In yoga, an asana is any type of physical posture. The Sanskrit names for yoga postures commonly end with "asana," such as Garurasana and Trikanasana---Eagle pose and Triangle pose, respectively. In the original yoga philosophy, asanas were just...
The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe reported that uterine fibroids affect about 20 percent to 40 percent of women 35 and older. It added that women of African descent run a higher risk of developing them. Specific...
Poor posture and tension headaches are only two of the effects you might experience if you sit at a desk for eight hours a day. Inertia can also wreak havoc on your musculature. Muscles, such as your hip flexors, that are not stretched regularly...
The practice of yoga is more than five thousand years old, according to the American Yoga Association. The AYA states that yoga is built on three pillars: breathing, meditation and exercise. Different branches of yoga use these pillars in...
Yoga can ease the transition through menopause and alleviate many of its uncomfortable symptoms. Yoga breathing through hot flashes settles the anxiety that can trigger or exacerbate them. Kapalabhati, rapid yoga breathing that relieves tension,...
Yoga is synonymous with relaxation and calm. But yoga can be equally empowering and invigorating and can complement an effective weight loss program. This may come as a surprise to those individuals who think of yoga only as sitting in a...
Knee pain can be a limiting factor when choosing the type of physical activity in which to participate. Issues from tendon and ligament damage, cartilage wear and tear, arthritis, bursitis and general joint instability or pain can seriously affect...
Stress and anxiety can have a profound affect on your blood pressure. When you are stressed out, the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, known as the fight-or-flight response, tends to take over while the parasympathetic nervous...
Asana is a Sanskrit word that means position, pose or posture. In yoga, the asanas are poses, such as the triangle pose and the lotus pose. Although asana practice is the most familiar aspect of yoga for Western students, it is only one of...
All yoga poses, or asanas, are incorporated into a practice for a purpose. Asanas benefit different areas of the body. Knowing the various yoga asanas as well as their benefits can help even an amateur yogi or yogini make a meaningful practice at...
An asana generally refers to a specific yoga pose you hold while bending the body. Asanas strengthen the body and focus the mind. Several asanas are beneficial for increasing the strength in your lower back and reducing pain, making them good...
Yoga focuses on creating a mind, body and spirit connection. Asanas, also called poses or postures, are the physical part of yoga. Asanas improve your strength, flexibility and balance. Other components of yoga include meditation and breathing...
Asana is an Indian term that defines a pose or position. The word is likely familiar to anyone learning or practicing yoga. Yoga asanas can be done while seated, lying down or standing, offering a variety of benefits to the body depending on the...
Yoga asanas, or yoga poses, constitute the physical practice of yoga. In the Western world, the poses are the main focus of a yoga practice, but in reality, they are only one of eight aspects, with the others focusing on the breath, meditation and...
Many women choose to delay their menstrual cycles for special events such as a wedding or a trip to the beach. While birth control pills are the most common way to do this, participation in exercise may also help. The yoga community believes that...
Yoga asanas are yoga poses or postures, which represent the physical aspect of yoga. Each posture has a specific physical benefit or benefits. Some postures stretch or strengthen the back muscles, as well as connected muscles such as the...
Yoga is the practice of various body postures and meditations meant to increase physical awareness, increase health and harness the inner energy pathways. The first text describing yoga was written by Patanjali sometime between 200 B.C.E. and 450...
Menopause, from a medical perspective, is the cessation of your menses. Peri-menopause is a hormonal transition that typically starts somewhere between your 40s to 50s and is characterized by symptoms, such as hot flashes, nightmares, anxiety,...
A painful, tingly sensation down the back of your leg is a good indicator that you might have sciatica. This condition takes place when compression occurs somewhere along the path of the large sciatic nerve. This can be due to a slipped disk,...
Perform yoga asanas, or postures, regularly to help ease depression symptoms. Yoga may help relieve depression, according to Harvard Medical School. Check with your health care provider before choosing yoga as a treatment option. Remember that it...
Given that over one hundred million people worldwide suffer from asthma, it is no wonder that many are seeking alternative methods as coping mechanisms. Like many asthma sufferers, you know your options of inhalers and anti-inflammatories, yet...
Yoga is beneficial for increasing flexibility and improving range of motion. By coupling a few yoga asanas, or poses, with deliberate and concentrated breathing, you can also reduce stress. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale completely...
Yoga poses offer practitioners numerous mental and physiological benefits, such as relieving stress, stimulating your internal organs and boosting your metabolism. Results published in 2005 from a study that was commissioned by the American...
The ankles allow you to move your feet inward, outward, up and down in circular directions. Yoga asanas, also known as poses, help stretch the muscles that make these movements possible. With more flexible ankles, you will be less likely to suffer...
An asana is a physical posture or yoga pose that is designed to enhance total body strength, flexibility and endurance. When combined with a healthy diet, yoga can be an effective tool for weight loss. Use yoga as an alternative way to reach your...
Yoga can be very beneficial during pregnancy because it helps to calm your mind, encourage breathing and improve posture, flexibility and strength. Certain poses are even helpful for specific pregnancy complaints, such as swollen legs and ankles....
Belly fat, or visceral fat, lies deep inside your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs. Excess visceral fat produces hormones that can increase your risk of serious health problems, including strokes, heart disease and some forms of cancer...
The number of calories burned during yoga practice varies. While it might not be the quickest way to lose weight, establishing a disciplined yoga routine will inspire healthy lifestyle changes that provide long-term results. The Sanskrit word...
A yoga practice often consists of a series of deep breathing and stretching that release mental, emotional and physical stress while simultaneously relieving tension in muscles and joint stiffness. Regular yoga practice helps to decompress your...