Yoga   Yoga: For Health and Much More

Meditation and deep breathing techniques, as a form of relaxation, have been in use for thousands of years. However, in the unique new book Pranayama, published by AuthorHouse, author Dr. Ravinder Jerath presents explanations and illustrations to more easily and succinctly explain exactly how meditation and deep breathing techniques beneficially affect the human body.

The book’s title, Pranayama, is taken from a yoga term for a type of breathing. It is derived from the words “prana” and “yama” literally meaning “vital energy” and “self-control.” It is the goal of Pranayama to teach readers more about the medical aspects of mind body response and the role it plays in personal health. Readers who are skeptical about breathing and meditation will find strong support from the hard science presented within Pranayama’s pages.

There are many books on meditation and relaxation response. However, few, if any, have illustrations to show precisely how stress actually affects the human body. Without knowing the mechanisms of stress and anxiety, a reader may not understand how mind body responses reverse with deep breathing. The mechanism of mind body response is truly amazing. Pranayama’s color illustrations allow readers to understand complex practical medical information. Pranayama brings the Eastern practices of yoga and meditation into the world of Western medicine. Readers will find pertinent information on subjects such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, addiction and the technique of pranayama interesting and useful.

Portions of Pranayama are based on information in a peer-reviewed article written by Dr. Jerath and published in The Journal of Integrative Medicine pertaining to the power of breathing in mind body response. Dr. Jerath’s article discusses how relaxation practices such as meditation, transcendental meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, and pranayama are augmented by deep slow breathing.

For more information, visit authorhouse.com.

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Crunch announces it will swing open the doors to its newest location September, 2010 in Portland, OR at 335 NE 223rd Ave & NE Glisan St. in Gresham, Oregon. In their 21 year history, Crunch has built a reputation for innovation in the fitness industry with their No Judgments attitude and one-of-a-kind group fitness programming. The brand looks to share their unique philosophy in a new fitness-friendly market.

The Gresham location will feature all the bells and whistles of what makes Crunch unique — high-tech fitness equipment, expert personal training, an online fitness and nutrition program and free tanning — with lower membership rates. A variety of Crunch’s signature group fitness classes will also be offered, such as BodyWeb w/TRX, Belly, Butt & Thighs, Bosu Bootcamp and Yoga Body Sculpt. Creative design elements, quirky messaging and in-gym entertainment make Crunch Gresham not just a gym but a community where fitness meets fun.

A recent study from the Center for Disease Control shows that 85% of Portland adults are physically active, the 2nd highest percentage in the nation. With over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, local owners specifically chose to open their first Crunch outpost in the Gresham area, and are confident this active and health conscious community will welcome Crunch with open arms.

For more information, visit crunchportland.com.

Save 10% on retail orders over $50 at YOGAaccessories.com. Use Code AFFS9324 at checkout. Expires 12.31.10.