Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i YOGA Magazine

Dear YOGA Magazine Readers, Greetings and Blessings! As the year edges towards its quiet close, November greets us with a subtle shift — a slowing down of pace, an invitation to pause and listen. Nature, in her gentle wisdom, begins to turn inward. The trees shed what no longer serves them; the earth exhales. In this spirit, Yoga Magazine dedicates this issue to balance, gratitude, and renewal. This month’s collection of features reminds us that harmony is not found in perfection, but in presence. From Ayurveda’s elemental wisdom to Taoist medicine’s call to restore the dance of Yin and Yang, each article invites us to align body, mind, and spirit with the rhythms of nature. Lucy Fleetwood’s exploration of Ayurveda and Yoga beautifully captures this essence — teaching us how…

As people from all walks of life are starting to reach out for more nature-based approaches to health and well-being, the ancient Indian healing system known as Ayurveda is becoming popular around the globe. In its simplest terms, Ayurveda promotes living in balance with your constitution and your circadian rhythms, in order to remain healthy. It is a profound healing and preventative healthcare system that we can tap into through our daily food and lifestyle choices – but it’s not a case of “one size fits all”. Science now shows that our digestion determines the health of both our body and mind, and no one dietary approach is right for everyone. Ayurveda recognised this more than 5,000 years ago, offering a personalised approach to well-being, which has the health of…

In this insightful Q&A, we speak with Bob Noha, 6th dan Aikido instructor and co-author of Aikido: The Art of Transformation – The Life and Teachings of Robert Nadeau. A direct student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, Nadeau played a pivotal role in bringing Aikido to the West. This interview explores Nadeau’s unique teachings on universal energy, inner transformation, and energy refinement—principles that extend far beyond the martial arts mat. Through Bob Noha’s perspective, we gain rare insights into how these teachings can enrich daily life, support personal growth, and inspire spiritual awareness, regardless of one’s Aikido background. WHAT WERE MR. NADEAU’S EXPERIENCES TRAINING WITH THE FOUNDER OF AIKIDO? Nadeau Sensei had a unique experience training with the founder because he practiced Judo, body building, meditation and Yoga starting in…

Pilates is not just as exercise, it's a recalibration - for your body, posture, and even your mindset. Pilates is low-impact yet incredibly effective, gentle yet deeply powerful. Whether you’re looking to build core strength, ease chronic tension, or simply feel more at home in your body, the below five benefits reveal why Pilates is one of the most transformative practices you can adopt. Pilates is a system of exercises cantered around six fundamental principles – control, centre, concentration, coordination, precision, flow and breath all working together in harmony. Yatta Studio primarily offers Reformer Pilates, the Pilates reformer is an adaptable machine full of variety that is perfect for beginners, challenging, and also suitable for those recovering from injury. Improved core strength and stability Pilates is known for its emphasis…

Disease is a product of imbalances that set in the etheric body. In my book, ‘Sanatan Kriya: Essence of Yoga’, I have explained in detail how imbalances develop in the etheric layer. For a layperson, in simple words, imbalances first occur in the outer layer commonly known as the aura of the person, either due to blockages or depletion or outflow of prana (here it refers to the vital force which runs the body). Aura of a person clearly indicates the impending disease in the body. There are various tantric and yogic practices given to deal with imbalances and clean the aura before they set in the physical body. The techniques of cleansing the etheric body require certain pre-practices and only an advanced practitioner of tantra can perform them with…

No woman should live with the shame of leaking when she sneezes, laughs, or coughs. Yet, millions in the UK quietly endure female health issues such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Too often, these topics remain taboo, leaving women embarrassed to seek help or unaware of where to turn. It’s time for a shift in the conversation. Pelvic health is not a niche concern—it’s central to women’s wellbeing at every stage of life. From postnatal recovery to menopause, these challenges affect both physical and emotional confidence. And yet, while new mothers may receive plenty of guidance around breastfeeding, many echo the same question: “What about my pelvic floor? Where is the support for that?” Ania’s Story: From Heaviness to Healing For Ania Gabb, a 40-year-old…

This is not a straightforward, “just the facts” aromatherapy article; instead, it is an invitation to explore how these plant distillations can awaken, cultivate, or restrain aspects within you—supporting body, mind, and spirit. Aromatic compounds influence the limbic system and energetic bodies in profound ways, guiding us into greater alignment with our essence. Through these oils, we can begin to gently shift patterns, illuminate shadow, and meet our goals. Being human is complex, even in the best of times. We often face worries and uncertainty as we navigate life. Many of my clients know what they want to achieve but encounter blocks that stymie them. Past experiences often surface in the emotional body, illuminating loss and untraveled paths. All of this is held in the self as one learns, grows,…

November 2025, in Vedic astrology, is a month of deep reflection and potential breakthroughs as planetary movements emphasise inner transformation and renewed purpose. With Jupiter continuing its transit in Aries, there is a surge of optimism and personal ambition, encouraging individuals to pursue bold new ventures. Mars transitions into Libra, bringing an emphasis on balance, diplomacy, and the importance of harmonious relationships, both personal and professional. Venus in direct motion supports financial clarity and emotional healing, creating a more stable environment for love and material pursuits. As the Sun enters Scorpio, the focus shifts to introspection, uncovering hidden truths, and letting go of what no longer serves us. This month’s planetary movements inspire a period of personal evolution and intentional action. ARIES (MESHA) MARCH 21– APRIL 20 In November, Mars…

In yoga traditions, the Chakras are considered the vital energy centres that orchestrate our physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony. While core work is often associated with physical strength and stability, the connection between chakra activation and the practice of plank pose offers a gateway for tapping into the profound power of our core. Understanding Chakras and Core Activation At the heart of yoga philosophy lies the concept of chakras – the energetic hubs that channel life force throughout our being. Picture them as energy wheels, sitting along our body's centre, located throughout the body's central axis, each governing a unique aspect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. Among these, the Manipura Chakra, nestled in the area of the solar plexus, holds particular importance in the context of core strength…

There’s an increasing interest in the practice of somatics, with more people seeking simple practices that ease tension, improve mobility and support nervous system health. It is now being incorporated into yoga teacher training programmes and in yoga studios. A deep mind-body system that supports the practice of ‘mindful yoga’, somatics can bring about significant change to the functioning of the body and is utterly transformative. Through it, we can develop a deep ‘inner felt sense’ that changes the way we move our body in all that we do, including our yoga practice. So, What is Somatics? Somatics is a practice where we learn to reprogramme our muscles through gentle, guided movement. It helps us notice where tension has built up in the body and shows us how to release…

What is Kalari Yoga Marma Massage? It is an ancient massage practice rooted in the history of South India’s martial art called Kalarippayattu, Ayurveda and Hatha Yoga. Kalarippayattu is the mother of all martial arts worldwide. A living wisdom stream that founded a form of restorative care called Kalari Massage that was developed and administered by warriors to warriors in ancient times, a massage technique where both hands and the feet were used to massage the whole body in preparation for or post battle. Kalarippayattu martial artists and sage Agastya, a founder of Ayurveda, are credited with discovering the ways to enliven key energetic centres throughout the body called marma points which today this form of treatment goes by the name of Kalari Marma Massage Therapy. Kalari Yoga Marma Massage…

The History of Sound Sound is one of the most ancient energies we have at our disposal. It first arose in the universe when dark and light were created. The first sound may well have been the deep resonance from the belly of the universe—the all-encompassing sound of Aum—which bridges the gap between dark and light and the vibrations are felt keenly in our body when we chant. Sound is an extraordinarily creative force and ranges in volume from the deep energy of silence to almost unbearable levels of intensity. Sound also ranges in complexity, from one solitary note to a cacophony of many. It is impossible to escape. Even if we cannot hear or are asleep, sound waves still penetrate our physicality, much like chemicals or polluted air affect…

As I begin to embrace this chapter of life – let’s call it middle age – I find myself reflecting often on my past, especially the 20-year-old version of me. That younger me was not happy. She was confused, uncomfortable in her own skin and, at her core, riddled with shame and guilt. These emotions were her baseline, though she had no idea that was the place she was living from. Family patterns, inherited and unspoken, shaped her every response. Looking back now, I feel gratitude for the lessons and wisdom I’ve gathered. This is the medicine I draw on to help others in their healing journeys. But it has taken time, courage and a willingness to confront what I once tried to bury. At the heart of this has…

Yogi Maharaj Dr. Malik our Editor (since 2003) is a recognised international expert and an authority on the subject of Yoga. He started his training under the guidance of Yogis from the Himalayan region at the age of six and also received instructions from Sufis, Lamas and Sadhus. He is an accredited Yoga teacher specialising in Kundalini, Hatha and Laya Yoga. Founder and pioneer of Yogology, a spiritual technology which combines ancient traditions and principles of Laya, Hatha, Kundalini and meditative practices, Yogi Malik began teaching this over 20 years ago. He has spent a lifetime dedicated to researching, teaching and sharing his knowledge on yoga. He is also a practitioner of related alternative therapies, including Shamanism. Q - The kidneys play a crucial role in detoxifying the body and…

The Little Book of Ayurveda By Lucy Fleetwood Lucy Fleetwood’s The Little Book of Ayurveda is a beautifully concise guide to the ancient Indian art of balance. Written with warmth and clarity, it introduces readers to Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom in a way that feels both accessible and deeply relevant to modern life. Fleetwood explains how aligning one’s lifestyle with individual constitution and natural rhythms can transform physical and emotional wellbeing. With practical advice on diet, self-care rituals, and the integration of yoga and meditation, this pocket-sized guide gently empowers readers to reconnect with body, mind, and spirit. Ideal for beginners seeking harmony in their daily routines, it offers small, mindful steps that lead to lasting vitality. £7.99 | Summersdale Publishers | www.summersdale.com Age of Enlightenment By Byrne Elliott Byrne Elliott’s…

For many of us, anxiety arrives like an uninvited guest. It tightens the chest, quickens the breath, and scatters the mind. In yoga philosophy, we are taught that what we resist persists. Instead of banishing anxiety, what if we bowed to it, acknowledged its presence, and even welcomed it as a teacher? Through a series of panic attacks in 2024 I learned that trying to push anxiety down only ever made it worse. I’ve always been both an avid meditator and yoga student but eventually just breathing through it no longer seemed to help. I wanted to get to the root cause of anxiety, not just fix the symptoms. I truly believe that in life, we can’t heal something if we don’t know where it comes from. This sent me…

Continued from the previous issue of YOGA Magazine… Despite his imposing stature, Bushie was surprisingly eager and attentive, his feline nature subdued by his deep yearning to learn the sacred mantras. “Bushie,” I began, my voice steady yet reverent, “today, I will teach you three ancient mantras in Pali. They are simple in words, yet profound in meaning. These are gifts from the ancient sages, meant to guide us to peace, clarity, and wisdom.” Bushie nodded, his tail curling gracefully around his paws. “I’m ready, Muni,” he said. His deep voice, though feline, carried a quiet determination. “This first mantra, - Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu is a blessing for all beings. Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu means, ‘May all beings be happy.’ It embodies the essence of metta—loving-kindness.” I demonstrated again,…

In the rhythm of our modern world—schedules overflowing, nervous systems overstimulated, and souls often longing for deeper connection—the ancient wisdom of Taoist Medicine rises like a lantern in the dark. It is an invitation back into harmony with the great Tao, the way of nature, reminding us that true healing is not found in quick fixes or external validation, but in re-alignment with the flow of life itself. For thousands of years, Taoist sages and medicine women observed the natural cycles of the Earth, the dance of Yin and Yang, and the elemental patterns that weave through all existence. They discovered that by living in accordance with these cosmic rhythms, human beings could cultivate vitality, emotional equanimity, and spiritual awakening. Taoist Medicine is not merely a system of herbs, acupuncture…

People are living longer and longer, so we might expect them to be healthier. And yet the opposite is true. A critical component of good health is our immune system, which is made up of an acquired and an innate part and is present throughout our body. Relatively simple measures can strengthen our immune system, such as getting enough exercise, quitting smoking, sleeping well, getting enough rest, and eating healthily. It is preferable to consume at least 25 different types of plant-based foods a week, including organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, and mushrooms; there are even studies showing that you should aim for a minimum of 30 different plant foods per week(1). A diet lacking in variety weakens the immune system. The environment in which you live, your…