The tossing and turning in bed, the anxiety of waiting to fall asleep, the constant clock ticking; most of us have experienced this sometimes. But insomnia is a sad reality that many live with every other night. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and continue to be in a deep sleep quickly, which leads…
Trust your gut instinct!” “My gut is telling me this is wrong!” We all have often heard and spoken of our gut instinct. But what does gut mean? Anatomically speaking, your digestive organs comprise your gut. Your intestines form a large part of your gut and actively participate in most digestive functions. Like every other…
Yoga is one of the most fun and effective ways to maintain good health and ensure holistic well-being. Yoga was born in India around the era of civilization and has made a home in many people’s hearts. Certified trainers and Yoga experts believe that Yoga is a form of exercise and a way of leading…
Lying down and doing nothing is a favorite way to relax for many. But what if there was a way to build your health while lying down? Sounds fascinating. Yoga is an ancient discipline of life that profoundly affects your health and well-being (READ our blog on the benefits of Yoga). The multi-utility, holistic way…
Herbs are small plants that bear leaves, flowers, or seeds that have medicinal or culinary value. Ancient medicinal practices like Ayurveda and Unani and more contemporary modern techniques like Naturopathy use herbs as their core therapeutic ingredients. Ayurveda is an ancient medical science that originated in India and has garnered much fame and attention. Several…
Yoga is an ancient and holistic discipline that influences your mind, body, and soul. Yoga comprises numerous techniques that allow you to develop harmony between various aspects of your health. (KNOW about the multiple benefits of Yoga) Many people practice Yoga regularly to maintain a healthy physique. But Yoga serves a greater purpose than developing…
How often do you hear others or yourself saying, “I need to detox.” Detox is short for detoxification, which means unburdening your body, mind, and soul of unhealthy things. People often take vacations, start a new exercise regimen, or have a relaxing spa day in an attempt to detox. They are all constructive ways to…
Stretching our limbs and neck is a reflex action for most of us after being chained to our office desks. Sitting in a place for a long time, hunched over heavy books or a laptop, can cause your neck, back, and shoulder muscles to become sore. The condition is known as office syndrome and can…
Yoga and Ayurveda are India’s greatest gifts to the world. Most of our blogs highlight various aspects of Yoga and its utility in improving your life. Today let us learn about Yoga’s connection with Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient medical science that originated in India around 2 B.C. Charaka and Sushruta were two Indian doctors…
Hello Yoga enthusiasts! Welcome to another blog where we will discuss the fascinating offerings of Yoga. It is widely believed that positivity around you multiplies when you share it with others. This philosophy applies to the knowledge of Yoga as well. Your knowledge of Yoga strengthens and flourishes when you share it with others. Many…
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Today, yoga has numerous benefits for mental health, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and concentration. So if you’re looking for a way to take better care of your mental health, why not…
Meditation teaches you to focus on a particular object, thought, or activity that lets you achieve mental clarity and stability. It is an easy yet potent way to improve physical and mental health and can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and transcendental meditation have unique benefits and techniques.…
Have you ever heard of Anulom Vilom? This ancient yogic technique, also known as alternate nostril breathing, has been practiced in India for centuries. It is a type of pranayama, or breath control exercise, that helps to bring balance and harmony to the mind and body. In this blog post, we will discuss what Anulom…
In the last few years, meditation has become increasingly popular as a tool for relaxation and self-care. But what if you already have activities that you enjoy that help you de-stress, such as yoga, running, or even reading? Does it make sense to also add meditation into your routine? The short answer is yes! Meditation…
Q: What is yoga? A: Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It involves physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation and has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved flexibility, and increased strength and endurance. Q: Do…
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It involves physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation and has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved flexibility, and increased strength and endurance. Incorporating yoga into the workplace can be…
There are several ways in which yoga can help to improve sleep. Some of the benefits of practicing yoga for sleep include: Overall, yoga’s relaxation and stress-reducing benefits can make it an effective tool for improving sleep quality and helping to promote healthy sleep habits.
Pranayama is the Yogic way of controlled breathing that improves your overall health. Pranayama is an integral part of Yoga and has garnered immense praise and popularity in the last few years. Ayurvedic and Yogic literature mentions Pranayama as a remedy to combat stress, anxiety, depression, and also a hoard of physical illnesses. It is…
Pranayama, the Sanskrit word for “breath control,” is an ancient practice of yogic breathing. This form of yoga focuses on your ability to heal the body, mind, and spirit through controlled breathing. Pranayama restores balance and harmony between all physiological functions of the human body. Let us learn more about Pranayama and its powers to…
Fear is a powerful emotion that provokes most of us to respond instantly. It is human nature to avoid facing our fears for as long as possible. However, some of us take the brave step of confronting our fears and getting over them. Meditation is an integral aspect of Yoga and a great way to…
If you have been struggling with getting a good night’s rest, it may be time to turn to Yoga. Yoga is an ancient form of holistic living that ensures good health and wellbeing for one and all. Most of us lead a fast-paced lifestyle that constantly keeps us on edge, which can be stressful. Yoga…
You are about to begin a presentation in your workplace superiors’ presence, everything is set, and your laptop refuses to work. You feel out of control, you cannot breathe, you are sweating bullets, and your surroundings are closing in on you! This is how it feels like to have a panic attack. Panic attacks can…
Imagine this. You leave your workplace after a particularly hectic day only to see a tired person staring back at you. Wait! That is your reflection! You are slightly alarmed to see yourself dragging your feet out of exhaustion. Our health is under constant duress due to routine chores and the stress of modern life…
Advancing age is the enemy none want to face and none can defeat. There are, however, several healthy ways to slow down the effects of aging on our minds and body. Yoga is one of the oldest ways to shape a robust physique and maintain good mental health. One of the many advantages of practicing…
Hello Yoga enthusiasts! Welcome back as we embark upon a journey to learn more about the numerous benefits of Yoga. Yoga’s contribution to building and sustaining good health is unquestionable. (KNOW the various benefits of Yoga) People practice Yoga for its immense benefits on their mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Yoga teachings discuss the various…
Yoga is a holistic way of maintaining a healthy spirit, physique, and psyche. Most people prefer Yoga to other physical exercises due to the latter’s benefits. The idea of Yoga was incepted in India but has now impressed people worldwide. Yoga has gathered an ever-expanding number of dedicated students. Yoga is not just physical postures…
Are you looking for the perfect activity to get you in great shape? Have you tried Yoga? If not, today is a great day to learn more about Yoga and have your first Yoga session. Yoga is a holistic discipline that offers a better lifestyle and shapes your overall well-being. Yoga involves physical exercises, asanas,…
Pranayama is a combination word derived from two Sanskrit words, Prana and Yama, which together mean ‘controlling the life.’ Yoga Pranayama involves regulating the breathing cycle with different breathing patterns. People practice Pranayama to maintain a healthy respiratory cycle and to attain mental calm. (READ our blog on the benefits of Pranayama) Pranayama is one…
Pregnancy is a life-altering experience and requires a lot of preparation. One needs to be fully aware of the challenges of birthing a new life and caring for it. Expecting mothers may balance their lifestyles by including the right amount of rest, food, and physical and mental exercise in their daily routines. Pre-natal Yoga has…
Welcome Back, fellow Yoga enthusiasts! We are back with a new blog focusing on the Yoga Mudras that expecting mothers may practice for a healthy pregnancy. What Are Yoga Mudras? Yoga Mudras are simple hand and finger gestures that stimulate and regulate various physiological functions of the human body. You may perform the Mudras while…
Sandalwood, or Chandana, is a type of wood found in a tree’s bark, stems, and trunk with the same name. Sandalwood is highly sought after and relatively expensive due to its heavenly scent. Owning products made of Chandan is considered a symbol of wealth due to its high prices. This blog attempts to learn more…
Hello fellow Yoga practitioners! As we acquaint ourselves with Yoga and explore its treasures, let us get acquainted with one more concept of Yoga, the mudras. Mudra is a Sanskrit language word having multiple meanings. The word could mean a hand or facial gesture. Yoga mudras are simple, subtle hand gestures that affect people’s health…
We welcome all Yoga enthusiasts to discuss the next topic in our blog series for chakras. Our previous two blogs have discussed the importance of chakras (CLICK HERE to read the blog) and the role of Yoga asanas in activating the chakras (CLICK HERE to read the blog). Today, we will discuss the role of…
Welcome back, Yoga enthusiasts! For those who have read the previous blog, we discussed the chakras and their contribution to maintaining good health. Our newer readers may CLICK HERE and find out everything you need to know on chakras. Now, let us discuss the role of Yoga in opening and aligning the chakras to ensure…
Chakras, asanas, pranayama, and bandhas are familiar terms to those who dabble in Yoga. Our previous blogs have covered a few topics like the bandhas (CLICK HERE to know more) and pranayama (CLICK HERE to learn more). Let us discuss another unique and beneficial aspect of Yoga today, i.e., the chakras. What Are Chakras? The…
Yoga? For Healthy Skin? Yes, You read that right! Most people follow a healthy diet, have a healthy skincare routine, and avoid using chemical products for their skin. But that is not sufficient to get glowing skin. Your skin needs as much exercise as the rest of your body does. Yoga is one of the…
Bandha is the Sanskrit word that means ‘to lock’ or ‘to obstruct.’ Yoga is quite famous for its postural exercises and meditation. Bandha is an energy lock that one can activate with a sequence of physical postures. Activated bandhas are supposed to temporarily restrict the energy flowing naturally through the body to a specific organ.…
Your best buddies may turn their backs on you, and your family may not support you, but there is one constant presence in your life that will never leave you alone. You guessed it right; that presence is stress!No matter how much you want it to go away, it will not. Stress becomes an inevitable…
Yoga has won over millions of people worldwide thanks to its profound benefits in developing and maintaining good health. Yoga postures and meditation are immensely popular among the masses. But fewer people are familiar with the concept of Yoga Nidra, an essential part of Yoga.Let us get acquainted with Yoga Nidra, how to perform it,…
Prepare a cup of warm Tulsi tea, grab a cozy blanket, and let us embark on a journey to get acquainted with the Holy basil, or ‘the incomparable one’ (the Sanskrit meaning of the word Tulsi). Tulsi or Holy Basil is a fragrant herb that finds frequent and abundant use across many regions worldwide. The…
Back pain is a common disorder that people of varied age groups are likely to experience. Back pain causes may range from the wrong posture to old injuries or a simple sprain to mental stress. Regardless, back pain should not be neglected and requires prompt attention. A visit with a physician, a physical therapist, or…
When we think ‘elderly,’ we immediately picture a kind-faced man or woman with grey hair tending to their potted plants, spending time with the grandkids, or reminiscing their youth. Old age is so much more than just living out your retirement days. People spend the better years of their lives earning a decent livelihood to…
What Is Ahimsa? Ahimsa means ‘absence of injury’ in the Sanskrit language. However, the word Ahimsa is more commonly associated with the practice of non-violence. Non-violence is seemingly insignificant, but it goes a long way in leading a better and more productive lifestyle. The below verse from the Bhagawad Gita lists the essential qualities every…
Lord Shiva: The Adiyogi Adinath, Maha Yogi, Yogeshwar, and Adiyogi are some of the many names of Lord Shiva. Numerous legends and mysteries surround Lord Shiva, the all-powerful Hindu deity many people worship. He is the part of the Trinity, along with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, that controls the cosmic universe. Lord Shiva is…
Ashtanga, meaning ‘eight limbs,’ is an ancient concept that Maharishi Patanjali laid out to explain the factors that constitute an essential part of Yoga. Yoga is one of the best holistic disciplines that have a profound positive effect on the overall health of human beings. Yoga has garnered a lot of fame and has changed…
Asceticism is a discipline that involves a departure from most of the worldly and material pleasures and resigning to a simple lifestyle. The main aim of pursuing ascetic living is to achieve one’s spiritual or religious goals. Asceticism is inclusive and does not discriminate based on religion, caste, gender, or other factors. Ascetic living comes…
Yoga for Kids Development Children are like wet clay, you can shape their lives the way you want with adequate nurturing and care. Yoga is a great way to channelize the enthusiasm and energy that young kids are always full of. It is a powerful tool to ensure a healthier future for your little ones.…
The 17th verse of the 6th chapter from the Bhagavad Gita preaches the importance of healthy eating habits and a balanced lifestyle. The verse further states that he who follows these practices and indulges in Yoga can nullify all sorrows and live in peace. Here is how the verse goes. yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-cheṣhṭasya karmasu yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo…
The socio-cultural development in the Indian subcontinent dates back to as early as the dawn of civilization. Therefore certain traditions have taken deep roots into the thoughts and ideology of the people living there. One such traditional practice is Garbha Sanskar, which attempts to make the journey of pregnancy easier and happier while nurturing the…
Behind every well-known form of art is an artist who spends sleepless nights and restless days to ensure the ultimate state of perfection. The world sees the art, and the artist is often conveniently forgotten. Yoga is also a kind of art that has changed lives for centuries. Yoga did not evolve on its own…
Medical science has advanced considerably over the years and has a solution to just about every problem under the Sun. However, there is no winning against Mother Nature’s rules, one of which is natural aging. People are willing to try everything to retain their youth for as long as they can. Indeed, wouldn’t anti-aging be…
tatraikāgraṁ manaḥ kṛitvā yata-chittendriya-kriyaḥ upaviśhyāsane yuñjyād yogam ātma-viśhuddhaye samaṁ kāya-śhiro-grīvaṁ dhārayann achalaṁ sthiraḥ samprekṣhya nāsikāgraṁ svaṁ diśhaśh chānavalokayan These are the twelfth and thirteenth verses of the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered books by the practitioners of Hinduism. The sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes Dhyana Yoga.…
According to Abraham Maslow, when the needs on one level are met an individual seeks to fulfill the needs on the next level, and so on. In his revised theory, he added the final state of the human need to be SELF TRANSCENDENCE where a person moves past themselves as an individual and focuses on…
Yoga is the gift that India has given to the world. The ancient discipline of Yoga that originated centuries ago has now touched many lives worldwide. A mysterious aura has always surrounded the origin and teachings of Yoga. Historians and scholars have unearthed ample literature on Yoga that is authentic and informative. As we know…
Yoga is one of the ancient and most practical disciplines of life that contributes immensely to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Yoga has evolved through the ages, and so have its teachings, albeit without compromising its ancient principles. (CLICK HERE to know more about the various eras in the history of Yoga) At present, Yoga…
Evolution Of Yoga Yoga is a one-of-its-kind discipline of life that profoundly influences developing a healthy and balanced state of mind, the body, and the soul. The evolution of Yoga dates back to the era of the Indus Valley civilization, nearly 5000 years ago (as of 2021). In the olden days, people practiced Yoga to…
Suryanamaskar (Sun salutation) is a type of Yoga practice comprising 12 different Yoga asanas performed in repetition with one another. All the asanas of the Suryanamaskar are interrelated, making it easy to move gracefully from one pose to another. Performing one complete Suryanamaskar involves standing up, going into the downward dog pose, squatting, and bending…
Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline comprising various practices that help to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit alike. Today, no place in the world remains untouched by the positive influence of yoga. The art and technique of yoga originated in the Eastern world in India many centuries ago. Historians and scholars alike believe that…
The Yoga Story: Inception, Ideas, Religion And More Yoga is a holistic discipline that teaches the subtle techniques of striking a balance between physical wellbeing and emotional health. The science of Yoga has been an integral part of Indian culture since time immemorial. Over the years, people have molded and transformed Yoga to suit their…
It is almost second nature for most people to stretch their arms upward and breathe deeply after a particularly stressful day. And isn’t it the most beautiful feeling? Stretching your arms upwards also allows your spinal muscles to stretch and the spinal nerves to relax. The stretching of the spine and the ensuing relaxation that one…
The Mysterious Lives Of Naga Babas And Aghori Sadhus Reading the title itself makes you wonder about Naga Babas, “Really?” If you are an ardent follower of deep-rooted Indian culture (especially Hindu culture), you may be well aware of Naga Babas and Aghori Babas. If you aren’t, this article will enlighten you about this unique…
Who are Digambar Sadhus? Our previous blog described two very interesting clans, namely Naga Sadhus and Aghori Babas. We are sure you loved reading about the two. As promised, here we are with an article about Digambar Sadhus. The who and what about Digambar Sadhus The Digambar Sadhus are one of the sects of Jainism.…
The Concept Of Fasting Fasting is a voluntary way of practicing controlled intake of food and drinks. People usually observe a fast for medical or religious reasons. Medically speaking, fasting is a state of metabolism achieved after digestion of food or eating no food for at least 10-12 hours. Followers of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and…
The Science And Religion Behind Walking “Walking is man’s best medicine” – Hippocrates. Walking is a primary way of locomotion for human beings. In the archaic era of the stone age, it was also the only means of traveling from one place to another. As the wheels of time turned, walking was no longer necessary,…
What Is Chanting? Chanting is the rhythmic recitation of a string of words that have spiritual or religious significance. It may involve the repetition of a specific phrase over and over again. People often recite chants as part of their daily prayer, during religious sermons, or while they meditate. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism…
What Is Dirgha Ayushya? Dirgha Ayushya means long and healthy life. The Hindu culture strongly advocates the need for blessings from elders or those with spiritual knowledge. Dirghayu Bhava is one of the best blessings to bestow upon others. It means ‘to be blessed with long, fruitful life and is intended to enhance the longevity…
The History And Origin Of Chyawanprash Chyawanprash is a herbal preparation that Indians have been using since time immemorial. It has antioxidant, immunoprotective, and rejuvenating properties. Chamanprash or Chyavanaprasam are the other names of Chyawanprash. The Ashvinis are a pair of twin Indian Gods credited for giving Chyawanprash to the world. They served as royal…
What Is The Bhagavad Gita? The Bhagavad Gita is a compilation of Sanskrit verses and texts. The ancient scripture consisting of 701 shlokas (verses) was written in the year 2 B.C, by Sage Veda Vyasa. Followers of the Hindu religion hold the Bhagavad Gita in very high regard. The verses of Bhagavad Gita are actually…
dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam Says Lord Krishna in the 20th shloka of the 17th adhyaya in the Bhagavad Gita. This Sanskrit verse translates as: Charity done for someone worthy because it is the right thing to do, without thinking about returns, at the right…
“Atha Yoga Anushasanam” Atha means now, and Anushasanam is the Sanskrit word for discipline. The first sutra in the book Yoga Sutras says that ‘Now is the discipline of Yoga.’ This sutra promotes that Yoga is not only for the wellness of one’s body and mind, but it is a way of living. Several ancient…
Turmeric in English or Haridra in Sanskrit, Haldi in Hindi, Manjal in Tamil is a condiment used extensively in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It is known for its medicinal properties among people residing in Southeast Asia and Middle Eastern countries. It also finds mention in several ancient scriptures written by scholars of Ayurveda. The…
Kalmegh is a Hindi language word for the Green Chiretta plant. It is rightly named ‘King of Bitters’ owing to the bitter taste the herb leaves in the mouth of anybody who consumes it. Despite this characteristically unpleasant taste, it is highly sought after, owing to its numerous medicinal properties. This herb is known by various…
Yoga is one of the several great contributions India has made to the world. The fame that Yoga has enjoyed over the past few years is unparalleled. This beautiful art that originated in India is now learned and taught by people almost all over the globe. Is it as easy to learn in other parts…
Take a deep breath in. Now breathe out gently. Who knew that the simple act of breathing could be so relaxing, isn’t it? When breathing is performed in a controlled manner with complete focus only on the act, it is called Pranayam: A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Lungs. Breathing exercises or Pranayama as…
Yoga is a spiritual discipline that can unite us with our spiritual selves and help us harmonize with our inner energies. By coordinating and uniting our body and mind, it helps us attain our inherent power and gives us the ability for self-realization. Simple postures have long-term benefits for physical and mental health! The Santosh…
Yoga, the ancient Indian practice, is a well-known activity for improving your spiritual, physical, and mental health. It is several thousand years old and is the practice of harmonizing the mind with your body. Yoga involves the use of meditation, asanas or poses, and breathing exercises to harness your true inner power. It is the…
The whole world has now woken up to the benefits of yoga in all walks of life. India is home to yoga practices since times immemorial is pioneering in the field. At Santosh Yoga Institute, we uphold and teach the age old traditions of Yoga and its holistic techniques. We can bring out authentic, age-old…