Last week, I wrote about the benefits of yoga. Everything from improved cardiovascular health to reduced stress, yoga provides a myriad of benefits. This week, I thought I would take a look at yoga’s sister practice, Pilates. Yoga and Pilates are not actually related, in fact they’re quit different. However, they do share some commonalities related to stretches and body positions. Some of t…
Monthly Archives
September 2011
Yoga in Prison
I recall reading a few months ago about prisons introducing yoga classes to convicts. The overwhelming feedback was that officials were seeing a difference in inmates’ stress levels and overall behaviors. Inmates themselves reported saying that they welcomed the change and saw yoga as a means to cope with anger. Also, much discussion is being had about yoga’s ability to help ease inmates’…
Yoga and Schizophrenia
Yoga recently received significant acknowledgement from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) as an effective form of mental health therapy.
NIMHANS conducted a study that examined the effects of yoga as a supplemental medical treatment for schizophrenia. A group of approximately 60 schizophrenia patients were divided in two groups: one assigned to yoga and t…
Ten Reasons to try Yoga
More and more doctors are referring patients to alternative forms of medicine such as yoga as a supplement to traditional methods. In fact, according the Archives of Internal Medicine, an estimated 6.4 million Americans practice mind-body therapies, including yoga and meditation, thanks to their doctor’s recommendation. As we know now, yoga, meditation and other forms of alternative mind-to-body…
Managing Work Out Burnout
This week, I’ve been less then motivated to go to the gym. I still like the idea of the classes that I usually go to, but something is stopping me from actually going. And when I do go, it takes A LOT of motivation to get there. This is especially discouraging because during and after the class, I feel great! I love the class, and that makes me feel extra guilty and confused about not wanting to…
Laughter Yoga Part 2
With more than 6,000 Laughter Clubs in over 60 countries, Laughter Yoga is no joke. Sorry, couldn’t help myself. 
Last week, I blogged about the importance of laughter as, dare I say, a form of alternative medicine, and the emerging science that is showing just how beneficial laughter can be to our psychological and physical well-being. Several studies show that these benefits don’t need to…
Laughter Yoga Part One
Ever start laughing for no apparent reason? Perhaps it doesn’t happen too often. But that doesn’t mean it has to be that way. I don’t think there’s anyone on this planet who doesn’t appreciate a good laugh. It just feels good; it makes you happy, or happier and it seems to stimulate positive, good feelings. I can’t imagine anyone contradicting this idea. So, if laughing feels so good, wouldn’t it…