Physiology of Yoga

Aging: Along with breathing and other basic life functions, it’s the one process that unites us all. From the moment of birth, our bodies are continuously changing, whether we’re maturing through childhood and puberty, or a gradually slowing down in our later years of life. Each year, billions of dollars are dedicated to researching the … More Yoga: Releasing Keys to Unlock Youth

  In the previous post, we discussed how pranayama (yogic breathwork) can be utilized to help increase energy and build internal heat when the body is feeling sluggish. However, sometimes (especially during the holiday season) our days can leave us feeling spread thin and exhausted as we rush about, juggling several commitments. At the end … More Pranayama: Calming the Inner Seas

Previously, we discussed two of the most basic forms of pranayama (breath work), ujjayi and sama vritti pranayama. Both of these breathing exercises assist in bringing the body and mind into a more grounded, restorative state. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, these exercises can induce profound effects on several of the body’s systems. While these … More Pranayama: Kindling the Inner Fire

“Just take a deep breath.” This is likely an instruction you have heard whether you practice yoga regularly or have never set foot inside a studio. Almost intuitively, we know that stopping and taking a long, deep breath can help calm our body when we are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated. Indeed, a host of … More Pranayama: Uncork the Power of the Breath

Many come to yoga after an indulgent weekend (or week, or year) as a way to detoxify the body. Studios even advertise classes specifically designed for this purpose, such as “Weekend Detox Flow.” Hot yoga has gained popularity for many reasons, one of the biggest of which is because it is seen as a way … More The Yoga Detox: What is Real and What is Garbage?

Articles about the psoas seem to be popping up everywhere right now. The psoas is a multi-stranded muscle with attachments that begin at the last thoracic vertebra and continue along the entire lumbar spine. In a seated, computer-driven lifestyle, the psoas muscle takes a big hit, becoming weaker and shorter. The fibers of the psoas … More The Psoas: Exerting Influence Beyond the Bones

To this point, we have discussed the importance of exercising our connective tissue, as well as how the body can sense the changes that occur during yin postures and stretching. But once the external, biomechanical signal is converted into an internal, biochemical or electrical signal, how does this signal begin to change the fascia? Biochemistry … More The Overlooked Practice: Yin Yoga and the Biological Domino Effect (Part 3 of 3)

How does the body sense yin postures? In the previous blog post we took a look at why it is so important to exercise our connective tissues. But how can we accomplish this through yoga? Unfortunately, many people are under the assumption that active “yang” practices are an adequate prescription. While it is true that … More The Overlooked Practice: Yin Yoga and the Languages of the Body (Part 2 of 3)