Common Cold

Common Cold [Online image] Available http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2009/12/fighting-off-common-cold.html

Since stuffy noses and sinuses are caused by mucus build up in the nasal passages, simple breathing exercises such as Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Kapalabathi (Skull Shining Breath) can help to clear and balance blocked airways by forcing out unwanted mucus. We also know that in order build up a good defence against infections, the immune system needs to be strong and healthy. If you are a regular yoga practitioner, one way to do that is to perform asanas in a slow and relaxed manner, incorporating deep and smooth breaths. This helps to relax the nervous system and boost the immune system.

Another way is to perform yoga postures that stimulate the thymus gland, which is responsible for the immune system. Because this gland is located underneath the top breast bone, it is extremely beneficial to perform poses that focus on opening up this area, such as Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) and Navasana (Boat Pose).

Migraine & Headache

Migraine [Online image] Available http://www.migraine-facts.co.uk/

Restorative yoga helps alleviate the pain and misery of being struck by chronic migraine or headache. Restorative yoga involves doing postures with props (e.g. blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, chairs) that provide adequate support to the body so that the practitioner relaxes and deepens into the pose. This leads to a calm and balanced mind and thus relieves the stress-related condition. Follow this link for some examples of how to perform restorative poses safely. It is important to note that inverted poses such as Sirasana (Headstand) and Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) require raising the heart above the head and forces the blood to rush upwards. These poses should be avoided during migraines and headaches because they will only worsen the pain.

Menstrual Cramp

Menstrual Cramp [Online image] Available http://www.icld2006.com/the-importance-of-menstrual-cramp-explained/

Every woman fears the days of the dreaded menstrual cramp. In some severe cases, the victim ends up immobilized and curled up in bed for the entire day. Yoga asanas can help ease the discomfort of the cramps and also relieve lower back pain which is common during that time of the month. Forward bending postures such as Janu Sirasana (Head to Knee Forward Bend) and Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) are calming poses which compress the lower abdominals and pelvis to aid cramps and heavy bleeding. Doing several sets of Marjariasana (Cat Pose) also helps to increase the flexibility of the spine and alleviates menstrual discomforts. However, inversions should not be performed as the natural blood flow of the menses will be obstructed and may cause imbalances to the menstrual cycle.

Constipation & Indigestion

Acid Indigestion [Online image] Available http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/242632-4025-18.jpg

Constipation and digestion problems go hand in hand. If the digestive system is disturbed, food will not be able to be broken down completely, and this leads to constipation. Here are some yoga poses that can be performed whenever your stomach and eliminative organs are not in a cooperative mood. Doing Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) for 5-10 minutes after meals provides great aid to digestive issues by expelling excess wind in the belly as well as stimulates the kidneys, spleen, gall bladder and stomach. Bowel movement can be improved by doing abdominal twists and stretches such as Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Halasana (Plow Pose) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fish Pose). Diet also plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy digestive system and eliminative track. Always drink plenty of water, eat light meals consisting of mostly fruits and vegetables, and stay away from food that is overly oily or spicy.

Don’t wait for the pain to plague your life. By maintaining a healthy diet with simple but regular yoga practice, you will soon experience higher resilience towards these common ailments.

For as long as she can remember, Hui had always maintained an active lifestyle and held an insatiable interest in esoteric knowledge. She attended her first yoga class with her mother when she was 22 but little did she know that this ancient art of physical and spiritual practice would play such an influential part in her life.

For a decade, Hui partook in society’s never-ending materialistic pursuit, which led her to the realisation that love, harmony and contentment are found not in accumulation of tangible goods but through the pure act of inner passion. Yoga was the perfect solution in enabling her to combine her love for physical challenge and quest for spiritual development.

Hui has now dedicated herself to sharing her experience in yoga through teaching. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher and has studied under several masters from India. Her teaching methods which incorporate elements of strength, flexibility and alignment, are suitable for both beginners and regular practitioners. Hui firmly believes that yoga will benefit anyone, whether for fitness, health or peace of mind. She hopes to help her students expand their understanding of yoga, and at the same time enjoy its wonderful journey.

Visit her website for more information: www.yogahui.com

Organised by : Living Yoga Academy

10 -11 April 2010 (Saturday & Sunday)
Venue: Green Meadow Holistic Center (62C, SS2/67, Petaling Jaya, Selangor)

10 April 2009 (Saturday) 8-11am, 12.30-4pm ( 6.5 hours)
Back pain and leg pain (sciatica and knee pain) are the most common ailments discourage someone to attend yoga classes or cause the practitioners to stop their yoga practices. This workshop focuses on person suffering from general back & leg problems and those wishing to prevent them. Specific Yoga practices have been selected to provide participants with pain relief and to prevent recurrence of problems. Participants will also learn which practices benefit their condition, which ones to avoid, and how to adapt certain practices in order not to aggravate their problems.

11 April 2009 (Sunday) 8-11am, 12.30-4pm (6.5 hours)
Justin will teach you to observe and recognise the most common misalignments and imbalance in selected yoga postures. He will teach you the techniques of proper alignment so the poses can be accurately corrected. This hands-on practise helps yoga practitioners to deepen their practices and prevent from injuries, it also an important workshop for teachers to learn to adjust their students’ postures safely.

Workshop Fees:
1 day workshop :RM 350 ( RM 330 for early birds who pay before 28 Feb 2010).
2 days workshop : RM 650 ( RM 560 for early birds who pay before 28 Feb 2010).
Limited to 25 participants only, early payment (non-refundable) will secure a seat.

Certificate of Attendance will be issued to participants who attend 2 days workshop only.

This workshop is designed for Yoga teachers & yoga teacher-in-training, experienced yoga practitioners (all yoga schools of practices). For bookings and details, please contact Janet Gun at 019-354 9762 or email to janetcontact@yahoo.com.

The sun is nature’s greatest gift to us. Without the sun, live on earth could not exist and yet, many of us shy away from it. What if we were told that the sun, in its purest form will be able to provide us with all the nutrition needed and cure physical, emotional and mental diseases?

There is now certain group of people who practise and believe that by gazing directly at the sun during certain times of the day, we will be able to receive the energy to complement or replace solid food. This practice has been given various names such as Sun Gazing, Solar Gazing, Solar Healing and Solar Yoga.

Apparently the phenomenon is not something new and has been practised by our ancestors including the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Indian Yogis and native Americans. It is no wonder the sun has been an object of worship for different civilisations through the ages.

Born in 1937, Hira Ratan Manek (HRM) was a Mechanical Engineering graduate who worked in his family shipping and spice trading business in India. After retirement in 1992, he delved into this forgotten ancient practice that had captivated him since childhood. HRM has lived on water (with occasional tea, coffee and buttermilk) and the sun’s energy since 1995. He continues to travel the world giving talks and lectures on the practice of sun gazing in order to heal humanity of their ills.

According to HRM, the brain is like a super computer that nature has bestowed upon mankind. Unfortunately, the average human only uses 5-7% of the brain capacity. The rest lies dormant and is activated by harnessing energy from the sun which can only be reached via the eyes. Through trial an error, HRM has managed to come up with a technique that can be easily be adopted by anyone. Practitioners are advised to gaze at the sun once a day (anytime within an hour after sunrise or within an hour after sunset). Beginners start with 10 seconds the first day, gradually adding 10 seconds more each day up until they reach 44 minutes of continuous gazing (takes around 9 months). For step by step instructions, visit the official Solar Healing Center website.

Testimonials stating the benefits of sun gazing have been phenomenal. In the initial months, changes that have been reported are a more positive mindset, better sense of confidence, a balanced mind, sharper memory, improved sense of judgement and curing of mental depression. Later, physical ailments start to disappear. This includes anything from arthritis to bad eyesight.

Nature has blessed humans with a remarkable organ called the brain. To unleash its limitless powers, nature too has blessed us with an abundant source of energy called the sun. Doesn’t a free and costless way to a healthy and harmonious life warrant a trial run?

No flashy banners, no fancy website and no gaudy signboards. KLYoga decides to sneak a peek at a small independent studio called Uni Yoga, which is well known among the yoga community of Klang Valley. We met up with the owner, Foo Jong Hau for a friendly chat at his studio.

How did your relationship with Yoga start?

Foo: Initially when I took up yoga 8 years ago at Fitness First, it was for the fun of it. At that point in time I was more attracted to the in RPM, Body Balance and Body Combat classes. I joined the Yoga class just to help me stretch after the hardcore exercises. Over time doing high impact exercises like Body Combat, my ankles started to hurt. So naturally I reduced those classes and attended more Yoga classes. After a while I found it to be quite interesting and especially found arm balances very challenging.

I started to buy books related to Yoga. The first book I bought was Light On Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar. It opened up my eyes to so many other yoga postures that I wasn’t aware of. There were more than 90% poses in the book that I could not do as I was quite stiff. This spurred me to seek more knowledge about Yoga.

When did you decide that you wanted to make a career out of teaching Yoga and how did you start?

Foo: I was excited to share what I learned about yoga with other people. So I used to give free weekly classes to my colleagues after work. During that time, teacher training courses were not so easily available in Malaysia. After scouting around for an appropriate one, I decided to take a course in Health Education with a Diploma in Yoga under Dr. Dhilip. At the same time, I also made a firm decision to leave my job in the insurance line as I realised an office job was not suitable for me.

Lucikly, right after obtaining my Diploma, the Yoga industry had just begun to boom Malaysia. I started out teaching at small studios and condos, and finally taught my first commercial gym class in California Fitness.

You are obviously doing quite well now teaching at all the major gyms. What inspired you to open Uni Yoga?

Foo: Funnily, I never planned on opening up my own studio. I used to hold classes at a community center in Damansara Jaya. However, when the new management took over, they decided not to rent out the hall. I still wanted to continue offering classes to the existing students, so I looked around to rent a place where people could come together and learn yoga together.

The open concept studio

Yoga accessories on sale, including theOrganic Yoga Mat Spray (Foo’s very own product)

I can’t help but notice that you don’t even have a signboard outside your studio. What is your secret marketing tool?

Foo: Uni Yoga was established in 2008 and started with a little over 10 members. Now we have over 50 members. In fact, most of the members are my long term students who have not only followed me, but have introduced their friends, relatives and colleagues to join the studio I am grateful to all of them for marketing Uni Yoga by word of mouth. There is nothing more convincing that hearing about a positive personal experience from a person you trust.

What type of classes does Uni Yoga offer?

Foo: There are currently 4 instructors teaching here at the studio. Junko and I teach Anusara-based principles and styles. Kelly and Keane both teach Hatha and Flow styles.

Workshop in progress

Assisting and adjusting students

What is Anusara?

Foo: The Anusara method makes it very simple. All poses, regardless of whether it is a backbend, forward bend or arm balance use only 5 principles – Open to Grace, Muscular Energy, Inward Spiral, Outward Spiral and Organic Energy.

Open to Grace basically just means to open your mind to possibilities. Before going into a pose, never think that you cannot do it.

Muscular Energy means to engage your muscles by hugging them to the bone. In simple terms, it means to contract your muscles. Doing so protects you from injury.

Inward Spiral refers to the expanding energy that opens up the back of the body.

Outward Spiral refers to the contracting energy that balances the expanding energy and brings stability into the pose.

Organic Energy means to extend from the central core of the body and outwards to the side-lines. This will leave you with a sense of freedom and confidence in the pose.

Demonstrating the right technique

What are the common misconceptions of Anusara?

Foo: People think it is all about back bends, which is not entirely true.  As you improve and go deeper into the pose, you will naturally curl back, and at the same time it looks like an intense backbend. The concept is always the same. The action is always equal and opposite. You have ‘hard’, you have ‘soft’, you have ‘in’ you have ‘out’. Ultimately it is about finding a balance.

How effective is the Anusara method?

Foo: Before, I had very stiff shoulders. Doing backbends and wheels were out of the question. Now after a year of applying Anusara principles into my practice, I am able to perform the drop back (dropping backwards into wheel from standing position). This is how effective the technique is.

Anusara is a process-oreinted, step by step method. It focuses on the preparation to get into a pose.  So, it is very important to listen and be open to change. Because many flexible practitioners find it easy to go into a pose, they often don’t listen and get injured in the long run. However, if they listen, they will be able to go deeper into the pose without hurting themselves.

Many of my students are middle aged and are not that flexible when they first started off. But through adopting the basic 5 principles of Anusara, their flexibility has improved immensely.

For example, a lot of people think that arm balancing poses are difficult to perform. But in Anusara, we learn to use different groups of muscles. So it is not surprising that a person who is not so strong in the arms is able to do the hand stand. In the final pose, there should be a feeling of lightness and the ability to hold a pose longer because you are in an equilibrium and most efficient state.

Junko and Foo performing gravity-defying poses

What are your future plans for the studio?

Foo: My focus now is to work on getting a bigger evening crowd, mainly targeting working individuals since the studio is located conveniently opposite the Kelana Jaya LRT station. I plan to also continue giving more workshops like the one that I conducted in December on painfree backbends.

Uni Yoga has a cozy and close-knit environment. It is a place where friendships are made and support is given to one another. I want to be able to keep that as an integral part of Uni Yoga, setting us apart from being just another commercial fitness center.

Planning to drop by? This is where Uni Yoga is located.

Uni Yoga
1C Bangunan S.E.
Jalan SS 25/12
Taman Desa Suria
47301 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 012-2205512 (Foo)
Email: foojonghau@gmail.com
Or simply search Uni Yoga on facebook.

First time members are entitled to sign up for 1 month unlimited classes at only RM70.

In the celebration of Guruji B.K.S. IYENGAR’S 92nd birthday, we’re screening a biography movie named “Leap of Faith” at Swarupa Yoga Centre, Bangsar.

Date: Saturday, 9 January 2010
Time: 6.00 PM
Place: Swarupa Yoga Centre, Bangsar

This is a movie on the life of Iyengar Yoga founder and master BKS Iyengar.

We invite all fellow yoga practitioners and teachers to watch this wonderful movie which is very inspiring and informative. Come along with your friends and enjoy this occasion.

For details, contact
Nanda (Iyengar yoga teacher)
yogiyaar@hotmail.com
Tel: 016-473 4115

Say goodbye to flab!

What: FREE Core Strength Vinyasa (flow) yoga class **
When: Sunday, 3 January 2010
Where: Function Hall, ground floor, Block B, Danau Idaman Condo, Jalan 2/109F
Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm

Teacher: Roslin Mohd Daud

Jumpstart your shift to a healthy 2010, with a FREE Core Strength Vinyasa yoga class on the weekend after the New Year – perfect to help u detox and get back in shape and get rockin’ in new year.

We’ll run thru some CSV yoga signature poses (modified/tailored to your ability), and use these to help u develop flexibility and strength. We will then put it all together to form a final and sizzling Core Sun Salutation series. Take it home and begin your own practice, complement your existing practice or enhance your other exercises. Take this time for yourself and you’ll have much more to offer to those around you.

What u need:
1. A non-slip yoga mat.
2. A towel and a bottle of water.
3. Comfortable yoga wear or clothing.

Enquiries and RSVP :
jeeszer@gmail.com or www.theposeclub.wordpress.com or 017-907 4834

Namaste
Roslin Mohd Daud (Certified Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga teacher)

Note: This is a dynamic practice – please get your doctor’s clearance first.

To keep the doshas in balance for a healthy body and mind, the Ayurvedic system recommends certain foods to eat and avoid. Here is a basic guideline but the most accurate way is to consult an Ayurvedic physician, who will observe your physique, assess your pulse, how you breathe and ask you a series of lifestyle questions.  Most of us will have a combination of 2 dosha types, with one that dominates.

Pitta types are dominant in the fire and water elements. They generally have a small build  and usually need to be on a constant move. Dry skin and hair are also common among Pitta types. They tend to be easily anxious and are light sleepers. In order to bring a balance to their dosha, Pittas should include sweet fruits such as apples, grapes, mango and watermelon in their diet. Bitter, green leafy vegetables and white meat are also favoured. Foods to avoid are nuts, seafood, egg yolks and pickles.

Vata types have air and ether as their dominant elements. Physically, they are of athletic and medium build with oily skin and hair. Vata types have no problems with bowel movement, perspiration or sleep. Food prepared for a Vata should have the moisture retained which can be achieved by steaming, boiling or blanching. Foods to favour are sweet and citrus fruits, eggs, freshwater fish, white meat with the occasional beef. Cheese, raw vegetables, dried fruit and snacks should be minimised.

Water and Earth elements make up the Kapha type. These people are mostly large-boned with thick, oily hair and skin. They are physically strong but slow, less active and are easily tired. To get their digestive system going, Kapha types should eat foods which are baked, grilled and roasted with minimum oil. Herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric and chilli should also be generously consumed. Fruits and vegetables such as bananas and potatoes should be avoided, similarly with heavy and rich foods such as cheese, cream and yoghurt.

Sanjit now travels around KL and Selangor conducting group and private classes. She also operates from a private studio in Bangsar Park. Sanjit’s passion and love for dance, has inspired her to blend elements of fluid body movements or what she terms as ‘Freeform’ into her yoga classes. ‘Freeform’, which is accompanied by Sanjit’s selection of new age music, basically allows the student to connect with their feelings and express themselves through unrestrained dynamic movement of the body.

Through the practice of yoga, Sanjit has experienced tremendous benefits, beyond anything she had ever imagined. It has revealed to her the abundance of peace, joy and patience that were previously locked within. She is now more in touch with her emotions and manages to remain centered in most situations. Yoga has also helped to boost up her confidence level, attributed to a healthy throat chakra (energy center that governs speech, expression, creativity and thought).

Sanjit can be contacted at 012-2035770.

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How did you get involved in dance and yoga?

Joey: I became serious about dancing when I was 18 years old after graduating from high school. In order to keep my promise to myself to be a professional dance artist, I made my way to New York to study dance at the age of 22. I seriously injured my back before I went to New York and was diagnosed with having a slipped disc on the 5th lumbar vertebra. The doctor recommended surgery with 50% chance of full recovery but I definitely could not dance professionally anymore.

It was shocking, of course. After long discussion with my family, we decided that I should not go through with the surgery. Instead, I held on to my initial decision to pursue my dreams. I prayed and desperately looked for information to heal my back while I was in New York. That was the first time I encountered the yoga and Pilates method. After about six months of rehabilitation-based yoga and Pilates exercises, I was up and dancing with more strength and technique than ever before.  Since then dance and yoga were never separated from my life.

What inspired Dance City and who are the main figures behind it?

Joey: After coming back from overseas in year 2000, I was full of passion and wanted to share with people the art of dance and the tremendous healing power of yoga. It became a motivation for me and my partner (who coincidently is my dearest husband – an artiste and a certified personal fitness trainer) to open up the academy.

Dance seems to be the main focus of the academy. What are the classes and courses offered at Dance City?

Joey: In the beginning, when we were setting up the studio, most of our courses were dance lessons with 1 or 2 yoga classes. At first, we named our school AKNT Creative Arts. Now, we call it DANCE YOGA. We tried to promote yoga then but it was not as popular as it is today. People did not seem to know yoga as much as these days. I started with 2 students in a class and eventually increased to nearly 40. I was pretty happy and enjoyed teaching dance and yoga at the same time because I could share the experience with my students about these two different forms of body movements.

The classes we have now at DANCE YOGA are dance teacher training course, yoga teacher training course, and other regular classes such as Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom, Modern Dance, Yoga, and Children/Adult Dance Performing course.

The academy seems to portray a distinct expression of artistic flair. Is this somehow integrated into the yoga classes?

Joey: Yes. Dance is a sport and art form that generally refers to movement of the body. We teach our students to move and flow with the yoga poses like a dancer aesthetically and artistically. We don’t just teach our students yoga poses, we teach our students to love them.

Fluid and artistic movements in dance and yoga, as demonstrated by Joey

Tell us about the different varieties of yoga classes conducted at Dance City.

Joey: We mostly do flow yoga and some Hatha. Our main focus is on teacher training.

What types of clients are attracted to sign up for yoga classes here and why?

Joey: Most of our students are from the neighbourhood and the majority are ladies. However, there are students from all over Malaysia as well as from overseas such as China, Singapore, and Indonesia, who have signed up for the yoga teacher training course.

How many studios are there in Malaysia and do they all have the same offerings?

Joey: There are 2 locations in Malaysia; Cheras and Sg. Long.  We offer the same courses, but teacher training courses are conducted in our Cheras branch.

Fully equipped studios where dance and yoga classes are conducted

Besides regular dance and yoga classes, what other courses are available to the public?

Joey: Each year we will organise dance teacher training workshops for primary schools and kindergarten teachers, and also yoga workshops. Once in a while, we do offer dance workshop such as Jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance.

What makes Dance City stand out from the mass of yoga studios that have sprouted all across Malaysia?

Joey: We teach our students how to carry out the beauty of the flow in yoga poses, we also teach our students physiology and anatomy behind yoga poses, so that they can move their body accurately and beautifully like a dancer, and most importantly to practise injury-free.

What interesting developments can we expect to see in the near future?

Joey: We will continue to inspire and open our door to people who are willing to become yoga teachers. We will also increase our efforts in overseas student enrolments.

How is the yoga scene in Malaysia compared to Canada?

Joey: I’m glad to see that there is an increasing amount of people in Malaysia who are getting more conscious about their health and wellness. Many people take yoga as part of their daily living routine as in Canada.

There is an increasing awareness and appreciation these days for art and culture. How do you think this will shape tomorrow’s society?

Joey: Every art form and culture is related to the human being. It is an expression from within our spirit through our body. Humans need to be connected, especially in this high technology society. I believe the awareness and appreciation for art and culture will link every human together, and ultimately bring us to understand that we are all one.

The Dance City is located at:

149-5 Jalan Lancang
Taman Seri Bahtera
56100, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-91331642
Email: info@thedancecity.com