This pose is a highly effective strengthener for the legs and ankles. You have to sort of squint to see the half moon; try drawing a half-circle from the raised top hand through the lifted foot to the standing foot and supporting hand. The moon has a rich symbolic significance in yoga mythology. In hatha yoga, for example, the sun and the moon represent the two polar energies of the human body. In fact, the word hatha itself is often divided into its two constituent syllables, "ha" and "tha", which are then esoterically interpreted as signifying the solar and lunar energies respectively.

Literally translated as "intense stretch of the west," Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind.
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings
Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus Improves digestion
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort Soothes headache and anxiety and reduces fatigue
Therapeutic for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis
Traditional texts say that Paschimottanasana increases appetite, reduces obesity, and cures diseases.

A yoga instructor performing an asana

alexandria, va., feb. 19 /prnewswire-usnewswire/ -- andrew myers, a 29-year-old former virginia resident, filed a civil fraud and racketeering lawsuit this week in u.s. district court against several entities affiliated with dahn yoga®, a nationwide chain of facilities that purports to offer a "unique type of yoga" for the body and mind using "Brain Education™" techniques.

somachi yoga and pilates has opened its new stylish studio in south yarra and is having a big party to celebrate. everyone is welcome, whether you already love yoga or are just curious.

aspen - a judge wednesday shot down a plea agreement for an aspen yoga instructor accused of having unlawful sexual contact with two of his clients. steven jon roger, 48, was poised to plead no contest to two misdemeanor charges and avoid going to a jury trial next week in pitkin county court. but judge erin fernandez-ely said she could not accept the plea deal that stipulated roger get a two ...

class at the holy name parish center. controversy because yoga is rooted in another religion, hinduism.

the ancient teachings of yoga are creatively introduced with gentle rhythmical movements and stretches combined with breathing, relaxation and meditative practices allowing each individual to experience renewed strength and deep peace. from absolute beginners to the more experienced, all ages, shapes and conditions will benefit enormously. mats are available. byo blanket. cost: $70. (7 sessions...

get rid of midterm craziness with a few ujjayi yoga breaths. yoga has many different goals, from improving health to achieving moksha, which is liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death. it can also be used to establish a deeper connection with a higher power.

kolkata, feb 18 (pti) yoga guru swami ramdev today wished if his skills could weed out corruption in the country.

catholic yoga: those are two words you don't usually hear together. But one day a week, Catholics roll up their yoga mats and head to Holy Name Cathedral. CBS 2's anne state has more on the class -- and the controversy.

chris bopp, a 21-year-old pembroke resident who owns bikram yoga in quincy center, planned to compete in the international yoga championships this weekend in los angeles. unfortunately, the midweek snowstorm, though something of a dud, derailed his hopes. his flight out was canceled, and his efforts to head west thursday and early friday were stymied.

evan lysacek, the 2009 world champion figure skater has always been limber. to what does he owe his flexibility? yoga.