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Showing posts from March, 2020

How to Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

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A breathing exercise that calms and refreshes your mind, while also helping you stay focused, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is widely practiced in Ayurveda. The Sanskrit word “Nadi” means channel and “shodhana” means cleansing. In other words, Nadi shodhana pranayama aims at cleansing and purifying the various channels of the body. It can be practiced by just about anyone and is best practiced early in the morning. The Technique Seat yourself in a comfortable position. Straighten your spine and gently close your eyes. Start by taking a few deep breaths. Fold the tips of your index and middle fingers inward to your palm. Elevate your elbow so that your arm makes a right angle with your body, close your right nostril with your right thumb as you inhale through the left nostril. Breath deeply, bringing it down the spine and into your belly and pelvis areas. As you release the right nostril, gently close the left nostril with your right ring and pinky fingers. Now exhale through...

6 Superfoods for Diabetes

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Diabetes is a common condition arising out of lifestyle factors. Following a healthy diet can prevent and control the condition. Here are 6 foods which benefits in controlling blood sugar levels – 1. Beans Packed with protein and soluble fiber, beans helps you feel full and in regulating better blood sugar level. Consuming beans also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Try using beans as your main protein source a couple of times a week, plain in salads, or in soups for optimum health. 2. Oats Oats is a super food that contains high amounts of magnesium, which helps the body use glucose and secrete insulin properly. It is also packed with soluble fiber that helps in carbohydrate breakdown and metabolism, thereby letting your blood sugar levels stay stable. Kick start a day with a bowl of oatmeal for good health. 3. Apples A super fruit with many health benefits, apples help battle diabetes. Naturally low in calories, and glycemic index, apples also have a rich f...

8 Easy & Effective Home Remedies to Lighten Stretch Marks

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Generally with significant weight loss and gain, comes this entity labeled as stretch marks. They are something that people usually escape from, as they tend to deface their whole personality. It is difficult to completely wipe off stretch marks; however, there are some home remedies for lightening them so that they don’t appear as prominent- 1. Lemon Juice Due to the acidic nature and natural bleaching properties of lemon juice, it is considered to be one of the most effective remedies to lighten stretch marks. Simply cut a lemon, squeeze out the fresh juice and rub it gently onto the affected skin. Rinse it off after 10 minutes with some warm water. 2. Vegetable Oil Massage Vegetable oils such as coconut oil, castor oil and even olive oil have the property of moisturizing skin and smoothing out wrinkles. Both these actions ensure that these oils are equally good for getting rid of stretch marks. Take some warm olive oil and massage it deep onto the affected skin before...

8 Factors that lead To High Risk Back Pain

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Most of the common sighs one perceives might just be due to that acute sting in the back. Mostly it begins with a twinge and then it starts to radiate down the back as your daily activity continues. Then the bothersome becomes dangerous when even just a movement appears hard. One of the most common niggles of the nation, spreading from a teen to the old, ‘back pain’ is extremely devastating if not diagnosed and treated correctly and on time. While lifting heavy things, falling, or taking a bad step on stairs or ladders many of us have hurt our backs. But there are some everyday back pain triggers that many people aren’t even aware of. Let’s have a look at some likely causes of the acute sting that terrors one and all. Factors that trigger high-risk back pain – 1. Obesity/overweight: The risk for back pain is more for overweight people especially for people with extra weight around the mid-section as it pulls the pelvis forward, creating stress on the lower back. 2. Sede...

What is Gout Arthritis?

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Gout arthritis refers to a form of arthritis triggered by deposits of uric acid crystals (a waste product that is normally excreted through urine) in the body – Excess uric acid settles in joints, tendons and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. While the other types of arthritis develop slowly, an attack of gout happens suddenly and often overnight. The joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected, but it can also affect the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. Severe gout can sometimes affect many joints at once too. Risk Factors 1. Diet – The diet we have can play a role in the formation of gout arthritis. Having a diet rich in meat and high-      purine food, such as seafood, and certain protein rich food can cause increase of uric acid in blood. 2. Dehydration – Quick loss of water from the body and the situation of not replenishing it will result in the building up of uric acid content in the blood,...

Yoga & Pranayama to Manage Stress, Anxiety and Depression

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The modern hectic lifestyle is making many victims to stress, anxiety and depression. When constant fear about something persists in the mind, it takes form of anxiety and can often lead to depression. Yoga and Pranayama is considered as effective treatment options for these conditions. When regular practice of yoga helps one stay calm and relaxed, breathing right with Pranayama relieves the mind from unnecessary clutter of thoughts that give rise to anxiety. Yoga poses to manage anxiety Yoga stretches the body along with stimulating different hormones. The stretch relaxes the body and calms the mind, while the hormones help heal the nervous system. When stretching the body, Yoga also promotes the release of trapped tension between the muscles. Here are some yoga asanas recommended for relieving stress and tension while also eliminating negativity from the system. • Setu Bandhasana – It ensures enhanced blood circulation throughout the body. The asana stretches the back wh...

Super Foods to Eat for the Health of Vital Organs

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Being truly healthy simply means providing your body with everything it needs to function. Every organ in the human body needs specific nutrients to improve its functions and prevent disorders pertaining to them. Here are few foods that will provide you the required nutrients– Brain Enrich your meals with foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, chia seeds and sardines. Leafy greens like Broccoli, Cauliflower and Spinach are recommended. Plums, cherries, avocadoes, berries, oranges and red grapes are high in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) that is good for brain health. Heart Foods such as whole grains, leafy greens like spinach, berries, fishes rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts, almonds, tomatoes and seeds like flaxseeds and chia seeds are highly recommended. Fruits like banana, orange, papaya and cantaloupe that are rich in potassium, beta-carotene and magnesium are beneficial for heart health. Having Beans that is high in fiber and heart-hea...

Ayurveda Recommended Healthy Habits for Good Eye Health

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Eyes are a reflection of the body’s overall health and taking care of it plays a significant role. To prevent defective eyesight or Drishtidosha in Ayurveda, it is vital to follow healthy eye habits like exercising, following a balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding strain for eyes, etc. Drishtidosha is caused due to a multitude of factors like nervous disability, alcohol consumption, excessive smoking and aging, which strikes the balance of pitta dosha. Here are a few Ayurveda recommended tips and remedies to maintain the good health of your eyes: 1. Relax and meditate Mind and vision are intertwined and therefore, meditating is considered as the best remedy to maintain eye health. Practice Trataka meditation by sitting comfortably and staring at a single point, object, black dot or a candle flame. If using candle flame, place it at least one meter away from the eye level. Gaze at it without blinking as long as your eyes start watering. Close your eyes and focus on the after-...

Jackfruit – The Jack of All Fruits

Enormous and prickly on the outside, the jack of all fruits, Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit ever. It’s considered to be an exotic fruit as it smells sweet, tastes delicious and even promotes good health. Its health-promoting goodness embraces the high amount of nutrients like vitamin, minerals, electrolytes, phytonutrients, carbohydrate, fibre, fat and protein. STRIKING HEALTH BENEFITS: 1. BUILDS UP IMMUNITY It is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful nutrient which helps in protecting against common infections and supports the white blood cell function. 2. FIGHTS AGAINST CANCER Jackfruit is also rich in phytonutrients, which may help in eliminating cancer-causing free radicals and slows down the degeneration of cells that can lead to degenerative diseases. A cup full of cut jackfruit a day can supply the body with a good number of powerful antioxidants. 3. AIDS IN  DIGESTION It is also known to contain ulcer-causing properties, which also helps in ...

Yogasanas to Cool Your Body This Summer

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The summer heat is rising incredibly and therefore we have to take precautions to keep our body and mind cool. We have already started taking measures to beat the heat (link of previous blog) and incorporating yoga in our daily routine will prove to be beneficial. But make sure you avoid poses that include inversions, warrior poses, binds and sun salutation poses. Following are a list of yogasanas that help in cooling your body during this summer heat: Ustrasana Camel pose or Ustrasana is a backward bend pose that helps in improving respiration and heals the chakras in your body. It improves digestion, blood circulation to the brain and benefits the overall health and wellness of the body to keep your system fit and functioning during summer. Matsyasana Fish pose or Matsyasana is considered as the “destroyer of all diseases”. Here, the body is stretched out to stimulate the muscles of belly and back and also the organs of belly and throat. Practicing matsyasana prevents fat...

Quick Home Remedies for Relief from Kidney Stone

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The function of kidneys are to eliminate waste products and excess fluids from our body through urine. They are also vital for maintaining the chemical balance of our bodies. When the kidneys are unable to process and throw out waste, it leads to the formation of kidney stones by the crystallisation of chemicals and minerals in the urine. Smaller stones may pass through the urine but larger stones when untreated could cause unbearable pain. Here are some simple and quick home remedies for relief from kidney stones. Water – Drinking lots of water helps keep the body hydrated and also eliminates minerals and toxins that cause stones. Look for a light and clear colour in your urine to ensure that you are drinking enough water for your kidney health. Coconut water – Along with being a health drink, coconut water is also beneficial for treating kidney stones as it helps break and flush out the stones while also relieving the burning sensation during urination. Lemon juice with ...

10 Simple Home Remedies for Relief from Bronchitis

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Bronchitis is caused by the acute inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi of lungs which results in the accumulation and discharge of sputum or phlegm. Ayurveda defines bronchitis as when the aggravated Vata blocks Kapha present in the respiratory channels, it interrupts the movement of air and causes phlegm to accumulate in the lung tissue. The body reacts to this condition by coughing to expel the phlegm which results in bronchitis. The lead causes of bronchitis can be attributed to inhalation of dust and smoke, intake of foods that have a drying effect on the body, physical exertion, suppression of natural urges, etc. Simple home remedies to manage bronchitis. Honey and ginger – Seasonal bronchitis can be kept under check by having two teaspoons of fresh ginger juice mixed with an equal amount of honey twice daily. This will also reduce the intensity of the condition. Camphor and mustard oil – Warm 2 tablespoons of mustard oil and dissolve 2 grams of camphor in it. Ap...

5 Ayurvedic Herbs For Liver Cleanse

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Liver plays a vital role in digestion and metabolism. It also considered a primary organ of detoxification as it filters the blood and eliminates toxins from bloodstream as well as processes external compounds like medicines or alcohol. A liver cleanse ensures the optimum health of the organ and promotes proper elimination of toxins for health and longevity of the body. Here are 5 Auyurvedic herbs recommended to support a liver cleanse. 1. Bhumyamalaki – A classic Ayurvedic herb advised for liver support, its dry, light, bitter, cooling, soothing and cleansing properties help pacify Pitta and Kapha. It also helps cleanse, detoxify and strengthen the liver and the gallbladder. 2. Kutki – Its deep cleansing action has an effect on both liver and gallbladder and promotes healthy liver function and flow of bile. Considered a must-have liver tonic and blood cleanser, Kutki can also balance Pitta and Kapha, while supporting systematic immune function. 3. Guduchi – Guduchi is a po...

How to Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

A breathing exercise that calms and refreshes your mind, while also helping you stay focused, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is widely practiced in Ayurveda. The Sanskrit word “Nadi” means channel and “shodhana” means cleansing. In other words, Nadi shodhana pranayama aims at cleansing and purifying the various channels of the body. It can be practiced by just about anyone and is best practiced early in the morning. The Technique: Seat yourself in a comfortable position. Straighten your spine and gently close your eyes. Start by taking a few deep breaths. Fold the tips of your index and middle fingers inward to your palm. Elevate your elbow so that your arm makes a right angle with your body, close your right nostril with your right thumb as you inhale through the left nostril. Breath deeply, bringing it down the spine and into your belly and pelvis areas. As you release the right nostril, gently close the left nostril with your right ring and pinky fingers. Now exhale through you...

Dinacharya – The Ayurvedic Daily Routine for a Healthy Life

Dinacharya is the daily routine concept in Ayurveda that formulates daily activities based on the cycles of the nature. The three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha each have their own period of time when their energies dominate during a twenty-four hour day. Establishing a routine in tune with the doshas help support the body’s natural rhythm as well as maintains balance and promotes optimum health. Here is how to follow an Ayurvedic dinacharya. Morning • Waking up – The ideal time to wake up is two hours before sunrise during the Vata time of the day which is also the most Sattvic, peaceful and still time. It is also ideal for spiritual practice and learning. • Elimination – Drinking a glass of lukewarm water and evacuating the bowels in the morning after waking up is considered the healthiest. Waiting longer could lead to an increase in Ama or toxins which can cause imbalances in the body. • Cleansing sensory organs – Along with washing the eyes and brushing the teeth, scrap...

Health Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is not actually a salt but a naturally forming pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulphate. Hailed as a natural remedy for many ailments, it offers numerous health benefits too. Here are some of the notable benefits of Epsom salt. Relaxes the body and eases stress An Epsom salt bath is considered the most ideal for relaxation as when the salt is dissolved in warm water, it can be fast absorbed through the skin to replenish the magnesium levels which reduce the effects of adrenaline by promoting the production of serotonin. Magnesium also influences the production of energy cells helping ease the feeling of restlessness and anxiety. Relieves pain and muscle cramps Epsom salt bath is also known for easing pain, relieving inflammation, muscle tension, soreness and pain. It is also considered beneficial for bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. An Epsom salt soak is also advised for treating tired and sore feet and to manage foot odour. Helps in muscle and ne...