One Time at Yoga Camp…
Yoga with Dharma Mittra

Top 5 Poses

1. Headstand



Photo: Vanity Fair




Dharma Mittra is famous for performing his headstand with no hands.  It’s pretty amazing, I agree, especially in that Vanity Fair issue where he was balanced on a manhole cover!  I think I’ve cracked his secret though. Padding!  His yoga studio, which is filled with carpet makes it a little bit more comfortable for the top of the head.  I’m sure it wasn’t much of a coincidence he opted for the wall to wall carpet over hard wood floors.  I’ve also been around him and seen him do his trick for photo ops.  He counts to three and lets go just for a second.  He balances and then slowly starts to tip.  But I have to admit, it’s still impressive and if it gets people doing headstands and on the road to optimal health it’s amazing!

Benefits
Whole body strength (abs, arms, back), balance, and reinvigoration



2. Shoulder stand



Benefits
Stimulates the thyroid gland, which is essential for metabolism and optimal health.  
Gets the circulation in the entire body going which we all know is great.



3. Cobra pose



Benefits
Affects the adrenal glands and sends a richer supply of blood.
Strengthens the upper back and limbers the spine and helps back aches.



4. Spinal twist



Benefits
Stimulates liver and kidneys
Energizes the spine
Stimulates digestive fire in the belly
Stretches Shoulders hips and neck



5. Meditation Pose (any seated position) 



Benefits
Quiets the mind
Centers your energy
Self Realization

More information on Dharma Mittra and for his daily teaching schedule in NYC.

Comments

Fred
07 Aug 2008, 13:08

God, that hurts just looking at it. That can't be good for the neck.

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Lorraine
07 Aug 2008, 17:02

Why do people do headstands with no arm support, when we are taught that most of our weight should be in our forearms not our necks????
Is this not a contradiction?

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Arlene
21 Aug 2008, 11:29

I wanted to make a comment to Lynn. You mentioned that you will try headstand in the future with guidance from an instructor - you should also consult an instructor for shoulderstand. If you do decide to try it on your own - once in the pose, NEVER turn your head.

The shoulderstand is a terrific pose so once you are comfortable, try holding for 3 minutes. It's referred to as the "queen" of poses.

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Miha
31 Aug 2008, 11:57

To Lorraine: Actually, B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the greatest yogis, states in his book "Light On Yoga" about Sirasana (Headstand):"The whole weight of the body should be borne on the head alone and not on the forearms and hands. The forearms and hands are to be used only for support to check any loss of balance. In a good pose you feel a circle, about the size of an Indian rupee, of the head in contact with the blanket on the floor." There is actually a whole method on Sirasana, the alignment of your body is very specific and he says "the correct method of standing affects our bearing and carriage.[...]the correct position should be mastered, as a faulty posture in this asana will lead to pains in head, neck and back."
Hope this helps:)

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