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.

Treatments & Remedies

Treatments & Remedies

1. Dark Circles can be removed by applying peeled and grated potato overnight at least three times a week.
2. Make cotton pads and dip them in cucumber juice. Place on your eyes for 15 minutes. The effect is cooling and relaxes your eyes.
3. Massaging eyes with almond oil is of great help. Massage at bed time daily, and in two weeks you will see the difference.
4. Dark circles can be removed by doing pranayam daily for at least five minutes.
5. Pressing the mount below index finger of the palm is good for eyesight and removing dark circles.
6. When stressed, keep your eyes covered with cucumber slices for some time.
7. Dip cotton balls in rose water and keep for 5-10 minutes. Drink as much water as you can drink.
8. Dip cotton balls in chilled water and keep for 5-10 minutes on the eyes.
9. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoid reading late at night, lying down.
10. Every morning, after washing your face, gently apply mixture of equal parts of tomato and lime juice; wash after half an hour.
11. Alternate hot and cold compresses under your eyes for 10 minutes. Then apply a teaspoon of almond oil mixed with half teaspoon of lime juice on the dark surface every night before going to bed.
12. For cooling effect to eyes paste of the herb nutmeg (Jaiphala) made with milk may be applied all around the eyes and over the eyelids.

Home Remedies

            Probably the most popular home remedy for dark eye circles is to apply slices of raw potato or cucumber over the eyelids for about 15 minutes. Grated raw potato wrapped in cheesecloth can also be used. Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that is used as a skin lightener in many cosmetics. You can apply freshly grated cucumber or the resultant juice over the eyes to lighten the area.

            Almonds are considered excellent skin food and it is believed that a paste of almonds applied over the eyes for about 10 minutes can go a long way in reducing dark under eye bags. Alternatively you can apply rich almond oil under the eyes. Vitamin E or olive oil is also regularly used in treating dark circles around the eyes. Another popular home remedy for dark eye circles is to place cool, used tea bags on the tired eyes. Applying crushed mint leaves around the eyes can also reduce dark circles.

                                                                 

                                                                                       Creams

            

Topical creams that have Vitamin K derivatives are prescribed for reducing dark eye circles. Antioxidant products containing Vitamins C and E are known to stimulate fibroblast activity in the dermal layer and help firm up the skin. This can greatly reduce baggy eyes that are dark and sagging. Over-the-counter products containing kinetin or AHA are available for regular use to reduce severe under eye circles. Chemical peels may be effective in reducing chronic dark eye circles.

 Makeup

          Using an under eye concealer is the best way to hide the unsightly dark circles. Do not choose a shade that is much lighter than your skin tone else it will accentuate the baggy dark circles. Dab concealer gently under the eyes and blend it with the foundation. The inner corner of your eye is usually the darkest part, so ensure that it is well concealed. Rev up your tired looking eyes with gold-based concealers. Avoid mascara and eyeliner to the lower lashes for fear of drawing attention to the dark under eye circles.

Combat Dark Eye Circles

Combat dark circles under your eyes with simple tips:

1. Drink nearly 10 glasses of water everyday.
2. Ensure that you get good rest and adequate sleep.
3. Eat vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A.
4. Consume a nutritionally balanced diet.

Tips 1:

            Grate 2' piece of cucumber. Squeeze through a muslin cloth and extract the juice. Dip cotton pads in this and place on eyelids. Relax for 15 minutes.

Tips 2:

            Take 1 teaspoon Tomato pulp, 1 pinch of Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of limejuice and 1 teaspoon of gram flour. Make a paste and apply gently. Remove gently with moist cotton pads after an hour.

Tips 3:

            Soak 2 Almonds overnight. Peel and grind to a smooth paste. Add a few drops of limejuice to this Apply for 20-25 minutes. This should be followed daily and gradually after 2 weeks, every 3rd day and finally when the difference is visible, to once week. A paste of Almonds can be stored in a clean bottle in the 'fridge.
Tips 4:

            Apply a paste made by crushing a handful of Mint leaves.

• Dip wads of cotton in a chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on your eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off. Apply a little baby oil.
• For long eyelashes, apply a thin coat of castor oil every night. It strengthens lashes and cools your eyes.
• Massage a few drops of coconut oil around the eyes to get rid off dark circles.
• To reduce puffiness of your eyes, grate a potato; tie in a cloth and place the cloth over your eyes for about 15 minutes.
• Add a small pinch of salt in water and wash for bright and sparkling eyes.
• Mix tomato juice and lemon juice in equal quantity and apply around the eyes. After 30 minutes wash it off with cold and hot water alternatively.
• Make a paste of sandal wood and nutmeg. Apply the paste around the eyes before sleeping and wash it off in the morning.
• Crush a cucumber and take the juice. Add a little rose water and apply around the eyes and wash it after 30 minutes.
• Place cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes for removing dark circles. 

Dark Eye Circles - Tips

Dark Eye Circles - Tips

Under Eye Dark Circles - Treatment Tips

Causes
            Dark unsightly circles around the eyes can leave you looking ill, haggard and depressed. While there can be many causes for dark eye a circle, the upshot is that you end up looking older than you probably are. Look for ways to camouflage the dark under eye circles. Find out simple home remedies to reduce the dark under eye circles and add sparkle to your eyes.

Dark Eye Circle

            The skin below our eyes is thin and is not as well endowed with oil glands as the rest of the body. Consequently as we age, the skin gets dry and wrinkled. As a result, the veins in the lower eye area appear more prominent. This results in dark circles under the eyes. There are many factors that lead to dark circles.

Heredity

            Dark under eye circles are often an inherited trait. Those who are prone to allergies or itchy skin condition are susceptible to dark circles since inflammation and rubbing of eyes can thicken and darken the skin around them. Some food allergies can also cause the area under the eyes to appear darker. Excess folds of skin under the eyes will also make dark circles more pronounced.

Lack of Sleep

            Lack of sleep and fatigue can cause the skin to grow wan and pale. This makes blood vessels under the eyes to appear more visible and dark. The paleness that occurs with fatigue, a cold or sinus infection or during menstruation or pregnancy may accentuate the circles under the eyes. Partying all night and smoking can play havoc with your skin and result in dark eye circles.

Bone Structure

            Deep set eyes may have a tendency to develop dark shadows under them. In fair-skinned persons, dark eyes become more obvious.

Sun Exposure

            Increased exposure to the sun can draw pigmentation the skin’s surface and create dark circles.

Medication

            Drugs that cause blood vessels to dilate may result in darkening circles around the eyes.

Nutrition

            Dark circle around the eyes can be the result of poor nutrition.

Hormonal Changes

            Since the skin undergoes changes during pregnancy and menstruation, you may notice darkening of the circles under the eyes.