Dangers of Practicing Yoga

Yoga and its associated health and spiritual benefits have been around for approximately 5,000 years.

In the U.S., beginning in the 1960s with the New Age and counter-culture movements, yoga has increased dramatically in popularity over the last 50 years.

It's only been in the last two decades that yoga has really gone mainstream. And it seems like it's an exercise fad that's here to stay; that is to say, it's not a fad at all, unlike some fly-by-night exercise routines like Tae-Bo, Richard Simmons videos, Jazzercise, and Jane Fonda aerobics.

As yoga has grown in popularity so too have the number of injuries from yoga.

This is far from a recommendation to avoid yoga, although some people may benefit from other forms of exercise....more on that below.

If you're overweight or new to yoga or it's been a while since you've practiced, it's advisable to exercise caution with certain poses.

Keep in mind that when asanas (postures) were divinely inspired, if you will, (if you won't: created), the population in the ancient subcontinent of India didn't have problems with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Certain yoga poses performed by certain segments of the contemporary population can wreak havoc on inflexible joints and ligaments.

The lotus pose, which is commonly the beginning meditative position in a yoga class, can put extreme stress on the knee, ankle and hip joints. Women are more susceptible than men are to injuries of the ACL joint in the knee and lotus may perhaps increase that risk.

A spinal twist called Marichyasana III can place heavy stress on the lower back ligaments and tendons, which can lead to back pain and spinal instability.

There are other examples of yoga poses that place excessive stress on the joints.

It's important if you fit into the category of being overweight or being a yoga neophyte to find a good teacher who knows how to make sure you stay in your safe zone. Yoga props such as blocks and straps will also help you stay safe.

It's common in yoga class to see some women with very low body fat that are hyper flexible, easily capable of twisting themselves into pretzels. Perhaps they have reached their peak in yoga and are actually too flexible and a better exercise protocol would be weight lifting.

Proper muscle tension is essential for any activity. Think of your muscle fibers as guitar strings. If a guitar string is too loose or too tight, it'll snap and won't create a properly resonant sound. Muscle fibers are no different--they should have a good tension balance.

Conversely, muscle heads who can't straighten their arms overhead definitely should put the weights down for a while and get their butts into the yoga studio.

It all comes down to balance in more ways than one in yoga. Listen to your body and don't force any postures in yoga.

Despite the words of caution, if you're reading this article and haven't been exercising lately, yoga is perhaps the best form of exercise to get back into shape and de-stress from the modern world.

Thai Massage: More Therapeutic than a Regular Rubdown

What is Thai massage?
Thai massage is believed to have been developed by Dr. Shivago (not pronounced like the famous movie of that name; the healer's name is pronounced as if it's two words: Shiva and Go). Dr. Shivago was physician to Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago in India.

As Buddhism spread, so too did its traditional healing techniques, which made their way to Thailand. Buddhist monks in Thailand learned to combine Ayurvedic techniques from India and principles influenced by traditional Chinese medicine.

Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage.

Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work.

Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are also used during treatment.

People describe Thai massage as both relaxing and energizing. What should I expect during my visit? Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor.

No oil is applied and you are fully dressed. You are usually asked to bring or wear comfortable clothing to the massage.

A typical Thai massage is 90 minutes to two hours long. What conditions benefit most from Thai massage used for?

Thai Massage is great for athletes of any sport. Runners, bikers and triathletes love how Thai Massage loosens up tight and painful IT bands (the iliotibial band runs down the side of your thigh from your hip down to the knee).

You don't have to be very physically active or athletic to enjoy the benefits of Thai Massage. On the contrary, everyone benefits from Thai Massage.

Thai Massage is useful in eliminating toxins and improving circulation from the toes all the way up to the brain. It's the perfect remedy for stiff, immobile joints and sore and achy muscles. Thai Massage is not chiropractic, however, certain moves during the session will feel like a release and repositioning of skeletal structure.