therapies

Home Remedies to Cure Acute Respiratory Infection

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:00:07 +0100

I have been fighting with respiratory infection from 5 weeks, my immune system is also very low now, please suggest me some treatments.

Respiratory infections are characterized by the accumulation of phlegm, blocked air passages, difficulty in breathing and breathlessness. In addition, a respiratory infection can also lead to a lowering of the body’s immunity. Respiratory infections can be of various kinds depending upon the nature and history of the infection. Treatment of respiratory infection will depend upon the specific nature of the infection and you should consult your pulmonologist regarding various possible methods of control and treatment of your infection. A prolonged infection should be given proper medical care as it may weaken your immunity considerably. In addition to this, you can try various alternative methods of treatment at home to build your immunity and to battle your cold. One of the simplest remedies for a respiratory infection is to identify possible methods of preventing the occurrence of an infection. While dealing with a respiratory infection, it is important to sanitize your immediate environment to prevent any future possibilities of infection. For instance, try and identify any possible allergens that you may be exposed to on a daily basis in your immediate environment. Pollen from indoor plants or dust mites tend to evoke allergic reactions that may lead to colds and other infections. Try a drip dry system of cleaning with your cutlery rather than wiping them dry with a cloth to minimize the possibility of bacterial infection. Washing hands periodically is also an effective means of avoiding a bacterial infection. Alongside these preventive measures, there are various simple home remedies you can try to help relieve symptoms of a cold and to strengthen your immunity.

Any hot beverage containing garlic is very effective in the treatment of a cold or a respiratory infection. Hot chicken soup with garlic can be taken twice a day to help treat a cold. The hot soup is soothing for a sore throat and will also help clear blocked air passages. Another effective means of combating blocked airways is through steam inhalation. Boil water and pour it into a narrow rimmed container. Place your head over the steam rising out of the container and inhale and exhale slowly. Cover your head and the container’s brim to trap the steam inside. The steam will clear blocked air passages and will help expel phlegm from your lungs. Chamomile flowers are very effective in the treatment of respiratory infections. Chamomile tea is very beneficial in relieving the symptoms of respiratory infection.

Effective Natural Cures for Gallstones

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:19:33 +0100

Causes

Gallstones are solid masses that form when the bile contains too much cholesterol or too much bilirubin without enough bile salts. Studies have shown that women between the ages of 20 and 60 are twice as likely to develop gallstones as compared to men. Obesity is one of the most common risk factors when it comes to developing gallstones, especially in women. Experts believe this comes down to the fact that obesity tends to reduce the amounts of bile salts in bile – causing the cholesterol to go up. Obesity is also known to slow down the efficiency of gallbladder emptying – thereby causing the development of gallstones. Excessive estrogen levels, which could easily be caused by pregnancy, birth control pills or even hormone replacement therapy – can also contribute to the development of gallstones.

Symptoms

Gallstones can be easily classified into two main types. The first one, cholesterol gallstones are formed when there is too much cholesterol content in the bile while the second type – pigment gallstones are the result of the formation of stones due to the presence of too much bilirubin. The second version of gallstones is more common in patients that are suffering from liver disease, blood disorders or sickle – cell anemia. In most cases, the gallbladders will not show up any symptoms at all. However, in some cases, it is likely that gallstones may lead to an inflamed gallbladder. Some other symptoms, if any are present, include a noticeable pain on the right side of the body – just below the ribs, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, vomiting and sweating.

Home Remedies And Treatment

Since gallstones are a very common condition, a number of easy yet effective home remedies have been developed over the years. In most cases, however, small changes in lifestyle can go a long way into reducing the impact the condition has on your daily routine. For example, cutting down on your intake of coffee is one of the most effective ways of preventing the development of gallstones. You should also try increasing your intake of nuts that contain unsaturated fats. Cut down on your consumption of calcium phosphates while also keeping yourself fit by exercising regularly. One of the most effective home remedy treatment option would be to drink apple juice for a period of two days and on the second night consume a mixture of 3 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon with three ounces of dark olive oil. A little bit of this concoction should be consumed every 15 to 20 minutes until you have finished the mixture. On the third day, your gallstones should be able to pass through your system with significant ease.

Smoker Cough Symptoms And Treatment

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:35:30 +0100

Smokers who have been smoking actively for a couple of years usually develop a smoker’s cough that doesn’t really go away that easily. Also, if you have been an avid smoker, it is probable that you will find it extremely difficult to quit and move into a healthier lifestyle. Taking a deep breath seems impossible and your stamina and immunity both run low.

The human lungs are one of the most important organs of the body and they are as delicate as they are important. Every time you smoke, you damage your lungs beyond repair. It’s an addiction and kicking it is also not that easy. Over a period of time, a smoker’s cough builds into your system and it is very difficult to get rid of it. The only way perhaps is to clean your lungs of the tar and the residue that has been left as a result of the smoke.

The membranes of our lungs contain delicate hair-like structures known as cilia. These cilia help in clinging on to the bacteria and preventing them from making their way into the lungs. When you smoke, these cilia begin to die and wither off, to a point where you have very few cilia left. With every cilium that withers off, the immunity of the lungs falls severely. The antigens that enter the body have an easy access to the lungs and over a period of time, the passages of the lung become blocked with foreign material due to which the passage of air becomes a challenge.

This is this exact reason why smokers become susceptible to all sorts of lungs disorders. The lungs age prematurely too because of the lack of proper mechanisms for defense.

Natural Lung Detoxification

The best possible solution is to cleanse your lungs of all the matter that has settled in by doing a lung detox. Though the name sounds quite heavy, a lung detox is not a medical procedure. With the right diet and exercise, you will be able to do this at your leisure at home. There are a lot of vitamins and minerals that can help flush out the toxins. Drink lots of fluids like water, broths and juices.

If you are not able to cut down on smoking completely, try cutting down on the number of cigarettes that your smoke. If you are used to smoke twenty cigarettes, smoke fifteen instead. After a month or two, reduce the number to twelve. This way you can completely phase out your smoking habit. Try using a nicotine patch to prevent any withdrawal symptoms. Once you have quit smoking, you will fins that your smoker’s cough will slowly subside.

Yoga therapy for vertigo

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:03:02 +0100

I get vertigo in lying down position so not able to perform any asanas so kindly let me wheather any remedy is there in yoga therapy.

Vertigo refers to the sensation in which a person feels like everything is spinning around him or her. It is accompanied by a perceived and false sense of movement. A description that is quite commonly given by people is a feeling that the room is constantly whirling with inconceivable and rapidly changing movements. This condition is a sign or a symptom and not a disorder in itself. Vertigo is, therefore, a symptom of a disorder pertaining to balance.

Hearing trouble, vision impairment, and severe headaches are all signs of the onset of a serious attack of vertigo. Before the condition becomes worse, it is important that you consult a doctor to get rid of the vertigo symptoms. To understand the symptoms of vertigo it is essential that you are clear about what it is. The symptom of vertigo that is most prominent is the sensation of your surroundings spinning around you, although there is no actual movement taking place. This can sometimes happen in a mild manner and sometimes it can be so bad that the affected person will be unable to maintain his or her balance. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, problems with walking, inability to maintain balance, erroneous vision, and an inability to concentrate.

The vertigo causes include ear infection, fungus, or blockage in the ear that leads to the inner ear becoming inflamed. There are two major components in the inner ear known as the cochlea and the labyrinth. The labyrinth is the part that is responsible for maintaining balance and regulating itself when there is a change in the surroundings. Experiencing difficulty while standing, walking, or speaking are signs that there is damage to the inner ear. When there is an infection, in which bacteria invade the ear temporarily, the inner ear will come back to a normal state with medication.

Vertigo can also happen because of a head injury. If the injury to the brain is severe there may be hearing impairment which can lead to hearing loss. A severe migraine is another cause of vertigo. Many patients with migraine suffer from a sensation of dizziness and vertigo. It is always advised that people who experience episodes of dizziness ever so often should keep themselves hydrated. When a person doesn’t hydrate sufficiently, there will be a drop in blood pressure and a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, which can lead to vertigo.

Vertigo yoga therapy is an effective way to treat vertigo. Practicing yoga for vertigo helps in increasing blood circulation and balance and helps a person suffering from vertigo. Yoga for vertigo patients helps by having a direct impact on the sympathetic nervous system and improves the functioning of the nervous system. If you just want to reduce dizziness, yoga therapy is beneficial too. Some of the effective vertigo yoga poses are Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand), Halasana (Plow pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend), Savasana (Corpse pose), and Malasana (Garland pose). When taking up yoga therapy for vertigo make sure that your instructor is qualified. To perform the Malasana yoga vertigo pose you should first sit on your haunches with your feet kept together. Your heels and the soles of your feet should be resting on the floor completely. Raise your buttocks off the ground and maintain your balance. Then, widen your knees and thighs and move your torso forward till your armpits go beyond the knees. You should then bend forward and grasp the back part of your ankles. Hold onto your ankles, breathe out, and let your head come down towards the toes. Maintain this pose for a minute while you continue to breathe normally. Breathe in and raise your head, release the grip on your ankles, and relax on the ground. Then breathe out, bend forward, and rest your head on the floor. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds while breathing normally. Then release your hands and relax on the floor. In order to treat vertigo and for yoga to be effective, these poses should be practiced regularly. It is also important that yoga for vertigo is combined with a proper diet. You can get more information regarding yoga and vertigo on the internet.

Practicing some vertigo exercises and physical therapy is another effective treatment that can be performed at home and can help bring relief from the attacks. A simple vertigo exercise you can practice is to sit on your bed with your feet on the ground. Then close your eyes and jerk your body to one side of the bed so that you are lying flat on the bed. Tilt your head up and allow the vertigo to pass. Then return to the sitting position and repeat this on the other side. You should perform this exercise five times in the morning and evening till the vertigo goes away.

In order to get rid of vertigo, you will need to remain calm. Vertigo can cause a lot of discomfort and there are many other exercises that you can practice to obtain relief from this condition. Another way to treat vertigo is with acupuncture which can bring about relaxation and stress reduction and get rid of the headaches and nausea that accompany vertigo. You can get more information on the Internet about vertigo and how it can be triggered by pregnancy, menopause, flying, and after a cruise.

There are also some natural vertigo remedies which include Ginkgo biloba and ginger to cure vertigo. Ginkgo biloba, which is a Chinese herb, is a very effective remedy as it helps increase the flow of blood to the brain and reduces the symptoms that accompany vertigo. Taking ginger during a vertigo attack is known to reduce the symptoms in minutes. When looking for different vertigo cures it is important that you understand the significant role of diet on the condition. Along with the natural remedies for vertigo you should consume a diet that is rich in vitamins and proteins. You should also avoid foods like chocolate, fried foods, salts and alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

Yoga therapy for vertigo

Vertigo is a type of dizziness in which you feel that the world around you is spinning. It is also many times referred as hallucination of motion. There can be different causes for vertigo including insufficient blood flow to the brain in some heart disease or anemia patients, excess salt in diet, emotional stress, tension, anxiety, lack of sufficient blood flow to the inner ears, infection, skull injury, allergy and neurological disorders which are not too common. The following yoga pose will help you to deal with vertigo. Try malasana, salamba sirsasana, halasana, sanmukhi mudra, paschimottanasana, nadi sodhana pranayama and shavasana. As some asansa like shavasana, halasana can only be performed while lying down you can do that when you feel better or when you don't have any vertigo symptoms.

Malasana – mala means garland in Sanskrit. Squat on the haunches on a yoga mat, with the feet together. Raise seat from floor and balance resting the soles and the feet on the ground. Widen your knees and thighs. Now move the trunk forward and extend armpits beyond knees. Bend in the forward direction and try to catch the ankles (back part). Grip the ankles properly. Exhale. Move the head down towards the toes and rest forehead on them. Breathe normally and hold in this pose till you feel comfortable. Inhale and raise your head, release the grip on ankles and relax on the floor. Exhale, bend forward at the waist and shoulders and rest your head on the floor. While breathing normally, stay in this position for 30-40 seconds or as long as you feel comfortable. Inhale. Lift your head from the floor and come back to the normal position. Release your hand and relax on the floor. Practice this asana along with other asana mentioned above in which you feel comfortable to deal with vertigo. If problem persists then consult a specialist for correct medications and advice.

Yoga Therapy for Reduction of Stomach

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 06:17:38 +0100

How to reduce the stomach,

How Many Sit Ups Should One Do A Day To Get Rid Of Belly Fat?

How many sit ups should one do a day to get rid of belly fat? You may be surprised to learn that sits ups to lose belly fat do not really help one to get rid of fat. Many people believe that doing regular sits ups to lose belly fat is an effective way of eliminating excess fat from this area of the body. However, here are some reasons as to why following a regular tummy fat sit ups schedule might now work. To begin with, a stomach fat sit ups routine will not help you to decrease the fat that has accumulated around your belly because sit ups do not stress the abdominal muscles. Sit ups to lose belly fat do not also work as sit ups target the hip flexors. Also remember that the body burns fat from all over. Doing stomach exercises will not help to burn stomach fat. The best way to lose belly fat is by losing overall fat as well. It is important to engage in prolonged aerobic activity if you wish to lose fat from around the stomach. Exercises to lose belly fat include shoulder thrusts, chin ups, triceps dips, squats, yoga poses and so on.

How Effective Is Yoga For Burning Stomach Fat?

A stomach fat workout is essential if you wish to lose unwanted belly fat. Do remember however that there is no staple stomach fat workout that you can follow, which means that there is no guaranteed stomach fat workout that will show you results overnight. A stomach fat workout can help you to lose weight but it will take time before you notice visible results. Yoga is considered an effective form of exercise which helps in burning stomach fat. There are many exercises to lose stomach fat in yoga.

Some of the most popular yoga exercises that you can include in a stomach fat workout include Seal Pose, Uddyiana Bandha (Abdominal Lift), Lying on Back Pose and the Spinal twists such as Ardha Matsyendra asana (The Spinal Twist) or Purna Matsyendra asana (Full Spinal Twist).

Apart from yoga exercises to burn stomach fat you can also practice abdominal crunches such as straight crunches, oblique crunches, cycle crunches, bicycle crunches, ball crunches, reverse crunches and so on. Cardiovascular exercises should also be included in a stomach fat workout. These could be walking, swimming, running, jogging and so on as well as exercises such as stair climbing, a treadmill workout, elliptical machine exercises or rowing machine exercises.

Which Yoga Asanas Are Best For Belly Fat Reduction?

There are many exercises one can do to lose belly fat. The best exercise for belly fat reduction would probably be cardiovascular and weight training exercise. This type of exercise helps to build your muscles and burns many more calories than aerobics. Practicing yoga poses to lose belly fat is also a good way of reducing unwanted fat around the stomach. Keep in mind that doing the best exercise for belly fat means practicing it daily. Only then will you see visible results in time. Ensure that you are committed to losing stomach fat before you start any exercise routine that includes stomach fat exercises.

There are many yoga poses to lose belly fat. One effective asana is Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose). You could perform this pose by following the steps given below:
• Sit straight on the floor and stretch out your legs.
• Then stretch your hands forward and pull your legs in an upward direction (towards yourself).
• Sustain this boat like posture for about 20 seconds, each time you practice it.
• Bring your legs down and relax.

Repeat the above process at least five times, if you have the stamina to do so.

Another yoga pose which helps with belly fat reduction is Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose).

How To Lose Stomach Fat Fast

People the world over are now practicing yoga for stomach fat loss. There are many asanas or postures in yoga for stomach fat reduction. These various postures in yoga for stomach fat loss specifically target the stomach area and work on reducing fat and increasing muscle. One of the well known asanas for yoga for stomach fat loss is Marjariasana (The Cat Pose). This pose tightens and tones the stomach muscles. This pose is performed in the following way. Go down on your hands and knees and position them about a foot apart. Your back should be completely flat and you should be looking forward. Now arch your back upwards so as to resemble a dome shape. Then slowly arch back downwards and lift your head towards the ceiling. Hold each position for about 2 seconds and then repeat it about 5-10 times. Other yoga exercises for stomach fat reduction include Ardha Chandrasana I (Standing Side Stretch,), Shalabha-asana (Locust Pose), Paripurna Navasana (Boat Pose), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (The Bridge Pose), and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose). Apart from these yoga exercises, it is also necessary to follow a good nutritious diet and refrain from unhealthy eating if you wish to lose stomach fat fast.

Yoga for belly reduction has gained recognition in recent years and is now a common part of most weight loss programs. These yoga asanas work the muscles of the torso, especially the ‘ab muscles’ and this will give you a lean and toned tummy! Include the Sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) as part of your warm-up session. After your warm-up session, you can move on to other yoga poses such as:

• Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Padangusthasana)
• Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana)
• Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

Experienced yoga enthusiasts can also consider some of the following poses to strengthen abdominal muscles:

• Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
• Shoulder Stand pose (Sarvangasana)
• Headstand(Sirsasana)

Breathing exercises will help to increase the effectiveness of your yoga sessions and increase belly fat loss. You can include poses such as Kapalabhati (Cleaning Breath), Alternate Nostril (Anuloma Viloma), Right-Nostril Breathing (Suryabhedana), and The Bellows Breath (Bhastrika) in your yoga routine. Keep in mind that a regular healthy well balanced diet is essential for lasting weight loss and a healthier life.

Lung Cleansers For Indoor Air Pollutants – How To Clean Lung Naturally

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:10:02 +0100

My doctor says my lungs look like smoker’s lung because I work in dusty environment, can you suggest anything that can clean my lung in natural way?

You are suffering from one of the most common health problems faced by people who have to work in dusty environments. As your doctor has pointed out, inhaling dust and pollution can cause deterioration in your lung functions similar to that observed in regular smokers. You may also have experienced secondary symptoms such as a persistent cough and shortness of breath. This occurs when your environment damages the cilia of the lungs. Under normal conditions, these cilia (tiny hair-like organs) constantly filter out toxins from the air you breathe. However, in a heavily polluted environment, the cilia are damaged and can no longer perform their function. You then develop a constant cough as your lungs try to purge out the damaging pollutants. In time, your lungs get congested with foreign matter that needs to be expelled. Without adequate treatment, you could also be at the risk of serious conditions like bronchitis, emphysema, or pneumonia.

Ways To Clean Lungs Naturally

The first step you can take is to purchase a mask with an effective air filter. You may not be able to choose your work environment, but you sure can reduce the risk! You should also consider some remedies that will help your lungs cleanse themselves. If you smoke (though you have not said so) please quit immediately and avoid second-hand smoke. Include some natural decongestants in your diet. For example, menthol helps to thin mucous and is a good decongestant. Many herbalists believe that mullein tea acts as a great lung cleanser, since mullein has been proven to show decongestant properties. Ginger is another natural ingredient that works wonders for congestion. It also has strong antiseptic properties. Boil some crushed garlic in a cup of water for at least 10 minutes, strain and drink the liquid while hot. You could add a teaspoon of honey, which helps to boost your body’s immunity and promotes the natural healing process. You can even try some steam therapy; put 2-3 drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam. This ensures that the health benefits from these essential oils get directly to the affected parts of your lungs.

However, you should keep in mind that a full recovery is a long-term prospect that could take years. Start to include regular exercise in your lifestyle and spend time in non-polluted, fresh air. Exercise can help your lungs recover from the damage they have suffered and will also help build your endurance and immunity.

Yoga And Human System

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:36:27 +0100

Yoga has tremendous potential for healing and as a preventive therapy. This stems from the fact that it provides benefits that are more wide-ranging than any other form of exercise. Let us look at some of the benefits that Yoga provides and how it helps us to fight various diseases.

Yogic postures are scientifically designed to massage all the internal organs of the body. All the different Yoga postures help to massage and stimulate the working of different organs. Stimulation of the organs helps to maintain their normal function and also helps to prevent the onset of any disease. This benefit itself is more than enough to make Yoga one of the best forms of activity that one can undertake. However, this is just one of the fringe benefits of performing Yoga. There are many more benefits that can be gleaned by regularly practicing this wonderful therapeutic exercise.

Yoga also helps to regulate the activity of the autonomous nervous system. It also helps to ensure proper functioning of the endocrine system. Imbalances in the endocrine and autonomous nervous system are two of the biggest causes of a lot of diseases. By ensuring that these systems work properly, Yoga ensures a disease free body.

As anyone who has practiced it already knows, Yoga lays a lot of emphasis on breath control during every point of the exercise. It also teaches specialized breathing techniques that enable us to breathe to the fullest of our lung capacity. Regular practice of Yoga can help to improve lung capacity and the oxygen intake of the body. This not only ensures that all the cells of our body receive sufficient oxygen but also helps in respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Yoga has also been found to help people suffering from high blood pressure and all the ailments that result from this condition. Studies have confirmed that regular practice of Yogic exercises and relaxation techniques significantly lowers blood pressure levels in people suffering from hypertension.

Yoga exercises involve gentle movements and deep stretching. These exercises help to lubricate the ligaments, tendons and joints and correct any imbalances in the structural alignment of the body. This makes Yoga a very powerful therapeutic tool to fight arthritis, back pain and other joint related ailments.

High intensity workouts such as weight training can cause a temporary slump in the body’s immunity. Yoga, on the other hand, significantly boosts the immune system. The efficacy of Yoga on treating immune system diseases, including its effectiveness in battling HIV, is currently being researched extensively in many parts of the world. The initial reports of these tests are very promising.

Diabetes asanas

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:24:01 +0100

I am a diabetic patient. I would like to know , which type of yoga I should do to enable me to reduce my blood sugar

Diabetes refers to a condition that is caused by the impaired tolerance of glucose in the body, where the functioning of insulin is affected. The most common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss and frequent urination, to name a few. Diabetes can be of two types: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Several people have tried various Yoga asanas (poses) to improve the levels of sugar in their blood, with varying degrees of success. However, to know about the appropriate diabetes asanas (diabetes poses), it is important to know consider type of diabetes you are suffering from as you could otherwise end up frustrated, dedicating time to diabetes asanas, but finding no results. Type 1 diabetes is caused when insulin is not produced by the body. There are no diabetes postures that can treat this condition. Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by stress or lifestyle related problems. There are various diabetes postures that you can practice, for this problem:
• Pranayama: In order to alleviate the problem of diabetes pranayama, which is a breathing technique, can be very effective. There are eight different types of Pranayama, which can help different conditions, diabetes being one of them. For the breathing technique to be more effective, it should be practiced twice a day. This technique should only be practiced under the guidance of an expert Yoga Guru.
• Sun Salutation: This is one of the best exercises for people who are suffering from diabetes. It increases the supply of blood to different parts of the body, which improves the administration of insulin. This yogapose or rather series of diabetes asanas is most beneficial, when practiced at 4 rounds, in a minute.
• Vinyasa: For improving diabetes Vinyasa Yoga, which is an extension of Hatha Yoga is often recommended by experts. Postures like Dhanurasana (The Bow Sequence Pose) are great for increasing strength and flexibility and for regulating the pancreas, because of which it is often recommended for people with diabetes.
• Meditation: This is one of the best ways of reducing stress and calming the nervous system. People with diabetes are asked to focus on the pancreas, during the meditation practice, to balance the levels of sugar in the blood.
• Cleansing process: Master cleansing is often recommended for people who are suffering from diabetes. Shankha Prakshalana is a process that takes an entire day to practice and it should be practiced at least once in six months. With the help of this process, you can cleanse your gastrointestinal tract completely. You are required to drink 2 glasses of warm water with lemon juice and salty water after which 6 various exercises need to be performed.

However, before performing any Diabetes asanas, it is important to consult a doctor.

Yoga Poses for Diabetes

Diabetes can be greatly controlled with the help of yoga. One important yoga exercise or an asana is the sun salutation. The sun salutation helps to increase the supply of blood to the various parts in the body effectively, thus helping to stimulate an improved the administration of insulin in the body. Moreover all the movements of this particular exercise help to tone the body. Pranayama is known to control the effects of diabetes. One basic breathing technique known as the alternative nostril breathing or Nadi Shodhan Pranayama has a major sedating effect on the nervous system which in turn helps to bring down the levels of stress in the individual. All forms of Pranayama must be taught in detail by your yoga instructor.

More importantly the daily performance of meditation techniques is also useful in managing stressful situations and relaxing the mind. According to medical research a harmonious balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic global systems can positively affect the hormones in the body. Particularly among diabetic patients the practice of meditation has helped to lower sugar levels and has brought about greater functionality in the pancreas and in the overall treatment of the condition. Yoga Nidra must be practiced daily for optimum results. This process must be practiced three times today in addition to medication, as a complimentary therapy. Of all the forms of yoga, Bikram yoga and Hatha yoga are known to impart the greatest benefits in treating diabetes.

In addition to yoga and meditation, diet also plays a very important role in the proper administration of insulin and for the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Diet and exercise alone can control diabetes in the long run and for life. The various bends and bodily movements play a therapeutic role in the stimulation of the glands and the pancreas among diabetics.

Yoga Poses for Appendicitis

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 12:57:06 +0100

When I was 13 I was told that appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. That was because I exhibited all of these symptoms:

· Abdominal swelling

· Pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button, then to the lower right area

· Loss of appetite

· Nausea and vomiting

· Constipation and inability to pass gas

· Low fever that began after other symptoms

Once it started, there was no effective medical therapy, so it had to be removed. Since my treatment was delayed, my appendix, I was told, could burst anytime, resulting in infection and even death.

The cause of appendicitis, I learnt later in life, relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix. This blockage leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation. If not treated, gangrene and rupture (breaking or tearing) of the appendix can result.

Then again, not everyone with appendicitis exhibits all the symptoms. The pain intensifies and worsens when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing. The area gets very tender. People may have a sensation called downward urge, the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve their discomfort.

However, if detected in the early stages, Yoga postures taught with the foundation of optimal body alignment can help and avert surgery. This is because Yoga enables the student to safely achieve maximum benefit from the asanas. In addition, breathing practices are taught and the result is relaxation, personal well-being and spiritual awareness.

The best program for appendicitis, I've come across thus far, consists of the following:

Asanas:

· Viparita karani

· Sarvangasana

· Vrikshasana

· Ardha Chandrasana

(Please make it a point to avoid all forward bending poses)

Breathing exercises:

· Anuloma-Viloma

· Ujjayi

· Brahmari

Please avoid kapalabhatti and bhastrika as they put stress on the appendix and may even rupture it during practice. Do lots of shavasana and slow breathing (Dirga Pranayayama)

In 3-4 weeks the swelling should subside completely, particularly if accompanied by a Sattvic diet 9Predominantly vegetarian, non-spicy). I have noticed this work time and again on dozens of people, especially young kids. Thats when it attacks the most.

Yoga for Common Fever

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:51:35 +0100

Some time or the other we all go down with a fever, what say? Now some wise guys found or so he claims that mild fever is actually is a good sign of health.

Recent studies show that a mild fever actually disturbs viruses ability to multiply. That is because they thrive at body temperature and actually cant stand the rise in body heat. Apparently, fever in fact speeds up the bodys process of scrutiny, spotting and eliminating infection. It assists the immune system in multiplying the number of white blood corpuscles. A vital part of the immune system, WBCs put up a fight against sickness-causing agents like viruses.

Fatigue is also known to cause fever; in which case, patients are best advised to have salted lemon juice for sodium and potassium. The patient should go for a check-up, only if the fever does not subside after 5-7 days, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as body ache and sore throat.

A doctor friend of mine, who is attached to our Yoga Studio, says that breathing exercises (Pranayama) recommended by Yoga, really lead to an rise in the number of WBCs. Further, they are even said to improve the quality of a variety of essential fluid systems including blood in our body.

So, the next time you come down with a mild fever, dont scuttle for an antibiotic or a paracetamol. Just be happy you have it.

It might also be advisable to practise Yogasanas like Surya Namaskars, Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, Uttanasana, Janu Sirshasana, Paschimotthanasana, with lots of Sarvangasana,Shavasana and Pranayamas like Kapalabhatti, Anuloma-Viloma and Ujjayi. They vastly improve your immunity against possible infections and stay healthy.