Dangers and Benefits of Yoga Pose Shoulderstand

A lot has been publicized in media about benefits of Yogasana the third limb of Rajayoga (popularly understood as
Yoga). The benefits of yoga are ranging from Stress management, flexibility, helping in cancer, etc.

However, like every other science, Yogasana (yoga) is a science that benefits most when one follows it under right
health conditions.

The same yoga posture may benefits some people and may be harmful for other depending upon your body health
conditions.  For example, yoga posture The Shoulder-stand (Sarvangasana) is called the Queen of all asanas as it
benefits the whole body.

It is a forward-bending posture engaging all parts of the body and stretching the shoulders, neck and upper back.  As the body is inverted the blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of the gravity. During holding this yoga posture the blood pressure in the brain will be an average of 110mmHg.

The Shoulder stand yoga posture nourishes the thyroid gland which: regulates the body’s metabolism, controls the
heart rate, promotes the growth and balances the digestive and nervous system. This asana tones the legs and
abdomen increasing circulation to those areas. It massages the abdominal organs and it relieves stress. Because
of the enriched blood flow to the brain it also relieves emotional and mental stress, headaches and it is very
tranquilizing.

However, among many body conditions following are four physical conditions under which this same yoga posture
shoulderstand which is quite beneficial is not recommended:

1. If you are suffering from high blood pressure
2. If you are having weak eye blood vessels or suffering from Glaucoma or detached Retina, please avoid the Shoulderstand as it could worsen the condition.
3. During menstruation it is best to avoid this pose.
4. If you have a neck injury.  Anyone who has Cervical Spondylities should not attempt to practice this pose because as you hold the pose part of the body weight is taken through the neck.

Please remember on many occasions GPs (doctors) are also not aware of the contraindication of various yoga poses and they may say that yoga is safe based on their perception which is not exactly the case.

By ignoring the precautions you put your health at risk.

Issued in interest of people practicing Yoga by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.

Subodh Gupta has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been
interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is a practice of the mind. During the meditation process practitioners learns to transcend the mind. The more advanced the practitioner, the calmer and happier he becomes.

There are different techniques of meditation and they normally all start with withdrawing the attention from the outside world and leads towards concentration before entering the meditative state.

Meditation according to a noble teacher Shri S.N. Goenka Ji, “From the gross external apparent truth, one penetrates to the ultimate truth of mind and matter. Then one transcends that and experiences a truth which is beyond mind and matter, beyond time and space, the truth of total liberation from all suffering. It is the final goal of everyone”.

Meditation has numerous benefits both at the level of mind and physical body.

Benefits of Meditation

(a) Meditation is good for the brain
According to Scientists, there is evidence that suggests that meditation could boost parts of the brain and the immune system.

(b) Meditation for stress Management
People started practicing meditation worldwide as a means to reduce stress or to help them with pain caused by various illnesses.

(c) Meditation can help people to remain calm in any situation.

(d) Meditation develops intuition—a capacity to understand and foresee.

(e) Most of the diseases stem from the discord between mind, intellect and body. Meditation will bring your body, mind and intellect, into harmony and hence peace.

(f) It encourages deeper understanding of oneself and hence others. Thus one can follow his chosen path with more precision.

(g) Meditation will lead you towards a path of non violence. As a result you will gradually stop injuring yourself and others during work, in relationships, etc.

(h) Regular practice of meditation will certainly make the will power of the practitioner stronger. When the mind is stronger you can achieve what you want from life and stay peacefully and happy.

Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.

Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Dangers of Practicing Yoga Pose Crow

The yoga pose Crow is also known as kakasana.

“Kaka” means crow (a large black bird with a loud cry). The body in this yoga pose resembles that of a bird, thus the names, crow.

The yoga pose crow is a moderate inverted, balancing yoga pose. This yoga pose helps in building strength in the upper extremities (arms, forearms, elbow joints, hands and wrists) of body. The crow pose requires courage (to risk falling on your nose) and hip flexibility (to bring the thighs alongside the chest).

The crow is one of the yoga poses that actually looks a lot harder than it really is and it requires much more coordination, concentration and awareness than the muscular strength in the upper arms.

As you hold this yoga pose the chest is immobilized so that you can only breathe abdominally.

The crow pose increases both physical and mental balance, concentration and tranquillity. It balances the nervous system, brings lightness to the body and prepares the mind for meditation.

Although the crow pose gives many benefits for the mind and the body, in some health conditions this pose is not safe to be performed.

Three situations when yoga pose crow can be dangerous:

1) If someone has a carpal tunnel syndrome (a lot of pain and weakness in the fingers and wrists), it may aggravate the problem.

2) In pregnancy do not attempt this pose.

3) If you have high blood pressure, it is better to avoid this yoga pose.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this yoga pose for you.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, a  Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London.

Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Insomnia Michael Jackson Yoga and Art of Sleeping

Insomnia can be described as a symptom of a sleeping disorder, is an inability to sleep or chronic sleeplessness. According to one estimate, approximately 64 million Americans regularly suffer from insomnia each year.

As per recent news, Michael Jackson also suffered from insomnia. He was seeking drug to get some sleep. He requested for the powerful sedative Diprivan, despite warnings that it could be harmful to his health.

If you experience difficulty to sleep at night, incorporating yoga into the life can certainly help, especially if the reason for insomnia is stress-related.

You will wake up every morning completely fresh with full of energy instead of wishing you could stay in bed.

Yoga will certainly help in case of insomnia. With regular practice of yoga, the quality of sleep is bound to improve because of the stimulatory effect yoga has on the nervous system, and particularly on the brain. The practice of yoga postures such as Child’s pose and Headstand can increase the blood circulation to the sleep centre in the brain, which can normalize the sleep.

One can have a more restful sleep because of the relaxing aspect of yoga and the subsequent relieving of stress and fatigue. Exercising Hatha Yoga at least four times a week is a good choice.

In addition to regular yoga, following are additional step one can take if suffering from Insomnia:

(a) It is best to avoid drinks such as coffee before sleeping.
(b) The last meal should have been taken at least three hours before sleeping.
(c) Regular practice of yoga relaxation techniques is good before sleeping.

If these recommendations are followed, one should have no problem getting a good night’s sleep. Yoga exercises can help to beat stress, which is a common factor in sleep disorders. In fact you can also do Yoga at night just before going to bed, if sleeping is difficult for you and you will be surprised to see the amazing benefits.

Issued in public interest by a celebrity weight loss trainer in London, Subodh Gupta.

http://www.subodhgupta.com/aboutus.html

Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for a number of celebrities.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Yoga Pose Headstand When it is Dangerous to Practice it

The Headstand is called the King of all yoga poses because of the tremendous benefits it has for the body and the mind.

All our physical and mental activities are governed by the brain which is the seat of intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, discrimination and power. Headstand increases the blood flow to the brain and it revitalises the entire body and the mind and also regenerates the nervous system.

Practice of yoga pose headstand provides the feeling of equilibrium and well-being and it increases memory and concentration.

The Headstand inverts the pattern of blood pressure in the body – increasing it in the head and dropping it in the feet:

The blood pressure at the top of the head increases from 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position to 150/110 mm Hg in the Headstand.

The blood pressure of the feet in a standing position will be about 210/170 mm Hg and it will drop to 40/0 mm Hg in the Headstand.

The blood pressure will remain the same at 120/80 mm Hg at heart level.

However like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.

There are a few yoga schools which encourage beginners to do this headstand pose from day one without checking their medical history which is quite dangerous.

Following are the conditions when Yoga pose headstand should never be performed.

(1) If you are suffering from high blood pressure, Yoga pose headstand should never be performed.

(2) If you are having weak eye blood vessels or previous eye operation.

(3) During menstruation and pregnancy it is best to avoid this pose.

(4) If you have a neck injury.

Please remember on many occasions GPs (Doctors) are also not aware of the contraindication of various yoga poses and they may say that yoga is safe based on their perception which is not exactly the case.

By ignoring your conditions you put your health at risk.

http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/precautions-headstand.html

Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a celebrity personal yoga and weight loss trainer in London. Subodh Gupta is author of numerous books on Yoga and weight loss.

He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Indian Natural Herbs for Swine Flu

I recommend the following action plan; to prevent the Swine flu and fight back this disease in addition to your regular allopathic medicine treatment.

(a) Include ayurvedic herbs such as Neem, Tulsi, Onion and Garlic in your daily diet to prevent and fight against deadly flu. Indian Ayurvedic herbs are famous all over the world over thousands of years for their medicinal properties.

Neem: It possesses anti-diabetic, antibacterial and antipyretic (fever reducing) properties. Neem is used for a wide range of ailments including flu, fever, sore throat, cold, fungal infections, skin diseases, malaria and many more ailments.

Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi is worshipped in India as the purest and most sublime plant. Tulsi is used for treating skin disorders. It is a blood purifier and kills bacteria.

Onion: It contains many antiviral chemicals. It can be used in cooking whenever possible and have numerous health benefits.

Garlic: It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Garlic, has long list of benefits when it comes to remedy. It is beneficial in ulcers, skin infections, flu, blood thinning, colds, and ear aches, to name a few.

(b) Cut all kinds of meat products.

(c) Increase the component of vegetarian food in your diet.

One can get all kind of nutrients necessary for the human body from vegetarian food and at the same time one can stay healthy. I cannot overemphasise the point that meat is certainly not good for the human health. If we are eating meat regularly, there is a very high possibility that we will gain weight and the by product will be the diseases such as Swine flu.

Your right decision would certainly help you to stay healthy forever. Please note that the above suggestions will help to prevent flu and are supplement to your current allopathic treatment if at all you are going through Swine flu. You need to consult your ayurvedic doctor to find out in what quantity you need to take these natural herbs.

Issued in public interest by a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London and holistic health consultant Subodh Gupta.

Subodh Gupta is also the author of the book “7 food habits for weight loss forever”. http://www.subodhgupta.com/books/7-food-habits-for-weight-loss-forever.html

He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK. Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Yoga Hernia and Madonna

Yoga, the oldest system of personal development needs no introduction nowadays as it is becoming popular all over the world because of its tremendous physical and medical benefits.

However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: ‘Are all yoga exercises safe to be practiced by all people with various health conditions?’

“This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself, otherwise the consequences of doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial” said Subodh Gupta, celebrity Yoga trainer based in London.

While some of the yoga exercises can be taught easily without much complication and have various benefits, others can be very dangerous for people who are having the problem of a hernia.

“For example, the yoga exercises such as Sun Salutation, Cobra pose, Locust pose, Bow pose, Standing Forward Bend and Kapalabhati few to name are strictly not recommended if somebody is diagnosed with a hernia as these exercises may make the hernia problem worse” said Subodh Gupta.

Considering the fact that over half a million hernia operations are performed in the United States every year and more than 2 percent of British people are affected by hernias, the question to ask is if all yoga practitioners are aware of their health condition and precautions before beginning the Yoga exercise.

Madonna, the famous singer who practices Ashtanga yoga regularly also had an operation for a hernia (the Ashtanga yoga exercise series is a system developed by mysore based famous Indian Yoga guru Shri K Pattabhi Jois).

In fact, the famous Ashtanga yoga series which involves jumping can be very dangerous for people who are having hernia problems according to Subodh Gupta.

Hernia develops when the outer layers of the abdominal wall weakens, bulges or actually rips. Among many reasons for a hernia the most common is straining due to: jumping, defecation, coughing, lifting heavy objects, etc.

The practitioners need to understand that their ignorance and lack of yoga knowledge may lead them straight into an operation room said Subodh Gupta.

A noble effort has been done by some of the renowned yoga gurus from India and the teachers from the West to spread the awareness of yoga but unless Yoga exercises are done with precaution, more and more people will get injured without realizing.

Issued in public interest by a celebrity weight loss trainer in London, Subodh Gupta for all those who are suffering from a hernia.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Benefits and Dangers of Yoga Pose Cobra

Yoga like every other science is also a precise science. Even though yoga pose Cobra is very healthy for some people however the same may not be true for others.

In a Sanskrit language Bhujanga means a cobra, hence the name, mostly used in the West.

In the Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) the body is facing downward while the upper body is curling up and back resembling a snake with its head raised ready to strike.

This pose is mostly practiced as the first yoga pose in the series of backward bending yoga asana followed by yoga pose Locust and Bow pose. It is also probably the most well known backward bending pose in Hatha yoga.

Before attempting this powerful yoga movement of the Cobra pose the warm up of the muscles of the back is strongly recommended. During this yoga pose the legs do not remain passive; they are extended down from the hips.

Keep your elbows slightly bent and do not push the floor with your palms over your zone limit. The best way to check if you are not too high is to take your hands off the floor for a moment so that the height you find will be comfortable and safe.

Cobra pose is a powerful backward bend Yoga asana which increases flexibility and strengthens the spine and rejuvenates the spinal nerves.

Each vertebra of the spine is given a rich supply of the blood.

This yoga pose is excellent tonic for women as it tones the ovaries and uterus and it helps to alleviate menstrual problems. By regular practice of the Cobra pose backache can be removed.

However, yoga like every other science is also a precise science. Even though yoga pose Cobra is very healthy for some people however the same may not be true for others.

There are many health conditions in which it is suggested that Cobra posture is not recommended.

Some of the health conditions when yoga pose Cobra can be dangerous are:

(1) During pregnancy, this yoga pose should never be attempted

(2) When suffering from Hernia

(3) If you have seriously injured your back, you need to consult doctor or an experienced yoga teacher.

Issued in public interest by a celebrity weight loss trainer in London, Subodh Gupta.

He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Yoga Pose Child’s Pose Benefits and Dangers

Following are some of the conditions when yoga pose child’s pose (Balasana) should never be performed.

(1) If suffering from Diarrhea

(2) Knee injury as it may worsen the situation

Child’s Pose is also known as Balasana. Child’s pose is a relaxing pose and can be performed anytime during the yoga practice whenever one feels tired, preceding or following any yoga pose.

Child’s Pose can help in:

(a) Stretching the hips, thighs and ankles gently

(b) Relieving stress

(c) Relieving back and neck pain

This yoga pose can also help in case of Insomnia. In fact this pose is so powerful that while performing within 2 to 3 minutes practitioner can already feel as if he is half asleep.

In case if you feel difficulty in sitting on your heels, place a cushion between your back thighs and calves.

However like every other science, yoga is also a precise science.

The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.

(3) Pregnant women should also avoid doing the Child’s Pose unless only under the supervision of experienced yoga teacher (with knees apart).

By ignoring the precautions you put your health at risk.

http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/yoga-pose-child-pose-benefits-dangers.html

Issued in public interest by a celebrity personal yoga trainer in London Subodh Gupta.

Subodh Gupta is an author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Indian Gurus and Unsafe Yoga Practice

Yoga – the oldest system of personal development needs no introduction nowadays. Its popularity can be estimated by the fact that more than 15 million people practice yoga in USA alone. Almost every health club in a country like UK has yoga classes. In India where the yoga system was originated it was not practiced on mass level until couple of years ago.

Of course, yoga was taught as a free service for years by organization like BYS but never before as an
unquestionable and unsafe mass hysteria.

Recently with the help of TV channels the whole concept of Yoga has rejuvenated in India. Some of the so called
orange clothed Indian ‘gurus’ have started teaching yoga to the masses to the extent of millions of people.

It is really good that now people in India are developing healthy habits by waking up early in the morning followed
by energizing yoga practice, thanks to TV channels. As Yoga exercises have tremendous physical and medical
benefits which help people to get rid of various diseases, it is good that those TV channels and Indian gurus are doing marvelous work to help the nation to get rid of diseases.

However, like every other science, yoga is also a precise science. The question is: ‘Are all yoga exercises safe to
teach through the TV media and can the same exercise be taught to all people with various health conditions?’
“This is the question which requires deeper digging into the subject of yoga itself otherwise the consequences of
doing yoga practice could be more dangerous than beneficial” said Subodh Gupta, Yoga expert from India.

Let us understand how:
There are some breathing exercises like simple alternate nostril breathing (without holding the breath), which can be taught easily without much complications and have various benefits. However, at the same time some of the exercises, for example: kapalabhati breathing technique which is taught to the masses is quite questionable.

“This exercise even though having tremendous benefits, can be equally dangerous if somebody has heart disease or problem related to hernia” said Subodh. ‘Will it help or rather make the hernia and heart problem worse?’ considering the fact that many Indians suffer from hernia and heart problem.

Perhaps medical expert can better answer this question in more details.

Similarly there are number of other yoga postures which require great precautions. As we all have different body
structures and different fitness level, conducting same exercises (apart from very few which are comparatively safe)
for 30000 people in a camp without checking their medical conditions is quite questionable.

Also ‘Are the instructions about kapalabhati and other yoga exercises safely delivered by Gurus?’ ‘Are they ensuring
that people are following their practices safely?’ ‘Is it really safe for the beginner to learn yoga only through the TV channels?’

“Well, it is a serious question for swami Ramdev and others  who are teaching yoga to answer” said Subodh Gupta.

If seems that in India there is no governing body which understands the fragility of adverse impact of yoga exercises if done in improper way.

No doubt yoga is effective for treating various diseases and a noble effort has been taken by swami Ramdev and organizations like VYASA but unless these exercises are not done in a proper system and with supervision, the whole concept of yoga teaching will become more of mockery or maybe it has already become.

Perhaps in near future when the ill effect of unsafe yoga practice will come to the limelight, the media will come up
with great news stating that 50 or 100 million Indians are making fun with yoga everyday in front of TV and playing
with their health.

Issued in public interest by Subodh Gupta, a Celebrity Personal Yoga Trainer in London,  for all those who are beginners and are learning yoga through TV, video cassette or DVD.

http://www.yoga-london.org.uk