General

The Breath and Death

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Dear David

The Breath

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Dear David,

I took your teacher training and have a question that I can't seem to find the answer to and am hoping that you can help me.  In addition to teaching yoga I also train people with weights. During one session my client chose to use Ujjayi breathing while lifting weights. She found this to be helpful in having more energy to continue. She wondered why and what the physiological reason for this was.  

Stiff Knees and Hips

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I have several new students with stiff knees and hips, and they all struggle with stepping into Warrior from Down Dog. My approach is to just have them bend their knees, come to standing, and step forward. Are there any other ideas for this transition? There aren't any injuries in this group. 

— J
 
 
Dear J,

Tightness

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David,

Acid Reflux

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David,

I would like to ask your advice on ashtanga yoga? It's how you do something that matters, no? Is it safe? 

Heart Disease

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David,

Bulging Discs

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David,
So I have these bulging discs in my back, managed pretty well overall.  Ashtanga has been a great sequence for me, aside from a left hip that seems to get tighter with time (hmmmm.)
 
Anyways, I think I probably came back to practice about a week after my back went into spasm (not doing yoga, but doing piggy back rides).  First day back felt really good, even after hours of travel.

Hip Arthritis

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Dear Mr. Swenson,

I am 40 years old. I recently found out I have mild to moderate hip arthritis in the left hip. I am concerned that practicing ashtanga yoga can do further damage to my hip. Is this possible? Ashtanga has many vigorous hip opening postures. Thanks for any help you can offer.

J