Yoga For Cancer

Most people consider yoga to be mostly a weight loss and maintenance program, but the fact is that this ancient mind-body health system can work wonders for cancer patients. This fairly recent trend of including yoga in a holistic cancer treatment package owing to its therapeutic properties, is being well-received the world over with proven results.

Perhaps even worse than the physical discomfort of a cancer patient, is the effect the disease has on their emotional and mental being. Dealing with a life-altering situation coupled with so much negativity cancer brings in, it is only natural that most patients often go into anxiety mode and are highly stressed out.

This is where Yoga comes in. Tending mainly to improve the psychological well-being of the patient, the results also showed its physiological benefits.

As per a study conducted at the University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 61 women who had undergone a breast cancer surgery were divided into two test groups. One group was given the regular cancer treatment, the other in addition to this, was also put in a twice-a-week yoga program. After the six weeks test period, it was reported that the second group who had participated in the yoga program showed a better recovery rate and an improved overall sense of well-being.

How Can Yoga Help With Cancer

Yoga speeds recovery - While the placebo effect cannot really qualify as modern-day medicine, but it definitely aids the efficacy of medicines and therapy. The very basic proposition from which yoga stems is that the mind and body can be aligned to become one, which is why an imbalance in one would have an adverse effect on the other. Since yoga brings in tranquility of the mind, its effects can be seen on the physical recovery process too.

Yoga helps to cope with the situation- Any mindfulness-based therapeutic program such as yoga would have a drastic effect on someone who suffers from chronic stress and anxiety. Dealing with cancer and chemotherapy is one of the most stressful times in the life of a cancer patient. The body goes through a lot of changes, from fatigue to hair loss, and these changes affect the patient not only on a physical but more on an emotional and mental level. Through yoga asanas and approved breathing techniques, cancer patients find it a lot easier to release the tension and let go of the stress and constant rumination.

In fact, not just patients even cancer survivors are being recommended by doctors to enroll in specific yoga classes. Maybe the worst is already over but it is reported that for most breast cancer survivors, the horrors of the past still linger on and they often cocoon themselves away from the world. Furthermore, the discomfort does not entirely end with having beaten cancer, the body is still weak and the mind weaker. Practicing yoga would then help them to condition their minds to make peace with the past and move on with renewed vigor.

Yoga is also for the body- In terms of the physical benefits, yoga practitioners generally only rave about the weight loss or management part. But truth be told, yoga has some profound effects on the body in the form of controlling blood pressure, metabolism, body temperature, breathing, and even skin resistance.

Such benefits greatly help cancer patients and also give a boost to routine medical treatment. Although some attribute the change to being purely pseudo scientific, still the positive effects cannot be ignored.

Is Yoga For Cancer Any Different Than Regular Yoga

While the basic principle of yoga remains the same, today there are various different versions and interpretation adopted by yogis. Each of these versions is more of an addition made to the original concept of yoga.

For cancer patients and survivors, there are patient or group-specific types of yoga sessions. Since the body of a cancer survivor goes through a lot throughout therapy, it then becomes necessary to ensure that the asanas and pranayama does not cause any discomfort or exert the body too much. Tailor-made gentle yoga helps to get rid of all the toxin build up from the treatment too, in addition to dissipating tension, stress and anxiety.

Yoga for cancer goes beyond the conventional asanas and breathing techniques. Doubling up as a group therapy session, clinics and yoga centers combine positive self-help therapies such as group discussion, one-on-one counseling, and even partner projects where two patients who have gone through similar scenarios are put together to help each other emotionally.

Although, there is no concrete scientific proof that yoga does help cancer patients and survivors. However, going by the positive effects of yoga in general and empirical observations in patients, it is safe to assume that yoga does to a great extent help patients to deal with the disease both during and after.

Identify The Real Meaning Of Yoga By Going For A Yoga Teacher Training Course

If you are experiencing the art of yoga from the past few years and want to take your yoga practice to a different stage, then finding a yoga teacher training course is the perfect decision for you. Yoga teachers are doing an amazing job in making others realize the real purpose of life. If you have recognized your transformation naturally and want to disperse this feeling to others, then becoming a yoga instructor can make you perform your real intention. Before you begin with your training, there are certain vital factors to make out. The level of yoga teacher training has increased to a great level and therefore, it is obligatory to identify different credibility of the training courses, so that you can excel in your initiative to become an eminent yoga teacher. Let's see what the things are that you should examine before joining a yoga teacher training course.

Training potential

All the training courses have their own advantages, but they can be distinguished on the basis of their intensities. Both online and offline courses are feasible these days, but online training to some an extent does not prove to be fruitful because there's no interaction between the instructor and the learner.

Begin from the yoga basics

Initiate with a training course that offer best beginning courses. If your foundation is not strong, the result will not favour your intention. Join a course that give emphasis on the initial courses or provide training for the fundamental aspects of yoga. A direct plunge to advanced courses will be a drawback for you as you will not be able to make your own students understand the importance of yoga basics.

Reliability of certification

Most of the people rush towards training courses with an intention to receive the final certification rewarded at the accomplishment of yoga training course. There is a great importance of certification in the life of a yoga instructor. Even you will want your yoga trainer to be certified with an authority. However, without a reliable certification all your efforts are simply a waste. Your certification is an instrument to draw students to your yoga studio. So, never invest your money in a yoga teacher training course that does not provide an authentic yoga certification. Hunt for the finest certified training courses for your bright career.

Experience of the instructors

Lastly, but most importantly, make sure that your mentor is experienced and well qualified. Your interaction with the teacher should be healthy and straightforward.

Give time to your research work, so that you many end with some of the best choices of yoga teacher training courses. In this way, you can have the most appropriate training course motivating your skills and taking out the best from you. Yoga is a great form of exercise which can help you in staying healthy for the rest of your life.

The Real Tour To Yoga And Its Various Facets

You all must have heard about 'yoga', but what Indian Yoga is all about? Yoga is basically a healing science which was first time discovered in India and then perpetuated to other countries of the world. The term 'yoga' was extracted from a Sanskrit word 'yuj' means 'union'. The birth of yoga in India took place during the golden era and was originated as a mode of spiritual attainment. Yoga was established by Sage Patanjali in the exotic city of Rishikesh around 5000 years ago, which is regarded as the 'city of yoga'. Rishikesh is a beautiful and stunning city situated at the substratum of Himalayas on the banks of the river Ganges.

Patanjali, father of yoga has described it as the respite of consciousness. The key objective of yoga is the self-exploration. In ancient times, when people used to live their life in a yogic way, good and positive health was the essential outcomes of their style of living. But, with the passage of time as the health of man started degenerating, yoga gained the tag of therapeutic science. Father of yoga, Patanjali clearly mentioned in his preaching that physical illness is not just because of diseases, but to a large extent it is also caused due to reduction in moral standards.

Indian yoga is a primeval system of exercise, relaxation and healing with its roots in Indian philosophy. Today, yoga practices are popular all around the globe and address the physical, intellectual, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being of an individual. From the time immemorial, yoga has been curing the ailments of people and the trend is still growing as it is considered to be the best alternative medicine. Yoga is an amalgamation of physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation and therefore, the premier choice for individuals.

Well, according to popular ideology the basic goal of yoga is purification. It is accepted that human body is suffused with large number of impurities that hinder the peace of mind and make inner soul impure. The great yogi gurus realized the repercussion of inner impurities and therefore, took the shelter of yoga to attain peace of mind. The purification of body, mind and soul is the actual definition of yoga from the books of Indian philosophy. There are various things which one must consider in order to check out the hidden worth of yoga. You must practice it regularly to stay fit and healthy for a long period of time.

In the present contemporary era, yoga has become an inseparable part of the society. Each and every citizen of the country is involved in this practice by contributing some quality time to yoga practice from their tight schedule. This helps in relieving stress and retaining the ease and happiness of life. Positive approach enhanced working capacity and good moral values are some of the benefits of yoga.

Did You Know That Yoga Does This Weird Thing to Your Body?

Did you know that Yoga could do this to your body?

Have you ever heard of someone practicing yoga and experiencing better sleep, getting sick way less often, or just flat out feeling better and more relaxed? You're not the only one! But, if you try telling a newbie how it works you might see that saying things like, "it increases the flow of prana" or "it lifts energy up your spine" ignites a look in their eyes like you're in a weird cult...

The medical world is working to try and shed some light on these claims to try and figure out why exactly Yoga does so many great things for your body. I think that, once you understand a little more about how it works, you'll find yourself on a yoga mat in no time!

Flexibility

Increasing your flexibility is one of the first things that you'll notice after you start practicing Yoga. At first you may not be able to put your palms to the floor, but after a bit of practice you'll get there! Those seemingly impossible poses become more obtainable and eventually you'll be able to do a headstand without a problem.

As your flexibility increases, you'll notice that aches and pains start to disappear. Tight muscles that inhibit the positioning of proper posture can pull you into positions that your body doesn't like, giving you the aches and pains. After loosening them and strengthening the posture, things lay where they're supposed to and it feels better.

Strength

Strong muscles do more than look good, they also protect us from conditions like back pain and arthritis! Strength that you build through Yoga is balanced with flexibility and balance instead of doing it at the expense of flexibility with just weights.

Back & Neck Strain

When you balance your head atop of your spine correctly, it's a lot easier for your body to hold up! As you slump over, your body may compensate and flatten the inward curves in your neck and lower back, which can cause pain and degenerative arthritis in the spine.

Joints

When you're doing Yoga, you take your joints through a full range of motion; thus preventing damage from degenerative arthritis as well as lubing up areas of cartilage that might not usually get any attention. This squeezing of the nutrients and soaking of new nutrients helps areas of cartilage that may eventually wear out!

The Spine

You have disks in your spine that are like mini shock absorbers between the vertebrae and they crave movement! Without it they have no way of getting their nutrients! Keep your disks in good shape with a lot of bending movements.

Bone Density

Your bones need a workout too! Any weight bearing exercise will do, but most people don't think too much of Yoga when it comes to this. Well your body is the weight when it comes to Yoga and it's just what your body likes to lift (or at least it will learn to like it).

These are just a fine few of the hundreds of benefits you get from practicing Yoga.

Find a great Yoga Studio near you today and get started! It's not as intimidating as you think!

Dividends Of Yoga Teacher Training Courses For Sincere Yoga Enthusiasts

Yoga has become an integrated part of modern lifestyle. It helps the people to gain self-control, self-awareness and self-discipline. Passionate individuals having high inclination towards this ancient art look forward to gain yogic wisdom from insightful yoga instructors. If you are sincere about your career as a yoga teacher, then get informed with a right yoga teacher training course that treats your budget as well as personal goals well. Whether you are an experienced teacher, or want to obtain certification, yoga training programs are a reserve for nurturing your teaching techniques and extending your intelligence of the practice.

Through consistent training in yoga, you get a chance to improve the lives of people who are suffering from miseries of life. Service is an essential aspect of yoga and by joining efficient training programs you get a favourable opportunity to diffuse your yogic knowledge to millions of people. But remember, not every teacher training program is going to proffer you the same advantages as you are looking for. There are a number of choices to rule the world, find the one that fits your needs.

Yoga is a method of learning about oneself and exposing to one's fullest potential. Yoga training courses help the individuals to expand the awareness of yoga, thereby transforming the lives of many. The training centres help you to embrace these great aspects and facilitate your way to become an extraordinary yoga teacher. For your personal growth, yoga training centres are highly crucial. An active participation in this program will boost up your actual transformation as you will be exposed to all the aspects of yoga by your constant personal practice. The training programs reward the participants with a refined, expanded, and deepened approach towards teaching yoga. Basically, you are giving your personal time in the training programs to gain competency. You get the best instructions on how to share this insightful and helpful practice with others.

Yoga is a journey of self-realization and by landing on the teacher training centres, you eventually get an opportunity to realize how to share, grow and expand this amazing healing art of yoga with the desired people. A committed yoga practice is going to take you very high if you are determined to become a yoga teacher. The yoga teacher training prepares you to teach the ancient art with confidence, creativity and competence in a methodical manner. The programs do not centralize on a single yoga style rather it clears your path of becoming a yoga teacher by consistently delivering the knowledge and skills to evolve you as a better yoga teacher. If your foundation is strong, then you can easily make others recognize the worth of yoga. Whether your real intentions towards joining a teacher training program is to make a way of living or just to spread the prosperity of yoga, you need a 'guru' or teacher, so that you can work on your weaker aspects.

What Are The Advantages Of Family Yoga?

Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual practice with its origin in ancient India. While yoga in ancient days mainly focused on attaining a "union with the divine", it became popular as a physical exercise from the 1980s. Recent studies suggest that yoga is effective when it comes to preventing asthma, schizophrenia, cancer and heart diseases.

This is the reason doctors ask their patients to rely more on regular yoga exercises than allopathic medicines. Many health reports also reveal that families practicing yoga together are happier and healthier. Therefore, we can say that family yoga has better effects on both the mind and the body than individual yoga exercises.

So, why should you take up yoga with your family? Here are some of its advantages you need to keep in mind:

#1. Better Communication: Families which take up yoga together soon realize that they are interacting well with each other. Why is it so? Both parents and children get some quality time to open their hearts out, and speak about the current happenings in their lives. This communication glues them together in a tighter bond.

#2. Lowers Down Stress: Yoga acts as a great stress buster. If you had a bad day at the office or your kids had tough times with their homework, then yoga is effective in making all of you feel a lot calmer and focused. In this way, you will get the strength to take on all your problems with ease.

#3. Improved Body Awareness: Yoga can help you become more aware of your body movements. Every member of your family will have a body that is stronger and more flexible. Moreover, it will become easier for you to have a better body balance.

#4. Good Sleep: Sleeping is extremely essential for a healthy life. And family yoga helps a person sleep better. The mind-body exercises (such as, the breathing techniques) associated with family yoga relax the mind instantly. A good night sleep refreshes the mind, and helps it focus in a clearer way.

#5. Keeps the Body Cool: Researches show that yoga exercises help to keep the body cool in warm temperatures. So, is there a better way to beat the heat together with your family? With yoga, no member of your family will have to depend on cold water or aerated drinks.

Conclusion:

It is important for you and your family members to know about the health improvements. With Family Practice EHR Software, you can track down the improvement rates of your family members with the blink of an eye. Moreover, this software can also help you track other health-related problems of your family in an organized and efficient way.

Inherit Some Of The Major Advantages Of Online Yoga Teacher Training

The benefits of yoga teacher training are ceaseless and to reveal all of them, you need to do a lot of research work that will aid you in gaining a tight grip over the subject. Basically, there are two modes of attending the yoga classes and for your knowledge, both the methods are highly beneficial and convenient. The first method is the conventional way of admitting yourself to an institute and attending classes regularly for overall development and ultimately, after the pre-decided time frame, you'll become a certified yoga teacher. On the other hand, the second mode is the online medium, which is an innovative and contemporary way to grasp the yoga teachings. In this method, the advantages are much high in comparison to traditional method.

Still, most of the people are not aware about the benefits of joining an online yoga teacher training program. The online mode is meant for all your requirements with endless benefits for your yoga course. But, there are certain points that you should consider and then come to a conclusion what to choose and what not.

• You can attend the online classes whenever you feel like. You are not bound to be a part of the class at a particular time slot. Follow the classes according to your time considerations. No limit is set for the classes, you can attend them after completing your household chores or official work.

• Online yoga teacher training programs will assist you with potential DVDs and other important stuff which are recommended for good reference purpose. Through DVDs you can watch each and every step deeply and can work on them at your own pace.

• As you are practicing yoga online, so you get an opportunity to think of certification that will lead you to become a professional yoga trainer.

• By choosing the online medium, you can also conserve a lot of money that otherwise you will have to invest on transportation, books, food, etc. If you take admission in a yoga school or any institute, all these expenses are surely going to cross your way.

• Yes, online yoga courses are a bit difficult, but through your dedication and strength you can definitely win over this course. In addition, your health can also be improved a lot. Your life will become a haven, loaded with happiness and satisfaction. A positive energy will surround you with a peaceful body and soul.

• For any sort of help, you can contact the online yoga trainer at any possible time.

So, these were some of the advantages of choosing online yoga teacher training program. After the accomplishment of training, you'll be privileged with a certification and that will be the proof of your professionalism and knowledge of yoga. You can apply in any premier yoga studio as a yoga trainer and can make handsome amount of money by spreading the knowledge of wellness through yoga.

Health Benefits Of Yoga That Have Challenged The Medical Science

If you are a dedicated yoga practitioner, you must have noticed how the yoga works for our body. Like good sleeping habits, mild chances of getting cold, a better state of relaxation and many more. It is a great practice that has contributed a lot in improving the health of a person, whether it is pains and aches, or a consistent sickness. If you are aware of these health benefits of yoga, then surely you will feel disposed to sit on your mat with high concentration and dedication. People from all walks of life are taking the advantages of this amazing art. Looking fit and living fit is the right of every person and to make it happen, this divine practice plays a crucial role.

Let's explore its health benefits and see how this practice has altered the lives of people in an impactful manner.

Improved sleeping habits

Do you know that a proper sleep plays a pivotal role in enhancing your health? Yes, bad sleep offers ill-effects on the body and therefore, yoga can be a true help. Practicing this art few hours a day will improve the sleeping habits. It's true!

Better circulation of body fluids

You can have better and improved blood circulation through this ancient practice. By transmitting oxygen and other essential nutrients throughout your body, yogic practices redefine the health of skin, organs and brain.

Respiratory benefits

Just like the circulatory system, respiratory system too is worked out by yoga. It decreases the respiratory rate and therefore, indicating that your overall health is fine. Talk to your doctor in case you are experiencing any issues.

Immune system

Immunity is responsible for fighting against any disease. A stronger immune system promotes better health and a sound body. An uninterrupted practice of this healing art will keep your immunity strong throughout your life.

Pain tolerance ability

It is a proven thing that people who are used to meditation and other allied practices have higher pain tolerance ability in comparison to others. Further, the practice also relieves the person from issues like chronic pain, back pain, etc.

Metabolism

A balanced metabolism is responsible for a healthy body weight and controlled hunger. A regular practice will foster efficient metabolism.

Pulse rate

Pulse rate decides the flow of blood to your heart. A slow pulse rate is ideal for good flow of blood and this is also achieved by yogic practice.

So, these were some of the health benefits of yoga which are highly facilitating and beneficial for individuals. The mentioned benefits are for your inner body, many benefits are lined up that are responsible for your overall fitness. Some of the aspects like strength, posture, aging, energy, and weight can be worked out effectively through regular practice. So, if you have not started with this healing art, get going and start improving your health the moment itself.

12 Tips for a Daily Home Yoga Practice That Help Reduce Stress

Yoga is personal. Enhance your daily yoga practice by following a few of the simple tips for setting up a home yoga practice. These are general tips that support you during a morning or evening practice. Talk with your yoga teacher or a yoga therapist to help you build a home practice that helps you on the path towards your specific goals.

1. Get a good night's rest

2. Practice on an empty stomach

3. Drink water throughout the day

4. Practice in a calm environment

5. Keep your mat clean

6. Set an intention at the beginning

7. Allow time for integration at the end

8. Use the complete breath or ujaii breath

9. Stop if you feel pain

10. Turn off the cell phone during practice

11. Practice at the same time each day

12. Meditate before or after your practice

Sometimes you are just too busy to practice in the morning. Don't become frustrated about it. Take time to consider what your yoga practice really means to you. If you have the intention to make your practice part of your day, you can do it in stages.

Starting with just preparing the area where you plan to practice. And leave it setup (if possible) so that you see it as part of your environment. Sit down on your mat for ten to fifteen minutes as time permits and just close your eyes and breathe. In those precious moments on your mat you may come to realize your intention and fully commit to sitting again tomorrow.

We know that all stress is not all bad. We can learn through yoga to balance the stress response within the body. One aspect of yoga that helps with this is called listening to the body. We usually get signals from the body when stress levels are about to rise. And with regular yoga practice we learn not to ignore these signals.

One of our most powerful tools for responding to stress is the breath. The breath usually signals the onset of stress when it becomes shallow inside the upper chest. This can be countered with a deeper breath that extends into the lower abdomen. Longer exhales also enable the body to signal the relaxation response. In most yoga practices the breathing techniques are as important as the asana (postures). And learning to use the breath to offset stress is one of the many benefits to a regular yoga practice. The time you spend on your mat at home taking calming deeper breaths is time well spent to help you release stress from the body.

Making yoga part of your daily life is a process that takes practice. But with time, commitment and action before you know it your yoga practice becomes something you look forward to each day.