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yoga |
Yoga
is a 5000 year old practice which has become
very popular and continues to evolve through
the years. There are different forms of Yoga,
though most styles have common roots, each has
its own unique features. The word -Yoga”
came from the Sanskrit word -yuj” which
means -to unite or integrate. Yoga then is about
union of a person’s own consciousness
and the universal consciousness. Ancient
Yogis had a belief that in order for man to be in
harmony with himself and his environment, he has to
integrate the body, the mind and the spirit. For these
three to be integrated, emotion, action and intelligence
must be in balance.
The Yogis formulated a way to
achieve and maintain this balance and it is done through
exercise, breathing and meditation, the three main Yoga structures. In Yoga the body is treated with
care and respect for its primary instrument in man’s
work and growth. Yoga exercises improve circulation,
stimulate the abdominal organs and put pressure on
the glandular system of the body, which generally
result in better health. |
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Breathing
techniques were developed based on the concept that
breath is the source of life.In Yoga students gain
breathing control as they slowly increase their breathing.
By focusing on their breathing , they prepare their
minds for the next step - meditation.In meditation
students bring the activities of the mind into focus
resulting in a ‘quiet’ mind. By designing
physical poses and breathing techniques that develop
awareness of our body, Yoga helps us focus and relieves
us from our everyday stress. |
In
a more esoteric sense, yoga posturing, breathing and
relaxation practice frees up and unblocks prana (life
force energy) in the chakras. |
Ancient
Yogic texts describe seven energy centers or chakras,
arranged along the spinal column. The word -chakra”
in Sanskrit means ‘wheel’. Chakras are
invisible wheels of energies or vortexes that govern
and control every aspect of our bodies, our mind and
our spirit/soul. Chakras affect our health, emotional
well-being and spirituality. Each chakra has a particular
location along the spine, associated with a body part
and network of nerves. Each has a single colour of
the rainbow, a shape, an element, a mantra (sound)
and each has a siddhi (special power). When balanced
a chakra will vibrate to a brilliant colour and its
qualities manifest into positive aspects for you and
your life. When unbalanced the body becomes ill, the
mind becomes cluttered and unfocused and our spirituality
lessens causing us to lose hope and faith and generally
feel unhappy with ourselves and our lives. Yoga pays
close attention to each of these chakras and can balance
and stimulate them with practice and focus. Chakras
are forever changing and balancing to preserve our
wellbeing.
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Prana
enters and leaves the body through the chakras. The
Chakras then transport prana throughout the body, mind
and spirit through invisible channels called nadis.
There are 3 main nadis: |
| Sushumna |
which
starts at the very base of the spine and rises in
a straight line toward the crown of the head (the
same path as the spine in the physical body).
Qualities
- central, neutral, equal between Ida and
Pingala nadis |
| Ida |
which
starts on the left side of Sushumna, spirals
upwards and exits the left nostril.
Qualities - female, negative, cool energy of the moon and deals
with the right side of the brain. Corresponds to the
part of the nervous system in the physical body that
controls our restful state. |
| Pingala |
which
is the complete opposite to Ida, starting on the right
side of Sushumna and exiting the right nostril.
Qualities - male, positive, hot energy of the sun and deals
with the left side of the brain. Corresponds to the
part of the nervous system in the physical body that
controls our alert state. |
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The
Seven Chakras |
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Muladhara- The Root or Base Chakra |
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This
chakra is red and located at the base of the spine.
Linked to the physical body and survival, stability
and practicality. Associated with the dense solid
parts of the body- bones teeth, nails, legs, arms,
intestines, anus and prostate. |
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Swadhisthana- The Sacral Chakra |
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Its
colour is orange and it is located slightly above
the genitals. Linked to creativety, feelings and sexuality,
social skills and passion. It is associated with reproductive
organs, kidney, adrenal glands, bladder and all liquids
and fluids in the body. |
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Manipura-
The Solar plexus Chakra |
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Its
colour is yellow and located just below the navel.
It is linked to self confidence and personal power,
our sense of identity and associated with the abdomen,
lower back, stomach, liver, spleen, digestive system,
gall bladder and nervous system. |
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Anahaja-
The Heart Chakra |
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Green
in colour, it is located at the center of the chest
and linked to relationships, personal development,
judgement and compassion. Its corresponding organs
and body parts are: the heart, lower lungs, upper
back, ribcage, skin, chest, arms, hands, the circulatory
system and the thymus gland. |
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Vishuddha-
The Throat Chakra |
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Light
blue in colour, it is located at the throat between
the inner collarbone. It is linked to communication,
expression and the flow of information. This chakra
corresponds to the lungs, vocal chords, bronchials,
throat, voice, jaw, neck, ears and the thyroid gland. |
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Ajna-
The Third Eye Chakra |
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Indigo
in colour and located at the eyebrow center, between
the eyes, it is linked to understanding, perception,
thoughtand mental organisation. Its’ corresponding
body parts/organs are the face, the eyes, the nose,
sinuses, the brain and the pituitary gland. |
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Sahasrara- The Crown Chakra |
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Violet
is its colour and it is located at the top and center
of the head. It is linked to perception, intuition,
spirit and overall balance and associated with the
cerebellum, the brain, skull and pineal (master) gland.
It’s focus is also Universe connection. |
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Yoga
calms the mind, invigorates/energises the body and
uplifts the spirit. It is supported by a rich history
and profound philosophy. Yoga is in itself a method
of healthy living, which focuses on all levels of
being with the aim of attaining health, cultivating
happiness and spirituality through discipline and
focus. |
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Monday evenings at 7pm Beginners Hatha Yoga
Thursday 12pm and 6pm with Glenda
Classes
at other times are available on request. |
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1hr
15min |
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$12.00
per class/term or $15.00 casual attendance |
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Contact George directly on 0404 346 234 |
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call reception at Lotus Natural Therapies (03) 9762
0222 |
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