by Dennis Townsend, Contributing Writer

You see them in just about every store you go into, and they are becoming increasingly popular for people who's  get up and go has got up and went and they begin to feel tired and drawn out.  Now all they have to do is reach in a store's cooler and get an energy drink. After a can of this powerful elixir, the eyes widen and the heart begins to race, and the next thing you know, you can’t find enough things to keep you occupied.

But what’s in these cans of dynamite that recharges and gives the body an energy make-over? Well according to researchers, it’s a "high" dose of caffeine, and with such high doses, they are seeing an increasing number of emergency room visits from "caffeine junkies". The number of visits have doubled in the last 4 years, the same period of time in which these supercharged drinks have gained popularity in convenience stores, bars, and college campuses. From 2007 to 2012, the number of emergency room visits went from 10,000, to more than 20,000. That has forced the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services to declare energy drinks a health problem. Depending on the amount consumed, high doses of caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, headaches, rapid heartbeats, and seizures that are severe enough to require emergency care.

Emergency room physicians have seen an increase in patients suffering from irregular heartbeats, anxiety, and heart attacks. If you drink 3 16oz cans of an energy drink, that’s equivalent to drinking 15 cups of coffee. Now the makers of these drinks call them completely safe, and drinking them in moderation will not cause any ill effects, but of course they are all profit motivated. And the most recent drink that’s becoming more and more popular is "5 Hour Energy." That little bottle of "go fast" promises 5 hours of pure energy with no ill effects once the "jet fuel" wears off. But the catch here is that not every body has the same metabolism, and what’s okay for one person could be a problem for some one else.

So now the choice is yours but I will say this, if you have medical problems, or if your heart is questionable, I would ask your doctor about drinking energy drinks to be safe.

The definition of Anusara is to flow with grace, or "go with the flow." In Anusara yoga, often called heart-centered yoga, certain principles are followed. But participants are also encouraged to be creative and to go where their heart takes them.

Philosophy and Meaning of Anusara or Heart-Centered Yoga

Anusara yoga has a philosophy that is Tantric in nature, inspiring participants to go where their hearts lead them. It is not a form of exercise, but rather a series of yoga poses that are meant to lead to a deeper spiritual meaning and connection. It is a way of finding the good in everything, including yourself. Basically, you follow the principles to properly achieve the energy, enlightenment and state of awareness required. Then you let natural creativity take over and go with the natural flow of nature.

Universal Principles of Alignment

There are five main principles in Anusara yoga, which are called the universal principles of alignment. Anusara originator John Friend defines alignment as "mindful awareness of how various parts of ourselves are integrated and interconnected." There also are secondary principles involved.

For heart-centered yoga to be effective, each principle must be followed in succession with each pose, while still holding to the preceding principle. For instance, before starting any pose, "opening to grace" must be achieved. Then throughout the pose, each of the alignment principles must be adhered to without interrupting the others.

The Five Principles of Anusara (Heart-Centered) Yoga in Detail

Opening to Grace - Opening to grace is the act of going with the flow to align yourself with supreme consciousness. This is achieved by practicing the poses with an open heart and mind. During this first main principle, "inner body bright," a secondary principle, is achieved. Inner body bright is a feeling and energy that flows from within to the outer body. This energy should create a feeling of fullness and buoyancy in the outer body.

Muscular Energy - Muscular energy is that which is drawn into the focal point. This action causes the pose to be stronger, more stable and more effective. The focal point is a secondary principle in Anusara yoga involving the pelvis core, the heart and the palate. In Anusara yoga, the muscular energy is drawn through the focal point, while the organic energy is extended outward from it.

Inner Spiral - The inner spiral is the energy felt throughout the core, starting at the feet and running up into the waistline. It is the energy that enables inward rotations of the legs to allow for widening of the pelvis and thighs.

Outer Spiral - The outer spiral is basically the opposite of the inner spiral. The outer spiral allows outward rotations of the thighs. This spiral runs outward from the waistline and down and out through the feet. This is the spiral that draws the pelvis and thighs inward, rather than widening them.

Organic Energy - Organic energy is that which extends outward, starting at the focal point and extending throughout the core of the body. This allows for increased flexibility in poses during Anusara yoga.

Applying Principles of Anusara (Heart-Centered) Yoga to Life

Anusara yoga is more than an activity, it is a way of life. The Anusara yoga community consider themselves to be very organized. Yet at the same time, there is much room for individual creativity. Those who practice Anusara yoga often apply some of the things they learn to their lives, such as appreciation for the good in everything. Those interested in learning more about it can learn the principles and techniques from a certified Anusara teacher through seminars and classes offered at many yoga centers.

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