Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Hatha Yoga?
• Who can do Yoga?
• Why do Yoga?
• Should I bring my own mat?
• What if I am new to Yoga?
• Is yoga possible for people who aren't naturally flexible?
• What Should I Know About Yoga Class?
• Will yoga help back pain or neck pain?
• I am Christian (or Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist etc.). Can I practice Yoga and meditation?
• Which type of yoga do you teach?
• Why do you breathe through the nose when inhaling and exhaling?
• Do I have to be health-oriented, or even a vegetarian, in order to do Yoga?
• In which order should I practice Asanas, Pranayama & Meditation?
• Can I do Yoga even if my body is very stiff?

• What is Hatha Yoga?
  

  Hatha Yoga is an ancient discipline that seeks to enhance the health of body, mind and spirit through the use of specific stretching, strengthening and breathing exercises.

  The practice of yoga requires no specific beliefs or worldview, only a willingness to slow down, go within and attend to the wisdom of the body.

• Who can do Yoga?
  

  Anyone. Just begin where you are, breathe and honor the wisdom of your body.

• Why do Yoga?
  
  • Yoga can be as much or as little as you want it to be. For some it is purely a physical pursuit, keeping the body toned, strong and flexible. For others, yoga becomes more of a mindset and a way of living. Whatever your reason for practicing, or your level of experience, welcome
  • The benefits of a regular yoga practice are many, from increased strength and flexibility - in mind as well as body - to more efficient functioning of internal organs - heart, lungs, glands, nerves, and more
  • The stress-reducing effects of yoga can infuse every aspect of life with a new freshness and pleasure. Yoga calms the mind and makes you feel good!
  • The relaxation and meditation invites deep stillness and peace
  • To open yourself to a new experience while enjoying who you are
  • It helps the healing process...whether it be an injury, disease or peace of mind   
    
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• Should I bring my own mat?
  

  Rising Sun Yoga Center suggests that you bring and use your own mat for hygienic reasons. A recent study by medical doctors has found a surge in rashes occurring amongst their patients who are yoga and Pilates students. These students do not use their own mats, but rather use mats provided by the studios where they practice. To insure that you remain healthy and energetic, you are encouraged to buy a mat. Rising Sun Yoga Center rents mats for $1.00.

  To avoid slipping around on your mat, brew two black tea bags in one pint of boiled water for 15 minutes. Add two quarts of cool water and soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the brewed tea will change your skin's pH level and help prevent unwanted odor-causing bacteria.

  Athlete's foot presents another big challenge. This itchy condition around the toes ranks as the most common fungal infection in the United States. You can pick up the organism that causes athlete's foot almost anywhere - including shared sticky mats - so consider bringing your own to class.

  Geranium oil and tea tree oil both have germ- and bacteria-killing properties, making them excellent treatments. Add these oils to your own creams and powders, or look for products containing them as a key ingredient. (Ask Michael to get these oils). Athlete's foot germs thrive in damp environments, so also be sure to keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes where moisture can get trapped.

• What if I am new to Yoga?
  

  You have the option of attending a Level I or a Gentle class, or even a private session. If this is your first time or you have not done yoga in years, we recommend a Yoga Intro Course to introduce you to the basics and elements of yoga. You will be introduced to yoga and all its aspects from the basic poses to the mechanics of breathing properly. The breath will remain an integral part of your yoga experience as you learn to move and position your body into an alignment that makes you feel free and unencumbered while opening up channels of energy you thought you lost years ago.

• Is yoga possible for people who aren't naturally flexible?
  

  Many times those who are not inherently flexible actually benefit from yoga the most. In addition, most yoga poses can be modified for beginners so that everyone can do a version of the poses.

  Yoga is more than a set of exercises to increase flexibility, however. Different skills are needed for different yoga poses: some help the practitioner gain strength, others challenge balance, and others train attention and concentration.

• What Should I Know About Yoga Class?
  
  • Arrive for class at least 10 minutes early.
  • Sign in and handle payments before/after class time.
  • Be mindful of others during opening meditation by entering/setting up in silence.
  • Wait at least 2 hours after eating to practice yoga.
  • Drink plenty of water before and after class.
  • Inform the teacher of any injuries prior to class. This allows the teacher to adjust you or suggest modifications for the postures.
  • Consider purchasing a yoga mat. This will serve you energetically & hygienically. Remember that mats need washing from time to time.
  • Turn all pagers and cell phones off before entering the yoga studio (if emergency requires a cell phone, inform the instructor).
  • Honor the eastern tradition of removing your shoes before entering the yoga room.
  • Feel the freedom of entering with a smile.
  • Be aware of personal hygiene including fragrances.
• Will yoga help back pain or neck pain?
  

  A double blind study published in the December 2005 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that 3 months of a specifically designed yoga practice gave significant relief to subjects suffering chronic back pain. Many aspects of yoga make it ideal for treating back pain and neck pain. For example, studies have shown that those who practice yoga for as little as twice a week for 12 weeks make significant gains in strength, flexibility, and endurance, which is a basic goal of most rehabilitation programs for back pain or neck pain.

  In addition, the breathing and meditation aspects of yoga induce a "relaxation response" that has been found in many studies to assist people in decreasing their pain. Yoga has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of depression and anxiety that often accompany pain problems.

• I am Christian (or Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist etc.). Can I practice Yoga and meditation?
  

  Yes, most definitely. Yoga is a spiritual practice which is universal in its approach. It can be practiced by individuals of all creeds and with any set of beliefs.

• Which type of yoga do you teach?
  

  Short answer: Hatha, Ashtanga, and Anusara Yoga

  Long answer: there are many styles of yoga. One of them is named Hatha Yoga which has various components, such as the Yamas and Niyamas (ethics or codes to live by), Asanas (postures), and Pranayama (control of the breath and energy (prana)). Most schools focus on the Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath). Such is true at Rising Sun Yoga Center, however the Yamas and Niyamas are introduced to each student.

  Another style is Ashtanga Yoga which is practiced by synchronizing the breath with a series of sequenced movements. This style produces an intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. This style requires that you know your body well and are able to move it as you wish.

  Anusara Yoga is a subset of Hatha Yoga that embraces a viewpoint that epitomizes the "celebration of the heart." This life-affirming philosophy sets the basis for this yoga system. It is an elegant system of alignment principles for the physical body and a non-dualistic philosophical program for the mind.

  At Rising Sun Yoga Center, we teach Hatha Yoga in its traditional form as it has been done for many centuries in the Himalayas. Ashtanga yoga is performed as developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Anusara follows the principles set forth by John Friend.

• Why do you breathe through the nose when inhaling and exhaling?
  

  Because the nose is an integral part of the respiratory system, allowing the air to be warmed, moistened and filtered. Nose breathing enhances the immune system. Mouth breathing does not provide any of this.

• Do I have to be health-oriented, or even a vegetarian, in order to do Yoga?
  

  No, but the healthier you are, the easier it is to move and the better you feel about your self. Those who have practiced yoga for even a short period of time have noticed the benefits that the Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing exercises) provide the body. Besides making you much healthier physically, you begin to notice positive changes in your mental and emotional states.

• In which order should I practice Asanas, Pranayama & Meditation?
  

  It depends on your schedule and your preferences. Although the most logical order is as above, any order is OK. If you practice early morning, we recommend to start with meditation; your mind will be more quiet right after waking up and your body is still too stiff for doing Asanas (postures) right away.

  Traditionally, the Asanas are practiced before the breathing techniques (Pranayama) but doing Pranayama before the Asanas helps the students become more focused and aware.

  Remember the most important thing is to actually practice. Don't just keep sitting in front of your computer. Breathe and stretch once in a while :-)

• Can I do Yoga even if my body is very stiff?
  

  Of course you can and what a perfect reason to do yoga. Yoga is not just about being flexible. Practicing the Asanas brings countless benefits physically, mentally, energetically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. If your body is out of shape you should practice gently at first taking care not to create any injuries. You will receive many of the benefits available to the more advanced practitioner. Do the Asanas (poses) as well as you can and remember to breathe deeply and rhythmically, keeping your self relaxed and focused. And remember, with practice comes flexibility.