FiveYoga Poses That Combat Depression


One of the chapters in my life included a 10-year bout with deep depression. This depression became compounded when I was confronted with loss and grief.

I took antidepressants of varying kinds for many years and attempted talk therapy. For me, none of these approaches worked.This is not to say antidepressant medications and psychotherapy arent appropriate for some people. They just weren’t appropriate or helpful for me.

It was only when I began practicing yoga that I started to see and feel concrete, sustained shifts in my mental patterns, emotions, and internal state of being.

I Died So I Could Haunt You

Anxiety disorders, including depression, are the most common mental illness in the United States.

Many people suffer in silence, not realizing anything is wrong. Thoughts such as, “This is just how I am,” that feeling depressed is normal, or that nothing can make things better can keep people from seeking help.

While it’s normal for everyone to get the blues or feel dishearted or depressed from the loss of a loved one, when these feelings last for more than two weeks and start to interfere with daily functioning and activities, this can be termed a “major depressive episode,” according to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America).

There are differing opinions on the cause of depression, but research supports the idea that depression may stem from the mind.

Yoga’s unique mind-body approach is being used more and more to reduce stress in cases of PTSD, treat depression, and to enhance overall well-being.

The following three studies provide some insight into the benefits of yoga for depression and anxiety:

  • One study reported that GABA levels increased after a session of yoga in experienced practitioners. GABA acts as a neurotransmitter which inhibits nerve transmission to the brain, resulting in calming and quieting the mind.
  • In another study of women suffering from mental distress, the women showed “significant improvements on measures of stress and psychological outcomes” after participating in a 3-month Iyengar yoga class.
  • 13 psychiatric inpatients were studied to determine the effects of yoga on mood. Participants reported significant improvements in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia, and confusion-bewilderment.

Yoga asana can be a powerful practice for depression or anxiety, and a key component of this is the breath.

The breathing used in yoga, such as Ujjayi, calms our stress response system and contributes to a state of calm. The result is a mind-body connection that can have far-reaching effects.

There are many yoga poses that individually can be helpful, but an integrated, regular yoga practice, including meditation, can reconnect you with your true essence and your inherent wholeness. In that space of “being,” there is a release of attachment to our worries, problems, fears, or circumstances.

Here are five poses that can specifically help with depression:

Forward fold (Uttanasana). In Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar says about Uttanasana, “Any depression felt in the mind is removed if one holds the pose for two minutes or more.”

Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana). This seated forward fold is calming for the mind, stretches the hamstrings and groin, and stimulates the liver and kidneys [1].

Cobra (Bhujangasana). This backbend can be done in stages. It expands the chest and gives elasticity to the lungs [1].

Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) . Bridge pose is a backbend that strengthens the legs, opens the chest, and stimulates the abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroid. Supported bridge, done with a block under your sacrum, is a nourishing restorative version.

Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana). Sirsasana is called the “king of all asanas.” [1] Inversions literally turn your world upside down and give your brain cells a fresh supply of blood. Attention and presence are essential in this pose and thus a great way to pause your thoughts and renew your perspective. Restorative versions of sirsasansa, done with props, are an option as well.

These are just a few of my favorites. I’m also sharing a hip and hamstring practice by Kia Miller on Gaiam TV below. Opening the hips and hamstrings is a powerful practice that can release energetic blocks and allow our bodies and minds to function from a more balanced, open place.

By Monique Minahan

Guide to Excellent #Health and #Fitness I Exercise Fitness #Yoga Gym #Calorie Chart and #Stress Management


STAMINA EXERCISES

Walking: Excellent cardiovascular benefits for the advanced age groups.. Should be done briskly with swinging of the arms. Comfortable shoes must be worn. May be done morning or evening for 30-60 minutes.

Jogging: Suitable for younger age group below 50 years. 30 minutes is all that is required and may be done continuously, or jog and walk in between when fatigued. The pace of jogging is equal to that of a brisk walkrun on soft or grassy surface. Wear comfortable clothes and breathe freely.

Swimming: For those who know how to swim, 20 minutes of continuous swimming is sufficient. Alternately swim the length of a pool 10-20 metres, rest at the end for 30 seconds, swim back. 10 such lengths is good. Use any stroke you know. They are all of almost equal cardiovascular and muscular benefit.

Cycling: For any age group. Minimum time 45-60 minutes of continuous controlled fast cycling. Cycling up slopes gives added benefit. Ordinary cycles are good enough and indoor stationary exercycles may also be used at low resistance for 45 minutes.

Games: For the fitter younger age group. Get fit first before playing games such as squash, badminton, tennis, handball, basketball, football etc.. Warm up before the games. 30-45 minutes of the game is sufficient. Weekend or once a week games must be avoided unless other fitness programmes are done on other days. Play within your capacity.

STRENGTH EXERCISES

Strength Exercises: Improve muscular strength with 10-20 repetitions of each of these movements.

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MOBILITY EXERCISES

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BACK EXERCISES

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YOGA

a) Yoga should preferably be done under expert supervision 2-3 times per week.
b) In case you know Yoga, we suggest that the following ‘asanas’ be included in your programme.
c) Each Yogasana is repeated 2-3 times except serial Nos. 1, 14 & 15.
d) Persons with back problems should avoid serial Nos. 2, 4, 10 & 12.
e) Persons with Cardiac problems, HBP, etc. should avoid serial 4 and 5.
f) This programme will not only keep you fit, but is also beneficial for those persons who have high B.P., respiratory problem, mental strain, head – aches, digestive ailments, back problems, joint problems, etc.

STANDARD YOGASANAS

  1.  Stand warm up for Pawan Muktasana series.
  2.  Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation) Effect – on full body including heart and circulation.
  3. Ardh-halasana (30, 60, 90 degrees, double leg raises) Effect – on abdomen, legs, back reproductive organs.
  4. Sarbangasana (Shoulder stand) Effect – on brain, nervous system, thyroid, circulation.
  5.  Halasana (Plough pose) Effect – on spine, nervous system, back, lungs.
  6.  Matsyasana (Fish pose) Effect – on chest, neck, thyroid, lungs.
  7.  Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) Effect – on lower back, reproductive organs, lungs, spine, chest, abdominal organs.
  8. Salabhasana, (Locust pose) Effect – an buttocks, legs, hips, constipation, gas, digestion, etc.
  9. Dhanurasana (Bow pose) Effect – on abdomen, digestion, legs, back.
  10.  Naukasana (Boat pose) (V sit-ups) Effect – on spine, abdomen, chest, etc.
  11.  Bakrasana (Half spinal twist) Effect – on spine, fat on waist, gas, digestive organs.
  12.  Paschmottasana (Sitting toe touch) or Padahasatasana (Standing toe touch) Effect – on digestion, spine, legs.
  13.  Trikonasana (Triangle) Effect – on spinal nerves, waist, digestion.
  14.  Pranayama (Deep breathing) 10 rounds each. a) Anulome / Vilome – alternate nostril breathing, and b) Kapalbhatti.. – belly breathing Effect – on lungs and respiratory system.
  15.  Shavasana (Corpse pose) – as often as required. Effect – on physical / mental relaxation.

YOGASANAS

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GYM EXERCISES / WEIGHT TRAINING

Weight training is basically for strengthening and building up the muscles. An all-round programme must have some stretching and cardio-vascular exercises as well. In addition, weight training loads the bones thereby strengthening and protecting against osteoporosis. The points to keep in mind in weight training are as follows:

  1. The ideal weight training schedule is on alternate days i.e. 3 days a week with a complete rest on weekends.
  2. The systems of training different muscle groups on different days, may be good for competitive sportsmen. The best system for non-competitive sportsmen is to exercise the entire body in each session. The major muscle groups are: Upper body – Shoulders, Arms, Chest and Lower body – Back, Abdomen, Legs.
  3. Suppleness and stamina can also be built up through weight training by following a body builder-type schedule. Weights are also used to stretch muscles, build muscular endurance and cardiovascular stamina by repeating each exercise by using lighter weights with more repetitions.
  4. If repetition are too easy, the weight used is too little. And in case it is not possible to complete the repetitions, it means the weight carried is too heavy.
  5. A repetition is one complete exercise movement from the starting point to finish and then back again to the starting point. A set is a group of repetitions of the same exercise. Therefore, for the upper body 8 repetitions is one set. For the lower body, 15 repetitions forms one set.
  6. We prescribe three sets of exercises for each muscle group. However, several systems of weight training prescribe different repetitions as well as different sets.

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Nutrition and Calorie Management:

Generally speaking, our daily food intake must comprise a balanced diet of 1500-2000k calories with fibre (above 75 gm) and low fat (below 30 gm). Consult your nutritionist for specific advice.

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Micro – Nutrients:
The guide to healthy eating pyramid provides you a balanced diet, with ample vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. The therapeutic benefit of these micro-nutrients are explained below.

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STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress has existed from the time of Early Man but has now become an omnipresent phenomenon in the life of ‘Modern Man’. It has pervaded all layers of life. Stress is the bio-psycho-social response of the body to a demand, mental or physical. Stress is an arousal response the body makes, when a situation is perceived as being stressful. The impact of this arousal affects emotional as well as cognitive thinking. The impact is seen in behavioral and physiological change.. When stress is long term and chronic it leads to chronic psychosomatic ailments. While there is an undeniable link between stress and illness, optimal stress is a prerequisite for success in every task. Stress is the wind beneath your wings pushing you towards achievement. If stress can trigger off psychosomatic ailments in those living in the fast track, it can be a trigger even to those who suffer from monotony, boredom or frustration. It is therefore very essential to bring a balance between too much and too little stress.
The first step in managing stress is to develop a stress-free personality. A high self-esteem, assertive behavior and a positive attitude help in building a stress-free perception. It also helps to focus on areas where control and change are possible. Locate the source of stress and use a problem solving approach to deal with it step by step. All stress you can understand. Some you can change. Some you may have little control over. You may then need to change your attitude and response towards these stressors. Thereby reducing stress. Any exercise programme done regularly utilizes the body’s stress hormones. Exercise not only makes the body fit, but also acclimatizes the heart and lungs to increased activity, as in stressful situations. Relaxation and meditation techniques result in calming brain waves, and reducing the effects of stress. This is especially effective with stressrelated ailments such as Hypertension, Headaches, Digestive ailments, Cardiac ailments, Sleep problems to name just a few. Stress may be an irritant in your life or it may be a factor of passive existence.
Change of perspective will help change this stress to an active, rewarding life. One of the best gifts of nature is sleep. Daily sleep of 6 – 8 hours helps in relaxation and repair of the body and mind. It provides sufficient time for deep – NREM and dream REM sleep restoring physical and mental health. Stress may be an irritant in your life or it may be a factor of passive existence. Change of perspective will help change this stress to an active, rewarding life. One of the best gifts of nature is sleep. Daily sleep of 6 to 8 hours helps in relaxation and repair of the body and mind. It provides sufficient time for deep – NREM and dream REM sleep restoring physical and mental health.

  • Use some of these stress defense mechanisms & optimize your stress.
  • Quality time for family will ensure that you have a retreat called home.
  • Plan your career well, it will give you challenge, satisfaction & security.
  • An assertive personality is responsible to self & others. Learn this skill.
  • Communication is the key to relationship building. Listen better and your conflicts will slowly dissolve.
  • Develop a sense of humor. Learn to laugh at life, its paradoxes and at yourself.
  • Plan a little idleness & quietness each day. You will be able to recharge.
  • Exercise is arousal and relaxation is the opposite. Yet both are necessary on a daily basis. Practice both.
  • Sleep well and you will have renewed energy to face the next day’s Stresses.
  • Plan your time well. You only have 24 /hours a day and many important areas to fit in. A simple formula for time & stress management. You could personalize it to suit your needs. Remember you can’t delete any activity or reduce time for health factors.

Fifteen Foods High in Folic Acid


There are a number of reasons it’s important to get adequate amounts of folic acid. Perhaps most importantly, cellular growth and regeneration. A recent article from the New York Times named folic acid one of the most, “luscious micronutrients” found in foods and multiple studies suggest a lack of folic acid may lead to mental conditions such as depression.

Folic acid allows the body to perform many essential functions including nucleotide biosynthesis in cells, DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell creation, and prevention of anemia. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is well known for its applications in the prevention of fetal deformities, Alzheimer’s disease, and several types of cancer. Fortunately, there are many foods that are naturally rich sources of folic acid.

Foods with Folic Acid

The following foods are great sources for folic acid. This list isn’t expansive but is a great place to get started. As always, I do recommend organic if available.

Spinach Folic Acid Food

1. Dark Leafy Greens

It should come as no surprise that one of the planet’s healthiest foods is also one of the highest in folate. For an immediate boost in folic acid, consider adding more spinach, collard greens, kale, turnip greens and romaine lettuce into your daily diet. Just one large plate of these delicious leafy greens can provide you with almost all of your daily needs for folic acid.

Below is a short list of leafy greens that are high in folic acid.

 

  • Spinach — 1 cup = 263 mcg of folate (65% DV)
  • Collard Greens — 1 cup = 177 mcg of folate (44% DV)
  • Turnip Greens — 1 cup = 170 mcg of folate (42% DV)
  • Mustard Greens — 1 cup = 103 mcg of folate (26% DV)
  • Romaine Lettuce — 1 cup = 76 mcg of folate (19% DV)
Asparagus is high in folic acid

2. Asparagus

This woody treat is perhaps the most nutrient dense foods with folic acid out of the entire vegetable kingdom. Eating just one cup of boiled asparagus will give you 262 mcg of folic acid, which accounts for approximately 65% of your daily needs. Not only is asparagus a delicious snack, but it’s also full of nutrients your body craves, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Manganese.

Broccoli Has Folate

3. Broccoli

Not only is broccoli one of the best detox foods you can eat, it’s also a great source for folic acid. Eating just one cup of broccoli will provide you with approximately 24% of your daily folic acid needs, not to mention a whole host of other important nutrients. We recommend eating organic broccoli raw or lightly steamed.

4. Citrus Fruits

Papaya is high in folic acid

Many fruits contain folic acid, but citrus fruits rank the highest. Oranges are an especially rich source of folic acid. One orange holds about 50 mcg, and a large glass of juice may contain even more. Other folate-rich fruits include papaya, grapefruit, grapes, banana, cantaloupe and strawberries. Here is a short list of fruits high in folic acid.

  • Papaya — One papaya = 115 mcg of folate (29% DV)
  • Oranges — One orange = 40 mcg of folate (10% DV)
  • Grapefruit — One grapefruit = 30 mcg of folate (8% DV)
  • Strawberries — 1 cup = 25 mcg of folate (6.5% DV)
  • Raspberries — 1 cup = 14 mcg of folate (4% DV)

5. Beans, Peas and Lentils

Beans are the best folic acid food

Beans and pulses especially high in folic acid include pinto beans, lima beans, green peas, black-eyed peas and kidney beans. A small bowl of any type of lentils will give you the majority of your recommended daily amounts for folate. Here is a short list of how much which beans have the most folic acid.

  • Lentils — 1 cup = 358 mcg of folate (90% DV)
  • Pinto Beans — 1 cup = 294 mcg of folate (74% DV)
  • Garbanzo Beans — 1 cup = 282 mcg of folate (71% DV)
  • Black Beans — 1 cup = 256 mcg of folate (64% DV)
  • Navy Beans — 1 cup = 254 mcg of folate (64% DV)
  • Kidney Beans — 1 cup = 229 mcg of folate (57% DV)
  • Lima Beans — 1 cup = 156 mcg of folate (39% DV)
  • Split Peas — 1 cup = 127 mcg of folate (32% DV)
  • Green Peas — 1 cup = 101 mcg of folate (25% DV)
  • Green Beans — 1 cup = 42 mcg of folate (10% DV)

6. Avocado

Avocados are high in folic acid

The most beloved vegetable of Mexican fare, the buttery avocado holds up to 90mcg of folate per cup, which accounts for appoximately 22% of your daily needs. Not only are avocados one of the best foods with folic acid, but it’s also an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Adding them to sandwiches or salads will make for an extra-healthy treat.

7. Okra

Okra is a Folic Acid Food

The world’s slimiest veggie is also one of the most nutrient rich. Okra has the distinct ability to simultaneously offer vitamins and minerals while cleansing the entire digestive tract from toxic build-up. When it comes to folate, Okra is a great source. Just one cup of cooked okra will give you approximately 37 mcg of folic acid.

8. Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts

While brussel sprouts probably isn’t your favorite vegetable, there is no denying that they are one of the best foods with folic acid. Eating one cup of boiled brussel sprouts will give you approximately 25% of your daily recommended amount. Brussel sprouts are also high in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese and potassium. Even with the abundance of nutrients, it still remains incredibly difficult to convince your kid to give them a try.

9. Seeds and Nuts

 

It doesn’t matter if it’s pumpkin, sesame, sunflower or flax seeds, eating them raw or sprouted, or sprinkling them onto your next salad will add a healthy dose of folic acid. Sunflower seeds, flax seeds and peanuts are especially high in folate, with one cup offering up to 300 mcg. Nuts are also very high in folic acid, with both peanuts and almonds ranking especially high. Below is a short list of the best seeds and nuts for folic acid.

  • Sunflower Seeds — ¼ cup = 82 mcg of folate (21% DV)
  • Peanuts — ¼ cup = 88 mcg of folate (22%)
  • Flax Seeds — 2 tbs = 54 mcg of folate (14% DV)
  • Almonds — 1 cup = 46 mcg pf fp;ate (12% DV)

 

10. Cauliflower

Cauliflower has folate

 

This cruciferous vegetable is typically regarded as one of the best vitamin C foods, but it’s also a great source for folic acid. Eating just one cup of boiled cauliflower will give you approximately 55 mcg of folate, accounting for 14% of your recommended daily value. We recommend adding fresh cauliflower to a salad with some of the other folic acid foods on this list.

11. Beets

Beets have folate

Beets are a great source for antioxidants that provide detox support, making them one of the best liver cleanse foods on the planet. While that’s a great reason to add them to your diet, beets are also known as one of the best foods with folic acid. Eating one cup of boiled beets will provide you with approximately 136 mcg of folate, accounting for 34% of your daily needs.

12. Corn

Organic Corn

You probably have a can of corn in your pantry right now. This popular vegetable also contains plenty of folate. Just one cup of cooked corn will give you approximately 76 mcg of folic acid, accounting for almost 20% of your daily needs. We would recommend avoiding canned veggies and opting for fresh and organic.

13. Celery

Celery

Celery is commonly regarded as a great food to help with kidney stones, but did you know it’s also a great source for folic acid? Just one cup of raw celery will give you approximately 34 mcg of folate, accounting for 8% of your daily needs.

14. Carrots

Carrots are delicious

Carrots are another extremely popular vegetable that is probably in your home right now. Just one cup of raw carrots will give you almost 5% of your daily recommended needs for folic acid. Eat baby carrots as a snack or add them to your salads for a folate boost!

15. Squash

Squash

Squash may not be the most popular vegetable for your family, but there is no denying its nutritional benefits. Whether it’s summer squash or winter squash, adding this veggie to your diet will help give you a boost in folic acid. Here is a breakdown of how much folate can be found in squash.

  • Winter squash — 1 cup = 57 mcg of folate (14% DV)
  • Summer Squash — 1 cup = 36 mcg of folate (9% DV)

 

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Popular antibiotic Amoxicillin could trigger harmful side-effects


 

Popular antibiotic Amoxicillin, prescribed for bacterial infections of the chest, urine or ear and dental abscesses, could be harmful, suggest medical researchers, while warning that the drug could lead to side-effects such as diarrhoea, rash, vomiting and the development of resistance.

Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat coughs accompanied by lower respiratory tract symptoms (LTRI), and since viruses are believed to cause most of these infections, even whether or not antibiotics — used against bacteria — are at all effective in treating these conditions is hotly debated.

In the study, 2,061 adults with acute uncomplicated LRTI from primary care practices in 12 European countries — including England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain and Poland — were randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin or a placebo three times a day for seven days. Doctors assessed symptoms at the start of the study and the participants completed a daily symptom diary, the journal Lancet reports.

Results showed there was little difference in severity or duration of symptoms reported between the two groups, even among older patients aged over 60 where antibiotics appeared to have a very limited effect, according to the Daily Mail.

More patients in the placebo group experienced new or worsening symptoms, 30 people needed to be treated to prevent one case of worsening symptoms, and just two patients in the placebo group and one in the antibiotic group required hospitalisation.

But the study also revealed that patients taking antibiotics reported significantly more side effects — including nausea, rash, and diarrhoea — than those given the placebo.

Paul Little, professor at the University of Southampton, said: “Patients given amoxicillin don’t recover much quicker or have significantly fewer symptoms. Using amoxicillin to treat respiratory infections in patients not suspected of having pneumonia is not likely to help and could be harmful.”

IANS

Mudra’s of Healing


APAN MUDRA


Energy Mudra

With each hand: Place the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together-extend the
other fingers. When needed, do for 5 to 45 minutes or use three times a
day for 15 minutes as a course of treatment.

This mudra supports the removal of waste materials and toxins from the body, as well as eliminatingurinary problems. The Apan Mudra also stimulates the wood element, which is associated with the energy of the liver and gallbladder.This element also contains the power and pleasure of springtime, of new beginnings, of tackling and shaping visions of the future. In addition,the Apan Mudra has a balancing effect on the mind, which is largely dependent upon a well-functioning liver. It gives us patience, serenity, confidence, inner balance, and harmony. In the mental realm, it creates the ability to develop vision. You need all of this when you lookinto the future, while facing new challenges, and if your wishes are to be fulfilled.

Affirmation
I plant my seeds, care for them, and receive a rich harvest
with God‘s help that I thankfully accept.

Shankh Mudra

Shell Mudra

Encircle the your thumb with the four fingers of your right hand. At the same time, touch the
right thumb to the extended middle finger of your left hand. Together, the two hands look
like a conch shell. Hold your hands in front of your sternum. Do this as often and as long
as you want. Or use it three times daily for 15 minutes as a course of treatment.

When you want to practice this mudra, chant “OM” several tunes. Then listen within yourself, to the silence, for several minutes afterward. This mudra is used during rituals in many Hindu temples. There, the conch horn is blown in the morning to announce the opening of the temple doors. The same applies to our inner temple, in which the divine light shines–it should also be opened. The
Shell Mudra drives away every kind of problem in the throat. It also has a very
calming effect
and leads to collection in silence.

Surabhi Mudra


Core Mudra

The little finger of your left hand touches the ring finger of your right hand. The little finger of your right hand touches the ring finger of your left hand. At the same time, the middle fingers of both
hands touch theindex fingers of the other. The thumbs remain extended

.

Do three times a day for 15 minutes. The Surabhi Mudra is very effective against rheumatism
and arthritis. Since these diseases are usually chronic, or at least have existed within
the person long before any outbreak or pain is perceived, this mudra must also
be practiced for a longer period of time.

Shunya Mudra


Heaven Mudra

Bend the middle finger until it touches the ball of your thumb. Lightly press down on the middle
finger with your thumb. The other fingers are extended. Do this with each hand. Do as needed,
or use three times daily for 15 minutes as a course of treatment. This is a special exercise
against ear and hearing problems. The Shunya Mudra can also quickly heal earaches
and almost all diseases of the ear when used for a longer period of time.

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Hearing problems are related to a person who is no longer able to hear or who even doesn’t want to hear. This can be a blessing or a catastrophe. Poor hearing can protect us from unpleasant things or even from disagreeable sounds or information that find their way into us. On the other hand, we can also no longer hear beautiful things. Not wanting to hear is sometimes based on a particular kind of stubbornness that can lead to disaster. Consequently, if we are willing to scrutinize the reason for our hearing problems, this can lead us one step further toward a richer life.The middle finger is associated with the sky (ether). This is the gateway to the higher dimensions-the gateway to Heaven. The ancient myths say, if we want to get to Heaven, we first need to be thoroughly purified. This is why it may be appropriate to “look within” and make amends for old offenses. I know that it can sometimes be very difficult to forgiveanother person; but that forgiveness truly opens up new gateways.

Prithivi Mudra


Earth Mudra

Place the tips of the thumb and ring finger on top of each other, using light pressure. Extend the
other fingers. Do this with each hand. Do as needed, or use three times a day for 15 minutes.

The Prithivi Mudra can eliminate an energy deficit in the root chakra. Whether or not you feel psychologically or physically strong and vital is largely dependent upon this energy. This finger position also intensifies the sense of smell and is good far the nails, skin, hair, and bones. Ifs you feel uncertain of your steps while walking, the Prithivi Mudra can restore your equilibrium and trust. This mudra ‘also activates the root chakra, in which our elemental force resides. We also need stability and nourishment to grow and be effective in our place in the world. The purpose of our lives is to connect with the Divine, which means we must also orient ourselves toward the light and open up like a flower that is being pollinated. For us, this may mean experiencing grace. This mudra can give us everything that we need for a meaningful life. I use it when I feel insecure and need inner stability and self-assurance. Moreover, it stimulates the body temperature, the liver, and the stomach.

Stand or sit on a chair. Keep your feet parallel and their soles flat on the ground. Inhalation: Imagine that you are absorbing Earth energy through the soles of your feet. Guide it up through your legs, back, and throat into your head and far beyond into the cosmos. Hold your breath for a few seconds. Exhalation: Like a golden rain, the energy sinks back to Earth as the renewing force. There is a balance between taking and giving. Now imagine a catch basin in your pelvic floor and let the energy rain flow into your pelvis. Repeat thisa number of times.

Affirmation
The power of Earth gives me secure stability, staying power and assertiveness, self-assurance, and self-confrdence. The power of the cosmos gives me enthusiasm, pleasure, and joy.

Apan Vaya Mudra


Lifesaver: first aid for heart attacks

Bend your index finger and let its tip touch the ball of your thumb. At the same time, the tips of the middle and ring fingers touch the tip of your thumb. Extend your little finger. Do this with each hand.
Use as needed until you feel the effect, or practice three times a day for 15 minutes as a course of treatment. This finger position can have a first-aid function when you use it at the first sign
of a heart attack,. It regulates many heart complications. In an emergency, it can even
have a quicker effect than placing nitroglycerin ,the most frequently used
immediate remedy under the tongue.


Heart attacks, as well as chronic heart complaints, don’t just come out of the blue. Instead, they are an indication that a person’s lifestyle must be rethought and planned differently. This mudra can also be used for the general healing and strengthening of the heart. Heart patients are often so tied up with obligations that they no longer perceive what appears to he “senseless” from the outside. They have no time to relax. They also have a hard time coping with stillness. Something always has to he going on, and they often give so much support to something or someone at work or during their leisure time there is no room for their own needs. Yet, it is precisely these quiet moments that are the ones to nourish our souls.

Kubera Mudra


Dedicated to the god of wealth, Kubera

Place the tip of your thumb, index finger, and middle finger together. Bend the other two fingers
so they rest in the middle of your hand. Do this with each hand. The Kubera Mudra can be
used for a great variety of concerns. 1t doesn’t matter how long it is practiced,
but it does matter that
you do it with intensity.

Many people already know it as the “Three Finger Technique”, use it when they are looking for something specific-a free parking space, a certain dress, the right book, the necessary information, etc. Others use it when they want to put more force behind their plans for the future. It always involves goals that people want to reach, or wishes that they would like to have fulfilled. With the three closed fingers, additional strength is given to the matter and or thought.

It is obvious that something happens when the fingers of Mars , Jupiter , and Saturn join forces.
Putting this mudra to specific use in everyday life is quite fun. It also gives
us inner repose, confidence, and serenity.

The practice is simple. In your mind, formulate your wish or goal very clearly into words. Ask your heart whether this is good for you and whether it enriches your surrounding world. Now place the three fingers together, phrase your wish in a positive way, as you say it out loud three times. Press your fingers together while you do this. The Kubera Mudra opens and decongests, cleanses the frontal sinuses, especially if you draw the air upward while inhaling.

Visualize your goal, your future, or your special wish, in all its colors. At the same time,
develop the feeling as if it already were reality. The thought is the procreative power ,
the same applies to our goals and wishes. It is also obvious that we must
make our own contribution to this process.

Suchi Mudra

First clench both fists and hold them in front of your chest . While inhaling, stretch the right arm to the right and point the index finger upward. At the same time, stretch your left arm to the left. Hold this tension for 6 breaths and then return to the basic position. Repeat six times on both sides.

For serious chronic constipation, do four times a day. For light constipation, repeat six to twelve times in the morning and at noon. When traveling or in acute cases, practice every morning before rising for 5 to 10 minutes while comfortably lying in bed. The Suchi Mudra often helps the first time you do it. If you practice it in the morning at 7, you can usually “unload” before 9. Unwellness, spite, impatience, violent temper, wanting to cling to everything-the cause for all these unpleasant feelings is often full, and therefore stressed, intestines.

Mushti Mudra

 

Bend your fingers inward and place your thumbs over the ring fingers. Do this with each hand. Do as needed, or three times a day for 15 minutes. The Mushti Mudra activates the liver and stomach energy, promotes digestion, and helps cure constipation.

When we show someone our fist, the other person understands this gesture and will react with fear, flight, or counterattack. But this will hardly solve the problem. Unfortunately, this is why aggression is suppressed to the extent that they hardly even perceive it within them. Immediately living out every aggression in a wild way certainly isn’t good either, but neither is suppressing it. Aggression can be reduced when the cause is known.

There is blind fury and righteous anger-but there are worlds between them. The cause of many physical complaints, such as a weak liver, problems with digestion or constipation, tension, heart complaints, etc., are related to suppressed or uncontrolled aggression. Most aggression is based on not being able to say “no,” not being able to set boundaries, letting oneself be driven into a corner, etc. The basic evil is fear. When aggression arises, it should be let out in the foreseeable future. Then look for the cause of the aggression and develop a strategy as to how its trigger can be eliminated. Many problems can be cleared up by discussing them.

Mahasirs Mudra


Large head mudra

The tips of your thumb, index finger, and middle finger touch each other. Place your ring finger into the fold of the thumb and keep your little finger extended. Do this with each hand. Do as needed, or three times every day for 6 minutes.

Headaches have a great variety of causes and can hardly be made to disappear once and for all with one single mudra. Frequently, weather influences or tension in the eyes, neck, back, or pelvis are at fault; or there are problems with the sinuses or digestion. All of this can result in too much energy being focused on the head, and this leads to tension that causes pain in the head. In order to release this tension, it is important to direct consciousness into other body parts abdomen, feet, or hands. The Mahasirs Mudra balances energy, has a tension-relieving effect, and eliminates mucous congestion in the frontal sinuses.

While exhaling, imagine that waves of energy are flowing down from your head through your neck, back, arms, and legs, and leaving through your hands and feet. After a while, imagine that your head is clear, cool, clean, and light. In conclusion, stroke your face with spread fingers and enjoy the feeling for a while.

Affirmation
I have a free, light, clear, and cool head.

Hakini Mudra

Place all the fingertips together. The Hakim Mudra can be practiced at any time. When you would like to remember something, or want to find the red thread again, place your fingertips together, direct your eyes upward, place the tip of your tongue on your gums while inhaling, and let the tongue fall again while exhaling. Then take a deep breath-and what you wanted should immediately occur to you. Moreover, when you must concentrate on something for a longer period of time, could use some good ideas, or want to remember something that you have read, this mudra can be useful. When doing mental work, don’t cross your feet. Sit with your eyes facing west. This mudra can do true wonders, and you should always keep it in the back of your mind in case of an emergency.

This finger position has been researched quite well; it has been determined that it promotes the cooperation between the right and left brain hemispheres. It is also recommended today in memory training. It opens access to the right hemisphere, which is where the memory is stored. This mudra also improves and deepens respiration, and the brain profits from it as well.

To activate the energy of the large intestine, shift the finger contact
by one finger so that the right index finger is on the left thumb,
your right middle finger is on your left index finger, etc.

Detoxification Mudra

Place each thumb on the inner edge of the third joint of your ring finger. Do this with each hand. The important thing is to pamper yourself, and allow yourself rest during this time, while still getting some exercise For three to five days, eat easily digestible bread with herb tea in the morning; for lunch and dinner, have a meal of rice or potatoes and steamed leaf vegetables. Drink tea or water between meals. A potato compress is quite easy to use and practically draws the toxins out of the body. It can be used to support general cleansing by placing it on the liver or any other body parts that hurt. Boil the potatoes in their skins and mash with a fork, wrap in a cotton towel, and place on the body; wrap a warm towel around the body and the potato sack. Leave the compress on the respective spot for about 30 minutes.

During the detoxification days, lie down to rest often. This is the time to use this mudra for supporting the detoxification process. It is important to consider the things, in addition to waste materials and toxins, you are willing to let go of-bad memories, old grudges, bad habits, negative character traits, fears, etc. This will make room for something new.

Affirmation
I entrust my wish or goal to divine protection-and everything will be fine.

Joint Mudra

Left hand: Thumb and middle finger together. Right hand: Thumb and ring finger together.

Do as needed, or four times a day for 15 minutes. In case of illness, the mudra should be done six
times a day for 30 minutes. This mudra balances energy in your joints. It is good with it when
knees are sore after a hike, walking down mountains, or when working too long
at the computer and having an unpleasant feeling in the elbows.

Bronchial Mudra

Both hands:Place the little finger at the base of the thumb, the ring fipger on the upper thumb joint, and the middle finger on the pad of the thumb. Extend the index finger. For an acute attack of asthma, first use this mudra from 4 to 6 minutes and then practice the Asthma Mudra (Number 5) until breathing has become normal again. For a long-term treatment, hold both mudras for 5 minutes, five times a day.

People with respiratory problems often also suffer from inner loneliness,, isolation, sexual problems, and sadness. These feelings are often successfully played down with humor. This naturally causes a great deal of stress so that these individuals are pressed for time and out of breath.


 

It is emotionally important to admit your negative feelings and moods. Be aware that even these feelings are like waves, they arise and then pass on. Such feelings are often a general weakness that is caused by shallow breathing since improper respiration doesn’t build up the inner reservoir of strength. When it is reduced, weakness occurs not only on the physical level but also in the emotional area. Fear, sadness, discontentment, exaggerated sensitivity, are the consequences.

In yoga, every breathing exercise and physical exercise builds up this inner strength and keeps up the energy level (practice for at least 30 minutes every day Sit upright and hold your hands about 4 inches away from your body. When your arms get tired, place the hands on your thighs. Direct your consciousness to the pelvic.

Inhalation:Now direct your consciousness into your abdomen,stomach, chest, throat, forehead, and top of the head. Now hold your breath for about 5 seconds.

Exhalation:Direct your consciousness from top to bottom and count backward from 7 to 1. Wait patiently until the impulse to inhale comes, and then direct theconsciousness back to the top again while inhaling.The pauses after inhaling and exhalingare very important here.

Asthma Mudra

Both hands: Press together the fingernails of the
middle fingers and keep other fingers extended.



In case of an acute asthma attack,
first do the Bronchial Mudra for 4 to 6 minutes. Then use
this Asthma Mudra until the breathing calms down. For long-term treatment,
use these two mudras five times every day for 5 minutes.


During cold weather, never breathe through your mouth because the bronchial tubes will become inflamed and congested.
Try not to be in a hurry because every incidence of stress activates the adrenal glands. Adrenaline promotes the congestion and constriction of the bronchial tubes.Eat a light diet with little meat; meat once a week is enough. No milk products, tomatoes, hot peppers, or kiwi. No smoking should be obvious.

Don’t take medications that weaken the immune system, such as antibiotics.Get enough fresh air by taking long walks. Do yoga or gym- nastics every week and get enough rest. Most people who suffer from breathing difficulties are familiar with inner loneliness (too much detachment from the surrounding world) and/or cannot set boundaries. Consequently, they feel themselves plagued by other people’s duties and problems (too little detachment).

PranMudra Life Mudra

With each hand:

Place the tips of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger together. The other fingers remain extended. As needed, use for 5 to 30 minutes. Or, as a course of treatment, do three times a day for 15 minutes.The Pran Mudra activates the root chakra, in which the elemental force of a human being is found. This finger position stimulates the nourishing energy in the pelvic floor. The Pran Mudra generally increases vitality, reduces fatigue and nervousness, and improves vision.

It is also used against eye diseases. On the mental-emotional level, it increases our staying power and assertiveness, healthy self-confidence, gives us the courage to start something new, and the strength to see things through. Clear eyes are also a sign of a mental outlook emphasizingclarity and a clear mind, which means clearly structured thoughts and ideas. When you do the Pran Mudra you can also put your thumb onto the fingernailsof the other two fingers instead of on their tips. This has the effect of causing both the right and left brain hemispheres to function equally, become active, and mutually complement each other, which is very important for holistic health.

Nervousness is usually a sign of weakness,
of too much distraction and too little inner stability.
The Pran Mudra–combined with a conscious,
slow, and gentle way of breathing-has the effect
of being as stabilizing and calming as a secure anchor.

LINGA MUDRA

Upright Mudra

Place both palms together and clasp your fingers. One thumb should remain
upright; encircle it with the thumb and index finger of your other hand.
Do as needed or three times a day for 15 minutes.

This finger position increases the powers of resistance against coughs, colds, and chest infections. It
also loosens mucus that has collected in the lungs. In addition, it is very useful for people who suffer from respiratory complaints when the weather changes. It also increases the body temperature and is particularly suited for people who don’t develop a fever that is high enough. Fever is important because many bacteria within the body can only be killed when it reaches a certain temperature.

The Linga Mudra can, also help reduce weight. However, for this purpose it must be done with particular care three times a day for 15 minutes. Also drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and mainly eat cooling foods, such as yogurt, rice, bananas, and citrus fruits. If the Linga Mudra is done too long, a feeling of sluggishness and lethargy may occur. This is a sign that you should shorten the length of this exercise and consume more cooling foods and drinks In order to stimulate your immune system and increase body temperature.

Related topics:

The science of Mudra 

The science of Mudra


 
The science of Mudras is based on the principle that “The root cause of disease is the imbalance and improper co-ordination between these elements and proper balance between these elements is the secret of good health.” The secret of health lies in hands, fingers and Mudras, which can be performed with the help of fingers.

Human body is composed of five basic elements and the five fingers of our hands represents these five basic elements. Ancient Sages discovered the knowledge of Mudras. By touching of hands to each other or folding fingers in a particular way, we can cure any disturbances in these five elements with the help of our fingers, we can keep the five elements in proper proportion, any disturbances in them can be balanced. So that our body become healthy.

The human body, like the Universe, is made up of fusion of five elements. Body’s health depends on the proper balance of these five elements in our body. Mudras help maintaining this balance. Mudras are like control buttons of chetana of our body and their proper study help us not only to control five elements but also to cure many diseases and remain healthy.

With the help of Mudras, we can create particular kind of energy waves in the body, when needed. By creating these waves, the five elements get their proper balance which help man in his physical, mental and spiritual progress. By touching or by pressing our fingers on each other in a particular fashion we can perform different Mudras. There are so many mudras performed for different purposes, as in dance or prayer. Here we are studying those mudras which help us in curing disorder, both of mind and body.

Mudras, Hand Postures

There is a tremendous flow of energy in the hands and each finger represents one of the elements. The roots of all diseases lie in an imbalance of one of the five elements and can be corrected with medicines, willpower and Mudras.

Mudras is a term with many meanings. It is used to signify a gesture, a mystic position of the hands, a seal, or even a symbol. However, there are eye positions, body postures, and breathing techniques that are also called mudras. These symbolic finger, eye, and body postures can vividly depict certain states or processes of consciousness.So mudras engage certain areas of the brain and/or soul and exercise a corresponding influence on them.

How Are Mudras Practiced?

“The hands are the bearers of important symbols, which are still universally understood. With his or her hands, the Indian dancer expresses the life of the universe. The rich symbolism of the dancer’s language of gestures has a greater significance for the mind than words could express . Indian art has the spiritual meaning of the mudras and its perfect expression . The gestures of the deities depicted in Hindu and Buddhist art symbolize and evoke specific mythological occurrences.”

Forming your hands and the fingers as they are shown in the various illustrations. The pressure of the fingers should be very light and fine, and your hands should be relaxed. Sometimes the fingers have a mind of their own, too inflexible, and the hands slip away or tire quickly. The flexibility of the hands has a direct relationship to the flexibility of the entire body. Tension at a certain place in the body, will be expressed at a corresponding area in the hands. Even a person’s age can be determined on the basis of the spread fingers.

In the beginning, there may be some problems in doing some of the mudras with both hands, because, you may first have to arrange and hold the fingers of one hand with the other. Just do the mudra with the one hand for the time being. If the fingers that should actually be stretched curl on their own again, rest them. With time, the tensions will dissolve in the fingers or hand, as well as in the corresponding area of the body. Do the mudra as well as possible and the effect will appear in any case. You will gain more strength in your hands, become more flexible, and will be able to use both hands feeling more refreshed ,flexible and younger.

Treat your fingers in a careful and loving way.
You may not do the mudra as healing gesture,
but do it as a holy gesture.
If possible do the mudras in a seated meditation position-
Take into consideration the following basic principles of meditation technique:

Sit with an upright pelvis and a straight spinal column on a stable cushion. Both knees should be flat on the ground or at the same height if necessary, support the lower knee with a cushion until it is at the same height as the other knee. Let the hands relax on the thighs.Let the shoulders fall back and down in a relaxed way, your chest should be open and free.Pull the chin back a bit, and let the neck be long and relaxed. Breathe in an even, slow, flowing, and gentle way.Never end the meditation suddenly. Vigorously stretch your arms and legs.

 

You can practice the mudras at any time and in any place. Mudras can even be done while in traffic, watching television, or when waiting.. It is wiser to do mudras in a meditative, harmonious mood. Without being stressed and fuming with annoyance, or that you sit in front of the television with your mind on various problems you are facing.

Place your thumb and index finger together and think about something wonderful, it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it lets you float on pink clouds. Now feel the energy that flows from the index finger to the thumb. Doing it again, imagine something terribly sad. Feel the energy of the fingers is it different? There is difference in the quality of energy that flows, in the first instance it is vibrant and electrifying whereas the other is dull and faint.

Breathing, Visualization and Affirmations

The effect of a mudra can be immensely intensified with the breath.
This is why it is very important to know what breathing does.

Pay attention to a symmetrical posture and hold your arms about one inch away from your body. Even this position alone brings a sense of inner equilibrium and harmony as it regulates the activity of the nervous system and hormonal glands. In addition to carbon dioxide, we also discharge expended energy on the subtle level when we exhale deeply.This is why you should always exhale vigorously several times at the beginning of a mudra. Make room for what you want to achieve.

Always lengthen the little pause after inhaling and after exhaling by several seconds. The most important aspect of the breathing process. The inner powers are developed during the pauses-on every level.When you practice a mudra to calm yourself, then slow your breathing.When you practice a mudra to refresh yourself, then inters your breathing. The optimal quality of breathing is achieved when the breath is slow, deep, rhythmic, and flowing.

In the beginning of a mudra meditation, exhale vigorously
several times and then
let the breath become deeper and slower.

First: Focus on your hands and fingers,
notice the gentle pressure where they touch each other;
This centers, creates inner equilibrium, and builds up strength in general.


Second: While inhaling, you can press the fingertips together a bit more
and let go of the pressure when exhaling;
This variation strengthens the will and refreshes.


Third: The other way around and apply a bit more pressure
while exhaling and let go of the pressure when inhaling.
This variation calms and relaxes.

Feel the difference. You may not immediately feel the effect, but it is still
there

.
The exteranl circumstances of our lives usually shape themselves according to our imagination andour feelings. The possibility of shaping our inner images is in such a way that we can enjoy life, experience success in our work, and have loving and understanding relationships. Create an unshakable faith and be filled with both fervor and serenity to accompany our self-made images. We need to create little experiences of success for ourselves, since what functions in a small way will also succeed on a larger scale. We can slowly build and develop this confidence. If we can clearly express what we do not want and definitively formulate our wishes and needs, this can already be the beginning of a new order in life.

 

Affirming sometimes more, sometimes less. Time and time again, their astounding
effects have astonishing. It is so simple, and some people even find it a bit naive.
But things that are particularly simple and naive usually have the greatest effective power.

 

The same principle applies to affirmations as it does to visualizations.Say them full of faith, fervor, and serenity. You can say them one to three times, during or after the meditation.You can also pause for a moment during the day and speak your affirmation in a quiet or a loud voice. Make use of this wonderful possibility and talk yourself into what you really want-what is good for you. If you want to get rid of something stubborn, a negation can also be help- ful. Speak it at the beginning, while you are vigorously exhaling. For example, “This hatred or resentment, feeling of guilt, pain, fear, desire to smoke, etc. will immediately disappear and dissolve itself.”

 

Mudras and Music

We all know the healing effect of music. But music is also good for healthy people who are occasionally plagued by weakness or physical imbalances. Since the music used for therapy plays anywhere from three to twelve minutes, and this amount of time corresponds to how, long one holds a mudra, it is obvious that mudras and music can have a wonderful influence on each other. Tension-either physical or mental-emotional can be relieved by listening to the right kind of music. The right kind of music has a calming and relaxing effect, possibly even taking a person into a state of deep relaxation. Stress and tension can also lead to an acute or a chronic state of exhaustion that can be positively influenced by music. If you pay attention to the following points, you can get a lot from using music with your mudras:

 

Consider your own taste in music;
Determine how long the playing time should be;
Listen to the same piece at the same time for at least three days in row;
Listen consciously, and immediately let go of any thoughts that may arise.

Mudras and Colour

Colors influence our minds and our lives on every level. In color therapy, various shades of color are specifically applied to regenerate the organs and glands, as well as to activate the processes of elimination, respiration, and circulation. Colors also influence our moods and every type of mental activity.

Red stimulates the circulation, makes us alert,
warms and relaxes, but can also bring out aggression;


Orange improves the mood, promotes lightness,
stimulates sexuality, but can also stimulate superficiality;

Yellow stimulates digestion, makes us mentally alert, and
lets life appear in a bright light, but it can also be obtrusive;

Green is generally calming; it regenerates on every level,
and gives us the desire to start something new;

Blue is also calming, but this calmness goes deeper and provides
a sense of security; it conveys protection, and symbolizes the
silent yearning for the incomprehensible;

Violet is the color of transformation, change, and spirituality;

Brown is the color of stability and connection to the earth,
but too much can lead to stagnation;

White bears the entire spectrum of the other colors
within itself, containing birth as well as death;

Black is the color of protection, of gathering strength, of retreat,
and of the emptiness that already bears abundance within itself.

There are no “bad” colors. Every color can also be seen in our aura or energy body. When a color gains dominance or is not in its right place, it will initially have an effect on the general feeling of well-being. With time, a health disorder may develop as a result. However, the course of an illness can also be reversed with the help of colors.

You can have some beautiful experiences using color meditations. If you prefer a certain color, it may well be that you need the corresponding qualities. However, if you give too much preference to one color, this can develop into an addiction and the color may harm you. While holding a mudra, you can either visualize a color or concentrate on the color of an object. With visualization the color will then come to life.

Using MUDRAS to Heal Physical Complaints

Your destiny lies in your hands, and this should be taken quite literally. Not only because the hand lines show the past and future of a person, but above all because each finger has its very own functions and power. If you know how to use this power, you can maintain your physical health and mental peace.

How can my illness be improved if I do nothing more than just press together a few of my fingers? Begin to trust and carry out the exercises, the effect changes into astonishment. These are extremely valuable gifts that were given to us from the most enlightened masters of ancient times.

An unhealthy lifestyle usually consists of bad diet, lack of exercise, no fresh air, rest and relaxation, too much stress, worry, negative thoughts and feelings. Practicing the mudras, with a healthy diet, routine rest periods, adequate exercise will lead to an optimal lifestyle. And this is the basis for health. When mudras are used to support the healing of chronic health disorders, they should be as a course of treatment over a long period of several weeks or months to be effective.

Some mudras can also be used as help in an emergency. These should be practised when necessary and only as long as they are required. Sudden complaints are not a coincidence, but are of an imbalanced state that has already flared up within us. Mudra should not be used like a fast-acting medication to subdue symptoms. Get to the bottom of the matter. Meditate-ask inside yourself what this physical attack means for you. Ask persistently and honestly, for then you will also receive an honest answer. Perhaps it won’t be comfortable, but it will have a healing effect in the long run.

Mudras and Healing Emotional Problems

Run your thumb along your fingertips in a gentle and conscious way. This feels wonderful! It’s refreshing for your brain. The brain should be trained like a muscle every day. It has been proved that even after a few days of rest in bed the activity of the brain is reduced. The brain can regenerate very quickly through the appropriate training. Practicing mudras can be called pure brain training. There is a positive influence on the brain waves, particularly when the fingertips touch each other.


Affirmations promote a clear manner of expression, which is a mental power. When a mudra is done with full concentration, and a state of serenity is maintained, cerebral activity is calmed and regenerated. In addition, many mudras synchronize the right and left hemisphere of the brain. This promotes memory, the general ability to recollect, and, miraculously, creativity as well.

Always see the good in your fellow human beings, put the negative
aspects of the past behind you, live completely in the present, and
make the best you possibly can of it. Expect the best from the future
and remain in constant contact with cosmic consciousness-then
nothing will stand in the way of a meaningful and happy life.

Mudras have a wonderful effect on the emotional area of our lives, which includes the soul, our feelings, and our moods.To change oppressive moods, you can do so by changing breathing rhythm accordingly. How one breathe’s can stimulate, calm, inflame, or cool one down. Mood fluctuations, can be largely eliminated within a few days by using mudras.

 

Moods and physical complaints are similar. In order to cure them, we must look for and remedy the cause, which almost always lies within. We should never blame our surrounding world for our moods. Parents, children, partners, colleagues at work-they are only reflections of our inner life. Even if we initially can’t change our environment, we can work on our inner attitude toward the surrounding world, changing it in small steps.

 

Chronic bad moods of any type such as aggression, depression, dissatisfaction and fear can be caused by weakened organs, digestive problems, blood pressure, pain, or other phvsical reasons. As you practice the mudras used for physical healing, these moods may be remedied. Meditation, and affirmation have a positive effect on the mental emotional area.

The Energy Systems

These energy fields are subject to various vibrations. The physical senses are oriented toward one very specific vibration, and this is why we can only perceive this vibration in particular. Ancient yogis could perceive other vibrations, such as those of the chakras energy transformers and the nadis, subtle streams of energy. The Chinese researched the system of meridians. Palmistry, the hands and individual fingers are also associated with the planetary powers in astrology.

The Elements

There is a direct relationship between the hands and the neck since the nerve paths run through the vertebral form in the arms, hands, and fingers. The flexibility of the hands always effects the flexibility of the neck. Therefore, hand exercises relieve tensions in the neck. Moreover, spreading the ten fingers creates a reflex that causes the chest vertebrae to spread out.

The hands and fingers also have an additional direct relationship to the heart and lungs. many people can no longer properly stretch their fingers with increasing age. This shows tension in the heart area, which often indicates the prelude to heart disease or a tendency toward osteoporosis. This slightly crooked hand position also impedes inhalation. The result is that the optimum amount of air is not drawn into the lungs, especially into the lung borders, which promotes contamination in those areas.

Reflex Zones

The hand reflex zones correspond to the foot reflex zones, the massage treatment of which is generally known today. Since some of the organs are only found on one side of the body such as the heart and liver, this is reflected in the hands. Since hands come in different sizes, you may not find the exact pressure point immediately. When you have found the desired point, massage it with your thumb, using light pressure and slow, circular movements. One to 3 minutes are enough.

 

Acupressure

The best-known Chinese healing method. Instead of using needles, the meridians are stimulated with the fingers. The nonexpert can simply press them lightly with the thumb for several minutes to achieve a positive effect. If you have high blood pressure, massage the middle finger from the root to the tip. To counteract low blood pressure, massage the middle finger from the tip to the root. Do the same with the index finger if you have diarrhea or constipation.

Planetary Classification and Palmistry

Astrology and palmistry have always belonged together. The mudras can actually strengthen the hands and the individual fingers, even changing character traits in the process. The little finger is creativity, a sense of beauty, the ring finger, a sense of family, the ability to love, and a feeling of security, initiative. The love of order is found in the middle finger. Intellectuality, individuality, and striving for power are in the index finger. Will, instincts, and vitality are in the thumb. “A great deal is in your hands” with the mudras. Take hold of your life with your own two hands and decide what is important to you.

 

Organic food isn’t healthier and no safer than non-organic


Is organic food healthier for you and worth the higher price tag?

 

Even if organic isn’t healthier, it is still tastier in some people’s eyes

 

It comes at a premium price, but it seems organic food may not be worth shelling out for.

Researchers claim it is no more nutritious than food grown using pesticides and chemicals – and won’t benefit your health.

Many people pay as much as a third more for organic food in the belief that it is healthier and safer. However, Dr Dena Bravata and colleagues from Stanford University Medical Centre, California, found no clear evidence of any significant added health benefits.

 

They also found that there was no guarantee organic food would be pesticide-free – a key attraction for many consumers – though it did have lower levels.

Senior author Dr Bravata said: ‘There isn’t much difference between organic and conventional foods, if you’re an adult and making a decision based solely on your health.’

The results, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal, come from the biggest review yet of existing studies comparing the two types of food. However, UK campaigners said the survey was not equipped to detect real differences.

Researchers sifted through thousands of papers looking into the health benefits of organic food.

The review included studies of people with organic and conventional diets, as well as research into nutrient levels, bacterial, fungal or pesticide contamination.

 

Researchers found no consistent differences in the vitamin content of various foods. They also found no difference in protein or fat content between organic and conventional milk.

They were also unable to identify specific fruits and vegetables for which organic appeared consistently to be the healthier choice.

 

Certain organic foods produce higher greenhouse gas emissions than their conventional farmed counterparts

 Co-researcher Crystal Smith- Spangler, who is also an instructor of medicine at Stanford’s School of Medicine, said: ‘Some believe that organic food is always healthier and more nutritious. We were a little surprised that we didn’t find that.’

The researchers did find organic produce was 30 per cent less likely to be contaminated with pesticides than conventional fruit and vegetables, but not guaranteed to be pesticide-free, while pesticide levels of all foods came within the allowable safety limits.

Two studies of children found lower levels of pesticide residues in the urine of those on organic diets, though for all those studied the levels were below allowable safety thresholds.

A spokesman for the Soil Association said: ‘This US study, of limited application in Europe, found organic food helps people avoid pesticides in their food.

“However, the scientific methodology used for the review, while suitable for comparing trials of medicines, is not right for comparing different crops.’

Organic farming may not be better for the environment, according to Oxford University scientists.

They found organic milk, cereals, and pork all generated higher greenhouse gas emissions than their conventionally farmed counterparts. Organic beef and olives produced lower emissions.

Daily Mail

LATEST CANCER INFORMATION


 

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER,

JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY …

[Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins ]

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person’s lifetime.

3. When the person’s immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to STARVE the cancer cells by not feeding it with foods it needs to multiple.

What cancer cells feed on:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Note: Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg’s aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells will starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes t o nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.

To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water–best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines will become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body’s own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body’s normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.

Anger, unforgiving and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

 

 

 

 

விரதமே மகத்தான மருத்துவம்!


இயற்கை மீதான பேரன்பும் உடல் மீதான அக்கறையும் எந்த வயதிலும் ஒருவரை இளமை குறையாமல் வைத்திருக்கும் என்பதற்குச் சாலச் சிறந்த உதாரணம் நம்மாழ்வார். சிறிய எழுத்துக்களையும் கண்ணாடி இல்லாமல் துல்லியமாகப் படிப்பது, சோர்வே இல்லாமல் பல கிலோ மீட்டர் தூரம் நடப்பது, தோட்ட வேலை, எழுத்துப் பணி, மேடைப் பேச்சு என ஒரு நாளைக்கு 16 மணி நேரம் பம்பரமாகச் சுழல்கிறது நம்மாழ்வாருக்கு. ”75 வயதிலும் எப்படி இப்படி ஒரு சுறுசுறுப்பு?” எனக் கேட்டால், சிறு குழந்தையாகச் சிரிக்கிறார் நம்மாழ்வார்.

”எத்தனையோ வருஷங்களுக்கு முன்னாலேயே, ‘உணவே மருந்து; மருந்தே உணவு’ன்னு திருமூலர் சொல்லிட்டுப் போயிட்டார். இந்த அற்புதமான வாக்கை ஆராதிக்கத் தவறியவர்கள்தான் எண் சாண் உடம்பில் எண்ண முடியாத வியாதிகளோடு அலையறாங்க. வாழ்க்கையில் இரண்டு வகை இருக்கிறது. ஒன்று நோயே வராமல் வாழ்வது. இரண்டாவது, நோய் வந்த பின் வருந்தியபடியே வாழ்வது. முதல் வகையில் இணைந்துவிட்டால், நமக்கு இன்னல்கள் இருக்காது.

‘மருந்து என வேண்டாவாம் யாக்கைக்கு அருந்தியது அற்றது போற்றி உணின்’ என்ற குறளிலேயே நோய் அண்டாமல் வாழ்வதற்கான வழி சொல்லப்பட்டு இருக்கிறது. உண்ட உணவு சீரணமாகிவிட்டதை அறிந்து, அதன் பிறகு உண்டால் அந்த உடம்புக்கு மருந்து என்ற ஒன்றே தேவை இல்லை எனச் சொல்லி இருக்கிறார் வள்ளுவர்.

எதை, எப்போது, எப்படி உண்ண வேண்டும் என்பதே நம்மில் பலருக்கும் தெரிவதில்லை. நாம் உண்ணும்போது முதலில் உணவை விழுங்குறோம். ஆனால், அப்படி விழுங்கக்கூடாது. பற்களால் நன்றாக அரைத்து, கூழாக்கி உமிழ்நீரோடு சேர்த்து உள்ளே தள்ளவேண்டும். இதைத்தான், ‘நொறுங்கத் தின்றால் நோய் தீரும்!’ எனப் பழமொழியாகச் சொன்னார்கள். அளவு கடந்து உணவு உண்பவர்கள் நோய்களை எதிர்கொள்ளவேண்டி இருக்கும். நாம் உண்ணும் உணவுக் கழிவுகள் உடம்பில் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு செல்லிலும் கொஞ்சம் கொஞ்சமாகத் தேங்குகிறது. இதன் அளவு அதிகரிக்கும்போது நோய் உண்டாகிறது. சரி, அதை எப்படிக் களைவது? இதற்கான சுலபமான வழி, உண்ணாநோன்பு. இதைத்தான் ‘விரதம்’ என்ற பெயரில் கடைபிடித்தார்கள் நமது முன்னோர்கள். ‘நோயிலே படுப்பதென்ன கண்ண பரமாத்மா, நோன்பிலே உயிர்ப்பதென்ன கண்ண பரமாத்மா’ எனப் பாடினார்களே… அந்த நோன்புதான் உண்ணாநோன்பு. இறக்கும் தருவாயில் இருப்பவனைக்கூட உயிர்த்தெழுச் செய்யும் சக்தி உண்ணா நோன்புக்கு இருக்கிறது. இதைத்தான் ஆங்கிலத்தில் ‘தெரப்பூட்டிக் பாஸ்ட்டிங்’ (Theraupeutic fasting) என்று சொல்கிறார்கள். இன்றைக்கு சர்வதேச அளவில் இந்தச் சிகிச்சை பிரபலமாகி வருகிறது. உண்ணாநோன்பு இருக்கும்போது நம் உடலுக்குள் இருக்கும் தேவையில்லாத கழிவுகள் தன்னாலே வெளியேறி விடுகின்றன. உடல் தன்னைத்தானே குணப்படுத்திக்கொள்ள நாம் அனுமதிக்க வேண்டும்.

அடுத்ததாக, எதைச் சாப்பிட வேண்டும் என்பது மிகவும் முக்கியம். நம் உணவில் காய்கறிகள், கீரைகள், பழங்கள் ஆகியவற்றை அதிகம் சேர்த்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். ‘வெந்ததைக் குறைத்தால் வேதனையை குறைக்கலாம்’ என்பார்கள். அதாவது வேகவைத்த உணவைக் குறைத்துக்கொண்டு பச்சைக் காய்கறிகள், பழங்களை உண்ண வேண்டும். நான் 35 வயதில் கண்ணாடி அணிந்தேன். 60 வயதில் அதை அகற்றிவிட்டேன். இப்போது கண்ணாடியைப் பயன்படுத்துவதே இல்லை. பொடி எழுத்துக்களைக்கூட என்னால் துல்லியமாக வாசிக்க முடியும். இதற்குக் காரணம் எனது உணவுப் பழக்கங்கள்தான்!” – விழி விரியவைக்கும் அளவுக்கு ஆச்சரியமாகப் பேசுகிறார் நம்மாழ்வார். அடுத்து, மூலிகைகளை நோக்கி நீள்கிறது பேச்சு.

”இயற்கை நமக்குக் கொடுத்த அருட்கொடை மூலிகைகள். நாம் பயிர் செய்யாமலேயே நமக்கான உணவாக சில மூலிகைகளை இயற்கை உற்பத்தி செய்கிறது. உதாரணமாக, பிரண்டை. இதைத் துவையல் செய்து சாதத்தில் குழம்புக்குப் பதிலாக பிசைந்து உண்ணலாம். தூதுவளை, மொசுமொசுக்கை இலைகளைச் சேர்த்து ரசம் வைத்து உண்டால் நாள்பட்ட சளி தீரும். வாய்ப்புண்ணை ஆற்ற மணத்தக்காளி, வெட்டுப் புண்களை ஆற்ற வெட்டுக்காயப் பச்சிலை, அனைத்துக் கும் சிறந்த ஆவாரை, துளசி என மூலிகைகளின் அதிசய ஆற்றல் கொஞ்சநஞ்சம் அல்ல. நம்மைச் சுற்றி வளர்ந்துகிடக்கும் எண்ணில்லா மூலிகைகளை நாம் சரியாகப் பயன்படுத்தினாலே பாதி நோய்கள் காணாமல் போய்விடும்!” எனச் சொல்லும் நம்மாழ்வார், உடலின் மகத்துவத்தையும், யோகாவின் சிறப்பையும் சொல்லத் தொடங்கினார்.

”இயற்கை ஒருபோதும் தவறு செய்வதில்லை. உடல் ஒருபோதும் தன் கடமையை நிறுத்துவதில்லை. பசி வந்தால் உணவு, தாகம் எடுத்தால் தண்ணீர், சோர்வு வந்தால் உறக்கம் என உடல் சரியான சமிக்ஞைகளை நமக்கு கொடுத்தவண்ணம் இருக்கிறது. அதன்படி உணவு, உறக்கத்தை நாம் கடைப்பிடித்தாலே உடலுக்கு எந்தவிதமான சிக்கலும் வராது. பலர் உடம்பு வலிக்காக மாத்திரை, மருந்துகளை உட்கொள்கிறார்கள். வலி என்பது உடம்பு தன் உள்ளே இருக்கும் நச்சுப் பொருட்களை வெளியேற்றும் முயற்சி. அதைத் தடுக்கக்கூடாது.

50 வயது வரை உடம்புதான் உன்னதம் என நினைக்கும் மனது, அதற்குப் பிறகு ஆன்மாவை ஆராதிக்கிறது. ஆன்மா இந்த உடம்புக்குள்ளேதானே இருக்கிறது! அதனால், உடலைப் பராமரிப்பதும் அவசியம். இது இரண்டையும் ஒரே நேரத்தில் பராமரிக்க உதவுவதுதான் யோகா. நான் நீண்ட காலமாக யோகா செய்து வந்தாலும், ‘ஈஷா’ பயிற்சியில்தான் அதை முறைப்படுத்தினேன். தினமும் காலையில் நடைப்பயிற்சி, மூச்சுப் பயிற்சி, யோகா செய்கிறேன்.

ஈஷா யோகா பயிற்சியின்போது நடந்த நேர்காணலில், ‘யோகா செய்வதன் மூலம் நோய்கள் குணமாகும் என்றால், எதற்காக இத்தனை மருத்துவர்களும், மருத்துவமனைகளும் இருக்கின்றன?’ என சத்குருவிடம் கேட்டேன். ‘நாட்டில் தினமும் ஆயிரக் கணக்கில் விபத்துகள் நடக்கின்றன. விபத்தில் கடுமையாக பாதிக்கப்பட்டவர்களுக்கு யோகா சொல்லிக் கொடுக்க முடியாது அல்லவா? அவர்களுக்குத் தேவை, அவசர சிகிச்சை. அதற்காகத் தான் மருத்துவர்களும், மருத்துவமனைகளும்!’ என்று அவர் அமைதியாகச் சொன்னார்.

அவர் சொன்னது உண்மைதான். ஆங்கில மருத்துவத்தை அவசரத்தேவைக்கு மட்டுமே பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும். மாத்திரை, மருந்துகளைத் தொடர்ச்சியாக உட்கொள்ளும்போது, அதுவே உடம்பில் பல உபத்திரவங்களை உண்டாக்குகிறது.

மொத்தத்தில், சரியான பழக்க வழக்கங்களும், உடலைப் பேணும் உணவு முறையும், ஆரோக்கியமான சுற்றுச்சூழலும் இருந்தாலே நோய்க்கு ‘நோ என்ட்ரி’ போட்டுவிடலாம்!” எனச் சொல்லும் நம்மாழ்வார் இறுதியாக இப்படிச் சொல்கிறார் வாழ்வியல் மந்திரத்தை.

‘கணியன் பூங்குன்றனார் சொன்ன ‘தீதும், நன்றும் பிறர் தர வாரா’ என்கிற வரி நம் உடலுக்கும் உள்ளத்துக்கும் ஒருசேர வழிகாட்டக்கூடியது. அந்த வரிகளை மனதில் ஏற்று இயற்கையை வணங்கி, உடலை ஆராதிக்கக் கற்றுக் கொண்டால் வாழ்வின் சிறப்புக்குக் குறைவே இருக்காது!”.

– நன்றி சக்தி விகடன்

 

 

 

 

Few Hate it but Guava has it all


Health Benefits of Guava

1. Guava is a rich source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. It also contains folic acid, potassium, manganese and copper.

2. Guava is a laxative fruit. Being a rich source of dietary fiber, it helps to cure constipation.

3. Guava is packed with vitamins and minerals that help to keep the skin healthy, fresh and wrinkle free.

4. Guava contains the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C to boost the immune system. It plays a vital role and helps in cancer prevention and anti-aging.

5. Magnesium in guavas helps to relax the nerves and muscles in the body.

6. Potassium in guavas helps to regulate the blood pressure by reversing the role of sodium in unbalancing the normal blood pressure.

7. Guava is rich in Vitamin C which helps to prevent the viral infections like cold and cough. It also effectively helps in treating scurvy.

8. Guava has very good astringent properties. It helps in treating gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or dysentery.

9. Vitamin A and the fiber content in guava helps to protect the colon mucous membrane.

10. Guava is a cholesterol free fruit. It satisfies and keeps the stomach free from hunger for a long time. It assists in weight reduction and helps to control diabetes.

Guava is also a great fruit to juice with. It can take the edge off of dark green vegetables/leaves and make for a naturally sweeter energy drink.