philosophies interpreted...

The Five Points of Yoga by Swami Vishnu-devananda-Sivananda’s devotee who brought this branch of yoga to the United States

Proper Diet: to provide the body with the correct fuel. In India this is a vegetarian diet. I urge people to find what works for them individually. Obtain this diet information through mindfulness or elimination or through allergy testing.

Proper Exercise: Asana Practice and other exercise within reason to keep your body active, strong and flexible. The asana practice helps keep your core strong, and maintains your bodies ability to balance as well as gets your circulation and breath moving.

Proper Relaxation: Savasana, counteracts daily stress. Relaxation practiced(in and out of postures)to get the most out of the asana practice. Savasana at the end of a yoga or exercise session releases lactic acid from the muscles to prevent soreness and helps to receive the most benefit from the postures.

Proper Breathing: Pranayama, brings life force(as well as relaxation) to the asana practice, as well as keeps you connected to your solar plexus or your own source of energy.

Proper Meditation: Practiced on its own or through out the asana practice as mindfulness, informs the entire practice; mindfulness in our practice and daily lives allows us to remain in the moment with our activities to prevent injury and gain the most insight and enjoyment. "Positive thinking and Meditation puts you in control." Swami Vishnu-devananda

Unlocking the Shoulder Blades

For shoulder health(to prevent rotator cuff injury and frozen shoulder) as well as part of a routine to strengthen the upper back, remember to keep you shoulder blades moving...

Stand in Tadasana with arms hanging down by your sides.

Begin to squeeze the shoulder blades together as in the picture on the right above.

Then rotate your arms so your thumbs go out and back. You should be able to squeeze your shoulder blades together more in this position.

Release the squeeze of the shoulder blades and begin to slide them apart.

Then rotate your arms so the thumbs to back out, then forward and then toward your hips and even backwards in the opposite position as before. You should be able to get your shoulder blades to move further apart in this position.

Practice this until you can get your shoulder blades to move together and apart. Focus on using the muscles between under and over the shoulder blades. Don't do this from your neck chest or arms. Once you have your shoulder blades moving focus on getting them to glide smoothly together and apart with your breath. Inhale in one direction and exhale in the other.

Next see if you can get your shoulder blades to pull down your back allowing your sternum to lift from this action. Lengthen the back of your neck as you do this with your breath 3 to 5 times.