Yoga and You
This is a section on Yoga. I would recommend all Yoga lovers to view my site and find out some great tips and tricks to doing yoga, and finding out what is best to eat drink and take while doing so so that your body can take the stress and make you feel better.
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Facts About Essential Oils

March 10th, 2010


An essential oil is a liquid that is usually distilled most often by steam or water from the leaves, roots, flowers, bark, stems, or other elements of a certain flowers or plants. Contrary and dissimilar to the use of the word “oil” are not really oily-feeling or gooey at all. Most are clear and have visible qualities, but some such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.100% Copper Neti Pot for Nasal Cleansing

It contains a true essence of the plant or flower it was derived from. And are exceedingly concentrated and intense and a little even a small dab goes a long way.Ayurveda Pura Massage Oils – Exclusive Blends for the Ultimate Massage Experience

These are often and typically used by diluting with carrier oil such as sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed and then applying this blend and mixture directly to the skin for absorption.Ayurveda Pura – Unique and inspiring Ayurvedic herbal teas

Cautious inhalation can also provide and give therapeutic benefit and advantage as the molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Usually it is sold and market for individual use in very small bottles. This can be very high in quality and cost. Various factors that can affect and impinge on the quality and value of the oil include the rarity and uniqueness of the plant, country and conditions that the plant was grown, cultivated, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant and flower.Ayurveda Pura Massage Oils – Exclusive Blends for the Ultimate Massage Experience

It is frequently purchased in any stores as with different blends and mixtures. The advantage and benefit if it is a blend of pure essential oil is that you can save a lot of money from having to pay for it individually. The disadvantage and drawback is that you have no control over the blend and mixture nor can you reliably mix the blend and the ingredients with other oils.Ayurveda Pura Massage Oils – Exclusive Blends for the Ultimate Massage Experience
By Emma U. Davis

Holistic Ayurvedic Medicine

March 10th, 2010

Holistic ayurvedic medicine which originated in India and dates back over 5000 years, and is one of the oldest scientifically based systems of medicine known, it is based upon observation, diagnosis, treatment and further observation and has been refined over the centuries.

Unlike many forms of ancient medicinal practices which have long since been forgotten, Holistic Ayurvedic Medicine is going strong and is now gaining a well deserved following in the West, one of the reasons that Ayurveda has survived is that it has always been at the cutting edge of the actual science of medicine and has balanced what has been learned in the past with what is scientifically known today.

It is a complex system that takes into account a whole body approach to illness and disease and unlike modern medicine which treats only the symptoms in many cases Natural Ayurveda medicine treats the symptoms in conjunction with the cause of the illness hence it is very often referred to as a natural remedy, Oxford English “a means of putting a matter right”

There are a large number of natural ayurvedic remedies available that have been proven to help treat just about every single medical illness or ailment known, there are literally many thousands of herbs many poisonous however, and of these many hundred are commonly used in ayurvedic medicines.

Avuryeda medicines are just that medicines and should not be confused with supplements which are with certain exceptions harmless, Ayurveda Medicines are not they are mainly based on herbs or herbal extracts as in fact are over 25% of modern medicines and can lead to complications if taken in conjunction with other herbal or conventional medicines, and so it is important that the practitioner is actually qualified in Holistic Ayurvedic Medicine.

Recently science has discovered that there are phytochemicals in plants and herbs that play a major role in ones health, these phytochemicals are only extracted if the whole plant is used in the manufacture of the herbal remedy or the given supplement, so if you are using supplements or a herbal preparation as opposed to natural fresh herbs, check to see that it is whole plant supplement or remedy

My name is Mia, I am a registered nurse in the UK and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, I own and run an Ayurvedic resort in Morocco, we have helped many people overcome Obesity, Drug Addiction, and many Ailments that conventional medicine cannot cure, it simply treats the pain or the symptoms and rarely the root cause of the disease, ayurveda looks into the cause of the disease and treats that.
By Mia Ryhmes

Overview of the Sivananda Style of Yoga

March 10th, 2010

As we have discovered in previous articles, there are indeed several styles of Yoga, all of which are pretty effective in their use, based on one’s fitness levels, needs and desires.

Still it is noteworthy of mention that I singled out the Sivananda Style of Yoga made popular by Swami Vishnu-Devananda and named after his teacher.

Taking that into consideration, here is brief overview of this particular style.

Sivananda Yoga consists of the ancient methods of yoga for cleansing the body, physical exercises such as the Sun Salutations (aka Surya Namaskara in Sanskrit) “hailed as the best exercise for the human body! Shoulder Stand, Bridge Pose, Fish Pose, Plough Pose, Forward Bend, Incline Plane Pose, Bow Pose, Wheel Pose, Spinal Twist, Peacock and Crow Poses, Standing Forward Bend, Triangle and Corpse Poses.

When executed in their specific order with the detail that is attached to this art of Physical Culture, they all combine to bestow the average practitioner of these systematic and scientifically proven poses (aka asanas in Sanskrit) an improved level of strength, flexibility and confidence.

It should also be noted that this particular form of Yoga has incorporated the ancient abdominal exercises e.g. Agni Sara (Cleansing Fire Breath) which, along with doing what their names suggest, banish constipation and other intestinal disorders when practiced regularly and of course with my prescribed diet.

Furthermore, included are instructions on how to breathe properly with the prescribed breathing exercises given in up to date texts so the average reader or health seeker can start to enjoy some of their benefits without necessarily needing an expert guru subject to certain limitations.

So if executing the Sivananda Yoga Style is what you are interested in, as has been depicted in this article, when executed in its proper order and provided instructions, you can put your mind at ease that this method of Yoga does indeed stand on its own with bestowing you not only with improved health, but increased vigor and vitality.
By Foras Aje

Tips For Holistic Skin Care

March 4th, 2010


You need to persistently make use of holistic skincare methods. The greater number of the great skincare lotions you make a purchase of published state that they cure one’s body difficulties in a holistic way. What you do might not be acquainted with the fact is that majority of all these lotions are actually chemical stuffed. In addition, chemicals don’t heal your chosen troubles holistically however in a method they will simply offer you momentary relief.Ayurveda Pura Massage Oils – Exclusive Blends for the Ultimate Massage Experience

Holistic skin care engages treatments in a way that treats the query right from the stem in addition to not only curing the signs of such problems. This can be achieved at most excellent moment once you start to use naturally produced skin care products. Natural skincare lotions are full of a variety of working constituents considered to be derived from category above all as per plants. This kind of solutions can certainly heal one’s skincare crisis’ with caring and would rid them wholly from your body.

One must bear in mind the great piece of knowledge that these variety of natural holistic skin care lines are required because they will most excellently improve one’s difficulties like various poisons held within environment, unflagging experiences to the sun or other stress that might be achieved from prolonged work related stress.

Holistic skin care processes involve naturally occurring processes to heal one’s troubles and contain various elements such as Phytessence Wakame, Cynergy TK, as well as Coenzyme Q10. All these constituents aim at inducing one’s skin cells with the collagen within one’s skin and body. The exhaustion of this collagen is basically what supplies the skin the great aged look and results in the appearance regarding crease lines.

Things being utilized within benevolent holistic skin care creams.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

One of the exact culprits in causing our skin and body to grow older are free of charge radicals. Free of charge radicals are resulting from oxidation. Ordinarily, a small quantity regarding free of charge radicals is ok; conversely, they might trigger a destruction of our skin and body cells.

Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an influential antioxidant which is absorbed deep into the wondrous coverings of the skin of the body and can help in destroying the great limitless radicals. This matter is found in any types of holistic skin care products available in the markets.

Of late, an alternative cause of aging skin is the great deficit relating to the naturally produced collagen as well as elastin in the body actually considered to be one or two of the great body important proteins required for Healthy skin and body.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

Cynergy TK: This is a major breakthrough within holistic skin care manufacturing industry. It’s containing functional keratin, which is a protein that is really akin to our own skin and body proteins. It aids to facilitate the re-work of collagen as well as elastin in the body.

A holistic skin care item for consumption utilization that is filled with both coenzyme Q10 and Cynergy TK offers noticeable facilitates in diminishing the great visible effects of aging.Ayurveda Pura – Luxurious, natural Ayurvedic cosmetics
By Judith Summers

Increase Libido – A Natural Holistic Way To Do It

March 4th, 2010

Here we will look at some natural cures that can not only increase your libido but also help you overcome impotence as well.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

When looking at sexual problems it is important to note that if a person is healthy, problems can either be mental or physical. Here we will look at several natural cures that can help in both areas.

How an erection Occurs

One of the primary factors required to trigger an erection is nitric oxide.

When we think about sex, nitric oxide is released, which enables the blood vessels in the penis to dilate and fill with blood, thus causing an erection.

Natural impotence treatments contain substances that are sources of nitrogen molecules which aid in the production of nitric oxide and help the blood circulation, while others can do much to reduce stress which is a major cause of lack of desire.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

Here are a slection of herbs, vitamins, amino acids and minerals that are all known to affect libido and sex drive.

L-Arginine

Known as “natures Viagra” It not only bolsters the immune system and increases growth hormones it also increases the amount of nitric oxide in the body which we have just see is critical for an erection to take place.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

A study published in 1994 showed an 80% improvement in the erectile function of men given 2.8 grams of argentine a day for a period of two weeks.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is recommended for circulation problems, low energy levels. Ginkgo’s role in helping circulation can also help improve impotence.

Research has shown the chemicals in the leaves, known as flavonoids, relax blood vessels while improving sluggish circulation caused by paralyzed or flaccid blood vessels.

A recent study showed that Ginkgo helped sexual function 70% of men tested.

Ginkgo biloba to be 84 per cent effective in treating impotence caused by depression, by helping to raise both sex drive and the quality of erections

Ginseng

Known as the ‘male remedy’ in China, there is evidence to suggest that ginseng can improve vitality and sexual desire.

The chief organs in the body responsible for dealing with stress are the adrenal glands.

These glands secrete a variety of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which have important roles to play in the body’s response to stress.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

Ginseng is believed to improve the body’s capacity for mental and physical exertion by reducing cortisol and adrenaline, which cause stress. Research in Korea showed that 60% of patients taking ginseng benefited from its therapeutic properties during intercourse.

L Tyrosine

Supports and assists neurotransmitters in the brain. Reduced levels of L-Tyrosine are present when the body is stressed and tired.

L-Tyrosine helps reduce stress, improves mental alertness, and enhances mood, which in many instances results in increased male libido.

Selenium

Selenium – believed to be good for sperm production and mobility – nearly 50% of the selenium in a man is in the testes and seminal ducts; men lose selenium in their semen.

Getting enough selenium is therefore helps men obtain peak sexual performance.Ayurveda Pura Food Supplements – Natural Herbs for a Healthy Life

Other supplements that can be considered in addition to the above are listed below. Most people will not lack these if they have a healthy diet however, if you do lack any of the list libido and sex drive will suffer.

Zinc

Zinc is required for the production of testosterone, and the zinc content of the prostate gland and sperm, is higher than in any other body tissues.

Zinc not only helps produce testosterone, but also helps to maintain semen volume and adequate levels of testosterone, therefore increasing sex drive.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for the production of sex hormones such as androgen, estrogen and neurotransmitters that modulate the sex drive – such as dopamine and nor epinephrine

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 Is responsible for the formation of neurotransmitters that affect mood and enhance sexual stimulation. Vitamin B6 is believed to benefit impotence enhancing the levels of testosterone in the body and also improving the stimulus required to get the erection process started.

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Vitamin B3 increases blood circulation and is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones.

Vitamin E

Is referred to as the sex vitamin, is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free-radical damage.

Cinnamon – A Natural Holistic Source of Health

March 4th, 2010

When you think of cinnamon don’t you think of spiced cider, a topping for hot chocolate, and a great baking ingredient? Cinnamon is all of those things, but it’s also an incredible substance that is a natural holistic source of health benefits. The kudos for cinnamon are many.

Did you know that cinnamon actually kills food-borne microbes like E-Coli? According to Phytotherapy Research (November 13, 1999) in laboratory tests, cinnamon proved to be a potent neutralizer of microbes, particularly of common food-borne microbes such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). How can you use it as a “Mr. Clean” for your food? Since cinnamon is a natural holistic spice, all you have to do is add it to your food. With whole foods you don’t have the same worries about dosage as you do with synthetic or inorganic products. Sprinkle cinnamon into your salads, mix it into ground beef or add it to vegetable curries to get all the benefits of cinnamon.

But research shows that cinnamon does even more. According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon defends against cancer by reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. One study even found that sniffing cinnamon can boost cognitive and memory functions. The benefits of cinnamon are pretty amazing, especially because most people consider it an “extra spice” to add to drinks and food.

I add a dash to cinnamon to my coffee every morning because some studies show that cinnamon can regulate blood sugar. I have noticed a definite improvement in my blood sugar levels (verified by my doctor and lab tests) just by adding cinnamon, a natural holistic whole food, to my coffee. Sometimes nature provides the best medicine for our ills in the form of whole foods.
By Alan Joel

Yoga – Doing Yoga and Being In Yoga

March 4th, 2010

What is the difference between doing yoga and being in yoga?

“Have you done yoga?” or “Do you do yoga? is not an uncommon question in this contemporary society that we are living in. The statistics say that 20% of the population in the USA have at least once practiced one form of yoga or meditation. An even more interesting fact is that 10% of the entire US population consistently practice one form of yoga or meditation.

It is funny to note how no one ever asks anyone else, ‘Are you in yoga’? Doing yoga and being in yoga are two very different things.

To understand the difference between these two, we need to understand the actual word ‘yoga’ a little deeper.

If you ask anyone on the street the question, ‘What is yoga?’ majority of people will give answers like,

- ‘It means doing stretching exercises’

- ‘It is for getting your body flexible’

- ‘It is a good workout’

- ‘You can get a nice body from doing it’

- ‘It means doing a lot of complicated postures’

- ‘It means twisting your body up like a pretzel’

None of the above answers are completely wrong, they simply lean more toward the more superficial understanding of what yoga is.

Rarely, you may get one or two people who give answers like, ‘Yoga means union’ or ‘It means connecting your body, mind and spirit’.

The latter two answers are substantially closer to the true meaning.

Finally, if you ask Patanjali (who is a great sage that lived over 5000 years ago and is considered the ‘Father of Yoga) he would most likely tell you, ‘Go and open my book The Yoga Sutra which is the greatest authority on yoga and read the second sutra’. In the second sutra, Patanjali gives the definition as ‘yogah chitta vritti nirodaha’. Paramahamsa Nithyananda translates this sutra as, ‘Withdrawal from mental thought patterns is yoga’.

This is actually the true definition as given by Patanjali; it is actually a State of being. You can do yoga postures but you cannot do yoga; you can only be in yoga. Yoga is not just body postures, it is not exercise.

Yoga is the deep restful awareness, the beautiful uniting between your body, mind and being, the state you can experience when the thought patterns, the inner chatter, the very mind itself comes down.
By Ma Gnaneshwari Mayi

Deep Stretching in Stillness – Yin Yoga

March 4th, 2010

There are many different forms and stylisations of yoga available for study in the eternal pursuit of physical and mental health and fitness – Hatha, Ashtanga, Sivananda to name but a few.

However, probably one of the most unusual is Yin Yoga.

This beautiful yogic practice combines traditional Hatha postures, Taoist philosophy and meridian theory.

The practice complements the more yang styles of exercise e.g. power yoga, Ashtanga yoga, running, swimming, etc., or a fast-paced stressful lifestyle and would, therefore, be a perfect addition to any classes in which you already participate.

The three main principles of Yin Yoga are:

(1) come to the appropriate depth of the pose, the place where the body naturally stops, where you begin to feel sensation and unfolding in the body, free from any muscular tension and pain, where your breath remains natural soft and gentle;

(2) find stillness in the body, surrendering into the shape and allowing your muscles around the targeted area to become passive;

(3) hold the posture for a long period of time. Each pose is maintained on the floor for about five minutes.

Yin Yoga focuses on strengthening and lengthening the connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, and fascia), reaching down and stimulating the flow of chi through the energy conduits of the body.

Connective tissue responds best to long passive holds, rather than rhythmic movement, which is better suited to the muscles. As a result, the practice is sometimes called yoga for the joints.

Yin Yoga brings yoga back to its internal meditative roots and has profound physical, emotional and energetic benefits:

Physically, this practice helps to maintain the agility and mobility of the joints below the navel and above the knee, finding more comfort in the body in stillness and more grace in movement.

Energetically, this type of yoga is essentially needle-less acupuncture, enabling your energy system to find its own natural equilibrium, balance and harmony.

Emotionally, creating a space to breathe, to remain still and simply observe in a non-attached way the array of emotions that ebb and flow, cultivating acceptance of what is, breeding an emotional resilience and maturity.

Psychologically, this practice can help develop the capacity to concentrate, to focus our attention, to cultivate awareness of what is arising within.

If you’re looking to expand your yoga repertoire, accessing the body’s inherent wisdom in a way not normally reached in other forms of yoga, the beautiful and unique practice of Yin Yoga is an ideal direction to consider.
ByBy Keira Benson

Natural Tactics to Overcome Depression Without Medication

March 1st, 2010


There are natural ways to overcome depression without medication that involve a holistic mind and body approach using several different strategies to address the symptoms. The best course of action for your particular situation will depend on the nature of your symptoms. Low level depression can often be self managed effectively, while more severe depression may benefit from professional help.

To heal depression naturally it’s important to remember that mood disorders have both a physical and psychological basis. Each case is highly individual, and it may not be obvious if one aspect plays a stronger role than the other. A thorough physical checkup may be helpful to provide some feedback in establishing a personalized course of action.

A general list of some areas to look at include:

* unresolved emotional issues
* stress reduction
* diet and digestive health

Because trauma is a natural part of being human, unresolved emotional issues are often involved in depression. It’s common that skills for dealing with and resolving traumatic events are not fully developed while growing up, so sometimes we are unconsciously still carrying around the energy of unresolved emotions from earlier in life.

This situation affects all of us to varying degrees. Some researchers believe unresolved emotional issues are the root cause of most illness and disease. If you suspect that you may have unresolved trauma involving child and/or sexual abuse, the safest route would be some form of professional therapy. For less severe issues there are many self help options available to learn more effective management of emotions.

Stress management skills are an absolute necessity in today’s fast paced and quickly changing world, and even more so if you’re consistently experiencing some level of depression or anxiety.

Biofeedback, meditation and focused relaxation training can help you release stress before it builds up to harmful levels. Regular exercise is an easy and effective way to reduce your stress levels, and is especially helpful if your daily life tends to be sedentary.

Current research is revealing the important role diet and digestion play in the emotions we experience. The stomach and intestines have a very sensitive nervous system network called the enteric nervous system. Stress negatively affects this system which can result in indigestion, acid reflux or ulcers. Paying some attention to diet can be a good way to help heal depression naturally.

Highly processed foods can cause an allergic irritation in the digestive system because of the high levels of artificial additives it contains. Some improvement in depression symptoms may be noticed from simply switching from processed food to organic, natural food. Also finding and eliminating food allergens from the diet is important.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Depression and Anxiety

Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies are another approach that can help ease depression. Passionflower and St. John’s wort are two of the most popular herbs used for these issues, and can be very helpful if your symptoms include insomnia.

Some other supplements for depression include:

* A high quality multi-vitamin supplement
* Omega three fatty acids i.e. fish, flax or borage oil
* Amino acids
* 5-HTP
* SAMe

A natural, holistic way to overcome depression without medication involves a strategy that considers unresolved emotional issues, stress reduction and diet adjustments. For an assessment of your condition as well as guidance on a personalized course of action, a naturopathic doctor or other natural health care provider can help.
By Max Wardlow

Trying to Get Pregnant? There Might Be Natural Solutions to Costly Procedures

March 1st, 2010

There are countless women who struggle each year to get pregnant. The popular solution seems to be fertility clinics, but using these do not always result in pregnancy. In addition the costs can run up into the thousands of dollars and are therefore out of the reach of many.

Perhaps turning to natural, holistic treatments can offer solutions.

Some roadblocks for those who struggle to get pregnant may require surgical intervention, such as for endometriosis, fibroids, or poly cystic ovarian syndrome. But some treatments could be natural and inexpensive. These natural alternatives can include methods for increasing a women’s cervical mucus, acupuncture, certain vitamin therapies, & or just changing the diet.

Cervical mucus is an important part of conception, helping the sperm once inside the cervix to travel up the fallopian tubes to meet with the egg, therefore causing fertilization. Certain vitamins can be helpful in increasing the cervical mucus.

Other causes of the inability to get pregnant may be hormone imbalances, extreme diets, & too much exercise. Also it is believed that high levels of anxiety or stress may interfere with ovulation. Generally it is recommended to avoid fad diets, manage stress and eat a healthy diet. Choose whole foods, grains, beans, and fiber rich carbs to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid the “bad carbs”, like cookies, cakes, candies, white breads. Diet & lifestyle changes provide a significant improvement in becoming pregnant. Regular intake of foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, chocolate, cocoa, green tea (containing caffeine), black tea and colored soft drinks has negative effects on getting pregnant. According to a recent study, one and a half cups of coffee for a woman who is trying for pregnancy is sure to delay her conception. Therefore coffee should be avoided for those suffering from infertility.

Diets that include fish contaminated with PCB or Polychlorinated Biphenyls are also believed to be a cause for substantial reduction in the ability to become pregnant. According to one study, women who had more than one meal containing fish contaminated with PCBs developed reduced fertility within a month.

The best result for the treatment of infertility has been reported through the use of Chinese medicines, acupuncture and a holistic approach. The holistic approach reaches to the depth of the problem and only then delivers physical, spiritual and therefore emotional treatment, rather than only looking at modern medical treatments.

Acupuncture may also be a viable natural solution for those struggling to get pregnant. Acupuncture is a technique similar to acupressure except that fine needles are inserted at specific points along the meridians just under the skin to stimulate, disperse & balance the flow or energy relieving pain, & to treat a variety of chronic, acute, or degenerative conditions.

At times the conventional approach to the problem of infertility fails to successfully detect and remove the real causes for infertility. The holistic approach suggests a natural remedy and a way of life that can solve the problem as soon as the real cause is determined.

As more women seek drug free treatment for the conditions of pregnancy, this ancient Chinese healing art has much to offer. Acupuncture can be used in combination with other Western medicine treatments for infertility when trying to get pregnant. It greatly influences the autonomic nervous system & needling specific points can optimize the endometrial receptivity in those that opt for this treatment.
By Deb Olson