Yogic way of dealing with breathlessness

Breathing is so important and required – I never knew this till few days ago, when I started having breathlessness all of a sudden and felt like catching the air and filling it inside my heart. Although all my life I had been breathing, but that process was spontaneous. I never had to put any effort in doing so, it was automatic.

Off-late, I started looking for air around myself and felt like taking out my windpipe and filling it with oxygen. Huh!! So suffocating.

I went to the doctor, but came back barehanded, without any disease on the prescription, which brought more suffocation, as now, I was clueless about what to do next. With no disease in hand and no idea about the problem which was creating so much of suffocation, I started scrutinizing myself. Could it be the increased stress? As soon as I started thinking about the tension I was going through, the air again started refusing to go inside my heart.

So, here it was again, stress. As soon as we start getting stressed-up, our body somehow tells us that we should stop torturing the body by stressing more on the stress. Instead, we should look for the resolution.

Ultimately, I got the first resolution about finding the problem which was causing the breathlessness. It was the stress which was telling me not to worry so much.

Wow, such a great way of telling us that we are going in a wrong direction. We are a part of this nature and it has all the answers, we just need to look around with open eyes.

I started with a simple in and out breathing exercise followed with Kapalbhati and Anulom-Vilom.

Kapalbhati is a great technique of curing many ailments related to stomach, stress, breathing and many more diseases. Majority number of diseases are caused due to the stomach. Kapalbhati helps in keeping the stomach in a good health while removing the problems which have accumulated over a period of time. It cleans our lungs and stomach, and increases the amount of oxygen within us. This helps in curing many unwanted diseases, including breathlessness, by reducing stress and stabilizing anxiety. I got a relief the same day, after doing Kapalbhati for about 20-25 mins.

But this was not it. As the shortness of the breath was too much, I also did Anulom-Vilom. This is yet another simple but very effective technique of healing the body. It helps in the intake of the right amount of oxygen at a right speed and releases all the stress. This simple way of breathing relaxes the entire body and makes it more lively and energetic.

By doing just these simple Yogasanas, my stress level decreased and I started breathing normally again. Now, even when I am very busy, I take out at least few minutes, even while working or travelling and do these breathing exercises. Such a relief it is!!

TREATING HEADACHE WITH YOGA

The head needs just a reason to ache. Headache is a very usual problem among people. According to WHO (World Health Organization) near about 47% of people have faced headache during the last year. This figure is just of those people, who went to see a doctor. But there are many, who despite suffering from a bad headache, do not see a doctor, as this is such a common problem. Remember that a problem is a problem, especially when it occurs frequently. Many of us take a pain relief medicine without seeing a doctor because when it comes to headache almost all of us is a specialist. Those who do not like to go for medicines, go for balm or use grandmother tips. It is always advisable to see a doctor if it becomes a frequent problem.

Even though it is a common problem with everybody, one should not take it lightly. The head is the main operator of the entire body and all the nerves are attached to the brain. So, the pain may be for any reason, which may even be fatal. Headache comes with several types. There are many kind of headache but one thing is predictable, that is pain. There are many causes of headache like tension, depression, sinus, migraine and cluster headache. In females, menstrual problem can also be a cause of headache. Blood clot, brain freeze, stroke, poisoning of carbon monoxide, mild cranial trauma, dehydration, glaucoma, influenza, panic attacks are also responsible for headache.

Migraine is one of the most common causes of severe headaches. It may stay for few hours or 2 – 3 days. The pain attacks either one side or both sides of head. Nausea, sensory disturbance, may also be a symptom.

Yoga is an immemorial method which encourages holistic living through incorporation of position and breathing method. Without any medication, we can be free from many kind of headache including migraine. Regular practicing of some Asanas and Pranayama can be beneficial for headaches.

Hastapadasana or Standing forward bends:

Process: Stand straight. Stretch your arms upward, be sure to feel the stretch in your spine. Now bend slowly to touch the ground with palms. Head should touch the knees. Stay in this position for few minutes with normal breathing.

N.B: People who suffer from spondylosis, high B.P, heart disease should not do this exercise.

SETU BANDHASANA (BRIDGE POSE)

Process: Lie down on the ground. Then fold your knee just like this picture. Hands should be kept aside your body. Then raise your waist upward but your head, neck and shoulder must be touched with the ground. You can use your hands as a support. Stay for a while with normal breathing.

N.B:  Person who has neck and back injury should avoid this asana.

BAALASANA (CHILD POSE)

Process: This asana is very effective for stress. Sit on the ground and put your weight on the knees. Now compress the feet onto the ground to sit on your heels. Open out your thighs and distant them from each other just a little. Then breathe out and bend your waist to the forward. Upper part of your body should stay on your thighs. Extend your hands in front to stretch your back. Forehead should be touching the ground. In this posture stay with normal breathing for a while.

N.B: During pregnancy, knee injury or diarrhea, this should not be practiced.

PADMASANA

Process:  Sit on the ground and stretch your legs to forward. Now bring left leg and keep it onto right thigh. Then bring right leg on the left thigh. Keep your hands on the knees. Join your index finger and thumb and keep the rest of the fingers straight. Keep your spine and head straight. Close your eyes and do deep breathing.

This asana is a great way of doing meditation. You can read more about meditation in my previous post - http://experiencingseconds.blogspot.in/2015/07/stay-blessed-with-meditation.html

N.B: Don’t practice this, if you have knee or ankle injury.

SURYABHEDON PRANAYAMA

Process: First sit in Padmasana. Then close your index and middle finger of right hand. Lock your left nostril with the help of ring finger and little finger. Use thumb to lock your right nostril. Now lock your left nostril with mentioning finger and inhale through the right nostril. Lock both nostrils with mentioning finger for a few seconds, and then open your left nostril to exhale the air, in the meantime, right nostril should be closed with thumb. You can also practice it without holding your breath.

This pranayama is very useful for not only migraine or headache, but cough and cold, tonsil and asthma too.

These Pranayams are very helpful in curing headaches. As I said, headaches should not be taken lightly as they can be fatal if we do not take prompt action. But any kind of headache can be prevented by Yoga and good food habits, well balanced life style. We should always think positive. Yoga is the best and safest way to prevent any kind of diseases. If anyone can do these Asana and Pranayams correctly, they can be free from not only headache but from many physical and mental problems too.

So, practice Yoga and stay a healthy life!!

Quick Tips for Anxiety

Few Quick Tips for dealing with Anxiety.

Stress leads to anxiety, which can be fatal. Here are few quick tips to deal with anxiety.

• Sit in Sukhasana, put both your hands on your chest, then slowly breathe in and breathe out.
  
• Do Anulom-Vilom / Nadi-Shodhan Pranayam.
  
• Put both the palms on your knees while sitting in Sukhasana (or any other posture), then slowly breathe in and breathe out.
  
• According to Atharva Veda, Water is the healer of all diseases. So, drink lots and lots of water.
  
• Eat as much as you can. Fill yourself with so much food that you don't get time to think about anything else, except your heavy belly. No pun intended.
  

These are few steps which you can follow on a regular basis to get relief from anxiety. I have tried it myself and believe me…..it works!!

Stay blessed with Meditation..

Nowadays, everybody has become so busy and we are so much after fulfilling our day-to-day demands that our life has become a storehouse of stress, pain, frustration and dissatisfaction. We all are so busy nowadays, that we want to live a happy and stress-free life, but we can’t, because of our busy schedule. In this situation, if anyone asks us to do meditation, our reaction is – “What? Meditation? I don’t have time to breathe, how on earth will I get time to meditate?”

The reality is, we all have only 24 hours in a day which cannot be increased. Also, it should not be ignored that on an average a human being lives for around 70 years only. Still we spend our entire 24 hours and those 70 years in working and worrying. Even when we sleep, we don’t get a sound sleep because we are worried about our life. This is actually a reason why all of us have so many diseases and our life remains unhappy till the last minute.

Meditation consumes only 10 - 15 minutes of our entire 24 hours. This 10 – 15 minutes gives you so much peace that you get more time for yourself throughout the day. It gives peace and calms down the nerves which provides a sense of divinity. And this is when your worries turn in to enjoyment. You start loving your work and enjoy the challenges. Moreover, despite struggles, your life becomes a happy story.

Purpose of meditation.

The main purpose of meditation is to provide stability and calmness to the mind. Meditation is, in fact, bringing the mind at rest and awakening it in such a way that we stop worrying about things that can disturb the rhythm of our life. So, the mind doesn’t gets switched-off (as many of us think) like a machine does, but it becomes aware of what rest is. And in this situation, you are able to relax and concentrate more. Meditation helps you recognize your inner strength by providing you more energy.

For meditation, few things that you need to keep in mind is –

·         The place of meditation is peaceful and quiet.

·         You are able to close your eyes for at least 10 – 15 minutes without any disturbance.

·         It is better if you can do a few stretching exercises for your neck, legs and hands before meditating just to relax your body.

·         Sit in such a position which can be relaxing and not tiring, as you need to sit for few minutes at a stretch, Sukhasana is considered the simplest one.

·         Sit in a particular Mudra, to get more energy, power and relief from diseases. Read more about Mudras here: http://theconsciouslife.com/mudras-meditation-in-your-hands.htm.

So, how do we meditate?

How to meditate?

Meditation is simplest of all the exercises and provides more energy than any exercise does. Practicing meditation is very simple.

Breathe – Breathing is the simplest way of meditation. Sit in Sukhasana, close your eyes and breathe-in and breathe-out slowly.

While doing so, concentrate on your breath. This needs to be repeated for about 5 – 10 minutes. Initially, the mind will divert and different thoughts will keep coming. However, a regular practice will improve the concentration.

Chant “Om” – The practice of Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago, by our great saints and munis and so did the chant of the holy word “Om”. “Om” has the power of the entire universe and is considered as a powerful Mantra. If chanted on a regular basis, it improves concentration, generates positive energy, helps in Kundalini Jagaran, and much more. (You can read more about the power of “Om” at: https://liquidmind.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/did-you-know-the-power-of-om-mantra/).

While meditating, close your eyes and chant the holy word “Om” several times in such a way that the word actually comes out from the stomach. After few minutes, stop chanting it and feel the vibration of “Om” in the entire body for another few minutes. Then slowly open your eyes to find yourself in a much relaxed and happy state of mind.

Concentrating on the flames of a ghee lamp – In Sanatan Dharma, i.e. in Hindu culture, a Ghee lamp has always been considered a source of energy, peace and a medium to remove darkness from the inner self. A Ghee lamp is considered as pure as a Brahman which has lot of radiance and which does not diminish. It is considered as a source of good health, posterity and one that fulfils the dreams. The following Mantra explains this.

भोदीपब्रह्मरूपस्‍त्‍वं ज्‍योतिषांप्रभुरव्‍यय: ।।

    आरोग्‍यंदेहिपुत्रांश्‍चमत: शांतिं प्रयच्छमे ।।           

For the purpose of meditation, light a ghee lamp and put it on table to bring it in the level of your eyes. Put-off the light in your room, sit in Sukhasana and start from concentrating on the outer flame of the light which is reddish in colour, without blinking the eyes and breathing normally. Do this for few minutes. Then gradually shift your gaze to the inner flame, which is bluish in colour. This complete process should be done in about 5 – 10 minutes. After this, close your eyes. The illusion of the flame will appear between the two brows. Concentrate on it for few minutes, or till the time you can see it clearly, then gradually open your eyes.

This way of meditation gives you immense satisfaction and makes you feel rooted to the ground. The tension will not be a worry anymore because you will be able to view the eternity.

Lying down in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) – This is also one of the simplest way of meditating. While lying down in Shavasana, start focusing on each part of your body one by one. Start from your toes. Feel the fingers and nerves of your feet, and feel it alive. Then gradually shift your focus to the calves of both the legs, then knees, thighs, hips, stomach, back, and chest. After that, move your focus on both the shoulders, arms, elbow, both hands, palms, and fingers. After reaching the fingers move your focus backward so that the flow is not broken. So, from fingers to palms, elbow, arms, shoulders, then neck, face, lips, nose, eyes, forehead and finally the head. Then focus on your entire body as a whole and feel the soul. At last, breathe in and out for few minutes and gradually open your eyes.

While practicing this, make sure that you are not rushing through your body. Give sufficient time to each part of your body and try to feel the soul present in that part. This type of meditation gives you complete relaxation and you become more energetic.

These are few of the basics and simple way of meditation, especially, if you do not have enough time for yourself. The first time itself, produces enough energy in one’s body that you cannot stop yourself from practicing it on a regular basis.

Earlier, the yogis used to meditate for several hours or at times, several days. This was the reason why they were very intellectual and at the same time too much ground to the earth. We have never read about a yogi dying of any disease, in our history books. As we proceeded through time, the world became busier. Although those several hours have now reduced to just few minutes, the effect of meditation is still the same. So, meditate as much as you can, and even encourage others to meditate. May be one day, when all of us will attain peace through a regular practice of meditation, the earth will become a better place to live!!

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Say "NO" to Back Pain

Backache is a major health concern for almost all of us. Nowadays, almost all the jobs require sitting at one place. Not only that, even if we are not working, we have confined ourselves around laptops and computers, which has restricted our movement. For people who have a job of sitting and working or who spend most of the time sitting at one place, are more prone to have diseases like Spondylitis, slip disc, etc. These are really painful and can make a person feel like paralyzed.

American actress, Reba McEntire, who is also a well-known singer of country music once said: “To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.”

So, it is very important to know the right way of taking care of your backbone so that you enjoy your work and live a healthy and successful life.

• Stay Stress-free – Stress is the hub of all the diseases. The more you stay stress free, the healthier you are. Although preaching is easier than practicing, but keeping stress away is not that tough.
  
  I had written about it earlier in one of my post (http://experiencingseconds.blogspot.in/2015/05/5-ways-to-lift-your-mood.html). Really, I have tried it and succeeded. I listen to soft music, meditate for few minutes, try to keep myself busy with things that I like doing and have tried chocolates as well. And most of the time I am able to throw my depression out of my way.
• Right Sitting Posture – First and foremost, you need to learn how to sit straight. Many of us think that we are sitting in a right posture, but the reality is something else. Sit upright on a chair that gives a good support to the curves of the spine. 
  
  Have you ever seen how actors and actresses sit? If you have not, the next time you turn your TV on, go to any entertainment channel and see how they sit. They sit straight and that is the reason they look confident as well. Your posture says a lot about you and at the same time takes care of your back’s health.
• Exercise – Exercises, as I always say, is the best way to keep yourself healthy. Specially, the stretching exercises. A regular practice of Yoga for your back also helps a lot. 
  
  Yoga is a best way to keep your back in a good health. You can even check about the benefits of Yoga on my earlier post. You can read it here: http://experiencingseconds.blogspot.com/2015/06/you-insure-yourself-of-ailments-by.html. It also helps in a good flow of joint fluids. Not only that, a regular exercise keeps the weight in control, which puts less pressure on the backbone.
• Sleeping position – The moment we see our bed, within the blink of the eyes, we find ourselves lying on it. And this is an amazing feeling. Every time is a new experience and we just can’t stop ourselves from enjoying this feeling. And this is not bad, what is bad is, your sleeping position. 
  
  Sleep in such a position that does not sprain your back. The pillow should be soft and should not lift your head too high. Pillows are meant to support your head while sleeping. Too much twisting of the body while sleeping should be avoided as it puts pressure on the back.
• Keep a check on your diet – Always keep a check on your diet. People with an upset bowel, complain more about back pain. It is better to stay away from rich and fast food, and stick to fruits and green vegetables along with milk products and cereals. 
  
  A good diet will keep a good digestive system. If your job does not allow you to make too much movement and getting your lunch from home is not an option, it is better to have lots of fruits or fruit salads which will not only keep your energy up but will also keep your weight in control, which will ultimately put less pressure on the backbone.
• Do not bend – If you are lifting anything from floor, do not bend while lifting it. 
  
  Instead, sit in squatting position with your back straight and lift the object by bringing it close to the body.

The more you care about yourself, the more you will find yourself happy. Health is not only wealth but our soul too. Most of us are negligent towards our backbone, but remember if you have a healthy backbone, you can do whatever you want to. The moment you start feeling pain in your back, the life will become slower and with time, it will become difficult to cure it. So, it is advisable to start caring about your backbone from right at this moment. Before living a wealthy life, live a healthy life, so that you can enjoy your wealth!!




#Backache #Backpain #Stressfree #Yoga #Exercise #Fastfood #GreenVegetables #SleepingPosition #Spondylitis #SlipDisc #Health #Wealth #Backbone #Happy #Pain #Pillow #RebaMcEntire #SoftMusic #Actors #Television #Cure #Rich

A Proud moment for me as a mother - My daughter, Aryahi's Portfolio

You insure yourself of ailments by making "Yoga" your lifestyle

You chant “Om” and you get healed. You breathe in and out and you get healed. Unbelievable?? Yes it is. There are many who might laugh at it as well. But it is a reality that Yoga, an age old practice of staying healthy and cure of many diseases, has many such miracles instilled in itself. It has the power of healing the soul. In this polluted environment and busy life, one should definitely try to take out at least few minutes to practice this wonderful ascetic discipline.

We have heard this word ‘Yoga’ so many times right from our teenage but we never really care to understand the store house of wealth it possesses till the time we do not experience any physical pain. It is when our physician asks us to turn to yoga for a long term relief from pain that we try and understand the benefit of yoga.

What is yoga?

Yoga is the traditional Indian science of balancing one’s body, mind and soul with the application of physical and breathing exercises. It comprises of a lot of exercises for each and every part of the body, including nails and hair.  

Why do we need yoga?

Understanding the difference between staying healthy and having some disease will in itself answer why all of us need to make yoga our lifestyle. Absence of any physical ailment does not necessarily mean that a person is healthy. A person suffering from a particular disease can, otherwise, be a very fit and healthy person and a youth having any disease can be dull, inactive and unhealthy.   

Right from Hollywood stars to Bollywood actresses, to your office receptionist, your neighbor next door, everyone speaks about the benefits of yoga but they leave you confused as to which exercises should you chose.

Yoga can broadly be classified into these five categories  

Hatha yoga: Hatha yoga is as old as 15^th century and is native to India. This type of yoga involves light and slow exercises. It pays emphasis on gentle breathing exercises and on meditation. The aim of hatha yoga is to introduce the concepts of yoga to the beginners. The benefits of this type of yoga include creating a connect between mind and body. It also helps improve breathing.

Vinyasa yoga: Vinyasa covers physical exercises in combination with breathing. It includes all the steps of surya namaskar which consists of twelve postures of exercises. This helps bring a lot of flexibility in the body. Those involved in activities like dance, skating and other such sports should consider Vinyasa as it brings in lot of flexibility.

Ashtanga yoga:  Ashtanga yoga, as the name suggests, has a thrust on building the efficiency of the limbs. It is fast, energetic and involves push-ups and lunges too. It bests suits people who are involved in stamina related sports, like swimming, boxing, etc.

Iyengar yoga: Yoga basically focuses on eight different arms of Ashtanga yoga and the thrust is on proper Iyengar alignment of body. Iyengar yoga requires some props like mats, blankets, ropes, blocks etc. Stretching exercises specially the ones in standing posture are practiced for a stipulated period of time. Iyengar helps improve alignment of bones and muscles. It strengthens the bones even in cases as complex as arthritis, bone injuries and any malfunction of the joints.

Bikram yoga: Bikram is popularly known as hot yoga for the reason that it is carried out in a room with modified temperature which is maintained at around 95 to 100 degree. It is nothing but a total set of 26 exercises or postures that help loosening of very stiff muscles through sweating. The whole idea behind Bikram Yoga is to push out toxins from the body, it helps clean the tissues and cells of the body and provides flexibility.  It is advised for people who are looking for relief in specific body areas and relief from some injury. 

Benefits of yoga are just innumerable:

·         It helps in weight loss.

·         I helps in inch reduction and weight loss for specific parts of the body.

·         Helps create a balance between body, mind and soul.

·         Helps ease out back pain.

·         Helps control blood sugar levels.

·         Builds flexibility in the body.

·         Helps strengthen the muscles and limbs.

·         Helps a long way in posture correction.

·         Helps restore the posture of your spine.

·         Yoga is a great way to help in the proper circulation of blood. Specially the relaxation exercises help improve the blood flow to the hands and feet both.

·         Improves concentration to quite an extent.

·         Is very effective for the health of nervous system.

·      Pranayam helps the person get proper sleep. Those suffering from  sleeplessness should consider going in for yoga.

Pumps up lymphs which helps kill cancer cells too!

As a matter of fact, when we expand and contract our muscles while performing various yoga stretches and exercises, our body pumps out lymph which is a thick liquid high in immune cells. These immune cells are very powerful in fighting infections and combating cancerous cells and clearing out toxic waste from the body.

Shavasan (corpse posture) helps bring down high blood pressure

The most beautiful aspect about yoga is that its one of the simplest steps like Shavasan, which requires a person to just lie and relax like a corpse. Various research show that continuous practice of this posture helps bring down high sugar levels.

Helps ease out depression

Those of you who get constant bursts of depression should definitely consider yoga as it reduces depression and helps the mind release hormones which make us feel relaxed, calm and composed, thus making us much happier.

Essential Tip: However good a particular medicine may be, we still first consult our physician before consuming that medicine. Same is the case with yoga or any other form of physical workout. First understand your body, your lifestyle, and your schedule and then consult a practicing yoga expert. A second thing is that, your belief system is very strong. If we believe that a particular thing will work on us, only then will it benefit us.