Himalayan Yoga Academy

Education & research Foundation

Feel the Healing Energy of the Himalayas : Why the Yogis Flock Nepal

A Land Where the Mountains Breathe

Nepal also known as the Himalayas where you can find inner peace and peace of mind. This place is popular not only for views and scenes, but also for healing energies and unlocking chakras. As we travel through the Himalayas, we’ll discover why Nepal and these Himalayas are main sources to unlock your healing powers. For centuries, yogis, spiritual seekers, and travelers have been coming to Nepal in the center of the Himalayas for higher consciousness and inner peace.

Here at the Himalayan Yoga Academy, we have invited students and practitioners from around the world to experience this sacred energy for themselves. From the stillness of Himalayan dawns to the gentle whisper of prayer flags in the breeze, these mountains are not scenery, they are teachers.

The Spiritual Importance of Nepal in Yogic Cultures

Nepal is popular as Spiritual place, land of gods and Land of the Himalayas worldwide. As It is the birthplace of lord Buddha, Mt. Everest thousand of sacred temples, monasteries, stupas, monks and yogis this could be final destination for the traveler who seek for spiritual knowledge.

Nepal, the place with many cultures and sacred temple, it is indeed connected to ancient yogic practices and philosophy. Travelers can explore themselves in rituals and ceremonies that have been handed down the centuries by generation to generation with the divine connection.

The spiritual masters also known as yogis who have inhabited in Nepal from centuries leaves the mark as a center for spiritually all the more certain. The originator of Hatha Yoga, Guru Gorakhnath have left their mark on the spiritual community and still inspiring new generations. In Nepal, the combination of Hinduism and Buddhism offers a special spiritual experience that allow seekers to self-explore and gain unique knowledge about spiritual power and unlock its source.

The Harmony Between Nature and Inner Peace

Nature and Inner Peace are too related with each other. It’s like to achieve inner peace you have to be in nature. And there is no better place than the Himalayas. Where you can be in nature and also achieve inner peace. Nepal’s mountainous peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal streams makes you feel peacefulness and mindfulness. Inspiring beauties of mountains evoke a sense of awe and respect. The wonderful beauty of nature is powerful and spiritual for them who seek for inner peace.

Surrounded by Mountain peaks and natures melt your all stresses and distraction of modern life. Fresh Air and nature sound of waterfalls and birds creates a perfect environment to meditate and find yourself. The energy of the Himalayas is said to be healing unto itself and revive your body, mind and soul.

According to Scientific study, Nature is an only way to heal your mental and emotional well-being. It will reduce your stress, decrease blood pressure and improve mood instantly. Thus, yoga and meditation is perfectly suited for your inner and outer health. The combination of nature and spiritually in the Himalayas provides life-changing experience that you can ever able to experience.

Top Yoga Retreat Destinations in Nepal

Nepal is a place for yogis to live and for the travelers who seek for spiritual development and healing. It provides houses and ashrams that suits for beginners to expert.

1. Kathmandu Valley

The cultural heart of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley features many yoga centers and wellness retreats. Surrounded by historic temples and vibrant markets, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modern yoga practice.

2. Pokhara – The Lake City of Serenity

Surrounded by the Annapurna range and set beside the tranquil Phewa Lake, Pokhara offers countless retreat centers with stunning sunrise views over Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). Himalayan Yoga Academy organizes seasonal retreats here for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

3. Namobuddha – Sacred Monastic Peace

A short drive from Kathmandu, Namobuddha is home to ancient monasteries and Buddhist hermitages. Perfect for silent meditation retreats and deep inner work.

4. Lumbini – The Birthplace of Buddha

While not mountainous, Lumbini’s spiritual energy is unmatched. Many retreats here focus on meditation and Buddhist philosophy, making it a worthwhile addition to any yoga journey.

The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness in Healing

Meditation and mindfulness is important for both physical and emotional health. It enhances and helps you find the cure naturally. The nature and fresh peaceful environment will heal your body and soul so effectively that you will find inner peace and experience heaven.

Reiki and Meditation

According to Scientific research, meditation and mindfulness plays various roles on mental health. If you do it regularly, it also helps you to reduce depression, anxiety and stress, as well as improve cognitive function and emotional regulation. Meditate helps you to active parasympathetic nervous system, relation and reduce physiological effects of stress. Mindful breath work and body scan meditation is also good to achieve greater body sensitivity and emotional resilience. With the environment of nature and Himalayas, this meditation unlock even more power, and it will be more effective for healing and self explore.

Best Time to Visit Nepal for Spiritual Retreats

Choosing the best time to visit Nepal can enhance the experience and helps to explore nature even further. You have to check climate changes and other condition first. The ideal time to travel Nepal and go for adventure are the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons.

SeasonWeather & ExperienceRecommendation
SpringMild, blossoming natureHighly recommended
AutumnStable, festive, clear viewsHighly recommended
WinterCold, peaceful, fewer touristsGood for indoor retreats
MonsoonWet, risky travel conditionsNot recommended for outdoor retreats

At Himalayan Yoga Academy, we guide every participant through these essentials to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Must I be an advanced yogi to participate in the retreat of Himalayan Yoga Academy?
A:
Nobody is too rusty — many of our programs are designed for amateurs, and you will be guided with intentional introduction.

Q: Is practicing yoga at a high altitude course safe?
A: Yes, if you acclimate correctly and use attractive attention to your frame. All participants are supervised by our instructors to ensure their safety and comfort.

Q: What is the ideal length of time to visit?
A: We suggest 7-10 day plan to Acclimatize, daily practice and cultural encounter.

Q: Are retreats expensive?
A: We provide a variety of options from budget shared housing to, high end eco-lodges – and students may select the appropriate one for themselves.

Conclusion – Let the Himalayas Heal You

In other words, the Himalayas is not about pretty views – it is transformative. Surrounded by these mountains, yoga is not just an exercise anymore; it becomes a lifestyle.

Nepal We believe at HYA that Nepal is not a place – it’s an oasis, Inhaling vitality & exhaling insanity of stillness and silence. and sooner or later, the mountains persist whether you stay a week or a lifetime.

Ashwini Mudra and its amazing benefits

We could never have predicted how much more of an effect our hectic lifestyle and unhealthy habits would have on our health. We now have the ability to undo the harm and embark on a healthy path, thanks to yoga asanas, exercises, and a diet filled with wholesome recipes.

Ashwini Mudra: What is it?

In English, Ashwini Mudra is known as horse motion or horse mudra. Ashwini Mudrayoga, a form of hatha yoga, includes contracting and relaxing the anal sphincter in a way that relieves constipation and hemorrhoids while assisting in bringing pranic energy up to the body. The term “horse mudra” refers to the rhythmic activity that horses engage in regularly, during which they contract and relax the entire pelvic region as well as the buttock muscles, sphincter, and perineum of the body.

How to do Ashwini Mudra: Steps-

The Ashwini Mudra can come in a variety of forms. These are two of them:

Ashwini Mudra (Variety I)

  • Sit tall and straight in Padmasana and comfort your body.
  • Eyes closed, begin inhaling. Spend a few minutes focusing on your respiration as it occurs naturally.
  • Now tense/ contract the anus sphincter muscle for a few seconds, without pulling or straining, and keep the whole body relaxed. Make sure that you only clench in the anal region during this exercise as far as possible.
  • Repeat the contraction for about 5 minutes.
  • Try to execute the contraction and relaxation cycle as smoothly and rhythmically as you can. You can progressively tighten the constriction even more.

Ashwini Mudra (Variation 2)

Try to sit on a towel that has been rolled up or on your heels for this variation of the Ashwini Mudra. View images of Ashwini Mudra to learn how. The Muladhara Chakra will feel more pressure as a result of this.

Following are the steps for performing Ashwini Mudra Yoga:

Fill the lungs to one-third of their maximum capacity by inhaling. Right now, quickly constrict and relax your anus twice. You should repeat this at least 15 times, roughly. Exhale gradually. 15 times, go through the entire inhalation and muscle contraction procedure. After that, slowly exhale.

Give it another go. For the third and last time, fill the lungs to one-third of their maximum capacity. The last 15 repetitions were spent contracting and relaxing the muscles. Don’t breathe out at this point. Instead, bring the shoulders forward and press the chin with the chest. You’ll feel the heat. Now exhale through your nose to let the stress leave. The energy will be felt throughout your entire body.

Things to Consider

Even though Ashwini Mudra has many excellent advantages, there is something you should keep in mind before doing the exercises. These consist of:

  • When a woman is pregnant or menstruating, she shouldn’t practice the Ashwini Mudra.
  • It can be used to treat problems like bedwetting and is also a type of yoga for youngsters.
  • You should stay away from Ashwini Mudra yoga if you have serious uterine problems.
  • Doing Ashwini Mudra asana is not recommended for anyone with conditions such as an enlarged thyroid, slipped disc, enlarged liver, or spleen.
  • Do Ashwini Mudra sparingly because doing it repeatedly can have negative effects on your health.
  • Never perform the Ashwini Mudra while moving.
  • In addition to this, you can perform it while lying down, standing, or in any other position.
  • To do the Ashwini Mudra correctly, you shouldn’t merely rely on pictures of it.
  • Consult with a yoga specialist for advice.

Advantages of Ashwini Mudra :

  1. Effective For Piles: Ashwini Mudra promotes healthy digestion in addition to other things. Additionally, it can be a beneficial kind of yoga for conditions associated with the anal and rectum, such as piles, hemorrhoids, and others. The blood circulation throughout the area is improved when you tighten the anal sphincter while performing this stance. This speeds up the process of healing and lessens localized pain and burning. So, if you have piles or another similar condition, we advise you to practice Ashwini Mudra frequently.
  2. Improved Digestion: One of the key advantages of Ashwini Mudra is improved digestion. The position aids in easing gas and constipation problems. It increases the flow of prana into the internal organs, making them more robust and disease-resistant. If you regularly practice Ashwini Mudra, you may also notice an improvement in your bowel motions.
  3. Enhances Sexual Health: Ashwini Mudra is frequently used to improve sexual health. Men will particularly benefit from this. The pelvic muscles, perineum, sphincter, and entire pelvic area are repeatedly contracted and relaxed in the Ashwini Mudra pose. These provide the sex muscles additional power and endurance while also strengthening them. Additionally, the position enhances pelvic blood flow, which adds to the pleasure of sex.

What’s next? Additionally, yoga enhances sexual pleasure by arousing the earth and water chakras’ sexual energies.

  1. Strengthens Uterine Muscles: It has been observed that Ashwini Mudra can assist ladies in resolving any uterine-related health issues. This organ is responsible for growing the fetus and carrying the child until birth. For this reason, uterine muscles need to be powerful. Furthermore, uterine muscles that are strong aid in relaxing the menstrual cycle. It has been shown that performing Ashwini Mudra and Mul Bandha together can strengthen the uterus muscles.
  2. Reduces Stress and Depression: We live fast-paced lives, which can occasionally cause undue stress. Depression can develop from long-term, constant stress. As you are aware, yoga is effective in battling both stress and depression. In a similar vein, Ashwini Mudra moves. It can support the adrenal gland’s healthy operation and regulate the body’s level of the stress hormone cortisol.
  3. Beneficial During Pregnancy: Ashwini Mudra asana can also be done to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It is well known for supporting the fetus’ gradually increasing weight. To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, some women practice this yoga both before and after becoming pregnant.
  4. Supports Healthy Skin: It may come as a surprise, but Ashwini Mudra can help people achieve healthy, clear skin. It indirectly results in improved skin because it eliminates serious stomach-related disorders. Additionally, it supports a healthy hormonal system and endocrine system, which keeps your skin looking young and vibrant.

The Last Few Words

Now that you know everything there is to know about the horse gesture, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use by incorporating it into your daily routine. If you are a beginner, it is advised that you obtain professional advice on how to carry out this yoga correctly. This will not only make sure that you get the most out of all the advantages but also protect you from any negative effects that can result from using Ashwini improperly.

SURYA KRIYA YOGA

Yoga is becoming popular all over the world. But still, there is no reach of the right message of Yoga among the people. People understand yoga as a physical training or fitness program. They still do not understand its value and the goal of this glorious science. The ultimate goal is even infinite, but the direction is towards Samadhi, Moksha, Nirvana, or something like this. So, for this righteous way of life, there are different means or paths or kriyas for the union of life. Himalayan Yoga Academy gives the real concept of Yoga on an integrated and philosophical footing.

Surya kriya is one of the yogic practices practiced for thousands of years, purposed to activate the solar power or the fire energy in the body for a balanced and blissful life. Surya means ‘Sun’ and kriya means ‘Act’. So Surya Kriya means the process of inner energy activation. This kriya generates inner energy, activates the physical body and mind, and balances the life. This process opens the Manipur Chakra and increases the solar energy in the body. Himalayan Yoga Academy provides these types of Yoga kriya training courses as well.

Veda says Surya is the soul of the whole existence. The Earth orbits the Sun. It purifies the water and makes the food for all beings. In ancient times, there were two types of saadhanaa, e.g., Surya Kriya and Yajna. The sun is the food for the Future. The sun is the medicine of the future. Surya kriya balances the lunar and solar energy throughout the Ida and Pingala energy channels and brings the stability of the body, stillness of mind, and equanimity of consciousness. Our guests, students, and yoga lovers will be luckier because they can get a variety of courses of Yoga on the same venue at the Himalayan Yoga Academy.

Surya Kriya Yoga Benefits

  • Builds physical strength
  • Mental alertness and clarity
  • Increases the vitality
  • Remedies weal constitutions
  • Balances the body chemicals and hormones
  • Qualifies for advanced level of Meditation
  • Updates Spiritual exploration
SURYA KRIYA YOGA

Process of Surya Kriya Yoga

  1. Prepare any meditated posture and Chant Surya Mantra: “AUM SURYA DEVAYA NAMAH”
  2. Meditate on solar energy with Naman (Obeisance) Mudra, Aawaana (Calling) Mudra, Simhakraanta (Pouncing –lion) Mudra, Kamala (Lotus) Mudra, Aalingana (Embracing) Mudra, Arghya (offering) Mudra, respectively,1 minute on each.
  3. Practice Surya Namaskara – 6 rounds or 12 rounds as need and time.
    OR,  practice only 2 and 3 steps – 3 times at least and do Bhastrika Pranayama with making hand fist up-down on Pooraka and Rechaka; Vaksha-shakti-sanchalana kriya; Prishthaasana (Back bend with Hand on Low back) with Pooraka and Rechaka
  4. Rub the palms and do the massage on the eyes, face, and whole body
  5. Surya Bheda Pranayama – 7 times
  6. Practice Shaambhavi Mudra with Surya Mudra, facing to sun rays
  7. Chant Surya Shakti Beej Mantra with Naman Mudra

If you want to practice Surya Kriya in Nepal, then contact the Himalayan Yoga Academy in Nepal. Here we conduct several trainings, like the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and the 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training. We also conduct retreats and different Reiki and singing bowl trainings in Nepal.

“ AUM Hraam, Hreem, Hroom Sah Sooryaaya Namah” 21 or 51 times.

“Hari Om Tat Sat”

By SWAMI YOG SUBODH (Yogacharya Dr. Subodh Simkhada) – International Yoga Guru

Mindfulness Retreat in Nepal

The heart or core message of Yoga science is ‘SMS”. One of the components is ‘M’ stands for mindfulness. Whatever we do, we should be mindful for achievement or perfection. Where is the body, there is mind, then it makes the sense. Mindful work can rise and transform us. So, learn why Mindfulness Retreat in Nepal ?

Mindfulness is the non-judgmental focus on our present emotions, thoughts, and sensations, but keeps us in the present moment. It is the ability to dictate which thoughts we listen to and which to dismiss as useless and irrational. It’s the power to fully engage with the present moment—being here and now—while letting go of stress about the past and worries about the future.

In our modern lives, digital distractions lead many of us to suppress our emotions and thoughts. When we finally face our inner world, we often lack the clarity and focus to manage our thoughts productively. We jump from one thought to another, reliving the past or panicking about the future, raising our stress levels. We stay in the moment, but not the right one.

It’s this lack of control that can send us into stress overload, resulting in panic attacks and causing depression. Teaching the skills needed to live in the present, a mindfulness retreat works to harness control over our thoughts and emotions.

Why People Should do a Mindfulness retreat in Nepal?

Previous attendees often tell us they gained the most benefit in the following ways:

  1. The learning of ‘No mind theory, art of freeing of mind, how to increase focus power, laughing therapy, art of living that keeps us mindfulness.
  2. The key skills to ‘tame’ the mind so that you can live with less stress, overcome negative thinking and limiting beliefs that can hold you back
  3. You’ll learn to meditate and bring mindfulness into daily life, staying connected to your calm center.
  4. Take time out in nature to rest, eat healthy food and leave feeling like your batteries have been recharged.
  5. Identify what your ‘true north’ is by uncovering your values and how to live a truly ‘meaningful life’.
  6. Notice less reactivity, better mood, and improved relationships after going home.
  7. Therapy, Healing and meditation all levels of teaching and practice for fullfilment of entire need.

Reasons Why Mindfulness retreat in Nepal?

Nepal is a very unique and pinnacle nation and known as a county of:

Shiva Civilization, Shiva is known by the names of Aadiguru, Aadiyogi, Aadinaatha, Yogeshwora  in Himavat Kshetra (Himalayan region),

Parvati (Wife and first Disciple of Shiva) known as Shakti (energy, will and action),

Pashupat as Yogashaalaaa (first School of Pashupat or Shiva Yoga) is known as Chaturtha Yoga, i.e.,  Hatha Yoga (Physical Balance), Mantra Yoga (Sound Energy), Laya Yoga (Rhythm), and Raja Yoga (Eternal),

Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages), a country of sages and seers,

Maharshi Kapil in Kapildhaama,

Buddha in Lumbini,

King Janaka (Father of Goddess Sita and Yogi King as Yoga Saadhaka and convener of First ancient Yoga workshop) in Janakapur,

Veda-vyasa In Tanahu,

Here is a very positive and fully natural life pattern, and Tapobhoomi- a land of Meditation or determined karma.

Bridge Pose

LEVEL: Beginner
Anatomy: Digestive System, Shoulders, Spine, Thyroid
Pose Type: Backbend, Heart Opener

In Sanskrit, the bridge pose is called Setu-bandhasana (set-uu bahn-dah-S-anna). It is also called Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.
Setu bandha = the construction of a bridge

The Setu Bandha Sarvangasana massages the spine, stretches the chest, neck & hips. It also calms the brain, helps to open the sinuses, reduces headaches, and opens up your shoulders. This is a great pose for women who experience menopausal symptoms.            

Benefits of Setubandhasana / Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

  • Stimulates the thyroid
  • Improves posture and open rounded shoulders
  • Stretches the abdominal organs and improves digestion
  • Tones the female reproductive organs
  • Relieves anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia
  • Reduces anxiety and insomnia
  • Lowers stress
  • Alleviates mild depression

Steps for Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana Sarvangasana)

  1. First of All, Lie down on your back with your arms next to your body, palms facing down. Bend your knees and place your feet near your sitting bones, hip-distance wide.
  2. Then, slowly inhale and lift your hips high. Check if your knees are aligned over your ankles.
  3. Interlace your fingers on the floor and tuck your shoulders underneath you. Draw your hands toward your feet.
  4. Stay in the pose for a few minutes with breathing, then release hands, and exhale to lower.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Pregnancy
  • Neck injury
  • Hernia
  • Peptic or duodenal ulcers

Is Vegan Food Always Healthy?

Why a Vegan Meal? Is Vegan Food always healthy? The recent rise of plant-based food choices around the world is an exciting step towards people choosing to eat and embrace a healthier, more sustainable diet and lifestyle. From a solely dietary perspective, a vegan diet avoids meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, and any foods that have derivatives of animal products. Far from being restrictive, a vegan diet offers abundant choice and creativity. Question: Is Vegan Food Always Healthy

A very healthy, balanced vegan diet will often include all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Such as sprouts, nuts and seeds, fresh herbs and spices, seaweeds, sprouted whole grains, legumes and beans, cold-pressed oils like coconut oil or olive oil, nut butters and seed pastes like tahini, nut milks or coconut milks, unprocessed olives and avocado for healthy fats, fermented foods like miso, tempeh, sauerkraut and kimchi, dried fruits, and superfoods.

Is Vegan Food Always Healthy?

A vegan meal provides a wide variety of positive benefits. Various scientific studies have shown that a plant-based, whole food diet can lower the risk of various types of illness and disease, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and degenerative brain disease. A well-planned vegan diet has less saturated fat and cholesterol and more vitamins C and E, dietary fiber, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids. As a result, veganism can be said to be a perfectly balanced, healthy life.

Compared to meat-eaters, vegans weigh less, have lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and rates of type 2 diabetes. They have a 30 percent lower risk of heart disease and lower cancer rates. Most cases of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and a third of cancers can be avoided by changing to a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and stopping smoking.

Is vegan food always healthy?

Marketers and advertisers have jumped on the bandwagon with the new trend and popularity of vegan cuisine. Vegan food may still be laden with white sugar, palm oil, additives, preservatives, and poor-quality ingredients. A vegan burger from a fast food chain may be a small step in the right direction, yet it is no substitute for real, fresh, wholesome food that nourishes and fuels your body.