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Forty years ago (a mere eye-blink in the unbroken 6000-year-old Himalayan Tradition) when I first began my yoga practice, we learned a well-rounded approach to yoga. It was not just a physical exercise, but also a means for enlightenment. Spiritual and mental health were as important as flat abs. Currently in the U.S. we're trained to teach only Hatha (physical) yoga because it's what people want, but there's so much more to be gained.
There is a breathing exercise that brings immediate relief from intense emotions such as anger and anxiety It takes about 3 minutes. Conscious relaxation (just 2 minutes a day) has been proven to lower high blood pressure, reduce headaches, the overall level of mental stress drops roughly by half, and respondents show a tendency toward increased internal control. There are gentle stretches and massages that stimulate different joints and glands throughout the body. These simple, gentle exercises give profound benefits. I've combined these stretches, breathing exercises and conscious guided relaxations into one DVD for use at three separate times of day. It's a perfect workout for anyone who is just beginning, older adults, and those confined to an office or airplane seat. People with a more vigorous workout will find the stretches and relaxations valuable additions to their practice, as well as a wonderful gift for their less "yoga-inclined" friends and relatives. |
