OHMWorks

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about... YOGA

What does yoga mean?
Literally translated, yoga means "yoke" and represents the union of two sides of the coin - body and mind. At least 5000 years old, yoga has been used to promote and maintain physical and mental health, flexibility and youthfulness. Hatha yoga-which strives to balance body, mind and spirit-combines physical poses (asanas), deep breathing (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana). The Sanskrit word hatha means "union of opposites" (ha means "sun," while tha means "moon"). Hatha yoga, the "yoga of activity," is one of the most well known forms of yoga and is the basis of many other styles of yoga.

What are some other styles of yoga and how do I know which is right for me?
To find the right style for you, try a few different classes, and talk to instructors and yoga students to hear about their experiences. Some of the better known types are:

Ashtanga - also called power yoga; quite athletic and not recommended for beginners
Bikram - 26 yoga poses performed in a series; often called "hot yoga" because the room temperature is high
Iyengar - poses are held for long amounts of time and body alignment is stressed; props (blocks, straps) are often used
Kripalu - a slower meditative form of yoga; use of breathing is central
Kundalini - combines poses, breathing and chanting; designed to awaken stored energy
Viniyoga - a gentle form of yoga that emphasizes the breath
Vinyasa - free-flowing yoga that emphasizes movement

I'm not in great shape. Is yoga ok for me?
Check with a medical professional before starting any sort of exercise routine, even one as seemingly gentle as yoga. Be sure to tell the instructor about any health issues or physical limitations so that he or she can guide you safely and offer modifications and/or alternate poses that are equally as beneficial.

Can you give me three good reasons to do yoga?

It increases flexibility.
It calms the mind and reduces stress.
It promotes balance - physically, mentally and emotionally.
Bonus reason! It promotes overall vitality and health.

Can I use the yoga decks if I've never done yoga?
The decks are designed so that everyone - beginners to advanced practitioners - can use them. It's still a good idea to take a class so you can experience the postures and see the correct way to do them. Although the illustrations and directions on the cards are clear, it is possible that you could inadvertently misinterpret something. The Yoga Deck and The Yoga Deck II were not designed to be used instead of a yoga class but rather in addition to a class.

FAQs about... PRENATAL YOGA

Is yoga safe to do during pregnancy?
Yoga is one of the best things an expectant mother can do for herself and her baby. It can help a woman cope with the demands and stresses placed on her body as the pregnancy develops and can prepare mothers-to-be for birth and labor. Of course, it is imperative to check with a health professional first.

How can yoga help during pregnancy?
Yoga promotes fitness and flexibility, tones the pelvic area, increases circulation, works the cardiovascular system, helps with breath control, and balances body/mind energies. A healthy, flexible body along with a clear, calm mind are tools that can be called upon during labor and birth, when it is important to release tension, relax muscles, and remain calm.

I know how important breathing is during labor. Are breathing exercises included in The Prenatal Yoga Deck?
Full, even breathing is one of the most important things you can do. It helps slow the mind, calm the emotions and focus on the present. So that you can incorporate breath work into your daily routine now (and, therefore, more easily call upon it during delivery), we have included 10 breathing exercises, designed to balance energy, relieve tension, increase circulation, and provide an overall sense of well-being. The deck also features 10 meditation cards to help promote peace and serenity.

Can I continue to do yoga later into my pregnancy?
Again, always check with your doctor first but you should be able to continue a yoga practice - with modifications - as your pregnancy progresses. After the 5th month of pregnancy (20 weeks), you should limit the time you spend in back-lying positions. However, simply spending time each day sitting with a straight spine and breathing deeply is an extremely a beneficial practice.

FAQs about... CHAKRAS

What does chakra mean and what are the chakras?
Chakra is Sanskrit for "wheel" or "circle." The chakras are vital energy centers that Eastern cultures recognize as being crucial to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. It is through these centers that energy is received, processed and transmitted. Illness, trauma, and stress can cause imbalances (blockages or deficiencies) that can result in an array of ailments and disturbances.

What are the seven chakras?
There are actually many chakras in and around our bodies but we focus mainly on the 7 major chakras: Root, Sacral, Navel Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown. The first 3 chakras, the lower triangle, may be thought of as our foundation. Grounded in the physical realm, they cover basic life necessities: security, survival, sexuality, creativity, intimacy, identity, and ego. The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, is the bridge to the 3 higher chakras and represents love and compassion. The 3 chakras of the higher triangle are associated with the spiritual realm: expression, core truth, divine wisdom, intuition, connection to the higher self, and transcendence.

Do I have to know which chakra is out of balance?
No. It isn't necessary to know which chakra is unbalanced, whether it is deficient or excessive or what is causing the imbalance. The chakras can be cleared, rebalanced and energized through yoga postures, deep breathing and meditation, as well as through the use of sounds, gemstones and flower essences.

What can I expect if I work with my chakras?
You may find that as the chakras begin to clear, habitual thought patterns start to change, feelings may shift, new actions and reactions occur. You may experience more energy and perceive things more clearly or differently. Working with the chakras is a transformational tool that can enhance your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

FAQs about... STRETCHING

Why should I stretch?
Stretching is the best way to promote and maintain flexibility. As we age, flexibility may decrease due to habitual ways of holding and lack of use. The tendons (which connect muscles to bone) are not being used through the full range of motion and begin to tighten. This reduces flexibility, restricts movement, and can result in muscle imbalance. A regular program of stretching can counteract this, resulting in increased suppleness and improved coordination.

Who should stretch?
The short answer is... everyone! It is beneficial for those who don't consider themselves naturally flexible and whose muscles are tight. Office workers won't feel as stiff after long hours spent at the computer, sitting at meetings, or in a car. It also can help prevent repetitive stress injuries. Athletes will experience improved performance levels, less muscles soreness, and a better chance of preventing common injuries. Whatever age or shape you're in, stretching will improve your flexibility and mobility, your muscles will be more supple, stiffness and pain will be reduced and you'll enjoy better range of motion and coordination.

Stretching seems so easy. Is there anything special I should know about?

Stretch regularly - a minimum of 3 days a week.
Warm up before you stretch. A light warm-up (3-5 minutes, enough to increase heart rate and circulation slightly) that addresses the areas you intend to stretch will prepare your body and decrease the possibility of injury.
Perform the stretches slowly and gently. Each stretch should be gradual, elongating connective tissues and muscles. Once you feel the stretch, hold it for 10 to 15 seconds, focusing on the area being stretched.
Don't overstretch, bounce or jerk. Overstretching and bouncing can cause muscles to tighten rather than relax, which could result in physical damage (microscopic tearing of the muscle fibers). Muscles become sore and stiffen, leading to loss of elasticity…the opposite of what you want to achieve.

I feel pain when I stretch. What should I do?
Only stretch to where you feel mild tension, not pain. If you feel pain or your muscles tremble, ease off. Aim for a slow, steady, relaxed stretch that you can sustain without overexertion or discomfort.

When I work out, I often skip the stretching part. Is it really important to stretch?
As mentioned above, stretching before you work out loosens muscles and tendons and prepares your body for the upcoming workout. After you have exercised, stretching is a great way to cool down and prevent muscles from tightening up by gradually allowing them to return to their normal resting length.

FAQs about... FITNESS BALLS

What kinds of exercises can you do on a fitness ball?
Countless exercises can be incorporated into a fitness ball workout and many are exercises you're probably familiar with: abdominal crunches, bicep curls, squats, push-ups. The difference with doing them on a fitness ball is that the ball is an unstable platform - it rolls - and you have to use core stabilizer muscles to keep yourself on the ball as you perform the exercises. It's like two exercises in one!

What do you mean, "two exercises in one"?
Take just the simple act of sitting on the ball. With nothing to lean on, you're forced to sit up straight, which engages your core stabilizer muscles (abdominal, pelvic, and back muscles). Slight movements caused by breathing make you constantly adjust to maintain your balance. If you add light hand weights for bicep curls, you'll be working your bicep muscles while maintaining your balance. The result is not just bigger biceps but improved posture and postural awareness, stronger core muscles and better balance.

What if I fall off the ball?
Until you get more accustomed to working with a fitness ball you might want to place the ball against a wall. Don't lean your body against the wall or you'll lose the benefit of using core abdominal muscles. A covered surface (mat or carpet) may also assist with stability as will separating your legs wider.

FAQs about... FENG SHUI

What does Feng Shui mean?
Literally, Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) means "wind and water," and is a branch of the Chinese system known as Taoism ("The Way?). Feng Shui draws on Taoism's deep understanding of the natural world in order to create a healthy and harmonious environment.

Is Feng Shui a fad?
If Feng Shui is a fad, it's a long-lived one. Feng Shui first emerged during the T'ang Dynasty in China, 618-906 A.D. There are many distinct approaches to the system and most are specific to Eastern thought, culture and design. However, the principles of Feng Shui can and have been adapted to contemporary Western culture.

How does it work?
Feng Shui focuses on the energy that surrounds us and to which we consciously and subconsciously react. For example, imagine someplace where you feel calm and at peace; conversely, imagine a place that makes you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Feng Shui helps us become aware of energy's effect on our psyches. In addition, it helps us make necessary changes to ensure that these energies are positive and flowing, introducing a greater sense of well-being, peacefulness, and synchronicity into our lives.

Can you give an example?
One principle of Feng Shui is related to the five elements-wood, water, metal, earth, fire-and how their energies affect us. For example, the element of Water (black and blue colors, see-through glass, wavy shapes, winding paths, fountains, sinks, water images) represents the flow of intuition and is associated with introspection and creativity. Insufficient Water in your environment can hamper introspection, creativity and flow; too much Water may cause feelings of anxiety, confusion and overwhelm. According to the principles of Feng Shui, there are things you can do to decrease or increase Water energy in your environment, and thereby change the effect on our feelings, energy level and creativity.