Health Free Articles

By: Cindy
There are many reasons why you should do Bikram Yoga. The advantages of Bikram Yoga can totally change your life. Its amazing how Yoga can trigger your life and change your perspectives.

Bikram Yoga is widely acknowledged as the hot yoga. It was also called the Bikram Method Yoga. This aims to build your mental and physical strength. Improving your flexibility and balance is important and covered by Bikram Yoga.

Bikram yoga has roots in Hatha yoga which was designed to cure the mind and the body.

Bikram Choudhury was the founder of Bikram Yoga. He was a founder and a yoga practitioner. He developed Bikram Yoga after he met an injury in a weightlifting accident. He was so strong-minded that he had discovered some healing benefits in practicing some exercises. A lot of people have proven the benefits of Bikram Yoga so the practice was passed on and many people continued to practice it.

Some people practice Bikram Yoga for healing purposes and physical therapy. This type of Yoga was proven helpful in bringing holistic benefits to those who believed and practiced it.

In fact, there was a patient who suffered from a knee injury. He tried to practice Bikram Yoga and just six weeks after continuous practice, his knees started to feel better. Some difficulties and pains that he suffered from were all disappearing.

In order to be successful with the healing process of Bikram Yoga, you need attachment in practicing it.

There are some people who do not believe in the benefits of Bikram Yoga. Bikram Choudhury developed Bikram Yoga with the help of some scientists. The scientists from the University of Tokyo University Hospital proved that Bikram Yoga has medical benefits. Some of its benefits include the repairing of tissues and helps in curing chronic ailments.

The findings and benefits were presented at the International Medical Conference in the year 1972. It was stated that Bikram Yoga has the aptitude to influence the body internally.

The poses and pressure replenishes the cells and the flushing toxins in our body. It also oxygenates blood throughout our body keeping it clean and healthy.

While Bikram was on his research at Tokyo University, he discovered that the healing process takes place when all the body systems are functioning well, conditioned and strengthened. If the body is weak, applying the practice and healing method will be difficult to obtain.

Bikram has come up with twenty-six posture exercises which are to be practiced every day. In doing so, treatment in the body can be easily obtained. Some poses are accumulated with the combination of the western and eastern disciplines in Yoga which focuses on the stretching of the muscles, tendons, organs, nerves, glands and ligaments.

The different postures have connections and each of it precedes a posture that is helpful in treating the body effectively.

Anyone who wants to do yoga can use Bikram Yoga. It chooses no age at all. This type of yoga works with a tourniquet effect which includes balancing, stretching and creating pressure which is all done at a same time to keep a good blood flow to all the parts of the body.

Thanks to Bikram Choudhury, we can now have solutions to some of our medical problems. Always remember that dedication and devotion to Bikram Yoga is the main ingredient to staying healthy.

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By: merry
Blood flows through the body at a certain pressure, but if the pressure is higher than the normal range, then you can say you suffer from High Blood Pressure, and if it drops below what is considered the normal range, then it is called Low Blood Pressure. Blood Pressure is a killer disease brought on by constant fear, anger, anxiety, excessive thinking, mental tensions, or even from exerting yourself physically. However, Yoga can help you back to a healthy blood pressure level, of which you must be aware of, if, you have read any Yoga books, texts, or listened to audiotapes on yoga. In case, you have, then no doubt, you must have come across Yoga Guru Patanjali, who defined Yoga as: A steady and comfortable state of Body and Mind means Asana (posture).

While, doing any exercise, it is obvious that the strain on muscles increases, as does the requirement for blood and oxygen. However, practitioners of Yoga have found the reverse to be true, instead of feeling strained; each and every muscle of the body is relaxed, even as the requirement for blood and oxygen goes down. Doing Yoga Asanas, you will find, also reduces the strain on the mind, which becomes stable and focused. As well, the body twists and stretched postures improve the functioning of endocrine glands, digestive organs, heart and other organs.

Why not study a few books on Yoga and learn a few simple asanas, regular practice of which will prove most beneficial for your mind and body, but not before you equip yourself with some yoga accessories, such as, a yoga mat, a yoga strap, even a yoga block. To get the most benefit out of your Yoga experience, you must also read yoga books on meditation and spirituality, and there are many such online yoga books that one can choose from, as can you from yoga accessories, which include a wide range of yoga mats, yoga straps to yoga blocks.

Youll never have felt better, since after you begin practicing Yoga!

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By: Bertil Hjert
Understanding yoga is not easy. In fact, anything that had been in existence for more than about thousands of years is not easy. The origins of this unique form of physical act or exercise are not very clear. However, experts feel that the origins of yoga were found either in ancient Egypt or ancient India.

As we all know, yoga has gained tremendous popularity since last few decades. The different types of postures of yoga have helped many people to promote healthy mind, body, and soul. It has been proved as an excellent means of relaxation, which proffers a sense of inner peace and balance.

These days, the art of yoga has become a never ending rage among youngsters, children and the old. With celebrities like Madonna embracing yoga for health benefits, the craze for this unique form of exercise is here to stay.

A) What is yoga?

Yoga involves a series of different postures in conjunction with stretches. This is practiced within a holistic mindset and deep concentration that results in emotional, spiritual mental, physical and health benefits.

Most people who have been practicing yoga for a long time have understood yoga as a form of meditation. The more one tends to practice this art, the more one feels enlightened and experience transforming effects. Yoga works towards gifting and developing an individuals inner as well as outer personality. It also helps in transforming one into a good human.

B) Yoga as a way of life

Yoga can be understood as a lifestyle or a way of life. It is an art of righteous living. Experts would like to refer it as an effective system to benefit the body mind and inner spirit. This unique are was originated ancient years back.

You can find some excellent references to yoga in Puranas and Upanishads. These were beautifully composed by Indian Aryans in the later vedic and post vedic period.

The principles of yoga were described in full fledged eight fold yogic discipline. This is explained by Patanjali in his yoga sutra. It was composed almost two thousand years ago! The eight important stages of yoga recommended by Patanjali are as follows:

These are the stages of yoga discipline:

a) Yamas - Restrains and abstentions

b) Asanas - Physical exercises or postures.

c) Pranayama - Total control over vital energy or breathing pattern.

d) Niyamas - Observances such as contentment, study, austerities, purity and surrender of the ego.

e) Dhyana - Meditation

f) Partyahara - Withdrawal of the senses.

g) Samadhi - Attainment of the super conscious state

h) Dharana - Contemplation or concentration of the mind.

C) Superb health benefits of yoga

There are several health benefits of practicing yoga.

a) Weight loss and Weight control

b) Enhances immune system and blood circulation in the body

c) Control over anxiety

d) Relief from asthma, multiple sclerosis, headaches, blood pressure and carpal tunnel syndrome.

e) Reduces arthritis pain, depression, stress, heart disease, chronic fatigue and back pain.

f) Helps in removing toxins from the body.

g) Heals several diseases and body ailments

h) Enhances concentration power and creativity; Reduces stress and tension

i) Allows better thinking, enhances flexibility and balance.

j) Leads to spiritual fulfillment.

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By: Nick Clipton
Yoga has many styles, but they all lead to a state of inner peace. All forms of Yoga are natural solutions for panic attacks, anxiety, and stress. Over thousands of years, Yoga has been formulated, so that anyone is now able to harness their fears from within. Does this mean that Yoga will make all of your fears go away?

The truth is Yoga can teach you to rid yourself of panic attacks, anxiety, and stress, from within your inner-being, but fear is a part of life. In fact, fear can save your life. Primal fears, such as fear of death, teach us to cross the street at the right time.

People create their own realities. Unstable emotional health, in the form of panic attacks, is very real to the person who has heart palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Yet, Yoga has many energy cultivation techniques, in the form of Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques).

Without doubt the natural approach is the easiest and safest way to go. Again, unfortunately, these natural alternatives in herbal form that are available on the market can actually cause adverse reactions in some people also. Yoga, on the other hand, is a natural solution to your panic attack problem that is more effective than any of the aforementioned options, plus a great bonus is that yoga exercises have absolutely no detrimental side-effects and actually enhance your fitness levels.

Aside from the fact that their are no side effects associated with yoga, it is also free to do. You can do it in the privacy of your own home and more importantly you will not have to suffer any withdrawal symptoms or potentially damaging side-effects after the desired result has been achieved. On the contrary, the vast majority of people who commence yoga training continue to use what they have learned for the rest of their lives, continuing to receive all the great benefits of yoga.

Sufferers of regular panic attacks tend, as a result of their unfortunate experiences to become introverted, withdrawing into themselves and looking at all ‘outward’ events with mistrust and a certain amount of contempt. By introducing a balance into their minds, there comes a decrease in negativity and as such a person becomes more positive. This positivity goes hand-in-hand with the gradual resurfacing of self-confidence which in turn allows them to be freed from their isolated existence, welcoming interaction with their peers - socializing!

Without doubt the benefits of yoga through yoga exercises is the safest and most succesful solution to minimizing and eventually eradicating panic attacks and other forms of heightened anxiety.

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By: Reider Jack
The image of yoga has changed during the past years. If once, the first picture that popped your mind was of a group of white wearing weirdoes standing on their heads and breathing loudly, now you are probably thinking about Madonna’s well shaped arms. Currently, yoga is one of the most popular fitness activities worldwide. One of its appeal is that it can be practiced by elders and it can improve the overall physical fitness of athletes.

If you want to start practicing yoga, here is a quick guide to the basic types of yoga. While most of them are based on the same ancient postures, each yoga style has a different focus. Some of the yoga styles focus on strengthening the body while others focus on flexibility. Other types of yoga focus mainly on breathing, relaxation, and meditation.

Most of the yoga styles that were adopted in the west, were derived from the Hatha Yoga, which is a general term that refers to the physical branches of the ancient Indian philosophy. The purpose of the traditional Hatha Yoga was to achieve balance between mind and body through moral discipline and physical exercises, which are expressed by a series of asana: postures, panorama: breathing and meditation.

Western culture adopted mainly the physical aspects of the Hatha Yoga and ignored the moral aspects, usually even the breathing and meditations aspects. All the yoga styles that were derived from the Hatha Yoga share the same basic principle that mental balance can be achieved through practice of physical exercises and postures. Each yoga style chooses to focus on different aspect.

Ashtanga Yoga:
This focuses on the flow of postures in order to improve strength, stamina and flexibility of the body. During a Asthanga Yoga class, the participants jump from one posture to another. Therefore, this type of yoga is not the ideal for beginners. People who are not well fit may find it too difficult and demanding. However, if you are interested in improving your strength, flexibility and stamina and you are fit enough to deal with an hour of jumping from one posture to another, Asthanga Yoga can suit you.

Power Yoga:
This is an American development of the Asthanga Yoga that also adopted several elements from other types of yoga styles. You can find Power Yoga classes mainly in fitness and health clubs. Power Yoga focuses on strengthening the body by performing Hatha Yoga postures for a longer time to improve both physical flexibility and mental focus. Power Yoga can be a good exercise for athletes, people who practice types of fitness activities and people who want to tone their body.

Bikram Yoga:
A Bikram Yoga class features a series of 26 Hatha Yoga postures practiced in a heated room. It is also known as Hot Yoga. The purpose of the heat is to allow the participants to get into each of the yoga poses in a deeper and safer manner. The heat also helps clean the body from toxins promoting sweating. Bikram Yoga focuses more on the workout of the entire body, including the internal organs and less on flexibility. Bikram Yoga is not recommended to pregnant women and people who suffer from high blood pressure and heart conditions, but it can improve the physical fitness of people who recover from injuries.

Iyengar Yoga:
This focuses on the physical alignment of the body and the accurate performance of each posture. Some of the Iyengar Yoga postures are practiced with the assistance of props such as blocks and belts that are designed to help the participants achieve the most accurate posture and to protect their bodies from injuries. Since the flows between postures are not practiced, Iyengar Yoga classes are less intense and therefore more suitable for people who are less fit. Iyengar Yoga improves body strength and flexibility and can fit people of any age and every physical condition.

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By: merry
A Sanskrit word meaning yoking or union , yoga is one of the six orthodox systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy, with widespread influence among many other schools of Indian thought, one can find its basic text contained in the Yoga-Sutras by Patajali ( c. 2nd B.C.).

Its intellectual content largely based on the philosophy of Samkhya, it is the practical aspects of Yoga that play a far more important part in the practice of it. However, it is spiritual release promised by performing yoga that the yogis or practitioners of it aspire for. Along with Samkhya, Yoga also believes spiritual liberation is achieved when the self (purusha) frees itself from the bondages of matter (prakriti) that are a direct result of the selfs ignorance and illusion.

Yoga attempts to reverse this order and helps the self re-enter its original state of purity and consciousness. As soon as the aspirant learns to control the mental activities of the mind, and succeeds in ending all attachment to material objects, he is able to enter samadhi i.e. a state of deep concentration that results in a blissful, ecstatic union with ultimate reality.

This then, is the ultimate goal of every true yogi!

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By: Cindy
Ashtanga Yoga is the type of yoga which was urbanized and founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. This kind of yoga is known as the Eight Limb Yoga which has revolved in Pattanjali’s massive idea. It presented that the path of purification is made up of the eight spiritual practices.

The first four limbs that represent Ashtanga Yoga are - yama, niyama, Asana and the Pranayama. These are considered cleansing practices which are externally correctable. The other set of limbs which are the - pratyahara, dhyana, dharana are the internal practices.

These limbs can only be corrected by the appropriate application of the Ashtanga Yoga method. This type of yoga method is quite dangerous to the mind.

K. Pattabhi Jois said that practicing these Eight Limbs and also its sub-limbs of the external practices which include the niyama and yama is not possible. In doing so, the body should be strong enough so that it can perform the practices. If the body is weak, and the sense organs are not functioning well, practicing will never be useful to the person at all.

The philosophy which K. Pattabhi Jois has applied is that you must keep in mind that after doing this Ashtanga Yoga the body will improve and it will be stronger and healthier.

Vinsaya and Tristhana are practiced in Ashtanga Yoga.

The Vinsaya is a style that makes Ashtanga and its principles discrete from the others. Vinsaya means the movement and breathing which is used for the internal cleansing process. Each movement done is accompanied by only one breath. Sweat is the most important product of Vinsaya. When you produce sweat, it only means that you are successfully applying the practice. When you perform the Asanas, the body creates heat which causes your blood to boil and excrete the toxins outside of your body. The toxins are found in your sweat. So the more sweat you create, the more toxins are released.

These yoga poses are used to fully develop the strength and health of the body. The series of practices make this possible. There are three postures used in Ashtanga Yoga.

The three are classified on different levels.

The first is the Primary Series which aims on aligning the body and also detoxifying it.

The second is the Intermediate Series opening and cleaning the energy channels which comes to the process of purifying the Nervous System.

The last series would be the Advanced Series from A to D. in this series, the grace and strength is measured.

The Tristhana is another yoga principle which represents the union of the three places of action and attention. First is the posture, second is the breathing technique ad last is the Dristhi of the Looking Place. All these three should work altogether to perform a function.

Breathing techniques are simultaneous and synchronized. It is important to make a single breath for one movement. Ujjayi Breathing is the Yoga Breathing Technique used in the application of Ashtanga Yoga. Applying this technique must be prolonged after every practice. What you need to master is holding your pose longer at the same time hold your breath. This is an amazing breathing exercise that will increase your internal fire and will strengthen the Nervous System.

Both Ashtanga and Tristhana deal with the series of Dristhi. The Dristhi is described as the point on which you gain your focus or attention while doing the Asana. This enables your mind to be purified and stabilized clearly.

Setting the mind clear and cleansing it can only be done in the Eight-Limb Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga.

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By: merry
Apart from benefiting sufferers of respiratory illnesses, regular Yoga practice also helps manage pain as in sore joints, arthritis, rheumatism, including other aches and pains.

Pain Management
Yoga reduces pain by helping the brains pain centre regulate the gate-controlling mechanism that is located in the spinal cord, including the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises that are the main feature of yoga also help to reduce the pain. One can induce the body to relax and free itself from tension by lengthening ones exhalation time, since muscles tend to relax when we exhale. Awareness of breathing and controlling ones inhalations and exhalations are useful in calming down and slowing respiration, even as this procedure helps one relax and successfully manage pain.

Incorporating relaxation and meditation techniques in Yoga also goes a long way in reducing pain. And, the effectiveness of yoga in reducing pain is due to its strong focus on self-awareness, which not only has a protective effect, but allows for early preventive action, as well.

Back Pain
There are many people who suffer from back pain, which is the most common reason for which medical attention is sought. However, consistent practice of Yoga Asanas not only cures but also prevents back pain by enhancing its strength and flexibility. Since, both acute and long-term stress lead to muscle tension, thereby exacerbating back problems, Yogas relaxation techniques are useful in combating stress.

If, you are not convinced, why not browse online yoga books, including Yoga books on meditation and spirituality. And in the practical sense, equip yourself with some yoga accessories e.g. yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mats, etc. for some beneficial yoga sessions!

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By: Liana Mirkin
Can we be as harmonic as those seven fictional characters on their way to mine their day away when we have a back ache? Can we obtain relief or do we have to endure a day of aches and pains while on the clock?

An article I recently viewed on the ArgusLeader.com website, indicates that back pain is the second leading reason people miss work. Truck drivers repeatedly have to deal with back pain from the continuous vibration of the spine while behind the wheel. Heavy lifting of patients and children puts nurses and parents at considerable risk. Statistics obtained from OccupationalHazards.com reveal that in the U.S., nursing ranks as one of the top 10 occupations for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. And, an estimated 12 to 18 percent of nurses wind up leaving their profession due to chronic back pain.

Now its understood that the career we choose can have an adverse effect on our physical health. You can sit behind a desk all day long in air-conditioning, you can drive a tractor-trailer down Route 66 daily, or work in the hospital emergency room. Simultaneously, you are putting severe strain on your neck and back. Can we take the time to heal ourselves before our issues escalate? Can we do something to alleviate the pain if it is already present? Is there anything we can do?

What is Yoga? Its a system of exercises practiced for thousands of years as used to promote control of the body and mind.

Why Yoga? Because it can help. It has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. As many practitioners can attest, Yoga can offer effective healing that’s relatively free of side effects. The slow movements and gentle pressures reach deep into troubled joints. Additionally, the easy stretches in conjunction with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up muscles and tightens joints. Yoga is exercise and relaxation rolled up into one.

Who is a candidate? Each year, millions of Americans suffer from debilitating back pain. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems. Despite Western medicine’s phenomenal advances and powerful technology, two of the most commonly prescribed solutionspainkillers and surgerydo little to address the underlying causes of pain and can potentially cause side effects. In truth, a one-size-fits-all solution is impossible given that the causes and manifestations of painarthritis, strained ligaments, scoliosis, and herniated disks, to name a fewvary widely.

How does Yoga assist pain management? Yoga helps reduce pain by helping the brain regulate the secretion of natural painkillers into the body. Breathing exercises commonly used in Yoga can also help reduce pain. Muscles tend to relax when you exhale, because of this lengthening your time of exhalation can help produce relaxation and reduce tension. Maintaining a certain awareness of ones own breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration and assist in relaxation and pain management.

What do I do to get started? First, rule out potential serious causes of the back pain. See your primary care physician and speak to her/him of your concerns. He will know how to proceed from there to investigate the cause of your back pain. Then, also inquire as to whether or not it is safe for you to practice Yoga as part of your recovery program.

Treat the injury with extra care. When you are in a lot of pain, usually the tissues are inflamed, its critical that you proceed at a slow pace. If you work in an aggressive fashion in order to improve your strength or flexibility too early on, it can cause you even more pain.

Looking for an experienced teacher with substantial training and experience should be your next course of action. A Yoga therapist will assist you by creating a program that is specific to your needs and limitations, especially those pertaining to your injury and medical condition. They will observe your form and practice, and track how you respond to the exercises. He or she will gauge which elements are likely to be helpful and determine whether modifications are necessary.

Studies have shown that strict bed rest can cause you more harm than good. Go ahead and try breathing exercises and practice a gentle asana as soon as you experience pain.

Stomach crunches are often prescribed by doctors in order to prevent recurring episodes of back pain. Looking at this from a yogic perspective this is imprecise. By doing to many crunches or ab exercises you can increase the tightness in the hip flexors, and potentially making the back problems worse. With Yoga, the approach is to examine which muscles need to be strengthened and which ones need to be stretched, and finally designing a program that would work on those specific needs.

Do avoid poses that worsen or aggravate your problem. If you have a lumbar disk problem, be careful with forward bends, especially those that include some form of a twist. Also, during transitions take care, attention tends to wander. Sudden changes of position should be avoided and stepping rather than jumping should be the standard.

Lastly, make certain to consult your physician before proceeding with any exercise program, including Yoga. Also, if Yoga is approved for you be sure to receive proper training from a qualified Yoga instructor.

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By: yoga
Modern Yoga has taken on a new connotation devoid of any spiritualist with the asanas or postures of hatha yoga included in fitness regimen. This has essentially led to many self designed types of yoga and is a lucrative business. Yoga essentially means enlightenment and is central to Hinduism and offshoots of Hinduism. Modern Yoga practice has inherited a few elements from this ancient tradition. Breathing exercise (pranayama) and meditation is the most popular of these. Yoga has a unique ability to relax a person and this is adopted by persons who do not look for enlightenment but for its utility to health of mind and body

The goals of Yoga are expressed differently by different traditions. The goals of modernism are relaxation and distressing of a person. With this in mind we have a number of tailored programs Yoga for beginners, Yoga for Women , Yoga for Children , Yoga for heart, etc. are the advertisements you would see to entice people to join a yoga fitness center. The common form of Yoga is the practice of concentration. The focus of meditation is different from school to school. Heart (anahata), or third eye (aina) are major points of focus, meditation on peace or Deities is another form. Hatha yoga was invented as purification so that meditation can be done with ease.

Physical purification, Moral Discipline, and meditation are the basics of yoga. There is a far wider reality which often gets forgotten in modern fitness practices. It is sorry to see that instead of holism practiced another view of yoga is propagated. Blinding the horse to see only in one direction is what the market forces have done to Yoga. Enlightenment is left far behind in our globalization and commercialization. Hatha yoga is only viewed for its health benefits and not for its enlightenment.

Health Benefits
It is believed to calm the nervous system.
It helps to balance the body, mind, and spirit
It follows the same principles as life energy and helps prevents specific diseases.
It is used to reduce blood pressure and stress
It improves sleep, coordination, flexibility, concentration and digestion.
Alternative remedies suggest it as a therapy for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It is helps in treatment of spinal problems and chronic back pain.

Yoga as a healing alternative is now the most popular form and very few look towards yoga as a means toward enlightenment.

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