by Swami Karma Karuna, Anahata Yoga Retreat Fire is a force of nature. It is used for survival, however, if it is over-activated it can destroy and if it is under activated it goes out. Often fire is associated with flames but this is only the most physical aspect of the fire element. In the yogic view, fire is a powerful and transformative energy existing in the macro cosmos and the micro cosmos. The digestive system is the inner fire within the physical body that sustains … [Read more...]
Yoga to the rescue: Six asanas to aid digestion
by Valerie Love When I was growing up, I experienced chronic stomachaches. They came on without warning, and were frequent and horrible. It was only when I began practicing yoga regularly in my 20s that the stomachaches began to taper off. My yoga practice not only helped to lower my stress levels, but it also helped to strengthen my digestion and regulate imbalances in my body. Here are six postures that over time can help improve digestion in the body. Forward bends and twists offer a … [Read more...]
“How’s puku?”: Unlock the wisdom of the belly
by Valerie Love For most transplants to New Zealand, the first words they learn in Maori are "Kia ora” (hello) or “Haere mai” (welcome). But for me, it was “puku", which means belly or abdomen. Although I’m originally from the United States, my partner is from Wellington. And from the very start of our relationship, she's always asked me, “How’s puku?” as a way of checking in on how I’m doing as a whole. And it’s an important question. Because the answer to “How’s puku?” reveals so … [Read more...]