Our breath is the most vital and fundamental part of human existence. Without it, we would survive little more than a few minutes. When we are tired, hungry or thirsty, we seek nourishment in the form of rest, food and water. However, when we are stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, we are often unsure where to find relief. 

Panic attacks, asthma, and hyperventilation show how important our connection to our breath can be. Understanding your breath tells us a lot about the states of our being. Is your breath short and raspy? Deep and long? Are you breathing into your belly or your chest? How do you feel when you pause to focus on your breath? Our breath can be used to relieve stress, squash anxieties, release tension, and reinforce the connection with our bodies and the world around us. 

In yoga, breath control is called Pranayama. It literally means control of our vital life forces. Pranayama is used in almost every asana class, either through Ujjayi breathing (victorious breath), or simply being asked to bring the awareness to the breath. Below are three exercises to help you gain more control over your breathing, and in turn, your life. 

1.    Breath Awareness

• The first part of breath control is learning to listen and understand your breathing patterns. 
• First, locate your breathing. Are you breathing into your chest or belly? 
• How deep and nourishing is your breath? 
• How often are you inhaling? 
• What are the lengths of your inhales and exhales?

2.    Deep Belly Breathing 

Start by gently placing both hands on your belly. Take a deep inhale so you can feel your belly fill up with air beneath your hands. Do this for 3 minutes, making sure your inhales and exhales are of equal length. It will activate the PNS (parasympathetic nervous system) – also known as the ‘rest and digest system.’ It is our built-in antidote to stress. Activating the PNS will make us feel calm, centered and collected. 

3.    Three-Part Breathing

It is regularly breathing, except the exhaling happens in three distinct parts. Take a normal inhale, then as you exhale, pause twice. It is essential that you are not exhaling during the pauses. Do this 15 times and notice the sense of peacefulness and serenity that washes over you. This technique is useful if you have trouble sleeping at night, or you feel particularly stressed after a busy day. 

Mindful breathing is a practice that should extend out into our lives off our yoga mats. Working on breathing control will provide benefits to all areas of your lives. Our breath acts as the connection between our mind, body, and spirit, and conscious breathing is as important to our health as nourishing food, or deep sleep. It is the literal embodiment of the fundamental life force that connects all living beings. Next time you feel over-wash with stress or anxiety, try the exercises above and notice the immediate difference they make on your sense of wellbeing.

Have you ever seen a classmate roll out a normal yoga mat only to place a towel over the top of it? This may seem like an unnecessary addition to your yoga gear, but many yogis wonder if there could actually be a benefit to these very thin tools.

Yoga towels are increasing in popularity, a direct correlation with the prominent rise in the popularity of hot yoga. You may have seen them on the shelves of big box stores or sold in specialty retailers that carry the best yoga brands. If you’ve wondered whether one of these simple items could enhance your yoga practice, you should take a look at these key ways a simple towel can help.

Cleaner Environment

One of the most immediate benefits of a yoga towel is the extra sanitation it provides to your workout space. A traditional yoga mat is very easily cleaned by wiping it down with some essential oils or a mild cleanser, but very few yogis will take the time to do so on a regular basis. In comparison, a yoga towel is extremely easy to clean and it requires very little forethought.

While the specific care instructions will vary depending on the manufacturer, most yoga towels can be washed in a normal washing machine. They may require a gentler detergent or a gentle cycle. However, this is still an exceptional convenience that will make your yoga workout much more sanitary.

Safer Practice

A yoga towel can also help to promote a much safer practice space, particularly for a hot yoga practice. When you start a heat-building class, your body will naturally start to produce lots of sweat. If the temperature in the room is also high, your body will perspire even more heavily. This extra moisture on your yoga mat could lead to slipping when you move into more advanced asanas.

Don’t allow yourself to become perched in a precarious position. A yoga towel can absorb that moisture that accumulates which keeps your practice a little bit safer. Be sure to opt for a yoga towel that has a non-skid grip on the bottom to adhere to the floor or to your yoga mat.

More Practice Space Options

When you utilize a yoga towel as a part of your regular yoga gear, you’ll likely find that you can significantly expand the areas where you practice. A yoga towel is more convenient to pack in a suitcase if you happen to be traveling, for instance. You could practice in your hotel room, at the park next door, or even on the beach. This simple tool allows you to bring yoga with you wherever you go.

A yoga towel can be a relatively inexpensive and simple addition to your regular yoga practice. Allow yourself to experience the significant benefit of adding this high-quality yoga towel to your practice today. You’ll find that your practice is better for your body, both in terms of your health and your safety.

Our world is running fast-paced with the help of modern technology. But it is undeniable that some of these advancements have repercussions to the world we live in, especially to us humans. We are now experiencing the worst types of environmental conditions humanity has ever encountered.

One of these is the noise pollution we have to endure on a daily basis: from cars on a traffic jam and ads on big screens to even loud volumes of the television. The louder the noise, the more we are stressed. It is very important to pay attention to what you feel within. It is a must to take a break from the noise of modern living and ease out.

Tune in to Relaxation

It is no secret that sound vibrations effectively affect us on all levels. Music in low frequency often times sends us to an emotional frenzy, while the ones on higher frequency help lift up the mood. Sound bath yoga is a new trend which allows practitioners to find relaxation with the aid of sonic frequencies created by traditional gongs, crystal bowls, and tuning forks. These vibrations lower the heart rate, help clear any blockage on your energy channels, and relax the brain.

Yoga is a well-known stress buster. It helps strengthen the body while imposing composure in the mind. Among these are the golden pieces of wisdom you will learn through the journey. Combining yoga and sound bath into one will surely give you the deepest relaxation you ever had! Close your eyes and breathe.

One of the most accessible and relaxing poses in yoga is Savasana, also known as the corpse pose. Simply lie down on the ground with your hands on your side and the palms facing up. Breathe fully by filling in your diaphragm with air, then your chest. Exhale and let go of the air in your chest, then on the diaphragm.

Are you looking for an alternative from antidepressants or just want to tune out the noise of the outer world? Sound bath yoga might be the answer. It isn’t hard to find local yoga studios that offer sound bath yoga. Access the Internet for inquiries and you won’t be disappointed. Remember to always find time for self-awareness and be open to new experiences.

Embrace New Experiences

As you soak into sound bath and absorb the experience, cozy clothing will help amplify the relaxation you are diving into. Look for a yoga pant that will surely give you the comfort of self-awareness without restricting your movements. 90 Degree by Reflex is great for comfort. Their line of High Waist Cotton Power Flex Legging is quality comfort made with over 72% cotton. Cotton is an extremely breathable natural fiber and you should wear it as much as you can. Grab yours here. 

Another pair of leggings is Neonysweets Yoga Leggings with Pocket. These super stretchy and breathable yoga pants for women are very durable and functional. It is designed with pockets on both sides and a back pocket secured with a zipper. These leggings will save you the hassle of carrying your phone or keys around. Created with 45% nylon, 12% lycra, and 43% polyester. Neonysweets Yoga Leggings with Pocket is a cozy, moist-wicking yoga pant you’ll surely adore. Check them out here.

Always keep your doors open to new experiences. Do not be afraid of learning and discovering new things. Have the courage and an open heart with no expectations. In whatever you dive into, always make sure to have fun!

Among many other health and physical benefits of yoga, this physical activity also relieves asthma. Most asthma patients cannot exercise properly because they find intense physical activity to be challenging and burdensome. Luckily, there are certain yoga poses that are great when it comes to lowering the impact of asthma symptoms. 

The Best Yoga Poses that Help Asthma Patients

#1. Skull Shining Breathing Technique

Sit on a mat and keep your back straight. Both hands should rest on your knees, but make sure that your palms face the sky. Inhale deeply and then exhale slowly. While exhaling, pull your stomach by bringing the navel area as close to the spine as possible. You can keep your eyes closed during the entire pose. Also, you could place your right hand on the abdomen for a better abdominal muscle control. Repeat these breaths for at least 20 times.

#2. Forward Bend

This bending asana will open up your lungs and it will provide a natural asthma relief. Stand up, keeping your legs a little bit apart to create the perfect alignment between your feet and your shoulders. Our recommendation is to bend your knees a little to avoid any lower back strains. Grab each elbow with your opposite hand while letting your entire upper body hang. Maintain this pose for five deep and slow breaths. You should keep your eyes closed during the entire asana.

#3. Butterfly Pose

Sit on a mat with your feet soles pressed together, one against the other. Drop both knees out, keeping them as far away from your soles as possible. This asana is called the “Butterfly” because your legs should create a shape that resembles two wings.  Hold your ankles with your palms and keep your heels near the hips. Inhale slowly and then, while you exhale, fold your upper body forward. You should maintain this pose for at least five deep breaths.

#4. Bridge Pose

This is another yoga pose that opens the lungs. Lie on your back and comfortably place both arms parallel with your torso. Bend your knees and push your heels closer to your buttocks to align your feet with your knees. Take a deep breath and exhale while lifting your tailbone off the mat. Thighs should remain parallel with the floor.  While holding this position, press the shoulders against the mat and open your chest. Hold the pose for at least 30 seconds. When the pose is done, you can exhale slowly and bring your lower spine back on the mat. 

Extra tip: combine yoga sequences with meditation and breathing exercises to achieve the best results and relieve asthma symptoms.

Bottom Line

If you practice the above yoga sequence on a daily basis, you will reduce asthma symptoms considerably. Yoga will help you take control over your body, which will lead to a more joyful life. Yoga is not a simple exercise or activity. It is a way of life! Namaste!

If you are one of those people who follow celebrity news, then you may know just how much celebrities face on a daily basis. Somehow, people expect them to look their best at every moment of the day. While this may not be a realistic expectation, there are those who try to do their fair share and keep up. In recent years, yoga has become a favorite of many well-known individuals seeking to stay healthy. Here are five well known celebrities that you may not know practice yoga.

Beyoncé

Many people know Beyoncé through her music career. However, she is also an actor, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Throughout her music career, she has been nominated for 22 Grammy awards, and she is the most nominated woman in music award history to date. In 2014, she became recognized as the highest-paid black musician in history. She has also appeared in Time Magazine’s most influential people two years in a row.

Keeping up with such fame and glamour requires more than passion. She understands that she also has to look after herself and stay healthy. In many interviews, she has cited yoga as one of the ways she does this. In appreciation of yoga’s contribution to her life, she has even released her own line of active wear apparel known as Ivy Park. It includes different types of yoga wear.

Drew Barrymore

Drew is a model, producer, and American actress. She has starred in various films including Charlie Angels (2000), Going the Distance (2010), Grey Gardens (2009), and Miss You Already (2015).

According to Drew, joining was the hardest part of her experience in yoga. However, since then, she has had a smooth sail. She is now a regular in Core Power Yoga studio in Hollywood. She seems to enjoy her experience, and even posts selfie of herself practicing on a regular basis.

Robert Downey, Jr.

This man is best known for his role as Tony Stark in Iron Man, the Marvel Comics films. However, he has appeared in numerous other films including Sherlock Holmes in (2009) and its 2011 sequel. However, Robert did not always have his life together. Before the year 2000, he struggled with drug abuse and tested positive for the same in 2003. Robert says that he has been drug free since and that yoga has played a major role in sobriety.

Bar Refaeli

Refaeli is a well-known media personality and for a good reason. She is considered the most internationally successful Israeli model and one of the highest paid in her home country. She has also been the host of The X Factor Israel since 2013. She is also a television host, a model, and a business woman.

A quick internet search will show you that yoga is part of her morning routine. She has emulated many other celebrities taking up yoga as a daily health practice. According to her, there is no better way to start a day than with yoga practice.

Matthew McConaughey

McConaughey is best known for starring in romance comedies, including Failure to Launch (2006), and Ghost of Girlfriends Past (2009). He embraces yoga as an important part of his life and a cornerstone of his fit physique.

Yoga and essential oils work wonderfully together. Oils can be used before the actual practice and during the cleaning after it. Yoga and oils together are a power-duo that supports both the mind and body. They are not only beneficial but also taste and smell amazing!

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Before practice, drink 1-2 ounces of Ningxia Red. Ningxia Red is a powerful drink that is filled with energy and it is amazing for overall body wellness.

Lemon Vitality oil can be added to the Ningxia Red not only for taste but also as a dietary supplement and body cleanser.

Staying hydrated is extremely important to have a safe and beneficial practice. A large water bottle should always be kept close to the mat.

Uplifting oils such as Lime Vitality oil and Peppermint Vitality oil can be added to water for not only taste but also added benefits. Lime Vitality oil is great for supporting a healthy immune system and can also aid in weight management. Peppermint Vitality oil is a powerhouse for digestion support and also helps clear the airway to achieve deeper breaths throughout practice. Deeper breaths mean deeper poses!

Not only are oils beneficial to take internally but they are also beneficial when diffused. Diffusing oils such as Lavender, Orange, Stress Away, and Believe can set the perfect mood for practice. More energizing oils such as Orange should be used during morning practices to awaken the mind, while more soothing oils such as Lavender should be used during bedtime practices to help wind down the mind and body.

 

Oils can also be applied topically to aid practice. Oils such as Grounding and Harmony can be applied to the bottom of the feet to give not only a relaxing feeling but also to help stabilize the mind. Peace and Calming can also be applied behind the ears to bring ease to the practice.

 

Breathing is crucial for a successful yoga practice. Oils such as Breathe Again, Peppermint, and Spearmint aid the respiratory system beautifully. These oils can be diffused or placed in the hand and inhaled using Ujjayi breathing in order to reap their airway clearing benefits. A clear airway can aid in getting in and maintaining the most difficult of poses.

After practice, sore muscles can be eased with oils such as Deep Relief, PanAway, and Copaiba. These oils can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied directly to sore muscles or a few drops can be added to a hot bath with Epsom Salts to create a relaxing and relieving post yoga bath. Giving attention and support to sore muscles is helpful to keeping yoga practices constant and going deeper into stretches. It’s much easier to get back on the mat with soothed muscles rather than stiff and aching ones.

Yoga mats can get pretty disgusting after a strenuous practice. Keeping yoga mats clean is crucial to staying healthy but also using non-toxic cleaners is important. Lavender, salt, Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil and distilled water can all be added to a spray bottle to create a wonderful smelling, toxic-free mat cleanser.

Yoga is such a beneficial addition to anyone’s daily routine. It brings clearness and strength to both the mind and the body. The addition of essential oils to yoga creates a powerhouse team that creates a healthier and more beneficial environment both inside and out.

Acroyoga is a combination of yoga and acrobatics. Yoga is a big part of many people’s lives, but acrobatics tends to be left to the professionals. When you think of acrobatics, your mind usually wonders to the circus where people are flying aimlessly through the air. These are acrobats, but there are acrobats that are not part of circus and usually hang out at parks or yoga studios. Acroyoga intertwines traditional yoga with the energetic nature of acrobatics to create a fun and inventive way to exercise.

There are three roles in Acroyoga: the base, the flyer, and the spotter.

The base is the foundation. They stay in complete contact with the ground throughout the entire practice. The base typically lies flat on their back to create a sturdy foundation. Their job is to keep the flyer stable and supported off the ground. The base usually contacts the flyer with their feet and hands. The feet generally touch the flyers hips, groins, and lower abdomen while the hands are used as handholds or grasps the flyers ankles and shoulders. The flyer is held off the ground by the base.

The flyer must have a strong core and balance to be able to perform poses. The flyer moves through a series of poses while the base assists in keeping them off the ground. The spotter is responsible for keeping the base and flyer safe. They critique poses to improve form and insure safety. They also are there to make sure that the flyer lands safely in each pose and even will help catch them if they begin to fall.

The spotter may not be a physical part of the poses, but they are crucial to bring safety into the practice.

There are several elements involved in Acroyoga, such as: static poses, acrobatic flying, pops, and sometimes even massage.

Static poses: During these poses the flyer rests in a still position. There is no movement in these poses but the flyer and base must show strength and balance to hold their form. This is where the true test of strength lies during an Acroyoga session.

Acrobatic flying: This is how the flyer transitions from one static pose to the next. Traditionally, the flyer will start and finish in the same pose. This is known as a “washing machine”.

Pops: These are small jumps that help the flyer transitions. The flyer momentarily flies through the air while keeping contact with the bases hands. Some more advanced Acroyogis perform pops with no contact with the base.

Massage: Some Acroyogis incorporate massage into their practice. This is where the base will hold the flyer in a position so that the bases hands are free. This allows them to massage the flyers body. This brings a new level of relaxation to the practice and bonds the base and flyer closer together.

Acroyoga is not only a blast, but it also packs in a whole bunch of benefits. Yoga is typically a solo act, but because Acroyoga requires a partner it helps to build team work and trust. Along with creating a stronger bond, the flyer and base both develop their strength and flexibility. Acroyoga also improves the flyer, bases, and spotter’s concentration because they have to pay more attention to their poses in order to achieve a safe practice. This kind of yoga might not be for everyone but it is for those that want to bring teamwork and acrobatics into their yoga practice. If it interests you, go for it!