Shilajit: Nature’s Gift for Optimal Health

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit, often referred to as ‘Destroyer of Weakness,’ by Ayurvedic practitioners, is a substance that has a sticky and thick consistency and looks like tar. It is obtained from rocks found in the high mountains of the Himalayas. It can also be found in other regions such as Afghanistan, Tibet, Russia, and north Chile. In the northern parts of India, it is known by various other names such as Shilajatu, Salajit, Mummiyo, or Mimie.

This natural product is used as a medicinal remedy in the Ayurvedic medicinal field, the ancient medicine system in India. It offers numerous health benefits due to its rich composition of at least 85 minerals. Shilajit is made up of rock minerals, rock humus, and organic substances that have been compressed over time by layers of rock. It takes centuries to form it. the entire process goes through the gradual decomposition of specific plants by the action of microorganisms.

Its significant role in the healing process for centuries is very well known. This herbo-mineral or Rasaoushadhi is a powerful and safe dietary supplement that helps restore energy and potentially guards against various diseases.

What is Shilajit used for?

Shilajit is basically used for:

Stress management
Slowing down the aging process
Boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue
Detoxification of the body
Improving sexual performance and pleasure
Enhancing male fertility
Regulating blood sugar levels
Improving brain health
Addressing respiratory issues
Improving the digestive system

Shilajit Benefits– The All-Natural Supplement:

Shilajit is an effective and safe natural Ayurvedic supplement that can have a positive impact on one’s overall health and well-being. It offers a number of benefits. These are mentioned below:

It benefits fertility in males by increasing the sperm count by at least 12%. This can be a good option if you are doing family planning.
It possesses the capability of elevating testosterone levels within the body that hold vital importance in muscle growth, bone density, and overall physical well-being for both genders.
It makes you more energetic and fresh by improving metabolism as certain metabolic issues can make you feel fatigued. After starting its consumption, you will feel better energy levels, vitality, and stamina.
It results in the enhancement of sexual performance and pleasure as it plays a significant role in increasing testosterone levels that make positive impact on sexual function. With improved energy and stamina, the sex drive sees a boost. Moreover, it also aids in boosting blood circulation and nourishing the reproductive organs.
It works as heart protector by enhancing blood circulation within the heart, and promoting a healthier pumping of blood. Its antioxidant properties also reduce the risk of cardiovascular damage.
It acts as stress buster by stimulating the secretion of dopamine in the brain, which can result in a reduction of anxiety and stress levels.
It is a blessing for brain health as its compounds can potentially enhance brain function. The most important one is fulvic acid, which supports and promotes brain health as well as memory functioning.
It aids in age Reversal by slowing down the aging process as it has abundance of fulvic acid, which acts as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, that prevents cellular damage. With regular use, the aging process is slowed down.
It is great for beautiful skin and hair. It has a rich treasure of antioxidants for great skin and shining hair. The presence of Zinc aids in beautiful hair and other nutrients that slow down the aging process and make the skin look younger and wrinkle-free.
It is helpful in handling Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by enhancing cognition and memory. The nutrients present in Shilajit may aid in slowing down or halting the progression of AD.
It controls iron deficiency and anaemia due to the presence of humic acid and iron
It makes immunity system strong. Consumption of a small dosage of Shilajit two times a day can strengthen the immune system, combat inflammation, and act as a preventive measure against illnesses. In case of falling ill, taking Shilajit may aid in expediting the body’s recovery process.
It helps in the treatment for kidney stones by cleansing and aiding in the removal of occasional accumulated foreign substances. It also helps in maintaining a healthy urinary system.
It is beneficial for people living at high altitudes by enhancing the body’s ability to cope with the stresses that are associated with high altitudes and improves the immune system.
It is useful in case one is suffering from gastric ulcers. It reduces them by strengthening the stomach lining and prevents further formation of ulcers.
It is useful as an antiviral as its diverse array of minerals and compounds possesses the potential to combat viral infections.
It is a cure for obesity. It helps in cutting down the unwanted fat by improving metabolism. It does so by reducing the urge to eat.
It is helpful in curing liver diseases, like liver cancer. It fights best against certain types of cancerous cells and force in their destruction. It also stops them from multiplying.
It makes bone health better because of presence of Zinc which is responsible for maintaining good health of bones and joints. After the stage of menopause, the women use to suffer from weak bone health, and calcium is also reduced in their bodies. In this case, Shilajit helps a lot.
It helps in breaking addictions as it has a distinctive interaction with other drug substances. This makes the addiction recovery process better. It also suppresses the withdrawal symptoms.

Precautions while using Shilajit:

Avoid long-term use as there can be severe allergic reactions.
Take it under the guidance of a doctor.
Pregnant women should not take it.
Hemochromatosis patients should not take it as there is already an excess of iron in them.
Do not take beyond the prescribed daily limit.
Do not have it if you suffer from testosterone issues.
Dilute it properly before consuming.
Should not be given to kids.

How to Consume Shilajit and How long does it Take for Shilajit to Work?

Shilajit is available in the market in the form of a powder or as a supplement that can be taken by dissolving it in milk or water. Shilajit capsules are also available.

If you are going to take it as powder, then dissolve a pea-sized amount of Shilajit in water or milk and drink it up to 3 times a day. The most prescribed dose of Shilajit is 300 to 500 milligrams per day. And if you are going to take Shilajit capsules, then recommended dosage is 2 capsules two times a day with milk or water. You can have them once in the morning time before consuming anything and once in the night before going to sleep.

It is important to note that even though these are the most prescribed doses, you must take advice from the doctor before having it.

Now the question is how much time Shilajit takes to show its effects? Well, there is no exact timeframe and the results will be different from person to person. But as per the studies conducted, it starts to show results at least after 30 days from the beginning of its consumption.

Any Interaction of Shilajit with Other Drugs?

Currently, there are no known interactions with different medications due to a lack of research. But one must take it only after it is prescribed by the doctor.

Conclusion:

No doubt that Shilajit has several health benefits, and is a potent and very safe dietary supplement, that is able to prevent several diseases. But it must be consumed with care by keeping all precautions in mind.

June 29, 2023June 29, 2023

Yoga for Eyes: Improve the Eye Health

The human brain perceives the world through the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. However, we often take our senses for granted until one of them stops working. Among these senses, our eyes are particularly important. Keeping them healthy is the foremost thing.

If you are looking for natural ways to enhance eyesight or wondering if exercises can help improve your vision or eliminate the requirement for glasses, yoga offers answers to many of these questions.

Practicing yoga for the eyes can have a positive impact on eye health and vision. Various eyes related problems like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, glaucoma, squint eyes, etc. can be handled with the help of yoga because yoga asanas target the eye muscles that are responsible for the good health of the eyes. They reduce eye strain and improve vision and eye comfort.

Causes of Poor Eye Health:

In the past, children used to engage in outdoor activities, but nowadays, children of all ages spend more time with electronic devices such as TVs, smartphones, laptops, video games, etc. Even adults are not far behind. They spend a significant amount of their time on mobiles, laptops, and other gadgets. These habits are causing unnecessary stress on the eyes and have become the reason for deteriorating eye health.

There are certain reasons that contribute to poor eye health. These are mentioned below:

Spending excessive time on the screen
Insufficient Hydration due to low water intake
Unhealthy and poor eating habits
Not getting enough sleep
Frequent rubbing of eyes due to itching
Bad habits like smoking as the smoke causes problem to the eyes
Not wearing goggles to prevent sun damage
Working for long hours in insufficient light
Age-related changes in eyesight, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma
Too much alcohol consumption
Excessive use of eye drops, even though eye drops are good for the eyes but overuse can be harmful
Long usage of contact lenses
Dry and itchy eyes

There are some other ailments that can cause problems in the eyes, like diabetes, migraine, etc. So, if we adopt the habit of yoga to control these diseases, then eye problems will also get reduced.

What is Eye Yoga?

Yogic eye exercises are also known as eye yoga. These are specific exercises that target the muscles responsible for eye movement. These movements in various directions are designed to enhance the flexibility, strength, and conditioning of these muscles, and improve focus.

These exercises are beneficial for everyone, regardless of whether they wear spectacles or not. Even people with good eyesight can have their benefits as these exercises will help in keeping eyes healthy and away from problems. Moreover, you can slowly notice the benefits of yoga for the eyes to remove glasses.

There is no specific time to do eye yoga. It can be performed in the morning, multiple times throughout the day, and even before bedtime.

Yoga Asanas for Eyesight Improvement– Keep Your Eyes Healthy:

There are several yoga exercises to improve eyesight. They are slow in impact but serve great benefits in the long run. Here we are going to mention the yoga eye exercises that will maintain the health of your eyes:

Exercise 1:

Make 5-10 clockwise and anti-clockwise circles by moving your one thumb while keeping your elbow straight. Focus on moving your thumb and then relax your eyes. Repeat with the other hand.

Exercise 2:

Make 5-10 up-down movements by moving your one thumb while keeping your elbow straight. Focus on moving your thumb and then relax your eyes. Repeat with the other hand.

Exercise 3:

By briskly rubbing your palms together, you can generate warmth in them within a few seconds. Afterward, softly place your warm palms on your eyelids. This will provide relaxation to the eyes and also help in the reduction of dark circles around the eyes.

Exercise 4:

Extend your arm and point one thumb in the upward direction. Alternately focus on the thumb and a faraway object. Relax your eyes. Repeat with the other hand.

Exercise 5:

Blinking is a natural eye phenomenon. But blinking as an exercise can save your eyes from unnecessary dryness and itching. Blink fast for about 10-15 times and then give rest to eyes. Repeat again.

Exercise 6:

Rotate your eyes first in a clockwise direction and then anti-clockwise.

Exercise 7:

Move your eyeballs sideways. Do not move your head.

Exercise 8:

Have some burning candle or some bright object. Look at it constantly without blinking.

Exercise 9:

Raise one thumb and focus on it. Slowly bring your thumb closer to the tip of the nose while keep looking at it constantly. Now take away the thumb from the nose. Do at least 5 rounds of this.

Other exercises:

The following ones will help in reaching the blood to your eyes

Utanasana
Adho mukha svanasan
Shirsasana
Sarvangasana
Halasana

Apart from these, Bhramari Pranayama and Anulom Vilom will help in providing relaxation.

Benefits You Get from Yoga Eye Exercises:

There are several benefits of yoga for eyesight. Let us have a look:

Engaging in eye yoga can be beneficial in improving eyesight and, maybe, restoring it to normal.
Practicing yoga can also help alleviate dark circles and reduce puffiness around the eyes that you have when you do not give proper rest to your eyes.
Those who suffer from near-sightedness can enhance their eyesight by incorporating yoga exercises into their daily regimen. You may gradually experience a clearer vision of distant objects.
Yoga can aid in managing glaucoma by slowing down and controlling its progression.
Various eye yoga exercises have the potential to correct squint eyes.
There are certain exercises that can provide relief from the symptoms associated with dry eyes issue and alleviate eye strain as they mean to relax the eyes.

Conclusion:

Yoga for eyesight is great but Beyond trying out eye yoga, there are some other tips to keep your eyes healthy:

Regular check-up of eyes.
Wear good quality shades.
Give rest to your eyes with frequent breaks while working on laptops, etc.
Wear anti-glare and blue light glasses while working on laptops or using mobiles.
Keep yourself well-hydrated.
Consume green leafy vegetables.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

June 28, 2023

Bhujangasana: Improve Your Posture and Flexibility

Bhujangasana Yoga ‘The Cobra Pose’:

The Sanskrit word Bhujang means ‘the serpent.’ The body is lifted in the same way as the Cobra snake lifts its head and the front body. That is why it has been named the ‘Cobra Pose’ in English. It is extremely beneficial for correcting your posture and inducing flexibility in the body.

The chest muscles and the shoulder muscles get a stretch. The core muscles and spinal area become strong and flexible. You must activate your body and stretch it by doing simple exercises before going for this pose. This asana is quite easy to perform but offers many benefits. It helps in activating 37% of your body’s muscles.

Steps of Bhujangasana:

Now the next thing is ‘how to do Bhujangasana?’ It is an easy yoga pose that does not need much practice but an activated and stretched body. Always do some walking and stretching before attempting this pose. The steps of doing this asana have been mentioned below:

Lie down on a flat surface or mat on your belly. This is called the prone position.
Your face should be touching the mat and your arms should be on the sides of the hips.
Your legs and feet should be straight. The feet should be extended straight outwards.
Now place your palms on the sides of the chest that is close to the shoulders. Elbows should be bent.
Inhale and try to lift your head and upper body just like a snake. Once the chest is lifted a bit, start putting pressure on your palms and lift the remaining upper part to the navel.
Keep lifting and holding your breath until your navel starts to touch the surface. Your lower body should remain on the surface. Do not lift it at all.
Hold your breath and this position for at least 15-20 seconds.
To come out of this position, start to breathe out slowly and start to lower your body. Come back to the original position.
Take a bit of rest and repeat again. Repeat this asana 4-5 times.

Modifications:

You can do this pose in various modified ways depending upon your level of yoga i.e. if you are a novice or an expert. Here are certain modifications that you can try:

Modifications for Novice.
If you are a novice, then you can take the help of a chair for performing this pose. The chair must be placed against the wall. Place your hands on the chair seat and do this pose.
As a beginner, go for a half-cobra pose where you have to lift your upper part while keeping your palms and arms on the floor i.e. you do not need to lift your arms as you do in the case of the original asana.
Modifications of Experts:
The experts in the pose can go for Saral Hasta Bhujangasana which is the advanced version. The arms are extended to support the body.
Go for a hands-free cobra pose where, after lifting your body, you will have to start taking your palms away from the floor so that they are hovering in the air.
After lifting your body, you can take your arms on the backside and extend them backward to provide more stretch to the body.

Bhujangasana Benefits:

This asana offers huge benefits. Some Bhujangasana benefits are mentioned below:

It helps in reducing stiffness in the lower back area.
Your arms and shoulder muscles get strengthened.
It helps in toning up the core area muscles and the back area muscles.
It makes you feel more energetic and improves your mood by making you feel less stressed.
Your posture starts getting better with this pose.
It helps in improving the flexibility of the spinal area.
The digestive system and the blood circulation system get better with this pose.
As this pose helps in opening the chest, the lungs are also opened up. As a result, the Asthma problems start to go away.
It is beneficial for the health of the heart.
It helps in reducing the problem of sciatica.
If you are suffering from mensuration-related problems, then this asana is surely for you.
The food is absorbed in a better way and as a result, defecation becomes easier.
It helps in losing weight by reducing the unwanted fat accumulated in the belly area.
It helps to make the reproductive system strong as the circulation of blood towards the ovaries and the uterus is increased.
It makes your buttocks well-toned and firm.
It unblocks the Kundalini chakra that is located at the base of the spine.
It helps in getting sound sleep.
This yoga can be particularly helpful if you have sedentary habits, i.e. you use to sit for most of the time during the day.
It is a blessing for breast cancer survivors.
It is helpful for ladies who are suffering from postmenopausal problems.
It is good for the health of the kidneys.

Who should not do Bhujangasana Yoga?

Although anyone with good body conditions can do this asana, there are certain exceptions to it:

People suffering from Carpel tunnel syndrome should avoid this asana as in the case of this syndrome numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm occur.
The person with injured back should not go for it as it will put more pressure on his back and his back will not be able to bear the stretch.
A person with injuries in the arm or shoulder should not do it as putting up more pressure will make the injury severe.
Pregnant women should avoid this yoga as it can cause complications.
A person who has gone through abdominal surgery recently should avoid this pose and should go for it only after a piece of advice from a doctor.
People with ailments like ulcers, hernia, spondylitis, etc. should avoid it.
Because bones become weak and brittle with growing age, senior citizens should avoid doing it.

Precautions to be Taken while doing Cobra Pose:

While doing this pose, one must take the following precautions:

People who have severe asthma problems should do some breathing exercises before going for Cobra Pose.
A beginner must not go for this asana straight away. He/she should start with some standing back bending poses. Once the back becomes flexible and the abdominal area starts to bear the stretch, go for this asana.
Alignment of the hands should be taken care of.
Do not force your neck to bend back too much.
First, lift the chest and then start putting pressure on the palms.
If you feel that you are back pain has aggravated after this asana, then stop doing this.
Keep shoulders away from ears to avoid neck compression.
Keep the chin in a neutral position if you have neck pain.
Do not keep your stiff and let it be flexible.
Do not lift your body too much that it makes up an L-shape.
Do not try to put excessive pressure on your body.
Avoid jerks and overstretching.

Conclusion:

Regular practice of this asana, under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher, can provide comprehensive healing benefits for the body. It is important to follow appropriate precautions while performing this pose in order to prevent any potential issues.

June 27, 2023

Chakrasana Yoga: Strengthen Your Core and Back

Chakrasana – The Wheel Pose:

The word Chakrasana is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Chakra and Asana. ‘Chakra’ stands for ‘Wheel’ and ‘Asana’ stands for ‘Pose.’ This is the reason why it is known as ‘Wheel Pose’ in English. There is another name for it as well which is Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward-Facing Bow Pose). The body is curved towards back in the shape of a wheel or a bow. It comes under the category of Ashtanga yoga.

One must have flexible spine as it plays a vital role while performing this asana as the person has to curve backwards. Almost all muscle groups get involved in this asana. They all get stretched and become flexible with time.

In the beginning, when you are a novice and does not have a flexible body, then the formation of this pose seems like a rectangle. But as time passes and with regular practice, the proper Wheel Pose is formed. The main goal of this asana is to increase the length of the spine and open the chest. While doing this asana, the maximum number of nerves in the body gets stretched and spinal chakras get stimulated.

Is this Yoga Asana Meant for You?

The Chakrasana can be performed by anyone, from children to elders. You can even try modifications so that it can be performed in an easier way or can make it more tough if your body allows it. However, there are few exceptions for whom this asana is not appropriate:

In case of pregnancy.
Having an injury in your back area recently and it is not healed yet.
Suffering from heart-related issues.
Going through hypertension.
In case of migraine Issues.
In case of gastrointestinal problems.
In case of problems with your spine.
In case of hernia ailment.
In case of carpal tunnel syndrome which causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.
In case of frequent headaches.
In case of diarrhea.
In case of vertigo.
In case of a shoulder injury or had the problem of dislocation in the past.

How to do Chakrasana Step by Step?

This yoga pose is quite tough one. One must have flexibility in the body. When you start as a novice, it may not be possible to create a semi-circle, but later on, things get easier. Here are the steps to do this asana:

Lie down straight on a mat.
Bend the knees gradually.
Keep your feet at some distance from the hip area. They should be lying flat on the surface.
Lift your arms, fold the elbows, and place your palms on the surface. They should be above your shoulders on both sides of your head.
Take deep breath and gradually lift your torso area, by curving your back and pressing down your hands.
Try to straighten your arms and legs as much as possible while taking your head to the back side but do not put any pressure on the neck.
Keep yourself in this pose for at least five seconds.
Return to the normal position gradually by bringing your body lower and your head down to touch the surface. Relax.

Modification of Chakrasana Yoga Pose:

You can add certain modifications to this pose to make it easier if you are a novice, or more tough if you have developed enough elasticity and have become an expert in the original pose. Various props can also be used by novices. Here are certain modifications that can be done:

Modifications for the Novice:

If you are a novice and do not have much elasticity in your body, then start with Bridge Pose.
Do it alongside of a wall. This will help you in making poses more easily.
Make use of yoga blocks that can be placed under the hands or the feet to make the bending easy. It would be better if you keep the blocks against the wall.

Modifications for the Expert:

Gradually shorten the distance between hands and feet so that a complete circle shape is formed.
Try a single-leg wheel pose where only one leg is lifted up.
Try a single-arm wheel pose where only one arm is lifted up.

How Chakrasana Benefits You?

It is definitely not easy to keep our bodies fit and healthy in this busy life, but just 2 minutes of Chakrasana helps with flexibility in the body, correction of posture, relaxation of the mind, and keeping us healthy and fit in many ways. Here are Chakrasana benefits:

It makes the spinal cord strong and flexible.
It helps in reducing stiffness in the back.
It helps in improving your posture.
It reduces HbA1C levels, that is the blood glucose levels, in the body which proves to be helpful in the prevention of further progress of the problem of diabetes.
It is good for the neck and shoulder muscles and prevents injuries by making them strong.
It tones up the abdominal muscles.
It helps in reducing belly fat.
It strengthens your core.
It helps in improving the health of the heart and kidneys.
It opens up the chest muscles and improves blood circulation.
It is useful for the lungs and helps in reducing respiratory issues, like asthma.
It aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
It aids to overcome thyroid issues and stimulates pituitary glands.
It aids to improve the immunity system of the body.
It makes the liver and pancreas strong.
It makes arms, shoulders, hands, wrists, thighs, and glutes strong.
It delays the aging process and makes you look young and fresh.
It is good for the brain health and nervous system.
It cures infertility.

Precautions Needed to be Taken while Doing this Yoga Asana:

There are some points to keep in mind while doing Wheel Pose. These will help in doing yoga in a better and safe way. These are as follows:

Do not perform it directly by yourself, it can injure your back.
Stop doing it if you feel too much pain.
Start with easy poses, like Bridge Pose, and move slowly towards the proper Wheel Pose. You can also start with simple back-bending poses.
Inhale slowly and deeply while lifting your body and exhale slowly while coming down.
Keep your body relaxed and do not strain it.
Do not force your body, otherwise, you will injure it.

Conclusion:

Chakrasna is extremely beneficial for the body only if it is done in the proper way. You should go for this asana under the guidance of some expert. If it starts suiting you, add it to your daily yoga routine.

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023

Stay Fit and Strong: Unlock the Power of Utkatasana

Utkatasana ‘The Chair Pose’:

Utkatasana word has been taken from Sanskrit. It is made up of two words: ‘utkat’ and ‘asana.’ The word ‘Utkat’ means ‘Powerful’ and ‘Asana’ means ‘Pose.’ So, it means the powerful pose which is quite challenging and is quite difficult to perform.

In this asana, the pose looks like a chair, so it is also known as ‘The Chair Pose.’ It is one of the standing yoga poses that challenges you in both ways, i.e. physically as well as mentally. Various muscle groups get engaged in this exercise. It improves the balance and stability of the body and makes it flexible. You need to maintain the correct posture to perform this asana.

Is this Asana Suitable for You?

This asana is suitable for almost everyone. A person of any age group can go for this asana. Even a pregnant lady can do it, but only during the early days of the pregnancy period. There are certain exceptions for whom this asana is not suitable:

If you have any kind of joint injury as this pose puts pressure on joints.
If you have BP issues.
If your back is not strong.
If you suffer from knee problems.
If you have breathing issues.
If you have gone through surgery recently.
If you are suffering from arthritis.
If you have headache problems.
If you suffer from migraine issues.
If you suffer from sleeping disorders like insomnia.

If you have any of the above mentioned problems, you should avoid this asana completely. Still, if you want to do it, then take the advice of a doctor and the guidance of some yoga expert.

Steps of Doing the Chair Yoga Pose:

This standing yoga pose looks quite simple but actually is a challenging one. You need to maintain balance and correct body posture. You have to pose like a chair by maintaining the squat position. Here are the steps to do this asana:

Stand tall. Your feet should remain apart at the width of your hips.
Keep your arms relaxed on the sides.
Now extend your arms by keeping them straight and palms should be facing downwards.
Bend at your knees gradually and start lowering your body by imagining that you are about to sit on a chair.
Keep your spine upright.
Hold this chair-like squat position for at least twenty seconds while taking deep breaths.
Come out of the pose by straightening your legs and lowering your arms. Come back to the original position.

Other Ways of Doing the Chair Yoga Pose:

There is not a single way to do this pose. It has certain variations as well. Let us have a look at them:

Ardha Utkatasana (Half Chair Pose):
Stand tall. Your feet should remain apart at the width of your hips.
Keep your arms relaxed on the sides.
Extend your arms forward and your palms should be facing each other.
Bend your knees gradually to form half chair pose. The knees have to be bent more than the normal pose.
Bend your torso forward to make it parallel with the ground.
Hold this position for at least twenty seconds while taking deep breaths.
Come out of the pose by straightening your legs, lowering your arms, and straightening your torso. Come back to the original position.
Parivritta Utkatasana (Twisted Chair Pose):
Stand tall. Your feet should remain apart at the width of your hips.
Keep your arms relaxed on the sides.
Now join hands in front of your upper body to form a namaste.
Bend at your knees gradually and start lowering your body by imagining that you are about to sit on a chair.
Keep your spine erect.
Touch your left knee with your right elbow and move your chest in the left direction.
Hold this position for at least fifty seconds while taking deep breaths.
Come out of the pose by straightening your legs and lowering your arms. Come back to the original position.

Apart from these variations, you can keep your arms open bent at the elbows, and on the sides at the shoulders width apart. Also, you can make use of a block to save yourself from falling in case of imbalance.

Utkatasana Benefits:

Utkatasana benefits you in many ways physically as well as mentally. Here are some of its benefits:

It makes the lower body strong and flexible.
It improves the body’s balance and stability.
It helps in losing weight.
It makes your posture better.
It reduces stiffness in the shoulders.
It involves all muscle groups and makes them strong.
It tones the core muscles, especially the abdominals and lower back.
It tones the pelvic floor.
It helps in relieving the back pain.
It makes thighs and hips strong.
It helps in treating the problem of flat feet.
It helps in correcting minor leg deformities.
It is great for the health of your heart as it increases its enduring power.
It helps in managing respiratory issues.
It helps in relieving certain issues related to pregnancy like gestational hypertension.
It makes you more energetic.
It helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
It makes you calm and relaxed.
It improves immunity levels.

Precautions Needed to be Taken:

While doing this asana, you must take care of certain things. These are briefly mentioned below:

Perform this asana under the guidance of some expert to avoid any injury.
Do not overdo it by overstretching your body.
Do not do deep squats if you have knee pain, lower back pain, knee injury, and lower back injury.
Make use of props if you face any issues in balancing your body. The elderly people should perform it next to the wall or chair.
If you are pregnant take the guidance of a doctor to know whether you can do this pose or not. And if yes, then do it only under the supervision of a prenatal yoga expert.
Avoid doing this pose during menstruation time.
If you feel any sort of discomfort, immediately stop doing this.

Conclusion:

As a beginner, you may find it difficult to perform this Asana, but with regular practice, you can become an expert in it. This asana comes under Hatha Yoga. Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, is considered to be the best place in India to get Hatha Yoga teacher training in India. There are so many institutes and ashrams in Rishikesh that provide this training. You can go through them online and choose the best one as per your requirements.

June 23, 2023

Hatha Yoga: Strengthening Your Body and Nurturing Your Soul

Hatha Yoga:

Name: 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh India
Brand: Yoga Rishi
SKU: 2024
Rating: 5 (27288 reviews)

For leading stress-free and healthy life, it is important to perform physical activities. You can opt for them in the form of yoga. Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga. Various asanas, breathing methods, and meditation techniques are a part of Hatha yoga. Apart from them, various Mudras, Bandhas, and Kriyas also come under Hatha yoga. All of these provide fitness to your body as well as your mind. This yoga is very popular among yoga practitioners.

The word ‘Hatha’ belongs to the Sanskrit language and it stands for ‘force’ or ‘effort’. So, Hatha yoga meaning to perform such poses correctly that need effort along with a proper breathing pattern. It helps to create a sync among mind, body, and soul and aids in the overall well-being of a person.

As far as its suitability is concerned, this yoga is suitable for all age groups, and people having varying fitness levels can go for this yoga. It will help them in getting relief from various ailments they are suffering from. It is especially useful for those people who are looking to reduce stress, anxiety, and other mental issues.

Origin of Hatha Yoga:

Hatha yoga originated in India in 600 BC. Its founder was the great sage Patanjali. He wanted to introduce such yoga that could bring balance to the body, mind, and soul. This form of yoga gave importance to diet, the purification process, the regulation of breathing patterns, along with the adoption of bodily poses. The people of that time started to get the benefits of this yoga. And with time, Hatha yoga began to gain popularity. It has become widely popular in the West as well.

If we talk about modern Hatha yoga, then its credit goes to Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. He opened the first Hatha Yoga school in Mysore in 1924 and in 1936. His three brilliant students, B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, and Pattabhi Jois, continued his legacy and increased the popularity of Hatha Yoga.

Why Hatha Yoga is Important?

If you are planning to start yoga, then it will be good to go for Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is important to improve your flexibility, balance, strength, and concentration. These will prove to be useful for you when you decide to go for more complex yoga. It will also open your energy channels. But one must start Hatha yoga under the supervision of some expert so that the correct technique of doing asanas can be learned. Moreover, the poses of Hatha yoga are needed to be maintained for a longer period of time.

Principles of Hatha Yoga:

The six principles of Hatha yoga are concerned with the six limbs. These principles are:

The principle of Asana represents a steady and comfortable state of body and mind.
The principle of Pranayama extends the capacity to retain breath.
The principle of Pratyahara controls your senses.
The principle of Dharana is concerned with focusing the mind on one single point.
The principle of Dhyana is related to self-observation.
The principle of Samadhi is helpful in making free yourself from worldly pleasures.

Hatha Yoga Asanas:

Many asanas are performed under Hatha yoga. Here we are going to mention some of them along with their brief description:

Tadasana or Mountain Pose: This asana is performed while standing. So, it helps to improve posture and balance of the body.
Uttanasana or Forward Fold: In this asana, the body is folded in the forward direction. The hamstrings are stretched and stress and tension are relieved.
Trikonasana or Triangle Pose: This is also performed while standing. This stretches the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders, and improves body balance and concentration.
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose: This is performed by bending the back. It makes the back muscles strong and stretches the chest, shoulders, and abdomen.
Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward-Facing Dog: This is an inverted pose that stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine, and strengthens the arms and shoulders.
Balasana or Child’s Pose: This is a resting pose. It helps to release tension from the back and neck and calms the mind.
Vrikshasana or Tree Pose: This asana is performed while standing. It helps to improve balance and stability in the body. It stretches the hips and thighs as well.
Navasana or Boat Pose: This asana is performed in a seated position. It makes core muscles strong and improves the balance of the body and concentration power.
Savasana or Corpse Pose: This is a pose that is performed with a relaxed body. It helps to release tension and induce deep relaxation.

Props that can be used in Hatha Yoga Asanas:

Some common props can be used while performing Hatha yoga asanas:

Meditation Cushion
Bolster
Yoga block
Blanket
Strap

Advantages of Hatha Yoga:

The regular practice of Hatha yoga can have several benefits for your physical as well as mental health. These benefits of Hatha Yoga are mentioned below:

As it stretches the muscles, the body starts to gain flexibility.
It makes the body parts strong.
It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and always keeps you cheerful.
It calms your body and mind.
It helps to improve your body posture with the help of strengthening and balancing exercises.
It helps to make balance and coordination better.
It helps to maintain blood pressure levels.
It keeps your heart in good health and reduces the risk of heart strokes.
It helps in improving concentration power and maintaining focus.
It helps in relaxing your mind so that you can enjoy sound sleep.
It helps to strengthen core muscles.
It enhances mindfulness.
It improves blood flow in the spinal cord and brain.
It rejuvenates the ligaments.
It cleanses the body by stimulating the lymphatic system.
It keeps you energetic.
It helps you in being an emotionally balanced person.
It improves creativity.

Conclusion:

Although Hatha yoga is suitable for every age group and fitness level, it should be performed with utmost care. There are some exceptions where this yoga will not be suitable:

If the person is in the category of ‘very senior citizen.’
If the person is having a severe injury.
If the person is suffering from severe neck or spine injury.
If the person has knee problems.

June 22, 2023

Elevate Your Practice: Discovering the Magic of Vinyasa Yoga

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is also known by the name ‘Flow yoga.’ This yoga is the opposite of Hatha yoga and has the characteristics of Ashtanga yoga. In Hatha yoga various movements are performed at a slower pace and rest is taken between the poses, while in Vinyasa yoga the movements are done at a faster speed.

And if we see Vinyasa yoga from the angle of Ashtanga yoga, then we find that in both yoga types, a series of poses are performed with speed. But the difference is that in Ashtanga yoga the same series of poses are repeated daily in the same sequence, but in Vinyasa yoga it is not necessary to perform the poses in the same sequence daily. So, in simple terms, Vinyasa yoga is freestyle Ashtanga yoga

In modern times, it has become a part of Power yoga as well as fluency and power are needed to perform it. Vinyasa yoga is gaining popularity with time.

In this yoga, you have to perform various poses and you have to move from one pose to another seamlessly with a flow or in rhythm. You enter a pose, stay in it for a while, and then move on to the next pose.

Origin of Vinyasa Yoga:

The roots of Vinyasa Yoga belong to 200 BC. But it was evolved from Ashtanga yoga by Sri T. Krishnamacharya. He was a yogi and was born in 1888. He kept practicing Vinyasa Yoga till his death in 1989.

As per his student, Srivatsa Ramaswami, the word ‘Vinyasa’ is a Sanskrit word and is made up of two words ‘Vi’, which means ‘Variation,’ and ‘nyasa’, which means ‘within prescribed parameters.’ So, Vinyasa yoga means you can do variations in poses but within set parameters.

Apart from Srivatsa Ramaswami, other best students of Sri T. Krishnamacharya were BKS Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and TKV Desikachar, who took the responsibility of making his yoga popular and they did it quite successfully.

Features of Vinyasa Yoga:

Vinyasa yoga possesses these features:

One pose is connected to the next one using breath.
The transition part, that is the movement between one pose and the next one, should be performed with grace.
You need to maintain balance while transitioning from one pose to another.
You must remain synonymous with each body movement.
You need to move according to your breath and each movement is initiated by breath.
This yoga generates a lot of heat in the body and can increase your heart rate.
It is possible that the breathing may become deeper and more strained due to a high level of physical activity, but try to keep it regular and only through the nose.
The sequence of poses changes on a daily basis.
As concentration on breathing forms the base of this yoga, it is also called ‘Moving Meditation.’

Vinyasa Yoga Asanas:

Various asanas are performed under Vinyasa yoga. If they are done correctly and systematically, then they can transform your body beautifully.

The specific poses performed in a Vinyasa yoga class can vary depending on the teacher and the level of the class, but there are some common poses that are often included in Vinyasa yoga sequences. They can be modified by the teacher to suit the needs and abilities of individual students.

Some poses of Vinyasa yoga are mentioned here. They are needed to be performed in a flow to form Vinyasa flow:

‘Cat-Cow’ Sequence: It is a gentle flow between two poses, cat and cow, that warms the body and make the spine flexible and strong.
Sun Salutation: A sequence of yoga poses to warm up the spine and improve the body’s energy.
Planks: They improve body alignment, build abdominal muscles, relieve strain, and help in avoiding illness.
Chaturanga: It strengthens the muscles residing in the arms, shoulders, abdomen, and back areas.
Warrior Poses: It is a group of powerful yoga poses that build strength, flexibility, and balance in the body.
Triangle Asana: It relieves stiffness and improves flexibility of the legs, especially the back muscles of the thigh called hamstrings.

Importance of Breathing in Vinyasa Yoga:

In Vinyasa yoga, breathing is extremely important in getting the results you want. You should have full control over your breath. You have to sync every movement with a breath. Even while moving from one pose to another, the breathing needs to be synchronized.

Benefits Offered by Vinyasa Yoga:

Once you become good at performing it, you will see vinyasa yoga benefits in your body. This kind of yoga gives you the following benefits:

It makes your body toxin-free as the body goes through lots of sweating.
It helps you to lose weight so it is a blessing for people who suffer from overweight issues.
It improves blood circulation in the body thus it prevents the problems of blood clotting.
As heat is produced while doing this yoga, the muscles are stretched and the body starts to gain flexibility.
It improves muscle strength and reduces muscle strain or pain.
It helps ease an injury to the muscles or ligaments.
It helps to develop a more balanced body.
As you need to concentrate on breathing, it helps to reduce stress and calms your mind.
It improves the central nervous system of the body.
It improves heart health.
It helps to keep you active, energetic, and cheerful.
It reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
It helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
It makes you an emotionally positive person by removing negativity.
It improves your focusing ability and concentration power.

Is Vinyasa Yoga Meant for You?

If you are looking for such yoga which is very dynamic in nature and is different from the monotonous form, then Vinyasa Yoga is the right choice for you. You will not get bored by doing it as you will follow different sequences of poses daily. Vinyasa yoga is tough for beginners as it requires strength, balance, and flexibility, but with practice, it becomes easier.

Conclusion:

In essence, Vinyasa yoga teaches us the very basic nature of life that our every action is a step taken to move towards something which is sacred or which is most important for us.

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023

From Ancient Tradition to Modern Practice: The Benefits of Mantras for Mind and Body

What is a Mantra?

“Mantra” is basically a Sanskrit word that is made up of two words “Man” and “Tra”. “Man” means “Mind” and “Tra” means “Release.” Thus mantra means the process of releasing the mind from worrisome thoughts.

Mantras are used in meditation. They are mainly phrases that are chanted during the process of meditation. Some people face problems concentrating while meditating. For them, mantra chanting comes in handy. It helps them to focus properly and get the full benefits of meditation.

A mantra can be chanted loudly, whispered, or repeated only in the mind. It can just be a sound or a collection of words. Every religion and every language has its own mantras, like Gayatri Mantra in Hinduism, Hail Mary in Christianity, Om Mani Padme Hum in Buddhism, etc. Be it in any language or any religion, a mantra leads you to the same path of releasing stress and connects you to divine power.

How to Begin Mantra Chanting?

For mantra chanting you need to do the following things:

Choose a calm and quiet atmosphere without any sort of distraction
Wear loose clothing and maintain a comfortable posture
Select some object to focus on
Set a timer between three to thirty minutes
Start with deep breaths and then begin chanting the mantra with the full intention and focusing on your breathing

Normally believed that a mantra should be chanted at least 108 times. But you can choose it as per your suitability. You can also make use of a tiny mala of beads.

How do Mantras Work?

Everything in this universe is made up of energy and sound is considered to be a powerful medium to influence it. As sound is an important part of mantra chanting, it is believed that mantras help a person get positive energy from the universe. This energy has the potential to bring many positive changes in the body as well as the mind.

When you chant a mantra, the sound creates vibrations in the body. This makes you feel relaxed, calm, and stress-free. As a mantra is needed to be chanted repeatedly, it takes you to the depth of meditation. You forget about everything else and feel connected to the divine power.

Types of Mantras:

Mantras are of various kinds. Each one has its own sound, vibration, meaning, and spiritual importance. Here are some basic mantras:

Seed Mantras:

These are simple kind of mantras that are made up of one-syllable. They are mostly used because they are easy to recite. They purify the mind, body, and the soul. By reciting them concentration is improved and you attain peace of mind. Examples are: Om, Ham, Sham, etc.

Vedic Mantras:

These mantras basically belong to Hinduism and they are mentioned in the sacred Vedas. They are written in the Sanskrit language. They are quite lengthy and are a bit complex to recite. Practice is required to chant these mantras. They believed to possess divine powers. Examples are: Gayatri Mantra, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Shanti Mantra, etc.

Buddhist Mantras:

As the name says these mantras belong to Buddhism. These are dedicated to specific deities. Examples are: Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, Medicine Buddha mantra, Green Tara mantra, etc.

Devotional Mantras:

They are related to Bhakti yoga as the devotional means “bhakti.” This yoga is performed to show devotion to the supreme and divine power and surrender yourself to Him completely. These mantras require a lot of devotion and involvement of emotions. Examples are: the Hare Krishna mantra, Om Namah Shivaya mantra, Sita Ram mantra, etc.

Healing Mantras:

These mantras heal the mind and the body. They promote physical as well as emotional health. Examples are: Gayatri mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, Om Shanti mantra, etc.

If we talk about the specific names of the mantras that are recited while doing meditation, then they are mentioned below:

Om Mantra: Takes you to the elevated state of consciousness.
Shanti Mantra: Invokes peace of mind
Om Namah Shivaya Mantra: Dedication to Bhagwan Shiva and leads to moksha
Gayatri Mantra: To achieve success and happiness in life
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: To attain long life, keep calamities away, and prevent untimely death
The Kundalini Mantra: To stimulate and nourish each Chakra of the body
Lalitha Sahasranama: To lead a life that is free from the ills of poverty, bad health, mental stress, etc.
Ganesh Mantra: To inspire transformation
Durga Gayatri Mantra: To attract prosperity and abundance
Rudrayamala Tantra Mantra: To destroy enemies
The Serenity Prayer: To remember the principles of recovery
Prayer for Assistance: To stay closer to God
Om Mani Padme Hum: To transform the impure body
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu: To wish for every being’s happiness
Tayata Om Bekanze: To eliminate the pain of suffering from problems
Om Vasudhare Svaha: To get deities blessings
Ehi Vidhi Hoi Naath Hit Moraa: To achieve success
Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih: To confer intelligence
Om Sarveshaam Svastir Bhavatu: To ask for well-being and peace

Benefits of Chanting Mantras for Mind and Body:

Mantra chanting offers several potential benefits for the body as well as the mind and transforms you into a completely new human being who looks at life with a positive outlook. Here are some benefits of practicing mantra chanting:

You become a person who is self-aware. You understand your thoughts and where they are leading you.
It reduces stress and anxiety and keeps you away from depressing thoughts.
It makes the body and mind calm and relaxed.
It helps to improve focus by controlling wandering thoughts.
It makes you a more compassionate and empathetic person.
It brings self-confidence and willpower in you.
It brings positive changes in the brain.
It keeps your mood good and makes you a cheerful person.
It brings emotional stability.
You feel less tired and more energetic.
It helps in getting sound sleep.
It detoxifies your body.
It controls your blood pressure levels.
It improves the health of the heart.
It improves your immunity system.
It strengthens your vocal cords as you have to make sounds during mantra chanting.
You see improvements in your memory power as it sharpens the mind.
It keeps you away from distressing emotions and turns you into a positive human being.
It helps you to feel closer to the supreme power and that brings a sense of peace.
It cleanses your aura.
It helps to enhance creativity and generate new ideas.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, mantra chanting can have several positive effects on your body and mind and can transform you into a positive and cheerful person. Just fix a schedule for it and follow that religiously. Mantra chanting will convert you into a more balanced and stable personality.

June 19, 2023

Ayurveda Doshas and their Impact on Our Well-being

What is Dosha in Ayurveda?

Dosha means the body type. Each and every person has a unique body type and his/her psychology and body functionality depend upon it. How the person behaves and how he/she physically reacts to something, are also decided by Dosha.

The field of Ayurveda signifies that there are three Doshas in a human being. The human body is made up of 5 elements, called air, water, earth, fire, and ether (space). The behaviour and health of every human being depends upon the proportion of Doshas present in his/her body. That is why everyone is different physically as well as mentally. Also, these Doshas decide his/her susceptibility to certain diseases.

Types of Doshas in Ayurveda:

The three Ayurveda Doshas are known as Vata, Pitta, & Kapha. Each Dosha has its own features and their proper balancing is required for a physically and mentally balanced person. If Doshas get imbalanced, then it can result in various mental and health problems. In Ayurveda, each person is medically treated according to the presence of Doshas in his/her body. These Doshas have been detailed below:

Vata Dosha:

What is Vata Dosha?

Vata Dosha is present in the lower part of abdomen i.e. below the navel, and represents the elements of ether (space) and air. It controls the mental and physical movements. It regulates the breathing pattern, blood circulation in the body, muscular movement, waste elimination, hunger pangs, passing of urine, health of the heart, and working of the nervous system.

Characteristics of Vata Body Type:

If the person has Vata Dosha in dominance then his/her body type comes under the category of Vata Body type. Vata body kind of persons possesses the following characteristics:

They are physically slim.
They are energetic.
They have great creative skills and amazing thinking capabilities.
They can learn things quite quickly.
They can perform multiple tasks at a time.
They are kind-hearted and adjusting.
They are very much emotional and may suffer from anxiety and depression because of being too much emotional.
They have sensitivity to cold weather.
They have mood swings that may be triggered by weather and even food.
They may suffer from digestion issues.
They may go through blood circulation problems.
They may suffer from sleep disorders.

Exercises that are Suitable for People with Vata Body Type:

As Vata Dosha is related to movement, the people with Vata body type must go for those exercises that involve physical activity, like running, dancing, swimming, cycling, aerobics, etc.

Pitta Dosha:

What is Pitta Dosha?

Pitta Dosha is present in the abdominal area above the navel and is related to the elements of water and fire. It is responsible for metabolism, digestion, skin, body temperature, body transformations, and hormonal balance.

Characteristics of Pitta Body Type:

If the person has Pitta Dosha in dominance then his/her body type comes under the category of Pitta Body type. Pitta body kind of persons possesses the following characteristics:

They have good body shape and athletic physique.
They possess leadership qualities.
They have aggression in nature.
They are determined to achieve their goals.
They are intelligent and learn things quickly.
Their metabolism system and circulatory system are good.
They have beautiful skin and hair.
They are impatient.
Because of their aggressive attitude, they fall into conflicts easily.
They suffer from mood swings and hunger pangs.
They have sensitivity to hot weather conditions.

Exercises that are Suitable for People with Pitta Body Type:

As Pitta Dosa is related to body temperature, people with Pitta body types need to do exercises that do not generate much body heat. They can do any exercise but should not overdo it otherwise excessive body heat will be generated and this will not be good for them. Moreover, they must do exercises only when the weather is cool. They also indulge themselves in team sports. They must go for a massage as it will lower the body temperature.

Kapha Dosha:

What is Kapha Dosha?

Kapha Dosha is present in the chest area and is related to the elements of water and earth. It is responsible for the energy, vitality, stability, strength, and immunity of the body. It is also related to the hydration of the skin and lubrication of the joints.

Characteristics of Kapha Body Type:

If the person has Kapha Dosha in dominance then his/her body type comes under the category of Kapha Body type. Kapha body kind of persons possesses the following characteristics:

They are down to earth and humble in nature.
They have a balanced and stable body.
They have a caring heart.
They are supportive and empathetic in nature.
They trust easily.
They are calm, composed, and patient.
They act wisely and maturely.
They are happy-go-lucky kind of people.
Their bones and joints are quite strong.
They have good immunity systems and seldom suffer from common diseases.
Their metabolism system is quite slow.
They gain weight easily.
They tend to sleep more.
They may suffer from respiratory issues.
They do not have strong hearts and may suffer from heart problems.
They use to suffer from depression issues.
They are in need of constant motivation as they tend to give up easily.

Exercises that are Suitable for People with Kapha Body Type:

The people with the Kapha body type do not possess an interest in doing exercise. So, they need someone who can motivate them for this. Cardio and breathing exercises prove to be quite beneficial for them.

What Happens When Doshas Become Imbalanced?

There is a body type called Tridoshic type, where all three Doshas are perfectly balanced. But having such a kind of body is definitely a dream and blessed is the person who has such body type. As each Dosha plays its role in the body, if any one of them becomes faulty, the body starts to suffer.

Doshas become imbalanced because of bad eating habits, bad lifestyle, stress issues, etc.

Imbalancing of Vata Dosha causes metabolism-related issues. The body starts to feel weak. The person faces difficulty in speaking and goes through a confused state of mind.

Imbalancing of Pitta Dosha badly affects the organs and can cause inflammation in them. The person develops digestion issues. He can suffer from urine, stool, and skin-related problems. He/she starts to have negative thoughts and his/her outlook towards life also becomes negative.

Imbalancing of Kapha Dosha can cause stagnation of the mind as it affects the body tissues. The person tends to sleep more and has breathing problems. The person becomes stubborn in nature.

How to Keep Doshas Balanced?

Each Dosha needs a separate kind of treatment to be correct. For Vata Dosha, the person needs to be comforted on the emotional side. He/she should take soft and warm food that has a good spicy taste. For Pitta Dosha, the person needs to stay in a calm and relaxed environment. He/she should take light food. For Kapha Dosha, the person starts to have an active lifestyle. He/she should take spicy and acidic food items.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, Vata, Pitta, & Kapha Doshas are of extreme importance, and learn to be friends with them. If they are happy, then you will also be happy and healthy.

June 16, 2023

Planning for First Yoga Retreat: Prepare Your Body and Mind!!

In desperate need of a break from the daily hustle and bustle of life? Must be planning for a vacation? Let us plan for something new this time, a Rishikesh yoga retreat!! This will be a pure rejuvenating experience for you that will turn out to be a blessing for your mind as well as your body.

It will give you a chance to ponder upon yourself, and your well-being. In our daily hectic life, we use to forget about taking care of ourselves and invite many diseases as a result. A retreat gives us time that we can devote to ourselves only. Nothing can be more beautiful and wonderful than attending a retreat in the lap of nature like the city of Rishikesh, called the Yoga Capital of the World.

Things You Will Experience Apart from Yoga:

During a retreat, you not only do yoga but also get the opportunity to go through loads of other experiences as well. The experiences that keep the power of transforming your life completely in a better way. Apart from yoga, you will have these wonderful experiences in life:

Getting A Useful Break from Bad Habits:

A retreat offers a perfect opportunity to take a break from bad habits and establish healthier routines. You step away from the stresses and triggers of daily life and gain clarity and perspective. Thus it becomes easier to identify and address unhealthy patterns.

Making New Friends:

One of the most rewarding aspects of such a retreat is that you get the chance to make new friends and build meaningful connections. At a retreat, you meet like-minded individuals who have a passion for wellness and personal growth. These common goals can make you friends with other participants. During the retreat, various activities are organized that help in building relationships.

Participation in Adventure Activities:

Many programs also offer adventure activities that complement the yoga practice. The participants get a refreshing break from the yoga sessions and are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and connect with the natural world.

Exploring New Destinations:

There are so many options to join a retreat. You can go for it in areas lying in mountains or areas near beaches. Every break will give you a chance to visit a new place.

Immersing Yourself in Nature:

These retreats often take place in picturesque locations like mountains, forests, beaches, etc. You get the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and take in the energy of the location. Mindful walks through the woods will give you an immense pleasure that would never have imagined.

Healthy and Pure Freshly Cooked Meals:

These retreats give huge importance to healthy and nourishing meals. The food, that is cooked, is pure sattvic food. This kind of food is pure and totally natural and offers huge health benefits. You also learn to stay away from alcohol, smoking, processed food items, etc.

Digital Detoxification:

The gadgets, especially smartphones, have become an inseparable part of our lives. There is hardly any time during the day that we keep ourselves away from them. We have become their slaves and these are harming our health. The retreat gives us the opportunity to stay away from these gadgets, in other words, the chance of digital detoxification.

Focusing on Relaxing Your Mind:

A stressed mind cannot focus on anything. These retreats teach us how to be relaxed and mindful so that we can concentrate on the thing we do at a particular time. We learn the techniques to calm and relax the mind.

Positive Changes in Your Body and Mindset:

These retreats lead to positive changes in both the body and the mind. Due to the issues happening in our daily lives, we tend to become negative. A negative mindset cannot attract a positive life. Here, we learn so many things, that may transform our lives completely on a positive note.

Full-Time to Focus on Your Yoga Practice:

We may be yoga enthusiasts. But due to busy daily schedules, we are not able to devote time fully to it. At a retreat, we have ample amount of time to concentrate only on yoga as there are no other responsibilities to take care of.

Chance to Get Sound and Distraction Free Sleep:

Sleeping on time and getting sound sleep, both have become difficult to achieve. At the retreat, there is a set schedule for sleeping and waking up. Also, a method of Yoga Nidra is taught that tells how to relax the mind to get distraction-free sound sleep.

You must remember one thing that this time is completely yours. Devote it to yourself without thinking about anything else.

Leisure Activities to do during Retreat:

Apart from yoga, you will get the chance to take part in various extra activities on retreat. These activities will boost your self-confidence in you and are always full of fun. Some of the activities offered are:

Silent Walks
Cave Exploring
Wildlife Experiences
Camping
Hiking
Skiing and Snowboarding
Trekking
River Rafting
Swimming
Deep Sea Diving
Volunteering
Learning about other Cultures

How to Plan for a Successful Yoga Retreat?

Now the question is how to plan a yoga retreat. Here are some tips that can be used while planning a retreat:

Prepare the timeline of the things you are going to do.

Decide the duration of the retreat.
Choose the location for a retreat.
Find out the institutes at the decided location and compare the facilities given by them.
Select the best institute at the chosen location that offers the required retreat at a pocket-friendly cost.
Prepare your bag while keeping all the necessary things, including medicines, with you. Always pack comfortable clothes.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining a Retreat:

Thinking about going on the best retreat in Rishikesh will certainly give you goosebumps, but there are certain issues that you may face during the retreat so you must prepare yourself beforehand. You should keep in mind that:

There can be huge gatherings of crowds during the season and you may not get the calmness you were looking for.
You will not be allowed to take eggs, and non-veg meals, consume alcohol, or smoke. So, it would be better to take yourself away from these habits a few days before joining the retreat.
Many institutes and ashrams offer retreats. Do some research on the internet and choose the best retreat in Rishikesh.
As there will be several sessions of retreats, it is possible that you may not get the yoga mats and equipment in the best condition.
The schedule may be strict and will not be similar to your daily routine, so prepare yourself mentally to adapt to it.
Keep ready all modes of payment as in some places card payment or online payment are not accepted.

Conclusion:

Take the time to include a retreat devoted to yoga into your lifetime vacation goals as this is the time worth spending. At Yoga Rishi, you will have a variety of options to choose the retreats at affordable prices and under the guidance of the best yoga teachers.

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What is Shilajit used for?

Shilajit Benefits– The All-Natural Supplement:

Precautions while using Shilajit:

How to Consume Shilajit and How long does it Take for Shilajit to Work?

Any Interaction of Shilajit with Other Drugs?

Conclusion:

Causes of Poor Eye Health:

What is Eye Yoga?

Yoga Asanas for Eyesight Improvement– Keep Your Eyes Healthy:

The following ones will help in reaching the blood to your eyes

Benefits You Get from Yoga Eye Exercises:

Conclusion:

Hatha Yoga:

Origin of Hatha Yoga:

Why Hatha Yoga is Important?

Principles of Hatha Yoga:

Hatha Yoga Asanas:

Props that can be used in Hatha Yoga Asanas:

Advantages of Hatha Yoga:

Conclusion:

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Origin of Vinyasa Yoga:

Features of Vinyasa Yoga:

Vinyasa Yoga Asanas:

Importance of Breathing in Vinyasa Yoga:

Benefits Offered by Vinyasa Yoga:

Is Vinyasa Yoga Meant for You?

Conclusion:

What is a Mantra?

How to Begin Mantra Chanting?

How do Mantras Work?

Types of Mantras:

Benefits of Chanting Mantras for Mind and Body:

Conclusion:

What is Dosha in Ayurveda?

Types of Doshas in Ayurveda:

Vata Dosha:

Pitta Dosha:

Kapha Dosha:

What Happens When Doshas Become Imbalanced?

How to Keep Doshas Balanced?

Conclusion:

Things You Will Experience Apart from Yoga:

Leisure Activities to do during Retreat:

How to Plan for a Successful Yoga Retreat?

Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining a Retreat:

Conclusion:

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