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

Eight Exclusive Yoga poses for Kids


Yoga is form of exercise that affects both your body and mind. In fact, some yoga asanas have the capacity to cure chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes. So making your kids do yoga from early ages might reap benefits for them later. Some yoga poses help kids in their general body growth and development too. Take the mountain pose for example. This pose of yoga helps kids correct standing posture problems.

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There are some other yoga asanas that are specifically meant for kids. Yoga Poses For Kids To Try

1. Hands To Feet Pose:

Make your kid sit with their legs stretched straight in front of them. Ask them to hold their toes without bending their knees. This yoga asana is an excellent stretching exercise that helps your kids grow taller and improves their blood circulation in the body too.

2. Butterfly Pose:

Allow the child to sit on the floor mat with outstretched legs. Then fold the legs in and join the two feet facing each other.

The butterfly pose is a fun-filled asana that is a great stretching exercise for the thigh muscles.

3. Mountain Pose:

Make your child stand straight and join his/her hands over the head. This yoga pose increases kids concentration, body balance and also corrects their posture defects.

4. Cobra Pose:

Ask your kid to lie flat on the stomach and then lift the upper body by supporting his/her weight on arms. This yoga asana strengthen the spinal cord of the child and also increases flexibility. Apart from that, it helps digest food faster.

5. Swan Pose:

Yours kids would love to imitate a swan and fly away. So make the child lie flat on the belly. Fold his/her legs at the knees and let them raise their upper body by supporting the weight on the arms. Ask the child to look up towards the skies. This pose improves blood circulation in the nervous system making your child more alert.

6. Downward Facing Dog Pose:

Make the child stand on all fours like a dog and bend his/her head downwards. This yoga pose is great for role playing a dog. Apart from the fun, it improves the child’s blood circulation and also strengthens his/her limbs.

7. Triangle Pose:

You too can try this pose along with your kid. Stand with your feet apart. Place your arms up horizontally and then bend down on one side to touch your ankles. This pose of yoga helps the kid’s chest to expand and also stimulates the abdominal organs to function properly.

8. Wood Chopper Pose:

Ask the child to stand with his/her legs apart. Then they can raise their hands over their head and join palms into a ‘namaste’. This pose releases stress from your little one’s system. These are some of the best yoga poses for kids. What else have your kids tried?

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.

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

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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.

 

Priest bans yoga for ‘being incompatible with Catholic faith’


Father John Chandler from the church said that the hall has to be used for Catholic activities 
and he banned it because it was advertised as 'spiritual yoga' Photo: ALAMY

Instructor Cori Withell said the classes she booked for yoga and pilates at St Edmund‘s Church building in Southampton were cancelled with 10 days to go.

She was told by the booking secretary of the church that it was because yoga is a Hindu religious activity.

Father John Chandler from the church said that the hall has to be used for Catholic activities and he banned it because it was advertised as ”spiritual yoga”.

The ban is not Catholic Church policy and decisions are left to the discretion of individual priests. Some Catholic retreats use yoga for relaxation.

Ms Withell, 37, from nearby Eastleigh, said the church accepted the booking two months ago and she paid £180.

She was called later and told that yoga was from another religion so she could not have the hall. A separate pilates class she had booked was also cancelled.

”I had never heard about any religious issue with yoga before but I have looked into it since and found that some other religions feel that when people meditate it could let the devil inside them,” she said.

”But there was never any meditation in my class – it was just exercises. Yoga is not religious: spiritual, but not religious.

”I do not object to anyone having a religious viewpoint, but it seemed terribly petty to cancel the classes.

”As a nation we have an obesity epidemic. I was trying to bring some exercise to the community and coming across blocks like this is frustrating.

”I offered to go down and show them the moves and, literally, the shutters came down.”

Fr Chandler said the church was ”misled” by Ms Withell’s booking because he claimed that, at first, the hall was booked for pilates and then he found out it was also for spiritual yoga.

”Yoga is a Hindu spiritual exercise. Being a Catholic church we have to promote the gospel and that’s what we use our premises for.

”We did say that yoga could not take place. It’s the fact that it’s a different religious practice going on in a Catholic church,” he explained.

”On one hand we say to our parishioners ‘be strong in your faith’, and on the other hand there’s this other religious belief that’s not part of our faith. It’s not compatible. We are not saying that yoga is bad or wrong.”

Fr Chandler added he had not researched what Ms Withell’s class would have included and he had not spoken to her about the issue because he felt ”the relationship had got off to a bad start”.

”There are other halls she could use in Southampton,” he added.

A spokesman for Portsmouth Catholic Diocese said: ”It’s not possible for Catholic premises to be used for non-Christian activities and there is a dilemma with yoga as it can be seen as Hindu meditation or as relaxation.

”There is no national policy on this and the decision is for each priest.”

Hindu philosophy is essentially spiritual.



“It is the intense spirituality of India that has enabled it to resist the ravages of time and the incursion into its motherland of alien philosophies. The founders of philosophy strive for a socio-spiritual reformation of the country. When the Hindu civilization is often called Brahminical, it is so because; its main philosophies are shaped by great thinkers, most of who are Brahmins.”

Broad divisions of Hindu Philosophy are:

Vedic period. Up to 600 B. C

This was the time of forest universities (Ashrams and Gurukuls) where evolved the rudiments of the noble idealism of India. We discern here a progressive thought process, signified by the Mantras (hymns), the Brahmanas, and the Upanishads. The views expressed at this stage are not exactly philosophical. It is the age of brain storming, where superstition and intelligent thinking seem to co-exist.

Epic period. 600 B. C to A.D 200

The Epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata serve as the vehicles through which was conveyed the new message of the heroic and the godly in human relations.

Sutra period. From A.D 200

In this period the mass of material generated was summarized in the form of Sutras (rule in verse form expressed in brief but technical language). Here, critical attitude in philosophy developed. Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta, Vaisesika and Nyaya schools were born. 

Scholastic period. Also dating from A.D 200

By this time the Sutras had become complex and unintelligible. It was impossible to comprehend them without expert commentaries.

Great names of, Bhaskara, Jayanta, Kumarila Bhatta, Madhwa, Raghunatha, Shankara, Sridhara and Vachaspathi, belong to this period. ‘Of these commentators Shankara and Ramanuja have become as distinguished as the original thinkers. Their commentaries are just as valuable as a spiritual discovery’. Dr S Radhakrishnan.

Haribhadra who lived in the ninth century A.D is yet another great Brahmin thinker converted to Jainism. He is the famous author of fourteen hundred Prabhandas (chapters of works) and one of the first to introduce Sanskrit language into the scholastic literature of the Svetambara (white dressed) Jains.

Shankaracharya preached Advaita philosophy. (Monism)

Ramanujacharyapreached Visishtadwaita. (blend of Monism& Dualism)

Madhwacharyapreached Dwaita philosophy. (Dualism).

Some of the well-known later day philosophers, saints and commentators are:

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
1896 – 1977

The tenth guru in the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ‘Parampara’ (tradition), he was the founder of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) to spread the Krishna Bhakti movement, beyond the shores of India. ISKON has built exquisite Krishna temples all over the world and also a beautiful palace of Prabhupada at Moundsville, Virginia, U.S.A.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
15th century

Fifteenth century saint, philosopher who gave a tremendous boost to the Bhakti marga’ championed by the Vaisnava (worshippers of Vishnu) acharyas and saints, through his ‘Sankeertana’ movement. (chanting and singing the names of Krishna with transcendental love). He opened the doors of divine love to all, by preaching the glories of Krishna (Hari) by chanting and singing his name.

Dayananda Saraswati
1824-1883

Born to Karshanji Lalji Tiwari and Amrith ba, in Gujarat state, Moolashankar was, a profound thinker from childhood. He left home at the young age of 21, in search of a Guru who would teach him philosophy and the meaning of life and death. It was his Guru Swamy Poornanda who named him as Dayananda Saraswati. Dayananda later founded the Arya Samaj, a social reform movement that condemns caste system and untouchability. He fought for equality of women and emphasized the Vedic way of life.

Raghavendra Swamy
1598 – 1671

Great scholar, philosopher, writer and saint in the Dwaitha tradition. At the age of 23, he renounced his loving wife and took Sanyasa. Legend says, that he resurrected two children from the dead, one of whom was the child of a Muslim chieftain of the town of Savanoor, in Karnataka. He renounced this world by entering into ‘Samadhi sthiti’ (breath control, deep meditation and passing on). As desired by him, his devotees built a ‘Brindavan’ (resting place) around him, using brick and mortar. This town called Mantralaya on the banks of river Tungabhadra in the state of Karnataka, is a pilgrimage center.

Sri Ramakrishna
1836 – 1886

Sri Ramakrishna who later came to be recognized as the ‘Paramahamsa’, was an Un- known temple priest, in the Kali temple at Dakshineshwar near Calcutta. His intense devotion to goddess Kali and his claim that he had seen her, resulted in him being branded as a lunatic. After traversing the whole gamut of Indian spiritual life, he experimented with Christianity and Islam. Realizing that all religions lead to the same super conscious mystic state, he started preaching the essential unity of all religions and the need for harmony among the votaries of all religions. The Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Mutt are the direct offshoots of this.

Ramana Maharishi
1879 – 1950

A great soul, he left his home in early boyhood seeking spiritual knowledge and peace. Settling at Arunachala in Tamilnad, he would give simple, short, clear replies to the questions of his devotees. His constant teaching was that the way to cleanse the mind of its impurities was meditation. He has written a book called ‘Upadesa Sara’. He wrote much in Tamil.

Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
1888 – 1975

Was a distinguished writer, Philosopher, Professor at Oxford and President of India. Besides translating Dhammapada, (Buddhist text), he has authored several philosophical works.

Sarada Devi
1853 – 1920

Married to Sri Ramakrishna at he tender age of six, she led a celibate life in service of her master and his disciples. As a spiritual teacher, as a guide to the activities of the Ramakrishna organizations, and as an ardent supporter of women’s education she became a spiritual master in her own right.

Sayanacharya
13th century A.D

Brother of Vidyaranya, Statesman and Philosopher whose commentaries on the Vedas are considered one of the best even to – day. Author of ‘Alankara Sudha Nidhi’. (work on poetics) and ‘Subhashita Sudhanidhi’ (collection of wise sayings’).

Swami Sivananda
1887 – 1963

Forsaking a promising medical career, Sivananda who had a natural flair for study and practice of Vedanta, took to life of renunciation for ministering to the soul of man. Settling at Hrishikesh in the Himalayas, he practiced intense austerities and shone as a great Yogi. For disseminating spiritual knowledge and for training common man in Yoga and Vedanta, he established,’ The Divine Life Society’ and’ The Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy’, at Hrishikesh. In 1953 he convened a ‘World Parliament of Religions.’ He has written over 300 books.

Swami Vivekananda
1863 – 1902

Swami Vivekananda, who was born as Narendra, at Calcutta in 1863 was the favorite disciple and chosen heir of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. At an early age, he came under the influence of Sri Ramakrishna, and took ‘Sanyasa’. After the passing away of his guru, Vivekananda traveled the length and breadth of India, mostly by bare foot teaching universal brotherhood of man, and Vedanta philosophy. Swami Vivekananda represented India at the Conference of World Religions held in September 1893, in Chicago, winning high acclaim for his erudite and forceful representation of Indian culture and Hindu Philosophy. The Vedanta society in Chicago is a befitting tribute to this great son of India, who attained eternal bliss in 1902.

Vedanta Deshikar
1268 – 1369 A.D

A great scholar and saint in the Srivaisnava tradition, he lived for a full hundred years and worked tirelessly in the cause of spreading Dharma. He has written 53 philosophical works, 5 poems, 28 hymns and 19 works, in Tamil language.

Vidyaranya
13th century A.D

A great and famous saint, recognized as the founder of Karnataka. When Hinduism and Hindu culture were facing great danger in South India, he provided hope and inspiration for two brothers Hakka and Bukka to repulse the invaders.

He laid the foundation for the city of Vijayanagara, which later became the Vijayanagar Empire. He guided its kings as preceptor and Prime Minister.

Vidyaranya became the twelfth head of Shankaracharya’s , Sharada Peetha at Sringeri in 1331 A.D. He wrote commentaries on the four Vedas and Upanishads. He was probably 118 years of age when he attained eternal bliss in 1386 A.D.

The Fire Yogi of Tanjore


The Fire Yogi is a 47 minute documentary exploring a Yogi who has the extraordinary ability to use a unique breathing technique to get into union with Fire. This documentary portrays a rare and unusual Fire Ritual performed by the Yogi and the subsequent chemical analysis of his clothing & physical tests that examine this supernatural phenomenon. The Yogi has performed this Fire Ritual for a total of 1000 days over the last 45 years. The Yogi, weighing a mere 94 pounds (43 kilos), has been able to survive on only two bananas and a mere glass of milk with a few drops of water twice a day for the last 28 years. Many aspects of the Yogi are on the edge of unbelievability, while at the same time highlighting the power and endurance of human mind, body and spirit.

Yogi Rambhauswami, the 63-year-old yogi, claims that in 1975 he stopped drinking more than a few drops of water each day, that two years later he began limiting his daily diet to a banana and a cup of milk, and that he sleeps only three hours each night. By all rights the Sanskrit scholar should be malnourished and dehydrated, but in director and producer Mike Vasan’s documentary, he appears to be a relatively normal, if somewhat slender, senior citizen. Rambhauswami’s real claim to fame, however, is his elaborate fire ritual.

The ritual begins with his taking a bath, then moving on to meditation, pranayama, and a ceremony honoring Ganesha. The fire portion of the ritual is conducted over a sunken pit, into which Rambhauswami offers rice, coconut, sugar cane, and gallons of ghee. As he’s doing this, he goes into a deep meditative state. He enters the blaze and rolls around, protected by only a wool shawl, and remains there, in the fire, for up to 10 minutes at a time.

When Rambhau emerges from the flames, though, there’s little evidence that he’s just been charbroiled. Even his shawl is intact, its preservation credited to a protective aura. The shawl was later tested for fire retardant, and results showed that the material hadn’t been treated.

The Fire Yogi of Tanjore (complete 47 minute documentary video)