Sudbury Living - Spring 2008 - 43

■ health Yoga teaching styles ANUSARA YOGA Anusara is a spiritually inspiring yoga form that combines Hatha (see below) and biochemical principles. It was developed recently by John Friend and is gaining huge popularity. Emphasis is on outer and inner body alignment and the heart. Anusara is suitable for all, as it is mindful of individual abilities and limitations. HATHA YOGA This ancient style of yoga encompasses asanas (postures) and meditation, encouraging increased ﬁtness levels and stress-relief. Hatha tradition focuses on pranayama (breath), alignment, and form. HATHA FLOW Getting in touch with one’s natural ﬂow enhances yoga practice and one’s whole life. Through Hatha Flow, a person can learn to connect and ﬂow with the current of vital life force energy. Depending on a person’s energy level, practice can be vigorous or as gentle as a walk in the park. KUNDALINI YOGA Kundalini was designed for busy people who want to relax and energize quickly. It includes many Hatha yoga postures and is easy for the average person. The positive effects of can be experienced in minutes. It consists of held and moving postures co-ordinated with strong breathing patterns. SIVANANDA YOGA This intermediate style focuses upon pranayama (breath energy) and classic asanas (basic poses). Diet and positive thinking are also heavily emphasized. Relaxation techniques and mantra chanting are also employed. VINYASA FLOW Traditional Hatha poses are purposefully and seamlessly linked together with breath work to strengthen the body’s energy centres. The resulting internal heat detoxiﬁes muscles and organs and improves circulation. This challenging aerobic practice builds endurance, ﬂexibility, mental clarity and calm. www.yogasudbury.com PHOTOGRAPHS BY KIM LEGER-FRAWLEY The digestive system: Improved blood circulation and the massaging effect of surrounding muscles speeds up a sluggish digestion. ■ The musculo-skeletal system: Joints move through their full range of motion, encouraging mobility and easing pressure. The gentle stretching releases muscle tension and increases ﬂexibility. Maintaining many asanas encourages strength and endurance. Weight-bearing asanas may help prevent osteoporosis, and when practised carefully under the supervision of a qualiﬁed yoga teacher, can also help those suffering from osteoporosis. Long-term beneﬁts include reduced back pain and improved posture. ■ The nervous system: Improved blood circulation, easing of muscle tension and the act of focusing the mind on the breath, all work together to soothe the nervous system. Long-term beneﬁts include reduced stress and anxiety levels, and increased feelings of calm and wellbeing. ■ Boyuk’s typical client is a professional 40-something woman who has a stressful job, sometimes has children, and is in the midst of re-evaluating her life. “At this point my client is asking herself: ‘am I engaged fully in my life, or am I just existing?’” Many people begin yoga classes with the intention of becoming physically ﬁt. However, the mental, emotional and spiritual healing that evolves from practising yoga is an added bonus that is, according to Boyuk, an essential part of experiencing the entire realm of this ancient art. “Everything is stored in our body — every hurt and every trauma,” she said “But have we learned to release it?” Since OM Yoga Space ﬁrst got started ﬁve years ago, there are clients who have faithfully come each week. “It’s a lifestyle to them,” Boyuk said “Yoga truly brings them into full ownership of their bodies.” SL Succeed START LOSING WEIGHT TODAY! BEFORE AFTER Hai mova fo e & ome 525-0359 CALL NOW *When you enroll in a full service weight loss program which includes reducing, stabilization, and maintenance. Registration fee and required products, if any, at regular low prices. †Results may vary. ©2007 Diet Center Worldwide Inc. ®Akron, OH 44333 All rights reserved. A health Management Group™ Company Spring 2008 Sudbury Living 43

Sudbury Living - Spring 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sudbury Living - Spring 2008