Yoga for ADHD | Alternative treatment for ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioral disorder, which manifests itself in early childhood.

The behaviors associated with ADHD are low self-esteem, forgetfulness, impatience, restlessness, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and poor social skills. It has been seen that children who have ADHD have difficulty in slowing down even if they want to, they act or speak before they have time to think, and they seem uncoordinated and clumsy because their movements are too hurried.

Causes:
Although there is no documented or real proof, it is believed that a chemical imbalance in the brain is the cause of ADHD.

Other social factors too are responsible for this behavioral disorder. Pre-natal use of drugs by parents, poor nutrition, breakdown of the family, TV violence, crowding, pollution and sensory overload are also cited as causes for triggering ADHD.

While tests have found that some children afflicted with ADHD have above average or average intelligence, they are unable to perform well in school because of this brain dysfunction or hyperactivity.

Cure for ADHD

ADHD is best treated in childhood in order to get better results. Exercises for ADHD affected persons are recommended since by burning up excess energy, it helps cope with their hyperactivity.

Since it is unadvisable to resort to medication, alternative treatment for ADHD is preferred and amongst these, yoga is considered the best.

Yoga and ADHD

Teachers have found that yoga and pranayama are beneficial for those with ADHD. These make use of relaxation techniques which not only calm down the central nervous system, but also strengthen it. Yoga is non-competitive and allows such children and even teenagers to get in touch and realize the feelings of their innermost bodies and thoughts. Yoga also has a spiritual side, and the deep silences while practicing it, increases inner awareness, providing a refuge from the frenetic pace of life all around them.

Most teachers prefer to start with Pranayama (breathing exercises). Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma-Viloma) has a two-fold benefit. It teaches them concentration by focusing on their breath, and it slows and calms down the mind by being engrossed in the act of breathing. It also encourages them to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Following this, teachers introduce a few yoga asanas (poses). Since the poses are performed slowly, it teaches them to slow down and have control over their actions. They learn to synchronize their movements, and this adds to their self-esteem. Following the routine of the asanas is also beneficial for their memory. Motor skills and control over physical actions is also helped by these yoga poses.

The combination of self-awareness brought about by pranayama and the physical activity provided by the poses brings about a balance between mind and body. Yoga and ADHD have a close and positive relationship, with many benefits for such children and teenagers.

Yoga for Anxiety | Meditation for Anxiety

Stress is a common word these days, and is caused by chronic anxiety. It is natural for everyone to experience mild anxiety occasionally. But constant anxiety which leads to stress can be hazardous for our health, since it drains our body of energy. The harmony and balance of our mental and psychological state is lost, leading to an imbalance in the body’s functioning. On a long term basis, it can even lead to serious problems like a stroke, migraines, eczema, heart attack and other diseases.

Anxiety and stress can also play havoc on the endocrine system leading to a string of other physical, emotional and mental problems.

Symptoms of Extreme Anxiety

The symptoms of stress or chronic anxiety would be:

• Worrying constantly about the past, present or future.
• Always working, eating or walking in a rushed way.
• Frequent tension or a ‘knotted feeling’ in the neck, shoulders, abdomen, back and chest.
• Chronic fatigue throughout the day.
• Constant need for outside stimulation, such as coffee, alcohol, sweeteners, sex, TV, accomplishments, money, etc.
• Becoming angry easily – ‘Feeling on edge’ all the time.

Exercises for Anxiety

It is therefore essential that constant anxiety be tackled right as soon as possible. Physical exercise for anxiety has a beneficial effect, and among them, yoga for anxiety is the best. Meditation for anxiety is also beneficial as it helps to calm the mind.

Yoga for Anxiety and Memory Problems

Yoga is a blend of physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama).

The postures help to relax and stretch the muscles, thus releasing negative toxins in the blood. Yoga’s added benefit is that it brings about deep muscle relaxation. The gentle movements of yoga are soothing and bring about a sense of well-being and calmness, thus reducing anxiety levels.

Pranayama’s deep-breathing techniques are also helpful in expelling deep-rooted anxieties. Prana is the vital energy of the universe. The deep breathing of pranayama aids intake of more oxygen into the blood and thus restores the balance of prana in the body. Most of us do not realize the importance of proper deep breathing in our everyday lives. Caught up in our hectic schedules we generally tend to take short, shallow breaths, which not only lead to various ailments from heart attacks to fatigue, but also causes rise in anxiety levels.

Deep breathing is a wonderful stress-buster and works like magic for general good health. Pranayama encourages you to inhale deeply through your nose. As you inhale, you also simultaneously push down the diaphragm. Once the lung is full of air, you exhale slowly. You can practice this anywhere, anytime – while waiting for a bus or during a boring lecture or just while waiting for your computer to boot.

The following yoga postures are also effective for reducing anxiety and stress:

• Sun Salutation - Surya Namaskara
• Shoulder Stand - Sarvanga Asana
• Fish Pose - Matsya Asana
• Plough Pose - Hala Asana
• Thunder Pose - Vajra Asana
• Camel Pose - Ushtra Asana
• Cool Breath - Shitali Pranayama
• Corpse Pose - Shava Asana
• Deep Yogic Sleep – Yoganidra

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Some References: Meditation Info Guide - A complete guide on meditation with information on meditation techniques, meditation methods, meditation music and meditation furniture.

Yoga for Flexibility | Exercises for Flexibility

Yoga and Flexibility

Yoga and flexibility have always been linked together. The exercises (asanas) of yoga encourage you to stretch your joints and limbs. Many of you may shy away from flexibility exercises, thinking you are too old or too inflexible to do them. But it would surprise you to know that yoga poses for flexibility can be performed at any age. The poses (asanas) of yoga will teach you in a gentle and systemic manner how to increase your flexibility.

How to Increase Flexibility?

Unknown to most of us, flexibility of muscles, joints and limbs offers us many benefits.

The pain that we feel when exercising, is caused by blocked or misplaced energy. Stretching exercises for flexibility opens up the channels of energy blockages. By allowing free flow of energy, it releases the pain, tension and stiffness which build up in muscles. This in turn drains out the lactic acid which accumulates in our body, which again causes release of fatigue. That is why you will feel not only less weary and more relaxed, but also more energetic and enthusiastic after you have performed yoga flexibility exercises.

The flexibility exercises encourage greater production of the lubricating fluid present in our joints. The result is greater fluidity of movements and a sense of ease. Mentally and emotionally too, it helps to create a sense of balance and harmony, and erases tensions and conflicts.

Yoga for flexibility

There are various yoga poses to increase flexibility in the different parts of your body, such as the spine, hamstrings, hips, shoulders, arms and neck. These poses will help to stretch and open up these areas. If you are a beginner, with sedentary habits, you might find it a little tough in the few initial days. But you can start slowly and gradually, use a few props like blocks, straps or blankets to aid in the performance of the poses.

• Standing poses will stretch and straighten your spine. They will help you to maintain a good posture, and increase the strength and elasticity in your legs.
• The seated poses will enhance the flexibility in your hips and lower back. They will make your spine stronger. The seated poses also include regulated breathing, which will release tension and calm your mind.
• Forward bends will stretch your hamstrings and strengthen your lower back. It will reduce tension and thereby increase flexibility in your spine, shoulder and neck.
• Back Bends will make your arms and shoulders stronger and increase their flexibility. They help to open up the hips and chest, thereby releasing tension.

Some of the basic yoga poses for flexibility are:

• Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
• Lotus (Sukhasana)
• Cobra(Bhujangasana)
• Balance Posture(Natarajasana)
• Simple chest Expansion(Ardha Chakrasana)
• Back Stretch (Paschimottanasana)
• Simple Triangle (Trikonasana)
• Simple Locust (Salabhasana)
• Bow (Dhanurasana)
• Leg Clasp (Padahastasana)
• Simple Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
• Backward Bend (Supta Vajrasana)
• Plough(Halasana)
• Knee and Thigh Stretch (Bhadasana)
• Simple Fish (Matsyasana)
• Shoulder Stand(Sarvangasana)
• Deep Relaxation (Savasana)

Yoga for Joint Pain Relief | Exercises for Joint Pain

Joint Pain Relief

Most of us have been affected with joint problems or joint pains at some point of time in our lives. The joints of our wrists or elbows, knee joints, back, the hip, ankle, neck or shoulder are most at risk.

Causes - Joint pain occurs because of a few causes:

• It could be due to constant wear or tear or repetitive action. Assembly line workers, working at the computer for long hours, surgeons who have to perform long operations, policemen who stand for long hours on duty, gardeners or cooks who perform repetitive actions are mostly at risk.
• A sedentary lifestyle which makes our muscles weak and flaccid, puts extra burden on the joints, thus causing pain.
• Bad posture has a similar effect.
• Inflammation, such as in arthritis also puts us at risk for joint pain.
• Oily and spicy foods also trigger joint problems, by causing build-up of toxins in the blood.

While we may take recourse to pain relievers they are not a cure for joint pain. Exercises for joint pain go a long way in opening the blockages and helping free flow of energy.

Yoga for Joint Pain

For hundreds of years yoga has proved its efficacy in bringing about joint pain relief. The postures (asanas) of yoga are gentle and smooth and thus do not aggravate any existing pain. They stretch the joints and the muscles connected to it, thereby opening up the blockages and allowing free flow of energy, blood and nutrients to all parts of the body. Yoga not only strengthens the muscles surrounding the joints, it also makes the bones stronger by improving bone density.

You must first take the advice of a doctor or yoga expert to find the root of your problem before embarking on an exercise program. If you are a beginner, you may not be able to perform each pose to its fullest extent. So start slowly and gradually, and add on the various poses.

Some of the asanas recommended in yoga to treat joint pains are:

• Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
• Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanmuktasana)
• Crocodile Pose (Makarasana)
• Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
• Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
• Auspicious Pose (Swastikasana)
• Hero Pose (Veerasana)
• Hip-to Hand Pose (Januhastasana)
• Simple Snake Pose with two legs (Dwipad Sahajhasta bhujangasana)
• Supporting Head on Elbows Pose (Hastashirasana)

Pranayama is also helpful as the deep breathing techniques increase the supply of blood and also relax the tension in the joints.

Heat and massage

Yoga also recommends massage and heat treatment for joint pain relief. Massaging with oil reduces inflammation and helps smoother movement of the joint. One can also apply heat with a heating bag. This helps in better circulation of blood, which carries nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body.

Diet: Yoga experts advice certain diet patterns which must be followed to reduce joint pains. Since joint pan is also related to excess toxins in the body, they advice you to keep away from spicy and oily foods, non-vegetarian foods, bakery products, alcoholic beverages and fast foods.

They recommend food which is fresh and light, such as vegetables and fruits, rice and grains.

Fasting once a week, is also recommended.

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How to Improve Stamina? Try Yoga for Stamina

What is Stamina?

Stamina is the power of endurance of our body. Stamina dictates how strong, tough or resilient we are. It measures our body’s capacity to carry on with prolonged physical, mental or emotional effort. Stamina helps us to endure not only physical activities like sports or work, it also helps us to endure illness, fatigue, disease, and the stress of every day life.

Lack of stamina leads to a feeling of lethargy, boredom and fatigue. This not only makes us less efficient at work, it also makes us more prone to disease and depression.

The level of stamina depends on many factors – our age, gender, and our physical constitution. It decreases with illness and age. But stamina exercises can bring about a lot of improvement. Yoga for stamina has been found to be very helpful.

Exercise for Stamina

While there are various exercises for stamina, yoga has been found to be most beneficial. Many people perform yoga for strength, but it goes beyond that and helps builds up not just physical stamina, but also emotional and mental resilience.

Yoga poses are slow and gentle. When you hold a yoga pose (asana) steadily and without wavering, it is termed as asana jaya, which means victory over the asana (pose). While it is strong respiratory and muscular support which enables you to attain this steadiness, your strong yogic mental ability also plays an important part. This mental ability is also an essential tool in pain management.

Exercise for stamina in yoga involves those in standing, sitting, supine, inverted and balancing poses.

In the Standing Position the relevant postures are:

• Warrior Pose (Veerasana)
• Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
• Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

In Sitting Position the relevant postures are:

• Meditation Gesture (Dhyan Mudra)
• Auspicious Pose (Swastikasana)
• Balance Pose (Samasana)
• Lotus Pose (Padmasana)
• Tied Lotus Pose (Baddha Padmasana)
• Lifted Lotus (Utthit Padmasana)
• Mountain Pose (Parvatasana)
• Bow Pose in Sitting (Akarna Dhanurasana – Type 1)
• Bow Pose in Sitting (Akarna Dhanurasana – Type 2)
• Twisted Pose (Vakrasana)
• Half Spinal Twist (Ardhamatsyendrasana)
• Forward Bending (Sharanagata Mudra)
• Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)
• Half Forward Bend (Paschimottasana – Half)
• Forward Bend (Paschimottasana – Full)
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

In Supine Position, you have to lie on your back, keeping your legs together and extended straight, while your palms rest on the floor. The relevant yoga postures are:

• Leg Raise Pose – with one leg and both legs (Uttanpadasana)
• Inverted Pose (Vipritakarani)
• Horse Gesture in shoulder stand (Ashwini Mudra)
• Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
• Plough Pose (Halasana)
• Boat Pose (Noukasana)
• Pond Pose (Tadagasana)
• Gas Release Pose (Pavanmuktasana)
• Half Wheel Pose (Ardhachakrasana)

A few yoga postures in the Prone Position are also useful for building stamina. In this you must lie with your chest, abdomen and chin touching the floor. Keep your hands next to your thighs and your palms on the floor.

• Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)
• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
• Crocodile Pose (Makarasana)

These poses are very gentle. They need not be held for very long. But it is advisable to go through the entire repertoire. Besides building up your endurance and stamina, they will make you more vigorous and will also benefit you respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems.

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Some References: Add Muscle Mass Fast - How to gain 5 pounds of muscle in 2 weeks.

How to Lower Bad Cholesterol with Yoga?

Cholesterol has become a much-feared word these days, and most people are trying to lower high cholesterol. Diets and exercises to reduce cholesterol are galore. But before you start on an exercise and diet program, it is essential to understand the function of cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance which is made naturally by our body, and is processed from the food that we eat. It has a waxy texture and is feared because it gets deposited on the walls of the arteries. This makes the passage of the arteries thinner, reducing the free flow of blood. In extreme cases, the arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become totally blocked, and this leads to a heart attack. In some cases, the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the brain get blocked, leading to a stroke.

But two essential things must be remembered. Firstly, the body needs some amount of cholesterol to function properly. The problems arise only when you consume too much of it in your food.

Secondly, all cholesterol is not harmful. While one is definitely the ‘bad’ kind, which affects us in a negative way, there is also ‘good cholesterol’, which actually plays an important role by clearing out the bad kind from the walls of the arteries. The ‘bad cholesterol’ is known as Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), while the ‘good’ one is known as High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).

How to lower high cholesterol?

Proper diet and exercise can easily lower cholesterol. When you are looking for a good cholesterol lowering exercise, keep yoga in mind. Yoga postures have been found to be extremely effective as an exercise to lower cholesterol.

Yoga for Cholesterol

Yoga is very helpful in helping you lower your bad cholesterol, and control it thereafter. Its action is two-fold. Firstly, yoga provides exercise, which helps to reduce the level of cholesterol. Bad cholesterol builds up if you have excess fat in your body, and this in turn happens due to a faulty lifestyle and when you do not get sufficient physical activity. So by providing exercise and a good lifestyle, yoga teaches you how to lower bad cholesterol.

Lack of bad cholesterol is also associated with a rise in stress levels in the body. High stress levels trigger certain glands and hormones, which lead to the production of greater levels of cholesterol. Yoga and pranayama reduce stress levels. They calm the mind and encourage production of good hormones, which in turn leads to reduction of cholesterol.

The following poses are helpful in controlling in this regard:

• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
• Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)
• Plough Pose (Halasana)
• Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
• Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
• Hero Pose (Virasana)
• Boat Pose (Navasana)

Along with this, you must also do the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) and Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma), Bellows (Bhastrika) and Shining Skull (Kapalbhati).

Diet control is also necessary. Reduce your intake of fatty products and increase your intake of fiber-rich foods.

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Yoga for Diabetes | Exercise for Diabetes

Diabetes has been classified as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Both kinds are on the rise today and this rise has been blamed on changing lifestyle. Sedentary jobs, lack of exercise and oily food has caused a rise in the incidence of diabetes, in adults as well as children. Diabetes in its most extreme form can also be a cause of death or other serious ailments, and so it is essential to treat it at the earliest.

Yoga and Diabetes

Treatment: While treatment with insulin is a part of most treatments, yoga for diabetes has been found to be extremely effective. Exercise for diabetes has always been recommended by doctors and these yoga poses offer a wonderful two-way benefit. Yoga calms the mind, reduces stress and exercises all parts of the body, leading to better circulation and increased energy level.

The following yoga poses are recommended:

• Sitting Crane Pose (Paschimottasana)
• Standing Crane Pose (Padangusthasana)
• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
• Plough Pose (Halasana)
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
• Grasshopper Pose (Shalabhasana)
• Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanmuktasana)
• Spinal Twist (Ardha-matsyendra)
• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
• Sitting Pose of Firmness (Supta Vajrasana)
• Bee Pose (Bhramari
• Wheel Pose (Chakrasana)
• Yogic Symbol Pose (Yoga Mudrasana)
• Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara)
• The Abdominal Squeeze or Udiyana Bandam is also effective.
• Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

Exercise for Diabetics

Yoga and diabetes have a long and positive relationship but certain guidelines must be observed during the performance of these poses. Yoga is a discipline and it is necessary to learn the poses from a qualified expert. Since yoga is a total union of the body and mind, the patient must approach the practice of yoga in a holistic manner. The patient must realize that diabetes is a manifestation of physical as well as emotional, spiritual and intellectual imbalance. It is necessary to realize the need for need a lifestyle change.

• Begin your yoga program with simple exercises to test your tolerance and physical fitness and slowly move on to the more complicated poses.
• Monitor your glucose levels throughout the program, and alter your medical dosage as you progress. You may have to reduce the dosage as the postures prove effective.
• Practice the exercises in the morning and evening. Each session should be between 40 to 60 minutes.
• Do not exert yourself. Take care to perform all the poses smoothly and slowly. Gently stretch your joints and limbs. When you are compressing the abdomen, make sure that you do not strain yourself.
• Maintain each posture initially for only 5 seconds, and graduate to longer durations of one minute, only after repeated practice.
• Keep your eyes closed and focus completely on holding the pose and also on your breath. This will ensure the proper release of tension and stress from the body.
• Thin and lean patients can start with Pranayama and relaxation poses, while obese patients should start with Pranayama, bhastrika and other cleansing poses.
• If you feel fatigued at any point, lie down and perform the Shavasana to relax the body.

Diet Changes: It is essential to incorporate diet changes for yoga to be effective in diabetes. Follow the diet plan as per your doctor or nutritionists instructions.

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Some References: Diabetes Daily Care - Highly Effective, Safe, Natural Treatment for Diabetes.

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Yoga for Eczema Relief | Cure for Eczema

Eczema Relief

Eczema is an extremely itchy skin condition that affects many people throughout the world.

Symptoms: The most common symptom of eczema is its extreme itchiness. It is so itchy, that patients of eczema complain that it is unbearable, and once they start scratching they are unable to stop. Due to this extreme itch, patients have often been known to scratch their skin raw.

Sometimes, the eczema takes the form of oozing blisters, which then form a hard scab. The skin around the blisters is red and inflamed. For some, eczema manifests itself as angry red rashes, commonly on the neck, arms, hands and legs, and sometimes on other parts of the body also.

Causes: Eczema can be caused by various factors.

• It could be atopic, which means it is genetic.
• For others, environmental factors could be the cause. Eczema has been blamed on contact with soil and dust, or with certain chemicals like air fresheners, paint thinners or bug sprays. Scented detergents, toilet papers, soaps and perfumes could also set off an eczema condition. Woolen clothes, that rub against the skin, extreme temperatures, and even simple activities like taking baths too frequently or long showers with very hot water, could lead to eczema conditions.
• Certain dietary products can also trigger eczema. Wheat, peanuts, eggs, milk and dairy products can set off an eczema attack.
• Recently, a link has also been found between stress and a flare-up of eczema. Feelings of frustration and anger can be potent triggers.

Cure for Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema, it can be kept under control with certain dietary and lifestyle changes. These changes will bring about eczema relief in cases of a flare-up.

Doctors advise you to note down what environmental conditions or foods bring on an attack and avoid these triggers. Avoid long baths with very hot water and wear cotton clothes. Yoga for eczema is also recommended as an eczema alternative treatment since it brings down stress levels.

Yoga is a good alternative for treating eczema and keeping it under control. Try a daily routine of breathing exercises (Pranayama), poses (asanas) and meditation.

• Pranayama would include the complete breathing exercises. Alternative Nostril Breathing (Anuloma-Viloma) is particularly helpful as it cleanses the lungs and all other internal organs, and helps flush out toxins from the blood. Also helpful is the Kapalbhati (Shining Skull). Also do the Nadi Purifying Pranayama (Nadi Shodhan Pranayama). This will open up the nadis (channels or pathways) of the body, and release stress. All these help to calm the mind.
• After the complete set of breathing exercises, do a few asanas (poses). The Plough Pose (Halasana), Child Pose (Balasana), Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) are recommended for this condition. Follow it up with the Corpse Pose (Shavasana), which completely relaxes the body.
• The last step should be a few minutes of meditation, which will help to completely still the body and mind and fill it with serenity.

Yoga for Kidney Stones | Cure for Kidney Stone

What is Kidney Stone?

The medical name for kidney stones is Urolithiasis. It is very painful and occurs in the urinary tract. Our urine contains dissolved salts. Sometimes these salts crystallize and form hard stones. These stones are composed of uric acid, cystine, struvite, oxalate or calcium.

On rare occasions there is no pain even with the presence of kidney stones. But pain occurs when the stones are passing down the ureter (this is the pipe through which urine is drained from the kidney to the bladder). If the stone is larger than the diameter of the ureter, it gets stuck, causing pain and bleeding. Sometimes this leads to a more serious infection of the kidneys as the flow of urine is totally blocked and collects in pools in the kidney and upper part of the ureter. This might even lead to kidney damage if not treated in time.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Many factors could lead to kidney stones:

• Kidney stones are usually related to low intake of water. As mentioned earlier, urine contains many salts. When there is low intake of fluids, the salts do not dissolve completely. Thus, they are unable to be flushed away easily and form hard stones. Less fluid also means that saturation with salts is higher, leading to stone formation.
• Lack of exercise also causes kidney stones, because sufficient exercise allows excessive salts and toxins in the body to be flushed away.
• Sometimes, urinary tract infection or intestinal problems causes extra calcium to be absorbed, leading to formation of kidney stones.
• Sometimes, kidney stones occur because the urine is lacking in some normal and crucial enzymes which inhibit formation of stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

There is terrible pain in the lower back and buttocks, and also in the genital area. It could be accompanied by fever and chills, pain in the abdomen and nausea. You may also constantly feel the urge to pass urine. Sometimes, blood appears in the urine.

Get rid of kidney stones

While the cure for kidney stone usually requires surgery, alternative treatment has been found to be less painful. Yoga for kidney stones has been found to be especially effective.

You can try the Shankha Prakshalana to get rid of kidney stones. ‘Shankha’ denotes conch, and ‘prakshalana’ denotes washing away. In this case, shankha refers to the alimentary canal right from its beginning in the mouth to its end at the anus. Thus, Shankha Prakshalana will help to cleanse the entire alimentary canal and flush out extra toxins and salts.

Other yoga poses for kidney stone relief are:

• Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanmuktasana)
• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
• Raised Feet Pose (Uttanpadasana)
• Plough Pose (Halasana)

Diet: If you suffer from kidney stones, there are certain foods which must be avoided. Restrict foods which are high in protein, calcium and phosphate. Avoid alcohol and beverages like tea, coffee and carbonated drinks. Also avoid cauliflower, spinach, radish, cabbage, carrots, peas, coconuts and whole wheat flour. Dairy products and meat is also best avoided.

However, increase your intake of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E, and foods which will help to dissolve the kidney stones, such as kidney beans, pomegranates, watermelon, celery and rice. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Get relaxed with Shavasana or Corpse Pose

The Shavasana or Corpse Pose is, contrary to popular belief, one of the most difficult yoga postures to master. It is at the same time one of the most relaxing and restful of all yoga postures, and is for this reason often used as the final position in most yoga sequences. It can however also be used independently as a technique to facilitate meditation.

Corpse yoga is not deceptively simple simply because of its name. In the corpse pose yoga you lie on your back and keep your eyes shut and relax. This may sound easy enough but it is in fact a tougher pose than many others. You may be able to master a variety of poses and exhibit a great deal of flexibility but mastery over the corpse pose may still be evasive. This is because perfecting the Corpse Pose or Shavasana implies perfecting your state of enlightenment. Enlightenment and deep meditation are the ultimate goal of this posture. It takes a great deal of practice to be able to achieve a deep state of relaxation.

This posture is in a sense a kind of conscious sleep, in which the practitioner is at a higher level of awareness, and observes every breath, thought and action. When practicing the corpse pose or shavasan it would be best that you relax each part of your body in a systematic manner. Begin with the feet and work on each body part individually, inducing each part to relax. You can use your mind to relax, focusing on one body part at a time. For example begin with your toes, followed by the feet, then the heels, internal organs, as well as external parts. After maintaining the pose sweep each part with your mind to ensure that there is complete relaxation as the slightest tension negates and reduces the value of this pose. Once you gained mastery over this form of relaxation, ensuring complete physical rest, you can try deeper methods of relaxation with breath awareness, visualization, and so on.

Apart from the benefits of shavasana yoga in the context of your yoga practice it also offers a number of health benefits that are relevant to all of us. Practice of the corpse pose can help lower blood pressure and is in fact therapeutic for arterial hypertension. Its effects of stress reduction are more obvious, but they are just as invaluable for patients of ever increasing stress disorders.

Yoga for Liver Problems | Exercise for Liver Health

Exercise for Liver Problems

Liver problems are quite a serious concern as the liver plays a crucial role in our health and the normal functioning of our bodies. Liver disease and damage can even lead to death in severe cases. Liver damage or liver problems can occur because of a variety of reasons. In some cases the damage may be due to a specific disease like hepatitis, where jaundice is a symptom, or it could be liver damage due to lifestyle itself – excessive drinking or unhealthy food habits. Whatever the cause its important that you take care of and strengthen the liver to minimize damage and reduce the risk of deterioration. While certain illnesses are curable, some are not and lifelong care is necessary.

The use of yoga for the liver can help overcome and live with liver conditions. While the relationship between exercise and physical fitness is very evident the relation ship between exercise and liver health is not so clear. The idea of yoga for liver problems may in fact leave most of you baffled, or questioning the seeming absurdity of this declaration. But yes, yoga for liver problems is an effective way of maintaining and enhancing the health of this vital organ. Yoga’s approach to fitness differs from other exercise regimens, in that it does not merely focus on visible physical health, but on the body as a whole. This means that it takes into account the relationship between physical, mental and emotional health and the need to maintain balance. Yoga therefore acts as a balancing force, through its combination of physical postures, breath techniques and meditation.

In the context of internal organs, when we say exercise for liver problems for that matter, we are not referring to routines that exercise your liver, but rather to exercises or activities that stimulate, regulate and enhance the function. The strange contortions that make up the asanas or physical poses of yoga offer some of these direct benefits. Many of them put gentle pressure or act as a massage on the organ, stimulating it. Other asanas improve circulation, some improve nervous system function, breath exercises improve circulation and cleanse the system, and so on. Thus they indirectly improve liver function by balancing the various functions that do have an effect on liver function.

Exercise caution when practicing yoga however, as failure to follow rules or misinterpreting them can often result in injury. For this reason it is best to learn under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Certain yoga poses for liver problems are recommended such as the Diamond Pose, the Locust Pose, the Plow Pose, and the Standing Forward Bend to name a few. Keep in mind that in addition to the physical practices it is necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and general routines.

Yoga for Thighs | Thighs exercises, Thighs Toning

Exercises for Thighs

When we deal with weight loss, the belly and the thighs are often problematic as nothing seems to get rid of that flab. Even if you’re not overweight the thighs may be problematic either because of a little flab in the area or simply because your thigh muscles are weak. Exercises for thighs can help to tone and strengthen the thighs and get rid of any flab. Most of us unfortunately find it hard to maintain and follow rigid exercise regimens, which if not followed diligently only enhance the problem. This of course should not bring you to the conclusion that yoga is an easy way out.

Yoga requires diligence and dedication on the part of the practitioner, but it is at the same time a lot more practical and feasible. It is relatively inexpensive and does not require any equipment, it can be practiced by absolutely anyone (age, gender, physical health have no bearing), it is not rigid in terms of the practices and flexibility is allowed in consideration of the individual’s capacity, and it is not as time consuming. Practicing yoga for the thighs will help to reduce weight and tone and strengthen the muscles. While thighs toning would be the primary focus in a sequence of yoga to reduce thighs, the practice of yoga is wholesome and its health benefits will be experienced by your entire body. Its benefits are not just restricted to the physical, but it also promotes mental health.

How to Reduce Thighs?

This may seem challenging, but it is by no means impossible. While there are many thighs exercises that do help reduce weight on thighs, most of the routines are intensive and require a great deal of time and effort. Moreover, rapid weight gain is common if at any point maintaining the exercise routine becomes impossible. Yoga in contrast does not take up much time, and only requires dedication. Moreover, it can be practiced anywhere and irrespective of your physical state. This means that there are very few scenarios where you would need to give up your practice.

Why is Yoga so effective?

Yoga asanas or poses are renowned for the flexibility and grace they radiate. These exercises may seem challenging, and though they are not all easy, they can be learnt quite easily. They require a great deal of focus and attention, and stamina, flexibility, and balance. These skills are strengthened and honed through regular practice. A ten minute routine a day would suffice. Some yoga poses that are particularly effective for thighs toning and strengthening include the Tortoise pose, Knee Swing, Diamond pose, Big Toe Pose, Bow pose, Bound Angle pose, Camel pose, and the Garland pose to name a few.

Yoga for Insomnia | Help for Insomnia

Insomnia Exercise

Insomnia incidence has risen rapidly in recent decades with the rapidly rising stress levels. This is because stress is the main contributing factor in most cases of insomnia. Yoga has come to extremely helpful in a number of sleep disorders, including insomnia, particularly when stress related. This is because yoga does not simply address the symptoms of stress, which in this case would be the sleep disorder, but it also acts as a remedy for the underlying cause – stress.

Yoga and Insomnia

For almost all patients afflicted with insomnia exercise is beneficial. Regular exercise helps improve sleep and enables you to fall asleep much more easily. Unfortunately not all forms of exercise are effective enough when it comes to tackling stress itself. For this reason when it comes to insomnia and exercise, yoga is your best bet. If you wish to take up yoga for insomnia, vigorous forms like power yoga or ashtanga yoga would work best and must be practiced at least thrice a week. Make it a point however, to practice earlier in the day, and not just before you call it a day. While these forms are recommended because of their intensity, you can even take up other forms of yoga, as any discipline will help and provide you a host of other health benefits.

The use of yoga for insomnia as an insomnia alternative treatment has become quite widespread in recent years as researchers and health care providers have begun to take note of the benefits that yoga offers. Yoga is so effective for sleep disorders because it does not just facilitate sleep as do most other exercises, but it improves the quality of sleep, through its stimulatory effect on the brain and nervous system. Certain postures are particularly helpful as they enhance circulation to the region of the brain that affects sleep. This helps to normalize the sleep cycle. Apart from these direct effects, yoga cleanses the body of toxins and rejuvenates and stimulates the functioning of various organs, which in turn implies a reduced need for sleep. Most importantly yoga’s effect of relaxation helps to eliminate stress and therefore improves the quality of sleep.

While a daily yoga routine would be ideal, a practice thrice a week will also help for insomnia. While regular sessions should be conducted during the day, there are certain postures you can practice before going to sleep. The Happy Baby pose or Ananda Balasana, the Goddess pose or Supta Baddha Konasana, and the Corpse pose or Savasana are gentle relaxing poses, ideal to end the day with. In addition to your yoga insomnia treatment however, make sure you follow a healthy lifestyle routine and diet as well.

Yoga for Sciatica | Exercise for Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that is caused due to inflammation and compression of the spinal nerves. A sharp pain is felt in the leg or foot, radiating from the lower back, in a pattern that is dependent on the affected nerve. Pain may be experienced in the lower back, hips and leg. The pain is generally accentuated when walking or standing.

How to cure Sciatica?

Yoga is one of the most effective forms of exercise for sciatica. The piriformis muscle is often affected in Sciatica, and yoga can help to relieve this pain to a great extent. As with any spinal injury great caution is required when attempting any form of exercise and this holds true for yoga as well. Consult your health care provider and a qualified yoga instructor and make sure you follow their advice diligently. Listen to your body too, and never push forward with an exercise if you start to experience pain as a result of the activity.

Understanding the Cause of Sciatica

A cure for sciatica, or rather a treatment plan should address the underlying cause. This is because the condition of the inflamed nerves has an underlying cause. It is not the problem in itself. The appropriate treatment should therefore be determined upon diagnosis of the cause, which could vary from spinal disc herniation or spinal stenosis to sciatica caused due to pregnancy or even self inflicted sciatica, which is sciatica that results from lifestyle habits. The effectiveness of yoga varies depending on the cause, but it’s strengthening and healing benefits, as well as the relief it offers are universal irrespective of the cause of sciatica.

Yoga for Sciatica

The use of yoga for sciatic symptoms has become increasingly common, as more people turn to alternative medicine in areas of medicine where conventional practices leave much to be desired. While conventional practices are often necessary and life saving, they are also expensive, often not very effective or not lasting enough. Supporting your conventional treatment however can help improve the effectiveness of the treatment and simultaneously minimize the risk of ill effects if any. Yoga for sciatica strengthens the spine and relieves inflammation. It also stimulates the nervous system.

While yoga poses and stretches for sciatica are extremely helpful, the practice of yoga also includes breath exercises and meditation. It is this combination that lends yoga its effectiveness and vitality. Because of its multi dimensional approach yoga addresses all aspects of your health, and thereby also improves the functioning of individual organs as our body’s various systems are interconnected and interdependent. Some yoga poses for sciatica that are particularly effective would include the Reclining Big Toe Pose, the Downward Facing Dog Pose, the Side Angle Stretch, the Half Moon Pose, the Bridge Pose, Shoulder Stand, Corpse Pose and the Pigeon Pose.

Yoga for Smokers - As a tool to quit smoking

Smokers who wish to quit the habit can find it quite hard to kick the habit and often spend months or even years struggling to stay clean. Yoga has of late come to symbolize hope for those who wish to quit smoking. Any yoga practitioner can testify to the healing power of yoga. It offers a variety of health benefits through its peculiar, distinctive physical and breathing exercises. Despite the fact that yoga practice is so beneficial it does not require any extra effort, in fact quite the contrary; yoga can be practiced by anyone as it is a personal practice that takes into account the practitioner’s physical limitations and capacity, and actually hones those skills that are lacking. Moreover yoga does not require any major equipment or expensive gym membership. Time constraints are a common accuse to shirk our responsibilities to ourselves, but there can be no such excuse for yoga as just 20 minutes of practice, done thrice a week, would suffice.

So, how effective is yoga as a tool to quit smoking? You’d be surprised to find that it is one of the most effective methods of quitting, as it not only helps you overcome your addiction, but also helps you overcome the withdrawal symptoms and nicotine dependence that are normally so problematic for those who quit smoking. It is widely accepted that exercise has a positive influence on those trying to quit smoking, with even a daily five minute walk helping to reduce cravings. Moderate exercise can help significantly and even more so, yoga. This is because yoga surpasses other physical fitness routines on account of its being so much more than a physical routine. It involves exercise and stretching, in combination with meditation and introspection, enabling the practitioner to derive tranquility and inner peace. It inculcates physical strength but more importantly it builds your inner strength, focus and will power, enabling you to ward of any cravings much more effectively.

Breath control and exercises are an integral aspect of yoga practice and this fact makes it even more relevant to smokers. Many people find smoking relaxing, mainly because of the inhaling and exhaling aspect that it encourages. Yoga encourages the same reflexes in its breath exercises, but without the nicotine. It therefore in a way compensates for the lost method of relaxation, with a far deeper and healthier relaxation. Breath exercises are commonly used as a stress reduction technique and physical exercise is also helpful for stress. Yoga being a combination of the two is so much more effective and can calm the senses, improve circulation, and stimulate the central nervous system.

Apart from the fact that yoga helps smokers quit the habit it also minimizes the damage and helps restore health. Yoga practices improve your lung capacity and also strengthen them, alleviating the ill effects of smoking to a certain extent.

Yoga for Relaxation | Meditation and Relaxation

Yoga Relaxation

Yoga relaxation is a concept that we are all familiar with. You may wonder what this discipline that seems to revolve around stretching and contortions has to do with relaxation, but will be pleasantly surprised. Physical poses course are just one aspect of the powerful relationship between yoga and relaxation. Relaxation can be defined as a state of complete serenity and calm when there is no physical or mental activity. This is a natural method of rejuvenation, and is necessary for all of us to function to our highest capabilities. Actions, whether conscious or not utilize energy and disrupt or prevent relaxation.

There are a variety of relaxation techniques today to beat stress and relax completely. These include controlled breathing, physical movement, stretching, meditation, and mental imagery. Yoga deep relaxation is the most effective for the simple reason that it employs all of these techniques in its regular practice. A yoga relaxation routine includes gentle asanas or physical postures, breath exercises or pranayam, meditation and kriyas and mudras. Some of these yoga relaxation techniques can even be practiced whilst at work, or while travelling, when you feel the stress get to you.

Meditation and Relaxation

Meditation is in fact recognized as one of the useful methods of relaxing, as it empowers you to consciously and willfully relax your mind and body. Mental stress and physical or muscular stress, both inhibit relaxation. The combination of yoga relaxation poses, breath technique, and meditation is truly incredible as it promotes a complete deep sense of tranquility and relaxation. All of these techniques work in isolation, but in yoga they are required to be performed in perfect synchronization, and this in fact enhances their effectiveness, as all our senses are inter dependent.

When you practice yoga and stretch those muscles, it helps to relieve stress and tension that builds up in the muscles. This is an effective and accepted technique for stress relief. Breath control techniques also promote muscular relaxation, and facilitate mental relaxation. Meditation is achieved with both poses and breath techniques and helps you achieve deep relaxation and tranquility. It also strengthens your mind and helps you develop the ability to willfully and consciously relax when stressed.

Yoga deep relaxation may have the drawback in that it requires a lot of dedication. But nothing can be achieved if there is no dedication or determination. Yoga may be demanding but it is also very flexible and can be adapted according to the abilities and needs of the practitioner. Many popular methods used for relaxation are in fact derived from or inspired by yoga relaxation techniques.

Yoga for Heart Disease | Exercise for the Heart

Yoga for heart disease is one of the most effective treatments in terms of lifestyle and physical fitness. It has an undeniably effective role in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowers the risk of heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. It has a direct influence on the hypothalamus, which controls endocrine activity, helping prevent attacks. Indirectly too the lifestyle that yoga promotes is one that is conducive to heart health, as it reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and improves the various bodily functions. For this reason many health care providers recommend yoga for heart patients.

Heart disease has become a sign of our modern times and is in fact the leading cause of death. This is a largely psychosomatic problem triggered by unhealthy lifestyles, faulty diets and general negativity and stress. The relationship between the mind and body can not be understated as our emotions and thoughts have a marked effect on physical health. This relationship is most notable with heart disease. Yoga being a holistic discipline does not just focus on one area of the problem but takes a dynamic approach addressing both physical and mental health. Whether you suffer from heart disease or not it would be wise to take up yoga for heart health.

A yoga session involves the practice of physical postures or asanas, breath control or pranayama, and meditation. Just as physical, mental, and emotional or spiritual health are inter-dependent, the practices of yoga also work in a synchronized manner and are not meant to be practiced in isolation. The various poses and breath control techniques are practiced in harmony and also help to facilitate meditation. Here are some useful yoga poses for heart health.

• The Mountain Pose or Tadasana is a balanced standing pose and a great starting point or foundation for any other standing pose. Make sure that you stand with heels and toes together, but with the toes spread. Distribute your weight evenly. Raise yourself by pulling up the calf muscles, thighs and hips. Pull in your stomach and stretch your chest, neck and spine. Allow your fingers and hands to drop.
• The Warrior Pose is another effective pose that you can move in to from the Mountain Pose. Switch to completely stretched legs and arms, horizontally. Rotate your feet outwards, the right slightly more than left. Bend your right knee, bringing the thigh parallel to the ground, whilst keeping the alignment of your body unaltered.

In addition to the above mentioned yoga poses for heart health you can also practice the Triangle Pose, Tree Pose, Lotus Pose, Bow Pose, and Cow Pose to name a few. A practice routine that includes these practices could rightfully be labeled as ‘yoga for the heart’.

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Resource: Estrogen Balance Reverses Estrogen Dominance, Reverses Prostate Enlargement, Reduces Risk of Cancer and Heart Attack.

Yoga for anger management | Tips & Techniques

Anger Management Techniques

Aggression may be a human emotion that is normal to experience. But in many situations it can be a lot more than a simple emotion, and can in fact give way to serious repercussions. Anger management techniques have come to be widely used by psychologists and counselors the world over. Anger at a normal level is manageable and normal, but some of us have explosive tempers and anger issues that can be a cause for serious concern. Anger problems can be devastating for relationships creating constant tension, and there is also the constant danger of physical violence stemming from uncontrollable anger. For this reason anger problems need to be treated seriously before it gets out of hand.

How to control your anger?

Anger management exercises help significantly and can enable you to calm down whenever you feel yourself loosing control over your emotions. The best strategy however is to use yoga for anger management. The numerous anger management tips and exercises that are a part of conventional wisdom are useful to calm down when you realize you are loosing control and use them to get a grip on your anger. They are however not as effective as yoga as their effects are not very far reaching. Anger is often suppressed but this is just as bad as it just takes you closer to an explosive fit of anger, as the pressure builds up. Merely steering past situations that crop up does not help if you continue to simmer within. This is why it helps to use yoga for anger management.

Yoga and Anger Management

An anger management exercise routine is ideally one that helps you calm down and gives you greater control over your emotions. Moreover it should also comprise of individual exercises or tips that you can use when you feel yourself loosing control. This means that the therapy should address both the anger problem itself and the symptom of the condition, which would be the uncontrollable bursts of rage or violence. This makes yoga the best form of anger management as it is a holistic discipline that concerns itself most importantly with a higher level of awareness and spirituality. Its practices that ensure physical health and mental health are a means to this end. It therefore calms and relaxes your senses and the mind and also trains your minds and emotions. Self control, awareness, and focus are of the utmost importance in any yoga routine. Yoga hones and cultivates these skills, while building on physical strength, stamina, endurance, and balance.

Yoga practices whether as an anger management routine or otherwise comprise of physical poses and breath techniques. These are practiced in combination, and help in the practice of meditation. Meditation and breath exercises are in themselves great tools for anger management, even in specific situations that may trigger an outbreak. In the long term though, regular practice of the complete yoga session creates the awareness necessary to recognize and understand your emotions, while it also cultivates discipline and self control, enabling you to keep those emotions in control, rather than have them control you.

Yoga Exercise for Scoliosis | Cure for Scoliosis

Scoliosis Exercises

A cure for scoliosis that is lasting may still be elusive, but there is new hope for scoliosis patients in the discipline of yoga. Many patients have turned to yoga as a regimen of exercise for scoliosis, either as alternative therapy or even as complimentary therapy, supplementing bracing or surgery. While the practice of yoga may not magically reverse the scoliosis curvature, it does increase strength, reduce pain, and even reduce the extent of the curvatures. It is in fact quite a widely accepted fact that yoga helps patients live happier, more wholesome, physically active, and engaging lives, and may even prevent the progression of a curve.

Scoliosis is a condition that causes spinal deformity and rib displacement. The curvatures and deformity in the spine cause twists in the shoulders and hips, causing a shift in the center of gravity. While those descriptions are cosmetic, the affects are not restricted to appearances, and can cause severe pain and cardiopulmonary complications, as the structural changes create pressure on the heart and lungs. While braces and surgery are common conventional treatments scoliosis exercises are also recommended by many doctors. Conventional exercises help reduce scoliosis related problems, but yoga has been found to be the most beneficial as it also remedies the problem of uneven curves.

Yoga for Scoliosis

The practice of, asanas or physical postures from, yoga and scoliosis treatment go hand in hand because it facilitates a stretching of the body that helps promote a normal spine shape. While a personal yoga practice formulated for the specific needs of an individual patient are most beneficial there are also certain poses that have been found to be particularly useful in the treatment of scoliosis. These would include poses like the Supine knee chest twist, the Crocodile twist, and the passive back arch to name a few. While these yoga postures can offer great relief it remains important that you cultivate your own practice as you get better acquainted with the discipline, since no one else can really tell what you are experiencing. Your instructor would however be in the best position to guide you.

Yoga scoliosis therapy is not simply beneficial because of the obvious physical effects. It also helps psychologically, empowering patients and giving them hope and belief. This combination of physical healing and psychological benefits improves the quality of life. Any patient who takes up the practice of yoga for scoliosis must however have a great deal of commitment and dedication.

Yoga Remedies for Headache | Headache Relief

Yoga for Headache Relief

Yoga poses for headaches can help you go a long way to overcoming and coping with headaches. Whether a mild headache or a migraine attack, yoga techniques and practices can help to overcome and minimize the frequency of such occurrences. Yoga postures and breath exercises can be extremely calming and help to relieve stress, which is the biggest cause of headaches. Most headaches that we commonly experience are stress related. Sometimes however headaches may be of a more serious nature and in such situations the headache is simply a symptom. In these scenarios medical attention is necessary to determine the cause before the next course of action can be determined.

No matter which type of yoga you choose, all the yogic disciplines share something in common. They all comprise of the same practices and regimens it is only their strategy or manner of execution that differs. Any discipline of yoga is great for stress relief as the practice of yoga itself reduces stress and tension and promotes relaxation. Stress related headaches can therefore be relieved and even prevented or restricted through the regular and dedicated practice of yoga. Other headaches may have specific causes other than stress that again need to be treated. Headaches exercises that simply relieve the headache will not solve the problem as they are only temporary measures treating the symptom, but neglecting the underlying cause.

Types of headaches differ, depending on the cause, and the treatment also differs accordingly. Some headaches, like one caused by indigestion would of course require dietary changes and possibly changes in lifestyle as well. A sinus headache would do well with aromatherapy and yoga practices with emphasis on pranayam or breath techniques. The focus here is therefore on more general yoga headache treatments.

In the case of a common headache you can use pranayam like alternate nostril breathing to cool down the head. Practice of the sun salutation routine or surya namaskar on a daily basis is also believed to help minimize the occurrence of headaches. The best and most effective poses in yoga for headache are the Legs up the Wall pose or Viparita Karani, the Child Pose or Balasana, and the Corpse pose or Shavasana.

Stiffness of muscles in the area around the neck and shoulders is a major cause for frequent stress headaches. In usch cases you can practice yoga poses for headaches like the uttanasana or Forward Bend, the Downward Facing Dog pose or Adho Mukha Svanasana, the Cobra pose or Bhujangasana, the Bridge pose or Setu Bandasana and the Shoulder stand or Sarvangasana.

Yoga for Eyes Health | Yoga Eye Exercises

Yoga for Eyes

Yoga eye exercises are extremely useful for all of us, as our eyes are probably subjected to the maximum amount of stress and strain. The eyes are extremely sensitive and delicate and require a great deal of attention and care, but most of us tend to neglect this fact. As we age, and with the passage of time the eyes muscles begin to suffer wear and tear, and eyesight weakens as the muscles loose their elasticity. Stiffness also starts to set in and there is a diminished ability to focus on different distances. Moreover muscular tension in the region also adversely affects the brain contributing to stress and anxiety.

As with any other muscle groups, continuous usage with almost no rest causes exhaustion and a resultant deterioration in performance. When there is adequate rest or relaxation eyesight improves dramatically. Most of us are unfortunately under the illusion that sleep alone is adequate rest for the eyes ad to relieve stress. This is because we fail to take into account that the eyes are active even in the state of dreaming or REM. This means that the eyes and eye muscles may still be under stress. For this reason eye care and vision improvement exercises have become very sought after in recent years, as health care providers have started to raise awareness about eye care.

Vision Improvement Exercises

The use of yoga for your eyes may seem absurd to many, but it is in fact very practical and relevant. Most of us tend to see yoga as a mystical and mysterious ancient discipline that focuses on strange bodily contortions that promote flexibility and physical prowess. While this is in part true, yoga is not simply a physical fitness discipline. It takes a holistic approach and uses a variety of methods, including physical poses, breath exercises, meditation, lifestyle changes, and diet, to optimize your health – bodily, mentally, and spiritually. Yoga recognizes the importance of eye care and in fact has practices very similar to some of the vision improvement exercises recommended by conventional health care providers.

Palming and blinking are two of the most useful techniques that you can use from yoga for the eyes. Here’s how you can practice them:

• Blink your eye lashes frequently as this will help to moisten the eyes and also provide a brief respite to your eyes. Do this in a deliberate manner: As you blink imagine the eye lashes meeting, hold the eyelids closed briefly, before opening them slowly. Do this with a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling, in synchrony with your eyelid movements.
• Palming is an ancient yogic technique that promotes optic nerve relaxation and improves vision. Cup your palms over the eyes making sure that all light is blocked out completely. Picture the color black and breathe deeply, slowly and deliberately to promote complete relaxation.

Yoga contains many other techniques that can improve and maintain eyesight, but these are two of the simplest yoga eye exercises and they don’t even require any knowledge of yoga or any training in the discipline.