When we take each word of this asana and look for the meaning it comes out to be a very simple word. “Adho Mukh” means facing downwards and “Svana” means a dog. This would mean facing downwards dog pose. This pose matches to a dog that stretches himself with its front and back legs. Therefore this name has been attached to this asana.
Many asanas have its importance and this asana can be termed as one of the most commonly done asanas. As we all know that every yoga asana has its benefits for specific or hidden problems we face. Most of the inverted poses which have been shown to us have good benefits which done regularly can boost your health tremendously.
The trick of doing any asana is to take it slow and steady. Every movement of this asana has to be done with proper precision. Inhaling and exhaling while doing this asana, is very important. These breathing exercises help in expanding the stomach muscles which helps in rejuvenating our muscles.
This asana can be similar to Surya Namaskar because it stretches the shoulders, hands, hamstring, calves and feet. Strengthening of all the muscles becomes an integral part of doing this asana. You can try variations with this exercise as it would be very useful for women who are having problems with their menstrual cycle. The menstrual pain gets diminished, making it very useful for all women.
It is one of the best asanas to do when you are tired and there is utter lack of joy in your life. This asana may help you get back that agility and vigor which has been missing out all your life. To achieve this goal, regular practice of this asana with proper balance and knowledge would help you to be a happy and calm person.
For beginners who would not be able to manage this asana in the first attempt can try their hand by using a rope, a wall or a pillow. This may seem to be easy for many but once you start doing this asana you may understand the complexities it carries along with it.
Having a partner along may prove to be very useful. It can help or guide you while doing this asana in a better manner. The presence of the partner can make things easier for you, in an attempt to achieve the right asana pose.
Adho Mukha Svanasana has many benefits showered upon us. It helps in energizing our body and could easily help you have a positive outlook on life. A state of complete calmness and balance can be achieved by doing this asana. The digestive system is stabilized while doing this asana.
The opinion on tattoo removal creams is as varied as tattoos themselves. With mixed results, fake and working products its difficult to decide what products you should invest your money in.
What the Experts Say
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in skin conditions, care and the hundreds of disorders that affect the skin. Upon completion of their degree then study for numerous year more to become an expert in skin care.
Dermatologists have been known to report a mixed opinion of tattoo removal creams throughout the years, this makes it hard for the public to achieve any degree of certainty about the consistency of tattoo removal creams. Support from industry professionals would give consumers the faith and trust needed in this pain-free method of removal. It reveals a lot about this type of product when this backing is lacking. You would expect the producers of these companies to actively seek out this support, it seems like common sense to me.
It is possible however to find numerous medical experts stating that there is no evidence that tattoo removal creams work at all and at best, all these creams manage to achieve is slight lightening or fading of the tattoo. What's more skin irritation and other reactions are possible.
Developments in the tattoo removal cream field have seen a ray of hope for those wanting to remove unwanted ink. A good number of the latest products are beginning to seek out this all-important medical backing. One or two of the latest products are only available from established clinics and medically qualified personnel, all helping to support their legitimacy. Just remember when you find a product on the web, make sure ay doctors providing medical support, exist and have recognized medical degrees.
Can I trust Testimonials?
Nearly every product available today has lists of customers all too eager to shout about how good the product is and how it changed their life. But are these testimonials credible? Annoyingly this is one snippet of all important information that we will never be able to find out. Customers will not leave contact numbers, email address or any sort of details that allow you to verify they exist. On the reverse, any negative comments left about these products, however rare they always seem to be maybe planted by competing companies. This is one area where you have to be very careful. Be sure to take a good look around and check for inconsistencies. It is often very easy to tell when a selection of testimonials has been quickly added to a site.
Are the photographs of Results Real?
Generally, no, it is vital you examine a number of things when looking how real these photographs are. More often than not they show photos showing results from three, six and nine month periods. These photos generally show a picture of a tattoo faded to a greater extent each time. Let me tell you to know the majority of these photos are not real; they are edited with computer software. The pictures for every month are conveniently identical, but the tattoo is faded. What are the chances that they could take the exact same photo of the tattoo each time?
In these photo's, before being willing to believe them, take a good look at the people's hair and other features. Make sure they have moved or grown or something to establish time has actually passed. Some sites provide very good quality fakes while others the real thing. I saw one a short while back with video footage, an excellent method to show how these creams really work. Try emailing merchants for this sort of information before purchasing. It could save you money.
Can I trust the scientific evidence?
Many sites provide scientific backing for their tattoo removal creams. Be very careful when reading this information. Be sure to check the quality of surveys and test done on these products and who by. Only trust these tests when they have been carried out by independent medical researchers. Ensure they are double-blind, this means neither the participants or anybody involved in the testing are in anyway affiliated with the company producing the product. I know of multiple products who provide this evidence. All of them very credible companies with professional websites. When selecting your tattoo removal cream make sure you look for these features.
These tests will always have published results so be sure to follow these up before opening yourself up to be taken for a fool.
Overall the majority of tattoo removal creams out there are horrible scams and will do nothing more than slightly fade your tattoo. Do not be put off, however. Working creams are out there, its just a case of digging through all the garbage first.
This is the future that we can safely anticipate, especially when there is a rapid depletion of other energy resources. Of course, the most important energy resource still remains the sun from where we can derive solar power and fulfil various energy and power requirements. Off late, many companies have started to build mono-crystalline and polycrystalline solar cells, which can be used in several sectors like aerospace, the aviation industry, residential power generation, traffic lights, automobiles etc. Solar energy apart from other renewable energies is being looked at as one of the key areas because it is a clean energy source.
Pumped Hydro
Pumped hydro has been in use since 1929, making it the oldest of the central station energy storage technologies. In fact, until 1970 it was the only commercially available storage option for generation applications.
Conventional pumped hydro facilities consist of two large reservoirs, one is located at the base level, and the other is situated at a different elevation. Water is pumped to the upper reservoir where it can be stored as potential energy. Upon demand, water is released back into the lower reservoir, passing through hydraulic turbines, which generate electrical power as high as 1,000 MW.
The barriers to increased use of this storage technology in the U.S. include high construction costs and long lead times as well as the geographic, geologic, and environmental constraints associated with reservoir design. Currently, efforts aimed at increasing the use of pumped hydro storage are focused on the development of underground facilities.
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
CAES plants use off-peak energy to compress and store air in an airtight underground storage cavern. Upon demand, stored air is released from the cavern, heated, and expanded through a combustion turbine to create electrical energy.
In 1991, the first U.S. CAES facility was built in McIntosh, Alabama, by the Alabama Electric Cooperative and EPRI, and has a capacity rating of 110 MW. Currently, manufacturers can create CAES machinery for facilities ranging from 5 to 350 MW. EPRI has estimated that more than 85% of the U.S. has geological characteristics that will accommodate an underground CAES reservoir.
Studies have concluded that CAES is competitive with combustion turbines and combined-cycle units, even without attributing some of the unique benefits of energy storage.
Batteries
In recent years, much of the focus in the development of electric energy storage technology has been centred on battery storage devices. There is currently a wide variety of batteries available commercially and many more in the design phase.
In a chemical battery, charging causes reactions in electrochemical compounds to store energy from a generator in a chemical form. Upon demand, reverse chemical reactions cause electricity to flow out of the battery and back to the grid.
The first commercially available battery was the flooded lead-acid battery, which was used for fixed, centralized applications. The valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery is the latest commercially available option. The VRLA battery is low-maintenance, spill- and leak-proof, and relatively compact.
Flywheels
Flywheels are currently being used for a number of non-utility related applications. Recently, however, researchers have begun to explore utility energy storage applications. A flywheel storage device consists of a flywheel that spins at a very high velocity and an integrated electrical apparatus that can operate either as a motor to turn the flywheel and store energy or as a generator to produce electrical power on demand using the energy stored in the flywheel.
Super-capacitors are also known as ultra-capacitors are in the earliest stages of development as an energy storage technology for electric utility applications. An electrochemical capacitor has components related to both a battery and a capacitor.
Consequently, the cell voltage is limited to a few volts. Specifically, the charge is stored by ions as in a battery. But, as in a conventional capacitor, no chemical reaction takes place in energy delivery. An electrochemical capacitor consists of two oppositely charged electrodes, a separator, electrolyte, and current collectors.
Presently, very small super-capacitors in the range of seven to ten watts are widely available commercially for consumer power quality applications and are commonly found in household electrical devices. Development of larger-scale capacitors has been focused on electric vehicles.
The future is something that we can’t predict but yes, as time passes, most of the current energy sources will reach a point from where we will not be able to use them. This is where alternative energy sources come into play and will be one of the major driving forces of the world energy requirements.
Unlimited Potential of the Human Mind (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Some modern teachers pollute the manifesting process with so many needless steps when all that matters is simply aligning yourself in the most simple yet powerful way. It’s a one, two, three processes and nature takes care of you. However, if you don’t know the value of the process you may overlook it.
Nature has a way of taking care of itself. The trees don’t struggle to grow, the birds don’t struggle to get a meal, and neither should you struggle to manifest what you want. Reality is a dream in which you are always creating your desires in every moment. This you do effortlessly whether you like it or you don’t.
Modern Teachings Will Tell You That You Need to Change Your Thinking.
While this is true to an extent its almost impossible to change your thinking from negative to positive. While you struggle to change your thinking in hopes of manifesting the things you want, you are actually working against the creative process.
The ancient manifesting teachings knew the science of the human mind and the nature of reality. They understood that the human mind and reality was difficult to conquer. You are never asked to work against yourself, doing so only causes frustration. These manifesting teachings gave you a formula and once that formula is applied results are seen. Simple! Nature takes care of you.
Manifesting is as simple as growing a tree when you know the precise tools without the unnecessary clutter of dos and don’ts.
Ancient manifesting teachings increase your magnetism to what you want to create.
Become a powerful money magnet without overworking yourself.
Increase your manifesting vision beyond your wildest imagination.
Attract what you want faster.
Attract faster than visualization and affirmations alone.
It’s all left to you how much you are willing to learn and immerse yourself in the core teachings without over cluttering yourself with feelings of being imperfect or doing things wrong. The moment you begin to admonish yourself for doing it wrong you have already done yourself a disservice and closed yourself off from the manifesting power.
If you don't want to go to a Reiki Master to get assistance with opening your chakras, there are some meditations (sometimes called Mudras) that you can try at home. They have special hand positions, and the power to send more energy to the ailing chakra.
The sounds are chanted three to four times as you do a meditation for eight to ten breaths. To open the Root chakra, the tips of your thumb and index finger should touch on both hands. Concentrate on the base of the spine. Chant the LAM sound. To open the Sacral chakra, place your hands in your lap on top of each other with the palms up. The left hand should be under the right. The tips of the thumbs should be touching. Concentrating on the sacral bone in the back, chant the VAM sound.
To open the Solar Plexus chakra, place your hands in front of your stomach, below the ribcage. The fingers should join at the top, and point away from you. Cross the thumbs and straighten the fingers. Concentrate on the Solar Plexus chakra and chant the RAM sound. To open the Heart chakra, you must sit cross-legged. The tips of your index finger and thumbs should be touching on both hands. Place your left hand on your left knee and the right hand in front of the lowest part of the sternum.
Concentrating on the heart chakra, chant the YAM sound. To open the Throat chakra, cross your fingers inside your hands, no thumbs. The thumbs should touch at the top slightly pulled up. Concentrate on the Throat chakra and chant the HAM sound. To open the Brow Chakra, place your hands on the lower part of the ribcage. The middle fingers should be straight with the tops touching, The thumbs point towards you with the tops touching. Concentrate on the Third Eye chakra and chant the OM sound.
To open the Crown chakra, place your hands near your stomach. The ring fingers should point upwards. Cross fingers with the left thumb under the right one. Concentrate on the Crown chakra while chanting the NG sound.
A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of internal organs through an abnormal opening in the wall of the cavity. A combination of increased pressure inside the body with weakness in the wall is responsible for this condition. In this condition, internal organs or parts of organs are protruded out forming a swelling which will increase the size with coughing and lifting the weight, and while passing stool and urine. In lying down position the swelling goes inside except in strangulated an irreducible hernia.
Causes:-
1, Weakness in the body wall:--
a) Congenital weakness.
b) Acquired weakness due to injuries, wasting of muscles, suppurative lesions in the wall and presence of weak natural openings, obesity, lack of exercise, repeated pregnancy.
c) Surgical operation with improper suturing or sepsis of operated site.
2) Increased pressure inside the body.
a) Chronic constipation.
b) A recurrent cough.
c) Weightlifting.
d) Stricture of the urethra.
Common sites for a hernia:--
A hernia can occur anywhere in the body. However, there are some common sites for a hernia. Due to the presence of hard bony covering chest wall is normally not affected. A hernia in the lower back is also rare due to spine and back muscles and tough ligaments and sheets. The common site for a hernia is an abdominal wall. Compared to other parts the abdominal wall is weak due to the presence of some natural orifices. There are some areas wherein the abdominal muscles are weaker and thin and all these factors make a chance for herniation. The common sites for a hernia are following.
Here the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal (passage in the lower abdominal wall just above the inguinal ligament.It is seen on either side). This type is common in males. Initially, the swelling comes only while straining and goes back while lying down. Later the large portion of the intestine may come out which may not go back easily.
b) A femoral hernia:
This type of a hernia is more in females. Here the abdominal contents pass through the femoral canal which is seen just below the junction between the thigh and lower abdominal wall(Inside the femoral triangle). The contents pass downwards and come out through a saphenous opening in the thigh and form a swelling under the skin.
This is common in children. The umbilicus is the weaker part of the abdomen. The contents of the abdomen may protrude as a bulb like swelling while crying and defecating.
d) An incisional hernia:
These hernias are seen in operated sites. Due to improper suturing or sepsis, the operated site becomes weak resulting in a hernia.
Here the hernia appears in the lumbar area on either side of the lumbar spine(in the lumbar triangle). This is also a rare type.
g) Obturator a hernia:
This is a rare type of hernia. Here the contents pass through obturator foramen in the pelvic bone.
Complications of a hernia:--
1) Strangulation:
If the hernial orifice is narrow the abdominal contents may not go back easily, and later the blood flow to the herniated tissues may be blocked due to constriction. This can cause the death of protruded intestine.
2) Intestinal obstruction:
This occurs when the whole portion of the intestine is protruded into the hernial sac. The narrow hernial orifice will block the passage of bowels.
3) Infection and peritonitis:
If there is strangulation with the death of a portion of intestine there will be spread of infection to the abdomen resulting in peritonitis.
Treatment of a hernia:--
Initial treatment: In the initial stages of a hernia the following steps may be useful
1) Use of hernia belt:
Special types of hernia belts are available for each type of a hernia. This will prevent the protrusion and will reduce pain.
2) Constipation, recurrent cough, urinary obstruction etc. should be treated.
3) Fat reduction will increase the strength of the abdominal wall.
4) Abdominal exercises to increase the muscle tone.
5) Take plenty of leafy vegetables, fruits and fibrous diet for easy bowel movements.
6) Try other systems like Homoeopathy, Herbal medicine and etc
If no relief by the above steps consults a general surgeon for surgical management.
Surgical treatment.
The following operations are done depending upon the type and nature of a hernia.
1) Herniotomy: In this operation, the contents of the hernial sac are pushed into the abdomen and neck of the sac is ligated with transfixion ligature and the sac is cut off.
2) Herniorrhaphy: Here along with herniotomy, the posterior wall is repaired.
3) Hernioplasty: This operation is done if herniotomy is not possible due to the wide neck of the sac. Here the repair is done with the help of non-absorbable materials like tantalum gauze, polypropylene mesh or stainless steel mesh.
Since 1958, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has trained more than 40,000 teachers in the practice of Transcendental Meditation or TM. These teachers have taught more than six million people worldwide this simple, natural procedure which allows its practitioners to gain deep rest and contact their inner reservoir of creativity, energy and intelligence. This information comes from the official Transcendental Meditation website at www.tm.org.
What happens during meditation
During the practice of TM, the mind and body experience a unique state of restful alertness. As the mind becomes more silent, the body becomes deeply relaxed. At the most settled state of awareness, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness, Transcendental Consciousness. Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that experiencing this state correlates with greater creativity, improved learning, higher IQ, better grades, higher moral reasoning, increased brain wave coherence and improved neurological functioning of the body.
Practicing TM helps develops increased energy, creativity and intelligence. This, in turn, helps awaken the unlimited potential of the meditator's mind and body. The result is that those who practice TM enjoy greater health, happiness and success in all aspects of life.
How to meditate
Anyone can learn how to meditate. No special lessons, books or equipment are required. People of all ages, cultures and educational backgrounds can practice TM.
TM is an easy and enjoyable experience that takes only 20 minutes twice a day. You can do it alone or with others in a group. Pick a time and place where you will not be disturbed. Then just sit comfortably with your eyes closed. No effort, no concentration, no special skills nor change of lifestyle are required. Thoughts will enter and leave your mind as you meditate. Attend to them or not as you choose.
People can benefit from TM even if they don't believe it will work. Try meditating regularly for 20 minutes twice a day and you will start to see results in the form of improvements in your life.
Back in the 1960s when TM first became popular in the United States, practitioners were known to chant "OM" or another single syllable sound while they meditated. This is no longer considered necessary, though it can be done if desired. Most people now meditate silently.
The benefits of TM
Practitioners of transcendental meditation start noticing positive changes in their lives within a few days or weeks after they start meditating. These benefits include clearer thinking, improved memory, enhanced creativity and sharper intellect. These changes can enable people to achieve more in their work by becoming more creative and effective without having to work harder. Other people have said they feel healthier, more rested and relaxed, and have increased immunity to disease, reduction of aging effects and greater energy and vitality after starting to meditate.
TM can even help in relationships with others. It can help you enjoy closer friendships, become calmer and more self-confident and feel less anxious and stressed out. By radiating this increased harmony and lack of stress to the outside world, TM may even contribute to world peace.
The Maharishi teaches that by practicing Transcendental Meditation regularly, you can choose what you want to be and begin to achieve that goal. Why not try practicing TM now and see how your life improves?
Usually, teachers will give the students sufficient time to practice all the basic moves first before quarrying in the more intense techniques. It will take a student at least 2-3 years of experience before letting him handle the tao (knife or short sword). If the student is really good and has already mastered all arts within a year, then he can be a candidate to learn the tao earlier than expected.
It will take a student at least 10 years of Tai Chi experience to handle the real thing. Point is, the teachers take their craft very seriously. That is why some hesitate to teach the sword unless they are sure that the person can handle the blade in its essence. It is seldom to encounter a master that teaches the sword because it is a very dangerous thing to learn especially if the person in not really equipped to learn it. Some will not teach it at all.
That was before. In this generation, there are a lot of teachers that allow the students to learn the way of the sword, instantly, after knowing the basic of Tai Chi. As a sort of progression first, they would teach the students the basic things like standing meditation. Push Hands will come next. There would also be some specific moves like the Tchoung style in its fast form. Practicing these conveys a solid foundation of the techniques and movements of the body.
Weapons will be introduced. They have varieties of teachings regarding swords like tao, chien, etc. After mastering the independent use of the swords, they would continue to practice but this time, in twos. Practitioners will arrange the sword patterns then comes the moment of sparring.
When chien is used in sparring, it is like practicing Push Hands with a weapon. Similar circular movements are the ones that are used to nick, thrust, slice and cut. Chopping movements can be found in tao but not in chien applications.
Concepts
Every type of martial art revolves around concepts. An art’s methods of training must always reflect the concepts and must see to it that every movement is in harmony with the entire faculty. In Tai Chi sword, there are specifications, that wouldn’t be a surprise. Sadly, the stiff and wooden way that is taught by some instructors doesn’t reflect the energy predicted in Tai Chi.
Tai Chi Chuan derives its concepts from several forms of performing the chien single-handedly. Yang style is the most common form. It is composed of 56 – 64 movements. The variations of the standard pattern will greatly depend on the school of thought and the emphasis of each one.
During the practice of the sword, a person must focus on the smoothness and calmness of the movement. The mind should be as calm as the quiet ocean to be able to reflect the innermost feeling of a person. The body must stay afloat like sailing into clear skies.
One of the reasons why people study the art of the sword is because the weapon brings the elements of the mind and the body in unity. To use the sword correctly, one must assume that is it a part of his body and not just a weapon of destruction.
He must realize that the sword is a matter of importance that when taken away is a bigger ordeal.
A simple definition of depression is that it's a low mood that can stay with a person for a period of time. The length of time can depend on the person and the severity of their depression. I am of course talking about regular depression, and not about manic depression, as this is a much more complex issue. It's also important to point out that depression is a medical condition that can affect people to varying degrees of seriousness, and for that reason, I would recommend that anyone who suspects they are suffering from depression should make an appointment to see their family practitioner.
There are various treatments for depression including medication that can only be acquired through a doctor. But correct diagnosis is required and this is usually done using several factors, including a thorough review of the patient's medical history and such. This data also serves in determining the best course of action, the right medication, and most effective treatment. It may require ongoing monitoring and care over a period of time.
As hypnotherapists, when we see a patient in a one to one environment we can ask for details of the client's medical history, and even consult with their doctor. However, when I produce a recording, such as a CD or MP3 download, to help deal with the effects of depression, I haven't got access to these medical histories nor can I consult with a client's doctor for individual case specifics. For this reason, I strongly recommend our recordings that you see a doctor beforehand, particularly if you suffer from severe depression. I would expect another ethical hypnotherapist's to do the same.
What we can do with recordings, however, is help with the effects of depression. I believe that suggestion and relaxation can be useful and helpful to people suffering any type of disease or medical ailment. It isn't a cure or treatment for the disease itself, but more like a coping mechanism to help with the effects of the ailment in daily life. For that reason, there are many CD and MP3 downloads available which are intended to work in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
I believe that hypnotherapy can help deal with the effects of depression, but it is not a substitute for appropriate medical care. If you think you are suffering from depression, you should immediately seek appropriate medical care for the condition. In conjunction with that, you can seek hypnotherapy to help deal with how your depression affects your every-day life.
Barrie St John is a leading figure in the field of hypnotherapy and personal change. He is the author behind the best selling hypnosis MP3 products found exclusively at HypnoShop.com.
As we grow older, we need to stay active to keep our bodies and system in shape. The older a person gets the less our bodies want to function so keeping it in shape is very important for all of us, even the younger people.
Sleeping is very important to all of us as we are aging. Aging brings on a different sleep pattern and we need to learn how to control it so when it is time to sleep we sleep well. It is normal as we age that it becomes harder to get a good nights sleep and feel rested when we wake up. Sleeping is as important as our diet and activities.
Did you know that it is hard for a woman to sleep more so than men in their aging years? Women have more tendencies to feel stressed out more and they sometimes are just too busy to get themselves into an exercising routine. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it will reduce your alertness during the day because you’re tired. Long periods of sleepless nights can cause high blood pressure and aren’t good for the heart either.
There are many reasons why some people can’t achieve a restful nights sleep. Sometimes you might sleep but it is a light sleep and we need to have a deep restful REM sleep. Sometimes you may awaken during the night from pain perhaps caused by arthritis. Sometimes you may experience heartburn, which causes you to get less sleep. Snoring or feeling depressed sometimes can also cause you to lose sleep. You may have a stressful day followed by a lack of sleep. Muscles spasms can also cause a person to lose sleep.
How you can reduce the problems that cause you to lose sleep:
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can cause us to lose sleep. Try not to drink liquids before going to bed, and stop smoking. Smoking not only harmful to your body but it can cause you to lose sleep. Excessive noise in the house, the TV or radio in the bedroom and snoring are some more reasons that can keep us from sleeping. Don’t try to go to bed and watch TV or listen to the radio; this will only keep you awake longer. You can learn to enjoy exercises to reduce muscles spasms and/or arthritic symptoms. You can also reduce eating unhealthy foods that cause heartburn, or drinking caffeine-based substances before you go to bed to improve your sleeping pattern.
Do you have a pet that sleeps with you? Even though you think they are giving you comfort it could cause you to lose that precious sleep you need. You may not realize it but every time your pet moves, maybe snore; you can hear this while sleeping. Maybe you might have to get your pet a bed and let him sleep on the floor next to you. If you have allergies, your pet may be the cause, which can make you lose sleep as well.
Napping is not good if you take one during the day for more than 25 minutes. I realize that maybe your not getting enough sleep during the night and you get tired in the afternoon. However, when you lie down during the day and sleep for a long time when it is time to go to bed, you’ve had just enough sleep that you’re not as tired.
Before you lie down to rest, you should also consider drinking a warm glass of milk. Studies have shown that warm milk helps a person to relax.
മലയാളം: കാന്താരിമുളക് ചെടിയുടെ പൂവ് (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Ayurveda is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning science of life, and actually is a branch of traditional Indian medicine. Using Ayurveda means actually changing not only the way you eat but also the way that you see yourself and your body. In Ayurveda, you don't objectivize your body as a "thing", but realize your body as a system of energy that is constantly changing. Realizing that 98% of the atoms in your body are replaced completely within less than one year helps you to understand that nothing about your body is static, and if you wish it to change, then change is actually easy. What needs to be done is to retrain the body and its cells to think differently, and to stop responding randomly to external stimuli. This is putting an end to what is called self-referral.
The first step is very simple; when you are hungry then eat, but when you are not don't eat. Although this seems over simplistic, in this practice is the key to conquering most cases of obesity. Americans eat impulsively more so than any other culture in the world, and that means we eat often when we are not hungry. We tend to eat because we see the food we like, or when we sit down to watch a movie, or perhaps when we are sad or feeling depressed. We have learned to use food as a pacifier, a stimulant, and a hobby. The key is unlearning this behavior.
Increasing your awareness of actual hunger, including the time you are actually eating, will help you limit your diet. You should eat only when you feel your tank on empty so to speak. Eat to satisfaction, the point where the sensation of hunger has left, not to the point where you are uncomfortable and cannot eat another bite. Start a log, preferably in a small pocket notepad that you can carry with you to work and use at home, and record each time you feel hungry and when you ate just to satisfaction. Within two weeks time, your body will begin to significantly be retrained to eat only when hungry, and only for nourishment. Once this two week time period has passed, begin to set definite times when you eat your meals: a set time for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, without fail. When doing this, make lunch your largest meal, with very small breakfasts and dinners.
The next step would be to eat right for your body type. In Ayurveda, there are three basic body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Vata body is one that belongs to a person that is very active and quick, has a very thin build, gets cold easily, tends to speak very quickly and be very talkative, usually has dry skin, and is a very light sleeper. Pitta characteristics include being very orderly, forceful, very intolerant of hot weather, easy to perspire, having reddish, sandy, or blond hair, stubborn, intolerant of spicy foods, very self-critical and critical of others, determined, and impatient. The Kapha body is a person that naturally moves slow, gains weight easily and loses it slowly if at all, tends to be thick-built, is ironically good at skipping meals without discomfort, has a tendency to develop phlegm, needs a full eight hours of sleep to feel rested, sleeps very deeply, tends to have dark thick hair, tends to be very affectionate and understanding, usually walks slowly, and generally enjoys a steady level of energy. Each type of person has different dietary needs. Some people, of course, share several of these factors equally and therefore have combination bodies.
Generally, one who has a Kapha body type has the hardest time with losing weight so we will concentrate on foods that reduce the Kapha influence. If you consume milk, switch to low-fat milk instead of whole milk, and boiling the milk before drinking it makes it easier to digest. It is best to drink the milk warm because cold milk increases your Kapha. If you decide you cannot tolerate warm milk, you should give up milk altogether. Eat plenty of foods that are spicy or bitter, yet avoid salt. Avoid red meat if you eat meat, and eat white meat chicken or turkey, or opt for fish. Beans are also an excellent source of protein when avoiding or cutting back on meat consumption. Eat plenty of light fruits, such as pears, apples, cranberries, and pomegranates.
Sweeten your foods when necessary with honey instead of sugar, as honey reduces Kapha very well. When choosing grains, barley, corn, buckwheat, rye, and millet are very light grains that are good for your consumption. All vegetables are good to eat, however, vegetables that are especially beneficial to reduce Kapha include eggplant, radishes, beets, all green leafy vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, pumpkin, and celery. In Ayurveda, food is preferably prepared by cooking, since it makes for easier digestion than eating raw foods, however, an occasional salad is not harmful. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, fried foods, packaged foods, soft drinks, and deep-fried foods.
Our body’s internal system needs a PH of just above 7.0; our immunologic, enzymatic and repair mechanisms all function at their best in this alkaline range.
If our body becomes over acidic, i.e. under a PH of 7, you may start to experience a combination of these symptoms;
Low energy, fatigue
Nasal congestion
Hives
Muscle Pain
Weak nails, dry skin, dry hair
Frequent colds, flu and infection
Headaches
If you have these symptoms and eat foods which create acid in the body, you may need to balance it with an alkaline diet.
What foods cause acid in the body?
There is a whole list of foods that cause the body to be over-acidic: dairy and dairy substitutes, animal meat, most grains, chickpeas, condiments, aspartame, prunes, chocolate, peanuts, alcohol and quite a few other types of foods.
To balance your PH, the remedy is simple and logical; eat more alkaline causing foods.
To name but a few of these foods, there is; watermelon, lime, mango, most vegetables, vegetable juices, almonds, sprouts, avocados and green tea.
When you’re body becomes more alkaline, the changes that will take place are truly amazing! It will seem magical, but it’s all perfectly normal. You will feel how we all have the right to feel, we just don’t know it.
Benefits include:
Rapid weight loss
Increased energy
The need for less sleep
Improved skin and hair condition
Better mental attitude
Are these benefits worth pursuing? I think so, and you are crazy if you don’t agree with me! Fortunately, it is not hard to slowly alkalize your body. Take it one day at a time, add more and more green food to your diet, reduce the number of cups of coffee you have every day and you’ll soon reap the benefits.
Do you want to be closer to fame? Well, it may not exactly be within reach instantly upon applying Feng Shui, but it can at least help open the doors to fame for you. Ushering in the mood that is conducive to fame is one of the things that Feng Shui consultants are paid for. But if you have a tight budget and just wish to try out Feng Shui for the fun of it, you may find these tips useful for inviting fame and opportunity in your doorstep.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 1: Redden your atmosphere
Red is often attributed to good reputation and fame. So if at all possible, have a lot of red things in your atmosphere. But don’t overdo it, as success may not be exactly attractive when under some form of overdose. Make sure that you are able to decorate your office or home in red with good taste, and don’t make it clash with other furniture or things that you need to put in your home or office. The middle portion is usually the best place to have a concentration of red objects.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 2: Fire it up!
Fire is a good attractor of fame and favorable reputation, so make sure that you have some elements of fire all over your area. Have a candlelit area in your room, or better yet, amp up your fireplace. This way, you will be able to fire up your reputation with it.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 3: Put wood and fire together!
If you have a fire, it may also be good to have some wooden furniture to go along with it. You don’t have to put them in direct contact with each other, because that would actually pose some hazards. All you have to do is make sure that you have a healthy balance of both these elements, for these are two elements out of the five that Feng Shui promotes you to have in your environment for a sense of balance.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 4: Prop up your achievements
You may have some proof of achievement. Now, if you hang these achievements on the wall, it invites more of the recognition that you aspire for. If you are really very shy about your achievements, you can at least display it in another part of your room, without being too blatant about it.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 5: Have a visual target or symbol for success
Aside from upholding the things that you have already achieved, it may also help you if you have some target of sorts, a symbol for your success. It is not just enough that you appreciate how much you have achieved so far; it is also equally important to look forward to things that you can still have in the future. Keep handy your symbols for success; it may be in the form of a sentimental pen if you are a budding Nobel Prize aspirant or maybe something else that holds specific and special meaning for you and your goals of success.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 6: Keep your humility intact
Of course, Feng Shui is no excuse for you to flaunt yourself too much in your environment. The best way to invite success is to maintain your humility. There are still other people who are better and smarter, so you do not have the exclusive right to be way above in the clouds.
A diagram shows insulin release from the Pancreas and how this lowers blood sugar levels. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You might be thinking "What's the connection between diabetes and the menopause?"
Well, for ladies reaching that certain age, it can be very traumatic - especially when some of the effects experienced can easily be mistaken for those we have to be aware of when managing our diabetes...
For a diabetic taking medication, keeping blood sugars at the right level is a balancing act. If sugar levels drop too low, because of not eating enough or at the right times, you suffer a hypoglycemic episode (sometimes called 'hypo' for short). For me, this usually manifests itself as shaking; irritability; sweating and a faint-headed feeling.
If you are diabetic and have ever had low-blood sugar you may recognize some of these symptoms, amongst others. A quick 'glucose fix' usually settles it within 5-10 minutes.
Now, compare that to some of the symptoms of starting the menopause; hot flushes [I call them 'power-surges' ;)] - similar to the sweats of a hypo; mood swings - akin to the irritability you might experience during a hypo. It's very easy to confuse the symptoms you are feeling.
When I first started the menopause, I frequently confused waking at 2 a.m. in the morning in a cold sweat as a hypo and took a quick sugar boost to settle myself. That pushed my blood sugar levels up when I didn't need it. Not a good idea!
It was only after visiting my Doctor to talk about these frequent, unexpected hypos I discovered I was starting the menopause (I was in my late 40s, so it was rather unexpected, normally it doesn't occur until early-to-mid 50s).
If you are a lady, with diabetes controlled by medication, and you are in your early 50s and you start having frequent, unexplained hypos - check your sugar levels before 'treating the condition'. And get your Doctor to check your symptoms. You may be confusing symptoms of diabetes and the menopause.
And guys; if your lady normally has great control of her diabetes and suddenly seems to be showing the same symptoms when she was getting her diabetes into balance (if you knew her then) please be supportive and understanding, she's going through one hell of an experience, but I promise, she will come through and be her normal, loving and charming self once again.
Traditional Chinese medicine is the idea that everything is interconnected in one’s body and in the universe. Through this concept, there was a development of the way in which the system could be divided. The understanding of this system is what allowed one to practice alternatives towards health and balanced energy.
The Zang-Fu theory is the concept that the functions of the different organs interact with each other. This interaction allows them to function in different ways and also balances out the health of different individuals. When one’s internal organs are completely balanced, they have reached complete health because their energy is able to flow naturally and without any blocks.
From this major concept, the internal organs are divided into various categories. The first set of categories is the Zang, which are the Yin organs. This includes the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and pericardium. The Fu is the Yang organs and includes the intestines, gall bladder, urinary bladder and stomach. Each of these organs will be paired together; meaning that one Yang organ corresponds to one Yin organ.
Through each of these categorizations, the organs are able to correspond and function by relating to each other. When these organs are not functioning properly together, it will be the cause of dysfunction in the body. Beyond this, it is the functioning of these organs that directly link to the way that the mind and the spirit function together. The Zang organs will be directly linked with specific emotions as well as senses. The Fu system is the opposite of this because it is linked to the hollow system and digestion.
The combination of all of the elements of the body is the major concept in the Zang Fu theory. By combining the internal organs and discovering the relationships that they have between each other, one is able to find the necessary answers to healing. Chinese medicine, through combining all of the elements is able to work towards an internal healing that leads to external functions of health.
