Monthly Archives: May 2011

Vail yoga course launches to boost confidence in those new to the regimen

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Taking yoga classes is one of the most popular ways to achieve better holistic health, but there are still many people throughout the country who are hesitant to try the program. They may share some of the common misconceptions associated with yoga – such as the belief that only the most athletic and flexible should participate – or they are simply skeptical about the many benefits of the mind-body regimen.

The Vail Daily reports that a new yoga fundamentals series is launching at the Vail Athletic Club in Colorado. This class is specifically designed for individuals who are new to the regimen, or those who just want to find out what yoga is all about.

The four-week course will be taught by experienced instructor Tara Goike, who will take attendees through the breathing techniques, poses and stretches of the program. The series is designed to bolster confidence and enable participants to feel comfortable in any yoga class, should they choose to continue the regimen in the future.

Choosing to engage in yoga can be an excellent way to reforge the often tenuous connection between the mental and physical aspects of one's health.

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Basketball superstar engages in yoga to stay in tip-top shape

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There are many misconceptions that exist regarding yoga. Some people think that those who engage in this holistic mind-body regimen must be slender, lithe individuals, but this is not the case. The relaxing exercise, which dates back several millennia, welcomes a variety of enthusiasts of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Take LeBron James, for example. The Miami Herald reports that the tall, powerfully built basketball star has a mix of endurance and defensive versatility on the court that is one of his team's keys to postseason success. It may come as a surprise to some individuals that James depends on yoga meditation to keep up his strength, flexibility and stamina.

Where exactly does the athlete practice yoga? He said that it is his secret to keep, but that he will continue using yoga to stay in shape and relieve stress.

"Does it work for everybody? I don't know," he told the news source. "I'm not a guru about how to be in the best condition – don't let me sit here and tell you that. But it works for me."

He added that being in optimal shape and staying on the court as long as possible are his goals, in terms of contributing to the team and leading them to a win.

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Yoga becomes a family affair as more kids join their parents on the mats

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Being a parent can be one of the most joyful experiences in life but also one of the most stressful. Mothers and fathers know well the pressure of rocking infants to sleep, changing their diapers and trying to stop their crying. When the babies grow into curious, energetic toddlers, parents must then chase them around the house and the playground to prevent them from hurting themselves.

Many people may be pleasantly surprised to learn that there is a program that can relieve their stress, calm their children and help them achieve good health all at once. The answer to reducing tension and anxiety may be none other than yoga.

Although the holistic mind-body system is typically associated with adults, more people all over the country are beginning to make it a family affair by bringing their children along to sessions. Kids join in on gentle breathing techniques, stretches and fun poses right alongside their parents.

According to the Washington Post, many mothers and fathers say that yoga can help kids stay healthy, focused and relaxed.

"To have my son know that when he needs a little timeout to take a breath is incredible," said one mother, quoted by the news source. "I wish I knew that at his age." 

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Woman claims benefits of yoga helped her fertility

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Many people know about the benefits of yoga, such as reducing stress and easing pain, and some people are now suggesting that the popular exercise program could actually help women who have fertility problems.

CBS reports that one woman is suggesting that yoga helped her have children. Holly Dougherty struggled with infertility for eight years, but began taking yoga instruction that was supposed to help with the issue.

The news provider reports that because yoga reduces stress, it could increase fertility chances by up to 35 percent.

“Being in a yoga class with other women who are undergoing the same stressful things that you’re undergoing, the time in the office, the drugs, the cost, really can help a person be grounded and relieve a lot of her stress,” Dr. Frederick Licciardi, a fertility specialist, told the news provider.

The New York Times reports that more women are choosing yoga as a means of helping them with infertility, as the relaxation can help them forget about their worries.

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County jail looks into benefits of yoga

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Many people use Dahn Yoga in order to cleanse their minds and rejuvenate themselves for whatever is at hand for the day. Yoga is a great system for keeping the mind and body connected, and one correctional facility is hoping to use it to turn inmates' lives around.

The Morris County Jail in Morristown, New Jersey, is implementing a yoga program in an effort to rehabilitate the inmates' minds, according to the Greenfield Reporter. The goal of the classes is to teach inmates a sense of tranquility, and once they leave, these individuals will have positive energy flowing through their veins, discouraging them from returning to jail.

"If we can help people get some skills so they can actually change how they process things … people won't be coming back [to jail] again. That helps society as a whole," Nancy Candea, who works with the inmates, told the news provider.

The Mayo Clinic reports that yoga is a great method for stress relief, which could be why the jail has decided to implement the program.

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Dahn Yoga could be a great alternative treatment

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Many of us realize how Dahn Yoga can enrich our lives by not only exercising our bodies but our minds as well. While this is great for getting a better sense of oneself, it may also come with health benefits that can improve overall wellness.

Doctors are now turning to yoga as a means to treat their patients, as more people are looking for alternative modes of therapy. According to a new study from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), more than one-third of Americans are using methods such as yoga and deep breathing exercises as a means of complementary medicine. Additionally, one in 30 Americans were referred to the practice by their physician.

The researchers suggested that this effect could be due to all the information that demonstrates the positive effects of yoga

"There's good evidence to support using mind-body therapies clinically," said lead author Aditi Nerurkar, an integrative medicine fellow at Harvard Medical School and BIDMC. "Still, we didn't expect to see provider referral rates that were quite so high."

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Dahn Yoga meditation could help IBS patients

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Dahn Yoga meditation not only helps individuals reach their inner potential by reconnecting their mind and body, but it can also be used to combat certain health conditions.

Researchers are suggesting that psychological factors play into gastrointestinal illnesses and could potentially affect a patient's outcome. During Digestive Disease Week, several scientists from across the country presented evidence at the event on how the mind and body work together against gastrointestinal diseases, which could lead to new treatments.

Dr. Olafur Palsson reported that meditation could be a way to treat patients who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as it was shown to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Researchers studied a group of individuals with IBS and split them into two groups: support therapy and meditation. Their investigation concluded that those in the meditation group had a reduction of symptom severity four times the amount of the other group.

Additionally, Palsson continued that while this practice could treat the disease, it could also be used in everyday life, working as a stress reliever for some.

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Reflect on your personal happiness at Lake Titicaca

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Meditation is a great way to manage stress, particularly when one is practicing various breathing exercises while in the presence of amazing scenery. For example, a trip to Peru offers travelers the chance to absorb the natural beauty of Lake Titicaca.

As the highest navigable lake in the world, flowing more than 12,500 feet above sea level, Titicaca is an astounding sight. The clear blue waters that run freely along the country's border with Bolivia reflect the surrounding views of tall mountains with their snow-capped peaks. Simply sitting along the banks and observing nature can help one better appreciate the world around them.

Making a trek through the surrounding landscape, one will find a wide array of plant and animal life. Species of particular note include the Titicaca grebe, a flightless bird, and the Titicaca water frog, which is one of the largest frogs of its kind in the world.

Those who are interested in exploring further should head to the Uros, an archipelago that consists of 42 artificial islands made from floating reeds. Visitors can also head to local museums to learn about the indigenous Peruvian people and their culture.

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Marvel at the ornate Hassan II Mosque in Morocco

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Learning about another culture's spiritual values can help to enhance one's personal development, as it offers perspective on the many beliefs people hold around the world. In Morocco, travelers can explore the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, where they will find followers of all religions coming to pray.

The massive structure, which features the world's tallest minaret at 689 feet high, was completed in the early 1990s for both Muslims and non-Muslims to visit and practice their religion. This place of worship has a capacity for 105,000 visitors, giving vacationers an idea of just how enormous the building truly is.

It was commissioned by King Hassan II and was inspired from a verse in the Quran that reads "the throne of Allah was built on water." The mosque sits on land that was reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, thus it overlooks the water and offers incredible views from the inside.

Inside, visitors will see intricately designed mosaics, as well as impressive columns, carvings and more made with Moroccan materials like granite, plaster, marble and wood.

The beautiful Hassan II Mosque is a must-see for anyone heading to the North African country. 

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Many vacationers bring yoga with them

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Today, most Americans are leading hectic, fast-paced lifestyles that leave barely any room for relaxation. Is it any wonder that so many people are suffering from stress, anxiety and tension? The good news is that yoga can help. This holistic mind-body system, which has improved the health of countless individuals for millennia, comprises relaxation techniques and soothing poses that can simultaneously enhance emotional, physical and mental well-being.

Although most busy people choose to engage in yoga at home or during rare breaks at the office, some are beginning to bring the meditative regimen with them on vacation. Easier Travel reports that Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork, Ireland, is promoting the mindfulness technique to help people shape up for summertime.

"Given the growing trend for health and well-being holidays, we are enhancing our offering with packages to suit this audience and have been pleased with the feedback to date," said Andrew Phelan, general manager of the resort, quoted by the source.

Those who are on vacation can relax even more when they participate in the soothing stretches and deep breathing techniques of yoga. 

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