It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga

{"slug":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps.  Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clecs111v4qvx0bk93d35zsqd","slug":"yoga-for-plantar-fasciitis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"5 Best Yoga Poses for Plantar Fasciitis (Step-by-Step Guide)","createdAt":"2023-02-20T12:11:10.094708+00:00","coverUrl":"mrchmjavj8jqoi8xuv2d.jpg","content":{"text":"Got a pain in your foot? Chronic pain is never a good feeling, particularly when it occurs at the foundation of your whole body — in your feet. And plantar fasciitis is one of the more pesky circumstances of chronic pain, since it most often afflicts people who spend a lot of time on their feet. \\nPlantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel with the rest of your foot\\n. It’s common among long-distance runners, dancers, or any other kind of athlete participating in sports that impact the bottom of your feet. Symptoms usually include persistent pain and stiffness, and healing this condition typically requires lots of rest, anti-inflammatories (such as NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin) and compression. In some cases, healing may require surgery.\\nIt can take quite a bit of time to recover from plantar fasciitis but most patients heal within a year of onset. But if you’re the type of person who loves to stay active and play sports, that kind of recovery time can feel like an eternity. But there’s good news — you can help your body heal through a combination of the above treatments and other techniques like massage, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), shoe inserts, and you guessed it — yoga.\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Plantar Fasciitis\\nStretching your feet and legs can help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis by lowering inflammation, increasing flexibility, and bringing your feet into a more neutral position. However, it’s important to note that while yoga can help with plantar fasciitis, it can also make it worse if practiced incorrectly. Overstretching can cause the tissue in your heel to tear and become even more painful, lengthening your recovery time and doing more harm than good.\\nThat’s why it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’re thinking about practicing yoga for plantar fasciitis, and work with a certified yoga instructor. At \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, you can book a private, 1-on-1 session with a yoga teacher who can structure a course for your specific condition. If you’re practicing yoga on your own, there are few things you should know before you get started.\\nIf at any time a posture causes increased pain or discomfort, stop practicing the pose immediately and take a break.\\nPay attention to the alignment of your feet and knees. Avoid standing on the edges of your feet or allowing your knees to bow outward or inward. \\nYoga is not a quick fix. Regular practice over time will help heal the condition, but yoga alone is not a cure.\\nKeep it simple. Start with easy poses that gently stretch your feet and calves. Try not to overdo it and remember to be patient with yourself during the process.\\n\\n5 Best Yoga Poses for Plantar Fasciitis\\nAre you ready to get started? If you’ve been cleared by your doctor and you’re just starting on your yoga healing journey, you can try some or all of the poses below to improve your flexibility and reduce pain. Each pose stretches your feet, calves, and connective tissue to release tension and help your body heal.\\n\n\\n1. Mountain pose\\n\\nWhile it may seem deceptively simple, Mountain pose is an integral posture for realigning your knees and feet.\\nStand with your feet hip distance apart, with your spine straight and your gaze facing forward. Pay attention to the soles of your feet — are they firmly planted on the floor? Are you placing your weight unevenly on the outsides or insides of your feet? Concentrate on aligning your knees directly over your ankles, and grounding all four corners of feet into the floor. Breathe and maintain this position for 1-2 minutes.\\n\n2. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nThis is one of the best poses for stretching your heels, calves and hamstrings. If your legs and feet are particularly tight, make sure to bend your knees and allow yourself to ease into this pose.\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n \\n3. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nLike Downward Facing Dog, this pose lengthens your calves and stretches the muscles and ligaments in your ankles and heels.\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\n\\n4. Toe Squat Pose\\n\\nThis pose directly stretches the muscles and tissue in your feet, but should be approached with caution. Start gently and slowly work your way into the stretch. Be careful not to overdo it, and if you feel any pain or discomfort stop and take a break.\\nStart by sitting on your knees in Thunderbolt pose, with your hands resting comfortably on your thighs. Next, shift your weight forward for just a moment while you tuck all 10 of your toes under. Slowly lean back so that your buttocks are rested on your heels, gently applying pressure to the balls of your feet. If this feels uncomfortable or too painful, you can use a folded blanket positioned under your knees for added support. Hold the pose for several breaths or longer if you can.\\n\n\\n5. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nAlong with stretching your legs and feet, it’s important to also lower the inflammation in your heels so that your fascia tissue can heal. Legs Up The Wall is a relaxing pose that calms your mind and body, and helps reduce inflammation. It can also bring some much-needed relief from chronic plantar fasciitis pain.\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes."}},{"id":"clb6d7i3dguvb0bkghnequ3yl","slug":"yoga-for-women-with-pcos","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for PCOS: How a regular yoga practice can help you relieve PCOS","createdAt":"2022-12-02T10:30:33.809654+00:00","coverUrl":"ka5ed2fhlzx6v5coonue.jpg","content":{"text":"PCOS affects 12% of women during their childbearing years. This incurable syndrome can affect many aspects of a womens day to day life as well as their mental health. Yoga can help to take some of the pressure away mentally and physically. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be mangable with lifestyle changes such as effective diet and exercise routines. \\nWhat is PCOS?\\nPCOS is a hormonal disorder which causes the ovaries to be enlarged & small cyst to appear on the outer parts of the ovaries. This syndrome can cause issues with menstruation and fertility. \\n \\nWhat are the PCOS Symptoms?\\n According to John Hopkins University, the most common symptoms are: \\nMissed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.\\nOvaries that are large or have many cysts.\\nExcess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)\\nWeight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen)\\nAcne or oily skin.\\nMale-pattern baldness or thinning hair.\\nInfertility symptoms\\nBenefits of Yoga for Women with PCOS\\nFor women who suffer from weight gain with PCOS, mind-body exercises can help burn calories & reduce stress. Exercise like pilates and yoga are a great choice for the following reasons! \\n1. Reduce Anxiety \\nMood swings, cravings and unbalanced emotions are very common with PCOS. Yoga can help to manage these symptoms by reducing stress and anxiety by reducing testosterone levels and balancing your blood sugar. \n⁠\\n2. Balance Hormones\\nYoga is known to balance your endocrine system which will help to regulate your hormones internally. A regular yoga practice can help improve your period cycle and symptoms as well as stimulate your metabolism. Have you ever tried a hormone balancing yoga class?\\n Try our class with Gomati for free with our two week trial!\\n\n⁠\\n3. Reduce Pain\\n \\nYoga is known to reduce chronic pain in those with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.When you’re experiencing pain from your symptoms, try these asanas to ease the pain.\\n \\nYoga Asanas to Perform for PCOS Relief\\nBridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\n - Bridge pose reduces stress and anxiety while also stretching the lower back. \n⁠\\n\\nReclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasan)\\n - Helps reduce cramping.\n⁠\\n\\nChild's Pose (Balasana)\\n - Child's pose will help to open the hips and bring the body back to a natural state. \n⁠\\n\\nBoat Pose (Naukasana)\\n - Boat pose reduces body fat and improves blood flow. \n⁠\\n\\nLotus Pose (Padmasana)\\n - Resets hormones and reduces period discomfort. \n⁠\\n\\n Other ways to improve PCOS symptoms\\nLifestyle and diet changes can help decrease symptoms and help you to maintain a more normal lifestyle. Try these tips to reduce your day to day symptoms. \\nEat whole foods! For women suffering with PCOS, the best diet is to eat foods in their most natural unprocessed form. When filling your plate, try to introduce lots of color into your meals. Stick to mostly plant based foods when possible but when eating meat, choose chicken or fish. Also make sure to regularly detox your body, Read the article to know more on How to \\nRejuvenate with a Body Detox at Home\\n\\nCreate a routine for balance. Our bodies are most at peace when they're on a schedule. Try to create a routine that works within your lifestyle and stick to it as often as possible. Try your best to keep your workouts and meals around the same time each day! If you need to be more flexible, you can choose time frames instead of an exact time. \\nHere’s an example schedule:\\n6:00 am morning workout.\\n9:00 am breakfast.\\n12:00 pm lunch. \\n3:00 pm  snack.\\n6:00 pm dinner\\n9:00 pm night time meditation before bed. \\nGo for a walk! This is something so simple that we sometimes take for granted. Going for a walk is great to get moving & help balance our hormone levels! It’s also a great way to reset during your lunch break or at the end of the day. \\nCreate a mindfulness routine to reduce stress. In a 2015 clinical study, 69% of women with PCOS found meditation helps with PCOS by reducing psychological stress and improving participants overall quality of life. Think about adding a meditation practice to the end of your day or journaling over coffee before work. \\nEven on day’s that feel tough with your symptoms, there are so many benefits to taking time to do yoga or meditate. You don’t have to let PCOS define you, you can be in control when your mind is clear and your body is grounded into its routine. Ready to build a regular yoga routine? Get started with us at\\n Try our hormone balancing yoga class to rev up your system or a gentle yoga class to wind down!\\n MyYogaTeacher!\\n"}},{"id":"ckp7cw8jc0o430b81ur01k9bj","slug":"myYogaTeacher-New-Look-and-Feel","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"myYogaTeacher has a New Look and Feel!","createdAt":"2021-05-27T20:36:03.515244+00:00","coverUrl":"deoojih5d48c5oxdqib5.jpg","content":{"text":"We've upgraded our website. \\n\\nFirst – What's the same?\\n\\nWe are who we've always been. \\nYour classes and teachers will continue to give you the best, most authentic yoga experience possible!\\n\\nThe \\nfunctionality of the website and app is all the same\\n, so you can continue to book and join classes with \\nease\\n.\\n\\nOver time, we will continue to improve the \\nfunctionality\\n and ease of the website. We usually do this based on feedback from students like you.\\n\\nWhat's New?\\n\\nThe \\nnew look and feel of the website is meant to\\n reflect our \\ncommunity values\\n and mission – to help you feel healthier and happier every day!\\n\\nThe site is lighter, happier, cleaner, less cluttered. \\n\\nRight now, you'll notice most of the changes are on the homepage \\nmyyogateacher.com\\n and our articles \\nmyyogateacher.com/articles\\n.\\n\\nBut the biggest change is...\\n\\nOur New Logo – The Banyan Tree\\n\\n\\n\\nWe invite you to join us as we reconnect with ourselves, and each other, under the banyan tree.\\n\\nMake sure to \\ntake note of the new logo (the Banyan Tree in the top pic)\\n, so you can find the app on your phone and continue to join amazing yoga classes with your MyYogaTeacher community!\\n\\nIf you don't have it already, \\nyou can download the app here\\n."}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"clabcglv4n3fc0ais6yxjyhtq","slug":"yoga-before-and-after-workout","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga Before and After Workout: When is yoga best for you and your body?","createdAt":"2022-11-10T17:28:47.493944+00:00","coverUrl":"dirnebto7s5zxueovsfw.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga has so many benefits for the body on its own. But if you’re trying to kick your routine into high gear, consider adding yoga onto your other workouts for an extra bang for your buck. If you’re new to yoga and wondering how adding it into your workout routine can benefit you, no worries! We’re here to help! We'll help you figure out where to schedule yoga into your routine.\\n\\nBenefits of Adding Yoga to your Workout:\\n\\n1. Flexibility\\nIf flexibility is one of your fitness goals, yoga is a great way to achieve more physical flexibility. It’s also great to take the place of your stretching routine pre or post workout. Yoga can increase range of motion and help in muscle recovery. \\n\\n2. Conditioning\\nLove HIIT? Yoga is a great way to step up your fitness intensity by helping you condition your body with more stamina and longer breathing patterns for increased cardio abilities. It’s also proven to increase coordination. \n\\n3. Strength\\nLove to go to the gym for cardio but hate to hit the weight rack? No worries, yoga can take the place of strength training by just using your body weight. Through repetition yoga builds muscle and endurance for strength. No weights required!\\n\\n4. Mental Clarity\\nFor most people, working out is a great way to increase endorphins and reduce stress. However, if your workout leaves you too tightly wound or doesn’t do the job of lifting your mental load, a slow flow can help bring you down and help you rebalance. \n⁠\n\\nWhy You Should do Yoga Before Workout? (Pre Workout) \\nIf you’re strength training, or going for an easy walk on your rest day, yoga is great for before your workout. Do you like to get up with the sun and start your day with a workout? Well, starting your day with yoga will bring you clarity and get your body ready to move. \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is a great place to start your practice and your day. Even if it's gross outside you can still get your practice in. You can pull up our app on your phone or our website right on your computer for 24/7 access to live classes with expert Indian instructors.\\n\\nYou can also use yoga as your warm up! If you’re just waking up or it’s a cold weather season, yoga will help you keep your muscles strong and flexible. If you’re going to the gym for targeted strength training, it can help you focus on balance and alignment to keep your body in check through your workout. Yoga will help you stay balanced and avoid injury by increasing mobility in the body. And finally, Yoga puts your mental health in check. Adding in a moving meditation or some breath work before your workout will keep your body calm, help you align with your goals and avoid the flight or fight symptoms that can come on during an intense or tough workout. \n⁠\\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice Before Your Workout:\n⁠\\n1. Child's Pose\\nThis pose will help you open your hips and reduce injury on core or leg days.\\n\\n\\n2. Cat Cow Pose\\nMoving through your spine slowly with these stretches will help increase mobility in the back. \\n\\n\\n3. Downward Dog Pose\\nPushing up into a downdog to start your day will stretch your entire lower body from your toes to your hips.\\n\\n\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\\nFolding forward increases the blood flow in the body and helps us maintain spine and core stability. \\n\\n\\n5. Mountain Pose\\nThis pose helps us to establish alignment and increase body awareness before a workout! \\n\\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try Before your Workout \\n\\nRise and shine 30 min flow\\n : Start your day with this quick flow. This class is meant to increase your physical fitness and help build your stamina so you can workout longer!\\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n : Gain mental clarity at the beginning of your workout with this traditional hatha flow. \\n\\nSlow Flow Vinyasa\\n : Start your day slow and steady for your mind and body. The slow pace of this class allows us to connect with our bodies and minds as we focus on our breath and alignment. This class helps to build strength, improve flexibility and stability. \n\\nWhy you should do yoga post workout ?\\nIf your workout is more high energy like kickboxing, zumba, cycling etc, yoga after may be best for bringing your body back to homeostasis. Yoga naturally brings down heart rate and reduces stress on the body and mind . You can use Yoga as a cool down or stretching portion of your workout to bring muscles into recovery while extending your burn a little longer. Are you a nighttime warrior? If you tend to work out at night, ending your routine with yoga will help you get a better night’s sleep. \\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice After your Workout:\\n\\n1. Wide Leg Forward Fold Pose\\nWide leg forward fold releases our lower back. Reaching down towards the floor will give our calves a much needed stretch post workout!\\n\\n\\n2. Pigeon Pose\\nThis pose will help to open tight and tired hips and hamstrings. \\n\\n\\n3. Bound Angle Pose\\nThis hip opener stretches your adductors and quadriceps. Try this pose after a run or cardio workout. \\n\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\nThis pose provides a full body stretch from your head to your heels! \\n\\n\\n5. Happy Baby Pose\\nThis pose helps to alleviate or avoid lower back pain post workout. It can also reduce any stress or anxiety caused by your workout. \\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try After your Workout\\n\\nBreath and Flow\\n : This full body flow will help stretch and rejuvenate your muscles as well as relax your mind with meditation and pranayama techniques. \\n\\nYoga Fusion for Joints\\n : This conditioning class combines light weights and foam roller stretches for an active recovery post workout. \\n\\nBreath and Meditation\\n : Join this class to slow down the body and refocus your breathing. Ideal for end of the day or transitions. \\n\\nNo matter what time of day you choose to workout, adding yoga 2 to 3 times a week will extend the life of your routine and help you maintain a positive outlook on your fitness goals. You can add yoga to your workout anytime with us here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n by creating an account, logging in and joining us for class! "}},{"id":"cla8lbvafc0i70ak9u3yp18ji","slug":"yin-yoga-for-arthritis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yin Yoga for Arthritis: 10 poses to ease your pain","createdAt":"2022-11-08T19:13:44.482852+00:00","coverUrl":"ipqjb5ugsgcaxzssgbhi.jpg","content":{"text":"When your body is achy and it feels hard to mobilize, you may be suffering from arthritis. This very common inflammation of the joints affects 24% of adults. In a 2019 study on inflammation biomarkers, Research for nursing found that yoga is great for pain intervention, saying “yoga may be particularly effective in reducing inflammation because, unlike exercise or stress reduction alone, yoga has components of both relaxation techniques and exercise.” Yoga can help to ease your pain and help you to go about your day good as new. \\n\\nCommon causes of Arthritis\\nThe most common causes for arthritis are age, genetics, weight gain and previous injury. Even though it can be long lasting, arthritis is treatable with movement therapies like yoga and meditation and lucky for us, Yin combines both!  Building a yoga practice into your routine can alleviate joint pain as well as  improve flexibility and joint function. Yoga can also help you manage the stress caused by pain which will result in better days and less sleepless nights. \\n\n\\nTypes of Arthritis\\nThere are three common types of arthritis. \\n1. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of arthritis and is known as “wear and tear” on the joints. It most frequently occurs in the hips, hands and knees. \\n2. Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is autoimmune disorder and creates inflammation in the hands and feet. \\n3. Fibromyalgia which causes pain all over the body and fatigue. All three of these can be eased by  a yin-yoga practice. \\n\n\\nWhy Yin Yoga for Arthritis?\\nYin yoga is a style of movement based in Chinese medicine. Yin’s specific goal is to rebalance the body and mind. It’s not simply a practice for strength or flexibility but a practice where movement is the medicine. Unlike any other yoga or workout class, yin goes deeper to connect under your skin to your ligaments, deep tissue and bones.\\n\n\\nBuilding your yin-yoga practice online with us at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is also beneficial because even on days when the pain seems too intense, you don’t need to leave your home to get to your practice. You can pull up our live classes 24/7 with expert Indian instructors who are ready to help you move through your pain.  Our classes are there everyday to help you manage your pain and get in your practice! We make yoga accessible for everyone. A slow yin practice is a great place to start! Yin can relieve pain by reducing physical and mental stress and pressure off the body. Let’s start by finding some moves to get you going! \\n\\n10 Ying Yoga Poses to Ease Your Arthritis Pain\\nWhen practicing these yin yoga poses, it’s best to hold each stretch for 30 seconds to two minutes. These stretches will help bring flexibility into your joints! \\n\\n1. Wide Knee Child’s Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\n⁠This pose is great for lower back pain and your hip flexors. Also great for pain in the sciatic nerve. \n⁠\\n2. Thunderbolt Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nThis pose improves blood circulation and posture easing pain in the spine. \n⁠\\n3. Cobra Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nThis pose opens the lungs while stretching the spine and shoulders. This will help you open your chest. \n⁠\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nFolding the body down is known to calm the mind and lower blood pressure. Come to this pose when you feel anxious or stressed and need to slow down. \n⁠\\n5. Side Angle Bend Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nSide angle opens the side body and takes pressure off your hips.\n⁠\\n6. Chair Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nChair pose makes your legs stronger, giving you more stability in the knees and more flexibility in the ankles. \n⁠\\n7. Pigeon Pose\n⁠\\n\\n⁠\\nThis pose supports flexibility and mobility in the hip joint. If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis, this pose will help target your lower back and hips. \n⁠\\n8. Bridge Pose\n⁠\\n\\n⁠\n⁠This powerhouse pose will improve blood circulation and ease stress while also stretching your neck, chest and hamstrings. Come to this pose when you feel stiff. Move through it slowly. \\n\\n9. Wind Reliever Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\n⁠This pose stabilizes your center of gravity, your pelvis. It also guards you muscles and eases pain along the spine. \\n\\n10. Savasana Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\n⁠Finally, Savasana is so important in your practice. This corpse pose slows down your nervous system while you focus on your breath. It calms the mind and reduces fatigue and anxiety. This is a great place to start or end your yoga practice. \\n\\nOther ways to relieve arthritis pain\\nWant to try other holistic ways to ease your pain? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top five things to add into your routine to feel like your best self!\\nAdd color to your diet! It’s so important to “eat the rainbow” eating lots of fruits and veggies gives you a vitamin boost and helps to naturally fight inflammation. \\nChange up the temp. Adding a hot or cold compress to the affected area is a quick fix when you’re feeling pain. Try a heating pad or an ice pack if you’re short on time. If you have time to relax, try soaking in a warm bath!\\nAdd herbs. Turmeric and ginger can help fight pain and inflammation in the body. Add these herbs to your meals or try ginger tea at night to wake up pain free.\\nAdd more self care to your routine. Book a deep tissue massage or a sauna session so you can relax your body and mind.\\nPractice mindfulness. A meditation practice pairs great with a new yoga practice! You can meditate on your own or get started with us in meditation class! \n\\nTry these classes to get started! \\n\\nStretch and Breath with Shrutika\\n. This class will increase range of motion, control and flexibility in the joints.\\n\\nTotal Body Yin\\n. This slow restorative practice will stretch deep into your joints and facia. This is a great practice to end your day with. \\n\\nYoga for Back Health.\\n This mostly seated class will help you work through any back pain while strengthening your spine and surrounding muscles. \\nIf you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, join us for a practice at \\nMyYogaTeacher.\\n\\nOur expert yoga therapist will help you move through your pain or start a mindfulness practice so you can get back to feeling healthy and pain free! Our 2-Week Free Trial - includes 14 days of unlimited group classes plus 2 complimentary 1-on-1 sessions, that’s a $102 value - for free!\\nThere’s a plan for every yogi! Begin your journey with us today."}},{"id":"cl31z7b95pf2h0ck3sna7w2xg","slug":"yoga-for-women-over-50","author":{"name":"Vineeta","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Yoga Poses for Older Women: Yoga for Women Over 50","createdAt":"2022-05-11T19:29:46.900088+00:00","coverUrl":"shfqitaozmzufddc6ift.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga is for every body. And that’s just one of the wonderful things about it! Another wonderful thing is there are\\n specific\\n yoga poses for women, men, children, disabled people, seniors. \\nA yoga practice can be tailored to meet the varying and specific individual needs of a person or of a collective group of people. Here, I’ll be addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of women over the age of 50 with yoga poses that are particularly beneficial to them.\\nHi! My name is Vaneeta! I teach a\\n Yoga for Women\\n group class at MyYogaTeacher. Women are the source of life and energy on the planet. And a woman advances through many phases of life from motherhood to \\nmenopause\\n. Women who are entering the stage of life that is after menopause have specific needs that can be addressed with yoga!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nI hope you’ll try some of these yoga poses for women over 50 and then join my class on MyYogaTeacher for more!\\nOne key to doing yoga at an older age is using props that help you remain stable, safe, and aligned. I recommend using blocks and/or a chair along with your mat.\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Cat and Cow Pose\\nCat and Cow pose is great for anyone at any age, but it’s a great way for women to begin warming up their back and abdominal muscles in a way that is gradual and stable. Supporting your weight on all fours is also a great way to keep arm and chest muscles (that maybe don’t get used as much as we age) strong and conditioned. Women over 50 tend to start experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in their backs, so cat and cow pose is perfect for helping with those issues as well!\\nAdditionally, because cat and cow pose is designed to sync with  your breath, it is a great way to cleanse emotionally. Since changes in your body can cause emotional distress, particularly in older women, this yoga pose helps women release those emotions before moving forward with more challenging poses.\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog\\nOtherwise known as “Down Dog,” this yoga pose is great for older women because it:\\nStretches out the calves, hamstrings, and back \\nBuilds strength in the arms and chest \\nIncreases flexibility in the shoulders\\nBoosts circulation of oxygen and nutrients to otherwise contracting muscles\\nShoulder joints tend to wear out as women age, which makes them susceptible to injuring their shoulders. Building strength in the arms and chest helps protect those increasingly fragile shoulder joints. \\nEmotionally, down dog instills a sense of empowerment and increases feelings of confidence and accomplishment, two things women over 50 tend to struggle with when they notice the changes in their bodies.\\nAdditionally, once a women passes through menopause, muscles tend to tighten and contract due to reduction in hormones and hormone production. Downward facing dog is a perfect yoga pose for women over 50 because it keeps their leg and back muscles lengthened and promotes good circulation!\\n\\n\n3. Modified Cobbler’s Pose\\nAs women age, it is common for them to encounter knee problems and knee pain, making some yoga poses difficult. However, many yoga poses that increase flexibility and circulation to the hip flexors and hip joints require bent knees. \\nPerforming cobbler’s pose on a block or bolster where your hips are higher than your knees helps decrease the pressure on your knees while still reaping the gentle benefits of hip stretching. You may also choose to put blocks underneath your knees or move your feet further away from your body so that the angle of bend in your knees isn’t as sharp.\\nEither way, this pose is proof that yoga for women over 50 is doable, even if you’re experiencing physical challenges and physiological changes.\\n\\n\n4. Modified Tree Pose\\nBalancing postures are a common theme in many forms of yoga. They help yogis learn how to focus better, increase concentration, and (importantly for older women) strengthen the tiny muscles in our feet and ankles.\\nOlder women may begin to experience balance issues as they age. This is common and normal!\\nThe more you work to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, the less likely you will be to lose your balance! Additionally, yoga for women helps you navigate the mental changes you may experience by helping with memory, focus, and concentration.\\nUse a chair, wall, or other stable object if needed. You may also place your non-standing foot on your calf or even at your ankle until you are comfortable moving it further up.\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\nEveryone loves child’s pose! It’s a great stretch for your back, arms, neck, and even hips and glutes. Older women may want to rest their forehead on a block and/or place a blanket underneath their hips to alleviate any discomfort.\\nTaking some much needed time in child’s pose allows women to reflect on how their body feels and release any negative thoughts about the changes that may be occurring in their body as they age.\\nI would love to have you join us in the Yoga for \\nSenior\\n class, where I not only teach a yoga class specifically catered to women’s needs but talk about common issues women face as they transition into and out of different phases of life! also Check out our latest \\nWellness\\n class for seniors!\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nNamaste!"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9","slug":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","author":{"name":"Nikita","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga","createdAt":"2021-04-02T17:00:26.971968+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-11T13:55:43.463553+00:00","coverUrl":"find-balance-yin-yang-yoga_770x513_.jpeg","seoDescription":"You've heard of yin and yang. But have you heard of yin yang yoga? Explore what it is here and then try it out for yourself!","content":{"text":"Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.\\n\\nOr poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).\\n\\nThe concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. \\n\\nFor instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.\\n\\nThe word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.\\n\\nIt makes sense to offer a \\nYin and Yang Yoga class\\n! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.\\n\\nYou can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. \\nGrab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!\\n\\n\\nLet’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” \\n\\nYin yoga\\n\\nDid you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!\\n\\nYin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.\\n\\nHigh cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.\\n\\nIn addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity \\nhere in this blog post\\n by another expert yogi, Annelise!\\n\\nHere are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:\\n\\nImproves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)\\nIncreases circulation \\nImproves joint mobility\\nBalances internal organs and improves chi\\nCalms the mind\\n\\nAnd it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.\\n\\nWithin the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.\\n\\nBut just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.\\n\\nAnd that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!\\n\\n\\nThe yang\\n\\nYang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.\\n\\nHatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. \\n\\nAs a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!\\n\\n\\nYou can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.\\n\\nEven in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.\\n\\nYou see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.\\n\\n\\nWhy yin and yang are equally important\\n\\nWhat happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?\\n\\nWhat would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.\\n\\nThe yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\\nWhen there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.\\n\\nFor example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!\\n\\nWhen there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.\\n\\nThis is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!\\n\\n\\nIf you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my \\nYin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! \\n\\n\\nNot a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! \\nYou can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.\\n No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.\\n","html":"<p>Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.</p><p></p><p>Or poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).</p><p></p><p>The concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. </p><p></p><p>For instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.</p><p></p><p>The word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.</p><p></p><p>It makes sense to offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class</a>! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>You can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Grab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!</a></p><p></p><p>Let’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” </p><p></p><h2>Yin yoga</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!</p><p></p><p>Yin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.</p><p></p><p>High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.</p><p></p><p>In addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\">here in this blog post</a> by another expert yogi, Annelise!</p><p></p><p>Here are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)</div></li><li><div>Increases circulation </div></li><li><div>Improves joint mobility</div></li><li><div>Balances internal organs and improves chi</div></li><li><div>Calms the mind</div></li></ul><p></p><p>And it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.</p><p></p><p>Within the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.</p><p></p><p>But just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.</p><p></p><p>And that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>The yang</h2><p></p><p>Yang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.</p><p></p><p>Hatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. </p><p></p><p>As a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!</p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.</p><p></p><p>Even in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.</p><p></p><p>You see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Why yin and yang are equally important</h2><p></p><p>What happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?</p><p></p><p>What would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.</p><p></p><p>The yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!</p><p></p><p>When there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.</p><p></p><p>For example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!</p><p></p><p>When there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.</p><p></p><p>This is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! </a></p><p></p><p>Not a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">You can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.</a> No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.</p><p></p><p>Or poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).</p><p></p><p>The concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. </p><p></p><p>For instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.</p><p></p><p>The word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.</p><p></p><p>It makes sense to offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class</a>! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>You can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=58bcea4c-8d8a-4d8f-a4d6-c21ce439fd91\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga&entity_slug=what-is-yin-yang-yoga&page_or_popup=/articles/what-is-yin-yang-yoga&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"58bcea4c-8d8a-4d8f-a4d6-c21ce439fd91\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga\"\n            data-slug=\"what-is-yin-yang-yoga\"\n            <u>Grab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!</a></u>        \n            </a></p><p></p><p>Let’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” </p><p></p><h2>Yin yoga</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!</p><p></p><p>Yin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.</p><p></p><p>High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.</p><p></p><p>In addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\">here in this blog post</a> by another expert yogi, Annelise!</p><p></p><p>Here are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)</div></li><li><div>Increases circulation </div></li><li><div>Improves joint mobility</div></li><li><div>Balances internal organs and improves chi</div></li><li><div>Calms the mind</div></li></ul><p></p><p>And it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.</p><p></p><p>Within the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.</p><p></p><p>But just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.</p><p></p><p>And that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>The yang</h2><p></p><p>Yang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.</p><p></p><p>Hatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. </p><p></p><p>As a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!</p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.</p><p></p><p>Even in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.</p><p></p><p>You see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Why yin and yang are equally important</h2><p></p><p>What happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?</p><p></p><p>What would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.</p><p></p><p>The yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!</p><p></p><p>When there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.</p><p></p><p>For example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!</p><p></p><p>When there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.</p><p></p><p>This is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! </a></p><p></p><p>Not a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=b9e2937d-1230-40c9-9f27-cb75d3aa797f\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga&entity_slug=what-is-yin-yang-yoga&page_or_popup=/articles/what-is-yin-yang-yoga&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"b9e2937d-1230-40c9-9f27-cb75d3aa797f\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga\"\n            data-slug=\"what-is-yin-yang-yoga\"\n            <u>You can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.</a></u>        \n            </a> No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-yin-yang-yoga","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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But have you heard of yin yang yoga? Explore what it is here and then try it out for yourself!","content":{"text":"Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.\\n\\nOr poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).\\n\\nThe concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. \\n\\nFor instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.\\n\\nThe word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.\\n\\nIt makes sense to offer a \\nYin and Yang Yoga class\\n! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.\\n\\nYou can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. \\nGrab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!\\n\\n\\nLet’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” \\n\\nYin yoga\\n\\nDid you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!\\n\\nYin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.\\n\\nHigh cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.\\n\\nIn addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity \\nhere in this blog post\\n by another expert yogi, Annelise!\\n\\nHere are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:\\n\\nImproves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)\\nIncreases circulation \\nImproves joint mobility\\nBalances internal organs and improves chi\\nCalms the mind\\n\\nAnd it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.\\n\\nWithin the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.\\n\\nBut just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.\\n\\nAnd that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!\\n\\n\\nThe yang\\n\\nYang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.\\n\\nHatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. \\n\\nAs a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!\\n\\n\\nYou can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.\\n\\nEven in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.\\n\\nYou see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.\\n\\n\\nWhy yin and yang are equally important\\n\\nWhat happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?\\n\\nWhat would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.\\n\\nThe yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\\nWhen there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.\\n\\nFor example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!\\n\\nWhen there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.\\n\\nThis is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!\\n\\n\\nIf you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my \\nYin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! \\n\\n\\nNot a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! \\nYou can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.\\n No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.\\n","html":"<p>Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.</p><p></p><p>Or poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).</p><p></p><p>The concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. </p><p></p><p>For instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.</p><p></p><p>The word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.</p><p></p><p>It makes sense to offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class</a>! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>You can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Grab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!</a></p><p></p><p>Let’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” </p><p></p><h2>Yin yoga</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!</p><p></p><p>Yin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.</p><p></p><p>High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.</p><p></p><p>In addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\">here in this blog post</a> by another expert yogi, Annelise!</p><p></p><p>Here are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)</div></li><li><div>Increases circulation </div></li><li><div>Improves joint mobility</div></li><li><div>Balances internal organs and improves chi</div></li><li><div>Calms the mind</div></li></ul><p></p><p>And it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.</p><p></p><p>Within the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.</p><p></p><p>But just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.</p><p></p><p>And that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>The yang</h2><p></p><p>Yang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.</p><p></p><p>Hatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. </p><p></p><p>As a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!</p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.</p><p></p><p>Even in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.</p><p></p><p>You see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Why yin and yang are equally important</h2><p></p><p>What happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?</p><p></p><p>What would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.</p><p></p><p>The yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!</p><p></p><p>When there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.</p><p></p><p>For example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!</p><p></p><p>When there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.</p><p></p><p>This is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! </a></p><p></p><p>Not a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">You can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.</a> No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"82c7a21f-dc64-47bd-b22e-1ca58e1c82d4","student_uuid":"d24b647c-97ab-4135-895f-ff869410b531","teacher_uuid":"5353c396-113d-44ec-b9fe-693b0c7123e7","teacher_name":"Abhishek Sharma","teacher_first_name":"Abhishek","teacher_slug":"abhishek-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1663072532/teacher/photos/bvw3vqv84gtpicvym4jp.jpg","group_session_name":"Hatha Yoga: Strengthen and Balance Your Body","group_session_description":"Experience the benefits of Hatha Yoga with our classes. 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