Himalayan Yoga Academy

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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

SURYA KRIYA YOGA – I

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

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

Surya kriya is one of the yogic practices practiced since thousands of years purposed to activate the solar power or the fire energy in the body for the balance 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 physical body and mind and balance 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 course as well.

Veda says Surya is the soul of whole existence. The earth rounds the sun. It purifies the water and makes the food for all beings. In ancient time, there were two types of saadhanaa e.g. Surya Kriya and Yajna. Sun is the food of Future. 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 could get varieties of courses of Yoga on same venue at Himalayan Yoga Academy.

Surya kriya Yoga works for multi-dimensions of life such as:

  • 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 (Pounching –lion) Mudra , Kamala (Lotus) Mudra , Aalingana (Embrancing) 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 wanna practice surya kriya in Nepal, then contact Himalayan Yoga Academy in Nepal.Here we conduct several trainings like 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and 300 hr 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”

Mindfullness 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. Why Mindfullness Retreat is in Nepal ?

Mindfulness is the non-judgemental focus on our present emotions, thoughts and sensations but keeps in being 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 engage with the present, being in present but to prevent stressing over the past or worrying about the future.

In our modern lives the readily available distractions of the digital age mean that many of us supress our emotions and thoughts. When we are forced to face the inner-working of our own minds, many of us lack the clarity and ability to control our thoughts productively. Jumping from thought to thought and raising our stress levels as we re-live the past or panic about the future, we’re 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 Mindfullness retreat in Nepal ?

The most common feedback we’ve had from previous attendees are that the main benefits are the following:

  1. You will lerarn here ‘No mind theory, art of freeing of mind, how to increase focus power, laughing therapy, art of living that keeps us mindfulness.
  2. You will learn those 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 will learn here how to meditate and integrate mindfulness into your life so you have access to that calm centre as you go about daily life.
  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 Mindfullness retreat in Nepal ?

Nepal is very unique and pinnacle country for known as:

* a country of Shiva Civilization, Shiva is known as by the name of Aadiguru, Aadiyogi, Aadinaatha, Yogeshwora  in Himavat Kshetra (Himalayan region);

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

*a country of 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),

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

* a country of Maharshi Kapil in Kapildhaama;

*a country of Buddha in Lumbini,

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

*a country of Veda-vyasa In Tanahu;

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

Setu-bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

LEVEL : Beginner

Anatomy : Digestive System, Shoulders, Spine, Thyroid

Pose Type : Backbend, Heart Opener

Sanskrit

Setu-bandhasana

(set-uu bahn-dah-S-anna)

setu bandha = the construction of a bridge

It is also called Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.

The Setu Bandha Sarvangasana massages the spine, stretches the chest, neck & hips. It also calms the brain, helps to open the sinuses, reduces headache 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 Setu Bandhasana Sarvangasana ( Bridge Pose ) :

  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 slow 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 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 Vegan Meal ?

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. Queestion: Is Vegan Food Always Healthy

A very healthy, balanced vegan diet will often include all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, 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.

A vegan meal provides a wide variety of positive benefits. Various scientific studies have shown that a plant-based, whole food diet has the ability to lower the risk of various types of illness and disease including cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular 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, vegan can be said 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 per cent 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.

But 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.