...Always remember that it is better to be accused of being too cautious, than it is to be accused of negligence within a court of law. The Yoga teacher who is too safe can always find another teaching assignment. Below are some common problems that Yoga teachers should address for the safety of their students.

Spinal Rock: The eyes should focus on your heels, or navel, if possible. This causes the whole spine to round off and roll like a ball, as opposed to crashing off the floor. rolling back should only go to the shoulders. Some Yoga students will be injured if they are not cautioned about rolling back on their necks.

During your Sun Salutation, or Vinyasa Sequence, where you perform a Monkey posture, which is also known as, Flat Back, the body should take the shape of an inverted L. The best way to master this posture is to draw, and elongate your spine, in a straight line, parallel to the floor. A mirror, or knowledgeable Yoga teacher, would be a big help for developing alignment.

You should caution you...more

Basic Yoga relaxation Techniques

...ight thumb to close off the right nostril. Lay the remaining fingers gently between your eyebrows. Inhale slowly and deeply through the remaining open nostril, and then hold your breath as long as you possibly can. Then, when you cannot hold your breath any longer, uncover your right nostril and cover your left nostril with the little finger of your right hand. Let your breath come out slowly-do not force it or blow hard- and exhale completely through your nostril. You can practice this technique for a few minutes every day, or you can use it anytime that you feel the need to relax.

Deep breathing exercises, such as this one, has a natural calming effect on the mind and the body because of the increase in oxygen that it brings to your entire being.

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The Purpose of Yoga - Inspiration and Goals

...Have you ever wondered how some Yoga students manage to immediately take action, with just a tiny bit of encouragement; while others depend on each Yoga class to lift their spirits? What causes some Yoga practitioners to raise their vision, so easily? Lets look at the secret and formula of inspiration.

Firstly, everyone needs goals of some kind. Goals serve us as measured bench marks of our personal progress in life. If our life is to have meaning, and purpose, we have to pursue a goal that has worth and go after it.

Does this mean that we should embrace competition and stress? To be honest, everyone needs competition and stress -...more

Experiencing Back Pain? Yoga Can Help

...he spine, arms and legs. An intelligent yoga program can bring these muscle groups back into balance.

However, not all yoga programs will help with back pain. If you try a very vigorous yoga practice while having back pain and fail to listen to the signals from your body, back pain could actually get worse. Its important to take it slow, listen to signals from your body and practice yoga exercises that are appropriate for helping back pain.

To try simple yoga exercises for your low back, visit: www.yogaforbackhealth.com. You find lots of free yoga exercises for your low back that are explained and illustrated, as well as free yoga video downloads of simple exercises you can do now to alleviate back pain.

Reference: Sherman, KJ (et al). Comparing yoga, exercise and a self-care book for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2005, Dec. 20: 143 (12): I18.<...more

Where To Find The Right Yoga Cl