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

national yoga week 2010, a mass awareness programme for health, happiness and harmony for all through yoga was launched by the department of ayush, ministry of health and family welfare at morarji desai national institute for yoga in new delhi.

a singles yoga class has participants who just met working together on poses.

kathryn mckinley will be offering another session of yoga on seven tuesdays from feb. 23 through april 13 at the sl middle school music room from 5:45 until 7 p.m. bring an exercise mat and dress...

i notice sometimes i bring this demand to the mat, when i really should be working on the reverse, bringing the discipline i am developing on the mat to the rest of my life.

one breast cancer survivor is using yoga and laughter to help others laugh themselves to better health.

vero beach -you do not need to be gumby to participate in the yoga fundraiser, "Have a Heart for Haiti" on feb.27 at 1 p.m. in the heritage center.the earthquake that struck haiti jan. 12 has inspired a group of "yogis" to organize an effort to raise money for unicef . all proceeds from the event will be donated to the u.s. fund for unicef , supporting their emergency response to haiti.events ...

i've always tried to ignore certain friendly notions, like, "Let's go winter camping" and "you should wax your chest." Until I tried it, I'd have added, "hot yoga is something you must do!" to that set of suggestions. But after last week's experience, I'm rethinking everything. Hot yoga, or "bikram" yoga, is different than your standard yoga.

chicago's Very Own Karen Citow has been practicing yoga since she was 14 years old. So when she decided it was time to open up her heart and give back, yoga came to mind.

cory morse | the muskegon chronicle laura saylor, 22, middle, laughs while pretending to talk on a phone as part of a laughter yoga class at tanglewood park in norton shores wednesday, january 27, 2010. saylor is a grand valley state university student.

long hill twp. - all about linkedin, yoga for adults and college planning are among the programs offered in february at the long hill library, at the municipal complex, valley road, gillette.