Benefits of Yoga - Improve Health & Wellbeing

A Little Bit of Yoga History #3 – Astanga: The Eight Limbs

By Nikki Shilling | 18 May 2018

(Image by Coby Jones) So what exactly does the word “astanga” mean? In accordance with Patanjali’s yoga sutras, the definition of the sanskrit word “astanga” is “eight limbs” and Astanga-Yoga consists of eight components. Patajanli is sometimes described as “The Father of Modern Yoga (you can read my short piece about him here). According to Patanjali the eight limbs of yoga are: Yama…

A Little Bit of Yoga History, Part 2

By Nikki Shilling | 15 May 2018

The harder and more intense the physical challenge, the higher the standard – and I am not just referring to yoga practise here -the more time and effort is required to maintain it. Hence, in my experience, many high level Astanga-vinyasa practitioners and teachers seem either to be men or women without children. In fact, it’s fair to say I’ve met many along the way who probably had some kind of family income as they didn’t seem to have to earn a living.

A Little Bit of Yoga History, Part 1

By Nikki Shilling | 15 May 2018

Understanding yoga #1 This term began with quite a few newer yogis but even though many had done some yoga before, I realised there was still a lack of understanding about the history of yoga – stuff I often (mistakenly perhaps) believe lots of people just know! I guess sometimes that is what happens when…

Yes, Your Brain, Nervous System and Physical Body are One & the Same! How to stretch effectively without pain #1

By Nikki Shilling | 10 May 2018

It is interesting that the world of modern science seems somewhat wowed by the fact that the body and mind may be connected; interesting because our brain is simply an organ like any other but just happens to be responsible for our sense of consciousness. Our nervous system transmits messages from our brain to the…

Connections: Balance is Essential for Your Brain, Not Just Your Body

By Nikki Shilling | 10 May 2018

If you practise yoga or any kind of exercise that involves balance, you’ll notice that sometimes it’s harder than others. There are loads of reasons of course and some may not be as obvious as others. It is fair to say though, that when we have lots on our mind or are not in a…

The Essence of Yoga & Ayurvedic Health Science

By Nikki Shilling | 23 March 2018

If you have never heard of the term ayurveda, or you have, but are not sure what it is exactly, you might be interested to understand a little of the philosophy and thought behind yogic health and ayurveda, its sister science. Just as Traditional Chinese Medicine offers natural alternatives towards better health outcomes, ayurveda is the ancient…

How do we get More Oxygen into our Blood?

By Nikki Shilling | 25 February 2018

Healthy blood cells contain more oxygen, but how do we get more oxygen into our cells? You might imagine that we just simply breathe more – as in we tend to be aware that we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. But inhalation has very little to do with storing or “holding on” (to) oxygen…

How Yoga Quietly Strengthens Your Core (No Sit-Ups Required)

By Nikki Shilling | 12 February 2018

It’s a bit of a mouthful – Niralamba badha ardha chandrasana – or “Unsupported bound half-moon pose”, but it’s one of my all-time faves because it’s very accessible and there is loads going on here. For example, you might be surprised to know that unsupported balance poses like these are a far better way to…

What is Meditation Really?

By Nikki Shilling | 17 January 2018

All health seekers understand that meditation is good for us, but what image do we conjure up in our brain when we consider what it means? I had a conversation with someone last night who suggested that it was good, sometimes, to be “forced” into stillness if you were an otherwise “busy” person. In other…

Healthier Mind Habits

By Nikki Shilling | 4 December 2017

In yoga philosophy one of the main principles yogis are advised to work towards when it comes to the pursuit of happiness is non-attachment. But what does mean?

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