentration skills. A calm mind focuses on attention, and possesses an advanced ability to perceive sensory information....more

The Common element Between the Six Branches of Yoga - Yoga

...Most people get a little bit too wrapped up in trying to decide which branch of Yoga that they should study. They read a brief synopsis of each type and then go about trying to discern which one is the most appropriate for them. The fact is that all branches of Yoga overlap. They do so very naturally. Yoga is very natural. Whether you choose to direct your energies to the study of Hatha, Raja, Karma, Tantra, bhakti or Jnana Yoga - doesn't really matter. You should be more concerned with what Yoga means in general terms.

Yoga is the union of the mind with the body. If we become masterful in the direction of our thoughts, then we begin to grow in wisdom. All branches of Yoga have the direct aim to bring us into constant consciousness. We need to be aware of our bodies. We need to pay attention to our posture. We need to watch our words. We'll need to choose wise actio...more

prana Yoga Clothing - A review

...abric will be of, usually, nylon and spandex blended in favor of nylon. Yogo clothes may have a heavier inclination in favor of nylon than spandex, especially for yogo pants, while other brands go upto 60:40 ratio. But this is not always the case. Some clothes like T-shirts, pants and jackets may vary in fabric and fabrication.

prana Yoga Clothing for indoors are simple and light weight with upto 97% cotton and only 3% spandex. These are quick drying, two-way stretchable, jers...more

What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? Part 5

...Competent Yoga teachers should have enough knowledge to work with special populations; this includes handicapped students, seniors, and many more specialized groups with physical limitations. The reason is that Hatha Yoga is a health maintenance system, but some people only look at the superficial aspects.

If a Yoga teacher is only capable of instructing elite athletes, who are 16 to 25 years of age, thats wonderful. However, such a Yoga teacher should accept the title of Yoga coach, as this is a limited method for teaching Yoga students.

As Yoga teachers, we always remember the students who can turn their bodies into pretzels, but that is not all there is...more

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