A fascinating explanation of some of the benefits of Downward Facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), as seen from the perspective of acupuncture!
http://www.artofyoga.co.uk/reason-downward-facing-dog-good/#more-%27
This pose is considered to be one of the most complete poses, in that for the legs it requires the work of a standing pose, while for the arms it is an arm balance, for the front of the body it is a backbend, whereas for the back of the body it is a forward bend and, in addition, it offers the benefits of (increased circulation of blood in head) and prepares for inversions. Enjoy your practice!

The flora of Crete is at its best in spring, after the winter rains. Even the normally very dry southern parts become green, and hundreds of flowers, plants and herbs start to blossom. There are 130 species of wild flowers and herbs unique to Crete.

Many Cretan herbs are Lamiaceae, or of the mint family, a family of plants in about 180 genera and some 3,500 species.

Are you a hiking enthusiast wanting to gain even more enjoyment out of hiking? Then this course is for you!

Join us at YogaOnCrete (12-19 June) and experience lightness of body, mind and spirit through the twice daily practice of voice and sound therapy, and movement medicine, along with daily encounters with the cool, turquoise Mediterranean waters at quiet beaches, idyllic unspoilt surroundings, wholesome local food, excursions, and a warm and welcoming group of people that will make this experience unforgettable!

Freedom comes with discipline.

Two of the ethical observances of yoga on the relationship to ourselves, the niyamas, santosha, contentment, and tapas, discipline, are found next to each other in Patanjali's account in the Yoga Sutras (verses 2.42 and 2.43), which at first may seem controversial. But think about it: in order to enjoy physical freedom in our bodies, we need to maintain them healthy, and therefore exercise in a conscious way appropriate to our constitution, eat moderately, rest adequately. In order to enjoy psychological freedom, we need to practice letting go of mental patterns that do not serve our happiness, for example dwelling on the past and self-blame, replace negative thought patterns with positive ones, and so on. Discipline is necessary in changing habits that we know no longer serve their purpose (if they ever did, at least in part).