Frequently Asked Questions
I thought Yoga was just for getting in shape. Isn’t
that true? ...back
There are many levels to Yoga, and one can take it as deeply as one wishes.
Yoga is indeed excellent for improving one’s physical health, and
many of the benefits have been proven by scientific studies. Some of the
benefits of yoga include:
- Increased lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons
- Increased range of motions in your hips, shoulders and other joints
- Massaging of all organs and glands of the body
- Detoxification due to increased blood supply which flushes out toxins
- Increased muscle tone
- Slowing down of the aging process
I’ve heard that Yoga can help with specific
diseases. What diseases does this include? ...back
The list of ailments helped by yoga is extensive and diverse, including
diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis,
chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins, obesity and heart conditions.
According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of
the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly
influences all the other systems and organs of the body. Yoga acts both
as a curative and preventive therapy.
What are the benefits of Yoga on a psychological
level? ...back
Yoga
has a positive affect on mood, memory, concentration, depression, anxiety,
alleviation of stress, balance, increased energy and overall well-being. Where can I get additional information on the health benefits of Yoga? ...back
For additional information on the numerous health benefits of yoga, please visit ABC -of -Yoga homepage
Is Yoga a spiritual practice? ...back
That depends on each individual person and their belief systems. For many
people, yoga will 
bring
immense rewards on a physical and psychological level. For others, yoga
will bring rewards on spiritual levels as well. However, yoga is universal.
It does not contradict anyone’s faith, and can be used in conjunction
with all faiths. It is an aid to the practice of the basic spiritual truths
in all religions.
How long has Yoga been practiced? ...back
Yoga originated in the Himalayas more than 5,000 years ago and came to the West over 100 years ago.I am not flexible. Can I still do Yoga? ...back
Absolutely.As a beginner to yoga, it is important to understand that yoga is not a competitive sport. Each of us is blessed with strengths and weaknesses, and one must simply “start where you are”.
Do
not compare your flexibility to others; it is better to follow the progress
that you are making and strive to go a bit deeper with each practice. It
is best to practice as often as you can, although you will experience the
benefits no matter how often you practice. If possible, practice every
day or every other day.I understand there are different styles of Yoga. What styles are taught at Shanti Yoga and Ayurveda? ...back
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha Yoga stresses control of body and mind and is widely practiced in the West. It is what most people associate with the word "yoga". Yoga comes from the word "yoke", and means union. Hatha Yoga means a union between "ha" (sun) and "tha" (moon). Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via asanas (postures), pranayama (breath and energy exercises), relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance, strength and flexibility and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind.
Iyengar Yoga:
Iyengar Yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar, an internationally recognized leading authority on hatha yoga. This form of yoga is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. It emphasizes the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration and meditation. Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Iyengar pioneered the use of “props” such as cushions, benches, blocks and straps. These function as aids, which allow beginners and the less flexible to practice classic yoga postures more easily and effectively.
Vinyasa Yoga:
Vinyasa means flow; this style has its roots in Ashtanga, Iyengar and Vini Yoga. Vinyasa is a form of Hatha Yoga, and it combines breath and movements in an active and dynamic way. In the west, Vinyasa is also known as power yoga. Vinyasa pays close attention to alignment in order to obtain maximum benefits from the postures (asanas), allowing the body to regain strength, flexibility and balance. It is known to use a sequencing of postures (sun salutations) to connect mind and body, release stress, and gain calmness. Vinyasa creates heat in the body that improves circulation and assists in purifying the body, giving you a sense of well-being. All levels are welcome.
Anusara Yoga:
Anusara is a combination of Hatha yoga and biochemical principles. It is a very modern style of yoga developed by John Friend. This practice emphasizes gentleness and compassion along with Iyengar-like detail, and it concentrates on outer and inner body alignment.
Flow Yoga:
Flow Yoga links the breath with the pose in an easy, flowing manner and incorporates elements of Vinyasa and Ashtanga.
Prenatal Yoga:
This sequence of six classes is designed to address the specific needs of the pregnant woman. The class is gentle, safe and supportive in nature. The classical yoga poses are modified for the changing needs of the expectant mother, helping her to have an enjoyable pregnancy and an easy delivery. The focus is on developing strength, flexibility, proper breathing, and inner peace in preparation for birth and motherhood. Class suitable for healthy women in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. No prior yoga experience required but permission from your medical provider is recommended. Expectant mothers who have little or no prior yoga experience are advised to attend only the prenatal and/or gentle yoga classes regardless of their fitness level.Please bring a bottle of water, a medium size pillow and a towel.
Yoga 101:
An introduction to Yoga for those who are new and wish to learn more. This class is for people of all sizes and shapes as well as for those with no yoga experience. It is especially beneficial for those who are shy about joining a class or who feel self-conscious, or those who simply want an introduction before beginning a regularly scheduled yoga class. In this workshop we will explore the basic principles of yoga, the importance of proper alignment, breathing techniques, simple yoga postures, and more.
Restorative / Gentle Yoga:
Gentle movement and modified postures for students who prefer a more relaxing class, seniors, and those with limited mobility. Props are often used to allow the breath and body to open.THIS CLASS IS SUITABLE FOR ANYONE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, SIZE OR SHAPE. No experience or flexibility is required.
Partner Yoga:
Partner yoga is a dynamic, varied series of yoga poses designed for partners. Ideal for friends, lovers, husbands/wives, and parents/children, this class provides an opportunity to connect with your loved one while enjoying the many benefits of yoga. Yoga partners support each other’s poses, act as assistants to each other, and work in tandem to create interdependent poses that require vulnerability and strength. As you entwine limbs in gentle harmony, you may find that in partnership you will be able to stretch in ways you could not possibly do alone.
Kundalini Yoga:
Kundalini Yoga is an ancient sacred science unifying body, mind and soul. More than a system of physical exercise, it balances the glandular system, strengthens the immune and nervous systems, improves strength and flexibility, alleviates stress and harnesses the energy of mind and emotions to expand our consciousness…our awareness of our “True Self!”.
Power Yoga:
Power Yoga is a vigorous, flowing series of postures based upon the Ashtanga yoga system. It is a heat-producing, detoxifying and challenging practice that creates strength, flexibility, and increases stamina. This class is appropriate for beginning as well as intermediate students.
Ashtanga:
The term "ashtanga" comes from the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, where it refers to classical yoga's eight (ashta)-limb (anga) practice. The eight limbs are restraint, observance, posture, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditative absorption, and samadhi (“bringing into harmony”). This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures—a process producing internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is increased strength, flexibility and stamina as well as improved circulation and a calm mind.
Yogalates:
Yogalates combines yoga, pilates, dance, and strength in a flowing sequence designed for those who like to move with grace and power. Yogalates is excellent for developing general tone and fitness in the body, while creating a sense of inner calm, relaxation and overall wellbeing. The class sequence begins with mat pilates (which focuses on core strength training) and ends with traditional yoga postures (to further elongate and relax the body). This blend of pilates and yoga offers exercise progressions to challenge all levels of participants.
What is Ayurveda and how are Yoga and Ayurveda related? ...back
Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences. Both originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Although both address body, mind and soul, Ayurveda is the "healing side of Yoga" and is most focused on restoring balance to our physical bodies, thus reducing the likelihood and incidence of disease. more on Ayurveda...asana: a yoga pose or posture
pranayama: rhythmic control of the breath; breathing exercises