Kripalu Yoga Defined

Yoga Class Levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Therapeutic Yoga Sessions

Pregnancy Yoga

The Great Seal: (Maha Mudra) The Great Seal gives the body a powerful, yet gentle way of releasing posterior tension. It provides an incredible stretch to the entire backside of the body from the heels to the neck. It strengthens the back, shoulders, and arms. It helps to tone and trim the abdomen, hips, and thighs as well as increase flexibility of the hips and spine. The entire spinal column lengthens, stretches and tones, which aids in stimulating and decongesting the entire nervous system. Because of the forward bending movement, the internal organs (pancreas, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, spleen, intestines and bladder) are stimulated and tones. The stretched muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the back of the legs can help relive certain sciatica. The abdominal organs get a great massage and fresh blood and oxygen.

The Great Seal increases circulation of blood and improves lymphatic circulation helping to strengthen the immune system. It has been known to deeply tranquilize and calm the entire body-mind-spirit-emotions.

Warrior 2: (Virabhadrasana Two) Warrior 2 develops and strengthens the feet, ankles, thighs, hip joints, back, arms, shoulders, and neck. With the hips and pelvis opening, the body increases flexibility in the hip joints and groin. The strength of holding Warrior 2 is most commonly felt by the trimming of the hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms. Digestion is stimulated and the pose helps to relive constipation. With the correct alignment and placement in the position the body develops coordination, balance, poise, strength, and groundedness. The longer the posture is held, body heat increases and circulation and respiration are improved. The nervous system is also affected in an invigorated way.

With an open heart and chest, Warrior 2 builds confidence and fortitude. It is an all-over energizer for the body.

The Downward Facing Dog: (Adho Mukha Shvanasana) A challenging posture, the Downward Facing Dog is a constant work in progress as we hunt for comfortable alignment. As an overall worker, we begin to develop length in the spine, upper and lower body. The muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the back of the legs lengthen and begin to open. The shoulders, arms, and back strengthen. The chest opens and tones, and the lungs begin to strengthen.

With the head below the heart in this posture, the skin tone begins to revitalize and fresh blood and oxygen move to the brain affecting mental function, memory, concentration, some headaches, eyesight, and hearing. The functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary regulate. The Downward Facing Dog also increases circulation of blood and lymph aiding in keeping the immune system healthy.

The Downward Facing Dog can be a taxing posture to begin with but, as time progresses, it becomes a posture of strength, breath, and comfort.

The Mountain: (Tadasana) The Mountain pose is the fundamental position in which all other standing postures are based. This is a great beginner's posture as it brings more awareness of how you stand and move--your overall posture. When beginning the pose your alignment is key--grounding the body and finding balance.

Because of the lifting of the abdominal organs, digestion is stimulated and constipation may be relieved. The ankles, hips, knees, back, shoulders, and neck are strengthened by holding the pose. With the arms overhead in the Mountain respiration, circulation, energy, strength, and postural alignment increases.

The Mountain pose is one of great alignment and openness, allowing the chest and heart to open up to what the world expresses to you.