Practicing Yoga For Skeletal Health

Yoga has been used as a practice for furthering the health of mind, body and spirit for more than 5,000 years. Although yoga originated in the east, its appearance and place in western culture has increased in recent years. It has become a regular part of health and exercise routines for busy moms, earth-loving hippies and professional athletes alike. The benefits of regular yoga practice are many, but yoga for skeletal health is one of the most important and often overlooked reasons for practicing yoga.
When we think of getting into shape and being physically healthy, we usually think about toning and shaping our muscles, keeping off extra weight and maintaining the shape of our outward physiques, which yoga can certainly help us do. We don't always think about our bones, our spine and our skeletal system. Yet, our skeletal system is what holds the rest of it together. When things go wrong in our spine and joints, it's like falling apart from the inside out.
Let's explore some of the ways yoga practice can help the body stay structurally aligned so everything else can keep doing its beautiful job.
Yoga Helps Maintain Bone Density
The bones in the body contain living tissues that need to be built and replenished in order to be healthy. Regular yoga practice has been shown to increase the density and mass of the bones, giving the bones a better chance of staying strong and guarding against osteoporosis. Focus on tree pose, bridge pose or any triangle poses to help build bone strength.
Yoga Improves the Flow of Fluids in the Joints

In order for joints to work properly, they need to produce a fluid called synovial fluid. Regular practice of yoga poses promote the flow and production of this fluid in the body creating joint mobility and healthy cartilage for an active, healthy lifestyle. No one likes being slowed down by achy joints. Try sun salutations to stimulate the production and flow of needed fluids for the joints.
Yoga Strengthens the Supporting Muscles around the Joints
Yoga poses that target balance and stability cause the smaller stabilizer muscles around the joints to kick in and strengthen themselves. Strong stabilizer muscles around the joints protects them from misuse and injury during activity and movement in everyday life. Focus on chair pose, tree pose, eagle pose and star pose for building the supporting muscles around the joints.
Yoga Improves Posture
Regular practice of yoga poses is one of the best ways to align and lengthen the spine. It also strengthens the core and brings awareness to the way we are holding our bodies. Many people who practice yoga regularly report having increased awareness of their posture in other daily activities. Try bridge pose, boat pose, mountain pose and forward bends for good posture.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Practicing-Yoga-For-Skeletal-Health&id=8779574

Making scents: 12 mood-boosting smells

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Lacking energy? Need to chill out?

Forget diamonds; a girl’s cheer-making best friend is none other than the humble lemon – new research from Radox has revealed that 34% of British women turn to a citrusy whiff when in need of a pick-me-up.

But lemons are not the only scent with the power to change our disposition.

Our olfactory glands are scientifically proven to be 10,000 times more sensitive than our sense of taste, so many aromas – even unassuming ones – can have an instant impact on our mood. So, if you want to…

Feel happy

Lemons have some impressive contenders when it comes to making you feel cheerful. The tropical jasmine flower might be diminutive, but its wonderfully floral fragrance is so powerful at stimulating feelings of optimism, it’s often used as an anti-depressant.

And what about that universally-loved aroma of freshly-cut grass? Researchers in Australia have discovered that this verdant smell not only makes you happier, it can also slow down mental decline in old age. They’ve even created a perfume that mimics the smell of a cut lawn for those who can’t be bothered to get the mower out.

Calm down

Lavender is well known for its sleep-inducing properties, but it can also be an effective stress-buster. So, if you’re having a particularly busy day at work, this lilac sprig will do wonders to calm you down.

Oranges are also known for their calming effects; in fact, in a recent study by Brazilian scientists, participants who were asked to sniff orange essential oils before an exam were shown to be a lot less anxious, and the feeling of relaxation even remained after the exam (not really surprising).

Become more energised

We’ve all experienced that mid-afternoon lull, so it’s not surprising that the one factor that both men and women agreed on in the Radox survey was that they are most in need of a mood boost at 3.56pm. But next time you’re flagging, eschew that cup of builder’s brew and bask in the aroma of a peppermint tea instead.

An American study revealed that peppermint inhalers gave university basketball players more energy, speed and motivation. Reebok even got on the bandwagon and released a peppermint-scented range of sports bras (yes, really).

Feel more brainy

Spices are known for stimulating endorphins when eaten, but the heady smell of cinnamon alone can help with cognitive processes including your memory, motor responses and ability to concentrate.

Alertness and memory can also be improved by rosemary, so make sure to turn to this humble herb when in need of an extra boost of brainpower.

 http://www.silversurfers.com/health/wellbeing-health-articles/making-scents-12-mood-boosting-smells/

Depression In Women

On contrary belief, depression is very common in our community and many do not seek help until it is too late. According to a recent study, about 15 million people in America suffer from depression each year. Two thirds out of the total number are women. This means one in every four women is likely to experience depression at one point in their lives. Although depression does not discriminate between genders, causes and symptoms for depression in women often differs from men. Knowing how to identify these factors can help you to minimize the risk of falling into depression and seek effective treatment.

Depression in women can be very serious. It affects every aspects of your life; relationships, social life, and career. Sufferers often experience sadness as well as a sense of helplessness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Besides that, women with depression disorder tend to feel guilt, feel irritable, cry excessively, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeping trouble, having difficulty in concentrating, headaches and loss of interest in everyday things including sex. Serious symptoms of depression in women may include suicidal thoughts. However, symptoms for depression can vary from one individual to another.

There are a few contributing factors for depression in women. The National Institutes of Health has identified certain biological, interpersonal, psychological, and personality determinants can lead to depression. A woman who has a family history of mood disorders is more likely to catch this disorder. Apart from that, losing the support from family and friends especially parents before the age of 10 is another cause for depression in women.

Stressful environments that affect women psychologically and socially such as relationship problems, divorce, and the loss of a job can also lead to depression. Other contributing factors of this disorder include physical and sexual abuse during childhood as well as the usage of certain medications.

As mentioned in this article earlier, depression can be different between men and women. Based on scientific research, depression in women usually happens earlier. It can also be due to stressful environments, tend to last longer, and reoccur again even after treatment. Besides that, depression among women is more likely to take place during winter months because they are sensitive towards seasonal changes.

Furthermore, depressed women tend to have suicidal thoughts but attempt to commit suicide less than men. Apart from that, women who are depressed have a higher probability of abusing substances such as alcohol and drugs.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Depression-In-Women&id=8779223

Simple stress busters

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Stress isn’t just a passing feeling. It’s also linked with serious health conditions, including heart disease, digestive problems, autoimmune diseases and depression.

So, instead of shrugging it off, it’s important to treat stress like the serious condition it is. Developing ways to cope with stress won’t only make you feel better, but it might actually prevent more damaging health conditions down the road.

Need inspiration? Here’s our simple stress busters to help you feel right as rain…

Get moving

It may feel like the last thing you want to do, but forcing yourself to get some exercise is a highly effective way to reduce your stress and improve your mood. Join a gym, sign up for a yoga class, cycle to the shops or simply take a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood. Before you know it, those natural endorphins will help lift that stress off your shoulders.

Take a bubble bath

Lounging in a hot bath relaxes the muscles and helps put the mind at ease. Adding scented oils or salts – infused with lavender, sandalwood, eucalyptus or chamomile – is also known to relieve stress and calm the senses.

Pick up the phone

Perspective is a powerful stress reliever. Your ‘to do’ list may be turning into a ‘to do’ scroll, but it helps to remember that none of the tasks are a matter of life or death. Calling a friend is a good way to turn the focus away from your own problems and gain some much-needed perspective.

Get some sleep

Lack of sleep can amplify anxiety; so pay attention to that circadian clock of yours. Give yourself 45 minutes to wind down before bedtime, with a book, a bath or any screen-free activity you find relaxing. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and your body will reward you with the deep sleeps it needs.

Work through your ‘to do’ list

Even small tasks add up, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with commitments and deadlines. Instead of focusing on the entirety of your workload, try to systematically tick things off your ‘to do’ list one by one. The stress and guilt that come with procrastination are best cured through productivity. So, get to work—no excuses!

Eat a healthy meal

Anxiety isn’t fun. Anxiety on an empty stomach is even worse. A nutritious diet, full of wholegrains, leafy greens and protein, will give your brain the vitamins and minerals it needs to cope with stressful situations. You may also want to avoid foods that are known to trigger stress, including butter, cheese, nuts, sugar, and caffeine. Most importantly, don’t skip meals! Eating regularly will help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent your mood from taking a turn for the worse.

Turn off your phone

In spite of all their virtues, smartphones are incredible stress inducers. It’s easy to forget that we don’t have to respond to every email immediately just because we can. Instead, give yourself a break from your phone for a bit. Turn it off in the evenings (or at least put it in silent mode) and enjoy some ‘screen-free’ time instead (reading, knitting, a hot bath, etc.).

Breathe deeply

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. It sounds cliché, but deep breathing has been proven to help ease our overactive stress response systems. Whilst we may have adopted shallower breathing habits over time, taking deep, abdominal breaths is a highly effective way to ease stress. Imagine your belly is a balloon. Inflate it slowly with each inhale, and release the air with a powerful, audible exhale. Don’t stop until you’re feeling better.

http://www.silversurfers.com/health/wellbeing-health-articles/simple-stress-busters/

Benefits of Fasting As One of the Best Detox Methods

Many people are afraid of going on a fast because this is not seen as the norm. I believe that if you don't experience a fast then you're really missing out. Your body will heal at a greater rate through fasting, and the benefits of fasting are astounding.

When you fast, your body goes into a detoxification process. So this means that you may feel average or not the best earlier on as your body is dumping toxins and garbage into your bloodstream for removal that have been accumulating in your body over time.

The bad feelings you may experience earlier on in your fast may include moodiness, hunger pains, light headedness, tiredness and headaches to name a few. Everyone is different, so what and when you experience these and other feelings will differ from one person to the next. However this improves over a day or two.

On the other hand, the benefits of fasting are amazing. It's actually a little difficult to explain unless you've experienced it yourself. However, once you get over that "bad" period, you'll feel much better. Here are just 5 benefits of fasting:

1. You'll have more energy - I've had a number of people tell me they are amazed by how much more energy they have just by fasting on juice or water. Your body spends less time processing solids and your body is less burdened so you gain the benefit of more energy.
2. You'll have more clarity of mind - You'll find that finding solutions to problems or doing those crossword puzzles will be much easier than before. It's like your mind has been recharged.
3. Your senses will be heightened - For example, if you go to a market and smell the fresh produce or walk past a restaurant, you will notice that the different aromas are far more pungent than before a fast. Unfortunately the bad smells are more noticeable too!
4. You will see cosmetic benefits - You'll experience cosmetic benefits such as clearer skin, your eyes are more brighter, your hair has more vibrancy and you could even have less wrinkles!
5. Weight loss - although fasting really is the best detox, it also helps if you are wanting to lose weight. When doing an extended fast an average of 0.5 kgs (1.1lbs) can be lost per day. Sometimes more sometimes less, depending on your body, weight as well as how you are fasting, such as if you're doing a water or juice fast.

There are plenty more benefits to fasting.

I've helped people to overcome a range of health issues from weight loss, to chronic conditions including Ross River Fever, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Type II Diabetes to name just a few... I've even helped people who couldn't conceive for years to conceive. Unfortunately many medical professionals and even your family and friends will influence you to not undertake a fast, because they believe that abstaining from foods is bad for you. And I'm sure most of them haven't even fasted themselves so they don't understand the benefits.

You will never have felt so good on a fast, especially if you go for extended periods of say 7 days or more. The ancients knew fasting as the doorway to healing and great health, and I consider this to still be correct to this day.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Fasting-As-One-of-the-Best-Detox-Methods&id=8770562

Yoga For Healing And What It Provides

Yoga has risen in popularity because of its ability to create long, lean muscles and increase flexibility. But what the current culture is overlooking is the thousands of years yoga has been used to heal various ailments. Yoga for healing is a very real practice that has been proven to provide various physical and mental healing powers.
What Yoga Does for the Body
A large study was performed on breast cancer survivors to gauge the biological effects of asana on the body. Half of the group didn't practice, while the second half took classes twice a week. Of course, participants who regularly practiced reported less stress and fatigue after their chemo treatments. But the study didn't stop with the psychological effects. Ohio State University, who was in charge of the study, used the virology, immunology, and medical genetics department to measure participants' cytokines, a blood protein that serves as a marker for inflammation. At the end of the twelve week study, the group who attended classes regularly saw a 10 to 15% decrease in inflammation.

While there's no concrete evidence as to why yoga has such profound anti-inflammatory effects, the research team has a theory. It's no secret that cancer treatment and the ensuing recovery can be incredibly stressful. Patients undergoing cancer treatments report that the stress and worry often lead to sleepless nights, further increasing their stress. Stress has long been shown to increase the body's inflammatory response, possibly explaining the decrease in inflammation with yoga because of its ability to help people relax, unwind, and sleep better.
Healing from Trauma
Unfortunately, the human brain absorbs traumatic and negative experiences like a thirsty sponge, while deflecting positive events like a Teflon pan. It isn't any wonder that trauma can be so incredibly destructive to the human psyche. Whether it was a violent event, a particularly difficult loss, or even the constant worry that something bad is going to happen, the mind can soak these in and internalize them as trauma. A three year Natural Institute of Health (NIH) study focused on yoga and its healing powers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women who were diagnosed with PTSD regularly practiced yoga and at the end of the 10 week study, several women no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Other participants had a 30% decrease in intrusive thoughts.

Oftentimes, trauma victims fear the physical sensations in their body. For people who experienced abuse or neglect as children, they often don't know what it's like to have a healthy relationship or perception of their body. In yoga based therapy sessions, practitioners guide their patients through a combination of talk and asana therapy. The yoga helps them differentiate between the sensations that go on inside the body versus what's stimulating them on the outside. It teaches them that negative sensations are only temporary, meaning any negativity that comes up from trauma can be controlled and eliminated with some careful work. Finding a feeling of safety in the body allows them to realize that their body can be a safe place again for them, and this can be gradually achieved through yoga for healing.
Yoga is so much more than exercise. It's a pathway to allow people with varying ailments to find a way to work with their bodies again and learn to heal themselves both physically and mentally.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Yoga-For-Healing-And-What-It-Provides&id=8780936

Different Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

In addition to drinking aloe Vera juice to help with weight loss there are many other health benefits. Since ancient times the healing properties of aloe Vera have been known to man. Because of its healing touch the aloe Vera plant has been honored with titles like The Natural Healer and The Miracle Plant. It belongs to the lily family and is grouped under Xeroids which is a class of plants that can conserve water by opening and closing their pores. The most favored aloe Vera plant for using for medicinal purposes are the Spanish Aa'vila or Aloe Barbadensis.

Benefits of drinking aloe Vera juice

• Adaptogen-drinking the juice is believed to increase resistance to stress, fatigue, anxiety, and trauma.
• Healing accelerator-the juice contains vitamins C, E, and B and acts as a healing accelerator for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.
• Antimicrobial-the antipruritic action helps to relieve skin rashes, itchiness, poison ivy, and itching associated with sunburn.
• Dilates capillaries-it helps to relax your capillaries which promotes nutrient and blood supply which in turn can help to lead to the healing of diseases of the skin,
• Immune system support-the juice works with your immune system to help inhibit spreading in some types of cancer and reduces tumor mass
• Moisturizes-the chemical composition of aloe Vera juice enables it to penetrate your skin faster than water and the vitamin E that is present in aloe Vera juice helps to improve skin conditions.
• Natural cleanser-the juice contains long-chained sugar molecules and mucopolysaccharies which enter the membranes of your cells to help nutrients like water and electrolytes to enter your cells and flushes out toxins. Both of these actions help to enhance your energy levels and metabolism.
• Pain inhibitor-anthraquinones and salicylic acid are analgesic properties of aloe Vera juice and they help put a check on the growth and spread of bacteria and help to relieve pain.
• pH factor of skin-drinking the juice helps to maintain the pH balance of your skin, which is between four point five and five point five. Maintaining the pH balance of your skin helps in fighting fungi and bacteria.
• Digestion-when you drink the juice each day it can help to initiate the process of loosening and discharging of waste material that are attached to the inner lining of your colon like bacteria and undigested food residue.
• Anti-inflammatory properties-for people who are suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis drinking a glass a day can help with the pain and stiffness of their muscles along with helping alleviate the pain. It also can help with regenerating tissues of your joint muscles.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Different-Benefits-of-Drinking-Aloe-Vera-Juice&id=8763953