Yoga Asanas For Healthy Spine

Health News

Lifestyle Changes Help to Prevent Kidney Diseases: Experts

By making changes in lifestyle, kidney diseases cannot only be prevented but also controlled in their early stages, said experts. Himanshu Verma, Head of the Department of Nephrology at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, said in his presentation that the process from kidney disease to kidney failure happens in five stages. "But it is possible to completely overcome the disease in the first and second stages. For this, first of all, it is necessary to have awareness among the patients so that the disease can be identified in the initial stage itself." According to him, keeping the body mass index (BMI) between 20-25, walking 30 minutes a day and at least five days a week, changing lifestyle, and reducing the consumption of pain-relieving medicines, among other precautions, are effective in controlling the disease in the initial stage. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure would be at the highest risk of kidney disease. "This risk can be much higher for people over 60 years of age with any of these diseases." The experts also talked about alternative treatment methods of ayurveda like Neeri KFT, a traditional ayurvedic polyherbal formulation that has been found to be effective in regulating functions of at least six genes variants causing kidney dysfunction. In concluding remarks, Sanchit Sharma, Executive Director, of AIMIL Pharma, said the nine-day-long program experts discussed extensively how to avoid kidney diseases and how to manage them. "This discussion shows that no standards can be fixed to prevent the disease but a dynamic approach needs to be adopted," he said. Studies have warned that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in India is on the rise among those dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Read More►Debunking 5 Common Diabetes Myths
Yoga and Fitness

Neck Pain From Yoga?

Misalignment and lack of awareness during practice or even everyday activities can lead to neck pain, which is very frequent. These include routine daily motions that require repetitive forward movements, bad posture, or the propensity to hold your head still. The likelihood of developing discomfort in this region of your body is common, and it is simple for that pain to spread to your shoulders and back. Headaches and even injuries can result from neck pain.. Yogic Warm-Up You should start your practice with Sukshma Vyayam or other subtle exercises. When practicing yoga, you should warm up by gently rotating your hips, arms, wrists, head, and neck as well as mobilizing your ankles to gradually warm up the joints. Walk quickly around the area to stretch and relax your muscles. By doing this, you'll get your body ready for practice and lower your risk of being hurt. Make sure your body is fully warmed up before attempting any poses that require you to bend your back, such as Camel Pose and Snake Pose. Take a Core Test After elevating your feet, tuck your legs into your chest for a full five seconds before lifting them all the way up to ensure you have the appropriate core strength. Locate a comfortable place to rest your head. Rest the base of your palm at the top of your nose and extend your middle finger to the top of your head to determine where you should place your head on the floor. This area enables your Practice Inversions Safely Rotate your forearms and elbows toward the floor while performing a headstand. Verify that you are not experiencing any pressure or sensation in your head. When you are in the stance, keep your head still at all times. Also, use a spotter if possible. Stretch Regularly It is advisable to do yoga and regular stretching in the morning to combat this. This may help with issues including discomfort or stiffness in the shoulders and neck. Use these yoga practices in your practice at least three times per week. Yoga Asanas To prevent neck pain, there are a few poses that call for particular caution. There are many steps you can take to ensure that you are performing yoga in a way that is suitable for your body, level of ability, and desired objectives. Bird Dog, A Variation of Marjariasana The transverse abdominals and the back can both benefit from more strength training with this yoga position. While on all fours and using double mats for enhanced knee protection and cushioning, extend one arm and the opposing leg. After pausing to take a breath, switch sides. 5 times on each side of the repetition Helpful for supporting the back and abs. Enhances spinal health Fosters mental focus Ustrasana (Camel Pose) - Gently crouch down on the yoga mat or on a soft surface. Hands should be placed on hips. Next, gradually begin to arch your back. When the arms are straight, slide your palms over your ankles. Don't put any stress on your neck by leaving it in a neutral position. After exhaling, slowly return to the starting position. Sarpasana (Snake Pose) Lie on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your back; Take a big breath in and hold it for a few seconds (this is known as Kumbakh); Raise your head, shoulders, and chest as high as you can; Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground; Hold the position for ten breaths. Limit Your Digital Usage We wind up using digital gadgets like smartphones, computers, and tablets for the majority of our waking hours as a result of our current lifestyles. According to recently completed research, people are thought to use their smartphones for an average of 4 hours every day. This can total an incredible 1,400 hours per year, which is completely unnecessary. Long periods of sitting and all these unhealthy practices can cause bad posture and stiffness in the neck and shoulder regions. The amount of stress that has been bottled up may be a major contributing factor to stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and back. The stored nervous energy that is present in the neck and shoulder area while you are under stress causes a great deal of pain. You can relax your muscles with the aid of gentle yoga asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation. Spend a few minutes each day and notice how your stress levels change. (Himalayan Siddha Akshar is the founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, Himalaya Yoga Ashrama, and World Yoga Organisation) Read more►Health Benefits of Half-Moon Yoga Posture
Yoga and Fitness

Health Benefits of Half-Moon Yoga

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANSlife) As much as the sun is fiery and all about passion and high-octane energy, the moon on the opposite side is cooling, calming, and very creative in nature. Ardha Chandrasana as the name says particularly this posture brings serenity, and tranquility to the moon. It brings the shine and hue of light from within. Lunar energy helps you develop empathy, compassion, creativity, and connect with hearts. Talents are the sign of representation of moon subtleties and grace. The push and pulls of life stretch people to sit for late hours at work, till the sun rises. Long hours of sitting continuously lead to tight gluteus, quads, and hamstrings muscles. Ardha Chandrasana also known as Half Moon pose is a perfect posture for those. Because every asana is about geometry, our inner geometry corresponds to the geometry of the outside world, the Universe. This must also be flawless in terms of symmetry. So, when it comes to angles, make sure that you have deep relaxation in your body and mind and achieve the appropriate posture with the right alignment of your palms to shoulders and hands above, the leg that is down absolutely stable and deeply anchored for you to get anchored in your own self as well. The beauty of Ardha Chandrasana is the combination of being anchored and soaring in this posture. It's standing and a challenging posture. Like the moon goes through phases to reach the full moon. To achieve the perfect posture we also need to practice preparatory postures. Make sure your sensibilities, your senses, and your awareness are all conjured up together, and with absolute grace and softness of being you hold this posture and don't use aggression anywhere, because aggression doesn't allow you to balance, it will tip the balance. It may also cause injuries. So, one needs to warm up well before getting into the actual pose. You can do compound movements or any individual muscle group movements for warm-ups with gentle breath in and out, stretching every body part, especially your shoulders, back, lower back, gluteus, and hamstrings which are going to play in this posture. How to Do: Stand with Legs apart, Bend in Trikonasana, Breathe in slowly raise your leg up and try to balance on one foot and one arm. Try holding as much as comfortable. Repeat on another side. Focusing your attention on the upward movement of the hand and the alignment, being perpendicular to the ground is so important that leads to stability of the mind which we call "Sthirtha" in Yoga. The Benefits: Strengthening Core Muscles: Strengthening your core muscles translates into strengthening confidence. Improves Body Balance: Practicing it on both sides keeps you well co-ordinate and deeply anchored into your being and mentally stable. Ardha Chandrasana in particular also helps you to bring equanimity to the fore, calmness, and serenity, once again Chandra representing the moon is all about coolness being collected, getting integrated, and balanced. Strengthens Your Legs: When you strengthen your legs, it helps to maintain your energy throughout the day precisive with clarity. Good Body Stretch: Stretching on other hand expands spaces on your own being and helps you move your fluids and air-ether element better. When an air-ether element is stable your movement and mental state also become stable. Cellular Regeneration: When done together, all kinds of stretches and bends contract most of our toxins in organs. When we stretch fresh nutrients and oxygen-laden blood gets into our organs. So, rejuvenating our organs and cellular regeneration is very good. Holding postures for an extended time helps us improve concentration, focus, determination, and Sankalp. With Sankalp, we can achieve anything. All Yoga postures translate into a stable, strong, confident personality. People who master Ardha Chandrasana are disciplined, they are very focused, determined, and most important they are visionary people. (Dr. Mickey Mehta is a Global leading holistic health guru/corporate life) Read more►5 Healthy Ingredients for Fitness Enthusiasts
Yoga and Fitness

5 Healthy Ingredients for Fitness Enthusiasts

Fitness enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ingredients to help boost their fitness journeys. While chemical supplements are widely available in the market, the goodness of ayurvedic ingredients does not usually get the attention it deserves. Ayurveda is a centuries-old Indian healthcare practice. It aims to maintain health and wellness by balancing the mind, body, and spirit, and it focuses more on prevention than treatment. To accomplish this, it takes a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Ayurvedic herbs and spices play a significant role in this approach. They are believed to give a range of health advantages, including better digestion and mental health, and actually protect your body from sickness. Here are 5 Healthy Ingredients for Fitness Enthusiasts Shared by Dr. Kriti Soni, Head of R&D, Kapiva 1. Ashwagandha  Originally from India, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a little woody shrub. Its roots and berries are used to make a well-known Ayurvedic medicine. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it is believed to help your body cope with stress more effectively. Cortisol is a hormone that your adrenal glands create in response to stress, and studies have shown that ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels. Fitness enthusiasts can benefit from it to relieve stress-both physical and psychological. Ashwagandha may also improve muscle growth and blood sugar levels. 2. Shilajit ​It is an ingredient that has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicinal practices to treat a wide range of ailments. It is abundant in minerals and contains a major compound known as fulvic acid. While working out, fitness enthusiasts lose essential electrolytes that aid in regulating water balance, muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and metabolism by sweating. Shilajit is rich in certain mineral content, which has the ability to replace these electrolytes, thus maintaining physical performance and endurance. 3. Triphala  Triphala is an Ayurvedic cure made from the three medicinal fruits listed: Amla (Emblica Officinalis, or Indian gooseberry) Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica) Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) According to research, Triphala may lessen arthritic inflammation and prevent or slow the spread of several cancers. Furthermore, Triphala is also beneficial for improved digestion and oral health. Fitness enthusiasts may benefit largely from including Triphala in their diet, as it can promote overall health and well-being. It acts as a colon toner and helps in strengthening and toning the tissues of the colon. As a result, it helps manage weight. 4. Turmeric Another well-liked Ayurvedic treatment is turmeric It is the ingredient that gives curry its characteristic yellow color. Its primary active ingredient, curcumin, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Test-tube research suggests that it might be just as effective as other anti-inflammatory medications, if not more so, and without any of their negative effects. Additionally, turmeric may aid in the prevention of heart disease in part by enhancing blood flow, just as effectively as exercise or other prescribed drugs. 5. Cardamom Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is known as the "queen of spices," and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. According to research, those with high blood pressure may benefit from using cardamom powder to lower it. There is evidence that inhaling cardamom essential oil may improve the body's ability to absorb oxygen when exercising. Ayurvedic studies suggest that adding cardamom may lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and heal stomach ulcers. However, more human study is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Ayurvedic herbs and spices have been an integral part of traditional Indian medicine for centuries. An increasing amount of scientific evidence supports their many proposed health benefits, including protection against type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Thus, adding small amounts of these ingredients may help both flavors your meals and boost your health. That said, large doses may not be suitable for everyone, so make sure to seek advice from your healthcare provider before adding Ayurvedic supplements to your fitness regimen. (Agency). Read more►Yoga And Pranayama Help Ease Panic Attacks
Nirog Health Tips

5 Lifestyle Tips for Pre-Diabetics to Stay Healthy

For many people in India, especially those in the older age groups, diabetes is a lifestyle condition that they live with on a daily basis. However, diabetes is becoming more common in younger age groups as well, raising issues of public health. After China, India is the country with the second-highest prevalence of diabetes, with an estimated 77 million individuals - or roughly 1 in 11 Indians - having the disease. Pre-diabetes is a condition or stage that precedes diabetes, where the body's blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. The National Urban Diabetes Survey estimates that our nation has a startling 14 per cent prevalence of pre-diabetes, commonly known as borderline diabetes. Due to the absence or minimal visibility of symptoms, many people in their 30s and 40s may be pre-diabetic without even being aware of it. If diabetes runs in your family, you are at an increased risk of developing it yourself. Nevertheless, by making dietary and lifestyle changes, pre-diabetes may still be somewhat reversed and treated. Here are some precautions and tips one can be mindful of to stay healthy as a pre-diabetic: Move About More Sitting is the new smoking. A sedentary lifestyle is known to increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise and workouts approved by a trainer or doctor help manage pre-diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels. Moreover, being active can improve insulin sensitivity throughout the body. It can also help you manage your weight which is crucial to not slip into diabetes. Try brisk walks, jogs, and runs and gradually move to more aerobic exercises such as dance and biking/bicyling. Weight Management Did you know that being overweight, or having a body mass index over 25, can increase one's risk of developing type 2 diabetes? If you are diagnosed for pre-diabetes, gradually losing 5-10 per cent of your body weight can significantly improve your chances of delaying or reversing diabetes prevalence. Ask a trainer to help you focus on your midsection for belly fat, as a large waist circumference is known to put a person at an increased risk of diabetes. Keep Stress at Bay Stress can make you sick, but it can also make you pre-diabetic, or at least make your condition worse. An imbalance of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline - known for the fight or flight response - can trigger blood glucose levels to shoot up and remain high. Make time for adequate rejuvenation on your schedule, and make sure to not pressure yourself to work like a machine. Make time for laughter and time with friends and family. Schedule time for walks, gardening or other hobbies that help you decompress. Watch What's on Your Plate Consider the composition of your meals. Is there an adequate balance between protein, carbohydrates, fats and necessary vitamins and minerals? For a healthy portion, pre-diabetics should fill half of their plate with non-starchy vegetables and leafy greens, and the rest with healthy carbohydrates, whole grains and lean protein. Stocking up on fibre will ensure satiety without raising blood sugar. Snack on nuts and fruit, even if they seem to be sugary. One must remember they have natural sugar. Avoid Drinking Your Sugar Added sugars must be avoided at all costs to avoid escalation into diabetes. Sweetened beverages can spike blood sugar levels and provide little nutritional diversity, such as protein. This includes energy drinks, soft drinks and any syrups or liquid desserts. Research says that substituting one daily serving of a sugary drink with low-calorie alternatives such as water, coffee, or tea is linked with a 2-10 per cent lower risk of diabetes. (Dr Vivek Srivastava, Senior Vice President, Zeon Lifesciences)  
Yoga and Fitness

Yoga And Pranayama Help Ease

An increase in the body's normal reaction to stress, fear, or excitement is what causes panic attacks. The body, the psyche, and one's general health can all be impacted by the symptoms of panic attacks. Negative thoughts and uncomfortable physical sensations, such as rapid heartbeat, perspiration, and heavy breathing, are frequently present during panic attacks. A person's quality of life can be negatively impacted by panic attacks, even if some people are more prone to them than others. Despite the difficulties caused by panic attacks, there are strategies to control the symptoms and lessen worry. Yoga is a centuries-old discipline that can aid in reducing anxiety and controlling panic attack symptoms. Additionally, yoga can improve mindfulness, lessen anxiety, and help with stress management. How Yoga Can Help with Panic Disorder? There are various symptoms associated with anxiety and panic like tightness, feelings of tension and pain sensitivity. Yoga asanas can help ease the physical discomfort that comes with anxiety and panic attacks. The practice works to lengthen, stretch and balance the muscles of the body. The asanas also assist in releasing stiffness and built-up muscle tension throughout the body. Additionally, by gradually modifying the posture of the body, asanas can also bring about a change in the mentality of a person. Yoga allows people to get to know their bodies. Therefore, if the teacher tells a student to "release the shoulder", for example, he/she becomes aware of the posture and gradually learns to release the tension from their body. As a result, they also become less anxious and panicked in their day-to-day lives as they become aware of the tensions and how to let them go. Another form of supplementary medicine for the mind-body system that has been around for centuries is meditation, which can help calm the mind and induce deep relaxation. A person can concentrate their attention and clear their mind of disorganised thoughts that may be stressing them out. As a result, both physical and emotional health are improved. Pranayama Effect on Stress and Anxiety One of the essential elements of yoga practise is pranayama, or the art of controlling breath. The breathing exercises and patterns known as pranayama involve deliberately timing one's inhalations, exhalations, and breath holds. According to research, pranayama might enhance the stress response by soothing the neurological system. People breathe too quickly when they are nervous. Fast breathing causes the blood to have an excessive amount of oxygen and less relative carbon dioxide, which affects the blood's pH level. This may result in nauseousness, twitching muscles, irritation, dizziness, anxiety, and stress. The blood's pH level, however, returns to normal with calm, controlled breathing. This slows down the heart rate and calms the body and mind. Yoga and Pranayama to Combat Panic and Anxiety BaddhaKonasana How To Do: Sit on the floor with your legs stretched to the sides Exhale while you bring the bottoms of your feet together Pull the feet toward the pelvis Drop your knees to the sides Continue to press your heels together while you take deep breaths Dhanurasana How To Do: Lie face down on your mat with the arms by the sides Keep your knees hip-width apart as you bring your heels as close to your glutes as possible Grasp your ankles with the hands Inhale while simultaneously lifting the thighs, heels, head, and sternum away from the floor Pull your shoulders away from the ears and keep your shoulder blades against the back Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds Padangusthasana How To Do: Stand on the floor with your feet 6 inches apart Flex your quadriceps (front thigh muscles) to lift the kneecaps Exhale and fold from your waist Keep your back, neck, and head in a straight line Grab your big toes with your hands While inhaling, straighten the arms and raise the torso to release the hamstrings While exhaling, fold back down into the forward bend Continue this for several breaths NadiShodhan Pranayama How To Do: Sit comfortably with your legs crossed Place your left hand on the left knee Exhale and then use your right thumb to close the right nostril Inhale through the left nostril and then close the left nostril with your fingers Open the right nostril and exhale Inhale through the right nostril and then close Open the left nostril and exhale through the left side Consider this as one cycle Continue for up to 5 minutes Always complete your practice by finishing with an exhalation on the left side Because we humans do not know how to release tension, it builds up in our bodies and causes discomfort on both a physical and emotional level. We can create a more balanced mental state and reduce stress, panic, and anxiety in our lives by engaging in the ancient practise of yoga, which consists of asanas, meditation, and pranayama. (Dr. Rajeev Rajesh, Chief Yoga Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute)