This pose is a highly effective strengthener for the legs and ankles. You have to sort of squint to see the half moon; try drawing a half-circle from the raised top hand through the lifted foot to the standing foot and supporting hand. The moon has a rich symbolic significance in yoga mythology. In hatha yoga, for example, the sun and the moon represent the two polar energies of the human body. In fact, the word hatha itself is often divided into its two constituent syllables, "ha" and "tha", which are then esoterically interpreted as signifying the solar and lunar energies respectively.

Literally translated as "intense stretch of the west," Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind.
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings
Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus Improves digestion
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort Soothes headache and anxiety and reduces fatigue
Therapeutic for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis
Traditional texts say that Paschimottanasana increases appetite, reduces obesity, and cures diseases.

A yoga instructor performing an asana

autistic students at james w. parker middle school in washington township are taking part in a twice-a-week yoga class. school psychologist julie snell is studying the students to see if their emotions and classroom focus are improved by yoga. see video of the students in action.

yoga is one of the hottest fitness trends and a style known as "hot yoga" is gaining in popularity. hot yoga refers to yoga practiced in a heated environment, with the room temperature generally reaching 90 to 105 degrees. the theory behind it is that hot yoga helps the body to sweat out toxins while allowing the practitioner to safely achieve deeper poses. bikram is a common form of hot yoga.

new dawn yoga, a yoga therapy center in san francisco, is offering a gift for veterans throughout the month of december.san francisco, ca (prweb) december 15, 2011 new dawn yoga knows that we are free to celebrate the holiday season because of the service that veterans have provided through their military career. the san francisco yoga therapy center wishes to thank veterans by offering them a ...

over-indulged on the turkey? been chowing down on christmas pud?

teresa travers sat on a blanket, legs crossed, looking around at her gift - the satya yoga center, 3385 blue star highway in saugatuck township. "I’ve always loved this place. It’s a great center," the former-yoga-student-turned-owner said less than a week after the previous owners paid forward the 4-year-old business.

the buzz at ces around ultrabooks was huge - but outshone by a very clever touchscreen version from lenovo. the bendy yoga fits into intel's ultrabook spec set, but sports a multitouch panel that's capable of tracking all of your...

of course it's wonderful that anyone comes for exercise and leaves with a little spiritual stuff. the problem is that 90 percent of what's being called yoga in america has nothing to do with the original purpose of yoga.

high-heat yoga concept gains popularity in the lehigh valley 'Tis the time of year for planning another round of New Year's resolutions.

friendship yoga, 1231 gilbert court in iowa city, is offering two free introductory classes this week: 6 to 7:30 p.m. thursday and 9 to 10:30 a.m. saturday. these classes are open to anyone new to yoga or to iyengar yoga.

new york (reuters health) - about one third of breast cancer survivors experience fatigue that can affect their quality of life, but a small new study finds that doing yoga might help restore some lost vitality. after three months of twice-weekly yoga classes, a group of breast cancer survivors in california reported significantly diminished fatigue and increased "vigor." a control group of ...