Good news if you’ve ever worried about your complexion - yoga not only nourishes your internal organs, but it benefits skin health and complexion as well. A consistent asana practice releases toxins, increases circulation and decreases stress – important factors in healthy skin.

Beyond yoga, though, what are natural ways to cleanse, exfoliate and brighten aging skin?

First, it’s best to identify your skin type and condition. Recently, a few of us tried the new MyChelle Skin Imaging system (MIS) at Whole Foods Market in Denver, CO. MyChelle Dermaceuticals offers this system, typically only available through a dermatologist’s office, for free at select Whole Foods Markets. The MIS provides a complete complexion profile with analysis on skin irregularities, wrinkles, textures, p-bacteria, pores, age spots, UV spots, and vascular areas.

A licensed esthetician reviewed our images, which gave us a glimpse into the deep layers of our skin, and guided us with an in-depth explanation of our skin and recommendations for natural products to combat problem areas. While MIS is not yet available in all Whole Foods Markets, the goal is to offer the imaging systems in all top Whole Body Departments across the country in 2012.

Natural foods stores, like Whole Foods Markets are an excellent resource for effective, nontoxic skin care lines, including MyChelle Dermaceuticals. If label reading makes your head spin, ask for help. The staff is usually well informed and can consult ingredient dictionaries. Also, MyChelle has an awesome (and free!) mobile app that serves as your own pocket esthetician while you’re shopping.

The ancient science of Ayurveda is another natural way to help minimize the effects of stress and improve the health of your skin. If you’ve dabbled in Ayurveda, you might know that each of us is born with a certain mind-body constitution, determined by the degree of dominance of three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—in our body. All three body types age differently. Paying attention to the needs of your personal constitution is important in maintaining healthy skin.

"Our face and complexion are the physical manifestation of all that we think and do—an exacting mirror of the soul," notes Pratima Raichur, in her book Absolute Beauty—Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda (HarperCollins, 1999). "If you want to change your appearance, you must first change the thoughts, emotions, and habits where stress and aging originate."

To learn about your specific dosha, we like Dr. John Doulliard. You can take a short quiz to discover your dosha and related skin imbalances. For more on Ayurveda, check out the CorePower Connection archive story.

Remember that just because products are "natural" doesn't mean they are non-allergenic. Many herbs can cause reactions in sensitive skin. Always test a new product on a tiny patch of skin to ensure your safety.

The first day of school can be intimidating. The same is true for the first day of CorePower Yoga teacher training. Anything worth doing is worth a few butterflies! Here is a first hand account from Maryann, a participant in San Diego’s Power Teacher Training. Stay tuned to future CPY blog posts for a special glimpse into Maryann’s life-changing experience.

If you’re ready to change YOUR world and explore the deeper spiritual, mental and physical aspects of yoga, learn more about CorePower Yoga teacher training programs.

I’m kind of nervous. I’ve been rushing all day. I need to breathe. Thank God there was no traffic. There was also no time to eat dinner, so I did the unthinkable. I had a “Monster” drink, a jumbo sugar- infused Mountain Dew- tasting power drink for energy. Do people do that before a yoga class?

I ran into the studio and signed in. “Wow, these people are so nice,” I thought. I wonder if I’ll get that glow when this is over?

I assessed the room. The girl with dreadlocks and pink hair looks like a real yogini already. I don’t. Maybe I should’ve worn a puka-shell necklace or something?

We jumped right in and one of our teachers got us settled. “Let’s take a few Aum’s (ohm) before we begin” he suggested.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of the “Aum”. I have no idea what I’m doing. I always start out too high or too low and I don’t know how long I’m supposed to do it. Then I listen to everyone else doing it and wonder how long it’s supposed to go on. I feel like an imposter.

We introduced ourselves and warmed up the room with great conversation. There were people of all ages, from all walks of life there, coming together in the name of yoga. It was inspiring.

We then went over the principles of CorePower Yoga like the asana, prana, Vinyasa, tapas, drishti, alignment, safety, abdominal lock, rhythm, setting up students for success and having fun. I realized that those teachings and that philosophy are what pulled me here.

Before I knew it, the evening had ended - my first teacher training session was over. As I hopped in my car I was a little nervous. I was excited, but I drove home wondering how I was going to actually fit the time and dedication in. Was I biting off too much? Would I be able to do this? But I know when I feel like that, it’s because I am making changes.

I also know with change comes so much growth and so many new possibilities. Now that is exciting! How great that I get to learn how to teach people and possibly affect their lives the way mine has been affected by yoga.

I can do this. It is going to take time, dedication, and devotion. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Thank you Maryann, for sharing your story. Stay tuned for more of Maryann’s adventure.
 

One of the greatest things about yoga is the community – specifically, practicing next to new people and meeting new friends at a yoga studio. But sometimes you can’t always make it to the studio, whether there’s just not enough time, or maybe the weather is too cold or hot. Having a home practice is great way to get a yoga practice in everyday.

Here are 5 tips to help set up a successful home yoga practice:

Create a peaceful space:
You don’t want to have to worry about distractions during your practice. Make sure you are set up in a space that will allow you to quite your mind. A room with a closed door will allow you to block out people and pets for your practice. Create a special place that is dedicated to your practice.

Proper set up:
Transport yourself to your favorite studio by adding a few things that remind of that studio. It may be a certain scent, poster, music playlist; make it your own!

Plan out your practice:
Going into your home practice with a set intention will help you stay on-task. Figure out what energy level you are at. Do you need more restorative poses or do you need some energizing asanas to get you moving? If you are newer to yoga, try practicing with a yoga DVD.

Create routine:
Nothing happens overnight and that goes for starting and maintaining a home practice. Stick with your home practice for at least two weeks. You will see practicing at home will feel like second nature! Find inspiration in other blog articles.

Have fun:
This is your time to create and personalize your practice. Don’t be too serious about it. Let loose and enjoy!

Do you have a home practice? Share your story and inspire other yogis to give it a try!