Yoga Stretches for Sciatica

Sciatica is discomfort and/or pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs bilaterally from the base of the spine, through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. The sensations associated with sciatica can vary, including weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, and moderate to extreme pain. Often the symptoms are present on only one side […]

5 Body Parts You Didn't Know You Had

Do you know your piriformis from your psoas? If you do, you are probably really into yoga, because yoga introduces you to body parts you never knew you had. And once you know about them, you better believe you are going to stretch them out.  1. The Sit Bones By D.renard, svg by MichaelFrey from […]

Surya Namaskara B

Following surya namaskara A, the Ashtanga yoga sequence intensifies with surya namaskara B, intended to further warm up the body. 1. Samasthiti (Tadasana) © Barry Stone 2. Awkward Chair Pose – Utkatasana © Barry Stone Inhale. Bend the knees, bringing the arms up, and the seat back. 3. Standing Forward Bend – Uttanasana © Barry […]

Ask Aunt Yoga Advice Column: Heels Down in…

Question: Ask Aunt Yoga Advice Column: Heels Down in Downward Facing Dog Dear Aunt Yoga, In downward facing dog, I cannot get my heals completely to the floor. Is that a future goal to work towards? R.B. Answer: Dear R.B., Pictures of downward dog quite often show the heels touching the floor. But is this […]

Kumar Pallana, Who Went From Yoga to Film, Dies at 94

Touchstone Pictures, via Photofest Gene Hackman, left, and Kumar Pallana, who played his valet, in “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Kumar Pallana, an Indian plate spinner turned Texas yoga instructor turned — in his late 70s and long beyond — sought-after character actor in films by Wes Anderson, Steven Spielberg and others, died on Thursday at his […]

Interview with Power Yoga Innovator Baron…

Baron Baptiste, whose parents opened San Francisco’s first yoga studio in 1955, is one of the best-known yoga teachers in the United States. From the tender age of 12, Baptiste has studied classical yoga traditions, as well as the more physical Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Bikram styles. He now teaches his own brand of Power Yoga […]

30-Day Quick Start Yoga Guide for Beginners -…

Starting a new yoga practice can be tough, so use this 30-Day Quick Start Guide to make sure you get off on the right foot to continue your regime for 30 days- and beyond. Preparation Step 1: Get Geared Up– Yoga doesn’t require too much equipment, but there are a few things you’ll want to […]

Revolved Head to Knee Pose – Parivrtta Janu…

Type of Pose: Seated twist Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings, opens the shoulders and spine Instructions: 1. Begin in a seated wide-legged straddle (upavistha konasana). 2. Bend your right knee and bring the sole of your right foot to the inner left thigh. 3. Lean your torso over to the left, bringing the back of your […]

Standing Big Toe Pose – Utthita Hasta…

Type of Pose: Standing, Balancing Benefits: Improves leg strength, core strength, and balance, stretches the hamstrings Instructions: 1. From mountain pose, shift your weight into your right leg. 2. Bend the left knee, bringing the left foot off the floor. 3. Hold your left big toe with your left hand in a yogi toe lock. […]