anulom-vilom

ANULOM-VILOM PRANAYAMA
This pranayama(AVP) is done with alternate breathing from the left and right nostrils for cleansing of Nadis. (energy meridians).

Seated in a covenient posture, start off with slow inhalation from the left nostril first by closing the right nostril with the middle of right hand thumb ,and after fully filling the lungs, breathe out slowly from the right nostril by closing the left nostril with the two ( left hand middle and ring) fingers. Now breathe in from the right nostril by closing the left nostril in the above manner and exhale from the left nostril by closing the right nostril with the right thumb. It completes one cycle. Continue cycles of alternate breathing for 5 to 10 minutes with break for rest after each minute, if required. Gradually, with practice, the speed of breathing can be increased to medium and to fast. While you do this pranayama visualize that the Divine power and the Divine knowledge is being bestowed upon you in the process. The practice of this pranayama for 5 minutes a day will result in activation of the Muladhar Chakra (Root Chakra) causing the arousal of Kundalini power (dormant serpentine power located on the root chakra).The arousal of Kundalini power results from the arousal of Sushumna nadi (the central energy meridian) as a consequence of repeated rubbing and churning of the breath in the Ida (left meridien) and Pingla(right meridian) Nadis .

The practice of AVP for a period of three to four months can open up thirty to forty percent of the heart arteries’ blockages. This pranayama alleviates all the diseases of the body, leads to the state of joy, enthusiasm for living , fearlessness, peace of mind and deep meditation.

Bahya pranayam(with mahabandha)

BAHYA PRANAYAMA (WITH MAHABANDHA).
It is marked by suspension or retention of the breathing process after exhalation of breath and applying mahabandha. A Mahabandha (a bandha stands for a physical lock to control the flow of prana ) is comprised of three bandhas. namely Jalandhur Bandha ( touching the chin on the pit located near the base of throat); Uddiyana Bandha ( pulling the stomach in so as to touch the back)) and Mula bandha (pulling up the peridieum by contracting the anus and tightening of the lower abdomen) In Mahabandha ,all these three bandhas are applied together.

Remain seated in one of the meditative postures, first breathe in and fill your lungs upto diaphragm and then breathe out with full force and suspend the breathing process , simultaneously applying the mahabandha. Maintain this position till you feel like inhaling again. Now exhale releasing the three bandhas gradually. It completes one cycle of BPWM. A minimum of three such cycles are recommended which take two minutes to complete. While doing this pranayamaa also do not forget to visualize that all your diseases and toxins are being thrown out with each exhalation.

KAPALBHATI PRANAYAMA

Kapalbhati which means shining skull or forehead , is the next technique . KBP is also done in the same sitting posture, the whole attention is given to only exhalation and no effort is applied to inhale. However, breath is allowed to be inhaled in quantity that one would have drawn in, in a natural course.

Sit in a convenient posture and without consciously breathing in, breathe out with full attention to exhalation, simultaneously ensuring contraction of abdomen muscles with each exhalation. Repeat the process of exhalations without deliberate inhalations as long as you can. The minimum time allotted to this pranayama is 5 minutes which can be increased to to a maximum of 10 minutes with a short break for rest in between, if necessary. While breathing out, one should visualize that all the diseases and toxins are being thrown out with each exhalation.

Highly effective in controlling obesity, diabetes, kidney and prostate diseases, heart, brain and lung problems and many other diseases, this technique increases the glow on the face of the practitioner.

KAPALBHATI

What Is Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

Of the many wonderful pranayamas that Yoga gives us, Kapalbhati (aka Kapaal Bhati) is one of my favorite breathing exercises.  It is not at all complicated to do and yet, when done even for a short time consistently, it’s benefits are undeniable.  If there was only one pranayama that you elected to do, Kapalbhati might well be the one to pick - it’s that good!

Kapalbhati of course dates back to the Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali, but recently its popularity has been revived by the work of Ramdev Swamiji.  Kapalbhati is part of Ramdev Swamiji’s set of 6 pranayamas and the practice of this set has spread like wildfire across India as well as the rest of the world.  Kapalbhati, in my view, is like the corner stone of this set and many of the absolutely unbelievable benefits that practitioners have been getting from practicing Ramdev Swamiji’s set, I am sure, can be attributed to this powerful breathing exercise.

Below are the details of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama.

Benefits of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

Primary:

• Works on the Heart Center (Anahat Chakra) and associated organs and systems of that region.  Thus improving respiration, lung capacity and blood circulation.  Kapalbhati helps cure associated diseases of this region (asthma, bronchitis etc).
• Works on the Naval Center (Manipura Chakra) and associated organs and systems of that regions.  Thus improving digestion and elimination.  Cures diseases and imbalances associated with this region such as indigestion, gas, diabetes, etc.
• Practiced over time, Kapalbhati Pranayama also helps reduce abdominal fat, fight obisiety, tone abdominal muscles and bestow core abdominal strength and power.
• From an emotional stand point Kapalbhati Pranayama puges the system of accumulated emotional debris such as anger, hurt, jealousy, hatred etc., thus dissolving the blockages and removing the imbalances such emotional history causes in the energetic pathways.  The cleansing of the energetic pathways (nadis) increases the magnitude and flow of prana (life-force) and Kundalini Shakti (energy) throughout all regions of the body.
• From a mental stand point Kapalbhati Pranayama assists in throwing out all negative thoughts from the psyche. thus, helping to cleanse and illuminate the mind.
• From a body stand point Kapalbhati Pranayama should be used to eject any illnesses, diseases, weaknesses from the body thus allowing it grow in health, vitality and vigor.

Secondary:

• Generates heat in the system to help dissolve toxins and waste matter.
• Adds luster and beauty to your face.

Cautions for Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

If you feel dizzy or nauseous you should slow down the force and pace of Kapalbhati pranayama or stop entirely and return to normal breathing. 

• If you have acid or heat related gastric issues such as ulcers you should use caution with Kapalbhati Pranayama.
• Kapalbhati is not to be practiced by those suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or epilepsy.

How To Do Beginner’s Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

To practice this breathing exercise sit up in a comfortable position, cross legged is best.

• Elongate your spine upwards, lengthen your neck and subtly bring your chin back and in like a soldier at attention.  This will align the spine with the back of your head.
• Close your eyes.
• Have your hands in Gyan Mudra.  In Gyan Mudra have your thumb tips and index finger meeting, with the wrists resting gently on the knees and the palms turned slightly upwards.
• Relax your stomach muscles.
• Now expel the air as forcefully as you are comfortable with through the nose.  This should cause the abdominal muscles to contract sharply and should draw the abdomen inwards towards the spine (like when you suck in your stomach).  Then allow the inhalation to occur completely passively without any additional effort.  To repeat, the exhalation is done using conscious sharp force, while the inhalation is just a recoil action bringing the air back into the lungs.  All the breathing takes place through the nose.  Right after the passive inhalation, exhale again forcefully and continue at a steady rhythm.
• Do a round of 10 repetitions.
• Work your way up to doing 5 rounds, while taking a break between each round.
• Practice Note: Unlike doing Bhastrika Yoga Pranayama you use force during both the inhalation and the exhalation, in Kapalbhati force is only to be used during the exhalation.

How To Do Intermediate Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

Once you feel comfortable with the Beginner’s version of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama, perform the breathing exercise with more force if possible and also increase the number of repetition per round to 50.  You may also prefer to do a single round, but, with many more repetitions instead (up to 5 minutes worth) 

How To Do Advanced Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

Build up to doing this pranayama for 15 minutes straight or equivalent number of rounds with more repetitions per rounds. 

Secret of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

The secret of the success of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama lies in where your mind is when doing this terrific breathing exercise.  If you need to cure your body, then with every exhalation imagine that disease is being purged from your system.  If you need to regain emotional balance, then again, with every exhalation visualize the negative emotions or weaknesses being thrown out of your system.  If negative thoughts are the issue, let every exhalation expel them from your heart and mind. 

The power of the mind has been well documented, you are read about some of  it’s incredible capability in this article Mind Power to Manifest Intentions & Desires Instantly, so use your mind to help you accomplish that which you have intended and unleash the full potential of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama.

Acne Remedies

The following are some of the remedies used for treating acne and for the general health of the skin.

1. Haemafine syrup

Haemafine syrup is herbal remedy for all types of skin diseases. This treats acne from the inside as it purifies the blood and thus gives the skin the blood flow it requires to look smooth.

2. Neem Vegicaps

Neem Vegicaps are effective in killing the bacteria, which is a cause for Acne. Some studies suggest that Neem is not only treat acne but be soothing for the inflammation. Neem is also good for the skin in general.

3. Strawberries/Strawberry Leaves
Ancient Egyptians scriptures show that they used wetted strawberry leaves to treat skin deceases.

4. Herbal Tea Acne Formula
Make a solution out of the following:

2 parts Red Clover
2 parts Dandelion Root
1 part Echinacea root
1 part Alfalfa leaf
1/2 part Capsicum
Apply the paste on your acne affected skin. This formula has shown to have given great results.

5. Burdock root
Burdock roots have been known to treat skin related issues especially acne. 

6. Basil tea
Basil tea like neem is effective in killing bacteria. Drinking it twice a day can do wonders to the skin.  

7. Turmeric 
This remedy is good especially for those who have acne scars as it helps heal them.

 8. Sandalwood
Sandalwood has been known to have properties that make the skin smooth and blemish free.

9. Calendula (flowers)
Prepare a tincture from calendula flowers and apply on acne affected areas.

10. Tea tree oil
 Massage the acne spots with tree tea oil. This has proved to be a useful acne remedy.

Don'ts

Sugar: Don't add sugar to drinks and cereals, and avoid sugary foods such as soft drinks, sweets, jams, many cereals, biscuits, cakes and desserts.

Refined carbohydrates: Don't have foods containing white flour, such as bread, biscuits, cakes, pastries and pasta.

Chemicals: Don't have foods containing chemical additives. This includes most canned, preserved or processed foods.

Fried foods: Don't have fried foods. Boil, steam, bake or lightly grill them instead.

Fatty foods: Don't have foods like butter, cream and ice cream.

Processed fats: Don't have processed foods as most of them contain trans-fats.

Smoking: Don't smoke at all.

Dos

Water: Have six glasses each day.

Colorful fruit and vegetables: Have five daily servings, including red/orange/yellow vegetables and fruits, purple foods, green foods, onions and garlic,and ‘seed’ foods such as peas.

Fresh seeds: Each day have one tablespoon of mixed fresh seeds, e.g. pumpkin, sunflower, sesame or ground hemp/linseed.

Essential fats: Have a tablespoon of cold-pressed seed oils daily and oily fish three times a week.

Fiber-rich foods: Eat plenty of whole grains, root vegetables, lentils and beans.

Organic foods: Eat organic as far as possible.

Alternatives to dairy products: Try sometimes using alternatives to milk and cheese such as Soya, milk and tofu.

Vegetable sources of protein: Include some Soya, beans, lentils and sprouted seeds.Yoghurt: Have low-fat, live, organic yoghurt.

Alcohol: Avoid completely or limit your alcohol intake.

Tea and coffee: Have no more than two cups a day.

Tips for acne treatment

1. 
   Don’t try to wash it away

            Acne isn't caused by dirt. In fact people with oily skin have cleaner skin than average because they wash it more often. But it's a fact that washing too much can make acne worse because it makes the skin dry and sore. So, wash no more than twice a day, using mild soap and water. If you have patches of dry skin, don't worry about putting moisturizer on. It won't make your acne worse. If you're still concerned, use an oil free moisturizer.

2. Don’t nuke’ em

            There are lots of over the counter creams, gels, lotions and potions. Most contain a powerful bleaching agent called benzoyl peroxide. You'll find the strength written on the label. You might be tempted to go straight for the highest sort, working on the 'let's nuke 'em principle. The likely result is that you'll irritate your skin like mad. It may also go all dry and scaly on you. But if you still are willing to bleach then use the mild one.

3. Make a date – The two month rule

            If you have been using over the counter remedies for two months and there is no real improvement in your spots, this is the moment to go and make an appointment with your doc.

4. Your doctor – The two month rule

            The thing you are most likely to be given by the doctor is a prescription for antibiotics. These will either be topical (which means something you put on your skin) or tablets you have to take every day. Whatever treatment your doctor or pharmacist recommends, follow the instructions carefully and keep using for at least two months. There should be a noticeable improvement by this time. If not, go back to discuss other possible treatments Antibiotics are perfectly safe to take. You should take them for at least two months and then go back to your doc. If they seem to be working, he will probably tell you to keep taking them and give you some more. If they aren't doing their stuff, don't despair - he has loads of other spot busters in his black bag.

5. You are not an alien – But just be patient

            Hundreds of thousands of teenagers seek help for acne. You are not alone. You are not an alien. And if people really care about you, they don't even notice your acne, however bad you think they are. But you will need to be patient. Most treatments take time to work. At least two months. And some treatments, like antibiotics will work well but may have to be taken for months, or even years.

6. The monthly curse or exams

            Acne does tend to get worse just before a period. It's because there is a surge in hormone levels at this time. But boys don't get away lightly either. Being hot and sweaty (particularly after sports like football) makes acne worse. And for everyone, stress - particularly at exam times - is a cue for a mega breakout. This is normal - and of course, even more reason for feeling stressed. Go chill. They'll get better - promise.

7. Watch what you put on your skin and hair

            Some beauty products are big no-nos. These include pomades and de-frizzing agents for hair that tend to cause an outcrop of blackheads along the hairline and some of the heavier cosmetics. And be wary of suntan oils. Not all will make you break out, but some may. Try a friend's first before you buy. By the way, the sun might dry up acne and a tan might hide them, but your skin is still vulnerable in the sun and needs protection.

8. Carry on kissing

            You can't catch acne during kissing - go for it!

9. Carry on eating chocolate

            It's a myth that eating chocolate and fried foods causes acne. However, eating a good diet improves your general well-being and this is reflected in your skin.

Common Questions asked about acne problem

• Does wearing make up cause acne?

            It is not necessary that wearing make up causes acne. Acne is caused because of hormonal imbalance mostly during puberty. But you have to take special care while you apply make up and thereafter if you have acne. Make sure you wash any make up tools, including sponges and brushes as often as possible as these become a breeding ground for bugs which can cause your spots to pop up. Stop wearing make up if you have too many spots and you can resume after you have treated them. Don't forget to clean the make up after you come home and make sure you cleanse your face properly each night.

• Do skin toner and moisturizer cure acne?

            One thing that you need to know is acne is not caused by dirt, so no amount of cleaning and toning is going to get rid of them. So for treating acne you must consult your doctor and eat lots of healthy food and drink lots of water. That is the natural way to keep you faces spot free.

• Is it ok to do facial?

            It can be a real treat to have the facial done, as they can be very relaxing and make you feel properly pampered. However, you should be aware that they should not be used to help 'treat' spots, as this can be quite dangerous if the beauty therapist is not trained. Sometimes a beauty therapist will also squeeze out any spots and blackheads that if it's not done properly, may cause a bigger problem than before.

• What is the best way to cover up spots?

            Foundation is okay to use and may give you more confidence if you've got a hot date, but remember to look for oil-free one. Whatever you use to put on your skin, wash your hands or sponge before applying foundation.

ACNE

ACNE (Pimples) - Tips

Acne is a common problem faced by almost all teen-agers and youth. What is acne and why do we get them. Acne is actually caused because of hormone imbalance. Your skin breaks out because of a hormone called testosterone. Both men and women have testosterone in their systems. In fact, did you know that in order to make testosterone, boys bodies have to make female hormones first? If you have acne, you haven't got abnormal levels of testosterone. You've got skin that reacts abnormally to this hormone. You start producing testosterone around the time you start sprouting body hair. Testosterone tells glands in your skin, called sebaceous glands, to produce oily stuff called sebum. To add to the problem the inside of the tubes that hold each hair become gummy and get partially blocked - giving you blackheads. Put together if sebum blocks the tubes - you have big acne. So go to your pharmacist or doctor to get your acne treated. Here are a few tips that will help you know how to treat acne at home.

1.      If you have red angry looking acne, don't touch it. If you squeeze now, all you'll do is force the contents deeper into the skin that will make matters worst. And all you'll end up with is redder, angrier acne than you had before. Don't do it.

2.      If you have a yellow custard top? Go for it. These beauties CAN be squeezed but there's an art to it. Here's how. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid trouble and infection. Put a tissue over your finger. Why? Because you want the contents of the spot on the tissue, not splattered all over the mirror. Using the side of your thumb and the end of your finger, very gently start to squeeze. Don't whatever you do, use your nails as this will damage your skin. Stop when you're applying a lot of pressure and nothing is happening and you see clear fluid, rather than yellow grotty stuff and the spot begins to bleed. When you've finished dab it with antiseptic. Once the custard bit is out, the spot will heal more quickly than an un-squeezed yellow top would, providing that you now leave it well alone. Now wash your hands again.

3.      Whiteheads and blackheads. If acne is left untreated they may cause this problem. Here the rule is if they're black, squeeze but if they're small, white raised lumps leave them alone. All that stuff about clean hands, tissues and stopping if nothing is happening or you see blood, apply here too.