Interesting facts about Yoga that won’t fail to astound you

Yoga is slowly but steadily sweeping the world off its feet. This ancient art and tradition of maintaining your breath to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life seems to have gained momentum in recent months and has managed to take most of the world by storm. Here are some interesting wise facts about Yoga that you will remember long after you've stopped reading this.

The breath trumps all

When it comes to Yoga, the breath is king. Yoga is based on the principle that the mind can be controlled just by paying attention to the way we take breaths. Seems childish and too simple? But go ahead and give it a try. It may seem silly but it really works. In fact there are stories of sages who live in the mountains and are a few centuries old! How…? Simply by breathing properly.

Stretch your mind and the body shall follow

Yup. You read that right. It is all in your mind. Yoga teaches us that a person can be flexible if the said person has control over his/her mind, which means that we must limit our mental intake and stimulation. In other words, stop with all the useless pastimes that you think are useful (hint: hovering over social media sites). Also just being benevolent helps in keeping the mind light and tension-free.

Perfect Poses. Perfect Personality

The postures of Yoga are designed to increase stability and flexibility of the various parts of the body, especially the mind. Not everybody is capable of doing all the postures but after a few years of training, most of the postures can be mastered in turn giving your body that oh-so-desirable look and feel.

Rest-Yoga-Rest

Oh Goodey! news for lazy peeps; for every 30 minutes of doing or holding a posture one must take at least 10-15 of rest. This practice helps in keeping the body in good shape. It also maintains the nervous system without overloading it with effort and sensation. The nervous system is central to Yoga and it should be taken well-care of.

Lungs beat Heartbeats

Most of you will be quick to disagree and say that the heart is the most important organ of them all, but, but, but…you are wrong. In Yoga, it is prevalent belief that since we require air to function and live, the organ that is responsible for its intake and distribution is the most important. Think about it. Will the heart be able to beat if the lungs don’t function?

Breathe on, Dudes and Dudettes!

The fountain of youth is not a myth and we have everything we need to make use of it. A nose and two lungs is all you need if Yoga is to be believed. These body parts when utilized properly result in vitality that lasts as long as your practice of Yoga lasts. The body and mind slowly but steadily function as one unit and that is when your looks are refined to their full potential.

Therefore Yoga is a pretty easy discipline but one needs to treat it with respect and drill daily to achieve its paybacks. Welcome Yoga, welcome a revolution in your body that will bring smile to your mind, body and spirit. Breathe on!

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

Five reasons to start practice Yoga

(Pic courtesy: www.groupon.co.in)

Practicing Yoga is not just about a good physical workout, it’s about obtaining complete mind-body balance and tranquility. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice and its origin stretches back thousands of years ago. Regular practice of Yoga helps in achieving a positive outlook to life and to derive inner balance. We live in a chaotic world where stress has become a common factor. Practice of Yoga can help in reliving this stress and to obtain mental, emotional and physical stability. Many people are embracing the tranquil art of yoga and conceding to its power. Yoga is not just a good workout but rather a way of living.

People, who practice Yoga, cannot stop singing praises of the many benefits of Yoga. But for those who are still skeptical about Yoga, here are some reasonable reasons to inculcate yoga into your routine.  Yoga is not just about mastering couple of tricky poses, it’s about finding your inner peace and strength. With Yoga taking a global plunge today, there is no denying the fact that the benefits of yoga are innumerable.

Yoga Helps in Shedding Calories in an Effective Way

(Pic courtesy: healthshlok.com)

Although the whole Yoga is hip thing might annoy a true Yoga enthusiast, there is no denying the fact that Yoga is a great workout option. Most of the times people take-up Yoga as a workout option to get fit and lose weight. Unlike gym workouts and cardio, Yoga is not strenuous, which is one of the reasons behind the gaining popularity. You can easily adapt yourself with the various techniques and asana and benefit from it. Each movement and posture helps in targeting specific problem areas in the body and attain stability. With regular practice of Yoga, you can easily lose kilos and inches without breaking your muscles. You do not have to dedicate any particular time for Yoga; you can do it anytime and anywhere since you do not require any specific equipment.

It helps in improving sleep

(Pic courtesy: yoga.com)

Insomnia is on the rise and the reason behind is the steadily peaking stress levels in people’s lives. Whether dealing with a personal or a professional issue, stress has become part and parcel of our life. But practicing Yoga on a daily basis can help in improving your sleep to a great extent. Through some specific asanas and postures you can target specific problems that have been affecting your sleep. Some asanas are meant to be done right before sleeping for better sleep and improved health.

Yoga fixes your posture and stance

(Pic courtesy: www.healthstatus.com)

Corporate jobs can be exhilarating but it can take a toll on our health. Desk jobs require constant sitting and working for long hours which can affect ones posture to a great extent. Yoga will help in improving your posture to a great extent and align your back. You will be more confident once you have a more commanding and healthy posture rather than the slouchy demeanor you had. It also helps in proper blood circulation.

Yoga is great or enhancing physical and mental strength

(Pic courtesy: www.pinterest.com)

Yoga is excellent since it helps in striking a mind-body balance and attaining mental and emotional peace. Studies show that yoga helps improve physical as well as mental strength. Specific postures and breathing exercises can improve the functions of your internal organs and enhance mental health. Yoga helps in improving our focus and concentration level and to reach our true potential.

Meditation can change your perception

(Pic courtesy: aboutmeditation.com )

Meditation is a big part of Yoga and it can change the way we perceive our world. It makes us more calm and collected and gives us the strength to tackle any problem that we might be facing. Meditation improves the quality of life and compels us to think through things before taking an action. You will be engulfed by peace and serenity which will automatically make you a better and content person.

These are some of the most important reasons to practice Yoga and embrace the benefits that it has to offer.

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

No more ditching Sugar when you have Yoga to help

“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”

- B.K.S. Iyengar

Diabetes is a metabolic disease of imbalanced sugar levels in the human body. It is a long-term disease with no proper treatment. Though it can be controlled using certain medications, curing it is still a major question mark for the doctors. But Yoga, the Indian remedy has made it possible for the patients to get relieved from the disease! Now the patients who practice Yoga need not worry about their sugar levels.

Yoga is the natural treatment option for all the diseases. It is magical in healing the deadliest of diseases. It is a reliable solution to all your problems. Yoga stimulates different organs which improve our immunity to a great extent. Diabetes occurs due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas and can be extremely painful to deal with. Let us view the benefits Yoga has in treating diabetes.

Yoga deals with the Imbalances in your body

Diabetes is a growing disease. Almost 7 out of 10 persons suffer from diabetes. Though it is a metabolic disease, but if not cured or controlled on time, it can affect the body severely and can be a risk to life. But all these cases have one sure shot solution - Yoga!! Yoga purifies the inner body, mind, and soul. It reduces the LDL/bad cholesterol and increases the blood and oxygen supply in the body. Thus, reducing the risks caused by diabetes. Asanas like Dhanurasana (bow pose), Balasana (child pose), Chakrasana, Shalabasanas are effective in dealing with diabetes.

Dhanurasana
(Pic courtesy: download.rbuap.com)

Balasana
(Pic courtesy: www.theyogaposes.com)

Chakrasana
(Pic courtesy: yoga.omgyan.com)

Shalabhasana
(Pic courtesy: www.remediespoint.com)

Yoga boosts body functions

Yoga involves the movement of hands, legs, and other organs and also improves breathing. It ameliorates the pancreatic function and maintains insulin levels to a normal state in the body which is a major cause of diabetes. It aids the patients with a lower risk to high blood pressures and reduces the blood glucose levels. Hence, a powerful weapon to fight sugar!!

 Yoga to control weight

Often diabetes leads to obesity in people and they build stubborn fat in their body. Obesity further leads to many heart diseases. Yoga puts a full stop to the diseases which are an outcome of fluctuations in sugar level. It encourages the proper functioning of all the organs and relaxes the nervous system to a great extent. Yoga allows the body to fight with the stubborn fat accumulated in the body and manages the body weight.

Yoga has become a way of life. With its many benefits to the patients and individuals, it has become a weapon to fight all diseases, big or small. A regular exercise routine can help in boosting insulin levels in your body and maintain strength. Certain poses and meditation and breathing techniques of Yoga help in dealing with weight issues and control your sugar levels. Most diabetic patients have to sacrifice on taste and are denied delicious food. But with the help of proper medication and regular practice of Yoga, you can regain control over your life.  With its benefits in defeating diabetes, the patients don't have to fear and worry about their condition!

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/.

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

With Yoga You Can Control ADHD Till It’s Almost Negligible - Know How!

“Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence through self-control. Energy within and energy without.”

- Ymber Delecto

(Pic courtesy: www.meditationtoday.com.au)

ADHD or “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” is a chronic disorder that has adverse effects on an individual's health, ranging from low academic performances to lack of social skills resulting in strained relations with others. It is a long-term disorder and often people suffering from ADHD face a nervous breakdown as a result of the many symptoms.

Though, these behavioral disorders can be controlled by prescribed medical procedure or with the help of some therapists, but curing it permanently is a matter of concern till date. But Yoga as a healing activity has helped resolve this particular concern. In the recent years, there has been an avid interest in meditation as a possible treatment alternative for psychological conditions. Basic Yoga asanas and Pranayama can help ADHD children to control the attention deficit problem in a natural manner.  Let us look at the benefits of Yoga for ADHD sufferers.

Yoga as a controller

Yoga harmonizes the balance between the body, mind and soul. It energizes the body and helps you control your actions in a better way. It keeps in check your breathing rate, muscular actions as well as maintains the emotional balance. It helps the body to relax and be at ease which further accelerates the calmness in your actions and reduce ADHD symptoms to a great extent.

Yoga boosts confidence and improves performance

Confidence level is required in every field - educational or professional. ADHD can lower your confidence to a great extent and leads to insufficient performance in academics as well as the professional sphere. Yoga has been beneficial in boosting the confidence levels and enhances the social skills of ADHD sufferers. It is the best remedy to minimize the effects of ADHD. Children who perform Yoga on a daily basis show greater response in term of decrease in hyperactivity.

Yoga reduces stress

Stress is one of the main causes of ADHD. It leads to a disturbed mind which further reduces our focus and attention span. Yoga helps overcome the stress and relaxes the body. It prevents the mind from being disturbed and thus ameliorates focus. Certain breathing exercises are effective in improving the stress levels and other added benefits nullify the effects of ADHD for greater control over the ailment.

(Pic courtesy: www.sheknows.com)

It’s important since most people suffering from ADHD problems are hyperactive which means they need greater activity and movement to keep them occupied. Children especially get high-strung; hence try to include poses that are high on movement and energy. Create a routine for your child and aid them to stick to it. Formulate a healthy exercise routine and some time allotted just for relaxation and meditation.  You can deal with the problem of ADHD with minimum medication and treatment if you perform Yoga religiously. Yoga is a natural treatment option to treat and heal such prolonged and extenuated disorder. It is the best remedy to control ADHD until you are in greater control of your mind body balance.

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/.

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

The Healing Power of Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors

(Pic courtesy: www.cancertherapyadvisor.com)

Dealing with the gripping effects of cancer is dealing with a volatile wave of emotions. Cancer is a vicious disease that saps a person physically and emotionally. Cancer treatments like radioactive treatment can weaken a person. But more than physical damage and pain that patients go through, it‘s the mental trauma that breaks the soul of most patients. Most cancer survivors have to undergo therapy to bounce back from the difficult and traumatic stage that they had to go through. But there are ways cancer patients can deal with the pain and emotional conflicts of dealing with cancer.

Although performing rigorous exercise routines is out of the question for cancer patients, there are other ways to stay healthy. Studies show that practicing Yoga has a positive effect on a cancer patient’s health. It helps in combating physical pain, fatigue and also emotional and mental problems. The extensive treatment procedures and the diminishing strength get to the patient and more often than not, they tend to feel agitated about it. It reduces stress and anxiety levels and also helps in controlling blood pressure or respiratory issues. Yoga is easier to perform compared to other taxing exercise routine which is why it is advisable for cancer patients.

Combat Pains and Conflicts of Cancer with Yoga

Depression is an emotion that most cancer patients as well as cancer survivors go through. Yoga can help in attaining mental balance and dealing with your pent-up frustration and anger. Particular asanas and movements help in boosting positive feelings and attaining physical strength at the same time. Yoga is an effective therapy treatment since the asanas; breathing exercises and the meditation have a healing effect on the patients. It helps in increase the quality of life for cancer patients to a great extent.

(Pic courtesy: happinesslovers.com)

 Many studies suggest that Yoga helps in combating many symptoms of cancer. Pranayama is one of the best things for cancer patients since it creates a harmonious mind-body balance. Patients can include Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and a range of asanas into their daily routine to deal with the physical and mental pains and challenges. Yoga can help in healing you gradually and decrease all negative emotions of death. It helps patients to come to terms with their disease in a better way so that they can live a better and more fulfilling life.

A healthy lifestyle and positive mindset can do a lot of good to the patients and Yoga can help achieve this. Traditional medical practices like surgery and chemotherapy are important and cannot be overlooked, but Yoga is the perfect therapy alternative to deal with the symptoms and emotional tumult. Most cancer treatment centers and doctors are now recommending patients to try out Yoga as a therapy alternative. 

Although yoga cannot eliminate the cause of cancer, it can definitely give patients the strength and courage to deal with it in an effective manner. Although before starting a Yoga therapy treatment, it important to consult with your doctor about what poses and movements would be safe and effective for you. Yoga treatment has no side effects; hence it is safe for cancer patients and survivors. 

Benefits of Yoga for Rainy Season

(Pic courtesy balanceforlife.us)

With monsoon comes the great weather and amazing raindrops to feel ecstatic over, but with the rains comes the heavy possibility of innumerable water borne diseases and infections. Precautionary measures are helpful when warding off diseases during the monsoon season and yoga has proven to be very effective in that aspect! Yoga in this matter has often been viewed as a very relaxed, less time consuming and one of the most flexible forms of exercises for the monsoons.

Simple Yoga exercises like the “Kapalbhati Pranayama”, “Nadi Shodhan Pranayama” and many more exercises and asanas have been known to help clearing the respiratory tract, improve resistance to diseases and also block sinuses.

Kapalbhati
(Pic courtesy: www.mensxp.com)

(Pic courtesy: members.debbyandersen.com)

Following are a few of the reasons why Yoga is often opted for in the monsoon season, by most individuals, office going people and even children alike:

Surya Namaskar
(Pic courtesy: www.harekrsna.de)

   ·         Surya Namaskar is famous for boosting the immunity of an individual as it helps with activating the thymus gland and promoting better immunity.

  

·       Various Pranayamas are warming practices for the body, which prevent and control the congestion.

·       Warding off respiratory illnesses and aggravation of the pulmonary medical conditions is vital and Yoga exercises on a daily basis see to it that these conditions are controlled to promote a healthier life.

·       Most of the asanas practised during the monsoons are the ones that promote chest-opening and healthier breathing.

While most people choose to hit the gym and stick to rigorous routines and exercises, Yoga seems like a far better and calmer option to pursue. There is a way you can enjoy the monsoon, be in nature and exercise to relax, rejuvenate and revitalise- Yoga helps you do all of that! An everyday half hour. 

Yoga session can definitely provide your body the resistance that it needs to ward of monsoon diseases, various allergies and infections alike. Along with Yoga sessions and exercise routines, eating right is also very vital and if the season in question is the monsoon one then outside food is usually avoided best. Here is a list of a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to following a yoga routine and healthy diet, during the monsoons!

Do’s:

(Pic courtesy: dietmantra.in)

  ·       Drink ample water and fresh fruit juices and vegetable juices.

 ·       Inculcate the habit of having healthier breakfasts and lighter mid day meals.

   ·       Detoxification of the liver and digestive aid is possible through consumption of amla.

  ·       Eat bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and induce fenugreek and neem in your everyday food to balance the pitta level in your body.

Don’ts:

·       Eat food items that consist of major amounts of acids, spice and salt.

·       Junk food and especially roadside stall food during the monsoon are a strict no!

With these healthy tips and some of the best Yoga routines and exercises, you might just be able to curb the monsoon disease spreads and stay hale and hearty; a healthy mind, body and soul is indeed a key to a happy life now, isn’t it? 

Beat Insomnia with the Beneficial Aspects of Yoga

A troubled sleep can invite a myriad of health issues since sleep is an integral part of life. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that’s widespread and more people are falling prey to it. Whether you want to blame it on technology or lifestyle, the fact remains that insomnia is spreading. Sleeping pills and other medications are available to deal with insomnia but taking pills to stimulate sleep is never healthy. Sleep is a basic need and it should come naturally to any individual and not induced through medications. There are many low-impact exercises that help in attaining the much-needed sleep. Strenuous exercises are not advisable before going to bed since this will only leave you high-strung and prevent sleep.

Yoga has several benefits like improved flexibility and strength, stress relieving, improved breathing etc. Yoga can greatly improve the quality and quantity of sleep through some simple yet effective Yoga asanas that you can perform at home. Although insomnia might be common but if left untreated the repercussions can be extremely damaging for your health. With proper medical aid and effort, one can combat the deadly grip of insomnia. Insomnia can lead to heart ailments and blood pressure. Not to mention the loss of memory and decreased attention span due to lack of sleep are also some of the consequences of insomnia.

Fight the Monstrous Grip of Insomnia with Yoga

There are some asanas that help in combating insomnia and add meditation and breathing techniques to it and you have the magic recipe to a peaceful sleep. Try a variety of asanas that do not need strenuous movements. Sukhasana or the easy pose is a very simple pose, but it has its own benefits. The Corpse pose and cat pose are also recommended since they help in relaxing your tense body and improve sleep. Try poses that will improve the blood flow to your head for better sleep. The downward facing dog pose, dolphin pose and bridge pose are some of the other asanas that are recommended for people suffering from insomnia.

Sukhasana
(Pic courtesy: www.stylecraze.com)

Cat Pose
(Pic courtesy: www.stylecraze.com)

Corpse Pose
(Pic courtesy: www.popsugar.com)

Pranayama
(Pic courtesy: www.saurashtrabhoomi.com)

Most of these asanas are easy and can be performed at any time of the day, you can even do this early in the morning or during the evening to boost circulation and relax you mind and body. More often than not, insomnia can be blamed on a restless mind. Pranayama and meditations can help in dealing with any stress or anxiety you might be facing. Follow a strict routine and do not dwindle from your schedule, discipline can help in fighting insomnia.

Fight stress and anxiety in a healthy manner with Yoga

Meditation
(Pic courtesy: www.womenshealthmag.com)

Certain breathing techniques of Yoga can help in calming the mind and eliminating negative thoughts. Insomnia is also linked with problems like weight gain and depression. So, it becomes extremely important to deal with insomnia as soon as possible. Basic lifestyle changes and diet changes are required along with regular practice of Yoga and meditation. If your insomnia is triggered due to any particular medication then you need to consult a doctor regarding the effects. Keep track of your meals and do not indulge in alcohol and smoking since this can disturb the balance of your body. With the aid of Yoga, you can attain a good night’s sleep.  

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/.

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

Practice Yoga to Deal with Blood Pressure Fluctuations

(Pic courtesy: www.artofliving.org)

According to modern day studies and research, practicing Yoga religiously can help in combating several diseases and staying fit. With work and personal life conflicts taking the forefront, stress has become a major part of our lives. But there are ways in which we can deal with the growing stress levels and all the ailments that crop up due to anxiety and stress. Fluctuations in blood pressure are more frequent among people today and even youngsters are dealing with it. There are many reasons that can lead to high or low blood pressure problems. There are many medications that help in controlling blood pressure problems. But some prefer alternate treatment options to keep their blood pressure in check.

High strung activities have a tendency to lead to stress levels which is one of the causes for high blood pressure. Taking medication can only help to a certain extent but a person needs to make certain lifestyle changes to control your blood pressure. Yoga can be a beneficial activity to help control stress levels and deal with mental anxiety. Most of the times neglecting important things like diet, exercise, and other habits that lead to pent-up frustration that directly affects one's health. Vices like alcohol and smoking can also lead to blood pressure fluctuations.

Enhanced Control over Your Blood Pressure with Yoga

Heart ailments are on the rise due to high blood pressure problems and cases of youngsters suffering from heart attacks is truly shocking. Women go through low blood pressure problems during pregnancy which can be controlled with mild exercises. Dehydration, thyroid, and other ailments are also responsible for low blood pressure in people. Although there are medications available for blood pressure patients, it’s not necessarily always effective. Sometimes the core reason behind blood pressure is more in the mind rather than what the body is going through.

Most people today live a hectic and demanding life and this is bound to take a toll on their health. Yoga asanas and Pranayama can help in attaining a mental and physical balance. According to studies Yoga can help in strengthening the mind and help in improving blood circulation in the body. Yoga practice can help increase the oxygen supply to various organs of the body. Pranayama has the power to induce positive feelings and naturally increases the positivity in a person. Trying to get your blood pressure normal naturally is a more feasible option compared to popping innumerable pills. Yoga is a non-invasive way to deal with blood pressure troubles and is definitely a better option compared to other medications.

Lotus Pose
(Pic courtesy: sivasakti.com)

Plow Pose
(Pic courtesy: youonlyliveonce.com.au)

Corpse pose
(Pic courtesy: www.liveayurvedalife.com)

The Padmasana (lotus pose), Savasana (corpse pose), Halasana (plow pose) are some of the effective Yoga asanas for blood pressure patients. Forward bending poses and movements are recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure. Along with asanas, Yogic breathing is also recommended since it has a positive effect on our blood pressure. To combat blood pressure, a change in approach towards life is necessary. Revamp your life and inculcate healthy and beneficial habits that will naturally boost your health. A little bit of lifestyle revamp and a daily dose of yoga is all you need to see positive changes.

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga