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      Align Within
      Wellness

      Align Within Wellness Logo

      Nikki Estes CAP, E-RYT, YACEP

      262-378-0716

      yoganikki@gmail.com

      Santosha Yoga & Ayurveda Logo

      © 2017 Align WIthin Welless. Designed by Albrecht Design, Madison WI.

      My Blog

      Chakras

      An Introduction to Our Seven Energy Centers: The Chakras

      March 23, 2016

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      Nikki Estes

       

       

      In Eastern religion, Western Indian medicine and spiritual science the chakras are known as the “wheels of life”.  They are spinning vortexes of electro-magnetic energy that connect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  In the body we have thousands...

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      Yoga

      Seated Spinal Twist Marichyasana III

      March 1, 2016

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      Nikki Estes

      It is often said that spinal twists are the squeeze and soak asanas.  When we practice these poses we are wringing out all the physical toxins in the body by squeezing out the stale blood from the digestive organs and then soaking them with fresh revitalizing blood.  T...

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      Yoga

      Side Plank Vasisthsana

      February 2, 2016

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      Nikki Estes

      A challenging pose that creates stamina strength in the core and upper body is side plank. Vasisthasana is a challenge for the arms, the core, the legs and the wrists as well as helping to improve one’s balance. Frequently the novice yogi can struggle with the full pos...

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      Yoga

      High Lunge

      January 12, 2016

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      Nikki Estes

      A common pose in yoga is high lunge. There is no Sanskrit name for this asana. You will find that this is a pose that is regularly used in Sun Salutations. Lunges are used in traditional exercise for strength in the lower body. In yoga it is no exception. The pose also...

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      Yoga

      Extended Side Angle Pose Utthita Parsvakonasana

      December 22, 2015

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      Nikki Estes

      A standing pose that has strengthening as well as flexibility benefits is side angle pose. This asana strengthens and stretches the legs, knees and ankles. This pose also stretches the groin, spine, waist, chest, lungs and shoulders. Another added benefit is the stimul...

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      Yoga

      Fish Pose Matyasana

      December 1, 2015

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      Nikki Estes

       

      This asana (pose) is a back bend and strongly opens the chest and throat.  It is said to be “the destroyer of all disease” and is a perfect pose for the cold and flu season. Fish helps to open the lungs for better breathing, improving symptoms of asthma and bronchial...

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      Yoga

      Pigeon Pose Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana

      November 17, 2015

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      Nikki Estes

      One of my favorite hip openers is pigeon pose (Sanskrit/ Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana). This pose increases the external or outward rotation of the femur bone in the hip socket, stretching the hip abductor (the outside of the hip); and lengthening the psoas muscle, a hip f...

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      Yoga

      Camel Pose: Ustrasana Opening your heart to grace

      November 3, 2015

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      Nikki Estes

      Ustrasana is a deep back bend that takes patience and awareness. If done correctly, this pose will bring space to the entire front side of the body while strengthening the back and creating vitality and self-expression from with in. In all back bends one must be mindfu...

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      Yoga

      Boat Pose: Navasana

      October 20, 2015

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      Nikki Estes

      In the physical practice of yoga, the center of the asana’s strength comes from the core. The core is the center of balance, movement and personal power. A strong core helps to heal emotionally bound problems while giving us an innate sense of who we are.

       

      In our p...

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      Yoga

      Taking a mind-body approach to exercise

      October 13, 2015

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      Nikki Estes

      Have you thought about trying  yoga but figured you were too inflexible? Do you connect yoga with religion?  These are common misconceptions about the practice.

       

      There is a reason yoga has been around for 5,000 years and isn’t just the latest fad.  Yoga works to he...

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      Recent Posts

      An Introduction to Our Seven Energy Centers: The Chakras

      March 23, 2016

      Seated Spinal Twist Marichyasana III

      March 1, 2016

      Side Plank Vasisthsana

      February 2, 2016

      High Lunge

      January 12, 2016

      Extended Side Angle Pose Utthita Parsvakonasana

      December 22, 2015

      Fish Pose Matyasana

      December 1, 2015

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