by admin | Sep 9, 2013 | Uncategorized
ALL SOUND EFFECTS US. From the sound of rain against the roof, the crackle of an open fire to the drone of traffic in the distance. Even sounds we are not conscious of hearing – like air conditioning or electrical background sounds – impact our state of being, whether we are aware of them or not. Here’s how: Sound vibrations from the ear drum interact with all the major organs of the body via the vagus nerve – the major nerve that runs from our brain along the length of our spine. The vagus nerve interacts with our inner ear, our heart, lungs, stomach, liver, bladder, kidneys and small and large intestines. Alfred Tomatis MD, a French physician who devoted most of his life to exploring the process of listening and the healing effects of sound, described the spine as ‘a receptive antenna vibrating in unison with the sound source, whether it be musical or linguistic.’ Some interesting facts about sound and the physical effects on the body: The heart rate increases when listening to fast music & decreases when listening to slow resonant sounds. Different types of music subtly effect body temperature. The use of percussion and bass heat the body where as abstract, minimalist music has a cooling effect. Music increases endorphin levels through an emotional response to music, so you feel elated. Calm, soothing sounds reduce production of stress-related hormones. Music stimulates digestion. Research has shown that people listening to rock music or fast-paced beats eat faster and larger portions than those listening to slower, classical music (notice the types of music played next time you’re...
by admin | Aug 22, 2013 | Uncategorized
Trouble with digestion can make us feel all-over generally crap. To briefly explain, our digestive system system is made up of three main parts: the stomach, small intestines and colon: Stomach: Food is taken into the body. Small intestines: Food is sorted and processed. Colon: Food is moved out of the body. The most extensive part of the digestion takes place in our small intestine, which is located in the centre of the abdomen. The small intestine takes any food that has not decomposed in the stomach and sorts out what is absorbed and what is to be eliminated through the colon. It’s this area that we aim to keep clear and healthy to support our digestion process to be smooth and to enable us to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. The emotional qualities of the small intestine mirror the physical qualities. When our digestion is not functioning well, we tend to feel out of balance and struggle to sort through priorities and tasks. We can struggle to hold information in our heads. We feel indecisive and unclear and the emotions can dominate. How does yoga help? Any movement we do in our yoga practice that works this area is super beneficial for the digestive system. Strengthening core muscles and bringing bloodflow to this area via twists is excellent for the small intestines health. Alongside this, all postures that open and use the arms also activate the meridian lines for the intestines. One excellent way to maintain a healthy digestive system is this simple kundalini yoga kriya called Vatskar Dhouti Kriya. Do this once or maximum twice...
by admin | Aug 15, 2013 | Uncategorized
Breathing deeply is something a lot of us struggle with. We attend yoga classes and meditation sessions to be supported and encouraged to breathe deeply. To bravely invite life in, to invite in all the sensations, emotions, memories that come with the breath. To let go, to honour impermenance and open the heart to potential. The lungs deliver the breath to the body. The lungs are a complex, hugely crucial filtration system. Physically, they fill almost the entire chest cavity from the collarbones to the diaphragm. They filter the oxygen we inhale through to our blood which then carries that oxygen through to every cell in the body. They detoxify via the exhale, expelling waste gas (carbon dioxide) from the blood. The health of our lungs is key to our overall wellbeing. If our lungs are weak, we’re more prone to colds and getting sick. When our lungs are strong, we enrich our inner environment with plenty of prana and we expel waste easily. An easy, flowing, full breath supports the digestive system, strengthens the nervous system, promotes the circulation of blood and increases oxygen to the brain. The lungs enable us to breathe and are the link between the physical body and the subtle body/spirit. The subtleties of the breath indicate how we are travelling physically, mentally and emotionally. The breath never lies (even when our mind does). The mind follows the breath. When the breath flows freely we are content, elevated and relaxed. When the breath is tight and shallow we are tense, anxious, fearful, unsure or something isn’t right – even if it should be. THE...
by admin | Aug 8, 2013 | Uncategorized
The more me we glimpse an understanding of the overall function and system of our body the more amazing and impressive the body becomes and the more respect we pay it, strengthening our commitment to look after it. Many Kundalini yoga kriyas focus on caring for the glandular system. In fact all yoga is awesome for increasing the function of the glands. But what exactly are glands and what role do they play in our physical makeup? Glands are important organs, you have a variety of them all over your body, and though many of them are small, each produces something important. The glands have three main roles in the body: Fluid production/secretion. Hormone release. Immune system support. Some glands release fluids to support the body’s function, like saliva, sweat, tears and mother’s breast milk. Other glands release hormones. These glands makeup the endocrine system and release hormones through the bloodstream to the cells throughout the body. Hormones are substances that tell the body how to work and how to grow. The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our body, including: Mood Metabolism Growth & development Tissue function Sexual function Reproductive processes. The major glands that make up the endocrine system include: hypothalamus pituitary gland thyroid parathyroids adrenal glands pineal body reproductive glands (the ovaries and testes) pancreas Glands also play an important role in the upkeep of the immune system by: Producing white blood cells that protect the body by producing antibodies that stop the invasion of foreign agents, bacteria and viruses. Prevent the abnormal growth of cells, that may lead to cancer....
by admin | Aug 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
Does your internal atmosphere look like this? Or more like this? THE STATE OF OUR INTERNAL ATMOSPHERE IS VERY MUCH DEPENDENT ON OUR LIVER. Whether your internal atmosphere looks like a toxic waste dump or a fresh, flower-filled forest is determined by what you ingest, how you think and how well your liver functions. The liver is a key and central gland effecting how well the entire system functions, influencing the way we feel, how clearly we think, what we think about and how we connect with others. Physically, the liver is the largest gland in the body and sits on the right side of the abdomen underneath the diaphragm, protected by the lower ribs. The major job of the liver is to process toxins so that they are broken down and removed from the body. It also filters nutrients in the blood into forms that are easier for the body to use and stores vitamins A, D, K and B12 as well as some minerals in the body. It influences insulin production in the body Liver imbalance is caused by toxic build up. The more rubbish we ingest, the harder the liver works. A hard working liver tires us out. Eating foods grown with chemical pesticides or food full of preservatives and/or heavy metals increases toxicity. Cooking methods of deep frying, too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol all put pressure on the liver. Breathing in pollutants through the day or rubbing moisturisers with chemicals into the skin provides extra work for your liver too....
by admin | Aug 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
What’s the difference between Kundalini Yoga and other styles of yoga? Kundalini yoga strengthens the body and increases flexibility. Alongside this, the main focus of Kundalini yoga is to strengthen the nervous system and the function of the glandular system. A well functioning nervous system ensures the body is kept in peak condition and the immune system is strong. Kundalini yoga is an energetic practice and is mostly done with the eyes closed. This allows us to become more present to the subtleties and sensations of movement and breath and less concerned with the ‘look’ of a pose. Here’s an overview of the anatomy of Kundalini Yoga practice: PHYSICAL ANATOMY OF KUNDALINI YOGA NERVOUS SYSTEM The nervous system is the communication network of the body. The nervous system is divided into two major parts – the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The Central Nervous System is located in the brain, brainstem and travels along the spinal cord. The Peripheral Nervous system is all the nerve fibres outside of the brain and spinal cord. Information is sent between these two systems that looks after the tissues and organs in the body and produces glandular secretions. As part of the peripheral nervous system we have the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic nervous system controls our rest and repose. Sympathetic nervous system controls our response to stress. When both are functioning well we are in balance. GLANDULAR SYSTEM: The glands govern our body’s functions and ensure our energy levels are balanced, our...
by admin | Jul 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
Our bodies are made up of invisible energy channels that travel throughout the body. In yoga we refer to them as nadis (in the chinese system they are referred to as meridians – you may be more familiar with these). These energy channels/nadis carry prana through the body and into the organs. Prana is the term used for vital life-force (think of when you’re in the bush, out of the city, surrounded in trees and nature – that air you breathe is rich in life force/prana). When practicing yoga, we move our bodies into various shapes to stimulate and clear these nadi energy channels in the body and flood them with life-force/prana energy. Moving through a yoga practice unlocks and releases stagnant energy. Strengthening the breath is one powerful way to increase the presence and movement of prana in the body. Using the breath correctly by inviting full, intentional breaths into your practice will achieve greater results in terms of healing and energising the channels of the body. Making you healthier and feel more alive. Nadi energy channels link the mind/body. Every thought and emotion is manifested through the body via the nadi channel connections between your brain and the entire body system. There is a yogic term “prana flows where our attention goes”. Therefore one super important way to enhance the movement of prana through the body is intention – where you place your attention. Intention is where the power of a yoga practice reveals itself. The practise of yoga – depending on the combined use of intention and breath will either be just exercise or can transform...
by admin | Jul 18, 2013 | Uncategorized
“shapeshifting is the ability of a being to physically transform into another form or being, either as an inherent faculty of a mythological creature, or by means of magic.” Yoga is the practice of moving the body into different shapes to create physical, mental and emotional shifts. Correct posture isn’t all about how it looks; it’s about how much it serves it’s purpose in terms of stimulating particular muscles, nerves, glands and energy channels within the body to shift you from one state to another. It’s also about how it shapes and shifts the mind. Not only is it ideal to have a regular practice to keep on track, it’s also a tool to be used, as needed. Once you have a toolkit to dip into, you can pick and choose to suit the situation. FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOOLKIT: 3 x 3 minute shape-shifters to transform from one state to another; applicable depending on what you want to shift. Depressed and low energy? MEDITATION TO TOTALLY RECHARGE YOU Position: Sit comfortably with a straight spine. Technique: Extend your arms straight out in front, parallel to the ground. Close the right hand into a fist. Wrap the left fingers around the right fist. The base of the palms touch, thumbs are extended up and touch along the sides. Eyes: Focus on the thumbs. Breathe through the nose. Inhale for 5 seconds. Exhale for 5 seconds. Suspend the breath out for 15 seconds. Continue on like this. Time: 3 minutes or longer. This meditation totally recharges you. It is uplifting and good for depression. The arm and hand position combined with...
by admin | Jul 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
The fifth Yama (yogic way to live) is Aparigraha. Aparigraha means being un-possessive. Not holding onto an idea, a thing or an individual. Not needing labels or possessions to reinforce an identity: The practice of non-attachment. The practice of non-attachment can be challenging. Sometimes in the effort to not be attached (to others, outcomes, future goals), we become detached. Detached is like checking out – staying safe by not really taking part or fully putting yourself out there and living. Non-attachment doesn’t mean detachment. When we’re detached we have stepped away from feeling things – but when we feel things we live in a heart space. The heart space is a neutral, non-judgemental approach that comes out of love. We are content in our own space and open to what each moment can bring. We find joy in the happiness of others. SIMPLE TIP TO SUPERSEDE ATTACHMENT: Instead of focusing on taking away attachment, a great way to really shift out of the grasping, the jealousy and the desirous space of attachment, is to instead invoke the feeling of GENEROSITY (If this is hard, fake it ’til you make it). The feeling of generosity kind of sums up the feeling of non-attachment. We exist to encourage all beings to prosper and be fulfilled, including ourselves. It’s not all give and it’s not all take – it’s ALL enjoy. I have found personally, that when I’m struggling and feeling ripped off in life, if I direct my intention towards generosity, where I choose to feel joy for others, not jealousy, where I take my own dilemmas from the forefront of...
by admin | Jul 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
Bramacharya – the 4th Yama*. Historically this has meant preserving all energy for Spirit and removing oneself from the more human aspects of living. The yama of Bramacharya suggests abstaining from sex to enable the yogi to use sexual energy in other ways – to be channelled inward and to eventuate in enlightenment. This yama is often overlooked as not so relevant to the modern yogi, however when we approach it as being less about abstaining from sex and more about using energy (all energy) wisely; there is so much to be learned from this Yama. Generally as a culture we tend to push ourselves to the limits. We go until we really need to stop. This mindset of “use energy, re-fill, use energy, re-fill” somehow doesn’t quite cut it when considered through the lens of Bramacharya. Because Bramacharya is about balance. The practice of moderation – tempering the potential for over-doing it to avoid having to over-compensate later. Basically, it’s coming to terms with the FACT that where there is one extreme, the other extreme will follow. It’s the Yin and the Yang. If we expend too much energy, we’ll pay later. Bramacharya is the practice of what the Taoists would call the ‘middle way’. The idea is to not to go go go until empty, but to replace and replenish energy as we use it. This requires a careful balance of letting go and discipline. LETTING GO: Of the “to do list” head space. The list of all that needs be done. List consciousness is exhausting. Far more exhausting that actually getting through the list. Yogi Bhajan...
