Author: Rishikesh Ashtanga Yoga School

Why International Yoga Day is Important International Yoga Day is a special day that people celebrate in every part of the world with great enthusiasm on June 21 every year. On this day, people recognize the many benefits of practising yoga on an everyday basis. The United Nation established this day in order to promote global awareness as well as the importance of yoga in the daily lives of the people across the world as well as encourage them to incorporate yoga as their daily practice for better health and well-being. This day highlights the importance as well as points out the multiple health and mental benefits of practising yoga. This is the day when a huge number of people from different cultures as well as different backgrounds come together…

Exploring the Perfect Blend of Traditional Yoga with Modern Fitness PracticesLiving a healthy and balanced life is one of those long-standing trends that keeps on living. In recent years, the fitness world has witnessed a dynamic evolution with the emergence of Yoga Fusion, a trend that combines the traditional practice of yoga with various contemporary fitness practices. This innovative approach has opened doors to a world of possibilities, incorporating elements from strength training, Pilates, running, martial arts, cardio, and dance aerobic fitness. Yoga serves as a pillar of support for both your external and internal well-being. Through its diverse range of poses, it not only strengthens the physical body but also offers a meditative aspect that contributes to stress relief and mental tranquillity. This holistic combination has made yoga a regular…

Yoga: The Ultimate Stress Buster In our fast-paced, modern world, stress has become a common companion in our daily lives. The pressures of work, family, and personal responsibilities can easily overwhelm us, leading to a host of physical and mental health issues. Fortunately, there is a powerful tool that has been used for centuries to combat stress and promote overall well-being: yoga. In this essay, we will explore how yoga serves as the ultimate stress buster, offering a holistic approach to calming the mind and rejuvenating the body.The Nature of Stress Before delving into the ways yoga can alleviate stress, it's crucial to understand what stress is and how it affects us. Stress is a natural response to the demands and challenges of life. In small doses, stress can be…

In the realm of yoga, Setu Bandhasana, commonly known as Bridge Pose, is a powerful posture that bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual self. Its name, "Setu Bandha," translates to "bridge" (Setu) and "lock" or "bond" (Bandha), which symbolize the union and harmony this asana fosters. Beyond its physical benefits, Setu Bandhasana serves as a bridge to inner peace, offering profound physical, mental, and spiritual rewards. The Physical Foundation At its core, Setu Bandhasana is a backbend that targets the muscles of the back, shoulders, and hips. To practice this pose, follow these steps: Preparation: Begin by lying flat on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Your arms should rest by your sides, palms facing down. Inhalation and Lift: On an inhale, press…

In a world that often pulls us in countless directions, leaving us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others, the ancient practice of Hatha Yoga offers a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner connection. Rooted in the Sanskrit words "Ha" (sun) and "Tha" (moon), Hatha Yoga seeks to harmonize the dual energies within us, leading to a profound understanding of our true essence and the illumination of our inner light. At its core, Hatha Yoga is a holistic system that encompasses physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles to facilitate the unification of mind, body, and spirit. This ancient discipline traces its origins back to the ancient texts of India, such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita. Its timeless wisdom has transcended generations, and today,…

In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can often be challenging to unwind and prepare our minds and bodies for a restful night's sleep. Stress and insomnia often go hand in hand, creating a challenging cycle that can significantly impact our overall well-being. Stress, whether it's caused by work, relationships, or other factors, can lead to sleep disturbances, while the lack of quality sleep can further exacerbate stress levels. How is your stress level connected to your sleep patterns? The Stress Response: When we experience stress, our bodies activate the "fight-or-flight" response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response is essential for survival in acute situations, chronic stress can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Racing Thoughts: Stress often leads…

Yoga's roots can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India. The practice of yoga initially developed as a spiritual and philosophical discipline, with various ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita laying the foundation for yogic philosophy and practices. Over time, different classical yoga systems emerged, each with its unique focus and approach to yoga. Some of these classical yoga systems include Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yoga started gaining attention in the West due to the efforts of pioneering yogis and teachers like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda. They introduced yoga to Western audiences, paving the way for its global popularity. It further started gaining global popularity with teachers like T…

Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a dynamic sequence of yoga postures that combines movement, breath, and mindfulness. It is a fundamental and revered practice in the discipline of yoga. It is traditionally performed facing the rising or setting sun, as it is a symbolic gesture of gratitude and reverence to the sun, which is considered the source of light, energy, and life. The sun is also associated with various qualities like vitality, power, and spiritual illumination. The practice of Surya Namaskar encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. It offers a comprehensive workout for the body, engaging the major muscle groups, improving flexibility, strength, and stamina. The flowing nature of the practice also enhances cardiovascular health, promoting circulation and oxygenation of the body. It cultivates mental clarity, focus,…