There are eight kinds of prayanams in Hatha yoga . However before doing these eight pranayams we need to do Narishodhan pranayama..

The most crucial thing is to learn doing pranayam in its correct method. This pranayama is best done early in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening, after at least 4 5 hours after lunch.

Instructions and benefits for:

-       Narishodhan pranayama

(See also: Pranayama, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Practice of yogic techniques is perhaps one of the best ways of overcoming insomnia.

Mudra

Touch the tip of index finger (Targni) with the tip of thumb to form the Gyan Mudra. Acharya Keshav Dev calls this mudra as a Yogic Tranquilliser.

Pranayam

Deep breathing techniques like Bhastrika Pranayam help you fall asleep sooner and improve quality of sleep. The pranayam has a beneficial effect on the nervous system as it increases the process of elimination of toxins from the body and normalises the blood supply in the brain, which subsequently effects in relieving stress, tension and fatigue.

Instructions and benefits for:

-       Yogasan Balakasan

(See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

A Theosophical definition of Asana :

Asana according to Theosophy

(Sanskrit) "A word derived from the verbal root as, signifying "to sit quietly." Asana, therefore, technically signifies one of the peculiar postures adopted by Hindu ascetics, mostly of the hatha yoga school. Five of these postures are usually enumerated, but nearly ninety have been noted by students of the subject.

A great deal of quasi-magical and mystical literature may be found devoted to these various postures and collateral topics, and their supposed or actual psychological value when assumed by devotees; but, as a matter of fact, a great deal of this writing is superficial and has very little indeed to do with the actual occult and esoteric training of genuine occultists. One is instinctively reminded of other quasi-mystical practices, as, for instance, certain genuflections or postures followed in the worship of the Christian Church, to which particular values are sometimes ascribed by fanatic devotees.

Providing that the position of the body be comfortable so that the mind is least distracted, genuine meditation and spiritual and actual introspection can be readily and successfully attained by any earnest student without the slightest attention being paid to these various postures. A man sitting quietly in his armchair, or lying in his bed at night, or sitting or lying on the grass in a forest, can more readily enter the inner worlds than by adopting and following any one or more of these various asanas, which at the best are physiological aids of relatively small value." (See also Samadhi)

See also: Asana, Mysticism, Body Mind and Soul)

All techniques that bring about union of the soul and Spirit can be called Yoga.

There are various indirect and direct methods of directing and controlling the mind to attain the union of spirit with spirit.

Some of these are chanting, prayers, silence, emotional singing, intellectual meditation, social and religious work. However the five widely practised types are:

-       Bhakti Yoga

-       Gyaana Yoga

-       Karma Yoga

-       Hatha Yoga

-       TantricYoga or Kundalini Yoga

(See also: Yoga Systems, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

 The word "yoga" often brings to mind a classroom of students attired in exercise clothing attempting to stretch their bodies into different postures. A more traditional yoga class will even include instruction in breathing techniques, concentration, meditation, and positive thinking. In the media today, yoga is often associated with health benefits such as stress reduction, lower blood pressure, and an overall decrease in illness and hospitalization rates. This is the Western idea of yoga. If we look to the Eastern approach, where yoga is a part of the great Hindu and Buddhist traditions, we find that yoga is all of these things but much, much more as well.

Read more here: » Yoga: Serve, Love, Meditate, Realize - The Inner Teachings of Yoga

Yoga gives your skin a healthy glow by balancing your hormones and boosting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your skin. This keeps your skin resilient and prevents dryness and excessive sagging. Yoga also tones the muscles of your face and neck.

Medically poor diet and poor stimulation of the circulatory and excretory systems and subsequent build up of toxins are the root cause of skin eruptions.

Shitli Kumbhak paranayam has the potential to reduce facial wrinkles. It also improves blood circulation and purifies the blood, reduces toxins and acidity and prevents skin infections.

(See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Yoga theory says the navel is the originating point of around 72,000 types of nadis and these effect all organs of the human body. Today we give you two asanas to maintain the balance of the navel.

Benefits and instructions for:

-       Uttanapad asana

-       Paschimothan asana

(See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

The flailing arms, high kicks, twists and crouches may look eccentric, but the walking style of exercise guru Duke Saraye is sweeping Japan with its unique mix of yoga, ballet, aerobics and other Oriental and Western ideas.

"Sole is soul - if you don't tread right, your soul won't become clean," 49-year-old Saraye, wearing a trademark black T-shirt and lycra skullcap, told a class of 60 women, young and old during a recent two-hour class at a Tokyo hall.

(See also: Yoga, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

This FAQ gives an overview of those kundalini yoga practices which require conscious effort. Part I of III.

In Part III: 1) But even if kundalini is dangerous, isn't it a faster way to enlighenment?, 2) What are the origins of kundalini yoga?, 3) What is the classical literature of kundalini yoga?, 4) What is the precise role of the guru in kundalini yoga?, 5) Can't I learn it through books?, 6) Where can I gain instruction on kundalini yoga?, 7) Where can I learn more?

Read more here: » Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yogas FAQ (part III of III)

Proper breathing is the essence of yoga. The correct breathing technique is, when you inhale, bring the abdomen out; then breath out and take the abdomen in. This process should be as slow as it can be.

Benefits and instructions for:

-       Pavanmukt asana

-       Dhanur asana

(See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Are you prone to heart attacks or deafness? These mudras will help in curing your ailments.

Mudras can cure almost any ailment from a simple earache to a heart attack. If a person who has developed heart trouble performs Mritsanjivini Mudra; it will lead to a path of permanent recovery.

Through Mritsanjivini Mudra a patient who is suffering a heart attack can check the attack and get instant relief. Technique:

Instructions and benefits for:

-       Mritsanjivini Mudra

(See also: Mudras and Health, Mudras, Mudras and Health, Mudra Instructions, Yoga)

Today we tell you the yogic way to healthy eyes

Yogic way of washing eyes.

-       First fill the mouth with water.

-       Then wash eyes with fresh water five to six times.

-       Now spit out the water from the mouth.

Whenever you are cleaning your eyes there should be water in your mouth.

(See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

This FAQ gives a background on the phenomenon of kundalini. Part III of III.

In Part II: 1) What are the signs of an awakened kundalini?, 2) Are these methods of awakening kundalini dangerous?, 3) What about Gopi Krishna's books?, 4) But even if kundalini is dangerous, isn't it a faster way to enlighenment?, 5) There have been many scandals among kundalini yoga teachers - particularly sexual scandals. Is there a correlation between sexual scandals and kundalini yoga practice?, 6) If my kundalini is awakened will I need to change my lifestyle? 7) Do I need to be celibate?, 8) Where can I learn more?

Read more here: » Kundalini FAQ: What is Kundalini? Signs of Awakened Kundalini (part III of III)

In order to understand the approach and significance of Meditation, one must first understand what health signifies. Complete health is a symphony of both physical and mental well being. Considering physical health alone as one's sole purpose is the highest form of ignorance, for it is very temporary. At the first instance of any adverse situation, if you are not mentally strong to face it, you will readily fall prey to stress that comes along with it and then, even all the physical health gained, will be lost.

(See also: Meditation for Beginners, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

We live in a world of opposites where gain and loss, good and bad, pleasure and pain, life and death are as inevitable as the two sides of a coin. Yet, there is an underlying unity between the two contrasts.

One of the principal polarities in life is the one between the male and female side of human nature. The sublime union between these two aspects is symbolised by Lord Siva's depiction as a dynamic unification of the two, as the half-male, half-female Ardhanareeshwar.

(See also: Life and Death, Life and Beyond, Death and Dying, Body Mind and Soul)

Western writers tend to describe silence in negative terms. We grow up with images of "the eerie silence of the night", "the disturbing silence of the graveyard", "the hollow sounds of loneliness".

In the East, silence is synonymous with bliss. Whether one is visiting an isolated temple on a hilltop, or at the samadhi of a saint, one gets a feeling of peace and harmony. Silence is of two types. The external silence that can be easily created in a sound-proof room. It is the other, the internal silence, which is difficult to achieve.

(See also: Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Emotions are given to us for our benefit. In fact, everything in this world is for our benefit. It is the use or misuse of worldly objects that brings about positive or negative results.

Emotions like fear and anxiety are meant to help us. We must fear certain things - like the misuse of weapons, and adharma or wrong action. Without fear we could act irresponsibly and end up hurting ourselves. This is the positive aspect of fear. But when fear becomes excessive or prolonged, or when we fear the wrong things, it can be harmful.

(See also: Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Asana is Sanskrit for "seat". It is no accident that this word be chosen to describe the "posture" of Yoga. The idea of the "seat" in this context refers not only to the physical position of the body, but to the position of the spirit in relation to Divinity. This idea is often referred to as the "One Seat", by Yogis and Buddhists alike. Modern usage of the word asana in reference to the practice of Yoga generally intends the lesser definition; a physical posture or pose. Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutra describes asanaIncluding:

• Asana - Conditions & general directions for Good Asana
• Asana - Yoga Asana Poses or Postures

Read more here: » Asana: Encyclopedia - Asana

For the achievers, the need to dream beyond what is possible, passion for the job, enthusiasm and sense of purpose are the prime tasks. The mental attitude to set clear goals, patience and perseverance even when the results are not visible, and the ability to take failure in one's stride sets these men and women apart. Positive thinking is critical.

(See also: Positive thinking, Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Prana - Secrets of the Five Pranas

To change something we must alter the energy which creates it. This fact is true in the practice of Yoga. To bring about positive changes in body and mind we must understand the energy through which they work. This is called Prana in Sanskrit, meaning primary energy. It is sometimes translated as breath or vital force, though it is more than these.

Read more here: » Prana: Secrets of the Five Pranas