Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga focuses on bringing the body back into a balanced state.Typically a physical ailment is associated with the disfunction or loss of intigration of the Charas. If you would like to know more about the Chakras check out the "About" header above and click on "Chakras". Below I have noted some typical asana (physical postures) that are recommended to practice to balance the Chakras associated with an ailment. As with any physical fitness/health practice one should see consult their physician before beginning a new program of treatment.
Back Aches
Back Aches are typically attributed to a loss of intigration within the Chakra system. This can be brought about by an injury or physical/mental stress. One of the best ways to combat back pain is to maintain the health of the back muscles by ensuring that they are stretched and released regularly to restore them to their resting strength.
Recommended Asana (postures) for Thoracic Pain - Cat/Cow, Pyramid, Forward Fold, Down Dog, Spinal Twist
Recommended Asana (postures) for General Pain - Up Dog, Extended Kneeling Angle, Forward Fold, Pyramid
Insomnia
Insomnia is associated with the Heart Chakra. If the mind is still active when you lay down to sleep it is almost impossible to fall asleep. With out stressed out active lives it is essential to calm and activate the parasympathetic nervous system before going to bed. I recommend performing the following asana (postures) before getting into bed and once in bed, practice the Pranayama (breathing exercise) while falling asleep.
Recommended Asana (postures) - Up Dog or Camel, Forward fold, Boat, Seated Spinal Twist
Recommended Pranayama (breathing) - Sectional Breathing
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure is associated with the Heart and Solar Plexus Chakras. If you suffer from High Blood Presure it is essential that you seek the advice of a trained physician and check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. Often times one of the major causes of High Blood Pressure is stress. One of the most beneficial things we can do to eliviate stress is practice a bit of Yoga each day before we go to bed. Practice the below Asana (postures) before you go to bed and once in bed practice Pranayam (breathing).
Recommended Asana (postures) - Tree, Mountain, Lunge, Butterfly * If you suffer from High Blood pressure do not do any inverstions (where the head is lower than the heart) or postures where your arms are raised overhead. If a posture directs the hands overhead, bring the hands together in front of the heart center as an option.
Recommended Pranayama (breathing) - Sectional Breathing
Premenstral Syndrome
Premenstral Syndrome is associated witht he Belly or "pelvic" Chakra. Often times one of the major factors contibuting to PMS is Chronic Hyperventilation. Many are not even aware they suffer from it. This condition causes carbon dioxide levels to drop in the blood, which causes many of the "symptoms" of PMS, such as, anxiety, irritability, depression, low-back pain, increased headaches, feelings of dissociation, dizzieness and more. Also, added to this, a rise in progesterone levels causes a further drop in carbon dioxide levels and exacerbates the situation. Take time to practice the recommended Pranayama (breathing) and Asana beginning up to 10 days before menstation and until the symptoms subside.
Recommended Asana (postures) - Standing Forward Fold (legs spread), Butterfly, Cat/Cow, Up Dog
Recommended Pranayama (breathing) - 1:2:4 - Begin by sitting comfortably and simply observing your breath move in and out of the body. Start counting your inhilations and exhilations to determind your rate of breath. Gently begin to increase your exhalation by two. Gradually add length to your exhilation until it reaches double the length of your inhilation. When you have achieved this, after the exhale hold the breath still for the count of 4... so, 1 inhale, 2 exhale, 4 hold still (this still time is very valuable as it is when the carbon dioxide levels are even off and settle)
Low Energy
Humans absorb energy from the environment and transform it into something we can use. This power lies in the Belly/Pelvic Chakra.
Anxiety
coming soon...