Yoga for weight loss . Are you really worried about extra weight ?

                               

                                                           Yoga for Weight Loss         


In the recent years, yoga has become a common alternative for losing weight. If you have been unable to lose weight due to various reasons, it is advisable to try yoga and breathing exercises that has become a great exercise to do at home, after Baba Ramdev has presented it to the world in a simple form.
Yoga can have magical effects in reducing your extra pounds or in putting an effective control over it. Yoga popularized by Swami Ramdev has gained immense popularity in the past couple of years. With increasingly large number of people benefiting from Yogic exercises suggested by Swami Ramdev, it has become a great alternative to eliminate the extra body fat and regain a slimmer and healthier body.

Reasons Behind Popularity of Yoga

Hailed by the New York Times as the "Indian Who Built Yoga Empire", Swami Ramdev Baba is a yoga guru who has become an international figure, owing to his popularity of making Yogic sciences available to the masses, in simple and easy steps. Ramdev Baba believes that Yoga and Ayurveda have the ability to impart healthy body to even a diseased person. Many followers of Swami Ramdev yoga have reaped rich benefits from his Yogic exercises as well as various Baba Ramdev medicines.

Readers must understand that Swami Ramdev has not invented any new techniques of doing Yoga, he has just made Yoga, simpler and easier for the laymen to understand. He has made us realize how to effectively use the wonderful gift of Yoga and stay healthy. A large number of people attending his camps all across the globe have claimed to have reaped phenomenal benefits by practicing Yoga. Weight loss is one of the health areas where maximum number of people have gained benefits. People with thyroid problems, who find exercises ineffective in their weight control have been reported to have benefited from Yoga and breathing exercises. Such is the magic of Swami Ramdev Baba yoga, that all across the globe, there has been a mass awareness about Yoga benefits.

Yoga Asana For Weight Loss: Cycling Pose

Swami Ramdev Yoga focuses more on living a healthy lifestyle by combining it with few sessions of yoga exercises and pranayama (breathing exercises). If an individual religiously practices Yoga and follows a healthy diet, it is quite possible to put a significant control on weight gain. One of the most popular exercises recommended by Swami Ramdev is to practice the cycling pose. It is commonly known as cycling in laying position. It is a very simple and effective exercise. Here are the steps to do this exercise which is also called Pada Sanchalanasana:
Lie on a bed or Yoga mat with your face upwards. Just like in the primary pose of Shavasana.
Relax and close your eyes for sometimes by being conscious of your entire body.
Think of how we use our legs during cycling. You have to do exactly the same.
Open the eyes, breathe deeply and start practicing the cycling asana.
Raise the right leg little above the floor, at least, 2 feet in air.
Bend the knee and gradually bring the thigh up to the chest.
Straighten the leg upward, with the sole towards the ceiling.
Now lower the straight leg in forward movement.
Repeat this entire process by going forward and backward ten times.
While raising and lowering right leg, keep the other one straight, touching the mat or bed.
Repeat the entire procedure with the left leg.
People who're comfortable in balancing their body while doing Swami Ramdev yoga for weight loss, can use both legs at the same time. Also remember to inhale while straightening the leg and exhale when you bend the knee and bring it to the chest.

Pranayama for Weight Loss: Kapalbhati Pranayama

Although, there are six to seven breathing exercises that have been popularized by Ramdev, the most effective one is Kapalbhati Pranayama. The word Kapalbhati is derived from the Sanskrit word "kapal" meaning "forehead" and "bhati" meaning light. It is said that practicing this pranayama imparts luster and shine to the forehead, improving our overall health. Kapalhati pranayama is one of the most preferred and very effective breathing exercises. In Kapalbhati, there is a forceful exhalation that is accompanied by passive inhalation. Here are the steps to do Kapalbhati pranayama from Swami Ramdev Baba Yoga for Weight Loss:
Sit cross-legged in a comfortable asana and breath normally.
The spine, back and shoulder must be in vertical alignment. You must sit straight by elongating your spine and lengthening your neck. The back of your head and spine must be aligned properly.
Relax and close your eyes. Let your breathing be normal. Don't strain or think about anything else. Just try to focus on your breathing.
The hands must be in gyan mudra. This means that your thumb and index fingertips must meet and the wrist must rest gently on the knees, with the palms turned slightly upwards. Just see a picture of ancient Yogis and saints of how they use to sit for breathing exercises.
Let the stomach muscles relax and mentally prepare to breathe.
Now, expel the air as forcefully as you can. Do not strain. Understand that forcefully means you must be comfortable in doing so. This will cause the abdominal muscles to be drawn inwards. It is just like the stomach muscles are sucked in. Remember not to draw your stomach inwards without exhaling. Your exhalation will automatically cause the abdominal muscles to be drawn inwards.
Allow the inhalation to occur totally without any extra efforts.
Repeat the exhalation and inhalation cycle for at least 10 times.
In the starting sessions, inhale and exhale as per your body strength.
In the starting sessions small pain can be experienced in the region of abdomen however, it disappears with more practice. Kapalbhati pranayama must only be practiced with an empty stomach. The ideal time for practicing pranayama is in the early morning with empty stomach. People who wish to practice Kapalbhati in the evening should do them only after 4 - 5 hours of their afternoon lunch. It is ideal to have light lunch or dinner for people who practice Yoga and pranayama. Now this is just not enough for weight loss. One of the vital facets of Swami Ramdev Baba Yoga is that a balanced diet. Only yogic and breathing exercises supplemented by proper Ramdev baba diet for weight loss can lead to healthy body and consequently mind. Ramdev Baba encourages individuals aiming for weight loss to stop the consumption of aerated or carbonated drinks. He advises us to eat green vegetables, sprouts, pulses, salads and fibrous foods and avoid spicy or oily foods. Drinking one or two glasses of water every morning after we wake up, not only fosters digestion but also helps in fluid balance in the body.

Many people have benefited from Swami Ramdev Baba Yoga for weight loss and individuals interested in watching him live can visit their camps or purchase Ramdev's Yoga CDs. Visiting the official website of Swami Ramdev Baba yoga can help an individuals to know more about places where one can get more information about Ramdev Baba Yoga and its various medicines.


By By Kundan Pandey  
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ramdev-baba-yoga-for-weight-loss.html

Kundalini jagran . How is that possible ?

                                                           Kundalini Rising



The quest for spiritual enlightenment is never more intense than during Kundalini practice. For the home practitioner, music and dance offer alternative ways to initiate the life force awakening.
Yogis believe that everyone has both male and female energies residing at opposite sides of the chakra line - Kundalini is the female energy that resides in your root chakra, coiled near the base of your spine. The goal of Kundalini meditation is to encourage that energy to rise through the chakras, awakening each one along the way, until it reaches your crown chakra at the top of your head. This is where Shiva, the male energy resides, and the unification of Kundalini and Shiva is said to result in the "Kundalini awakening" that produces spiritual enlightenment.

Contacting Kundalini

Traditionally, yogis achieved Kundalini awakening through Hatha yoga or meditative techniques - this requires strict self-discipline and years of training, and even after a lifetime of trying, many people still never achieve enlightenment. Modern techniques combine the mindfulness of meditation and the physical energy of yoga asanas to produce an intense self-awareness that may help dedicated practitioners awaken the Kundalini with less difficulty.

Because we’re dealing with energies and forces of consciousness here, the practice still requires concentration and plenty of trial and error - but persistence can pay off, and the destination is worth the journey. You’ll also discover other benefits along the way - the more physical methods will contribute to good physical health, and the meditative methods will help improve your mental and emotional health.

Kundalini classes are available at most yoga centers, but you can try it yourself at home by putting a different twist on two traditional techniques.

Music Appreciation

Traditional Kundalini awakening through meditation requires an extremely patient, disciplined mind to cut through the mental clutter and commune with the life force. Most people don’t have the time or training to achieve this level of self-awareness, but listening to music can help clear out the cobwebs and put you in tune with the essence of life.

Put away your iPod and turn off the radio - singing along to your favorite song won’t do it. Instead, find a quiet room where you can remain undisturbed - it is vitally important that you aren’t interrupted. Turn on some music that moves you - classical composers expose you to the peak of human brilliance, while modern New Age artists frequently compose music specifically made to plumb the depths of the mind. Stay away from music with lyrics, because words can be distracting and are usually unnecessary.

Play the music loud enough that it’s the only thing you can hear. If loud music isn’t feasible, use headphones. Turn off the lights, get comfortable, and focus your entire consciousness on the sounds you hear. Listen like you’ve never listened before, picking up every nuance and shade. The longer you listen, the more self-aware you’ll become, and the easier it will be to contact the Kundalini.

Dance

In much the same way that music can help unite your mind and your consciousness, dance awakens your physical energy and elevates your consciousness to an awakening-ready state. The effect is similar to that of the Hatha yoga approach, but requires absolutely no guidance. Music appreciation comes into play with this technique as well, but there’s the added benefit of physical movement that can manifest your inner self.

Choose your music the same way for this technique, focusing on truly moving pieces without distracting lyrics. Find a space large enough to move in - clear away furniture if you must, but it is vital that your movements remain uninhibited. Some people prefer to find a private area outdoors to take advantage of the added benefit of nature, which works in its own way to achieve the same goal.

Turn on your music, and listen. Don’t begin to move until you are truly in sync with what you’re hearing. Don’t dance the way you do on a dance floor, just allow the music to move your body. This is not about how you look, it’s about allowing your inner self to awaken. No movement is better than forced movement. You’ll probably begin slowly as your body gets used to the idea of having free rein over your mind, but you’ll be surprised at what will manifest if you let it.

Music is a powerful thing. It can create or ruin a mood, it can calm or agitate, and it is the soundtrack to your life. It can represent absolute genius or absolute garbage, and it is an essential part of the human condition. Being a part of the music and allowing it to take over your body and mind frees your consciousness to commune with the Kundalini, and makes the journey through the chakras more natural. The unification of Kundalini and Shiva may not coincide with the climax of the song, but it will definitely be a climax in your life’s journey.



Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/kundalini-rising.html

Best Ways To Make More Time In Your Life For Meditation

                            19 Ways To Make More Time In Your Life For Meditation


If you are finding it difficult to meditate regularly then you are in good company, often it is a struggle to find space in your life. Like all things, it is only once you establish an action as a habit that it starts to feel vital to your day. These ideas can help you cut down the distractions that pull you way from your time to just sit and be.

1. Unplug

Turn off the computer, email, social sites, and funny cat videos. It is amazing how tempting this technology is and how much it distracts us. Please wait until you've read the whole of this article though:)

2. Turn off the television

Another of the great time killers. You can always catch up on that episode of 'Elephants That Ski' but if you miss your meditation session, it's gone. This is a great way to begin to learn about becoming aware of what you do with your time, moment to moment.

3. Get a timer

Okay, I'm not saying we get so obsessed about time here, it's just that when you raise your awareness of how you are spending time it opens up vastly in front of you. Using a timer is a great way to establish a committed meditation practice. Get a timer, set it. Sit. 5-10 minutes. It's enough.

4. Turn off your phone

Turn off your mobile and unplug the phone. Sometimes it's a good idea to tell anyone that you live with that you will be unavailable for the next half an hour. They'll get used to it (after the initial suspicious raised eyebrows).

5. Meditate at work

Have a lunch break outside, in the park, or at the shopping centre. Sit on a bench and have 10 minutes peaceful reflection. Don't bother trying this at your desk, unless you have a plush top floor office with your own secretary: 'Mrs. Bootle, I will be unavailable for 15 minutes'.

6. Early bird

Just get up 10 or 20 minutes early and use that time to meditate. Then leave the rest of the day exactly as it is. Simple. A morning meditation is probably the most effective thing you can do to give you a direction and positive energy for your day.

7. Decorate

Now I hate decorating and anything to do with home improvements, so if that's the same for you just think of it as a bit of a spruce up. Create yourself a dedicated meditation space. This might just mean clearing up a bit, but you could also consider soft lighting, candles, incense, music, and inspiring images.

8. Keep a journal

Note down each time that you meditate and any thoughts or insights that came up. You will find it motivating to look back after a month and see how far you are into your practice. It will also make you more likely to keep up the routine.

9. Read

Take the time to read inspiring literature and texts before your meditation session to get you in the right frame of mind. Why not make it educational as well as enjoyable?

10. Earplugs
headphones. It does wonders for your focus.

11. Use apps

There are loads of meditation apps and timers which can help you time your session, plot your progress, and connect with other people meditating at the same time. Just make sure that you don't spend all of your time buying apps instead of meditating.

12. Slow down

Purposefully slow down your day. You will become more efficient once you stop rushing at things and start flowing. With the time you save you can sit and meditate.

13. Find a meditation group

Link up with a meditation buddy or group. This not only gives you a different, perhaps deeper, meditation experience but always means that you are less likely to blow it out if other people are expecting you.

14. Set a limit

Give yourself a maximum time that you will meditate each day. Once that is completed, you're done. It is tempting to think that you should meditate for hours at a time - resist this temptation. Keep it short and focused so that you look forward to your session the next day. Don't overdo it and burn out.

15. Don't feel guilty

If you miss a day, don't be too hard on yourself. It's just feedback. Are you trying to meditate at the wrong time of day? Is the location right? Could you try a different technique instead?

16. Make meditation a part of your day

Put the dinner on then go and meditate. Put the kids to bed and take some time to sit while they sleep. Make meditation a part of who you are, everyday rather than this extra thing you are trying to cram in.

17. Keep people out

Lock your door and stick a picture of an angry Tibetan God on your door. Do not disturb means just that.

18. Use audio

Instead of a timer you can use meditation audios to give you timed sittings. Use binaural beat recordings or subliminal tracks for deeper relaxation and focus.

19. Bliss Out

Every now and again book some time for a meditation session or retreat out in the middle of nowhere. This could be a 1 hour trip into the mountains or a 10 day holiday in Bali.

If you want to be part of 'One Million Empty Minds', my mission to create one million new meditators, then please sign up to get your FREE Meditation Toolkit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_S_Coggle

By Craig S Coggle 

Benefits of meditation and yoga .

                                       Meditation Benefits the Mind, Soul and Body


Meditation benefits the mind, soul and body by self regulating the brain to bring awareness of one's inner being. For this, many people believe that those who meditate are crazy or religious lunatics when meditation has been used by many for thousands of years.

There are so many types of meditation out there in this vast world, due to different cultures and traditions, that modern science has yet to agree on a definite definition of meditation.

Me, I've always just thought of meditation as clearing your mind of all of life's worries and getting in touch with your inner self, creating a state of consciousness that is all around better for you. Meditation is a way to empty the mind and attune to the body.

Meditation requires practice and patience, along with determination to find a proper technique that works for you. It takes time to get into the practice of meditation especially when first learning it. Many people find it takes way too much time out of their busy schedules and give up on it, not realizing the benefits they can reap by just sticking with it. Like anything else, it takes time to get into the routine of doing it.

Meditation can be used for so many of life's daily struggles, such as, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight loss and depression, leading to better health of your body. Science has proven that people who meditate have activated disease fighting genes.

Those who meditate are healthier in all aspects of life. They have less joint pain, stronger immune systems, hormone levels are evened out and it helps to lower blood pressure.

Meditation reduces the stress of our daily lives. Stress can have a very negative effect on the body; many people just don't realize how hard stress can be on their health.

A meditative state is where ideas are sparked, where one can find guidance from one's inner self, where confusion and doubt don't exist. A good form of meditation will allow you to develop awareness of your body and senses.

Basically, whatever cause you would like to use meditation for in your life you will surely find a book, CD, cassette tape, DVD or even do an internet search, where you can find an abundance of information.

Meditation has been around for thousands of years and will be around for thousands more (as long as the world doesn't end next month), helping the human race to manage their lives better and find inner peace.




By Heidi H Strickler

Find more suggestions for a better lifestyle by visiting here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7383910

Learn about mediation and become yoga teacher

                                      Should i consider a yoga teacher training class




A lot of people are looking for ways on how to live a healthy lifestyle and one of them is through attending yoga classes. If you have been practicing yoga for quite some time, you might have probably thought of becoming an instructor of yoga. 

Yoga is a good way of maintaining a healthy body, but aside from that, this can also provide you a good job, especially if you are a dedicated advocate of yoga. A yoga teacher training class is all you need so that you can land on the career of becoming a yoga instructor. You are also able to maintain good health while enjoying what you are doing; however, you should be aware that becoming a yoga instructor will not provide you that much of earnings like what others are expecting. 

Advocates of yoga or those who have been practicing this for many years would truly benefit if they are going to complete a certification course so that they would be able to teach yoga. However, you should know that becoming an instructor of yoga would require you time and of course, some investment. Yoga is not just a plain exercise but it deeply involves the mind and the spirit. With yoga, your views in life might change. 

Apparently, there are numerous training courses being offered to become an instructor of yoga. Whatever course you choose, it will definitely be a wonderful learning experience because that is what truly matters in yoga. Keep in mind that yoga helps not only in maintaining a healthy body, but it also helps in enhancing your way of living and your views in life. 

Thus, if you have already been practicing yoga for quite some time, then you should consider attending a training course for you to be able to teach yoga and become a certified instructor. 

As mentioned, there are numerous teaching courses being offered on becoming an instructor of yoga. It is in your discretion to choose the appropriate training for you, but you should also keep some things in mind and make necessary considerations before making your decision. It would be best to choose a class where there are limited students so that it would be much easier for you to learn. Also, it would be ideal to choose a class wherein real life experience is given more importance, rather than plainly focusing just on the theories. 

There are also some classes that offer faster ways to finish the certification program. It is really quite tempting to finish the entire training program faster but it wouldn’t be enough to learn and to experience all the necessary things that you need to become a certified instructor. Always remember that it will not do you any good if you are going to take the minimum hours required or if you are just going to focus on the theories rather than on the actual experience itself. Thus, it is best to choose a training school that is accredited and is well known to provide a good training class for aspiring yoga instructors. 

Learn more about yoga teacher training courses and become a certified yoga teacher. 

Laughing can make you stressful know more with yoga

                                                Laughing Yoga Health Benefits



Looking for a healthy pick-me-up? "Laughter Yoga" is a relatively new concept that still emphasizes breathing like traditional yoga, but encourages laughter as exercise for the belly, diaphragm, lungs, and perhaps most importantly, the mind. Laughing Yoga proves true the old maxim - laughter really is the best medicine! As simple and profound as traditional yoga breathing, laughing yoga helps the practitioner feel happy and healthy. Laughing yoga encourages healthy breathing, but its benefits reach far beyond the lungs. Laughing yoga practitioners profess general health improvements such as lower frequencies of respiratory infections like colds and the flu, but they also claim to experience a genuine mood-lifting effect. It's truly incredible how just a bit of laughter can improve your whole day!

Originally launched by a physician in Mumbai, India in 1995, laughing yoga is based upon the scientific principle that the human body cannot differentiate between "fake" laughter and "real" laughter, so no matter how you slice it, the body will reap the same physiological and psychological benefits. Whether "real" or "fake," laughter lowers the levels of stress hormones in the blood stream. Laughing fosters hormone levels that literally "put us in a good mood." Many laughter yoga devotees claim to have used these exercises to overcome depression, or at least to laugh away troubles after a long, stressful day.

A session of laughing yoga requires you to leave your shyness at the door, but if you have trouble doing so, your "laughter leader" will help you shed your inhibitions. Exercise warm ups include lots of clapping, eye-contact with your fellow practitioners, rhythm and movement, and simple chants to promote heavy exhalations from the belly, invoking classic yoga diaphragmatic breathing. Most of all, warm-up exercises are designed to ease the class into a silly mood. Before you know it, you'll find yourself laughing. Sometimes your laughter leader will lead you through "gibberish" exercises, encouraging everyone to babble like babies. Sound silly? Of course it does! That's what makes it so effective at promoting laughter and feelings of child-like playfulness.

As a modern adaptation of an ancient practice, Laughing Yoga not only often incorporates traditional yoga postures, but also method-acting techniques to shift your mindset and stimulate the imagination. Your leader may intersperse bouts of laughter with light physical exercise. Whatever approach or method your laughter leader uses, laughing yoga is designed to invigorate, energize and entertain.

As the laughing subsides, your leader will take you through laughing meditation, then finally relaxation and grounding exercises. As opposed to warming up, laughing meditation takes

emotions as well. Once the group has settled, as in most forms of traditional yoga, the leader will guide you through "yogic sleeping" in order to bring your energy levels back down to normal, leaving you feeling both relaxed and re-energized.

To find a laughing leader in your own neck of the woods, check out the extensive list on http://www.laughteryoga.org of certified instructors all around the world. Or, you can conduct your own Internet search to find laughing yoga classes or clubs in your hometown.

Ying & Yang Living is a healthy lifestyle resource that provides Asian living tips in food, home, garden, health, fitness, fashion, beauty, and Asian wisdoms for your spiritual wellness. For all our free Asian living tips,

visit our website at http://www.yingandyangliving.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7347785 

Get rid of Back Pain doing yoga

                                                 Stretches That Help Relieve Back Pain



Exercises are essential for proper body health. That is why they are emphasized for all school going kids and people of all ages. Not only do they help you keep fit, they also improve the way your body responds to certain situations such as attack by diseases. They make your body strong and increase its ability to resist diseases. There are various forms of exercises that are essential for your body. One good example is stretching exercises. The following are some of the stretches that helps relieve back pain.

Connective tissues and muscles shorten over time. This results in less litheness. If you have not used your muscles for a long time, they will become stiff and weaker. In case you suddenly start using those muscles, the chances of being injured will be greatly increased. However, if you regularly stretch them using various exercises, these muscles will lengthen and strengthen. In this case, the risk of injury will be highly reduced.

When doing stretching exercises, it is normal to experience a pulling sensation. This sensation can be uncomfortable. In case you experience a painful sensation, it means you are probably over stretching your muscles. When this happens, you have to reduce the stretch to retain comfort. However, you can stretch further but gradually as you consider your pain threshold.

One of the most common mistakes that a lot of people make when stretching is to bounce into the exercise. Bouncing is a bad idea as it is an abrupt and sharp movement that can harm and damage to your muscles.

You ought to pay attention to the particular muscle which you are stretching and slowly push your threshold without causing harm to yourself. Be careful not to permanently damage your body tissues. If you are not sure how it is done, ask a gym specialist to guide you.

In a few months, if you are consistent in stretching exercises many times a week, you will be more limber. If you want faster results, then increase the duration and frequency of your exercises. Do not forget that you are not supposed to overdo it since injuries could occur and lead you to being crippled for a while.

Stretches also improve posture and range of motion. Since back pain will be reduced or completely done away with, you will not have to sit or stand in a particular way to prevent the effects of the painful ordeal. You will also be free to move anyhow without painful feelings. Your ability to relax is also improved.

Perhaps one of the most important things stretches do is improve your blood circulation. This is vital for the normal functioning of the body. Most body activities rely on proper blood circulation to be effective. It also allows time for mental activities such as visualization. It also decreases soreness during and after exercises.

To learn more about stretches that helps relieve back pain, visit the internet for more details. Learn how to keep fit and be flexible. These exercises help you feel light. They actually make you more capable of walking long distances without tiring easily. Do this every day for a few minutes and you will not regret.

For More Information Please Go to: http://www.fitnesskeys4u.com There You will Receive A Healthy Food List.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_J_Washington

Best ways to get rid of skin problems through herbs .

                                       Ways to make your skin healthy

The primary step to keeping your skin healthy is preventing damage. Pollutants, air, sun as well as by just natural aging can certainly mortify the form of your skin. Frequent grumbles incorporate dry along with itchy skin, sagging, wrinkles, color alterations, together with age spots. Luckily, there are various methods that you can readily apply in order to maintain a healthy skin, feeling and looking at its most excellent appearance. 

Keeping yourself fit, having enough rest, as well as getting healthy diet can set the basis for fine-looking and vigorous complexion. Moreover, a proper diet is not only the excellent way in attaining good health in general but it as well assists you to guarantee that your skin will get all of the vitamins and minerals, along with the nutrients that it requires to preserve and fix itself. 

Another way to keep your skin healthy is to apply the right skin care products to your skin. The best anti aging skincare products that can aid you to hydrate the skin are now available at your favorite skin care product store online. Having a clean skin by using the best skin cleanser is also a great way of preventing skin damages. 

One of the most essential ways to protect your skin is to keep it away from the harmful rays of the sun. Ultraviolet radiation harms the skin as well as it can result to wrinkles, premature aging, age spots or even cancer as well. An individual should really get further preventative measures in order to be certain that his or her skin is not totally exposed under the harmful rays of the sun. Do not fail to remember that one should apply a natural sunscreen, or a moisturizer that includes sunscreen (with minimum of SPF 15) every day. Although, it does not mean that you should not go out at all during the day, as if you are like a nocturnal creature. Your skin also needs some sunlight every day. A 10 to 15 exposures at sunrise or sunset will be alright. 

In addition to that, a variety of fine skin care products such as an all natural moisturizer is one of the essential components for a vigorous complexity. Keep on moisturizing all through the day to keep your sensitive skin vigorous. Your hands as well as your face is especially vulnerable to everyday dent, and might require it to be moisturized further.

About The Author

Skin Care Products are not only witnessed in industrial or professional application since there are as well the likes which are utilized at home or as personal use. One is that I generally utilized is the area of elderly care or in areas where care of people enduring the dilemma of incontinence.

http://www.skincare-products.350.com

Know about kundalini yoga

                          Kundalini Yoga Explained - What Is Kundalini Yoga?


Most Yoga practices have elements of Kundalini Yoga in them. There is some confusion about Kundalini and its connection to sexuality. Most beginners to this practice are drawn to it by this interest alone, assuming that the term, Kundalini Rising, refers to some kind of orgasm. All Yoga pursues the ideal of total Enlightenment. Yes, Kundalini Yoga is excellent for improving your sex life, (as is most Yoga), but let's examine it a little further.

The literal meaning of Kundalini (in Sanskrit) can be translated as a 'coiled, corporeal energy' or an 'unconscious, instinctive, libidinal force (Shakti)' which lies (curled up) at the base of the spine. It is a spiritual energy or life force which is generally conceptualized as a serpent. Hence the name - Kundalini (or Kundala) - 'that which is coiled, to coil or to spiral'. Kundalini Yoga arouses this sleeping Kundalini Shakti (from its coiled base), up the body, through the 6 chakras (travelling along the main channels of pranic energy in the body) to penetrate the 7th chakra (the Crown), developing strength, character, consciousness and awareness. It has been called 'serpent power' and is described by Nirmala Srivastava as a 'residual power of pure desire'. Describing the actual location is very difficult, with some saying it resides somewhere between the rectum and the navel, while others say it is in the sacrum bone. We all feel it to some extent especially during heightened times of danger or excitement - perhaps in conjunction with the 'fight or flight' adrenaline response.

Sexual energy is the most powerful energy in the human body - it has to be to create life. While some Yoga practices may renounce sexual energy, Kundalini Yoga embraces it and uses its techniques (asanas, meditations, active and passive kriya sequences, control and pranayama) to channel sexual energy up the spine to empower spiritual development. To clarify the first point made in this article - Kundalini Yoga is indeed excellent for shifting ALL energies in the human body and this naturally includes sexual energy. To note, the main goal of Kundalini Yoga is not great sex, but great sex is a pleasant side effect of it.

Yogi Bhajan (who taught and practiced Kundalini techniques for more than 35 years) was of the view that sex was holy, should be reserved for committed relationships and did not advocate casual sexual encounters at all. Yogi Bhajan believed sacred sex was blissful love in action with both partners treating each other like sacred temples of the divine and his overwhelming theme was always - 'See God in All'. He was the first to teach Kundalini Yoga openly, touching many hearts, opening many minds and mentoring many politicians, statesmen and famous personalities. He was equally at home whether teaching in a boardroom or sitting on the grass in a park.

Kundalini Awakening Stages

Below are the stages that present the energies of Ida and Pingala (both right and left) and the central channel which flows through the chakras (Sushumna nadi - also called the 'silver cord'). These represent Kundalini Awakening in six stages;

Prana flowing in Ida or Pingala
Prana flowing in Ida and Pingala
Prana flowing in Sushumna
Kundalini energy awakens
Kundalini energy leads upwards
Kundalini rises to Sahasrara (crown chakra)
Shakti and Shiva

The journey of Kundalini Yoga, leading to Kundalini Awakening leads to the realization of the Absolute where consciousness divides itself into two parts which seem to be apart but cannot exist without each other. They are called Shiva (a static, formless quality) and Shakti (a dynamic, creative aspect of consciousness). They can be conceptualized as deities or as principles / processes of the universe. Either way, the journey is an inner one travelling to the centre of one's own consciousness. Interestingly enough, some people have experienced spontaneous Kundalini Awakening without doing any intentional practices.

Once Kundalini Awakening has taken place, and becomes more established through meditation, Kundalini has been known to automatically purify the body and dispel all mental, physical and spiritual clutter. Preparation for Kundalini Awakening is very important because once it occurs, there is a certain amount of time and effort needed to blend the aspects into the body and personality. However, after genuine Enlightenment and Self-Realization, the body becomes more active and zestful, the face younger and the personality beautiful and magnetic.

AUTHOR - By Paul Vrablic


To read more about Pranayama or Yoga Breathing, see http://www.yogaplane.com/what-is-yoga/pranayama-or-yoga-breathing/

Yoga exercises for fitness

     Basic Yoga Session - Yoga Exercise and Pose

Set your gym equipment aside. Yoga Exercise will only require you 30 minutes each day, a Yoga Mat or blanket, and a small exercise space.  

 You might be surprised to learn that your body can actually do things you did not think possible. Take the wide range of Yoga Poses that can help an individual attain a high level of self-awareness, balance, and strength. The seven primary types of movements that your body can make through Yoga exercise are flexion, extension, hyperextension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction. You can do a combination of these movements to have a stronger, more flexible, and balanced body. 

Yoga is one good way of relaxation. It can ease the tension building in your muscles and joints without experiencing fatigue and overexertion. The Yoga exercise is also believed to make a practitioner look younger. The basic yoga moves involved in the poses and exercises will provide inner peace and radiant health. 

These are some of the things to keep in mind before indulging into Yoga Exercise: 

Know your body limits.

If you want to enjoy the activity, don't push too hard. This could also avoid hurting yourself in the process.

It is advisable to start with a teacher so you will be guided on the yoga basic positions. If that is not possible, good books or videos on Yoga Exercise can help you get started.

Consult a health professional before starting to do the exercises, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

The Asanas or the Yoga Poses usually start in breathing slowly and deeply, concentrating your mind, and making yourself centered. Remember that your body movements and breathing must be coordinated until such time that they are one and the same. Your breathing will also be your guide on when to start or stop the Yoga Exercise. Coming into a pose, holding it, and coming out of it must be continuously done with gracefulness.

The Sequence of Yoga Asanas

  Yoga Exercise - Corpse Pose (Savasana)

The Corpse Yoga Pose is considered as a classic relaxation Yoga Pose and is practiced before or in between Asanas as well as a Final Relaxation. While it looks deceptively simple, it is actually difficult to perform. Learn more on how to do it with the help of this article. 

  Easy Pose (Sukhasana)

This is one of the classic Meditative Poses and is usually performed after doing the Corpse Pose. The Easy Pose helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping your mind still. 

  Neck Exercises

Many people hold tension in their necks and shoulders, leading to stiffness, bad posture, and tension headaches. Yoga practice can ease tension, increase flexibility, and tone the muscles. Learn some Neck Exercises in this section. 

                                         

      20 Minute Weight Loss & Fatburning Yoga Workout!                                  

                                          watch video

  Shoulder Lifts

Many people hold tension in their necks and shoulders, leading to stiffness, bad posture, and tension headaches. Yoga practice can ease tension, increase flexibility, and tone the muscles. This section covers the steps on how to practice Shoulder Lifts. 

  Eye Training

Like any other muscles, the eye muscles also need exercise to be healthy and strong. By moving the eyes in every direction, without turning your head at all, these Five Yoga Eye Exercises will strengthen the eye muscles, help prevent eyestrain, and improve eyesight. 

  Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

The Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is a Yoga Pose which limbers up the whole body in preparation for the Yoga Asanas. It is a graceful sequence of twelve Yoga positions performed as one continuous exercise. Learn how to practice Sun Salutation in this section. 

  Double Leg Raises

A Double Leg Raise is similar to a Single Leg Raise, only this time, you will raise both legs. In doing this Yoga Pose, make sure that the full length of your back is resting on the floor and your shoulders and neck are relaxed. This section covers the steps and guidelines on how to do this pose properly. 

Headstand (Sirshasana)

Headstand is one of the basic postures in the world of Yoga and is considered as the king of Asanas because of its numerous effects on the entire body. Many Yogis believe that practicing the Headstand can help in treating illnesses. 

  Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

In the Shoulder Stand, your body is resting on your shoulders. This Yoga Pose improves circulation, strengthens the abdominal area, and stimulates the thyroid gland. In this section, learn how the Shoulder Stand is performed. 

  Plough Pose (Halasana)

The Plough Pose stretches your spine, thus, improving spinal flexibility. It benefits the thyroid gland and abdomen, eases tension in the shoulders and back, and reduces stress. Learn how to practice the Plough Pose in this section. 

  Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

This Yoga Pose strengthens the spine and helps in building core and lower body strength. In this section, know how to perform the Bridge Pose. Keep in mind, though, that this pose should not be done by people who are suffering from serious back or knee injury. 

  Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

The Bow Pose resembles an archer's bow. It strengthens the muscles in the back area, improves posture, and helps in dealing with several gastrointestinal problems. Take note that this Yoga Pose is not for people who are suffering from serious neck or back injury. 

  Locust Pose (Salabhasana)

If the Cobra Pose works mainly on the upper back, the Locust Pose targets the lower part. This posture also strengthens the abdominal area, arms, and legs. Another thing that makes it different from many poses is that it entails rapid movement. Check out how it is done in this section. 

  Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Doing the Fish Pose relieves stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles and improves flexibility of your spine. It is the counter-pose of the Shoulderstand. Hold the Fish Pose for at least half the amount of time you spent in the Shoulderstand in order to balance the stretch. 

SOURCE -Source of article

Meditation gives a peaceful life .

Dealing with stress? Here are some ways to make you feel better!


Stress affects everyone, nearly all of the time. Some of the stress is good stress, like forcing yourself to work harder to study for a test you need to pass. Some stress, however, can control our lives. Do you worry consistently, perhaps about things that you have no control over? Do you find yourself snapping at friends and family? Here are some reminders of what you can do to make yourself feel better, giving yourself time to recover from the stress that can take over our lives.

First off, it's important to take time for yourself. Sometimes we get so caught up trying to take care of other people, we lose part of ourselves, forgetting that it's ourselves that we need to take care of more than anything. Realizing that taking care of yourself is a good idea is the very first step towards a stress-reduced life!

Tell yourself that you are going to do something nice for yourself at least once a day.

Here is a list of nice things that you can do:


* Tell yourself something nice. Examples of this include things like "I'm doing a good job taking care of my family," or "I handled that situation well," etc. It's good to let yourself know that you are a great person and that you are handling your life very well.

* Put something inspirational on your mirror. Whenever you look into your mirror you will be able to read it and feel inspired. Perhaps this thing could be just a quote, or maybe a poem, or a list of things that remind you what make you truly happy.

* When you wake up in the morning, shower, put on your make up, get dressed, make your bed, and be sure to put your shoes on! This may sound silly, but often just lounging around the house in pajamas can make a person feel tired and not inspired to do much of anything. Just taking the time to get dressed and take care of yourself in the morning helps you feel more confident and ready to begin your day with flare!

* If you want to relax at night, try taking a nice warm bubble bath. Burning candles and your favorite relaxing music add a nice touch!

* Every once in awhile, treat yourself to your favorite meal. Cook it yourself, or take yourself out to dinner and enjoy!

* Relax and watch a movie that YOU want to watch. Oftentimes, I find myself only watching things that everyone else in my family watches, neglecting my own desires. For a change, it's good to just kick back and enjoy a good movie that I want to see, whether or not someone else watches it with me!

* Read a book. Taking time to read something that enjoys you, even if it's not reading that is educational, is a fantastic way to relax. Find a comfortable quiet place in your home, or even go to the park or library, curl up, and read!

* Keep a journal. This can either be a paper journal or an online one. Write down your feelings, and go back and read it a little bit later. Sometimes it isn't until we put our worries in to written word that we understand that we are overreacting or that we are too upset about things that really don't need worrying over!

* Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Feeling healthy is a great start to feeling less stressed!

* Drink a lot of water! It's suggested that we drink around eight glasses of water a day. Carry a water bottle with you, or go out and choose a stylish water bottle for yourself, and make sure to actually drink the water! It'll be an adjustment at first, but once you get started, you'll remember to always drink your water, and you will notice how much better you feel!

* Exercise! Even if it's just for a small walk a day. You don't need to go to the gym and work out to feel better, walking is free, and it's fun! Take a friend, walk around your neighborhood, and enjoy. Just two walks a day for twenty minutes each will prevent you from gaining twenty pounds in a year! Just something to think about! It also reduces stress. Going for a short walk after work is a great way to get the stress of work out of your system, and get you ready to calm down for your evening at home with your family.

* Just say no to caffeine! Drinking caffeine can cause your nerves to feel just a bit more frayed. If you must drink caffeine, then drink it only until noon, and for the rest of the day, drink decaffeinated drinks only. You'll notice that you'll sleep better, and feel a little bit less angst during the day. Drinking water and exercising will give you more energy to replace the lack of caffeine!

* Limit your sugar. When we are stressed, it's tempting to go for the chocolates or the ice cream in the freezer, but it's only going to make you feel worse in the long run. Sugar causes you to feel "high" for a short period of time, but after the sugar high passes, you are going to crash and feel even worse than before. Not to mention that the chocolate cake that goes straight to your hips will make you even more stressed about yourself. If you feel that you absolutely must have sugar, have one scoop of ice cream, not three, or just one cookie instead of half the pack. Gorging yourself is going to make you feel sick, not to mention make you feel worse about yourself as well. Showing yourself that you have the willpower to only stick to one treat (or even better, none at all) will give you more confidence, and you'll feel better physically, as well!

* Get rid of your clutter. Clutter around the house can make everyone feel more stressed out. When it's difficult to find things you are looking for, or the kitchen is such a mess that you don't even want to cook, it's time to take action! Even if you only clean up clutter for fifteen minutes a day, that's fifteen minutes towards your ultimate goal, a clutter free home! Search the internet for Flylady and Freecycle, two wonderful things that can help you get your home in order!

* Do you like to shop? Go shopping, then! If you can't afford to buy much, just walk around the mall and look at things. Not only are you getting your exercise in, but you are having fun doing it! There's no harm in a little bit of window shopping.

* Put together a garden! Grow whatever interests you! Flowers, vegetables, herbs, etc. Gardening isn't just something that produces flowers or food for you to eat, it's a great activity that keeps you interested and keeps you moving! Taking time out of your day to garden is very calming and enjoyable, and you get rewards for doing it! If you live in an apartment, do some research on things that will grow well in containers, and put together a container garden for yourself! Plenty of herbs and flowers especially do well in containers.

* Find yourself a hobby! Maybe you like collecting things but never got to doing it, or maybe you enjoy painting, or building furniture. Whatever it is that you always wish you could have the time to do, take the time and do it! You will feel more fulfilled as you work on your new hobby, and certainly more relaxed, as well.

* Take a class. Perhaps you can take a class on dancing, if that's something that interests you. You can get your exercise in and learn something new all at once! There are classes available on nearly anything you'd ever want to know about, including free classes online at various websites. All you have to do is look for them! Your local community college and parks and recreation center should also provide different options for you.

These are just a few sample ideas of things to try when you are feeling stressed out and overworked. You can take time for yourself, because you deserve it! Its okay to say no to extra work if you are feeling like you can't handle things. Its okay to put yourself first every once in awhile, because you are important! Making time for yourself and spoiling yourself, even if it is only a little bit, will make you feel so much better! Getting rid of the bad stress will help make room for you to do things more productively and more positively, which not only helps you, but everyone around you, as well! Remembering that you aren't the only one who benefits from stress relief may be the reminder you need to keep on trying!


About The Author

Louise Hathway is a successful freelance writer providing valuable stress relief tips and advice on stress management techniques,relaxation techniques and meditation for daily life. Obtain a Free 5 Part Report "101 tips to De-stress your Life!"

Best ways to do meditation .

                              Union between Yoga and Competition


Quick!!!  What comes to your mind when you hear the word Competition?  Probably the first words that come to mind are Winner, Loser or maybe Champion.  Think Fast!!!!  What comes to mind when you hear the word Yoga?  Perhaps peace, meditation or self-realization.   It is amazing how powerful words are and how emotionally attached one can be to their meaning.  For some, the words Competition and Yoga do not belong side by side.  But what if they could live in perfect union with each other?

A competition is simply a test of skill or ability.  But for the majority of people, the word brings up a lot of emotions about being judged or not being good enough.  It also brings up the idea of competing against others.  Training for a competition also requires a lot of hard work, dedication and determination.  Choosing to compete can be one of the most difficult steps towards being a champion.  It is a very vulnerable place to put yourself on display.  But it is that vulnerability that opens up the possibility of being better than you know yourself to be.

Hatha Yoga is the only branch of Yoga that can be practised as an outward expression and seen by others.  Practising Hatha Yoga creates a marriage between the body and mind so that they can work in harmony with each other.  And when they are in harmony with each other, one can break through all self -perceived notions of limitations.  To witness another human being perform postures with great strength, flexibility and humility is inspiring.  To be the human being that has broken through personal mental and physical barriers to execute difficult postures creates confidence and faith in one’s self.

I have participated in Yoga competitions and have also coached first time participants.  Standing in front of others to share where you are in your Yoga practice is like walking into another dimension.  For me, the experience causes me to step in to the deepest state of focus and concentration.  It is how I learned what one point focus truly was and helped me go deeper into postures.  As a coach, I am truly inspired watching the transformation of some first time participants.
Many are breaking through their fears of standing up in front of others and not being perfect.  You learn from your experience that if you fall out of a posture, it’s not the end of the world and your ultimate goal at that moment is to do YOUR very best.  At the end of your performance, you know what you want to improve and that motivates you to deepen your practice and continue your journey.

In the end, the winner of a Yoga competition will demonstrate what a marriage between competition and yoga really is.  It will be very clear to all that great dedication, time and effort has resulted in an effortless performance of postures that seem impossible with precision and grace.  That yogi will shine brightly with humility and inspire others to believe anything is possible and perhaps even inspire others to begin their own personal Yoga journey.

Sounds like a beautiful marriage to me!






About the Author
Tara Jimenez has been a Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor since Spring 2003.  She came to Asia in 2006 when she taught in Hong Kong.  Since 2007, she has been teaching at Bikram Yoga City Hall in Singapore.  Tara enjoys the practice in the heat which helps her go deeper into the postures, while challenging and adding another dimension to her Yoga practice.  Tara read Art History at the University of New Mexico.
http://www.asanajournal.com/articles.html

Yoga for good health increase your stamina and say good bye to dipression

There’s a secret that bendy people know, but aren’t telling you: stretching exercises & yoga poses aren’t enough. You need Gravity Poses & 6 specific nutrients to get flexible fast!

Learn how a stiff office-guy-turned yoga teacher discovered a special set of nutritional supplements & funky yoga exercises that added six inches onto his forward bend in just 28 days!
When you combine 6 specific nutrients with the right stretching exercises, here’s what happens:
Turbo-Charge Your Stretching Exercises – when I first began practicing yoga poses, I wasn’t getting the right nutrients, so I kept getting sore without any real gains in my stretching exercises. I wasted so much time!

Ever wonder why yoga teachers are such health food freaks? I didn’t know this, but without the proper nutrients, you can do yoga poses all day long, and you’ll still be stiff as board… now that’s depressing!

Build Muscle More Easily – proper nutrients allow your body to perform at its peak, meaning you can heal faster, build lean muscle more easily, and maximize the benefits of your stretching exercises and yoga poses every time…

but stretching without proper nutrition is like trying to build a house with old scrap materials. To radically change your body, you need quality building blocks like sulfur, amino acids (proteins), vitamins, and minerals.
Improve Your Circulation – let me break it down for you like this:

More Blood = More Oxygen = More Health

Oxygen is the fuel of life, and the more oxygen you can deliver to your muscles, the easier it is to lengthen them, meaning the more flexible you’ll become.

Plus, stretching exercises combined with the right nutritional supplements increase oxygen delivery to all areas of the body which boosts your immune system and helps you to get healthy fast!

Sleep Better – when I first started stretching, I could hardly sleep at night because my hamstrings hurt so badly. I’m not joking! But once I started using nutritional supplemen

Travel More Comfortably – have you ever looked forward to a long flight? I have! It’s a great way to catch up on my reading. My back doesn’t ache, my legs don’t fall asleep, and I never get a crook in my neck anymore!

Did you know that most bodily aches are caused by tight muscles and made worse by mineral deficiencies and poor circulation? Nutritional supplements and yoga poses are the best natural remedies.

Relieve Stress & Tension - I’ve worked 70+ hours per week for years, and without Anthony’s nutritional supplements and stretching exercises, I know I’d be sick and stiff. Instead, I’m energized and bendy.
Improve Your Coordination – before, I couldn’t even balance on one

Improve Your Coordination – before, I couldn’t even balance on one foot-I was so stiff! Now, my walking and running gate has improved, I dance better, and even my hand-to-eye coordination is twice what it used to be.

The combination of stretching exercises, yoga poses, and proper nutrition will build your flexibility and coordination naturally.

Improve Your Love Life- let’s just say that flexible people are better lovers… you can use your imagination.





ABOUT AUTHOR --
From: Lucas Rockwood
Yoga Teacher/Nutritional Coach
http://www.yogabodynaturals.com/