YOGA enthusiasts finally have their own beauty store in Dharma, a local haven of all-natural products such as lavender yoga mat sprays, eucalyptus face mists, virgin coconut oil body scrubs, mala beads, eye pillows and natural lip balms. The products were made specifically with yogis in mind.
Dharma Dream Balancing & Calming Face Mist, 60 ml. A lavender hydrosol that can be spritzed on the face before meditation or after practice; it also works as toner or freshener throughout the day.
Lemon Coconut Lip Balm. An effective lip moisturizer that can be reapplied as often as needed; Noni juice is an active ingredient.
Dharma has expanded from its online store (www.findyourdharma.multiply.com) and is now sold at the following stores and studios: EcoMarket, EchoStore, Fitline Center, San Juan Surf Shop, Aura Athletica and Certified Calm.
Awakening
With millions of practitioners all around the globe, yoga has become a source of strength, healing and spiritual awakening. Its ancient Indian philosophy joins the body, mind and spirit, as yoga comes from the word, yuj or ?to join?.
?Yoga is the science of living life correctly so we can get to the point where our ultimate purpose and destination in life is achieved. It helps us understand not just our physical body, but also the mind and spirit. Lastly, it helps us understand nature, and nature in return helps us understand the voice of our spirit, or God,? explains certified Bikram yoga method instructor Mutya Ramos-Galvez.
Its benefits go beyond the physical, although having a toned, flexible and strong body is enough to get people started on it. It improves respiration, increases energy and vitality and promotes a healthy circulatory system.
It even helps you look and feel younger than your age. Mentally, it helps you relax and destress; and spiritually, it builds the awareness of your body and its connection to the mind and spirit.
"Yoga asanas, or the postures, rejuvenate the spine, the center of all energy in the body. The postures also strengthen the immune systems; this is one of the most important ways yoga heals injuries and disease. Through pranayama, or the breathing exercise, we create an essential union between the heart and the lungs,? says Galvez.
?The difference between exercise and yoga is that the latter?s purpose is to heal. It uses the body to create health, and fitness is only a by-product of this health-building process. The result of having a fit body is just a bonus,? says Galvez.
There are many forms of yoga, but its common elements are breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), flexibility and meditation (dhyana). These are components that link the body, mind and spirit.
Bikram yoga
Bikram Hatha yoga or hot yoga is a succession of 26 yoga poses done in a heated room of about 40?C. The high temperature allows the body to rid itself of toxins, be more flexible and prevent injury.
First-timers are required to prepare for the class physically and mentally. Galvez recommends the following:
A heated studio will surely leave you drenched in sweat, so it?s best to bring a large towel, washcloth, your own yoga mat and water bottle for class.
Dress as light as possible. Men can wear shorts or trunks, and women can come in an exercise top and shorts or swimsuit. T-shirts are bulky; tank tops will work better.
Come on an empty stomach. One should not eat one to three hours before class. A small quantity of simple, easily digestible food is recommended for the meal prior to class.
Drink lots of water several days before your first class. Doctors estimate you need at least 2 liters of water per day for normal body maintenance. You?ll have to double that if you practice Bikram yoga.
If you drink large quantities of caffeine or eat mostly processed foods, it may affect your body?s ability to tolerate heat, so cut down on these before coming to class.
Bikram yoga is taught at Pure Posture Body By Yoga-2/F Sherwood Place Commercial Center, 2264 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila. For schedules, inquire at +639188800018, +639155151444, +639228721821.
