• When depression is a good thing: The right position for your shoulders
    When depression is a good thing: The right position for your shoulders

    Author Kim McNeil B.Sc. CYI

    One of the few times depression is a good thing is when we're talking about the shoulder blades. Unfortunately, most people aren't in the habit of having depressed shoulders.  In fact, it's quite the opposite. Our tendacy is to slouch and lift the shoulder to the ears throughout the day.  These bad habits can be especially prevalent during times of stress and often lead to tension and pain in the neck and upper back.
  • Breaking Down Pasasana: Noose Pose
    Breaking Down Pasasana: Noose Pose

    Author Ray Long, MD, FRCSC

    Pasasana stretches the upper-side oblique abdominals, as well as the transversus abdominis. The front-leg hip abductors (the gluteus medius and tensor fascia lata) also stretch through adduction of the thighs. Bending the knees lengthens the quadriceps, and dorsiflexing the ankles stretches the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calves. Internally rotating the shoulders stretches the infraspinatus, teres minor, and posterior deltoid muscles.
  • Balancing in Bhujapidasana: Shoulder-Pressing Pose
    Balancing in Bhujapidasana: Shoulder-Pressing Pose

    Author Ray Long, MD, FRCSC

    Bhujapidasana has many similar joint actions to those found in Tittibhasana, except here the ankles are crossed and the knees are flexed. As with Tittibhasana, Kurmasana can be used to prepare the hips and back for the pose.
  • Parsvottanasana: Intense Side-Stretch Pose
    Parsvottanasana: Intense Side-Stretch Pose

    Author Ray Long, MD, FRCSC

    The focal point of the stretch in Parsvottanasana is the front-leg hamstrings. Remember to firmly engage the quadriceps and hip flexors to stimulate reciprocal inhibition of the hamstrings; observe how engaging these muscles changes the sensation of the stretch. A subplot of this pose is the stretch of the back-leg hamstrings and gastrocnemius.
  • Explore Urdhva Dhanurasana: Upward Facing Bow Pose
    Explore Urdhva Dhanurasana: Upward Facing Bow Pose

    Author Ray Long, MD, FRCSC

    Ray Long dissects Upward Facing Bow Pose, a classic back arching yoga pose.  In Urdhva Dhanurasana, the direction of the shoulders shifts to a position of forward or frontal flexion (compared with poses that extend the shoulders away from the back). Thus the shoulder stretch changes here: the muscles that extend the arms are now lengthening. 
  • Adho Mukha Svanasana: Downward Facing Dog Pose Exploration
    Adho Mukha Svanasana: Downward Facing Dog Pose Exploration

    Author Ray Long, MD, FRCSC

    Adho Mukha Svanasana is both an inversion and an arm balance. It is the resting point in the Vinyasa sequence and serves as a barometer for the stretch at the backs of the legs as well as the shoulders. Flexing the hips and straightening the knees focuses the stretch on the hamstrings.
  • Could Poor Head Posture Affect Your Sleep?
    Could Poor Head Posture Affect Your Sleep?

    Author Kreg Weiss, B HKin

    Many people experience problems with acquiring proper, restful sleep.  We often associate this with direct causes like stress, anxiety, or diet.  Have you ever thought about your posture and, in particular, your head position being part of the reason for poor sleep habits?