Photo by David Young-Wolff. Yoga Block by Yoga Hustle. Clothing by Iron Lily. Bracelet by Love Pray Jewelry

Yoga blocks can be an essential prop for making practice both comfortable and challenging.
Here are 7 reasons to use yoga blocks and some suggestions for blocks you can buy.

Accessibility

Yoga blocks serve to ‘lift the floor’ to the student; poses assisted with this prop are more accessible for everyone from beginner to experienced yogis.

Maintaining Integrity

Often, when we are intent on touching the floor in poses like pyramid, we end up sacrificing safety and alignment to get there, which means we lose the integrity of the posture. Placing a block to lift the floor changes this dynamic so we can maintain our internal and external focus.

Creating Space

Using a block reduces unhealthy compression and helps us generate the space we need to move in a pose such as twisted triangle. Using more than one block can also reduce the collapse in poses like seated forward folds.

Traction

In a pose such as supported bridge with a block, the prop provides gentle traction for areas of the body that can feel collapsed or congested. Exploring placement of the block or blocks allows us the freedom to find the sweet spot.

Providing Support

Restorative or restorative-inspired practices give us opportunity to use props to literally support the body, so we feel nurtured by the pose as we surrender into the release.

Sensory Feedback

Since a block can be used at different heights, it allows us to receive sensory feedback. This is especially important when we work with different versions of a pose, as we progress or deepen into a pose, or when we practice with a changing or healing body. The sensory message helps us to connect to our body in the moment, and even helps us learn to make appropriate adjustments.

In Conclusion: Blocks are for Everyone

No matter what our range of motion, flexibilities, or challenges, a block can make a pose more accessible, powerful and enjoyable, as well as provide opportunities to cultivate joint stabilization and muscle memory.

Photo Courtesy of Yoga Bloc

Yoga Block Recommendations

As a utilitarian prop, the ubiquitous yoga block has taken on a variety of new forms over the past few decades. It is useful for practices that range from active to restorative. Companies have produced options in a number of shapes and sizes made from a wide range of materials. These include wood, cork, and foam. They are thin or thick, with different widths, hollow or solid, and are increasingly made from recycled materials. Here is a selection of innovative and modern yoga blocks.

Yoga Outlet

Everyday Yoga Blocks 3” and 4” thick Foam Yoga Blocks in many colors. $11-12.
Currently on sale for $5.98-8.98.
For more information visit: Yogaoutlet.com

Jade Yoga

Jade Cork Blocks
The material for Jade Cork Yoga Blocks is made from sustainably harvested cork from Portugal. $14.95. Learn more at: Jadeyoga.com

OPTP

OPTP Performance Block
The dip in the center design of this foam brick offers multiple options for use in functional fitness, yoga, Pilates, and more. $35.95
OPTP Posture Brick
Three sizes of a foam brick have a slight contour around the edges for grip. $14.65-26.20

OPTP Performance Wedges
An ergonomic shape allows for use in a variety of poses. $32.95
Learn more at: Optp.com

Manduka

Cork Yoga Block $20
Recycled Foam Yoga Block in 5 different solid and three-color blends $16-18 (3 colors vs 1 color)

Manduka Unblock Recycled Foam Yoga Block
The rounded curve of one of the edges offers a surface area with an alternative grip. $24
Learn more at: manduka.com

Yoga Rat

Foam Yoga Blocks
These lightweight props are priced in 2-block sets for easy shopping. $25
Learn more at: Yogarat.com

Hugger Mugger Yoga Products

The variety of weights and materials meet the needs of different practices.
Eco Wood Block
The 3.5” thickness is made of Baltic Birch with a hollow core. $34.95
Eco Bamboo Block
Fast-growing bamboo provides the outer core for this hollow 4” block. $24.95
Cork Yoga Block $19.95
Recycled Foam Yoga Block $16.95
Foam Yoga Block in Sizes from 3-5” $11.95-21.95
Learn more at: Huggermugger.com

Half Moon

Chip Foam Yoga Block
The dense foam blocks are fabricated from offcuts and chips. Their ability to stack and arrange in different configurations makes them versatile. $16

Chip Foam Block Cover
Choose a cover specifically made to fit and extend the life of the foam block. $22
Foam and Block Together $34

Foam Yoga Blocks 3” and 4” thicknesses available in a variety of colors. $10.50-18
Learn more at: shophalfmoon.com

Photo by David Young-Wolff. Yoga Block by Yoga Hustle. Clothing by Iron Lily

Yoga Hustle

Printed Foam Yoga Blocks
The special feature of these high density blocks is their playful prints and patterns. $24
Learn more at: Yogahustle.com

Infinity Strap BRIK

Cork BRIK: The multiple surfaces and edges of this uniquely shaped block offer many height and grip options. $29
Learn more at: Infinitystrap.com

Three Minute Egg

Designed to conform to the shape of the body, the Three Minute Egg is not a block. Available in a range of colors, sizes, and foam densities for every body. Range of prices. Learn more at: Threeminuteegg.com

Cover Your Block!

BlocSoc

Keep Your Block Clean! BlocSoc offers a fully-washable, portable yoga block cover. $20
Learn more at: Blocsoc.com

Tiffany Caronia

Tiffany Caronia was initially lured to the mat by yoga’s physical benefits, but she soon discovered the profound impact the practice of yoga had on her overall well-being. Working as a publicist for over 10 years, Tiffany immediately noticed the practice’s invaluable effects- reduced anxiety, relief from depression, improved focus, more contentment and acceptance for what is. The practice of yoga quickly became a way of life for Tiffany and she was inspired to share its benefits with others.

Tiffany has studied extensively with Annie Carpenter, holding an advanced certification in Carpenter’s SmartFLOW Yoga methodology. She has also studied yoga therapy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to practice and study with teacher Alexandria Crow. Tiffany’s alignment and anatomically driven classes teach students to move slowly and mindfully. By instructing students how to move into the poses, she teaches them to move with intention and focus their attention so that they can make wise decisions based on the present moment. It’s this skill of concentration — cultivated on the yoga mat — that students can take into their daily lives so they can live with more clarity, awareness and maybe even a little more ease.

www.tiffanycaronia.com

The post Prop Up Your Practice: 7 Reasons to Use Yoga Blocks appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Start with Sun Protection

According to UC Davis Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Dermveda Founder Dr Raja Sivamani, “Good sun protection habits start before you head outside. It involves smart choices about what clothes you wear, how you expose yourself to sunlight, and selecting the right sunscreen.” In addition, Dr Sivamani emphasizes that you can boost the antioxidants in your skin through diet (such as beta-carotene or astaxanthin) as well as what you put on your skin.
 

Sunscreens

It can be intimidating to choose a sunscreen. The Environmental Working Group offers a Safer Sunscreen Guide that highlights ingredients to avoid such as parabens, oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, and SPFs above 50; ratings and recommended ingredients (such as zinc) are also listed.
 
When it comes to sun protection, Dr Sivamani’s advice is to “Choose sunscreens that have broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB with ingredients like zinc oxide and an SPF of at least 30.” Just applying once is not enough. Dr Sivamani suggests reapplying protection as often as every 15 minutes, especially if you are going in the water.
 

“Choose sunscreens that have broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB with ingredients like zinc oxide and an SPF of at least 30.” – Dr. Sivamani

 
Another resource that can help you make choices is Dermveda, the comprehensive skin health education library that integrates multiple medical approaches to skin care with Western and Eastern perspectives from a team of dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners.
 
While we may remember to apply sunscreen on our bodies, it’s important to protect the lips as well. A number of companies, such as Babo Botanicals and Suntegrity, make products designed for the sensitive skin of our lips.
 

Babo Botanicals

Babo Bontanics founder Kate Solomon integrates her belief in sustainable agriculture with skincare through Babo Botanicals’ product line.
 
Their non-nano, zinc oxide-containing UVA and UVB broad-spectrum sunscreens are hypo-allergenic and suitable for all ages. Some of the nourishing ingredients include green tea extract, rose hip and jojoba seed oils, and shea butter. Sun protection products include facial sunscreen, sport sticks, and conditioning lip tints and treatments. Prices vary.
 

Mad Hippie

“More of the good stuff + none of the bad,” is Mad Hippie’s motto. When it comes to sunscreen, their blends rely on zinc oxide for 30+ UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. The light scent and skin nourishing power comes from carrot seed, avocado, and red raspberry seed oils. Mad Hippie’s Facial SPF $24.99
 

Suntegrity

After losing her mom to melanoma skin cancer, Suntegrity founder Tricia Trimble was motivated to work with chemists to develop a sun care line that is both nontoxic and nurturing.
 
The non-nano-size zinc oxide UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreens come in formulations for face, body, and lips with ingredients such as jojoba oil and shea and cocoa butter. The moisturizing face sunscreen is available in four shades, while the Lip CPR comes in eight different fashionable shades that can take you from the beach to the bar. Products and prices vary.
 

Dressing Up

Sun Bella Apparel founder Denise Knickerbocker was looking for something fashionable that she could layer on to protect herself throughout the day, so she designed the stylish and lightweight resort wear line of ponchos, wraps, sarongs, and gloves that have UPF ratings ranging from 30 to 50. A portion of sales of this LA-based company are donated to Women for Women and Oceana Foundations.
 

Seaside Medical

Santa Monica-based dermatologist Nasimeh Yazdani was searching for a medical grade repairing topical lotion to send home with patients after their treatments. She developed Seaside Medical’s Post-traumatic Response Gel—her own formulation free of alcohols, fragrances, or synthetic material.
 
Created in collaboration with a yoga instructor, the multi-use gel is full of functional ingredients like pain-relieving arnica, anti-inflammatory aloe vera and lavender, anti-oxidant astaxanthin, and witch hazel, rosemary, and gotu kola. Dr. Yazdani references the 75 active constituents in aloe vera and the fact that astaxanthin has 1,000 times the free radical pick up potency of Vitamin C as factors in the efficacy of the easily absorbed MatrX-B rich gel. It is also compatible with the natural biome of our skin.
 
While its original intent was to use post-treatment, Dr. Yazdani and her patients have found it to be an essential item in a skin-care repair kit since it is helpful to reduce inflammation after sun exposure and healing for the cuts and scrapes that can arise from a day at the beach. Seaside Medical
Post-Traumatic Response Gel $25
 

True Natural

If you want the glow without the exposure, True Natural Self Tan’s formulations are full of organically grown ingredients that nourish the skin such as aloe vera, pomegranate, green tea, macadamia seed oil, and lavender.
 
The vegetable-based active ingredients (DHA and erythrulose) interact with amino acids in the skin to tan without the sun. Exfoliate thoroughly before using and remember that self-tanning lotions do not contain SPF factors, so prepare accordingly. True Natural Self Tan $43
 

Tiffany Caronia

Tiffany Caronia was initially lured to the mat by yoga’s physical benefits, but she soon discovered the profound impact the practice of yoga had on her overall well-being. Working as a publicist for over 10 years, Tiffany immediately noticed the practice’s invaluable effects- reduced anxiety, relief from depression, improved focus, more contentment and acceptance for what is. The practice of yoga quickly became a way of life for Tiffany and she was inspired to share its benefits with others.

Tiffany has studied extensively with Annie Carpenter, holding an advanced certification in Carpenter’s SmartFLOW Yoga methodology. She has also studied yoga therapy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to practice and study with teacher Alexandria Crow. Tiffany’s alignment and anatomically driven classes teach students to move slowly and mindfully. By instructing students how to move into the poses, she teaches them to move with intention and focus their attention so that they can make wise decisions based on the present moment. It’s this skill of concentration — cultivated on the yoga mat — that students can take into their daily lives so they can live with more clarity, awareness and maybe even a little more ease.

www.tiffanycaronia.com

The post Sun Protection: Skin Savers for Sunny Days appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Kombucha on Tap (GT’s) photographed by Jeff Skeirik (Rawtographer) at Set and Flow Yoga in Hollywood, CA.

Refrigerator cases in retail locations from Whole Foods to convenience stores are becoming increasingly filled with glass bottles of this probiotic brew. One of the first brands to make a splash on the scene was Los Angeles-based GT’s; now a number of other brewers are crafting recipes that blend different flavors with the fermented SCOBY tea base. From fruits to greens and everything in between, kombucha has become a drink category all its own with variety, innovation, craft, and artisanal fusions, with new fizzy flavors and blends being added regularly.

Check the alcohol content — the legal limit is 0.5% maximum, but some varieties have more of a kick and a 21+ drinking age. Taste test to find your faves; some current taste trends include the use of beets, cinnamon, lavender, or turmeric. The shape as well as the color of glass used for the bottles vary (many companies favor amber hues to ideally increase the live drinks shelf power). We’ve noticed that the people and companies who love kombucha enough to brew it to share consistently care about the probiotic content, sugar levels, environmental impacts, flavor palates, and quality of their kombucha product. This gives us a plethora of options to enjoy! While we can’t keep up with all the kombucha purveyors across the country, the following is a selection.

After compiling and writing a feature article on the many benefits of drinking kombucha we’re inviting you–our reader– to vote on your favorite brands and flavors of kombucha. You can read All About Kombucha Here and enjoy other related articles in the section following this post.

Check out our list below and please add any kombucha brands we missed to help everyone stay informed.

[listly id=”1MRf” layout=”full” per_page=”25″ show_author=”false”]

Tiffany Caronia

Tiffany Caronia was initially lured to the mat by yoga’s physical benefits, but she soon discovered the profound impact the practice of yoga had on her overall well-being. Working as a publicist for over 10 years, Tiffany immediately noticed the practice’s invaluable effects- reduced anxiety, relief from depression, improved focus, more contentment and acceptance for what is. The practice of yoga quickly became a way of life for Tiffany and she was inspired to share its benefits with others.

Tiffany has studied extensively with Annie Carpenter, holding an advanced certification in Carpenter’s SmartFLOW Yoga methodology. She has also studied yoga therapy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to practice and study with teacher Alexandria Crow. Tiffany’s alignment and anatomically driven classes teach students to move slowly and mindfully. By instructing students how to move into the poses, she teaches them to move with intention and focus their attention so that they can make wise decisions based on the present moment. It’s this skill of concentration — cultivated on the yoga mat — that students can take into their daily lives so they can live with more clarity, awareness and maybe even a little more ease.

www.tiffanycaronia.com

The post Most Popular Kombucha Brands appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

By Tiffany Caronia

We keep hearing about the benefits of eating chia seeds and seeing these omega 3 oil-rich seeds being incorporated into delicious recipes. Now, Trissola Professional has created Chia Smoothing Oil to infuse the superfood benefits of these powerhouse seeds into bright and shiny hair. The lightweight oil is suitable for everyday use to provide a smooth finish that can turn around any bad hair day. In addition to being a great source of essential fatty acids, chia is full of vitamins and minerals that can strengthen hair and are the foundation of the product’s benefits. Chia Smoothing Oil 2 ounces. $23.95  trissola.com

Beauty on Ice: Cold & Thirsty

One of the latest trends in beauty may be a little surprising, since it involves standing nearly naked in a chamber with temperatures as low as -240 F. Cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan and then studied in Europe before coming to the US. Cold & Thirsty is LA’s second location (and first on the Westside) offering sessions in a whole body cryosauna.

In addition to sessions of two minutes (or up to three) in the inflammation-reducing cold therapy chamber, Cold & Thirsty also offers organic cold-pressed juices and nut milk shakes by Renew Juicery and Mylk served in inert glass bottles. The blends with anti-inflammatory superfoods and medicinal herbs such as turmeric, astragalus, chaga, maca, and more. They can be purchased singly or in cleanse packages. Don’t miss the the subtle flavors of the lavender nut milk.

Chill out for the sake of beauty at the unique wellness designation created by Renew Juicery and Mylk creator Brooke Rewa and her business partner and cyrotherapy enthusiast Katie Kaufman.   Cold &Thirsty, 12460 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. coldandthirsty.com  

 Travel Special: St Regis Monarch Beach

Dana Point’s St Regis Monarch Beach will be undergoing a renovation and reimagining, upgrading areas of this luxury location beginning in this month. While this means that select parts of the St Regis will temporarily be closed (such as the pools, spa, and some dining options), other amenities will be available. These include access to the private beach with Surf Butler services including surf and SUP lessons, the full golf course, and their restaurants. The dining options include the St Regis’ signature restaurant Stonehill Tavern, the Monarch Bay Club, breakfast and lunch at Club 19 overlooking the golf greens, and in-room dining.

Throughout the renovation, guests can enjoy a restorative five-star stay in a standard room at the remarkable rate of $195/night with resort and parking fees waived. Book now, as holiday rates will be higher. For more information, visit: stregismb.com/renovation  

https://www.hightail.com/download/bXBaZ281TlFFd2V4djlVag

Spa, Wellness, and Travel 

Tiffany Caronia

Tiffany Caronia was initially lured to the mat by yoga’s physical benefits, but she soon discovered the profound impact the practice of yoga had on her overall well-being. Working as a publicist for over 10 years, Tiffany immediately noticed the practice’s invaluable effects- reduced anxiety, relief from depression, improved focus, more contentment and acceptance for what is. The practice of yoga quickly became a way of life for Tiffany and she was inspired to share its benefits with others.

Tiffany has studied extensively with Annie Carpenter, holding an advanced certification in Carpenter’s SmartFLOW Yoga methodology. She has also studied yoga therapy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to practice and study with teacher Alexandria Crow. Tiffany’s alignment and anatomically driven classes teach students to move slowly and mindfully. By instructing students how to move into the poses, she teaches them to move with intention and focus their attention so that they can make wise decisions based on the present moment. It’s this skill of concentration — cultivated on the yoga mat — that students can take into their daily lives so they can live with more clarity, awareness and maybe even a little more ease.

www.tiffanycaronia.com

The post Spa, Wellness, and Travel appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Founded by yoga therapist May Che, re:YOGA focuses on individualized programs designed to meet the personal needs and goals of students through private lessons and semi-private classes. Che’s vision was to offer a safe, non-competitive space for wellness where students can work directly with experienced practitioners to reduce tension and increase overall health and wellness through both traditional and modern techniques.

In addition to yoga, re:YOGA offers therapeutic themed workshops (some complimentary) as well as a variety of individualized body work options including massage therapy, cranial sacral work, sound healing, Pranassage (a blend of yoga, assisted stretching, and massage) and Manual Lymph Draining (MLD) to help students advance in their healing process. Instructors at re:YOGA therapy not only hold advanced yoga certifications, but many are credentialed and certificated in complementary modalities such as yoga therapy, Barre, massage therapy, personal training, and Ayurveda.

The intimate studio is bright and airy, providing a welcoming environment where instructors can get to know their students and develop classes with each individual’s needs taken into consideration. re:YOGA therapy + wellness, located in the Palms neighborhood of West Los Angeles, offers something that most studios cannot — an unsurpassed level of personal attention.

re:YOGA therapy + wellness

10001 Venice Blvd, Ste 107, Los Angeles

424-835-1168

reyogatherapy.com

Written by Tiffany Caronia, a yoga instructor, freelance publicist and marketing consultant based in Venice, CA. Email her at: tcaronia@mac.com.

Tiffany Caronia

Tiffany Caronia was initially lured to the mat by yoga’s physical benefits, but she soon discovered the profound impact the practice of yoga had on her overall well-being. Working as a publicist for over 10 years, Tiffany immediately noticed the practice’s invaluable effects- reduced anxiety, relief from depression, improved focus, more contentment and acceptance for what is. The practice of yoga quickly became a way of life for Tiffany and she was inspired to share its benefits with others.

Tiffany has studied extensively with Annie Carpenter, holding an advanced certification in Carpenter’s SmartFLOW Yoga methodology. She has also studied yoga therapy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to practice and study with teacher Alexandria Crow. Tiffany’s alignment and anatomically driven classes teach students to move slowly and mindfully. By instructing students how to move into the poses, she teaches them to move with intention and focus their attention so that they can make wise decisions based on the present moment. It’s this skill of concentration — cultivated on the yoga mat — that students can take into their daily lives so they can live with more clarity, awareness and maybe even a little more ease.

www.tiffanycaronia.com

The post re:YOGA therapy + wellness yoga studio appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“Ancient wisdom, modern innovation” is the concept behind Elysia Life Care, a newly opened wellness center in Santa Monica. Elysia Life Care was conceptualized by Maria Villella, Joseph Clarke, and Carla Vidor – all three licensed acupuncturists and practitioners of Oriental Medicine – with the main focus on educating patients so that they can take small steps in their everyday lives to achieve a greater sense of well-being and prevent future disease. Through Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation paired with modern technologies and therapeutic nutrition, Elysia Life Care works with people to create individualized lifestyle programs for optimal health.

The eco-friendly 1,300-square-foot office features natural materials including eucalyptus floors, handmade live-edge pinewood shelving, and strategically placed gemstones to cleanse the space. Large windows provide ample natural light, and the soothing sound of running water from fountains fills the air adding to the comforting environment.  “We wanted to create a place that felt peaceful where people can relax and feel good from the time they walk in the door,” says Villella, who is also a well-respected Ashtanga yoga instructor in Santa Monica. Five treatment rooms are available to treat patients, plus a larger flexible space will be used for lectures, yoga, and various workshops.

Elysia Life Care seamlessly integrates Eastern and Western practices, providing their patients with a whole-body sustainable approach to living their healthiest life — body, mind, and spirit. 

1821 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 500, Santa Monica, CA

424-744-8366

elysialifecare.com

By Tiffany Caronia, a yoga instructor, freelance publicist and marketing consultant based in Venice, California. Email her at: tcaronia@mac.com

Tiffany Caronia

Tiffany Caronia was initially lured to the mat by yoga’s physical benefits, but she soon discovered the profound impact the practice of yoga had on her overall well-being. Working as a publicist for over 10 years, Tiffany immediately noticed the practice’s invaluable effects- reduced anxiety, relief from depression, improved focus, more contentment and acceptance for what is. The practice of yoga quickly became a way of life for Tiffany and she was inspired to share its benefits with others.

Tiffany has studied extensively with Annie Carpenter, holding an advanced certification in Carpenter’s SmartFLOW Yoga methodology. She has also studied yoga therapy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to practice and study with teacher Alexandria Crow. Tiffany’s alignment and anatomically driven classes teach students to move slowly and mindfully. By instructing students how to move into the poses, she teaches them to move with intention and focus their attention so that they can make wise decisions based on the present moment. It’s this skill of concentration — cultivated on the yoga mat — that students can take into their daily lives so they can live with more clarity, awareness and maybe even a little more ease.

www.tiffanycaronia.com

The post Elysia Life Care appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.