what is yoga

The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."

To perform Namaste, we place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. Although in the West the word "Namaste" is usually spoken in conjunction with the gesture, in India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste, and therefore, it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.

We bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love. Bowing the head and closing the eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in the heart. One can do Namaste to oneself as a meditation technique to go deeper inside the heart chakra; when done with someone else, it is also a beautiful, albeit quick, meditation.

For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom.

Ideally, Namaste should be done both at the beginning and at the end of class. Usually, it is done at the end of class because the mind is less active and the energy in the room is more peaceful. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward her students and her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow-the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart.

Source: Yoga Journal

The Autonomic Nervous System consists of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems. The Autonomic Nervous System is important in two situations: emergency "fight or flight" and non-emergency "rest and digest". Under normal situations this system controls internal functions. The Sympathetic Nervous System is a system for short term survival. It has an active pushing function and excites the body preparing it for action - a stress response. It alerts the heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar level, respiration, voluntary muscles, sensitivity to pain and self defence (slow or shut down). In contrast, the Parasympathetic Nervous System is a long term survival system. It has a relax - rest - rejuvenation function. It also controls salivation, urination, digestion and directs blood flow to the core.

Yoga is a way of changing our responses to stress by changing our patterns of thinking. It literally re-programs the brain to respond differently. Restorative poses such as Savasana, Viparita Kirani, and Supported Chest Opener as well as Pranayama and deep breathing practices can elicit the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system. A restorative practice is most recommended when you are feeling overwhelmed, not centered, overstressed, not grounded, unfocused, or if you are recovering from short or long term illness.

Slamaba Sarvangasana is said to be the 'Mother of Asanas' and below you will find 37 reasons as to why.

37 Benefits of Shoulder Stand - Salamba Sarvangasana or Preparation for Shoulder Stand

• Boosts the immune system
• Relieves stress, nervous disorders and fatigue
• Alleviates hypertension and insomnia
• Reduces palpitations and breathlessness
• Improves the functioning of the thyroid and parathyroid glands
• Relieves cervical spondylosis and shoulder pain
• Re-aligns misaligned shoulders
• Helps to treat colds and sinus blockages
• Regulates blood pressure
• Relieves bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, congestion and throat ailments
• Prevents varicose veins
• Alleviates ulcers, colitis, chronic constipation and hemorroids
• Reduces menstrual cramps and helps regulate menstrual flow (practice between periods)
• Alleviates chronic headaches (migraines or tension headaches)
• Helps to treat prolapsed uterus and reduce uterine fibroids
• Relieves congestion and heaviness in the ovaries and helps to treat ovarian cysts
• Alleviates urinary disorders
• Helps to treat hernia
• Restores lost vitality after a long or short term illness