Jane Porter

<img height="196" align="left" width="150" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/jane-tt-blog.jpg" />In less than a month I begin my 200-hour teacher training at ISHTA, but I couldn't tell you how many times I'd walked down Broadway in the last year, the yoga studio half a block to my right, and never noticed the place. I have been to too many yoga studios in the city to keep count, plowing dutifully through my yoga passbook with coupons for hundreds of free classes across New York, but somehow I had missed ISHTA.  With a regular practice, more than a year ago I decided I wanted to one day become a yoga teacher. Quietly, I began looking for a studio that would give me the right balance of body, mind and spirit.   It was not as easy as I thought it would be.   New York, I discovered, is filled with incredible yoga teachers-with a breadth of forms and philosophies and life experiences-from whom I've learned more than I would have ever imagined over the years. But the city also has its fair share of what I might venture to call bells and whistles when it comes to yoga-rooms heated over 100 degrees, punk rock blaring overhead, even classes you can take entirely in the nude.  I am grateful for these many forms of yoga across the countless studios in New York because I am certain that each provides a home to those who are drawn to them. But it was these eccentricities that I found diluted what I'd always thought to be the true essence of yoga: that it is there to bring you to a state of meditation and self-awareness.  I wanted to find a studio I felt really encompassed what I loved most about the practice-the ability to sit still, breathe, and acknowledge both the outward and inward body. And so it was one evening, walking home with my groceries, that I noticed the ISHTA letters in the periphery of my vision down 11th Street and decided to check it out online.    ISHTA, I read, stands for Integrated Science of Hatha Tantra and Ayurveda. It was this word 'integrated' that I was drawn to-the idea that yoga is a melding of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects-a dimensionality of the practice I'd often seen flattened to a mere aerobic work out.   But the second meaning of ISHTA that I came across as I read on, the original meaning in Sanskrit: 'that which resonates with the individual spirit' was what drew me to venture past the glass doors of the studio and try out a class.  It is this notion of finding one's own yoga: one's own quiet space, one's own limitations and needs and acknowledging those internally that bring me to my mat every day. It's the idea that the chaos of the world around me can melt away and the breath that's too often squelched can find a quiet place to reinvigorate the mind and body. After I began taking classes at ISHTA, it was clear to me that its name was entirely fitting. I found that I could make a class as vigorous or restorative as I wanted, that always the end goal was meditation. I would walk into class smothered in a day's worth of anxieties and walk out with a halo of calm around me.  This is the beauty of a powerful practice-being able to silence the mental chatter, slow down the breath and turn inward. And so it was not difficult for me to sense that ISHTA was the right place for me to do my yoga teacher training.  As I prepare for the intensive month ahead, I can't help but get excited with the knowledge that after careful study and deepening of my practice, I can one day stand in a room of quiet breathing bodies and help guide them to this moment of calm that has helped transform my life.   <div>Namaste. </div>

2009-05-09T15:00:51Z

13 Notes Frome A Soon-To-Be Teacher Trainee <img align="left" width="150" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/jane-tt-blog.jpg" />In less than a month I begin my 200-hour teacher training at ISHTA, but I couldn't tell you how many times I'd walked down Broadway in the last year, the yoga studi

2009-11-06T20:11:34Z

Alan Finger

*From May 2009's Studio Newsletter Thank you partners, teachers, and students for helping us create our vibrant ISHTA home. ISHTA is not just a yoga school, it is a community where like-minded people are able to grow as human beings on all levels, enabling them to move through their lives with health, love, and insight. In life, it is so difficult to be alone and to continue your sadhana (daily practice) to strengthen your body, still your mind, and awaken your spirit. At ISHTA we aspire to provide you with a strong community but also to make sure that our classes give you the correct balance for the level and individual approach you need. It is a sadhana that enables you to have viveka (mental clarity), allowing your spirit to enhance and empower your living. It is the spirit, not the mind, that can relate to the unbound intelligence of the universe from which we are all born and inspired. Having gone through our first year of growth, we feel incredibly grateful for your presence and will continue to provide a home for you and your loved ones for years to come. Have a super wonderful spring! <o:p></o:p>

2009-05-01T20:30:30Z

20 Spring and Sadhana *From May 2009's Studio Newsletter Thank you partners, teachers, and students for helping us create our vibrant ISHTA home. ISHTA is not just a yoga school, it is a community where like-minded people are able to grow as human beings on all levels, en

2009-09-24T03:49:11Z

Julie Wilcox

<img height="83" align="left" width="79" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/julie-meet-your-core-small.jpg" />It is that time of year when many of you are preparing for bikinis and swim trunks. Hopefully you will also take your meditation to the beach! Since I received many requests for Meet Your Core 1 print-outs, I am thinking several of you must be ready to bring your core practices to the next level (whether your purpose is to look great on the beach or to sit longer in meditation). The following is a beginner/intermediate 7-10-minute sequence you can do at home any day any time. Lie on Your Back with the soles of your feet on the floor. Place a block between your inner thighs with the short end vertically facing your head. Reclined Leg Lifts: Stretch your legs out straight on the floor so that your heels grace the ground and your toes flex up towards the ceiling. Raise your arms above your head on the floor behind you with your palms facing each other. Inhale deeply and fully, and let your belly rise up out of your body.  As you begin to exhale and your navel moves towards your spine, raise your legs keeping them straight (bending the knees is a nice modification if you are feeling strained) until your knees and ankles line up over your hips (soles of your feet could stand on the ceiling if they could reach it). Squeeze the block with your inner thighs so that it does not fall out. Inhale lower your heels to a hover above the floor (2inches). Exhale, repeat the leg lift. *Work up to 10 repetitions. After the last lift, keeping the block between your legs, bend your knees and lower the soles of your feet back to the ground. Line your ankles up under your knees. Place your arms beside your body, palms face down. Moving Bridge Pose: Inhale lift your thighs, hips and chest up as much as you can as you raise your arms to the floor behind you (back of hands meet the floor/rotate your thighs in and down as you elevate). Exhale lower your buttocks back to the mat as you let your arms drift to the mat beside your hips. Repeat 5x. Hold the 5th bridge up and walk your shoulder underneath your back. Squeeze the block between your legs. Interlace your hands and press your palms together. Breathe for ten breaths. Inhale rise to the balls of your feet, let go of your hand clasp, exhale lower to your back. Remove your block. Wind Expelling Pose: Draw both knees into your chest. Breathe. Roll up to a seated position. Come on to your hands and knees. Cat/Cow: Line your wrists up underneath your shoulders and place your palms on the mat shoulder's distance apart. Separate your fingers wide. Line your knees up under your hips. Inhale reach your chest through your arms as your move your sit bones up and back, exhale round your spine and lift your navel in and up hollowing out your abdominal region.  Repeat 5 times on your own breath. Down Dog: From a neutral cat position move your hands 2 inches forward of your shoulders.  Inhale your sternum forward, exhale press down into the ground and lift your hips up and back. Lift your forearms away from your wrists, rotate the eye of your elbow forward, relax your shoulders away from your ears. Lengthen both sides of your torso evenly. Firm your thighs. Bend your knees if your legs are tight. Moving 3 Pointed Down Dog and One Legged Plank: Inhale your right leg up behind you flexing your toes to point towards the ground (3 pointed Down Dog), exhale bring your knee to your forehead and your forehead to your knee. Hold for 3 full breaths. Inhale extend your leg behind you again, exhale bring your right knee to the tricep of your right arm (upper outer arm).  Reach your chest forward. Hold for 3 full breaths. Inhale stretch your leg back, exhale cross your right knee to your left elbow. Hold for 3 full breaths. Inhale reach your leg behind you once again, exhale it back to Down Dog. Repeat with your left leg. Plank: Inhale shift your shoulders over your wrists (keep your body in a straight line like the top of a push up). Lift your belly towards your spine. Hold for 10 breaths. Exhale Down Dog. Up Dog/Down Dog. Inhale shift your shoulders over your wrists and roll over your toes to the tops of your feet as your hips sink towards the floor (keep the backs of your thighs lifting up). Exhale roll over your feet back to Down Dog. Repeat 5x. Standing Forward Bend: Walk your feet between your hands. Let the crown of your head dangle towards your toes. If your hamstrings, calves or Achilles are tight, bend your knees. Stay for several breaths. Half Standing Forward Bend with Outstretched Arms: Inhale your arms along side your ears (palms face each other) and bring your torso to hip height (flat back). Engage your abdomen. Hold for 5 breaths. Extended Mountain Pose: Inhale your torso and arms up in one piece (finger tips reach to the ceiling). Exhale your hands to prayer at your heart center (Mountain Pose). Warrior 3: Let your hands rest beside your hips. Lengthen your fingers towards the floor. Shift your weight onto your left foot. Like a seesaw, begin to hinge at your right hip as you lift your left foot off the ground (keep your left foot in a flex and maintain a straight line from the crown of your head to the base of your left heel), until your torso and left leg are parallel with the floor. Make sure that both hips face the mat beneath you. Engage your core. Hold for 5 breaths. Repeat on the other side. Fan Pose: Turn to face the side of your mat. Find Mountain Pose. Jump your feet apart about 3 feet. Make your feet parallel with one another. Place your hands on your hips. Inhale open your heart to the ceiling, exhale bend at your hips and fold forward. Keep your hands on your hips. Engage your quadriceps. Raise the arches of your feet. Hold for ten breaths. Inhale come to a stand leading with your chest.  Jump your feet together. Turn to face the front of your mat and resume Mountain Pose. Camel: From Mountain Pose, step to your knees. Separate your knees hips distance apart. Place your hands on your sacrum fingers pointing down. Move your elbows towards each other. Inhale lift your heart and gaze (to keep your neck in line with your spine). Hold and continue to breath (for a deeper variation on your exhale reach back for your heels keeping your hips over your knees).  Inhale, draw your navel towards your chest and rise up to your knees. Exhale sit on your heels and close your eyes (palms on thighs). Repeat two more times. Moving Seated Forward Bend: Sit down with your legs straight on the floor in front of you forward. Join your inner foot arches together. Inhale straighten your arms up, exhale hinge at your hips and bend forward over your legs. Inhale slide your torso back so that you move your shoulders behind your hips with your palms facing your chest at chest height, exhale bring your shoulders over your hips. Repeat 5 times. Cross Legged Seated Position. Cross your legs. Sit tall. Root your sit bones down as you lengthen the sides of your waist up. Join thumb and forefinger together. Place the back of your wrists on your knees. Focus on your breath. Think of nothing for one minute. *Please email juliew@ishtayoga.com for a printable version

2009-05-01T14:59:00Z

12 Meet Your Core 2 <img align="left" width="150" src="/uploads/Image/blog/julie-meet-your-core-small.jpg" alt="" />It is that time of year when many of you are preparing for bikinis and swim trunks. Hopefully you will also take your meditation to the beach! Since I rece

2009-10-07T17:43:42Z

Julie Wilcox

<img width="150" height="99" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/maithuna%20sarah%20and%20al%20sitting%20together.jpg" />Maithuna is a practice that comes from the ancient Tantric sciences. It deals with developing intimacy between two people through the balancing of the male and female traits of each individual. The most profound energy that a human being has is to procreate; Therefore, the release of mother nature is most powerful during sexual activity. The practice of Maithuna is to learn how to activate the Shakti or Mother Nature force, so that we can lift it beyond procreation to emotion, communication and spirit. Through the Maithuna techniques, the orgasm becomes a thousandfold more powerful and profound than it otherwise would be without the techniques, because it is directed to the higher chakras rather than dissipated into the lower ones. The first step in creating the right energetic balance between two people is to bring each individual's breath into unison with that of the other. Breath carries the electromagnetic life force, Prana, into a human being enlivening him or her. Without breath, there is no life. How we breathe, is how we are. When the breath is calm, one is at peace. When the breath is short and abrupt, one is usually nervous and agitated. To synchronize the breath between partners, practice the following technique: 1.    Sit in a cross-legged seated position back to back with your partner. If you are both more open in your hip structures, you can sit front to front in Creeper Pose--the male sits in a cross-legged position with the female on his lap wrapping her legs around his lower back. Both male and female can then place one hand on his/her partner's upper back and the other on his/her middle back. 2.   Whether sitting back to back or front to front, gently begin to feel each other's breath and begin to synchronize the physical movement of the bodies that is associated with it.  Once the physical movement of the bodies during breathing becomes synchronized, the breath will become quiet and calm. It is at this point that you will both begin to sense how the energy of breath is absorbed from the atmosphere into each of you, enlivening you with life and creating an amazingly intimate and harmonious state between you. The more you practice Maithuna, the more profound and intimate will be your sexual experiences.

2009-03-07T14:57:20Z

11 Maithuna <img width="150" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/maithuna%20sarah%20and%20al%20sitting%20together.jpg" /> Maithuna is a practice that comes from the ancient Tantric sciences. It deals with developing intimacy between two people throu

2009-09-24T03:49:10Z

Alan Finger

<img height="99" align="left" width="150" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/tibetan-purifcation-blog-al-in-meditation.jpg" />Yogi Swarananda, Mani Finger, Alan's Father, learned this technique from a Tibetan master. Though the technique was taught to Mani without a name for the purpose of purifying the three Shariras-Stula (physical), Suksma (subtle and mind) and Karana (causal/consciousness)-it became known amongst Mani's students as The Tibetan Purification Techniques. There are different levels to the practice; here we will offer level 1. Sit in a comfortable seat and allow your breath to settle.  Step 1 For the Physical Body: Block left nostril with right ring finger. Breath in for 9 counts, feeling that you absorb red light into your physical body from every pore. Hold the breath for 18 counts feeling every cell of your body being charged with red light. Exhale and feel each cell glowing like a tiny red ruby. Repeat 3 times.  <div>Step 2 Subtle Body: Use your left ring finger to block your right nostril. Breathe in and out of your left nostril. On the inhalation breathe in for 9 counts and visualize blue gray, the color of a thundercloud, entering the top of your head filling your brain and spinal column. Hold the breath for 18 counts and feel blue gray moving from the brain and spine throughout every nerve in your body. Breathe out for 9 counts feeling the brain spine and nervous system mapped by blue gray. Repeat 3 times. </div> <div> </div> <div>Step 3 Causal Body: Breathe in through both nostrils for 9 counts feeling as if you were drawing a violet beam of light from the middle of your pelvic floor to the middle of your brain. Hold the breath for 12 counts feeling a violet glow in the middle of your brain. Exhale and feel violet light radiating out in all directions creating an aura around your body. Repeat 3 times.</div> <div> </div> <div>Step 4 Conclusion: Sit in the center of this aura feeling as if you are sitting in the throne of your heart as long as comfortably possible.</div>

2009-02-05T14:55:01Z

10 Tibetan Purification Techniques <img align="left" width="150" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/tibetan-purifcation-blog-al-in-meditation.jpg" />Yogi Swarananda, Mani Finger, Alan's Father, learned this technique from a Tibetan master. Though the technique was taught to Mani without a

2009-11-06T20:12:02Z

Alan Finger

*From January 2009's Studio Newsletter Samkalpa literally means "intention." We meditate on our Sampkalpas so that we can root our goals into the unconscious part of our beings from where they can then manifest into realities. According to the yogis, that which is in our unconscious,  is the most difficult to call upon yet the most empowering when it comes to motivating our intentions.  Sit in a meditative posture. Close your eyes.  Visualize your New Year's Samkalpa on the screen of your mind.  Chant the following mantra 27 times: Om Trum Atma (Ohm Troom Aht-mah)

2009-01-01T20:30:30Z

21 A New Year's Meditation *From January 2009's Studio Newsletter Samkalpa literally means "intention." We meditate on our Sampkalpas so that we can root our goals into the unconscious part of our beings from where they can then manifest into realities. According to

2009-09-24T03:49:11Z

Julie Wilcox

<img width="150" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/mexican-recipe-blog.jpg" />I was thinking of writing something profound for the New Year's Blog but I am in a crunch for time and frankly, have decided that everyone else is doing that so why not do something light and lively. No pun intended.  In this month's Blog, I will share with you, light and healthy recipes we, the sprightly group of yogis who joined Jean and me at Haramara, picked up in Mexico on our retreat. What is a more obvious and better way to start the New Year than with amazing additions to your diet?  A healthy diet means a healthy life after all. What you put into your body is where it all begins. If your digestive system does not work, the rest of you quickly fails to function too. Right?  I think we have all been there before, feeling bloated, stopped up, a few pounds too heavy, imbalanced in what we put in our bodies, and on a quest for ways to eat more nutritiously. So, the following recipes should help you out. They are not only wholesome, but are also delicious. Thank you Andreas and Luis for sharing your wonderful secrets with us during our spectacular cooking lessons. And thank you Havilah, ISHTA's wonderful accountant, who is not surprisingly just as good at recording recipes as she is at recording numbers! Please note I have added a couple of my own renditions of things I think you might enjoy. Cooking Lesson with Luis The first two recipes, the veggie purees and Granola, are my favorites. Dips and granolas are usually the last things we want to eat store-bought because they are loaded with God knows what-usually a lot of fat and calories.  You can see from the contents of the recipes below how light and delightful and practically fat-free, or healthily fat-filled these are (all fats are organic and good for you).  Vegetable Puree - Use carrots, beets, zucchini, beans or other vegetable of choice - Steam vegetable for 7 minutes or until soft (beets take up to 1 hour) - Puree with olive oil, lime, garlic, salt, water (your own amounts-I do about a tablesppon of olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, two tsps of salt, and water up to half the line of the veggies. ~ Note 1: A hardcore blender is necessary to make these. You want the dips to be totally smooth which requires pureeing for a few minutes-about 3. ~Note 2: These dips can be eaten with crudite, plain warm corn tortillas (my favorite choice), sesames flats (if you have not discovered these scrumptious flat crackers, go get them! New York Flats is my favorite brand), chips if you must but I suggest you make your own. The following is how I do it:  Brush corn tortillas with a bit of olive oil, dash on some salt, and bake until golden and crispy. Julie's Granola ~ Note: This is edited from Luis' recipe. His granola in Mexico it was divine, but when I tried to make his eact recipe at home, it was nothing like the original. So I created my own version of Luis' granola with a few changes and additions that I prefer. - Oats-Estimate. I like more oats to other stuff. I use about 1 Cup for this quantity of Granola - 1 Tbsp. Puffed Amaranth - Coconut-Estimate. I use about 1 Tbsp. - Sunflower seeds-About 1.5 Tbsp. Again your choice. - Pepitas-About 1.5 Tbsp - Sesame seeds-About t Tbsp. - 1 Tsp Organic Canola Oil - Honey-To coat - Agave-To coat - Cinnamon three dashes - Golden Raisins-About Two Tbsps. - Cut Almonds-About 1 Tbsp. ~Note I truly mean estimate. The proportions depend on your likes. And, you need to visualize it all together to see what works. ~Add all ingredients save for cinnamon and raisins into a bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hands so that all the oats and sees are nicely lathered with the oil and sweetners. Place in oven and bake until Golden at 300 degrees for one hour stirring every 5-10 minutes. This should take about 40 minutes. After you take out your Granola from the oven, you can add your raisins and cinnamon. And...Back to Luis Chili Rellenos - Poblano Peppers - roast to remove skins - Potatoes - steam, mash with COLD water (for creamier texture)  - Mix-in nutmeg, parley (can vary recipe by using other herbs and vegetables) - Stuff Pepper - Cover and allow to rest Almond 'Hummus' / 'Cream' Sauce for Chili Rellenos - Soak Almonds overnight.   - Remove and discard skins.   - Puree with onions, lemon, salt Pepper Sauce for Chili Rellenos - Blend toasted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) into a powder - Soak and deseed dried Guijillo peppers (adds heat and bright red color) - Roast tomatoes, red peppers, garlic for 45 minutes at approx. 400 degrees - Puree roasted ingredients, add ground pepitas, salt Saucito Chili (Chili Oil) - Place equal parts Almonds, Pecans, Dearbl Chili (long, skinny, red chili) in baking pan with oil, onion, cumin, salt - Roast for 2 hours at 200 degrees - Puree * Remove seeds to control heat Green Sauce - Boil or toast tomatillos for 5 minutes (sour raw) with onions, garlic, cumin, cilantro - Seed Serrano Peppers - Puree - Add salt to taste Cooking Lesson with Andreas Almond Milk - Soak Almonds for 24 hours (awakens dormant seed, creates enzyme that aids digestion) - Remove and discard skins - Puree with water, olive oil, honey/stevia/agave nectar, salt - Strain with cheesecloth - Lasts in refridgerator 2-3 days ~Note: This is another recipe you can make into your own. I prefer to leave out the Olive oil and make a sweeter dessert drink with Cinnamon and Agave only. Beet Soup - Steam onions, potatoes, vegetable until knife slides into potato - Puree with cold pressed olive oil, salt and water from steaming (I made this with spinach on Sunday night and it was *amazing* yum!)--A note from Havilah!

2009-01-01T14:52:52Z

9 Healthy Happy New Year's Organic and Vegan Recipies from Haramara Mexico <img width="150" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/blog/mexican-recipe-blog.jpg" />I was thinking of writing something profound for the New Year's Blog but I am in a crunch for time and frankly, have decided that everyone else is doing that so wh

2009-11-06T20:28:41Z

Julie Wilcox and Kara Sekular

<img height="83" align="left" width="91" src="/uploads/Image/blog/marma%20blog%20post%20alan.jpg" alt="" />You might not believe me, if I told you that you could: breathe easier, relieve pain, feel more energetic and relaxed simultaneously, and even look slimmer - merely by lying on a massage table and receiving an ancient Indian form of body therapy called Marma Adi. Marma Adi? You are probably thinking this sounds pretty elusive, maybe cool, but what on earth is it and where can I get it? In its simplest definition, Marma refers to an Ayurvedic treatment that evolved thousands of years ago in India. It is a critical element of an integrated yoga practice. As many yoga practitioners have experienced, sometimes we just cannot relieve muscle tension in certain areas of the body, no matter how often we do our asanas. And being a teacher, I have worked with students who have practiced Hatha yoga for years and still cannot straighten their legs in down dog because their hamstrings are so tight. Though effective in stretching muscles to a certain degree, the asanas are often limited in the amount of flexibility they can provide us with. Marma therapy therefore supplements the asana practice, working deeper and more specifically into vital points of the body's soft tissues. The result is: a unique release of stress and tension in our systems; a greater stretching of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia; and the healing of uncomfortable aches and pains we experience from illness and disease. I discovered Marma treatments two years ago when I had my first visit with Yogiraj, Alan Finger. During my Teacher Training with Alan, I saw people disappear into his treatment room - stress, tension and upset often palpably evident on their faces and in how they carried their bodies. When they emerged from their sessions, they looked calm and walked with grace - seeming much more at peace with themselves and their surroundings. I felt compelled to understand how this Guru worked, so I signed myself up.   I have since seen Alan and his protégé Kristin Leal, continuously for Marma treatments; the sessions range from physical healing to spiritual and emotional work.  I am always surprised by how powerful and transforming the treatment is; I come out feeling totally refreshed and completely at ease, with skewed perspectives on life re-aligned. Everything within me resumes a state of harmony and that state changes the way I interact with that which is outside of me. Marma keeps me on track on my journey as yogini. The History of Marma The science of marma has its roots in ancient India. It begins with the Indus-Sarasvati culture (3500-1700 BCE), one of the oldest and most sophisticated urban civilizations in the world. The spiritual and physical foundations of the civilization are found in their earliest writings, the Vedas.  The word veda means 'knowledge'. The knowledge of the Vedas came to the ancient rishis (seers) through states of profound meditation. The Vedas were regarded as shruti, which means 'heard' as opposed to learned, and were considered to be the result of direct encounters with the divine. At first passed down orally and later written, the Vedas described the science of yoga, including asana, pranayama and meditation.   During the classical period (1700 BCE-700 CE) the main Ayurvedic texts were compiled. One of these texts, Sushruta Samhita, was written by a surgeon and contained many references to marma. During this time, the Buddhist religion brought Ayurveda, marma therapy and related martial arts to China and Japan. In the Marma Shastra, the marmas points were the same for both lethal purposes and healing purposes. The difference between life and death was a matter of pressure. Knowledge of marmas was important to warriors both in attacking their opponents and in healing their own wounds. The Rg-Veda speaks of using varma, protective coverings for the vulnerable marma points. These protections were often in the form of mantras, showing a spiritual view of marmas from the beginning. The great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, mentions protective coverings for horses and elephants as well for the kshatriyas (soldiers). Great warriors like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita could only be defeated if their marma points were exposed. How does Marma Work? Marma therapy is a method of clearing stress from vital points or marmas in the body that reside in muscles, fascia, ligaments, tendons, galands, and organs. Master of Marma Adi, Alan Finger, explains that marma points are like little brains in the body. When they are obstructed, they behave as a brain would with a clot floating around in it - inefficiently, and potentially dangerously. When Marma points are under pressure, the body, the mind and the nervous system begin to malfunction; a host of illnesses and disorders consequently manifest such as backaches, chronic muscular disorders (digestive malfunctioning, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Migraines...etc.), tendon and ligament strains, as well as mental, emotional, nervous, and auto-immune disorders (Depression, Mania, Anxiety, Parkinson's MS, Migraines). The body becomes plagued by symptoms of pain. What are the effects of Marma Therapy? Marma therapy treatments unblock choked marma points. The treatment allows the intelligence of the different bodily systems to regain homeostasis within themselves and in the way they relate to each other.  Respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems resume a state of balance and peaceful efficiency.  The result of this restoration is that one feels healed and relaxed but completely energized.  The breathing mechanisms begin to operate more freely; pain is alleviated; muscles streamline, and the body takes on a lighter appearance; illness and disease can subside. A treatment with the right practitioner also restores one's perspective on life to clarity. What is ISHTA Marma? At ISHTA Yoga, Yogiraj Alan Finger and his protégé Kristin Leal, practice the deeper form of healing Marma, known as Marma Adi. Alan also incorporates Pranic Healing into his sessions. The pranic healing technique involves the transferring and moving of heat along various channels of the subtle body, and sometimes a healing mantra. Pranic healing puts the brain into Samadhi rhythm (delta waves like those we experience in deep sleep) so that a person's life force can begin to flow properly, and so that their imbalances can heal. Alan tells an anecdote about his initiation into Pranic Healing that is one of my favorites of his many fascinating stories about how he came to be a yogi. It goes as follows. One day Alan was sitting amongst a group of men in South Africa listening to his teacher, Swami Venkatesananda, speak about yoga. A man named Mr. Hubly had Parkinson's disease and could not get a moment of respite from his shakes. At one point during his lecture, 'Venkates' turned to Alan abruptly and told him to help Mr. Hubly. Alan, fifteen years old at the time, stood up with trepidation and ambled over to Mr. Hubly. He looked back at Venkates and asked him what he should do. Venkates showed him in the air how to map the Nadis of Hubly's back and transfer energy to him.  Alan made an attempt at doing this with Mr. Hubly but it did not work. Venkates told Alan to add the Markandeya mantra (a healing mantra) to the method. One minute later, after Alan strategically followed the yogic directions, the ailing man stopped shaking. Alan was told to run along and teach Mr. Hubly asana before he started shaking again. And so he did.  Such periods of 'miraculous' relief for Mr. Hubly persisted over time, as long as he worked with Alan.  And such are the wonders of Marma Therapy. Alan continues to treat clients who suffer from minor ailments such as muscle spasms to more severe conditions such as MS and cancer. *Please note that there will be an ISHTA Marma Point Training with Alan in the Spring! Please call the studio and ask for Julie to inquire about signing up (212) 598-4800. If you would like to book a treatment with Alan or Manjula please contact juliew@ishtayoga.com

2008-11-08T14:50:36Z

8 What is ISHTA Marma <img align="left" width="150" src="/uploads/Image/blog/marma%20blog%20post%20alan.jpg" alt="" />You might not believe me, if I told you that you could: breathe easier, relieve pain, feel more energetic and relaxed simultaneously, and even look slimmer

2009-09-24T03:49:10Z

Wolfgang Thom

<img height="142" align="left" width="150" src="/uploads/Image/blog/Wolfgang%20Thom.jpg" alt="" />1. Why did you choose to do the Ishta Yoga Teacher Training? Which program were you in? I met my teacher Alan Finger in January 08. The connection was immediate. I was looking to deepen and develop my comprehension/experience in Tantra and meditation. So when Alan suggested I should do the teacher training, I followed his advice. 2. Did the training meet your expectations? I have to say that the 200 hr TT with Sarah and Jean was amazing! It is physically complete, yet ISHTA's program is so well rounded! It includes philosophy, ayurveda, the subtle body and really connects the dots. The professionalism and kindness of the teaching staff was a joy! 3. What would you say is the most important thing you took away from this program?  It has been a life changing experience! Beyond the knowledge, it is the experience of Yoga, the deep connection between the physical and subtle aspects of ourselves, which has been the most important experience for me. I actually have now a daily personal practice ! 4. What made you decide to do the 300-hour program? It was just too good to stop there. I am sure that we all felt like continuing. I was fortunate to be able to do it! 5. You are now teaching a community class at Ishta Yoga. How did this training prepare you as a teacher?  Just love it! I get to play with my personal attraction to exploration of our inner worlds, through slow movement, sound and breath. The classes have been a wonderful experience and I really appreciate the feedback of my students. 6. What advice would you offer to those who are thinking about doing the Ishta Yoga Teacher Training?  It's probably one of the best things you can do for yourself in NYC! Even if you do not want to become a teacher, it will be of great benefit to you! You'll learn so much about what it means to be alive!<o:p></o:p>

2008-11-01T20:30:30Z

22 Interview with Teacher Trainee Wolfgang Thom <img align="left" width="150" src="/uploads/Image/blog/Wolfgang%20Thom.jpg" alt="" />1. Why did you choose to do the Ishta Yoga Teacher Training? Which program were you in? I met my teacher Alan Finger in January 08. The connection was

2009-09-24T03:49:11Z

Julie Wilcox

<img height="83" align="left" width="46" src="/uploads/Image/blog/faith%20blog%20post%20sharon%20salzberg.JPG" alt="" />In Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Inner Experience, Sharon Salzberg - leading Buddhist meditation scholar and author of several books - courageously delves into her past and explores her childhood with all of its traumas and disappointments. She effortlessly illustrates to readers how anyone can emerge from (and work through) the pain and suffering intrinsic to life, cultivating an attitude of lovingkindness in order to live with less angst in the future. The opening of the book covers the period of Salzberg’s life when her mother passes away and her absent father reappears only to end up institutionalized. When I recounted these moving passages to a friend, she immediately replied, “wow, I guess I’ve really got nothing to worry about.” Though all situations and feelings are relative and of great value, it helps to know what others go through to keep us on track. In the end, Salzberg teaches that faith is a healing quality in us all no matter what the circumstance; it helps to protect and soothe us in times of turmoil. Salzberg does a spectacular job of telling her personal tale in a way that embraces her readers with compassion and empathy, acknowledging that we all have difficulties that we confront and need to work through. And, what is truly amazing is that she teaches all of her truths in universal framework. She never requires blind adherence to any belief system or dogma or pushes “the right way” down one’s throat. Though she recounts time and again why she identified with the Buddhist philosophies and how they helped her through some tremendously trying times, she still teaches faith as a grounds for whatever system of belief one holds. According to Salzberg, faith is not something that should keep us apart or make us discriminating, but rather should unite us with our Self, achieving the union or oneness that Yoga is all about. She provides the road map on a dark and bumpy road; it is functional knowledge for personal power. Salzberg travels the world helping others brave the human condition.

2008-10-16T14:48:35Z

7 Faith: Braving The Human Condition <img align="left" width="150" src="/uploads/Image/blog/faith%20blog%20post%20sharon%20salzberg.JPG" alt="" />In Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Inner Experience, Sharon Salzberg - leading Buddhist meditation scholar and author of several books - cour

2009-09-24T03:49:10Z