Newsletter August, 2020
In this issue:
Two twisting poses – Bharadwajasana and Padma-Marichyasana
 Bharadwajasana
Asanas that involve a spinal twist are known to offer many benefits. The most commonly listed benefits include improving blood circulation in the body, enhanced mobility and range of motion of the spine, detoxification and cleansing of the organs. One of the most commonly practiced asanas in this category is the Ardha-matsyendrasana. In this article, I will be discussing two more twisting asanas - Bharadwajasana and a variation of the Marichyasana where the foot is placed in a half lotus position.
Both these asanas are named after well-known ancient rishis (sages). Sage Bharadwaj was one of the group of seven rishis known as sapta-rishi. He was the father of the famed Dronacharya, the teacher for both Pandavas and Kauravas in the story of Mahabharata. Sage Marichi was also one of the seven rishis (sapta-rishi). As given in the stories of Puranas, he is the son of Brahma (the creator God) and chief of the Maruts (also called vayu or wind-gods). He is also listed as one of the ten Prajapatis who were assigned the task of creating and running various aspects of this universe.
Why these poses are named after these rishis is anyone's guess!
I hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video demonstration.
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Online video streaming of yoga classes
As many of you are aware, due to the current situation with COVID-19, I am offering the weekly ongoing yoga classes online via Zoom video streaming platform.
Current Schedule (all timings are US East Coast time, GMT-4):
- Monday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Tuesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Wednesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Saturday; 10:15 AM - 12:00 noon (level 1/2)
Instructor: Subhash Mittal
Registration: Fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online.
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Upcoming Programs
Understanding the Mind to eliminate Stress
- What: An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- When: Third Saturday of the month
- Next Session: Saturday, August 15, 2020
- Access: remotely via live video streaming using Zoom
- TIME: 2:30 - 4:30 PM
- FEE: by voluntary donation
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- To register: please fill out the registration form
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21-day Yoga Immersion
 Virabhadrasana (Warrior2) In view of the current situation with the COVID-19 virus, I will be offering this class via live video streaming using the Zoom platform.
- What: 21-day yoga immersion
- When: Monday, August 10 - Sunday, August 30, 2020
- Time: 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
- Access: Remotely via live video streaming (Zoom); login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- Fee:
- To register: Fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online
- Commitment:
- A firm commitment to complete the program without missing a day
- At the end of the program, continue the same practice at home for another 21 days to make it a life-long habit
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Get all the details here…
Yoga Sutra study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
podcast channel
As you may be aware, I have been offering monthly workshops wherein I discuss various aspects of yoga philosophy. The main focus in these workshops is to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in some depth. In addition, from time to time, I also discuss concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other related ancient scriptures. In order to preserve these talks for future reference, I have been making an audio recording of these discussions and sharing them with the participants. These audio recordings are now available on the podcast channel on my blog. You are welcome to download these audio recordings for your use. In addition, you can listen to these podcasts as well as subscribe to them on itunes as well.
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
Want to Strengthen Your Immune System? Science Says Do More Yoga
In a recent review of more than 100 different scientific studies on yoga and immunity, researchers found evidence to suggest that meditation and yoga should be considered as potential adjunctive treatment options for COVID-19. Adjunctive treatments are remedies that supplement a primary treatment option, such as a drug or vaccine. As potential adjunctive treatments for COVID-19, yoga, meditation and pranayama practices could provide supplementary support to a future vaccine, should such a treatment become available, the study authors wrote in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
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Headstands in N.Korea: Swedish ambassador takes yoga to streets amid coronavirus lockdown
Barefoot and blonde, Swedish Ambassador Joachim Bergstrom makes an unlikely sight in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, as he practices yoga poses near some of its most iconic landmarks.
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Can You Avoid Back Surgery With Yoga?
Like Noonan, many people successfully alleviate back pain with yoga, and scientific evidence suggests it works. A study on "Yoga for Military Veterans With Chronic Low Back Pain" published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2017 shows yoga improved low back pain among veterans, who also reduced their use of opioids.
It included 150 military veterans with chronic low back pain from a major Veterans Affairs Medical Center in California. They participated in yoga classes twice weekly for 12 weeks, along with a home practice. They practiced Hatha yoga, which consisted of modifiable and accessible physical postures, movement, brief meditations and breathing techniques.
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Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
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