Chronic Pain Relief: An Overview
Everyone will experience pain at some point in their lives. Pain is a necessary form of protection against injuries, diseases, or conditions that would otherwise impair or even kill us. Pain alerts us that something is wrong. Pain can be either ‘acute’ or ‘chronic’ – the distinguishing characteristic between the two is their duration.
Acute pain usually occurs after a specific injury. It appears quickly and is usually very intense – one example is the pain of a broken bone. It subsides fairly quickly, particularly after treatment. Chronic pain, on the other hand, seems to build up over time, and often cannot be connected to a particular injury or condition. What chronic pain lasts in intensity, it makes up for in duration – sometimes persisting for decades. Living with constant pain can be unbearable, and many forms of treatment attempt to offer sufferers some sort of chronic pain relief.
One of the most commonly prescribed therapy for chronic pain is medication, both prescription and over-the-counter. While often effective in alleviating pain, these are eschewed by some because of their adverse side effects, which include nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Others are in search of a more natural form of chronic pain relief.
Exercise, stretching and physical therapy reduce chronic joint pain and muscle soreness and spasms by increasing strength, tone, and flexibility. Exercise increases blood flow, eases joint stiffness, aids in weight loss, and counteracts the stress, anxiety, and depression that often comes from living with chronic pain.
Chiropractic, acupuncture and massage offer three alternative methods of chronic pain relief. Though their methods differ, all of these have helped sufferers manage chronic pain.
In the past few years, researchers have begun to turn their focus on the real source of pain – the brain. Although an injury or wound may lie elsewhere on the body, signals of pain are intercepted, processed, and quite literally ‘felt’ by the brain. Research findings indicate that a multidisciplinary approach to treating chronic pain – one that incorporates psychological as well as physical therapy – provides the most chronic pain relief. Yoga, meditation, and even laughing clinics have proved effective treatments. Pain Relief Info provides detailed information on arthritis, back, joint, lower back, natural, chronic, neck, sciatica, knee, fibromyalgia, and muscle pain relief.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Why Most Skincare And Anti Aging Products Don't Work
Why Most Skincare And Anti Aging Products Don't Work
Our skin is a very clever organ. No matter which in the arsenal of developments in anti aging skin care products are proudly emblazoned on the bottle and in the marketing literature, our skin knows the truth. And whilst it may play the game for a little while, plumping up nicely to give the appearance of looking younger, more even, and less lined, this is only a temporary, somewhat cosmetic ruse. It is actually a biological trick of the light, a chimera nod to the quest for youth. Don't be fooled.
Skin care is big business. And there's nothing wrong with that. But whilst its highly entertaining to browse through the shelves and try out the latest pedigree of skin cream, these foot soldiers in the war on wrinkles meet a somewhat tenacious and uncooperative foe in our skin.
Our skin. This multi-layered emissary to the outside world, bearer of our expressions, our joys, our grief. Guard against the invisible tide of micro-organisms that seek to infiltrate our body's first defense against disease and infection. This complex array of cells that every month regenerate and shed, within the constraints of age and the quality of our diet. Our skin is a hard worker and much unappreciated. Often barely nourished despite the money spent on technological promises, we still hope the dream of youth slipping away will be restored.
There is a way to slow the process of aging. But not by applying high tech anti aging creams. By understanding exactly what our skin is, we can find better ways of giving it what it needs. And consequently, we will find ourselves with what we want - more youthful skin.
Our skin is composed of 3 main layers. The outside layer that we apply our anti aging skin care products to is the epidermis. This in turn has 4 to 5 layers, depending on where it is in the body, and whether there is a lot of hair on it. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum cornea, serves as a barrier. This is where the cells are continually shedding and where new cells are ultimately pushed up to. These cells have no blood supply, and hence no nutrients or oxygen carried in the blood reach these cells. They are essentially dead in that they cannot engage in the metabolic processes that living cells do. But they do serve very important functions. By creating an impenetrable barrier, they keep out bacteria and other micro organisms, and are thus part of the immune system. But this very function also serves to keep out most of the expensive ingredients in anti aging treatments. And no matter how well an ingredient performs in a laboratory test tube, that does not necessarily translate to reaching the deeper layers of your skin, where the real anti aging work takes place. Most skin care products work only on the stratum cornea, and that is
their downfall as anti aging secret agents.
The next layer down from the top is the dermis. This is the layer where wrinkles develop. The dermis consists of living cells, and they are responsible for the structure, integrity and elasticity of the skin. Here collagen is regenerated whilst existing collagen is broken down in the monthly cellular cycle. The production of collagen slows with age and factors like smoking, sun exposure, stress and inadequate nutrition. Other skin nutrients like elastic and hyaluronic acid are found here. Hyaluronic acid for example, helps hold water. As the dermis is composed of living cells, it has a blood supply, which transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells. These capillaries also transport cellular wast like carbon dioxide away. Here you'll also find lymph vessels, sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings for heat and cold.
Fibers from the dermis extend down and into the next main layer, the subcutaneous layer. They anchor the skin to it. The subcutaneous layer in turn attaches to organs like bone and muscles underneath. Here are nerve endings that are sensitive to pressure, blood, lymph vessels, fat cells, collagen and elastin. The subcutaneous layer thins as we age, which creates a more angular appearance.
Moisturizers achieve their temporary effect by trapping water already in the skin. They essentially act as a seal, they do not provide additional water or 'moisture'. The few products that actually work on the deeper layers of the skin are the Retin-A skin care treatments. Vitamin C, though popular, has not conclusively demonstrated that it can reach the deeper layers, the dermis. And even if it did, there is not enough evidence that it actually does anything there.
But the news is not all bad. We can do something, and its not rocket science. If we supply the skin with the nutrients it needs, with good, fresh fruit and vegetables, and good quality fats and protein, or even supplements as a boost. Then, and only then, will we stall the clock at a more agreeable hour.
Our skin is a very clever organ. No matter which in the arsenal of developments in anti aging skin care products are proudly emblazoned on the bottle and in the marketing literature, our skin knows the truth. And whilst it may play the game for a little while, plumping up nicely to give the appearance of looking younger, more even, and less lined, this is only a temporary, somewhat cosmetic ruse. It is actually a biological trick of the light, a chimera nod to the quest for youth. Don't be fooled.
Skin care is big business. And there's nothing wrong with that. But whilst its highly entertaining to browse through the shelves and try out the latest pedigree of skin cream, these foot soldiers in the war on wrinkles meet a somewhat tenacious and uncooperative foe in our skin.
Our skin. This multi-layered emissary to the outside world, bearer of our expressions, our joys, our grief. Guard against the invisible tide of micro-organisms that seek to infiltrate our body's first defense against disease and infection. This complex array of cells that every month regenerate and shed, within the constraints of age and the quality of our diet. Our skin is a hard worker and much unappreciated. Often barely nourished despite the money spent on technological promises, we still hope the dream of youth slipping away will be restored.
There is a way to slow the process of aging. But not by applying high tech anti aging creams. By understanding exactly what our skin is, we can find better ways of giving it what it needs. And consequently, we will find ourselves with what we want - more youthful skin.
Our skin is composed of 3 main layers. The outside layer that we apply our anti aging skin care products to is the epidermis. This in turn has 4 to 5 layers, depending on where it is in the body, and whether there is a lot of hair on it. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum cornea, serves as a barrier. This is where the cells are continually shedding and where new cells are ultimately pushed up to. These cells have no blood supply, and hence no nutrients or oxygen carried in the blood reach these cells. They are essentially dead in that they cannot engage in the metabolic processes that living cells do. But they do serve very important functions. By creating an impenetrable barrier, they keep out bacteria and other micro organisms, and are thus part of the immune system. But this very function also serves to keep out most of the expensive ingredients in anti aging treatments. And no matter how well an ingredient performs in a laboratory test tube, that does not necessarily translate to reaching the deeper layers of your skin, where the real anti aging work takes place. Most skin care products work only on the stratum cornea, and that is
their downfall as anti aging secret agents.
The next layer down from the top is the dermis. This is the layer where wrinkles develop. The dermis consists of living cells, and they are responsible for the structure, integrity and elasticity of the skin. Here collagen is regenerated whilst existing collagen is broken down in the monthly cellular cycle. The production of collagen slows with age and factors like smoking, sun exposure, stress and inadequate nutrition. Other skin nutrients like elastic and hyaluronic acid are found here. Hyaluronic acid for example, helps hold water. As the dermis is composed of living cells, it has a blood supply, which transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells. These capillaries also transport cellular wast like carbon dioxide away. Here you'll also find lymph vessels, sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings for heat and cold.
Fibers from the dermis extend down and into the next main layer, the subcutaneous layer. They anchor the skin to it. The subcutaneous layer in turn attaches to organs like bone and muscles underneath. Here are nerve endings that are sensitive to pressure, blood, lymph vessels, fat cells, collagen and elastin. The subcutaneous layer thins as we age, which creates a more angular appearance.
Moisturizers achieve their temporary effect by trapping water already in the skin. They essentially act as a seal, they do not provide additional water or 'moisture'. The few products that actually work on the deeper layers of the skin are the Retin-A skin care treatments. Vitamin C, though popular, has not conclusively demonstrated that it can reach the deeper layers, the dermis. And even if it did, there is not enough evidence that it actually does anything there.
But the news is not all bad. We can do something, and its not rocket science. If we supply the skin with the nutrients it needs, with good, fresh fruit and vegetables, and good quality fats and protein, or even supplements as a boost. Then, and only then, will we stall the clock at a more agreeable hour.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
BEAUTY AND HEALTH EVERY WOMAN
NOBODY CAN lose those extra 10 KG in 30 days - or hit the gym three days a week like you wish you could. But that doesn't mean you can't resolve to be a better, healthier, even prettier you.
In fact, Experts says we should lighten up on strict resolutions and approach with reasonable expectations. Doing so will not only help you stick to your resolve, but the small changes you make can lead to bigger changes down the road - and an ambitious desire to improve your life in many more ways.
"If you let the small things add up they will add up to meaningful changes in the overall pattern of your life, and How to sneak age-defying, disease-fighting habits into your life without really trying!"
To help get you started on those small but meaningful changes, here are 10 fast and easy health and beauty resolutions - little things you can do to positively change the way you feel -and the way you look . Try one - or all nine, the following tips ,you'll see the difference way.
1. Go to bed washing your make-up. No matter how tired you are, no matter how late it is, take just 2 minutes to slather on and tissue off a facial cleanser and your skin will thank you. Not only will it help remove surface bacteria that could encourage breakouts, most make up is drying to the skin so removing it will help reduce wrinkling while you sleep. If you can squeeze in 30 more seconds for a quick application of moisturizer, you'll see a definite difference in your face in 7 days or less!
2. Never leave the house without sunscreen on your face. It’s most important anti aging skin care step you can take. It's true - the sun IS the number one cause of wrinkles and aging skin. And sunscreen - well it's the biggest gun in your wrinkle defense arsenal! To make using it easy and automatic, look for either a moisturizer or a foundation.
3. Protect your lips - and look younger and sexier! Want those juicy, sexy lips? You can have them without a lot of muss and fuss IF you protect your pucker with a lip gloss or balm containing sunscreen. When lips are hydrated and protected they will automatically look fuller - and you'll look younger! You can capitalize on the protection if you swap out a matte lipstick for a high wattage gloss in a medium warm pink tone.
4. Whiten your teeth. If you haven't done it yet, this is the one resolution you MUST try! Not only is it the quickest, most inexpensive way to take years off your appearance, it can boost your confidence and give you that polished, well groomed look rich girl - for just pennies a day.
5. Clean out your make-up bag/ bathroom drawer/ vanity - and toss any products you've had more than a year.
6. Keep up with your hair coloring. If you're wearing a shade you just can't bear to change, make sure you touch up those roots every 4 weeks. If the time - or the expense - doesn't permit that kind of attention, then think about having your hair professionally highlighted and low lighted - a mixture of many shades and tones of basic colors like honey blonde, or chestnut brown. The look lasts for up to six months without a touch up.
7. Trade in your shower gel for a moisturizing bar of soap. Most gels contain chemicals, dyes, foaming agents, and lots of drying alcohol - all things your skin doesn't need. Try a daily shower with a moisturizing soap instead - and see your entire body complexion come alive in just 14 days or less. And - you'll save a ton of money too!
8. Eat calcium/vitamin D supplement every day. While many women believe calcium is only important if you're pregnant - or post menopausal - the truth is gals of all ages need this vital mineral to maintain a strong and healthy skeleton - and protect against broken bones. What you may not realize: Studies show women in their 20's need this protection as much as women in their 50's! But that's not all! The latest research shows getting adequate calcium may also help keep skin looking younger longer! And since we're all staying out the sun, the vitamin D is essential to make sure the calcium you take is absorbed. Try it for a month - you'll see a difference!
9. Wear fragrance every day! Even if you're just spending the day doing laundry or cleaning the bathroom, studies show that wearing your favorite fragrance is a great way to lift your mood and keep energy levels high. Starting your day with a dousing of fragrance will also make you feel special - and that can affect how you act and react during the entire day. If you can't afford to use your favorite pricey designer fragrance every day, look for scented body lotions or anoint your pulse points with a fragrant bath oil. For an inexpensive scented body powder purchase any corn-starch based baby powder, pour into an air tight plastic container and sprit the contents several times with your favorite fragrance. Close the lid, shake it - and voila - when you open it you'll have a whole container of perfumed talc for pennies!
.
In fact, Experts says we should lighten up on strict resolutions and approach with reasonable expectations. Doing so will not only help you stick to your resolve, but the small changes you make can lead to bigger changes down the road - and an ambitious desire to improve your life in many more ways.
"If you let the small things add up they will add up to meaningful changes in the overall pattern of your life, and How to sneak age-defying, disease-fighting habits into your life without really trying!"
To help get you started on those small but meaningful changes, here are 10 fast and easy health and beauty resolutions - little things you can do to positively change the way you feel -and the way you look . Try one - or all nine, the following tips ,you'll see the difference way.
1. Go to bed washing your make-up. No matter how tired you are, no matter how late it is, take just 2 minutes to slather on and tissue off a facial cleanser and your skin will thank you. Not only will it help remove surface bacteria that could encourage breakouts, most make up is drying to the skin so removing it will help reduce wrinkling while you sleep. If you can squeeze in 30 more seconds for a quick application of moisturizer, you'll see a definite difference in your face in 7 days or less!
2. Never leave the house without sunscreen on your face. It’s most important anti aging skin care step you can take. It's true - the sun IS the number one cause of wrinkles and aging skin. And sunscreen - well it's the biggest gun in your wrinkle defense arsenal! To make using it easy and automatic, look for either a moisturizer or a foundation.
3. Protect your lips - and look younger and sexier! Want those juicy, sexy lips? You can have them without a lot of muss and fuss IF you protect your pucker with a lip gloss or balm containing sunscreen. When lips are hydrated and protected they will automatically look fuller - and you'll look younger! You can capitalize on the protection if you swap out a matte lipstick for a high wattage gloss in a medium warm pink tone.
4. Whiten your teeth. If you haven't done it yet, this is the one resolution you MUST try! Not only is it the quickest, most inexpensive way to take years off your appearance, it can boost your confidence and give you that polished, well groomed look rich girl - for just pennies a day.
5. Clean out your make-up bag/ bathroom drawer/ vanity - and toss any products you've had more than a year.
6. Keep up with your hair coloring. If you're wearing a shade you just can't bear to change, make sure you touch up those roots every 4 weeks. If the time - or the expense - doesn't permit that kind of attention, then think about having your hair professionally highlighted and low lighted - a mixture of many shades and tones of basic colors like honey blonde, or chestnut brown. The look lasts for up to six months without a touch up.
7. Trade in your shower gel for a moisturizing bar of soap. Most gels contain chemicals, dyes, foaming agents, and lots of drying alcohol - all things your skin doesn't need. Try a daily shower with a moisturizing soap instead - and see your entire body complexion come alive in just 14 days or less. And - you'll save a ton of money too!
8. Eat calcium/vitamin D supplement every day. While many women believe calcium is only important if you're pregnant - or post menopausal - the truth is gals of all ages need this vital mineral to maintain a strong and healthy skeleton - and protect against broken bones. What you may not realize: Studies show women in their 20's need this protection as much as women in their 50's! But that's not all! The latest research shows getting adequate calcium may also help keep skin looking younger longer! And since we're all staying out the sun, the vitamin D is essential to make sure the calcium you take is absorbed. Try it for a month - you'll see a difference!
9. Wear fragrance every day! Even if you're just spending the day doing laundry or cleaning the bathroom, studies show that wearing your favorite fragrance is a great way to lift your mood and keep energy levels high. Starting your day with a dousing of fragrance will also make you feel special - and that can affect how you act and react during the entire day. If you can't afford to use your favorite pricey designer fragrance every day, look for scented body lotions or anoint your pulse points with a fragrant bath oil. For an inexpensive scented body powder purchase any corn-starch based baby powder, pour into an air tight plastic container and sprit the contents several times with your favorite fragrance. Close the lid, shake it - and voila - when you open it you'll have a whole container of perfumed talc for pennies!
.
Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are, you’re in good company. Millions of people wake up every morning and endure every day experiencing pain in their necks, backs and shoulders. While neck, back and shoulder pain used to be thought of as conditions affecting only adults, due to more parents scheduling routine doctors visits for their kids, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that children and teenagers are also suffering from the symptoms. So if it’s not age that causes this severe discomfort, what is it? Believe it or not, the culprit may be your sleep habits and the position you sleep in.
Each and everyday, you are putting stress on your spine, which directly impacts the tension in your neck, shoulders and back. Even simple, everyday tasks like sitting at a desk, driving, and bending over can contribute to wear on these sensitive parts of your body. Your sleep time is supposed to be the time of day when these areas of your body are allowed to relax and regenerate. However, if your neck isn’t properly supported while you’re sleeping, your body doesn’t have a chance to recover from the stress it endured throughout the day. Improper neck support while sleeping can cause increasingly severe neck, back and shoulder pain over the years, to a point where it becomes unbearable.
Neck, back and shoulder pain can actually begin a vicious cycle. You’re in pain, so you can’t sleep, but you need to sleep (and sleep right), to be able to get rid of the pain. A continuous lack of sleep can even lead to further problems like depression, chronic fatigue, and believe it or not, even weight gain has been linked to a severe lack of proper sleep. Fortunately, scientists and health
professionals take the causes of neck, back and shoulder pain seriously, and have consistently worked towards finding methods and remedies that will alleviate the wretched symptoms.
The first step towards eliminating the discomfort of these symptoms is to correct your sleep habits, and the most important part of this step is to get a pillow that properly supports your neck. Try to find one that is made to be tailored to the position you sleep in, as not all pillows are created equal. Memory foam pillows have been increasing in popularity, and rightfully so. They’ve actually been quite beneficial in relieving neck, back and shoulder pain for a number of people who have been enduring it for years. Massage, yoga, and proper exercise are also methods that have been found to reduce pain in these regions of the body. By incorporating small change like these into your lifestyle, you should have no problem overcoming your ailments.
If a quality elastic pillow doesn’t solve your neck, back and shoulder pain, you might want to schedule an appointment with your doctor as your pain may be a symptom of a more severe underlying condition. Pain is something that affects your entire being, and remedying it quickly is vitally important to your quality of life.
Each and everyday, you are putting stress on your spine, which directly impacts the tension in your neck, shoulders and back. Even simple, everyday tasks like sitting at a desk, driving, and bending over can contribute to wear on these sensitive parts of your body. Your sleep time is supposed to be the time of day when these areas of your body are allowed to relax and regenerate. However, if your neck isn’t properly supported while you’re sleeping, your body doesn’t have a chance to recover from the stress it endured throughout the day. Improper neck support while sleeping can cause increasingly severe neck, back and shoulder pain over the years, to a point where it becomes unbearable.
Neck, back and shoulder pain can actually begin a vicious cycle. You’re in pain, so you can’t sleep, but you need to sleep (and sleep right), to be able to get rid of the pain. A continuous lack of sleep can even lead to further problems like depression, chronic fatigue, and believe it or not, even weight gain has been linked to a severe lack of proper sleep. Fortunately, scientists and health
professionals take the causes of neck, back and shoulder pain seriously, and have consistently worked towards finding methods and remedies that will alleviate the wretched symptoms.
The first step towards eliminating the discomfort of these symptoms is to correct your sleep habits, and the most important part of this step is to get a pillow that properly supports your neck. Try to find one that is made to be tailored to the position you sleep in, as not all pillows are created equal. Memory foam pillows have been increasing in popularity, and rightfully so. They’ve actually been quite beneficial in relieving neck, back and shoulder pain for a number of people who have been enduring it for years. Massage, yoga, and proper exercise are also methods that have been found to reduce pain in these regions of the body. By incorporating small change like these into your lifestyle, you should have no problem overcoming your ailments.
If a quality elastic pillow doesn’t solve your neck, back and shoulder pain, you might want to schedule an appointment with your doctor as your pain may be a symptom of a more severe underlying condition. Pain is something that affects your entire being, and remedying it quickly is vitally important to your quality of life.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
WHY HAS YOGA BECOME SO POPULAR?
Why Has Yoga Become So Popular?
Did you know that over sixteen million people practiced yoga. And the numbers are expected to increase dramatically in subsequent years. Your own experiences probably confirm this study – maybe you practice yoga, know someone who does, or just take a walk along any busy main street - your bound to see someone carrying a yoga mat. In fact you can't even open a magazine or newspaper without finding an article about yoga. So, how does a 5000-year-old spiritual practice become today's hottest mind/body trend?
Perhaps the best way to understand yoga's popularity is to go right to the people who practice it. If you ask them why, some of the more common replies you might hear are "flexibility, increased energy, improved focus, reduction of the symptoms associated with stress, and an overall good feeling." The fact is that yoga can have a rejuvenating effect on all systems of the body including the circulatory, glandular system, digestive, nervous, skeletal/muscular, reproductive system and respiratory system.
There four components to good physical health: Strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic capacity. It is interesting to note that yoga can accomplish all these things and no fancy piece of equipment is needed – other than your own body . Over the last 100 years our lives have become very fast paced: cell phones, computers, internet, television. This along with a strong work ethic often results in people out of balance – people experiencing a lot of stress. Consequently, there is a strong need to de-stress - to quiet our minds and rejuvenate our bodies. And yoga helps achieve this – helping us return to a state of balance and health.
Yoga brings us into the moment – it is very difficult to practice and be thinking about what happened at work today or the party tomorrow night. Becoming present
in itself is a great release from stress. At its best, yoga meets the student where they are – so it is adjusted to the student's level and capacity. That doesn't mean it is particularly easy or particularly challenging – it can be either or both on any given day.
Then there is the therapeutic component. Yoga can be used successfully with conditions such as insomnia, back problems, digestion problems, asthma, improving circulation, anxiety, weight loss, just to name a few.
Basically yoga is non –competitive; it is not about winning or losing – you can go at your own rate. Of course people still compete with themselves though and compare their posture to others in class.
In addition many of us are yearning for something more. Many of us have shied away from organized religion yet seek a spiritual practice that connects us to ourselves as well as something larger – a spiritual practice that is non-dogmatic, without many rules. While most of the yoga practiced in health clubs is primarily the physical aspects of yoga – the philosophical side seeps in. And for those that want to learn more about the philosophy of yoga information and classes are readily available to them. At its simplest level yoga quiets the mind and opens the body – setting the stage for withdrawing deeper inside oneself – to a place of peace, a place of balance, a place of health. It is here where the divine within us can be more easily discovered.
There are many different styles of yoga and it never needs to be boring - it can be slow and gentle, it can challenge your strength, it can be aerobic or vigorous or it can be very introspective. There is as style to match most personalities. There is yoga for seniors, pre-natal yoga, postnatal yoga, power yoga, gentle yoga, etc. There are classes that focus on back care, yoga done in groups and one-on-one, privately with an instructor. The yogic scriptures say there are some 84,000 postures and variations. The field of yoga is huge and there is always, always something new to learn.
The media has also helped spread the message of yoga and the fact the celebrities like RAMDEV BABA TEACHING YOGA ON TELEVISION EVERYDAY.
Did you know that over sixteen million people practiced yoga. And the numbers are expected to increase dramatically in subsequent years. Your own experiences probably confirm this study – maybe you practice yoga, know someone who does, or just take a walk along any busy main street - your bound to see someone carrying a yoga mat. In fact you can't even open a magazine or newspaper without finding an article about yoga. So, how does a 5000-year-old spiritual practice become today's hottest mind/body trend?
Perhaps the best way to understand yoga's popularity is to go right to the people who practice it. If you ask them why, some of the more common replies you might hear are "flexibility, increased energy, improved focus, reduction of the symptoms associated with stress, and an overall good feeling." The fact is that yoga can have a rejuvenating effect on all systems of the body including the circulatory, glandular system, digestive, nervous, skeletal/muscular, reproductive system and respiratory system.
There four components to good physical health: Strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic capacity. It is interesting to note that yoga can accomplish all these things and no fancy piece of equipment is needed – other than your own body . Over the last 100 years our lives have become very fast paced: cell phones, computers, internet, television. This along with a strong work ethic often results in people out of balance – people experiencing a lot of stress. Consequently, there is a strong need to de-stress - to quiet our minds and rejuvenate our bodies. And yoga helps achieve this – helping us return to a state of balance and health.
Yoga brings us into the moment – it is very difficult to practice and be thinking about what happened at work today or the party tomorrow night. Becoming present
in itself is a great release from stress. At its best, yoga meets the student where they are – so it is adjusted to the student's level and capacity. That doesn't mean it is particularly easy or particularly challenging – it can be either or both on any given day.
Then there is the therapeutic component. Yoga can be used successfully with conditions such as insomnia, back problems, digestion problems, asthma, improving circulation, anxiety, weight loss, just to name a few.
Basically yoga is non –competitive; it is not about winning or losing – you can go at your own rate. Of course people still compete with themselves though and compare their posture to others in class.
In addition many of us are yearning for something more. Many of us have shied away from organized religion yet seek a spiritual practice that connects us to ourselves as well as something larger – a spiritual practice that is non-dogmatic, without many rules. While most of the yoga practiced in health clubs is primarily the physical aspects of yoga – the philosophical side seeps in. And for those that want to learn more about the philosophy of yoga information and classes are readily available to them. At its simplest level yoga quiets the mind and opens the body – setting the stage for withdrawing deeper inside oneself – to a place of peace, a place of balance, a place of health. It is here where the divine within us can be more easily discovered.
There are many different styles of yoga and it never needs to be boring - it can be slow and gentle, it can challenge your strength, it can be aerobic or vigorous or it can be very introspective. There is as style to match most personalities. There is yoga for seniors, pre-natal yoga, postnatal yoga, power yoga, gentle yoga, etc. There are classes that focus on back care, yoga done in groups and one-on-one, privately with an instructor. The yogic scriptures say there are some 84,000 postures and variations. The field of yoga is huge and there is always, always something new to learn.
The media has also helped spread the message of yoga and the fact the celebrities like RAMDEV BABA TEACHING YOGA ON TELEVISION EVERYDAY.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
ENDOCRINAL GLANDS AND PRANAYAMA
ENDOCRINAL GLANDS AND PRANAYAMA
THERE ARE DIFFERENT GLANDS IN THE BODY.AMONG THESE, THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INTERNAL-SECRETING DUETLESS GLANDS IS VERY GREAT. AS THEIR SECRETIONS GO DIRECTLY INTO THE BLOOD STREAM,THEIR EFFECTS ARE QUICK AND EFFECTIVE.THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT ENDOCRINAL GLANDS IN THE BODY SUCH AS THE GLANDS IN THE HEAD[PITUTARY GLANDS],THE GLANDS IN THE THROAT[THYROID AND PARATHYROID GLANDS],THE GLANDS ABOVE THE KIDNEYS[ADRENAL GLANDS ],THE GLANDS IN THE PANCREAS[ISLETS OF LANGERHANS]AND THE SEX GLANDS[GONAD GLANDS]. THEY HAVE A VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER AS ALSO WITH OTHER SYSTEMS.
1. THE GLANDS IN THE HEAD[PITUTARY GLANDS]
THESE GLANDS ARE CONCERNED WITH URINATION, LABOUR PAINS DURING CHILDBIRTH,PRODUCTION OF MILK,GROWTH OF THE BODY,CONTROL OF OTHER GLANDS,RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BRAIN ETC. THE SECRETION OF THESE GLANDS HAS EFFECTS ON THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES. THESE ARE LOCATED AT THE BASE OF THE BRAIN.
2. THE GLAND IN THE THROAT [THYROID GLAND]
THE H-SHAPED THYROID GLAND IS LOCATED IN THE THROAT,AND IS CONCERNED WITH METABOLISM AND BODY TEMPERATURE.
3. SUSIDIARY GLANDS IN THE THROAT [PARATHYROID GLANDS]
THESE ARE LOCATED IN THE THROAT.THESE INFLUENCE THE CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM .
MAN’S PERSONALITY DEPENDS UPON THESE TWO GLANDS [i.e. THYROID AND PARATHYROID GLANDS].IF THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL,THEN MAN’S YOUTH,VIGOUR,GROWTH AND RESISTANCE POWER ARE MAINTAINED AT A SATISFACTORY LEVE. THEIR DEFICIENCY BRINGS ABOUT SIGNS OF EARLY AGING.
4. ADRENAL GLANDS:
THESE ARE LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE KIDNEYS AS IF THEY ARE CAPPING THE KIDNEYS. THESE GLANDS PERFORM THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS: CONTRACTION-STRETCHING OF MUSCLES, CONTRACTION OF BLOOD VESSELS, PROVISION OF SUFFICIENT BLOOD IN THE BODY,INCREASE IN HEART BEATS AND BLOOD PRESSURE,RELAXATION OF THE INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE,CONVERSION OF LIVER SUGAR INTO GLUCOSE ETC. DEFICIENCY OF THESE GLANDS BRINGS ABOUT EBBING OF LIFE AND DEATH ENSUES.
5. PANCREAS:
IT IS LOCATED IN THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY BEHIND THE STOMACH. A GROUP OF CELLS CALLED THE”ISLETS OF LANGERHANS” PRODUCE INSULIN. THIS “BURNS” GULCOSE TO GIVE ENERGY.WITHOUT INSULIN THERE IS NO BURNING OF GLUCOSE AND, THE SUGAR CONTENT IN THE URINE AND BLOOD INCREASES. IN THE SAME GLAND ANOTHER HORMONE’GLUCAGON’ IS PRODUCED. ILL-EFFECTS OF INSULIN ARE AVOIDED BY THIS HORMONE.
6. THE SEX GLANDS:
THESE ARE LOCATED IN THE PELVIC REGION. TESTIS IN MALES AND OVARIES IN FEMALES ARE THE SEX GLANDS. GROWTH OF REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS, PRODUCTION OF MANLY FEMININE CHARACTERISTICS ON COMING OF AGE,ETC.ARE DEPENDANT ON THE SECRETION OF THESE GLANDS.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT GLANDS IN THE BODY.AMONG THESE, THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INTERNAL-SECRETING DUETLESS GLANDS IS VERY GREAT. AS THEIR SECRETIONS GO DIRECTLY INTO THE BLOOD STREAM,THEIR EFFECTS ARE QUICK AND EFFECTIVE.THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT ENDOCRINAL GLANDS IN THE BODY SUCH AS THE GLANDS IN THE HEAD[PITUTARY GLANDS],THE GLANDS IN THE THROAT[THYROID AND PARATHYROID GLANDS],THE GLANDS ABOVE THE KIDNEYS[ADRENAL GLANDS ],THE GLANDS IN THE PANCREAS[ISLETS OF LANGERHANS]AND THE SEX GLANDS[GONAD GLANDS]. THEY HAVE A VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER AS ALSO WITH OTHER SYSTEMS.
1. THE GLANDS IN THE HEAD[PITUTARY GLANDS]
THESE GLANDS ARE CONCERNED WITH URINATION, LABOUR PAINS DURING CHILDBIRTH,PRODUCTION OF MILK,GROWTH OF THE BODY,CONTROL OF OTHER GLANDS,RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BRAIN ETC. THE SECRETION OF THESE GLANDS HAS EFFECTS ON THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES. THESE ARE LOCATED AT THE BASE OF THE BRAIN.
2. THE GLAND IN THE THROAT [THYROID GLAND]
THE H-SHAPED THYROID GLAND IS LOCATED IN THE THROAT,AND IS CONCERNED WITH METABOLISM AND BODY TEMPERATURE.
3. SUSIDIARY GLANDS IN THE THROAT [PARATHYROID GLANDS]
THESE ARE LOCATED IN THE THROAT.THESE INFLUENCE THE CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM .
MAN’S PERSONALITY DEPENDS UPON THESE TWO GLANDS [i.e. THYROID AND PARATHYROID GLANDS].IF THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL,THEN MAN’S YOUTH,VIGOUR,GROWTH AND RESISTANCE POWER ARE MAINTAINED AT A SATISFACTORY LEVE. THEIR DEFICIENCY BRINGS ABOUT SIGNS OF EARLY AGING.
4. ADRENAL GLANDS:
THESE ARE LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE KIDNEYS AS IF THEY ARE CAPPING THE KIDNEYS. THESE GLANDS PERFORM THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS: CONTRACTION-STRETCHING OF MUSCLES, CONTRACTION OF BLOOD VESSELS, PROVISION OF SUFFICIENT BLOOD IN THE BODY,INCREASE IN HEART BEATS AND BLOOD PRESSURE,RELAXATION OF THE INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE,CONVERSION OF LIVER SUGAR INTO GLUCOSE ETC. DEFICIENCY OF THESE GLANDS BRINGS ABOUT EBBING OF LIFE AND DEATH ENSUES.
5. PANCREAS:
IT IS LOCATED IN THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY BEHIND THE STOMACH. A GROUP OF CELLS CALLED THE”ISLETS OF LANGERHANS” PRODUCE INSULIN. THIS “BURNS” GULCOSE TO GIVE ENERGY.WITHOUT INSULIN THERE IS NO BURNING OF GLUCOSE AND, THE SUGAR CONTENT IN THE URINE AND BLOOD INCREASES. IN THE SAME GLAND ANOTHER HORMONE’GLUCAGON’ IS PRODUCED. ILL-EFFECTS OF INSULIN ARE AVOIDED BY THIS HORMONE.
6. THE SEX GLANDS:
THESE ARE LOCATED IN THE PELVIC REGION. TESTIS IN MALES AND OVARIES IN FEMALES ARE THE SEX GLANDS. GROWTH OF REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS, PRODUCTION OF MANLY FEMININE CHARACTERISTICS ON COMING OF AGE,ETC.ARE DEPENDANT ON THE SECRETION OF THESE GLANDS.
HOW TO LOOSE WEIGHT USING YOGA
How To Loose Weight Using Yoga
Yoga’s power to create a state of mental and physical well being may also be put to good use for taking off excess weight. Yoga promotes a healthy and balanced life style and when combined with a calorie burning program may show exceptional results. Practicing yoga will also increase your metabolism, increasing the calorie burning process, but you should not see it as an immediate results method. By following the rigors imposed by yoga you will gain a holistic, long term solution to balance your life style and keep off any excessive weight. In addition to loosing weight you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, higher resistance to stress factors and an all round healthier way of living.
Metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component of the endocrine system. It is responsible for the chemical processes in your body that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism to burn more calories and reduce your body weight. Improved local circulation is another direct effect of using yoga postures and this leads to a healthier, more energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the calorie output your body will start burning fat cells to acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong metabolism takes this process even further and you will see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.
Different back bands, combined with forward bends, are used to stimulate metabolism. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid gland is situated, are especially useful is the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand. Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the process. For people who are significantly overweight
some of the bends may prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. They should gradually increase the difficulty of the postures until they are confident enough to go to more complex exercises.
Muscles can be strengthened by using standing poses, such as the warrior. A higher endurance and increased caloric output will also result from using standing poses. Energize the body and increase your metabolism even more by using Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.
A proper diet should also be followed to support the holistic weight loss system. Try to consume food rich in fiber, vegetables, whole grains and less high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all maters concerning your food and no excess should be made. Do not totally eliminate certain food items from your menu and remember that diversity is the key to an equilibrated and satisfactory diet.
A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Results may not be spectacular and immediate, but this is one of the best long term weight loss methods available. In addition to weight loss you also benefit from an increased protection against adverse factors as well as a general feeling of well being and inner peace.
To learn more how to change not only your body size, weight, and figure, but your life as well .
Yoga’s power to create a state of mental and physical well being may also be put to good use for taking off excess weight. Yoga promotes a healthy and balanced life style and when combined with a calorie burning program may show exceptional results. Practicing yoga will also increase your metabolism, increasing the calorie burning process, but you should not see it as an immediate results method. By following the rigors imposed by yoga you will gain a holistic, long term solution to balance your life style and keep off any excessive weight. In addition to loosing weight you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, higher resistance to stress factors and an all round healthier way of living.
Metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component of the endocrine system. It is responsible for the chemical processes in your body that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism to burn more calories and reduce your body weight. Improved local circulation is another direct effect of using yoga postures and this leads to a healthier, more energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the calorie output your body will start burning fat cells to acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong metabolism takes this process even further and you will see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.
Different back bands, combined with forward bends, are used to stimulate metabolism. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid gland is situated, are especially useful is the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand. Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the process. For people who are significantly overweight
some of the bends may prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. They should gradually increase the difficulty of the postures until they are confident enough to go to more complex exercises.
Muscles can be strengthened by using standing poses, such as the warrior. A higher endurance and increased caloric output will also result from using standing poses. Energize the body and increase your metabolism even more by using Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.
A proper diet should also be followed to support the holistic weight loss system. Try to consume food rich in fiber, vegetables, whole grains and less high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all maters concerning your food and no excess should be made. Do not totally eliminate certain food items from your menu and remember that diversity is the key to an equilibrated and satisfactory diet.
A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Results may not be spectacular and immediate, but this is one of the best long term weight loss methods available. In addition to weight loss you also benefit from an increased protection against adverse factors as well as a general feeling of well being and inner peace.
To learn more how to change not only your body size, weight, and figure, but your life as well .
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