Rishikesh Sequence

Question 1

Rishikesh Sequence and Subtle energies

Answer 1

Every single chakra equally connected with energy
Entire sequence each chakra equally connected with energy
Flowing through all the Kosha’s
This is why we base everything on the rishikesh sequence

Question 2

Nervous System

Answer 2

Sympathetic nervous system – fight or flight response – turn off by switching on the parasympathetic system – the relaxation response.

Question 3

Nervous System and Breathing

Answer 3

Hold breath in upper chest sends signal to prepare sympathetic nervous system
Sigh out response sends switch off signal to parasympathetic

Question 4

Toning the Nervous System

Answer 4

Backward bend positions tone the sympathetic nervous system
Forward bend positions tone the parasympathetic system

In Rishikesh sequence sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are toned equally.

Question 5

The Rishikesh Sequence

Answer 5

1. Opening Chant
2. Eye Movements
3. Sun Salutation (Suryanmaskar)
4. Cobra - (Bhujangasana)
5. Half Locust (Arrddha Salabhasana), locust or bow (Dhanurasana)
6. Head to knee (Janusirshasana) or full forward bend (Paschimottanasana)
7. Shoulder stand (Sarvangaasana)
8. Fish (Matsyasana)
9. Half spinal twist (Andhamatstendrasana)
10. Optional poses
11. Yoga seal (Yoga Mudra)
12. Deep relaxation (Yoga Nidra)
13. Breathing Practices (Pranayama)
    14 Silent meditation and closing prayer

Question 6

Simplifying the Rishikesh Sequence

Answer 6

Can be simplified to the Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation)
The whole sequence is contained withing the Suryanamaskar

Question 7

Can the order be changed i.e. Pranayama at end

Answer 7

Pranayama is good at either beginning or end
It is a good preparation for meditation
Doing it after deep relaxation is very beneficial
So maybe do it at beginning and end

Question 8

Netra Vyamam Eye Movements

Answer 8

Always being weith soft heart breath and send out gently through closed eyes.

At end or between movements ,friction in hands, lowering head gently into palms, soft warm support.

Vertical Movements
Horizontal Movements
Circular Movements
diagonal movements
Infinity symbol
Focus Accommodation

Question 9

Surya Namaskara - Sun salutation

Answer 9

Embodies entire sequence. Can simplify to just Surya Namaskara
May begin or end with a standing heart mudra flow

Question 10

Heart Breathing

Answer 10

When stayhing in any position within the sequence for a few breath you can invite student to take heart breaths.

Inviting heart breaths when it feels that spaciousness or softness can deepen the experience for the students
Inviting heart breath to flow out through any stetched areas