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[ M A N T R A YO G A ] So many different types of yoga are available, Jean-Pierre Rossouw practices a form called mantra yoga, which uses mantras as a self-awakening and meditation enhancing guide alongside his physical yoga practice.
Jean-Pierre first became fully immersed in his practice after snapping the two supporting tendons of his ankle while skateboarding. He firmly believes we are all able to heal ourselves through regular yoga practice. Scorpion pose (vrischikasana) is his favourite demonstration of yoga. S CO R P I O N P O S E . Arm balance and core strength are essential to this dynamic pose which is only suitable for advancing yogis.
When it comes to managing stress and anxiety, there are few things more important than realising that you are not the voice inside your head.
J E A N - P I E R R E offers group and individual yoga classes (all levels) at the workplace or in personal homes in Cape Town, focusing on the individual needs of each yogi to match individual competency. Contact him on 074 200 4022 or tagfour@gmail.com for an appointment.
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Using a wall for support at first will help connect to the powerful core lift needed to push up from your forearms and not allow the lower back to collapse. Developing strength through practising dolphin, chaturanga dandasana, head or hand stands, kakasana and gorilla all benefit the centred awareness needed for scorpion. Here’s how to do it: *Come up into supported headstand. *Push down on your forearms and make sure your shoulders are away from your ears. *Relax and bend both of your legs. Keep a solid base and let your legs remain light. *Release one hand followed by the other so that both palms are pushing down on your mat. *Slowly start to lift your head and chest. *With time, you will find your balance and be able to judge how far you would like to bring your legs over. Like all inversions, scorpion offers us an alternative way of looking at life. Inversions flush the body of toxic build-up, reversing the circularity flow of the body and increasing blood flow to the head. Scorpion pose focuses the central nervous system, stimulates the endocrine glands and has anti-ageing benefits. It stretches and massages the muscles of the lower back and spine, as well as helping to develop your mental focus.
