BENIFITS OF MEDITATION

1. Happiness. Meditation can help us to cultivate a real abiding happiness. Meditation allows us to be in tune with our inner self. When we live in the heart we can experience a sense of oneness with others, this brings a happiness that does not depend upon outer events.

2. Inner Peace. Most people would like to experience more inner peace in their lives; at times peace feels an elusive quality because our lives are so hectic. Meditation teaches us how to switch off from the noise of the mind, we no longer give importance to the teeming thoughts which fly through our mind. Through meditation we can gain a clear state of mind; this is the secret of feeling a real inner peace.

3. Health Benefits. There have been numerous studies showing a link between meditation and improved physical health. Meditation is a practical solution to relieve stress. When we relieve stress we help to reduce our blood pressure and heart related diseases.

4. Simplicity. Meditation helps to simplify our lives. When we live in the mind we can feel life is nothing but teeming problems and worries. Through learning to meditate we find we can get joy from appreciating the simplicity of life.
“Meditation simplifies our outer life and energizes our inner life. Meditation gives us a natural and spontaneous life, a life that becomes so natural and spontaneous that we cannot breathe without being conscious of our own divinity.”

5. Living in the Present. When we analyse the thoughts that go through our mind we find that many of them are dealing with the past or present. We are either fearful of the future or ruminating on the past. However by dwelling on the past or future, it means we are unable to live in the present moment. When we meditate we are completely in the here and now. Meditation teaches us to appreciate life as it is; we learn to value our present circumstances.

6. Better Relations with Others. Often we can have minor conflicts with other people because we dwell on minor faults of the other person. Whether it is justified or not, it is a common source of unhappiness and division. Meditation teaches us to give no importance to minor thoughts. When we meditate powerfully we develop a sense of oneness with other people; we naturally look to their good qualities. Their minor faults seem unimportant.

7. To discover a real sense of who we are. Our intellectual mind can seek to discover the answer to many questions, but the one question of who am I? always remains unanswered. To discover our real self; to be aware of our own soul we have to go beyond the mind. It is in meditation that we can become aware of a living spiritual presence. When we find this we feel a new purpose in life.

Health Benefits of Breathing

By optimizing one's breathing and creating the correct internal and energetic balance, physiological changes occur through increased oxygenation, breathing coordination and nervous system balance. This affects the entire human organism and its billions of functions, including all of the subtle energy systems such as meridians, chakras and aura(s).
Our clients and the clients of colleagues using similar breathing specialty techniques have collectively helped several hundred thousand people throughout the world over the last 30 years. Most of them had one or two other diagnosed conditions that were improved simultaneously. For example, as the list of asthmatics treated with the breathing specialist techniques grows, the practitioners find that more and more people are reporting not only a reduction in their asthma symptoms, but also a reduction in symptoms and ailments with other diagnosed conditions.
Even people with no health concerns who have never been sick a day in their life are learning that by developing Optimal Breathing, they can look better, feel more rested, get more done and have more fun, and live a lot longer.
Not necessarily in order of priority.
· THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Gives you more energy. (chi, life force, prana, kundalini, elan vital, pneuma.)
Reduces mental and physical fatigue.
Reduces chest pains due to tight muscles, thus the tension causing anxiety of "heart attack potential" is reduced.
Aids in relief of many long term respiratory difficulties such as asthma and bronchitis.
Reduces need for artificial stimulants and many harmful prescription drugs.
Opens up the chest to make breathing easier and fuller which facilitates strengthening of the life force, emotional stability and mental clarity to feel more energetic, strengthen coping skills, increased positive energy, and strengthened sense of self.
Helps eliminate waste matter.
· CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Improves blood circulation and relieves congestion.
Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. Major organs such as brain, and eyes need copious oxygen.
Eases the strain on the heart by increasing oxygen to the heart.
Helps increase the supply of blood and nutrients to muscle blood and bones.
· THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Better breathing can calm or stimulate the nervous system, balance or unbalance brain hemispheres, depending on the technique.
Better breathing opens up and balances subtle energy systems affecting all the body.
· THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Diaphragmatic action acts as a pump to massage the internal organs, aiding their *function. "Rest, digest, and heal."
· THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Helps push the movement of lymph throughout the body which helps eliminate toxic waste and strengthen the immune system.
· THE URINARY SYSTEM
Shallow breathing puts stress on other organs of elimination.
Better breathing can reduce edema (swelling of the body) by eliminating fluids through the breath.
*Massaging the kidneys for instance can cleanse the blood and tonify the entire system.
· THE SKIN
Given a complex carbohydrate diet, toxic CO2 waste is eliminated more directly through breath.
Wrinkles can be lessened due to improved circulation and blood oxygen flow.
Radiant skin is observable and more pleasing to look at.
· BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT
Relax deeper.
Look more rested.
Feel nurtured and accepted.
Become more connected with one’s deepest core sense of self.
Have more fun.
Open up more to more kindness and being loved.
· MOVEMENT
Relaxes muscle spasm and relieves tension.
Releases and reduces muscular tension that eventually may cause structural problems.
Helps increase flexibility and strength of joints; when you breathe easier you move easier.
Facilitates stretching of connective tissue, which prevents formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of fibrosis (stringy tissues).
It invites internal sensing of optimal posturing that maintains body balance which supports ease of breathing including CO2 elimination.
Helps to prevent muscle adhesions and fibrosity.
Can partially compensate for lack of exercise and inactivity due to habit, illness, or injury.
Able to recover faster from stress and exertion.
From Candace PertThe peptide-respiratory link is well documented: Virtually any peptide found anywhere else can be found in the respiratory center. This peptide substrate may provide the scientific rationale for the powerful healing effects of consciously controlled breath patterns.
Mind doesn't dominate body; it becomes body. Body and mind are one. I see the process of communication we have demonstrated, the flow of information throughout the whole organism, as evidence that the body is the actual outward manifestation, in physical space of the mind. Bodymind. At this molecular level there really was no distinction between the mind and the body.Molecules of Emotion, Candace Pert

Why do we fast?"

Each year at this time the question of fasting arises. Though the Church offers us numerous opportunities for fasting, this practice is especially emphasized and stressed as an important aspect of our Lenten journey towards Great Week and the Pascha of the Lord. Often fasting is referred to as one of the four hinges of a true and faithful lent — together with prayer, almsgiving and confession.
Rules and obligations regarding fasting have certainly changed throughout the centuries. Originally the fast for Pascha consisted of a Eucharistic fast of one day only. Later the Bishops of the Church in various localities, called for a forty-day fast, and this was accepted throughout the Christian world. The period of forty days was chosen in imitation of the example set by Our Lord Himself Who, after His Baptism in the Jordan, withdrew to the wilderness where He fasted and was tempted for forty days. Perhaps one of the origins of the Great Fast came from the practice of the monastic communities in and around Jerusalem. These holy fathers and mothers withdrew from community life for forty days and, in strict imitation of Christ, went into the desert regions. Their only food was dried bread and water, and their chief occupation was ceaseless prayer. Remember that the monks and nuns fasted from animal foods throughout the year, so their forty-day fast before Easter took on a special seriousness and intensity.
In time each particular Church developed its own observance and rules for fasting. In the West, for example, fasting often meant eating two small meals and only one full meal. Abstinence meant eliminating meats and dairy products from one’s diet. Inmost of the Eastern Churches, fasting consisted of abstinence from food from the evening until the following noon. And abstinence included eliminating meat, dairy products, fish, wine and oil. And there have always been variations in these rules. St. Benedict in the West, for example, decreed that poultry did not break the rules of abstinence from meat.
In our time and in our Melkite Church, emphasis has been taken away from the letter of the law. Indeed, the obligation of law for fasting and abstinence has been greatly reduced from all the days of the Great Lent, to only the first day, Clean Monday, and Good Friday. Nevertheless the Church recommends fasting and reminds us of its importance in the spiritual life of the Christian. To return to the question “ Why do we fast?” we must say first of all, we fast in imitation of Christ. Fasting was used by Our Lord during the time of His spiritual struggle against the Enemy before He began His public ministry. And we, engaged in the same struggle, are offered this powerful weapon. The Church reminds us that Jesus, by beginning His public ministry, called together a community of disciples, and set out on the journey towards Jerusalem — that is, towards His arrest, passion, death and glorious Resurrection.
We can say that we fast because it is part of our tradition. This Tradition is not a mere collection of practices and customs. It is the life-giving fountain of our Faith which includes the Holy Scriptures, the Sacred Mysteries, the Creed and Councils, the teachings of the Fathers. In other words, it is the heritage of the faithful who continue that community of discipleship first formed by Our Lord. If we take our faith and our heritage seriously, we must include this practice of physical self-denial which was recommended and commanded by the Church Bishops in every age. It is given to us not as a punishment or a mere “practice,” hut as a tool. And the use of this tool is to assist us to gain self-mastery over our passions. And by this self-mastery, with God’s help, we gain freedom.
By limiting the amount of food we take, and the times when we eat, we curb our appetite. We do not permit our instinct to control us any longer. But we accept God’s invitation to have dominion over creation — beginning with our self. By abstaining altogether from certain classes of food simplify our life. Certainly by avoiding satiety we attain alertness in prayer and vigilance in our struggle against sin. Following the strict rule of eliminating meats and animal products from our diet is seen as a return to Paradise, where our first parents lived in harmony with Creator and creature, eating only vegetables and fruits. For it was only after the Flood that God permitted Noah and his family to eat meat. So the fast can also serve as a source of contemplation on nature our use of it, and our position as stewards in the whole scheme of God’s created world.
Above all, in fasting we should remember that it is a method, not an aim in itself. We embrace fasting as a discipline which will help us to pray, to imitate our Savior, and to practice charity and peace. No one fasts perfectly, even if he/she is able to follow all the rules. David reminds us in Psalm 50: “Sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit. A crushed and humbled heart God will not turn away.”

Yoga For Kids

Children today are under a lot of stress. Homework, pressure to compete with other children, endless after-school activities, over-scheduling -- it all adds up. And just like their parents, kids today are turning to Yoga to help them relax.
Teaching Yoga to children, I've seen how Yoga helps them develop better body awareness, self-control, flexibility and coordination. I've also seen how they can carry these skills beyond class and into their daily routines. For example, one of my students, Liza, a 10 year old, asked me what to do when she gets frustrated, like when her computer doesn't work properly. First, I asked her what she thought would help.
"Sometimes I do the child's pose when I've had a bad day" she said. I told her that was an excellent idea. We then talked about breathing exercises, such as the three-part breath, that could help her stay centered and calm in difficult situations throughout the day.
Yoga has also been shown to help the hyperactive and attention-deficit child. These children crave movement and sensory/motor stimulus. Yoga helps channel these impulses in a positive way. Yoga poses that seem to work especially well are the warrior pose and tree pose. They help instill calm, confidence and balance. The trick is to get beyond just "doing" the posture. I try to get them to think about what the postures mean, to become like the postures -- strong and confident like a warrior.
I use partner poses to develop trust. Working with each other on poses, the children develop team skills. It also fosters bonding.
When it comes to relaxation, some children have a difficult time closing their eyes while others can't get enough. I once had a 10-year-old boy ask me if we could have an extra long relaxation session as he wanted more time to relax. One technique that encourages relaxation is visualization. At first I may have them focus on belly breathing and listening to relaxing music. Then I may ask them to imagine that they are at the beach, playing their favorite sport, or doing some other activity that they like. At the end of the relaxation exercise, I encourage the children to share their own experiences.
Another approach is to create a guided visualization or story with a calming theme of some kind. For example, I may ask them to imagine themselves walking in a green pasture. "Notice the beautiful trees and the butterflies flying over head," I may say. "Smell the fresh air. Listen to the bluejays calling for their mates." The idea is to instill a sense of peace and feeling of oneness with nature.
In class, I also try to encourage input from the children. Most importantly, their ideas and questions are easily addressed to allow learning to take place
It is my wish that more and more Yoga teachers will choose to offer Yoga classes to young children. It is our dharma to teach children the meaning of union of mind, body and spirit. There is such a wealth of knowledge we can offer our children with the practice of Yoga. The simple chanting of OM makes their faces light up and smile.

Pranayam : How to do & Benifits.

Pranayam
Pranayama aims at bringing the involuntary functions of the respiratory mechanism within human control. The term pranayama has been constituted by two words: Prana + Ayama. Prana is the vital force which pervades the whole cosmos. Prana is more subtle than air and can be defined as the energy essence that is within everything in the universe. Prana is the principle of development and sustenance both of the nervous and cellular tissues of the body and the mind. In the process of breathing when the prana air is inhaled, definite action takes place. One is related to the ingestion of oxygen into the alveoli and the other to the ingestion of the nervous energy into the brain system. Ayama means to control or to give a rhythm or a definite flow. In this sense Pranayama may be defined as a process and technique through which vital energy can be stimulated and increased: and this brings about perfect control over the flow of Prana within the body. Pranayama is an exact science. Regulation of breathing, as a matter of fact, is natural. It hardly offers any scope of artificiality. The breath enters through the nose and depending on ones general health and strength of the lungs; it is retained inside and then is exhaled. This natural condition of intake and outflow of the breath goes on continuously and it is on this process that human life depends. The difference between this natural process and the 'Pranayama' is that in the former the inhalation and exhalation is not necessarily connected with the mind ; that process continues owing to the natural functioning of the heart and lungs. The inhalation and the exhalation are, hence, not of any set duration. In some person the inhalation may take a longer time than the exhalation and in some others the opposite may occur. In Pranayama, however, there is a systematic regulation of both the inhalation and exhalation. This is for the reason that the mind is joined to the action of inhalation and exhalation known as Puraka and Rechaka respectively in practicing the Pranayama. Hence their longer and shorter duration within a specified time has to be controlled. The result of this controlled inhalation and exhalation, both in respect of speed and time has a mere beneficial effect on the mind and the body than that of the natural process. Most of us who largely depend on the natural process will derive immense benefit on falling ill by controlled inhalation and exhalation. Such person should inhale slowly and exhale equally slowly in the beginning for 5 to 10 times depending on their strength and continue doing this morning and evening for 25 to 30 day. The natural inhalation is hence called "SWASHANA" or breathing and that inhalation and exhalation which is done extending time limit by applying the power of mind is called "DEERGHASWASHANA" or Pranayama.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRANAYAMA
Place for pranayama should be clean, peaceful and airy.
Pranayama should not be performed under a fan on full speed.
Pranayama should be done in morning hours preferably before the dawn.
Body must be cleansed before sitting for Pranayama.
Duration of Pranayama should be increased gradually and gradually.
One should not sit for Pranayama after meals. At least a gap of 3-4 hours is essential.
Pranayama should be practiced after Asans and before Meditation.
One should not strain the body.
PRANAYAMA: HOW TO DO IT
BHASTRIKA PRANAYAM Sit in Sukha Asana and take deep breathe so that your lungs are full with fresh air. Hold the air for a few seconds and release it through nose. Repeat this for 5-10 times till your breathing system is perfect.

KAPAL BHATI PRANAYAM Sit in Sukha Asana and take a deep breathe. Exhale the air by pushing the stomach inside and let the process of fresh air inhalation be done with least effort. Repeat this process of exhaling the air by pushing the stomach inside and inhaling fresh air with least efforts atleast 200 times or say for about 15 minutes. By doing this Kapal Bhati Pranayam for 15 minutes or more every day you can cure the following diseases.
Indigestion
Acidity and gas.
Obesity.
All other abdominal related diseases

BAGHI PRANAYAM Sit in Sukha Asana and exhale the air to the maximum possible level and try to move your stomach inside by pressure. Hold it for a few seconds then inhale fresh air. Again exhale the air as above and repeat the process for 10-15 times. By doing this Baghi pranayam you can cure all problems relating to abdominal and intestine.

ANULOM VILOM PRANAYAM Sit in Sukha Asana and take deep breathe with one nostril open and the other closed by use of your fingers. Now release the air by another nostril which was closed while inhaling the air and closing the other nostril by use of fingers. Take deep breathe by the nostril through which air was exhaled last time and exhale the air through another nostril. By doing this anulom vilom pranayam for about 15 minutes a day you can cure the following diseases:
Hypertension or high blood pressure
Diabetes
Migraine Pain.
Asthma
Bronchitis

BHRAMRI PRANAYAM A person should sit in Sukha Asana or dhyan asan , close his eyes , keep his fingers in such a way that three fingers cover the eyes and one finger gives a little pressure on the forehead . The thumb should cover the ears by giving the little pressure. Now he has to take deep breathe and release the air slowly through nose so that a sound similar to the humming of bees comes out . Repeat the process for about 15 minutes. By doing Bramari pranayam you can cure all diseases related to :
Ears
Nose
Throat
Eyes
Nervous system

UDGEET PRANAYAMA person should sit in Sukha Asana or dhyan asan, close his eyes, take deep breathe and release the air through mouth slowly that the sound of “OM” is pronounced. Repeat the process for about 15 minutes. By doing udgeet pranayam you can cure all diseases related to:
Nervous system
Throat

BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA
He who practices Pranayama will have good appetite, cheerfulness, handsome figure, good strength, courage, and enthusiasm, a high standard of health, vigor and vitality and good concentration of mind. Pranayama is quite suitable for the Westerners also. A Yogi measures the span of his life not by the number of years but by the number of his breaths. You can take in a certain amount of energy or Prana from the atmospheric air along with each breath. Vital capacity is the capacity shown by the largest quantity of air a man can inhale after the deepest possible exhalation. A man takes fifteen breaths in a minute. The total number of breaths comes to 21,600 times per day. Other benefits are as follows:-
It makes the life meaningful and social.
It keeps the man balanced in all the conditions and situations.
It helps in understanding the real nature of man and its relationships with the community.
It manages psycho physical diseases.
It put chain on the senses.
It makes the body healthy.
It helps in controlling the modalities of mind.
It gives opportunities to soul to flourish.
Intellectual development is accelerated.
Will power becomes strong through its practice.
It develops feelings of national and international well-being.

Can Exercise Maintained Diabetes ?

With a proper diet and regular exercise diabetes can not only be maintained, some even say that it can be reversed. For those suffering from this disease we talk about exercise not only as a means of weight reduction but because exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, increases insulin sensitivity and, along with proper nutrition, helps restore normal glucose metabolism by decreasing body fat. If you are suffering from Type 2 diabetes and are overweight it is recommended that you begin with low-impact exercises such as walking or stationary cycling. Another form of exercise, strength or weight training, also decreases body fat by raising the metabolism. Its main benefit for diabetics however is increasing glucose uptake by the muscles and enhancing the ability to store glucose. Exercise can mean the difference between "medical management" and "lifestyle management" of Type 2 diabetes.

Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial, but it's recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes a day engaged in some type of physical activity regardless if it is walking, gardening, swimming, or even running. Prior to beginning any exercise regimen it is recommended that you discuss it with your physician before hand to ensure there would be no medical complications. For example, if you have active retinopathy, your doctor may discourage you from participating in high-impact sports (jogging, diving, boxing), since they may precipitate bleeding into the eye.

The best time to exercise is one to three hours after eating, when your blood sugar level is likely to be higher. Measuring your blood-glucose level before and after exercise can be a motivator. If you use insulin, it's important to test your blood sugar before exercising. If the level before exercise is below 100 mg/dL, eating a piece of fruit or having a small snack will boost it and help you avoid hypoglycemia. Testing again 30 minutes later will show whether your blood glucose level is stable. Diabetics who play the "numbers game" commonly see a twenty percent decrease in their blood-glucose level after exercising. It is important to always wear a medical alert bracelet in case of any accident that may occur. This lets others know that you have diabetes and whether you take insulin. Also keep hard candy or glucose tablets with you while exercising in case your blood sugar drops precipitously.

If you have diabetes, there is no such thing a "just a little blister". An open sore can turn into a serious infection. Prior to exercising it is vital to make sure you have properly fitting footwear due to potential nerve damage that can affect your feet. Nerve damage in extremities can result in peripheral neuropathy, which may make your feet less sensitive to irritation and pain. As a result, you may not be aware of the discomfort of ill-fitting shoes, or you may not realize that you have suffered a foot injury, allowing the situation to worsen. Shoes should be comfortable, well-fitting and appropriate for the chosen exercise. Before putting on the shoes, check for pebbles or other small objects inside. Smooth, not nubby socks should be worn during exercise and changed after a workout. Sweaty socks increase the chance of getting athlete's foot. Feet are to be checked daily for scratches, cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. Immediately contact a doctor for ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, and cuts or sores that are not healing.

It is crucial that the exercise be fun and there is some variety. With a proper diet and regular exercise diabetes can be reversed.

How to Lose Weight

This is probably one question that we have all asked our friends and even ourselves more than once in our lives. For certain, there are a number of slimming pills and other medical procedures for belly fat reduction, but most people prefer to keep it simple and natural.While crash dieting may seem to be appealing to most people as the fastest way to lose fat, especially the youth and young professionals, it isn't exactly healthy to make your body feel like a yo-yo. Here are some quick weight loss tips on how to easily lose weight, without the need for pills:

1. Take out all condiments - yes, you read right. Don't use ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard - anything. They add extra calories which are a handful, mind you.

2. Drink more tea and more water - sodas are packed with sugar, the same as most juices. Stick with the basic water and tea to flush out and clean your stomach. It will also give you the feeling of being full, thus not making you crave for more food.

3. Use the stairs - you'll burn extra calories by going up instead of riding the elevator or escalator.

4. Walk more - so what if you have to walk an extra 3 blocks? That's simple exercise to burn those extra calories.

5. Eat more frequently - help your metabolism to speed up by eating more throughout the day. Instead of one big meal, small meals & snacks are more ideal. And stand up for about 30 minutes after eating for faster digestion.

6. Carry a basket - the next time you go shopping, carry your groceries - don't use the trolley. This will further burn your calories all throughout the day.

7. Sweat - don't be afraid to just sit at home, do the chores and sweat.Obviously, these tips require self-discipline if you really want to experience slimming weight loss. But with the right attitude and drive, you'll surely be losing weight and feeling better about yourself.

Yoga: A complete Package For Beauty

Yoga beauty fitness. How yoga helps?
Yoga helps you to attain your ideal body weight and gives you a proportionate body by removing excess weight from all body organs. It helps to improve flexibility and maintain correct posture for young looks. Detoxifying your body is most essential for beauty. Yoga improves blood circulation and helps to remove toxins from the body. Detoxification of alimentary canal through yogic kriyas helps optimum absorption of nutrients in your food.Yoga practice helps to provide nutrition at the cellular level. All the internal organs and particularly the endocrine glands gets activated and their functioning is optimised.Yoga practice helps to reduce the stress levels considerably andprovides complete relaxation. Yoga asanas and pranayama makes you free from disease by strengthening the immune system. Healthy body means healthy skin.
Yoga practice can specially benefit women to retain their natural beauty while coping up with menstrual problems, child birth, work and home stress etc. Most of the film personalities around the world practice yoga for years to retain their beauty and youthfulness. Yoga helps women to stay slim and active. So ideally start your day with yoga practice.

What are the main obstacles in the path of beautiful skin?
Insufficient nutrition due to faulty diet. Eating of foods like white flour, sugar, tea, coffee and soft drinks which are poor in nutrition and does not provide necessary nutrition. Sedentary lifestyle which leads to proper blood circulation and accumulation of toxins in our blood. Proper blood supply is essential for healthy skin. Improper cleansing, dirt and dust particles gets accumulated in our skin and clog sweat glands. Poor digestion or frequent constipation. Over-exposure to sun.

Yoga for beauty
Yoga asanas, pranayama and kriyas help to improve blood ciculation, detoxify your body and restore proper functioning of your body as well as endocrine glands.

Yoga for beauty : Poses

Asanas (yoga postures) help stimulate blood circulation through the entire body, some of them are specially designed to reduce tension and prevent you from stress. SuryanamaskarTrikonasanaYoga mudraPawanmuktasanaBhujangasanaUshtrasanaSarvanghasanaHalasana

Yoga for beauty : Pranayama

Pranayam practice provides us oxygen which is transported to our cells across the body through our blood. Practice pranayama at least for 30 minutes early in the morning in an open area or a green lawn.
Rhythmic deep breathingAlom Vilom Kapalabhati BhastrikaBhramri

Stress reduction for beauty
Deep breathing in shavasana after the yoga practice provides complete relaxation. Try yoga nidra after your yoga practice or before sleeping.

Meditation for beauty

Practice meditation for 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the time. If you know no other mediatation, practice om recitation by closing your eyes and concentrating on area between your eyebrows. Meditation will cool your nerves, improve your concentration and confidence.

Diet for beauty

Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Eat sattvik food as per yoga diet philosophy. Include plenty of fresh dark green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, milk, sprouts,nuts, whole grain cereals etc to your food. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables in raw form or enjoy fresh vegetable/fruit juices. Vegetable juices are a low calorie storehouse of nutrients. Eat a balanced diet and include handful of nuts. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and aerated drinks. Try to eat freshly cooked food as far as possible. Stop intake of processed and junk food. Here are some more tips on diet for beauty.
Zac Hawkins from Skin and Scalp Treatment . provides wonderful resources on skin and scalp treatment issues.

More Tips for glowing skin

Make water as your favourite drink. Drink plenty of water asit hydrates the skin and helps to remove toxins. It also helps topromote smooth bowel movements.
Be cheerful at all times. There is nothing better thanlaughter yoga in this regard.
Practice detachment and avoid excesses of food, drinks oremotions. Eat for nutrition and not for taste buds.
Follow an active and healthy lifestyle.
Clean and exfoliate your skin regularly. Use an effectivemoisturiser.
Get your body massaged periodically. Oil massage improvesblood circulation and improves the health of the skin.
Avoid over exposure to sun. Do remember to apply your sunscreen lotion.
An eight-hours sound sleep will help your body to replenish,regenerate and rejuvenate itself. Take rest at the end of the day. Do not skip sound sleep, as a restless mind often affects the overall health.

Can yoga for beauty make you a beauty icon in 2-3 weeks

Effectiveness of yoga for beauty also depends on frequent and regular practice. Devoting about half an hour daily to yoga, can help you improve your natural beauty.
Learning all the yoga asanas or poses from a qualified teacher will be safe and beneficial.
I have seen poor girls in Indian villages who are too beautiful. They do not have access to good nutrition, any gym or a yoga class. They are happy people who earn and work and with loving families and use mustard oil or coconut oil from cooking to massage and as a hair oil. Beauty is gift of god but you can do some efforts to improve or preserve what god has given you.

Benefits of Amla

Amla is the most potent . In fact, this tiny fruit has as much Vitamin C as two oranges. Vitamin C, when taken in the form of supplements, is not always easily absorbed. But when you eat an amla berry, the Vitamin C present is easily assimilated by body. So the next time you think of reaching for a supplement, think again and reach for an amla berry instead.

Vitamin C is an excellent anti-oxidant and as amla is so rich in Vitamin C, it has strong anti-oxidant properties and helps combat radicals. Free radicals are unstable ions in the body, responsible for ageing and cell degeneration. Amla stabilises these free radicals and is believed to be the most powerful rejuvenating agent known to man. Just like most berries, it is low in sugar and has a high fibre content, making it an ideal daily fruit for almost anyone. However, if you have a heart condition, you may want to check with your doctor before taking amla regularly. This is because amla stimulates the heart.

Iron and various other minerals are not always easily absorbed by the body. You require a certain combination of meals to reap maximum benefits from the food you eat. Unless you are a nutritionist or regularly consult one, chances are that you eat normal, regular food and try to stick to a healthy diet as far as possible. Although numerous people do manage to get adequate amounts of all essential minerals due to various combinations of food, just as many, don't. Amla is a fruit that enhances food absorption and thus helps you get the most out of the food you eat. It helps the body digest food better and assimilate minerals like iron. Another excellent digestive is ginger, but ginger tends to heat the body. Amla does not heat the body, and is gentler on the entire system. Regular intake of amla almost always results in a stronger, healthier digestive system and in improved overall immunity.

Amla also helps boost protein metabolism, so if you exercise and work out regularly you will benefit greatly from regular amla intake. Similarly, people who have a tendency to gain weight easily tend to have poor metabolism. The better your metabolism, the better the body's ability to burn fat and keep you slim. As amla enhances metabolism, it helps you lose weight faster.

Regular use of pain killers, antibiotics and medication, regular intake of alcohol, all cause toxin build-up in the liver. Amla helps strengthen the liver, and rid the body of these toxins. It thus helps purify and clean the blood. This is why amla is good for the skin, and if taken in combination with neem, it can help clear out pimples that are caused due to impure blood. In addition to the skin, amla is also great for the hair. It nourishes hair roots and is believed to prevent premature greying. Thus one often sees amla-based shampoos and oils. In addition, amla helps lower cholesterol, enhance vision, and strengthen the lungs and the respiratory system. It also strengthens the body's central nervous system. It is a gentle laxative and helps cure constipation. These are just some of the reasons to include an amla in your daily diet.

Sequnce of asana

If you want to start the asana then you can strat asana with this sequence .

Firstly do the Sun salutation then after

1. Tadasana - Mountain Pose

2. Uttanasana - Standing Forward Bend

3. Utthita-Trikonasana - Triangle Pose

4. Garudasana - Eagle Pose

5. Janu-Sirsasana - Head to Knee Pose

6. Ardha-Matsyendrasana - Half Spinal Twist

7. Gomukhasana - Cow Face Pose

8. Virasana - Hero Pose

9. Bhadrasana - Butterfly Pose

10. Matsyasana - Fish Pose

11. Paschimottanasana - Seated Forward Bend

12. Salamba-Sarvangasana - Shoulderstand

13. Halasana - Plow Pose

14.Balasana - Pose

15. Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose

16. Dhanurasana - Bow Pose

17. Ardha-Kapotasana - One Legged Pigeon Pose

18. Bakasana - Crane Pose

19. Savasana

SUN SALUTATION ,A COMPLETE PACKAGE OF EXCERCISES

Surya namaskara is a series of twelve physical postures. These alternating backward and forward bending postures flex and stretch the spinal column through their maximum range giving a profound stretch to the whole body.

Often, after a hard days work, we would just flop down on the couch * apparently * relaxing our bodies - but it is NOT so. The stagnant energies remain locked up and the organs remain de-oxygenated to a large extent.

Surya Namaskar has a deep effect in detoxifying the organs through copius oxygenation and has a deeper relaxing effect.

To list some of the benefits of Suryanamaskar:

Tones up the digestive system by the alternate stretching and compression of abdominal organs. It activates digestion and gets rid of constipation and dyspepsia.
Strengthens abdominal muscles.


Thoroughly ventilates the lungs, and oxygenates the blood.


Acts as detoxifying agent, by getting rid of enormous quantity of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.
Tones up the nervous system and improves memory.
Promotes sleep and calms anxiety.


Normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands - especially the thyroid gland.
Refreshes the skin. Prevents Skin disorders.
Improves muscle flexibility.


In women, stimulates the breasts to help firmness normally. Restores any lost elasticity, through stimulation of glands and the strengthening of pectoral muscles.


Suppresses menstrual irregularity and assists in easy childbirth.
Prevents loss of hair and graying.
Helps reduce fat.
Reduces abnormal prominence of the Adam's apple.
Eliminates unpleasant smells from the body.
Lends grace and ease of movements to the body.
Revives and maintains the spirit of youthfulness.
Broadens chest and beautifies arms.
Makes the spine and waist flexible.
Produces health, strength, efficiency and longevity.


Who should NOT do Surya Namaskar?


Pregnant women should not practice this after third month of pregnancy.


Patients of Hernia and high blood pressure are warned against this practice.


People suffering from back conditions should seek proper advice before commencing Surya Namaskar.


Women should avoid Surya Namaskar during menses.

How to do?
As mentioned Surya Namaskar is a flowing series of 12 yoga postures. These are described below.


Synchronizing the breath with the movements of the body is very important. The basic breathing principle is to inhale during backward bending postures and exhale during forward bending postures.

STEP OF SUN SALUATION

1. Pranamasana (Salutation posture)

Stand erect with feet together. Join the palms together in front of the chest. Concentrate on standing straight, steady and in a prayerful attitude. This posture helps to induce a state of introversion, relaxation and calmness. It activates the anahata chakra. Exhale fully.

2. Hastauttanasana (Raised arm posture)

Inhaling stretch both arms above the head, palms facing upward. Arch the back and stretch the whole body. This posture stretches the chest and the abdomen and lifts the Prana (energy) upward to the upper parts of the body propelled by inhalation. 3. Padahastasana (Hand to foot posture) Exhaling bend the body forward and down, keeping the spine straight. Avoid collapsing the chest or "over-rounding" the upper back. Keep the legs straight and perpendicular to the ground. The knees may be allowed to bend a little if needed. This posture massages the abdominal organs, especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals, uterus and ovaries. The power of digestion increases and female disorders such as prolapse and menstrual irregularities are relieved. A healthy flow of blood is sent to the spinal nerves as they are stretched and toned. The hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh and calf muscles are stretched and toned. Inversion increases blood flow to the brain. The Prana is channeled to the lower regions of the body propelled by exhalation. 4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture) On your next inhalation, extend the left leg back and drop the knee to the ground. The right knee is bent and kept between the hands and the right foot placed flat on the ground. Lift the spine and open the chest. Concentrate at the eyebrow center. 5. Parvatasana (Mountain posture) On the exhalation bring the right leg back to join with the left leg. Simultaneously raise the buttocks and lower the head between the arms, so that the body forms a triangle with the floor. Try to place the heels flat on the ground. Focus awareness at the neck area. This posture strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs, stretches the calf muscles and Achilles' tendons and makes the spine straight and taut. It relieves varicose veins and tones spinal nerves. Maintaining the posture take a deep inhalation. 6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salutation with eight limbs) Exhaling gently drop both knees to the ground and slowly slide the body down at an angle as you bring the chest and chin to the ground. All eight limbs - toes, knees, chest, hands and chin - touch the floor. The buttocks are kept up. Hold the breath. This posture develops the chest and strengthens arms. It sends additional blood to this area helping to rejuvenate the nerves 7. Bhujangasana (Cobra posture) On the inhalation, lower the hips while pushing the chest forward and upward with the hands, until the spine is fully arched and the head is facing up. The knees and lower abdomen remain above the floor. Focus the awareness at the base of spine and feel the tension from the forward pull. This pose gives dynamic expansion to the organs of the chest and abdomen, relieving many ailments such as asthma, constipation, indigestion, kidney and liver problems. It is very helpful in relieving tension in the back muscles and spinal nerves. 8. Parvatasana (Mountain posture) Exhale and get back to posture 5. 9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture) Inhale and swing the right leg forward between the hands. The left leg remains back. Resume posture 4. 10. Padahastasana (Hand to foot posture) Exhaling, bring the left foot forward. Join both legs and resume posture 3. 11. Hastauttanasana (Raised arm posture) Inhale, raise the trunk up and bend backward. Resume posture 2. 12. Pranamasana (Salutation posture) Straighten the body and bring the hands in front of the chest. Resume posture 1. NOTE THAT: The above constitutes one half of a round of Surya namaskara. To complete the other half the same movements are repeated except that the right leg is brought back in posture 4 and the left foot is brought forward in posture 9. So one full round consists of the exercises done twice. Practice up to 6 rounds in the morning and 6 rounds in the evening. When the exercises are done a little quickly, the gain is more physical while if they are done slowly with breath awareness the gain is more mental and spiritual. If for any reason, the above directions seem confusing, it is best to see the Surya Namaskar in visual flow. It will help you do the practice correctly without the risk of doing harm to your body. If for any reason, the above directions seem confusing, it is best to see the Surya Namaskar in visual flow. It will help you do the practice correctly without the risk of doing harm to your body.

Yoga Exercises

Yoga exercises strengthen your body and make it more flexible. Yoga also calms your mind and gives you energy. In active sports or strenuous exercises, you use up energy. In yoga classes, students report that they feel tranquil after a class, yet have more energy. Slow and steady motion is the key to going into or coming out of the postures. You hold a yoga pose for several seconds or even minutes and give attention to full, quiet breath. Your yoga instructor will always encourage you to relax as the exercises are being done.

You gently place your body into yoga postures. Done correctly, there's very little chance of injury or muscle stress. A particular asana is not repeated dozens of times, nor are you ever encouraged to push yourself too much.

A yoga session is designed for balance. You stretch to the right and then to the left. You bend back and then forward. You learn to recognize when one side is stronger or more flexible than the other. Thus harmony and balance are achieved with yoga practice.

People of all ages can practice yoga exercises. They are easily modified to meet your needs and physical condition. Don't be put off by the difficult looking postures you may see in a yoga book. A skilled teacher can adapt most asanas by using chairs, cushions, even a wall or other props. A yoga practice can be tailor-made just for you. If something is really impossible for you to do, just forget it. Never compete with yourself or others. Yoga is a stress-free but powerful way to exercise.

Yoga is good for increasing your flexibility and relieving stress, but it doesn't take the place of aerobic exercise. You should still do regular, aerobic exercise, which increases your cardiovascular fitness, helps you lose weight, and, for people with non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes at least, improves blood glucose controls.

Meditation: Get Stress-free Life

Meditation is like restarting a computer system. Scientists say that a single man's brain is similar to that of a library that can store information. Just like a computer hard drive, one's brain needs to recharge.

What Is Meditation?

"Meditation" comes from two Latin words: "meditari, " which means to think, and "mederi, " which means to heal. "Medha" is its Sanskrit deviation, which means to heal.

Most of us would see meditation as a worship or prayer. However, a meditation means awareness. Whatever you do that involves awareness, it is meditation. Being aware of one's breathing is an example of meditation.

It is not an exercise or technique, but it is a way of life. It is a state of consciousness where one stops but processes. All activities of the mind are reduced to one.

Meditation allows people to contemplate on their thoughts and feelings, and usually, they develop this calmer perspective. It may not be very productive for some, but the inner peace that one achieves when meditating is invaluable.

What Are Its Benefits?

Meditation does not only improve one's own physical health but also mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It relaxes the mind and increases one's focus to things that matter the most to you.

The common benefits include increase in patience, enjoyment of life, and feelings of serenity and building self-confidence. It can also help in dealing with repressed memories and resolving phobias and panic attacks.

How to Do It

Medication requires constant practice. Five minutes a day can be a good start. You don't have to cross your legs but choose a very comfortable position. Close your eyes and clear your mind of things that you have been thinking lately. This is the hardest part yet that is the challenge: eliminating all intellectual thoughts to give way to tranquility. Once the thoughts are gone, you can now focus on your breathing. Don't expect to do it perfectly the first time, though.

what should be remember before doing yoga

There are various things that a person who wants to do yoga should remember. These can also be considered as rules for doing yoga. When these important points are followed, then the yoga will be more beneficial and effective.

1. Yoga should not be done on the floor directly. It is better to do the yoga on grass, rugs, or on a cloth. IT can even be done on a bed.

2. Early morning or evening is the best time to do these asanas of yoga.

3. Yoga must not be done after meals or when the stomach is full. This will make the practice of various asanas difficult and yoga will be ineffective. Instead, yoga can be done before having a meal.. Food should be eaten only after at least half an hour after yoga.

4. While doing yoga, minimal amount of clothes should be worn. This will help in free movement of the body into various positions and asanas.

5. Sometimes, it is better to start from an easy asana and then progress to a difficult one. This will help the muscles and joints of the body to get accommodated to the various positions.

6. Stretching the body to the limits of strength and endurance should not be done. This can be dangerous. Gradual increase in the timings should be done.

7. According to tradition, the sweat that comes out while doing the various asanas should not be wiped with cloth, but only with the bare hands.

8. Each asana should be done without exertion in the prescribed time. The room where the asanas are being done should have adequate windows or ventilation.

9. During the summer, there should be a reduction in the amount of asanas done.

10. The outside environment should be shut down while doing yoga to help increase the concentration levels. Increased concentration will help in increased effectiveness of yoga. Due to this fact, yoga should be practiced as much as possible from places where distractions can be present.

11. In the beginning, there can be some difficulties like pain and also laziness. This will pass over time if yoga is done regularly.

12. Adequate rest must be taken between one asana and the other. Each asana has to be practiced five times for it to be effective.

13. Women who are pregnant should not do any asanas. This is not advisable.

14. Shirasasana is an asana where the person stands upside down on the head. This should not be done by amateurs. People with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, brain or head injuries or eye problems should not do this asana.

Kapalbhati Pranayam and how to do it

Kapal in Sanskrit means FOREHEAD, and Bhati in Sanskrit means SHINING. Practicing Kapalbhati on regular basis leads to shining face with inner radiance. Kapalbhati is highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise.

What we do in Kapalbhati Pranayama

In Kapalabhati we do quick exhalation and natural inhalation. Normally exhalation takes one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follow each other.
How to do Kapalbhati Pranayama

Step 1) Sit in comfortable crossed leg position with Back straight. Hands resting on knees in either chin or gyana mudra. Face to be relaxed.

Step 2) Inhale deeply through both nostril, expanding abdomen and exhale with the forceful contraction of abdominal muscles. (Pull the abdomen in by quickly contracting the abdominal muscles and exhale through the nose). The air is pushed out of lungs by contraction of

the diaphragm.

Step 3) After exhalation again inhalation but inhalation should not involve any effort. To inhale just relax and the lungs will automatically expand and filled with air.

One can begin with 15 respiration. After completing 15 quick exhalation and natural inhalation , inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round.One can start the practice of Kapalbhati pranayama with 3 such rounds for practice.

Benefits of Kapalabhati

1) Kapalabhati cleanses the lungs and entire respiratory system.

2) The blood is purified and body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all cells.

3) Digestion is improved.

4) Abdominal muscles are strengthened.

5) Prepare the mind for meditation.

6) Energise the mind for mental work.

Precautions:

Kapalbhati should not be practice by those

a) Suffering from heart disease

b) High blood pressure

c) Hernia

d) Should never be practiced when an asthmatic attack is in progress.

e) If pain or dizziness is experienced ,it is preferable to stop the practice till the sensation has passed. Practiced can be restarted with less force.

f) Quick exhalation should be comfortable to oneself. i.e. quick exhalation should not be too forceful.

Common Mistake:

1) Abdomen is contracted while inhaling.

2) Shoulders are contracted to push the air out when exhaling.

3) Back and shoulders move during exercise.

Point to Note:

a) Exercise should not be done if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time during the exercise.

b) Rapid breathing used in this technique should be from the abdomen and not from the chest.

c) Kapalbhati should be practice on an empty stomach only.

d) Kapalbhati should be practiced after the asanas and Relaxation (atleast 10 minutes) and before meditation

e) Chest should not move very much.

(f) It is always good and advisable that this exercise should be learned under supervision of yoga teacher after discussion with him about your health.

Pranayam & it's Benifits

Pranayam

Pranayama aims at bringing the involuntary functions of the respiratory mechanism within human control. The term pranayama has been constituted by two words: Prana + Ayama. Prana is the vital force which pervades the whole cosmos. Prana is more subtle than air and can be defined as the energy essence that is within everything in the universe. Prana is the principle of development and sustenance both of the nervous and cellular tissues of the body and the mind.

In the process of breathing when the prana air is inhaled, definite action takes place. One is related to the ingestion of oxygen into the alveoli and the other to the ingestion of the nervous energy into the brain system.

Ayama means to control or to give a rhythm or a definite flow. In this sense Pranayama may be defined as a process and technique through which vital energy can be stimulated and increased: and this brings about perfect control over the flow of Prana within the body.

Pranayama is an exact science. Regulation of breathing, as a matter of fact, is natural. It hardly offers any scope of artificiality. The breath enters through the nose and depending on ones general health and strength of the lungs; it is retained inside and then is exhaled. This natural condition of intake and outflow of the breath goes on continuously and it is on this process that human life depends. The difference between this natural process and the 'Pranayama' is that in the former the inhalation and exhalation is not necessarily connected with the mind ; that process continues owing to the natural functioning of the heart and lungs. The inhalation and the exhalation are, hence, not of any set duration. In some person the inhalation may take a longer time than the exhalation and in some others the opposite may occur. In Pranayama, however, there is a systematic regulation of both the inhalation and exhalation. This is for the reason that the mind is joined to the action of inhalation and exhalation known as Puraka and Rechaka respectively in practicing the Pranayama. Hence their longer and shorter duration within a specified time has to be controlled. The result of this controlled inhalation and exhalation, both in respect of speed and time has a mere beneficial effect on the mind and the body than that of the natural process. Most of us who largely depend on the natural process will derive immense benefit on falling ill by controlled inhalation and exhalation. Such person should inhale slowly and exhale equally slowly in the beginning for 5 to 10 times depending on their strength and continue doing this morning and evening for 25 to 30 day. The natural inhalation is hence called "SWASHANA" or breathing and that inhalation and exhalation which is done extending time limit by applying the power of mind is called "DEERGHASWASHANA" or Pranayama.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRANAYAMA

1. Place for pranayama should be clean, peaceful and airy.
2. Pranayama should not be performed under a fan on full speed.
3. Pranayama should be done in morning hours preferably before the dawn.
4. Body must be cleansed before sitting for Pranayama.
5. Duration of Pranayama should be increased gradually and gradually.
6. One should not sit for Pranayama after meals. At least a gap of 3-4 hours is essential.
7. Pranayama should be practiced after Asans and before Meditation.
8. One should not strain the body.

PRANAYAMA: HOW TO DO IT

1. BHASTRIKA PRANAYAM
   Sit in Sukha Asana and take deep breathe so that your lungs are full with fresh air. Hold the air for a few seconds and release it through nose. Repeat this for 5-10 times till your breathing system is perfect.
   
   
2. KAPAL BHATI PRANAYAM
   Sit in Sukha Asana and take a deep breathe. Exhale the air by pushing the stomach inside and let the process of fresh air inhalation be done with least effort. Repeat this process of exhaling the air by pushing the stomach inside and inhaling fresh air with least efforts atleast 200 times or say for about 15 minutes.
   
   By doing this Kapal Bhati Pranayam for 15 minutes or more every day you can cure the following diseases.
   1. Indigestion
   2. Acidity and gas.
   3. Obesity.
   4. All other abdominal related diseases
      
      
3. BAGHI PRANAYAM
   Sit in Sukha Asana and exhale the air to the maximum possible level and try to move your stomach inside by pressure. Hold it for a few seconds then inhale fresh air. Again exhale the air as above and repeat the process for 10-15 times.
   By doing this Baghi pranayam you can cure all problems relating to abdominal and intestine.
   
   
4. ANULOM VILOM PRANAYAM
   Sit in Sukha Asana and take deep breathe with one nostril open and the other closed by use of your fingers. Now release the air by another nostril which was closed while inhaling the air and closing the other nostril by use of fingers. Take deep breathe by the nostril through which air was exhaled last time and exhale the air through another nostril.
   
   By doing this anulom vilom pranayam for about 15 minutes a day you can cure the following diseases:
   1. Hypertension or high blood pressure
   2. Diabetes
   3. Migraine Pain.
   4. Asthma
   5. Bronchitis
   
   
5. BHRAMRI PRANAYAM
   A person should sit in Sukha Asana or dhyan asan , close his eyes , keep his fingers in such a way that three fingers cover the eyes and one finger gives a little pressure on the forehead . The thumb should cover the ears by giving the little pressure. Now he has to take deep breathe and release the air slowly through nose so that a sound similar to the humming of bees comes out . Repeat the process for about 15 minutes.
   
   By doing Bramari pranayam you can cure all diseases related to :
   1. Ears
   2. Nose
   3. Throat
   4. Eyes
   5. Nervous system
   
   
6. UDGEET PRANAYAM
   A person should sit in Sukha Asana or dhyan asan, close his eyes, take deep breathe and release the air through mouth slowly that the sound of “OM” is pronounced. Repeat the process for about 15 minutes.
   
   By doing udgeet pranayam you can cure all diseases related to:
   1. Nervous system
   2. Throat

BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA

He who practices Pranayama will have good appetite, cheerfulness, handsome figure, good strength, courage, and enthusiasm, a high standard of health, vigor and vitality and good concentration of mind. Pranayama is quite suitable for the Westerners also. A Yogi measures the span of his life not by the number of years but by the number of his breaths. You can take in a certain amount of energy or Prana from the atmospheric air along with each breath. Vital capacity is the capacity shown by the largest quantity of air a man can inhale after the deepest possible exhalation. A man takes fifteen breaths in a minute. The total number of breaths comes to 21,600 times per day.
Other benefits are as follows:-

1. It makes the life meaningful and social.
2. It keeps the man balanced in all the conditions and situations.
3. It helps in understanding the real nature of man and its relationships with the community.
4. It manages psycho physical diseases.
5. It put chain on the senses.
6. It makes the body healthy.
7. It helps in controlling the modalities of mind.
8. It gives opportunities to soul to flourish.
9. Intellectual development is accelerated.
10. Will power becomes strong through its practice.
11. It develops feelings of national and international well-being.

Tips For Using Aloe Vera

Aloe is a succulent plant that can easily be grown indoors or outdoors, in garden beds or in pots. The cheapest and easiest method of using this wonderfully healing plant is to grow it yourself if you can. The plant proliferates very quickly, so from one plant you can end up with many plants in a short amount of time. No need to buy dozens of plants or worse yet, expensive preservative ridden pre-prepared creams and gels.

The most outstanding benefit of using fresh Aloe Vera is that you will experience it at its freshest best quality, just like Mother Nature intended. Just make sure you buy a plant from a reputable nursery to ensure you are getting real Aloe Vera.

Here are my 7 tips for using Aloe Vera:

1. Make Your Own Aloe Vera Gel

Preparation of Aloe Gel can be done very simply. Firstly cut a few thick fleshy leaves at the base near the stem. Rinse the cut part of the leaf thoroughly, peel off outer layer of skin. If you are going to ingest the gel then rinse again to get rid of any latex residue. Put the gel into a blender and add a little Vitamin C powder or Citric Acid powder to stabilize the gel. If it is too thick to blend, just add a little purified water. Please take note, for internal use make sure you rinse off the brown exudate from the open cut of the leaf, called latex, as this can have a strong (and usually unwanted) laxative effect. If done properly you shouldn't have a problem. I have been using Aloe from my garden for years now, and by being very meticulous about rinsing it properly I haven't had an issue with it. Usually keeps in the fridge for a few weeks, depends on your fridge of course.

2. Make An Aloe Vera Gel Spritz

The gel can be put into a small spray bottle and sprayed directly onto skin, after blending the gel strain through cheese cloth to get rid of fibrous particles. Keep in the fridge to give it a longer shelf life, it should keep there for a few weeks. Be sure not to spray into eyes though.

3. Use It To Control Acne

Acne is a skin problem that affects people from 10 all the way through 40 (sadly, sometimes even older now), and this can appear in many forms such as whiteheads, congested pores, pimples, cysts, pustules or blackheads. The usual onset of acne occurs when oil glands within the skin start to come to life at around puberty, these are stimulated by hormones that come from the adrenal glands and is common for both girls and boys. There is also an adult onset form of acne, it is no longer just a nuisance for the young. The gel can assist in soothing and clearing the skin due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Natural methods to control skin issues are often best carried out from the inside out, rather than just treating the topical symptoms.

4. Help With Digestion

Aloe Vera gel is used to aid in digestion and for the protection of the digestive system. A little can be taken either before or after meals. Nutrients from food are normally absorbed into the blood stream whilst dispensing with the unwanted waste along the digestive tract. Due to various causes, the bowel can gradually build up unabsorbed food residues along the lining. As these residues become compacted they may prevent essential nutrients being absorbed. The resulting nutrient deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, anything from lethargy and exhaustion to diarrhoea or constipation.

5. Relieve Eczema

Aloe gel soothes and helps repair skin suffering from a skin condition called eczema. Eczema is a generic term for rash-like skin conditions. Generally described, it is an inflammation of the skin which is characterized by dryness, flakiness, heat and, probably most importantly, itching. It can affect one or many areas on the face and body and can be mild, moderate or severe.

6. Cool Down Burns

Fresh aloe gel soothes pain, cools the skin, and stimulates blood flow to burnt skin, it is a renowned salve for burns. Whilst providing essential nutrients needed to promote healthy tissue growth it helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria and other foreign organisms that thrive on damaged skin cells. The cooling effect offers instant relief from burns and will typically prevent, or greatly reduce, blistering when applied immediately after receiving a burn. For minor burns you can peel a section of the leaf and gently dab the gel from the fresh leaf onto the burnt area. Of course for major burns you must seek medical advice.

7. Speed Up Wound Healing

The Aloes wound healing ability mainly comes from its moisturizing effect, which prevents air from drying the wound. It is also believed that the barrier formed over the wound after the gel has been applied, actually speeds up the wound healing process. It may also be attributed to the plants immunity boosting properties which may be responsible for accelerated wound healing, as well as the nutritive, anti-bacterial and antiviral properties found in the plant. Dab gel directly from fresh leaf, or spray onto affected area.

These tips are not recommended to replace medical care and attention, they are intended for minor afflictions and general use only. If you have health concerns or are on any medications please consult your health care professional before attempting to use any of the above tips.