Yoga is Healthy

What’s the best yoga and pilates at home video for beginners?

Question by Linzy: What’s the best yoga and pilates at home video for beginners?
I want to get started doing some yoga and pilates in my home and I would like to know your opinion on what videos are the best for beginners. I would like videos that are more focused on muscle toning and shaping rather than weight loss as I am 5’8″ and only 110 lbs so no need to lose any more weight!! Also, what equipment do I need besides the mat?

Best answer:

Answer by RV
Hi! I am a novice at pilates too but I recently user the mari winsor pilates dvds, they are great for beginners

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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A Beginners Guide To Understanding The Chakra System

The chakra system consists of seven main chakras and these are body’s energy centers. However the entire chakra system consists of 108 chakras and the chakra system is the metaphysical source. Energy is received and transmitted by these chakras and they are the regulators of flow of fundamental energy.

These chakras have the power to receive or transmit energy and these are the ones which regulate energy flow in our body. For the purpose of spiritual, emotional, physical and mental well being of our body the chakras are given the responsibility. We have instinctive bodies and many times we may not be even aware of what is experienced by our body.

Each chakra is linked to different body parts and each chakra performs a separate function. It is the chakra system that is accountable for processing all aspects of our being. So it is essential that this functions properly.

The presence of these chakras is not like an object in our body but as specific body locations. We place our hands on these body locations which correspond to these chakras. Each chakra is associated to a specific color of the visible light spectrum.

Chakra located at the base of the spine is associated with red color and symbolizes physical vitality, sacral chakra is associated with orange in color and symbolizes desire, solar plexus chakra is associated with yellow color and symbolizes self projection, heart chakra is associated with green color and symbolizes compassion and empathy, throat chakra is associated with blue color and symbolizes communication, forehead chakra is associated with indigo color and symbolizes visualization and the crown chakra is associated with violet color and symbolizes spiritual perfection.

Each chakra has a front as well as a rear component; the front one being usually dominant and rear one is less dominant. At the time of energy channelisation, the healer of energy is the receiver of energy with the help of his own chakra system. It is the Earth and surroundings which give this energy and the healer of energy is the conductor. The receiver of energy receives this energy through the energy healer. In the beginning the extra energy comes inside the body initially through the 1st and 7th chakra. Gradually as one increases the practice, the energy is entered in the body equally through all the chakras.

The energy also enters as an upward flow in the body, beginning from the lower to higher centers of energy. Simpler functioning ones are the lower chakras however with ascend there is a superior degree of more spiritual functioning ones. The seven chakras are of great significance to the healer in the field of energy.

A well balanced chakra system is a precondition for overall fitness and harmony of the field of energy. Your entire system of chakras attains a balance once you charge it. The chakras need to be adequately charged with pure functioning of energy in accordance with its own true color nature. It is at this time that the level of activity can be raised or lowered with the help of adding lower or higher colors.

Look at the exciting world of reiki chakra balancing with the popular http://www.chakra-balance.com website. Find out about chakra attunement. Find out the hidden secrets of how to open chakra when you visit here and get 30 FREE audios, ebooks and videos.

What Do You Understand By Premonition?

Premonition refers to a condition is which one is able to see and visualize the event which is not good before hand. The events viewed in premonition are usually unpleasant events.

Generally this kind of sensation occurs before accidents, deaths, disasters or other events which are emotionally charged. An event which is about to take place in the future and is an indication of something bad that is about to take place, something unpleasant is referred to as premonition.

There is a close association with the premonition sensation and precognition at times as missing of any clear-cut demarcation between them. But there is difference between the two. There are sensations associated with premonitions associated with certain conditions like depression, distress, physical uneasiness where no probable justifications can be given. The feelings associated or felt with this are unexplained; yet the associated feelings are bound to take place. Precognition on the other hand has more accuracy. Precognition involves visions about an event or dreams which are to take place in the future.

Premonitions occurring in a state of our full awakeness assume more prominence rather than those occurring in the dreams. The reason for this is that the premonitions that occur in the dreams generally are camouflaged as symbols which go unnoticed. If these premonitions take place in full wakefulness, one gets to be familiar with emotional tones or exclusive symbols.

Early intuitive warnings are given by premonitions which take place often however they do not get registered on the conscious mind since they are very subtle. It is in the subconscious mind that some of these intuitive warnings apparently register. In other words premonition is also defined as event anticipation without any apparent reason.

Premonition should be regarded as a gifted ability. There are known individuals who are quite apprehensive with premonitions and do not talk about it openly. They have a guilt factor associated with the premonitions that they get. However it must be understood that premonition is a state that is absolutely gifted and can be utilised effectively to alter an adversity.

Incase you are one of those who has experienced premonition and still do so, you can actually share an event which shows harm to the society in any way and prevent it from either occurring or lessen its adverse effects. You will be able to stay alert. So if you know anyone who experiences premonitions, you may help that person to come out and speak openly about it and help avert something disastrous or at most reduce its disastrous effects.

Viewing this condition as boon and bane is done by the two differing schools of thought on premonitions. The first school of thought views this as a boon and has a belief that the blessed person has the ability to avert an adverse situation and surroundings from a disastrous event or at the most the impact that could take place with this. The second school of thought viewing this as bane views this ability as an unpleasant thing to happen.

The writer Katherine Allen writes for the http://www.develop-clairvoyance.com website. Discover for yourself how easy it is to experience premonitions. Discover previously undisclosed information. Anyone really can learn everything you need to experience premonitions find out how by visiting here and get 30 free clairvoyant audios and videos!

How To Practice Basic Telepathy Exercises?

Let us understand about telepathy and the basic concept behind it, before learning the basic telepathy exercises. When thoughts are transferred directly without any use of the usual sensory channels, it is known as telepathy.

In this there is no written or verbal use when thoughts are sent or received and is known to be instinctual. There is involvement of contact mind to mind and no use of sensory channels.

Three types of known telepathy are physical, emotional and mental. You should be able to identify the one that suits you the most according to your capability before you take on telepathy. Read on for some mental telepathy exercises.

Card Exercise- In this exercise as well you need to ensure that you should be in the present, neither in the past nor the future. Be cam and relax. For carrying out the card exercise you will need a card pack, sheet of paper, a pencil for you to make score sheet. Once you decide the sender and receiver roles, you need to sit back to back with each other.

Next decide on the roles of sender and receiver. Sit against each other’s back. Cards are shuffled by the sender and he selects one card out of the lot. Then this card is tapped to give an indication that the card choice is done and is shared with the receiver. After this the receiver makes an effort to make out the card color and he needs to speak out loud by revealing the card color.

There is another advanced variation of this exercise that can be done. In this advanced stage the card numbers are made use of instead of the card color and that is used to share with the receiver. The queens, jacks, kings, aces should be removed from the card pack. There is should more number cards instead.

Color Exercise – When you are doing telepathy exercises you must ensure that your mind does not wander and remain in the present, not the past or the future. You now need to get someone to help you with this. You need to get different color pencils between you. Both of you need to decide on who is the sender and who will become the receiver. Next one person makes the selection of the color in his mind and begins to share it with the other person mentally.

An effort should be made by the receiver to look into the sender’s mind to figure about the color and then disclose loudly on the color. The receiver discloses the color and the sender informs whether the color spoken was the right one or the wrong one. This entire exercise is repeated until the choice of right color is made. Once this exercise is completed, both receiver and sender should exchange places.

You can now move into the next level of mastery post completion of these basic exercises. The entire bit is known as psychology which is very intricate to gain mastery a lot of time is taken. You need to keep repeating these exercises till you are able to attain mastery. So all the best for your efforts.

Look at the exciting world of telepathy with the popular http://www.telepathyrevealed.com website. Discover for yourself the amazing secrets of telepathy test. Find out the hidden secrets of understanding telepathy when you visit here and get your FREE DVD video, audio and ebook Package.

Understanding The Seven Chakras

Chakra, translated as the wheel as well is a Sanskrit word. The Chakras infuse on the physical body at particular points. These are also referred to as the centers of forces.

The seven primary chakras are:

The Root chakra or Muladhara; Swadhisthana, called the ovaries; Manipura, the Solar Plexus Chakra situated at the navel area; Anahata, Heart Chakra located near the heart area; Vishuddha or Throat Chakra; Ajna or Third Eye Chakra; Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra located at the top of the head.

The beginning of the chakra is at the base of the spine and they end at the top of the head. Chakras are fixed in the central spinal column.

Chakras vibrate at different speeds. At the root or the first chakra the speed is the slowest and at the crown or seventh chakra the speed is at the highest. Each chakra stimulates on its own. Chakras are of the following colors – violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red.

Chakras size and brightness varies with individual development; physical condition; energy levels; disease stress.

Either with imbalance of the chakras or blocked energies the force gets slowed down. A constant balance should be maintained between health and the chakras for promotion of sense of well being.

The moment our feelings are blocked or the natural energy flow stops we begin to react with unpleasant experiences. Due to this both the development and maturation of chakras is impacted. Incase our experiences are blocked our chakras also get blocked and then the chakras get disfigured. Each chakra opens and spins clockwise during normal functioning. This is to metabolize the unique energies desired from the universal energy field.

First Chakra, the Root: Is located at the base of the spine, at the pubic bone in front and at the tailbone at back. The chakra is connected powerfully with the Mother Earth. Our ability to be grounded into the plain earth is due to the Mother Earth.

Belly chakra or the second chakra is rooted into the spine and is situated just two inches below the navel. The center holds the necessary needs for self-worth, intuition, creativity and sexuality.

Third Chakra, the Solar Plexus: It is the centre for place of ego, strength, anger, passion and personal power. This chakra is positioned two inches underneath the breastbone in the center behind the stomach.

Fourth Chakra is also known as the heart chakra. This is the center for spirituality, love and compassion.

Fifth Chakra, the throat chakra: This chakra is the center for our expression of communication sound, and creativity.

Sixth Chakra is also known as the Third Eye. This is the center for the energies of spirit and light, ability and higher intuition

Seventh Chakra or the Crown is the center of enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy and spirituality.

The author Paul Crawford is one of the team of experts who writes for the popular chakra-balance.com site. To understand how knowledge of the seven chakras can enhance your whole life and to get 29 Free seven chakra brainwave training balancing and healing Audios.

Understanding The Benefits Of Regression Therapy

Have you ever had the feeling that no one wants you? Perhaps you’re under the influence of an addiction? Do people pick on you? Are you always the victim? What about anger issues? Have you ever had a long term relationship, or something that actually lasted? Perhaps you’re at a point in your life where you seem to have everything you want, but there’s something missing that you just cannot put your finger on. If this is the case, then you might want to think about trying Regression Therapy.

If you seem to be having trouble in any of the mentioned categories and just cannot seem to figure out a way to fix the problem, then it’s very important that you look over this article. It’s possible that you haven’t thought of trying regression therapy, and it may indeed be the answer to your problem.

The Past Life Regression Therapy Center states that Regression Therapy involves an individual coming out of darkness and stepping toward the light that their lives have been devoid of for so long. Past Life regression falls under the category of hypnotic therapy, and in it a person is supposed to deal with their life and it’s experiences. During this process they are completely conscious.

The recalled experiences might be a person’s current adult life, or it could be somewhere in their childhood. To go even further back, a person might be able to experience the time before they left their mother’s womb.

Past Life Regression Therapy however goes back a little further than the standard methods. Instead of recalling incidents that occurred in the present life, the individual will recall something a little different. They will in fact recall a past life.

There are a lot of people that do not want to accept this. The reason is that the thought of having a previous life is just overwhelming to many. The problem with denying it however, is that there is actually proof of past lives. Some people might believe that this is a farce, but there is too much evidence out there to simply deny the whole thing.

There have been noted incidents of individuals speaking about being important, or even officials in some far off kingdom. Then there are those that talk about fighting in some past war, and then there are those who remember hunting during the Stone Age. The person they hunt with, is actually their real life spouse.

It’s amazing when someone recalls something that can actually be verified. Sometimes old records can be looked up, and the records will actually match what the person said. Instances like this are truly amazing.

Though it may be difficult to believe, there have actually been documented reports of children that have recalled their past lives in detail. Better yet, they’ve been able to meet people that they had been related to in their past life.

Knowing where we have been in the past will help us during life. It gives us another way to look at life, and even provides us with another perspective on life, which is very important. There is nothing quite as great as understanding our lives and who we are.

There is a term that those in the Regression Therapy Community like to use, and this is what you would call ‘Faulty Thoughts’. Basically it is the negative thoughts and feelings that a person has carried over. This could stem from a crime committed, to wronging someone else, or any number of things that you could think of.

The only person that can cancel out the negative feeling is the person that created it in the first place. The person, in theory, can release the energy and re-make their own energy field as a positive one. There are a number of ways that this can be done, through either forgiveness, repayment of karma, and even some re-patterning.

The idea of forgiving someone is based on what is known as the golden rule, and can be found in scripture: ‘Do unto others as you would do unto yourself.’ This means repaying karma by making things right and making things right.

If a person is able to carry such things out, then it would be possible to re-pattern their energy fields. They can do this by practicing things such as tranquility, care, and other things that might be considered positive.

Though it can get exhausting, Regression Therapy has successfully changed many lives. The majority of those who have gone through this have stated that their attitude and outlook on life has changed. They have also become much stronger as a result of it.

While it sounds very helpful, keep in mind that there will be a lot of work involved. It requires a commitment to change like no other! You will need to alter the way you think about your life, and the way that it will unfold.

It’s amazing, the way Past Life regression can help people. You’ll be able to discover who you were, and then you can apply it to your real life. It will help you to get through the current circumstances, and give you alternatives that you might never have thought of otherwise.

Discover the amazing experience of past life regression from the popular http://www.past-lives-regression.com site. Understand karma reincarnation for yourself and find out the real hidden secrets with a life in past FREE DVD Package when you visit here.

The Fourfold Yoga Vi

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The Fourfold Yoga Vi

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The Fourfold Yoga Vi

By: G Kumar

About the Author

G Kumar, astrologer, writer and programmer of http://www.eastrovedica.com. . Highly experienced with many correct predictions to his credit, he does professional natal charts http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/vedichoroscope.htm To subscribe to his Free highly informative ezine, Z Files,click here.mailto:info@eastrovedica.com?subject=subscribeZF An integrator of East & West, his Astro blog is up at http://zodiacastrology.blogspot.com & his Philosophy blog at http://transcendentalphilosophy.blogspot.com

(ArticlesBase SC #62237)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – The Fourfold Yoga Vi

The Fourfold Yoga – Part VI

Yoga Therapy

“Excellence in action is Yoga ” declares the Song Celestial ( Geetha ), an authentic treatise on Yoga & the quintessence of the Upanishads. Yoga, as the science of Holistic living, is a way of life. Yoga does not mean physical exercises even though such exercises have been prescribed for improving the skill of our body. Yoga comprises techniques that transform our intellect, mind and emotions & provides a comprehensive philosophy for Integral Life.

In order to live an integral life, we must develop skill in life. Aurobindo defined Yoga as the Art of Conscious Self Finding. The first & fundamental thing we should do if we are to expand the limits of our Consciousness, is to gain mastery of the mind. This is not easy.

The incidence of most of the physical diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries have been reduced by glorious advances in medical sciences. The eradication of most infectious diseases and the control of many metabolic disorders have been effectuated by better drugs and surgical techniques. Soon, even routine genetic minterventions may be possible. But new and ever more common causes of illhealth haunt us today. They are psychosomatic ailments & chronic stress. Allopathy is less than effective when dealing with these complaints.

The cause of these are found to be attitudes & lifestyle and not physiological anomalies. Allopathy by concentrating on a physical and mechanistic approach to healing, can do little to relieve conditions such as these. The frenetic pace of modern life exposes many people to continous high mental tension & unrelieved stress. And if we are largely sedentary in our habits & overindulge in health damaging substances & foods, as we are fond of doing, our well- being & fitness will be furthur compromised. Eventually stress may manifest itself in the form of physical disease or mental breakdown. Allopathy is symptomatic, and has countered with symptom- suppressing treatments, instead of tackling the root cause of the problem. Lack of disease has been regarded as health, rather

than as a dynamic growth process in which we feel truly well on physical, mental level and spiritual levels.

The Evolution of Medicine & the Three Eras of Medicine

Allopathic Medicine or ” Physical Medicine” belongs to the first era. It is Cartesian and creates a dichotomy between mind & body. Treating a disease is like fixing a part of the machine.

The second era of medicine refers to ‘Mind-Body medicine.” It became popular in the 1960s with the advent of Meditation, imagery, hypnosis & bio-feedback. Mind and body are interconnected by messenger molecules and these molecules are invoked to accomplish the healing process.

The third era of Medicine refers to ” Transpersonal Medicine “. It became popular in 1990s with the advent of group support and spirituality to heal.

Yoga therapy supplements the second and the third eras of medicine.

Yoga therapy complements medical technology with a holistic system of health care that addresses the triune problems – physical, mental & spiritual. The author of Yoga Sutras, Patanjal, defined it as the Science of the Mind. Mind is the root cause of bondage and in order to redeem us from the thraldom of the mind, we have to annilhilate the mind. Extirpation of thought waves is Yoga. And it is through teaching us to control our mind, our desires, and our reactions to stress, that yoga can fundamentally help us. It is based on the tripod of Life – Body, Mind & Self & the three levels of Being- Doing, Thinking & pure Being.

Mastery of the mind involves 2 aspects;

1) Concentration – The ability to concentrate our attention on any given subject or object

2) Meditation – The ability to quieten our mind at will.

Though the first has been mastered partially by most people, the second is very difficult. It is difficult indeed to lapse into a state of inner peace, let alone at will. As an intellectual, skillful means for quietening the mind, Yoga is unparalleled. A still mind is pure Spirit.

All aspects of the Fourfold Yoga work toward this in some way and if we practice this master Science, we reach closer to our goal. Yoga generates that inner mental peace perpetually, in all our actions, and thereby we achieve physical and mental health. This calmness in action is the secret to attaining the skill , according to Yoga Philosophy. This is known as the strength of Superconscient stillness !

Stillness itself is inertia

Action itself is discord

When stillness and action equalise

Then is the Highest Cosmic Union ( Yoga )

Lo! steadfast a lamp burns sheltered from the wind

Such is the likeness of the Yogi’s mind

Freed from sense storms and burning bright to Heaven

When mind broods placid, soothed with holy wont

When Self contemplates Self and in itself

Hath comfort ! ( The Song Celestial )

Health & Yoga Therapy

The World Health Organisation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental & social well-being & not merely an absence of

disease and infirmity. WHO also suggests a fourth dimension – spiritual well-being. It is clear from this definition that health should

be conceived as a continous function indicating the state of well-being and not a lack of ill health.

The approach of Yoga Therapy is based on the holistic concept of human being; the five ” sheaths ” of existence of which the physical sheath ( Annamaya Kosha ) is only the first. The second is the Vital Sheath ( Pranamaya Kosha ), that is made up of the Vital Energy called Prana which flows through invisible channels called Nadis. The third is the Mental Sheath ( Manomaya Kosha ) The fourth is the Intellectual Sheath ( Vijnanamaya Kosha ) and the final sheath is the Bliss Sheath ( Ananda Maya Kosha ). The Bliss Sheath is found to consist of the positive energy associated with the Divine Self. It is from this sheath that the inner peace

characteristic of true Bliss emanates.

More information about Transcendental Philosophy & Yoga can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/yogamain.htm

Disease is defined as any imbalance in any of the three lower sheaths of existence. Ego Consciousness, which is centered around the Self, predominates in the physical, vital & mind sheaths. Harmony in these sheaths can be easily disturbed as the ego is up in arms against the world most of the time. The fourth & the fifth sheaths are permeated by a larger, Cosmic Consciousness and cannot be disturbed as they are closer to the Self. When we are truly healthy, the positive energy in the higher sheath percolates freely through the lower ones and brings total harmony & balance to all our faculties. But the imbalances in the lower sheaths block the free movement of Bliss despite the harmony of the higher sheaths being constant.

A great treatise on Yoga, the Yoga Vasishta, declares that there are two types of physical illness, & each requires a different approach. The first are the illnesses with a strong physical element, such as contagious diseases & accidental injuries. These are most effectively dealt with by conventional medicine, though Yoga can play a substantial supportive role. Yoga is prophylactic & also helps prevent the occurrence of such ailments by improving our general health & making us less accident-prone.

The other types of illness arises through disturbances in the mind sheath and includes all the psychosomatic & degenerative ailments. In these disorders, psychological factors play a much greater role, & conventional treatment alone cannot effectuate healing. According to Yogic Psychology, such ailments are thought to be caused by mental diseases called Adhis. ( Adhi creates Vyadhi , disease ). These arise when excessively strong feelings of like or dislike ( Raga & Dvesha ) becomes amplified & established acting to distort personality & to obstruct the flow of positive energy to the lower sheaths. This causes imbalances that result in physical ailments and also makes us feel restless &discontented.

The positive energy from the bliss sheath is responsible for our natural state which is Peace . While the flow of this energy is interrupted by Adhis ( mental blocks), our sense of well-being is diminished, & in our attempt to regain it, we may be furthur aggravating the problem by behaving inappropriately.

We may eat the wrong type of foods, lapse into negative states of mind, drive ourselves too hard, overwork ourselves, live in unhealthy surroundings and add more tension and stress. These methods, however will give only momentary relief & may be actually damaging to our health.

Y T provides that all-important element that conventional therapies lack while dealing with psychosomatic illnesses, as it acts directly on the mental imbalances that underlie them. While Meditation & emotion- culturing makes us conscious of the fact that thoughts and emotions are tyrants, Happiness-analysis teaches how to look within ourselves to find beatific peace and contentment. This effectively complements allopathic techniques which improve the situation physically but are unable to eliminate the root cause of the problem.

The root Cause of all Disease – Bhoga or Sensory enjoyments

Bhoga ( enjoyments of the senses ) is Roga ( Disease). It can only be cured by Yoga ( Divine Alchemy ).

All food that is tasty is detrimental to the body, declares Prakriti Therapy The food which cometh from Nature, fruits and vegetables,

are alkaline by nature. Maximum health is in an alkaline body. We can only be healthy if we keep a 80%- 20% ratio. ( 80% alkalinity & 20% acidity). This means we have to eat more natural foods & less processed foods ( which are more or less acidic ). Truly speaking, processed foods,even though they taste well, are robbers as they rob us of our natural, vibrant health.

Happiness Analysis for Lifestyle Change

Happiness Analysis is a technique for analysing the cause of happiness, what constitutes Bliss, the inner beatific peace that

characterises the fifth level of Being. It basically embodies the realization that happiness comes from within and is not

dependent on material possessions or physical enjoyment.

When we achieve desires, we are happy temporarily because of the satisfaction involved and happiness is often associated with

jubilation and excitement. But such feelings of euphoria are often followed by negative feelings such as tiredness & disillusionment.

The Beatific Peace, which is the aim of Yoga, involves no great effort and engenders no fatigue. The authoritatie texts of Yoga

postulate that the Ultimate State of Bliss is a state of eternal silence, wherein we are not troubled by tormenting thoughts &

fears and where we are freed from all sorrows.

Though Yoga practices lay the foundation needed for us to achieve this, we must also make determined efforts to sustain a state of

perfect happiness by analysing our feelings of pleasure. The basic hypothesis of Yoga is that actions bring pleasure when they briefly evoke the inner silence that defines true happiness. When our desire is fulfilled or when a goal is won, at the very instance of

success our thoughts vanish & our mind dips momentarily into the Bliss sheath. Actually what we do is to open up temporary channels to the higher sheath, hence evoking positive sensations. This is merely a temporary feeling and cannot be perpetuated.

Can we generate that moment from within and free ourselves from dependency on external aids? Yes, we can, if we try enough. Practice makes one perfect and at first we may not be able to maintain inner peace for long, but gradually we will become less vulnerable to negative influences. The likes & dislikes ( Raga & Dvesha ) that can lead to mental diseases ( Adhis ) will become less important and our growing awareness of Cosmic Consciousness will give meaning & coherence to every aspect of our life.

The Basis Of Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy is fundamentally different from allopathic practice in its approach to health care. Instead of trying to reduce the cause

of disease to a single factor and to correct it using a specific cure, Yoga aims to treat illness by improving health on all the five levels of Being – physical, vital, mental, intellectual & spiritual – simultaneously & restoring inner harmony.

Ill-health occurs when the total balance of perfect health is disturbed. And although the original disrupting influence may only affect one level at first, viz the physical level, the disturbance soon spreads to the other four levels. All the five sheaths of existence interact, thus something that primarily affects the mind can soon spread to the body & the subtler sheaths. A bad day at work may make us irritable & it also increases stress reaction, makes our muscles tense and often depletes our energy level leading to chronic fatigue.

While emotion culturing generates equanimity, Relaxation & Meditation can calm our mind. Positive action produces harmony, just as as negative influences spread disruption. The different types of yoga practice augment each other & are more effective when done together. All wisdom is given in the one word ” Relax”.

Physical relaxation can be effectuated when we do the prescribed Asanas & stretch our muscles as muscular tension is released.

Mental relaxation is effected when we relax our mind during Meditation and release suppressed emotions.

This is the essence of Yoga Therapy, both prophylactic & therapeutic. Daily practice of a complete Yoga session can restore our natural balance and harmony, bringing positive good health to the three levels of Being – physical, mental and spiritual.

The Therapeutic Potential of Yoga

Yoga, holistic science and integral life, has become popular because it promotes positive health and is also useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Its therapeutic potential has largely been investigated for stress-related pyshco-somatic ailments. But with

the recent interest in ” Psycho-neuro- immunology” ( the effect of psyche on the immune system ), there is also a possibility that Yoga therapy can modify the course of infectious diseases.

One of the stress conditions which can definitely be controlled through yoga therapy is bronchial asthma. Beneficial effects of specific yoga practices, such as pranayamas, or kriyas can alleviate asthma. Patients with type II daibetes mellitus were also shown to improve significantly following yoga practice. Systematic studies on the effects of Yoga therapy for essential hypertension has shown that Y T compares favourably with bio-feedback. A study conducted in the UK on patients with rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated that Y T reduced symptoms and need for medicine.

Scientific studies also show that if pathological Angst ( anxiety ) patients practice Yogic techniques such as Pranayamas ( which

means the control of the Vital Force, Prana ), they show significant improvement.

Yoga therapy has also been used in the rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped. Ten months of yoga practice significantly improved the IQ, eye-hand coordination and social adaptation of 45 children with varying degress of mental retardation.

Psycho-neuro-immunology has given rise to interest in the idea that Y T can be used for the management of infectious diseases such

as pulmonary tuberculosis.Studies indicate two months of Y T along with short term chemotherapy caused tremendous change for the better. This beneficial effect of Yoga on the immune system has delighted the alternate medical community. Holistic health practitioners how talk about the the effect of Y T in cancer and even in AIDS patients. It has been shown that the practice of Yoga reduces the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy in patients with cancer of the uterine cervix. It is also interesting to study

scientifically investigated reports on cancer regression following meditation. It is encouraging to note that there has been a scientific

study which showed that AIDS patients benefited ( clinically, psychologically, immunologically ) from Y T.

Ayurveda, Tai Chi, Y T, Kai-Igaku, Pranic Healing, Reflexology, Reiki, Acupuncture are all included amongst the 70 systems of Alternative Medicine which are prevalent today. All these come under Holistic Medicine which highlights the greatness of the Whole more than the parts. ( ” The Whole is greater than the sum of its parts ” )

A good site where you can get quality information about Holistic Medicine is www.holistic-alt.com

Yogic Diet & Prevention of Cancer

Modern reasearch shows that diets such as smoked fish/ meat or other foods known to contain carcinogenic chemicals should be

avoided at all costs. Because of the Western fast food type diet, colon cancer in men, promoted by high meat ( beef ) and fat

consumption is on the increase in the West. There is no doubt that a high fibre, low-fat diet reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Many compounds which are potent carcinogens are contained in cigarette smoking as well as smoked or barbecued meat or fish

products. They include benzenes ( in the tar component of cigarette smoke), heterocyclic amines & polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( in smoked / barbecued meat or fish ). That explains why lung cancer is on the rise in the Western male population during the last century. Colon cancer has reached endemic proportions in the West ( because of higher consumption of barbequed meat and beef fat ) & stomach cancer occurs at an alarming rate in Japan because of the Japanese habit of consuming fish.

Claims which need furthur research

While spices such as ( black or green) or spices such as fresh ginger, garlic & turmeric have been reported to reduce the risk of colon

cancer, onion is claimed to lower the risk of stomach cancer. Soyabean products reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Skin

cancer is reduced, it is claimed, by topical application of some constituents of ginger oil and ginger extract. It is true that more

research is needed on natural compounds. One breakthrough is the discovery of taxol, a plant product which is of tremendous

benefit in certain cancers. There are many such waiting for their discovery, particularly from indigenous plants in India, with proper

scientific research tools & testing.

Hygiea’s Commandment that “Thou shalt eat unprocessed, living natural food ” merits consideration here. Naturopathy

asks us to consume 100 grams fruits & 300 grams vegetables ( organically grown ) daily. Yoga with its emphasis on a naturopathic

diet of fruits & vegetables can show us the path to perfect health & Wisdom. Naturopathy is a branch of Ayurveda, the Science of Life, which is allied to Yoga.

More info about Ayurveda can be had from http://www.chakrapaniayurveda.com

The Healing Centre in us

Yogic philosophy averrs that true healing comes from within, the Self, the divine component in man.

His great transparent mirror, Self !

Within each of us is the source of Life and health, the Divine Centre. We have to learn to turn to that source and return to it again and again. When we breathe it in, the freshness engages us. Yoga frees us from the thraldom of both mind and matter & we become

more whole.

Article by G Kumar, astrologer, writer and programmer of http://www.eastrovedica.com. . Highly experienced with many correct predictions to his credit, he does professional natal charts http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/vedichoroscope.htm To subscribe to his Free highly informative ezine, Z Files,click here.mailto:info@eastrovedica.com?subject=subscribeZF An integrator of East & West, his Astro blog is up at http://zodiacastrology.blogspot.com & his Philosophy blog at http://transcendentalphilosophy.blogspot.com

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Article Tags:
yoga, tantra, mysticism, pagan, occult, psychic, new age, world peace, world mysticism, indian philosophy

Easing Your Stress Away With Yoga

When you do yoga, your entire body is improved. All tensions & anxieties reside in the mind. Feelings of anxiety, disappointment, grief, envy, control, avarice, and many more create niches in our minds, which come up again to the surface subconsciously creating mood swings & tensions. Muscular tension, emotional tension, & mental tension are the three kinds of tension. These can be dealt with by yoga exercises.

Tension in the muscles can be found in hormonal imbalances, in digestive problems, in the nervous system, or in any illness. There are some tests that measure them. This can be handled most easily. Try using a Hatha yoga plan of pranayam & asanas to manage them.

The tensions which are emotional in nature come from feelings of happiness, success, love, hate, failure, death, and many more. People run after the material pleasures of life, which takes you on the road to disappointment when emotions dominate our wisdom. Sometimes, our emotions are unpredictable and hard to control. If you cannot express it clearly and suppress it, it would leave a person high-strung. It is good if these tensions were released thru dreams. Other than that, it should be handled with Bhakti or Karma yoga.

Bhakti yoga is relinquishing all your burdens to a higher force. The higher force could be your God or just someone with authority. It should be acknowledged that all things that occur is according to his will. It is the love for this higher force that will be your beacon of light.

Karma yoga does not entail physical posturing like asanas. This yoga is of the mental kind, that is disciplining the emotions, the mind, & the senses. You can do this when you are at work or at home while doing chores. Doing this yoga, you can be able to develope an attitude of working unconditionally without anticipating any reward. With this mindset, you wouldnt have to worry about excess baggage. To master this, one should practice this discipline for a few years.

The real root cause of mental tension is too much brain activity. Our mind is a vortex of fantasies and ideas. As years go by, these things multiply in power & quantity. Our mood swings are created with the accumulation of these things. It is imperative that the mind is detoxified before it starts to affect everything around you. Meditation is the best solution.

We can find a lot of types of meditation and all you have to do is choose the right one for you. Antar Mouna, Mantra Japa, & Yoga Nidra are the 3 varieties of yoga.

Do you need help in releasing the tensions and anxieties in your body? Come visit us and we will tell you all you need to know about yoga. We also offer yoga teacher training course. Come and get your yoga certification course now!

What are some great beginning yoga podcasts or routines I can find online?

Question by Skylar: What are some great beginning yoga podcasts or routines I can find online?
I want to start practicing at home, in the mornings. But most of the yoga podcasts I have been able to find move much to fast for me.

Best answer:

Answer by Dances with Buddha
Have you already tried http://www.yogatoday.com/ ?

If not, at above home page, click “Classes”, then “Skill Level”, then choose either “First Time”, “Novice”, or one of the other options.

Namaste’,
dwb

Add your own answer in the comments!