Cobra Yoga Pose Print, 11 X 17" - $10

The Cobra Pose

by Sherry Holistan

The Cobra pose is usually known as Bhujangasana in Eastern countries like India. “Bhujanga” means cobra in the Sanskrit language and hence the name which is widely accepted in the West.

The Cobra pose is greatly effective as it can relieve certain types of lower back aches as over time it strengthens the lower back.

In the pose or the Bhujangasana the body faces downwards where as the upper body is curled upwards. This allows the body to resemble a cobra which is ready to strike with its head raised. The cobra pose is usually the first to be practised in the series of backward bending poses which is usually followed by asanas like the Locust pose and bow postures.

The warm up of the muscles of the back is a must before a fully fledged performance of the yoga cobra pose as it requires powerful movement of the back bone muscles. The Cobra pose if practised without proper warm up, like any yoga pose or physical exercise, may result in strained muscles.

While performing it one should exercise caution not to push the physical limitations of one and one should only extend to the limit which is comfortable for oneself without straining one’s back. One of the tips to check if one is performing within the limits of ones strength is to remove the hands off the floor for a second so that the body will adjust to a height which is safe as well as comfortable.

The pose is highly beneficial for the lower back as it results in enhanced flexibility of the back. This is mainly because of the powerful backward stretch allowed by the Cobra pose. Spinal nerves are rejuvenated and strengthened by the regular practice of these types of positions. This posture is especially recommended for women as it relieves them from some menstrual problems as well as effectively tones the uterus as well as the ovaries. It also helps in achieving firm and strong buttocks. The traditional Indian texts are of the opinion that the pose increases internal heat of the body which boosts the immunity and fights diseases. They are also of the opinion that it is a helpful pose to awaken the kundalini.

People who have an injured back should not perform the yoga cobra pose. The cobra pose should be avoided by pregnant ladies as well. Also, the patients of hernia should not perform this pose, as it can aggravate the suffering. It is best to get instruction from a qualified instructor either in a class or from good yoga DVDs.

Sherry Holistan is a Hatha, Vinyasa and Bakti Yoga Practitioner.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Holistan

There is much concern about Swine flu in the news so I am posting an article here by Rahul Shariff on how yoga can help strengthen your immune system.

Click on the image to find more Swine Flu help.

“The news which has dominated the world and made people forget about recession and other related issues has to do with swine flu. So what exactly is swine flu and why has it caused such an impact? Swine Flu also known as the H1N1 flu is one of the several kinds of swine influenza virus. It is predominantly found only in pigs. People with regular exposure to pigs are at more risk. The outbreak is due to a new strain and it has spread across the world causing loss of life and prompting the WHO (World Health Organization) to declare it as “public health emergency of international concern”. The vaccine that is used to treat it is known as Tami flu. This is the conventional form of treatment.

So how do you prevent the virus affecting you or your loved ones? It has been found that people with the least immune strength are the first to get affected. People with asthma as well as other respiratory problems are among the high risk groups. How does one strengthen the immune system and get rid of respiratory problems at the same time? The solution lies in the ancient and widely practiced form of science called Yoga.

Yoga has different types of asanas which strengthen the lungs and correct form of breathing has been found to effectively cure and prevent a number of diseases. Pranayama or the breathing exercise strengthens the internal organs, the nerves and glands of the body. The major types of Pranayama are Nadi Sodhana, Shitali Pranayama, Ujjayi Pranayama, Kapalbhati Pranayama and Digra Pranayama. Regular practice has been found to increase the immunity. An individual whose entire body is strong stands a better chance of fighting swine flu.

We are in the sign of Leo the Lion, July 23 to August 23rd.

Your ruling planet is not a planet, but the sun associated with vitality and authority. Your colors are gold and orange. Your gem is Ruby. The body parts ruled by Leo are the spine and the heart. Your best quality is exuberance. Among other things you are Loyal, Luminary, Leader and Lover, ruled by Shining Sun.

The Lion is considered the king of the jungle,  Some Leos even have hair resembling the thick mane of the Lion. The Lioness proudly cares for the young, hunts and takes care of survival with relentless intent and ferocity, when needed.

Leos are warm of spirit, eager for action and are driven by a desire to be loved for what you bring to others. You are a magnanimous leader and a faithful servant. Once scorned in love, however, you’ll withdraw your affections and the light, once brilliant, can go cold.

I created a new poster for Leo Yoga Babe, doing her pose next to her guardian lion. It measures 11 x 17 inches and costs $10.

The longest total solar eclipse this century started in India, sweeping east across China and into the Pacific Ocean.

This was an unusual new moon, not only because of the eclipse, but because is is also the second New Moon in Cancer. This rare event is called the “Secret Moon.”

Astrologer Lynne Hayes says, “Because Cancer rules the Moon, it is particularly powerful in Cancer and because this is an eclipse of the Sun, the lunar influence is even more powerful. The Moon presides over all issues of emotion, but also our emotional connections to each other and to our ancestral history. Cancer is known for its concern with family matters but that sense of family extends beyond the nuclear family, and even the extended family, to the entire tribe of which we are a part.  Some of us have strong family ties; others of us create our own tribes that serve the family role.”

You can read Lynn’s full article about the new moon and the eclipse on her Astrological Musings.

Cap for Astro Cancer YogaBabes

This stonewashed cap looks great and wears well. It has an embroidered design of a Cancer YogaBabe, with a brass closure that allows for the one-size-fits-all design.