Yoga Resources

Welcome to Yoga Resources

Yoga Iyengar Article

Yoga and Neck Problems: What's the Risk?
Paul M. Jerard Jr.

Firstly, a Yoga student, who has such a serious ailment, should get their doctor's permission before starting to practice Yoga with a teacher. If possible, get a doctor's referral to a particular Yoga teacher, who is more knowledgeable in this area. Many doctors often network with local Yoga teachers, studios, and ashrams, for the benefit of their patients.

Chair Yoga classes may be advisable in some instances. Yoga postures practiced during chair Yoga classes will not put pressure on the neck. It is also wise to find a teacher who has been thoroughly trained in the use of props, modifications, and completely understands your ailment.

Find a Yoga teacher who is understanding, gentle, and knowledgeable. At that point, set up an interview with your prospective Yoga teacher, and explain your ailment in detail. The methods, personalities, knowledge, and patience, of instructors who are teaching Yoga, will vary.

Some of the poses that I would not recommend would be: Sirsasana (Headstand); Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand); Halasana (Plow Posture); or any other posture that could cause severe compression on the cervical vertebrae (neck). Also, your doctor should be made aware of any "risky" movements and positions performed in a Yoga class, such as, chin locks, neck rolls, and fingers clasped behind the neck.

You will find it is important not to do any exercises or postures that hurt, even a little bit. Pain is your body's way of telling you, "not to do that" and "stop now." The Yoga exercises, that will help you the most, are those where you will feel a smooth and gentle stretch. If you don't feel a gentle stretch, I suspect those Yoga poses are not doing you much good.

If any Yoga exercises hurt at all, stop doing them immediately. I have yet to see a student, patient, or client, benefit from doing any Yoga pose that caused pain. To continue further on this point: Any treatment, of any kind, (Chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, or Yoga), should be with the goal of less pain. Why do it, at all, if you are going to be in more pain?

Learning Yoga for a serious condition, such as a neck ailment, should be practiced under maximum supervision of a competent Yoga teacher. I would suggest at least one private lesson before trying a group Yoga class. A Yoga teacher may suggest, at least, a few private Yoga sessions, so that the student understands all the safety guidelines.

As educational as Yoga videos are, they are no substitution for the guidance of a competent Yoga instructor.

© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

About the author:

Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Yoga Iyengar News

yoga iyengar

There are multiple forms of yoga, like Hatha Yoga, Vikrama Yoga Kundalini Yoga , Iyengar Yoga and so on. Practicing each yoga forms, some way or the other, is beneficial to the practitioner, helping him to pave the way to attain a stage of eternal ...

The Usefulness of Yoga accessories offered by Spirit ... - Galatta

10:30 a.m. - Darren Rhodes, Yoga Oasis. • 11:30 a.m. - Jade Beall, Haitian dance. • 12:30 p.m. - Alexis Bachrach, Iyengar Yoga. • 1:30-3:30 p.m. - Rachelle Robin, Yoga Oasis. • 3:45 p.m. - Alysa Volpe, Lyric Yoga. • 4:45 p.m. - Michelle ...

All-day yoga benefit for Haiti - Arizona Daily Star

Ashtanga, power yoga, Vinyasa/Flow and Anusara classes are more physically demanding and fast paced. Iyengar yoga focuses on symmetry and alignment and postures are held for a longer amount of time. Kripalu and gentle yoga classes are more suited to ...

Choosing a yoga class - what's right for you? - Asheville Citizen-Times

We feature three swimming pools, racquetball, ice skating rink, weight room, gymnasium, indoor track and a full slate of classes from parent to swim to Iyengar Yoga! Party packages are room rentals are also available.

Business Genoveva Chavez Community Center - Santa Fe Reporter

The most popular with beginners is hatha, generally the standard yoga class. Other versions include Iyengar which focuses on each pose, ashtanga which is also known as aerobic or power yoga and Bikram which is performed in a heated room and best left ...

YOGA: STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION - Daily Express

Experience Healing Yoga, Vinyasa, Bikram, Iyengar, Anusara and more. During the tour, the yoga community will once again welcome Wah! to the area. On Thursday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. she will be performing her spiritual, Easterntinged sound at the ...

Two River Tour de Yoga March 17-20 - Atlanticville

Carter's work supplies some evidence of the usefulness of yoga in depression in PTSD patients. She did a 6-week study that involved having nine men who suffered from PTSD take a once-a-week Iyengar-style yoga class. Few of them practiced at home in ...

Yoga bibliotherapy - Examiner

I also take an Iyengar yoga class each Wednesday morning — and pay for it in advance to minimize my non-attendance. As Woody Allen said, "Seventy percent of success … is showing up." Last week my knee was achy, so I avoided some of the standing ...

Exercise is a life stage, at any stage - Los Angeles Times

Iyengar yoga — 10-week class starts Monday, March 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $60. Ashtanga yoga — 10-week class runs Wednesdays, noon-12:45 beginning March 24, $60. Also, Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. beginning March 27, $60. Pilates — Monday class, 5:15 ...

Recreation Notes - Amity Observer