Things You Did Not Know About Vinyasa Yoga

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_Fetisov/1634005] James Fetisov

What do you think of vinyasa practice? Do you see it as a workout or as a calisthenics class? On the other hand, do you see it as a sweatier version of yoga with no meditation component? Well, here are five known facts about vinyasa yoga you should know about.

1. It is not about exercise

Vinyasa is defined literally as an intelligent sequence of postures, however, many people associate vinyasa with the ability to sweat or "yogacize," and that draws a lot of people to it. Vinyasa yoga is a very subtle, beautiful, introspective practice, and exercise can be a side benefit. Yoga is about getting to know yourself better and learn how to love yourself.

Ayurveda and Its Simple Approach to Diagnosis - The Three Body Types

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Onkarnath_Singh/2277377] Onkarnath Singh

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient methods of treating diseases. It is different in the manner it approaches treatment of disease. It is based more on natural principles and using the body's healing capacity rather than chemical based medicines used by modern medical science. Also, Ayurveda treats every patient as a different entity with completely new medicines for him/her. In the case of modern medical science, it is a bit more focused towards the kind of disease rather than the patient. Now the scientists are realizing that everyone reacts differently to the same medicine and hence efforts are being made to develop individual medicines. This is what Ayurveda has been doing for thousands of years.

Ayurveda treats disease based on the body types. The human body has three elements which decide and govern the functioning of systems in our body. These elements decide the body built personality and the body's response to different kinds of ailments. The elements are referred to as doshas in the ancient medical science of Ayurveda. Yoga is one of the ways to treat these doshas. Yoga teacher training courses teach this as a part of the anatomy classes.

Benefits of Chair Yoga - Part 4

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Jerard/9999]Paul Jerard

Chair Yoga can easily work in harmony with most physical rehabilitation prescriptions.  Many physical therapists have knowledge of Yoga or are teachers of Yoga.  Many doctors, physical therapists, and medical professionals recommend Yoga to patients who are making a "come back."

Yoga gives these patients the strength to move ahead, when many would be discouraged.  The comebacks that I have personally witnessed are inspiring to me as a Yoga teacher.  Over time, I have seen come backs from strokes, heart attacks, and car accidents.

Benefits of Chair Yoga - Part 3

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Jerard/9999] Paul Jerard

Flexibility is considered to be a "by product" of Yoga practice, but in the case of Chair Yoga, it is often "down played" or taken for granted.  Since most Chair Yoga enthusiasts are seniors, the true value of flexibility is mobility.  When you consider that mobility for seniors can be the difference between dependence and independence, flexibility is now of extreme value.

The following is an observation I have made after working with groups from assisted living complexes, adult day care centers, nursing homes, and seniors centers.  The average mobile senior citizen is much more flexible in the hips, spine, wrists, and shoulders, than his or her dependent counterpart.

Benefits of Chair Yoga - Part 2

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Jerard/9999]Paul Jerard

We have all heard the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day."  Those words are extremely profound, when thinking about correcting poor posture and alignment.  It takes years to create poor alignment. 

Therefore, poor posture cannot be corrected in a single day.  A more appropriate saying, when thinking about posture and alignment might be, "The leaning tower of Pisa cannot become straight in a week."

However, improvements to posture can be made through Chair Yoga exercises and through daily "posture awareness."  In my classes, I refer to posture awareness as "homework."  It usually draws a chuckle from students, but they also know that class time is the time to learn and practice Chair Yoga together.

Benefits of Chair Yoga - Part 1

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Jerard/9999] Paul Jerard

In comparison to many forms of exercise, the benefits of Chair Yoga far outweigh the risks.  The therapeutic exercises work the body, from head to toes, to the best of any client's ability. 

Therefore, the method used, addresses the whole body in a single routine.  This is an amazing feat, for a low-impact exercise program, where the average session lasts 45 to 60 minutes.  The following information will highlight some of the many benefits of regular participation in a Chair Yoga class.

             

Increased circulation is a result of movement and every body part that can move is used in a typical Chair Yoga class.  For many of us, we think of cardiovascular heath first, and this is right fully so, but Chair Yoga helps many other forms of circulation, within the body, as well.

Fruits That Help Reduce High Blood Pressure

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Samson_Oloruntobi/2274209] Samson Oloruntobi

Hypertension, which is more commonly known as high blood pressure (BP), is one of the primary health problems that a lot of persons are scared to come across. Consuming more fruits and vegetables has been seen to help lower blood pressure. This article would like to apprise us of the easy to find fruits that can help to reduce and prevent hypertension.

Apples

Eating an apple a day may not effectively keep the physician away, but it may help to lower high BP. Apples contain potent antioxidants that decrease the body's blood pressure and shield blood vessels from damage, which plays a role in maintaining healthy BP.

Maximize Your Longevity with the Amazing Power of Yoga

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Noelle_Nelson/64133] Dr. Noelle Nelson

In the course of my work as a trial consultant, I spend a fair amount of time in law offices working with litigators - lawyers who try cases in the courtroom. I had scheduled a work session with an attorney for 10:30 a.m., figuring we'd only need a couple of hours, and we'd be done before lunch. Imagine my surprise when I received a call from the attorney - a woman in her late 60's - requesting that we move the meeting to 10:00 a.m., so that she could make it to the yoga class her law firm held in their offices at noon!

9 Ways to Help Decrease Your Sugar Cravings

If you’ve been thinking about consuming less sugar, you’ve probably begun to notice that sugar is in just about everything. Everyone is familiar with the concept that sweets and other baked foods sold in convenience stores aren’t the only foods that contain sugar, but the love affair with sugar goes much deeper. How then, would it be possible for anyone to get away from eating sugar? The following article will briefly discuss 9 ways to help you decrease your sugar cravings.

Homeopathic Herbs and How to Use Them

There are many different uses for herbs especially when it comes to medicinal and homeopathic treatments. Millions of people are now looking for more natural ways to provide relief for their ailments. Let’s take a look at some homeopathic uses for herbs.

What Is Homeopathy?

You may or may not have heard of homeopathic medicine? It is based on the body learning to heal itself – “like treating like.” When an invading germ or bacteria enters the body, the body’s defenses create antibodies to fight it, and they will recognize the invader if it ever appears again.

A Perfect Read for Type 2 Diabetics and Their Families

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Pamela_Gossiaux/2257872]Pamela Gossiaux

Daryl Wein, a physician assistant, writes with personal insight and medical authenticity on the subject of type 2 diabetes, in his book Type 2 Diabetes: the Owner's Manual.

While I'm not a diabetic myself, I have a family member who is, and found this book very helpful. Wein starts the book off by redefining the word "diabetes" for those with type 2. A better word, he says, is "carbosis," because the word simply means "Problem with carbohydrates."

Best Books on Meditation and Self-Realisation for Beginners

By Akansha K Gupta

Read the best books on meditation and self-realisation for beginners from Stephen Sturgess, Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rinpoche, Shunryu Suzuki and Chogyam Trungpa. These epics teach you a way of life by taking up the spiritual path. Train yourself for a peaceful, body, mind and spirit

Little do we find time out of our busy daily lives to meditate that leads our way towards self-realisation and elevates us higher in the world of spirituality. Meditation is the key to awaken our inner selves and open ourselves to uncertainties and challenges in life. It helps us cope stress and brings a peace of mind. It inculcates discipline in us with a feeling of self-awareness, self-motivation and self-worth.

Treatment of Heart Disease with Coenzyme Q10

Since its discovery in the late 1950s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has received much attention as a necessary compound for proper cellular function. It is the essential coenzyme necessary for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) upon which all cellular functions depend. Without ATP our bodies cannot function properly. Without CoQ10, ATP cannot function. This connection has made CoQ10 a very important object of study in relation to chronic disease.

In many cases the presence of chronic disease is associated with inadequate levels of CoQ10. But no area of study has received more attention than the relation between CoQ10 and heart disease. That is because CoQ10 is believed to be of fundamental importance in cells with high metabolic demands such as cardiac cells. A further reason the connection of heart disease and CoQ10 has gained so much attention is because heart conditions of many kinds are associated with chronically low CoQ10 levels.

Natural Ways to Build Strong Bones

The conventional guideline to preserving bone density advocates for taking high-dose calcium supplements along with some vitamin D - 1,000 mg a day for women under 50 and 1,200 mg for women over 50. If one already has osteoporosis (low bone density), the first-line treatment is bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax, Reclast, Actonel, or Boniva.

Unfortunately, both approaches have major drawbacks.

Meditation 101

Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Practitioners of this art report increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines. However, you don’t have to be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits. And you don’t even have to be in a special place to practice it. You could even try it in your own living room!

Child Yoga - What is All the Fun About?

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Della_Menechella/5838]Della Menechella

Many adults have taken up yoga, but yoga has not gained as the same popularity with children.  Child yoga can offer many of the same benefits to kids as it does to adults.

What can yoga offer your child?

        A healthier body - Childhood obesity is on the rise and one of the main reasons for it is that kids today do not move enough.  Yoga is a powerful technique for children to begin moving their bodies in ways that feel good and help them look good.  Even if your child is of normal weight, yoga can help her become stronger, gain endurance and flexibility.  If your child is involved in another sport, a regular yoga practice is a great cross training activity and it may help him reduce the risk of injuries.

Yoga Retreat, Yoga Holiday, A Yoga Vacation, Something Different

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carmel_Baird/9740]Carmel Baird

A beginner or experienced, this is for you.  Give yourself a fantastic break and go on a yoga retreat, yoga holiday or yoga vacation.  Yoga retreats cater for all, from the novice to the masters and no matter what level you are, you will benefit immensely from the experience.

The focus at yoga retreats is on increasing your yoga abilities, getting rid of stress and enjoying it with like-minded people.  They are run by professionals who know what they are doing and can help you get the most from your yoga practices.

Osteoporosis - Bone Disease That Silently Robs Your Bones

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Patricia_Weber/865]Patricia Weber

When you look in the mirror, it doesn't come into view. Just imagine, you could be twenty, thirty, forty or older and it could afflict you.  People who look at you don't see it. When it does finally surface on the outside for any human eye to see, the harm may be irreversible. The scary part is the external warning of osteoporosis is silent while inside the body is clamoring for help.

Many women rate turning fifty as a positively high experience.  I once looked forward to the celebration. The inner peace that comes with this proclaimed turning point is chafed only by my recent diagnosis of osteopenia. Osteopenia is the beginning phase of osteoporosis. Any age is too young for this disease.

Supplements That Are Good for Heart Health

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Johnson/2347466]Richard Johnson

It is not a secret that vitamins are essential for our overall health. To get the required amount of vitamins it is important to maintain a well-balanced diet. However, nutrients we consume from our daily diet may not be sufficient and our body may need additional supplementation to maintain its proper functioning. Supplements are not intended to treat diseases, but are of value to supply body with enough essential nutrients and vitamins to improve health when taken properly under doctor's control.

Want to keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk for heart disease? Then supplement your body with these nutrients and pills that are good for your heart health.

How Does Fibre Protect Your Heart?

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sucheta_Vyas/2421561]Sucheta Vyas

What is Fibre?

There are two types of fibre- soluble and insoluble but most fibre-rich foods contain some of both. It is also considered either dietary or functional. The dietary kind of fibre is the indigestible part of plants that we eat, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts. This is obtained naturally from whole foods. The functional kind of fibre is extracted or prepared in a lab. It's the type of fibre that is found in supplements or fibre-enriched foods.

Yoga - The Complete Mind, Body and Soul Workout

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Helen_Drake/924031]Helen Drake

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise and the oldest form of exercise because it has been around for many thousands of years. When people think about yoga, they think of people getting into weird positions, with their ankles wrapped around their heads and sitting staring at candles.

Yoga combines movement, posture, balance and meditation - it's a complete workout for the mind, body and soul and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of mobility.

Heal Mental and Physical Disorders with Yoga, Pranayam, and Meditation

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sudesh_Abrol/2057483]Sudesh Abrol

The population is increasing fast and the world looks more crowded. In spite of having tremendous achievements of modern civilization, today's human beings seem less happy and tranquil than before, because our lives are going out of balance. The fast and materialistic life, crowds and pollution, improper food, our over eating and munching all day long, irregular meals, lack of proper physical exercise and our negative attitudes are the reasons, which degenerate our health, disturb our minds and snatch our peace. With practice of systematical yoga, we can once again start living in a natural way.

Sugar Facts and Why Fructose Is a Poison

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Norma_Holt/270038]Norma Holt

Wow! I never expected to discover that fructose, the sugar component in many fruits, is a poison. An online lecture by Dr. Robert H. Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist and an expert in obesity, spells it out as a wake up call for everyone. While the complicated biochemistry will be a little hard for many to follow who have no knowledge of it, the video is compulsory viewing to eliminated ignorance and expose what the food industry is about.

The 90-minute expose delves deep enough into the biochemistry to awaken even the most hardened minds. With so many of our foods going through processing it has taken the wind out of my sails to learn how much toxins are fed to us through supermarkets and the junk food industry.

Delicious Ways to Reduce Cholesterol Without Drugs

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol; a combination of alcohol and steroid and is also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol in order to form and sustain cell membranes, help with the production of bile and aid the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins.

Over time, cholesterol builds up on the artery walls and this condition is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was thought to be an affliction of the elderly until the 1950’s when American pathologists were sent to Korea by the Pentagon to study the bodies of servicemen who died during the conflict. They autopsied around 2000 soldiers and found that approximately 75% had waxy, yellow deposits on the walls of their arteries; a shocking statistic considering the average age of the soldiers was 21. Their findings astonished the scientific community as it highlighted the onset of heart disease in the very young.

Dietary Fiber for Diabetes, Heart and General Health

Most people understand the importance of dietary fiber in their diet. Much has been said about its importance in heart health, diabetes, cancer prevention, and even weight control.

What is less well understood is how different types of fiber effect the body. Some provide fecal bulk, some are absorbed more quickly into the blood stream than others, and thus raise blood sugar levels more quickly, and yet others provide benefits to the heart.

Thus, despite the apparent simplicity, fiber is a complex topic. And whilst all types of fiber are important, if you are looking at preventing or managing specific conditions, its not enough to just look at the total dietary fiber as written on food packaging.

7 Reasons to Grow Your Own Organic Vegetable Garden

During the last decades there has been a change towards mechanization and homogenization of farming, which uses pesticides, additives, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and mass-production techniques. All this is clearly affecting mankind’s health, and new diseases are spreading rapidly amongst humans and animals (bird’s flu being the most recent one).

The World Health Organization produces reports to show how the use of chemicals and other products on food, coupled with the manufacturing processes involved, are actually a threat for our health.

What is Ashtanga Yoga: Understanding the Methods

Ashtanga yoga, also known as power yoga, is quickly gaining popularity among practitioners. So what is Ashtanga yoga? It is the form of yoga most used by athletes and those interested in quickly increasing strength and stamina. Because of that, Ashtanga yoga postures have a higher degree of difficulty than those in other styles. Additionally, they are done as part of series.

Usually, students doing Ashtanga yoga postures will move quickly from one to the other to maintain that focus on strength. That is in opposition to many other forms of yoga where the emphasis is on breathing, relaxation, and flexibility.

The Art of Silence Meditation Techniques

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking a way to get away from it all and relax. Meditation, which is essentially a method to obtain a level of deep thought and relaxation, is one way to find inner peace and tranquility. Many people think of monks or other spiritual types sitting in crossed-leg position and reaching states of bliss when they think of mediation, but there are many ways to meditate. While there are many ways to reach a meditative state, there really are no right or wrong ways to mediate (this would defeat the purpose), only practice and finding ways that feel right for you.

Transcendental Meditation

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.