Heso Yoga: A Japanese approach to holistic health, starting from the navel

　Heso Yoga is a form of yoga that draws on knowledge of Oriental medicine, practicing poses while concentrating on both the navel and the Tanden that sits beneath it. “Heso“ means “navel” in Japanese, so this literally translates as “navel yoga.”
　The navel is thought to be connected to the mind, and in the Japanese language, we have expressions that reference this connection. If you へそを曲げる (heso wo mageru, literally: bend the navel) then you become angry, and if you へそで茶を沸かす (heso de cha wo wakasu, literally: boil tea with the navel), then you’re laughing at something ridiculous.
　In Oriental medicine, we encourage our vital energy to circulate and bring balance to the mind and body. This vital energy or life force is known as “Qi”, and is responsible for moving blood around the body. When our Qi and blood can circulate freely, they nourish the body and strengthen our muscles and bones, while also easing the movement of our joints.
　The Tanden is where our Qi gathers, and through Heso Yoga, we stimulate and train this energy center to encourage the flow of Qi and blood. As this vital energy moves around our body, it promotes organ function, increases immunity, and improves our health.

The poses in this book are designed to help you tune into both the navel and Tanden. Although the poses are the same as those used in regular yoga, the approach to the final form is different for Heso Yoga. For example, the way the navel and Tanden are stimulated differs depending on where you bring both hands together in front of the body or whether your raise them from the side or the front. If you have practiced other kinds of yoga before, then you'll notice the difference. By focusing your mind on the navel and Tanden, Heso Yoga is an effective way of improving your health and toning the body.