London yoga information

Yoga Terminology

Asana - a body posture, which cleanses and tones the body from the inside out, massaging internal organs, realigning and strengthening the spine. When in an Asana we work to surrender the mind, bringing ourselves to a calm place.

Bandahs - Energy support locks or seals used to enhance base yoga practice. These involve;
1.Restraint of the jugular notch. The glottis at the back of the throat is narrowed and the chin tucked in toward the chest. Why? This helps to stretch and control the breath- “Jalandhara”
2.Lower abdominal organs being drawn inwards and upwards, pulling the lower abdomen from the pubic bone to the navel towards the spine. Why? This tones the belly, reduces fat in the stomach, massages the intestines and thus reduces constipation “Uddiyana”
3. A pranic energetic technique, involving the contraction of the perineum, the section of the pelvic floor between the anus and genitals-for women the cervix, for men the root of the penis
Why? This improves sexual control and the heath of the pelvic region - “Mula Bandha”

Guru
A knowledge resource for others, a Guru is usually said to be spiritually enlightened in some way and full of infinite wisdom's to help us direct our lives To speak to the Guru at yohm email us.

Karma
Actions and deeds that will lead to consequences in this or future life times.

Mantra
A positive affirmation used during meditation.
The sound of your positive affirmation is made up of vibrating, sound waves. To release the energy from the sound and for your positive affirmation to penetrate the mind and resonate deeply within the body we learn to repeat it as a certain rhythm. This is called a mantra.

Mantras provide deep rest and relaxation for all the cells and organs of the body. Toxins are removed from the body and the nervous system is relaxed. The lower emotions of lust, anger, greed, hatred and jealousy are destroyed and replaced with pure qualities.

Create your own Mantra during your next yohm yoga class with the help of your yohm technician.

Meditation
Concentration upon a mantra, a lit flame, or anything you choose that develops ‘single pointed-ness’ which leads to meditating upon positive uplifting thoughts and outcomes. Meditation helps us leave anxieties behind and immerses us in the invaluable moment of simply being peaceful and still. But 10 spare minutes a day invested in meditation leaves the mind refreshed and the ‘self’ at inner peace. (Essential in an inner city environment where peace can be so very hard to find.)

For effective meditation strategy, tips and know how, invest in a yohm mega meditation experience now.

Mudras
Symbolic hand positions that concentrate on channeling energy flow in the body, originating from the symbolic hand gestures of Indian dancing and Hindu rituals. The universal Mudra is ‘Namaste’, the prayer position which transcends all boundaries. A common Mudra or hand position at the end of your yoga practice is ‘Chin Mudra’ where the thumb and index fingers meet as you sit cross-legged. The meeting of the index finger and thumb is significant as it completes an energy circuit, allowing your body to work very much the same way as an electrical conductor.

Prana
The invisible cosmic energy or creative life force contained within the body – otherwise simply referred to as the breath.

Pranayama
Is the control of this energy or in other words the control of the breath. Benefits; Expansion of the lungs, oxygenation of the blood and vital systems, conditioning of the organs, vitality for the brain, a balancing of the left and right sides of the body.

“OM” - "Om is the original mantra. A solemn affirmation and respectful assent translated as ‘so be it’ and in this sense compared with the word ‘Amen’.
Thought to have been the first word or vibration ever uttered it is a sacred monosyllable which symbolizes the grand universe from which we all come and is the word from which all language emerged. Grounds and opens the Chakras, ideal when coming out of relaxation.
Consisting of three distinctive universal vibrations A - U - M, the word Om has a powerful, positive, and clearing effect on the nervous system, grounding and transforming the physical body, setting up new vibrations and awakening dormant physical and mental powers.

Shanti
Derived from the practice of Buddhism the word Shanti simply means "peace". Shanti is often repeated three times, as are many chants in Buddhism. You could interpret this as meaning peace in body, speech, and mind (i.e. in the entirety of one's being), or as a wish for peace individually, collectively, and universally.

Namaste
A respectful and spiritually mindful eastern greeting, the word Namaste recognizes and appreciates the ‘divinity’ within another being. It is said with the hands placed in a prayer position and held in front of the heart whilst bowing.

Sun Salutation or Suryanamaskar
A sequence of 12 movements traditionally practiced at dawn, facing into the sun, one for each month of the year. These movements flow together like a ‘dance’ and serve to warm the body as a prelude to mostly all methods of physical Yoga.

Swami
A monk or Seer

Ujjayi Breath
A deep thoracic snoring or growling breath used to supply the body with power and calm the system as a whole. Very useful in intensive yoga postures such as in Astanga Vinyasa Yoga.

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