Archive for September, 2009

How to avoid acne scars – tips to avoid and remove acne scars

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009


After acne is healed, we are left with acne scars, acne scars take times to heal, some acne scars will disappear after a couple of months, but some acne scars will stay and become permanent scars. Most people who suffer from severe cases of acne scars, suffered from severe cases of acne, it is very important to start treating your acne while it is still early, don’t wait for it to get worse.

1. Stopped your acne from developing, this is the most important rule to remember, if you have acne you should treat it early, so that it will not develop into a severe case of acne, there are many acne medications you can use to start treating your acne, some acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide that can heal acne fast, some acne medications contained benzoyl peroxide and aloe-Vera extract which are very effective elements that can heal acne fast and remove acne scars.

2. Avoid squeezing; popping or picking your pimples I know it is very tempting to squeeze that pimple, but if you do this, you will further spread the infection deeper into your skin, the bacteria from your hands will transfer on the acne-affected skin that you have touched, and those bacteria will spread creating more infection in your acne-affected skin, also squeezing a pimple can actually push the bacteria deeper into the skin, this will make the condition of your acne worse.

3. Avoid irritating those inflamed acne lesions, inflamed acne lesions are the number one responsible and contributor of deep acne scars, this kind of acne is filled with pus, and is painful to touch, don’t irritate this kind of acne by scrubbing or any method that can irritate it, because in the end if this kind of acne were irritated will develop into a deep scar after it healed.

4. Dermabrasion is a medical procedure used by dermatologist this process involves removing the surface of the skin by abrasion, this medical procedure is very painful and takes several months to heal; dermabrasion is useful for removing scars or any imperfection on the skin.

5. Medications with aloe Vera extracts, a medication that contains aloe Vera extracts are good for removing acne scars, aloe Vera has a respectable reputation for removing scars, for moisturizing the skin, as anti-inflammatory agents, aloe Vera contains anti-bacterial properties that fights infection, tightens and balances the skin, it minimizes scarring and speeds-up healing. Aloe Veras regenerate and heal scars from inside out, because it has enzymes that help skin tissue regenerate, it is used to heal pimples, cuts, psoriasis, itching, burns and many skin problems.

Remember that if you have acne, you should not waste time to treat it right away, you need to act fast to free yourself from acne, this is the most important thing you should always remember.



Maximize Your Skin Care Results With African American Skin Care Products

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
There are some different skin types and they require several African American Skin Care Products. It is important to know what kinds of products are out there today and how are they used.

Black skin has ready made sun protection factor (SPF) which is about four to five times stronger than the typical SPF for white skin. This reduces the aging effect of the sun. This means when it comes to black skin care product or an African American skin care product, you may be less likely to look for anti-aging products as early as a person possessing lighter skin.

It’s also a good idea to explore the African American Skin Care Products for general skin care early on. While the aging process is delayed, good early skin care is always a bonus. Well nourished skin is more resistant to the ravages of age. African American Skin Care Products are specially formulated to address its specific texture and needs.

African American Skin Care Products are Effective and have powerful natural ingredients that supply your skin with antioxidants and vitamins. Their ingredients are tested showing scientific results in moisturizing skin and reversing aging signs. Good African American Skin Care Products do not have chemical ingredients like alcohol, mineral oils etc. These ingredients are known to deplete skin texture in prolonged use. African American Skin Care Products treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, skin inflammation and sensitive skin. They improve skin texture and also look into your skin condition and treat it.

One of the new developments in African American Skin Care Products is skin lightening. This is because a lightened skin tone can completely change a person’s appearance and some believe enhancing beauty of their facial features even more.

One should opt for those African American Skin Care Products that either lighten your skin through effective natural ingredients or maintains your complexion. Often the problem with skin lightening products is that they can irritate skin and also sometimes cause inflammation. You can avoid such problems by choosing a product with a high percentage of extra pone nut grass, which is a specific component.

African American Skin Care Products bring out an enhanced look to your skin, while at the same time rejuvenating skin texture and making skin young looking.

If you regularly use such products you can see the real kind of black skin care results that you want – lightened skin tone as well as soft, shiny complexion, reversal of aging sins and nourished skin texture. For more assistance visit: – www.nubianblue.com.



Beautiful Skin Care Tips

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Avoid the sun at all cost! This is how skin can acquire a tough, leathery appearance…wearing sunscreen (preferably with SPF 30) is a very important part of anti aging skin care. You should always be wary of skin care tips acne product sellers give that promise immediate or miraculous results. Results will vary according to the kind of skin the user has and the severity of the acne problems he faces. And since not all people have the same kind of acne problem or skin type, promising instant or somewhat magical results for all acne sufferers is truly a very irresponsible thing to do. Professional skin care treatments are available if you have problem skin or even if you are new to facial skin care.

Professional skin care specialists can examine your skin and determine which treatments are best suited for your skin type. A relaxing facial and massage at a day spa can help melt away the stress of your busy life. Professional skin care products are often recommended by a specialist after a spa treatment. This is an excellent way to begin your facial skin care routine if you are unsure of how to start.Caring for your skin and caring for your body go hand in hand. Your skin is like a mirror that reflects all your habits. If you eat healthy and treat your body well, the result will be healthier more supple skin.

However, if you eat foods that are greasy and bad for you, it will show through your skin in the form of pimples and blemishes. Because your skin releases toxins from your body many of the things you eat indirectly affect your skin.Aside from a good diet, cleansing and moisturizing are important facial skin care tips. Eating healthy helps maintain the health and look of your skin from the inside out, but that alone will not necessarily cure any skin problems that you may have. Cleansing daily helps to clear away any environmental damage that your skin may be suffering from, such as dirt or toxins.

Moisturizing will also help your skin as it works as a barrier locking in moisture and protecting your skin. Exfoliating and weekly facials are more facial skin care tips that are useful. By exfoliating you are removing any unwanted dead skin cells allowing a cleaner, smoother layer of skin to appear. Facials can also be helpful in the maintenance of your skin, as various facials achieve various outcomes. Most facials are relaxing and soothing for the skin, where other facials open up the pores and allows the skin to breathe.

You want to cleanse your face on a daily basis. Also, use a good toner that will close the open pores of your skin. This is vital to healthy skin. Your face is exposed to many different conditions that can damage the skin every day, not to mention the grease and the oil that accumulates on your skin. You need to make sure that you wash all of the dirt and grime of the day away before you go to bed at night. It is also a good idea to wash your face in the morning.



Importance of Health and Fitness Magazines

Sunday, September 20th, 2009
 

Health and fitness is important to maintain healthy body. Fitness is phenomena that help a person look, feel and work to better. It also plays an important part of conducting bodily activities efficiently. Working out of the heart, lungs and muscles are all related to physical fitness. Health is the state of physical and mental well being of a person. Activities to be incorporated in the fitness programs have to be decided after analyzing various component of fitness.

 

Health and fitness magazine is very popular in the market. Men’s are demanding more magazines because they are more conscious about their health and fitness.

Health and fitness magazines have so many fitness tips. Fitness tips offer concise knowledge about knowledge about the developments in the field of health and fitness. Fitness tips inspire fitness enthusiasts to maintain a healthy life style. Fitness involves exercise regimens, diets, even motivational courses, meditation sessions, and so on.

 

To sit and read magazines related to fitness and health-related topics take time and patience. Fitness tips provide readymade solution, since one can easily obtain the very latest and valuable information about various ways to stay fit and in shape. Fitness tips mainly revolve around health, exercise, weight loss and nutrition. Apart from common health information, fitness tips highlight the dos and don’ts that must be kept in mind to preserve a healthy routine. They are popular because of the growing number of health consciousness people. But one must be very cautions because reliable fitness tips may result in health consequences. So it is better to take the advice of an expert before adopting any tip.

 

Health experts and professional trainers deliver up-to-date to best suit anyone’s lifestyle. Fitness tips can be accessed through magazines and other publications. A free collection of tips are also available online in men fitness magazine and men health fitness magazine.



Weeeeee, The Wii Will Get You Into Shape With Wii Fitness Games!

Sunday, September 20th, 2009


Will a video game promote your good health? You bet it can, if its a Nintendo Wii fitness game! We all know the bad reputation video games have gotten in the past. It was believed video games led to a sedentary lifestyle. Parents have complained for years that their couch potato tykes do nothing but sit around day and night playing video games as their health deteriorates. And, of course, we all know the horror stories of how sofa tater children grow up to be sofa spud adolescents who can’t cut it in the adult world.

Some may disagree with these fears, but now, things have changed! Nintendo Wii video games makes these fears a thing of the past. A Wii fitness game mixes all the skill and fun of a average video game with exercise you would get, if you were actually playing it. Doctors and parents have all started to support the Wii. You may not burn as many calories as playing the actual sport, but, you will burn a significant amount and that’s a heck of a lot better…and more fun, than sitting there.

Just envision yourself on a tennis court, ready to serve the ball to your opposition. You enhale, throw the ball up and swing with all you’ve got. Now envision doing this in the comfort of your own home, wearing whatever you find comfortable. If you are not able to find an opponent to play against, no problem, you can just play against the computer. If, on the other hand, you have a friend (or three), you can all get into the fun. Volley the ball to and fro, matching your skill against your nemesis. You start to get into the game and begin to forget it’s just a Wii fitness game, and best of all, you even forget you are receiving an aerobic workout!

The Wii game console has made it a possibility. The action can be so close to reality, and the bodily benefits so terrific that some physical therapy specialists have in reality tied wii fitness games into their patient’s workout procedures, helping them to regain lost or impaired joint and muscle flexibility.

Senior citizens are even getting in on the action. It is no longer accurate to depict the elderly sitting around living a dormant life. Wii fitness games have been turning up in more and more elderly living centers. What was once seen to be a lethargic universe has again acquired fresh life, as the elderly are able to easily learn the necessary skills to enter into all the fun the Wii gaming console has to offer. There have even been Wii bowling clubs starting up in the centers, providing hours of amusement and most importantly bodily movement and exercise.

So, if you’ve been considering getting into better shape, or getting your family active together, then toss out your antiquated ideas and turn to video games. Provided you’re talking of the Nintendo Wii gaming console, you can’t lose anything but some extra pounds.



Tips on Health

Saturday, September 19th, 2009


What if I told you that our health is the most important asset we have. Would you believe me? Why is it today that everybody seems to be plagued with bad health.

You can make a stand and try incorporating these health tips into your everyday life and see if they make a difference to your total health.

Lets have a look:

Don’t Smoke – One of the main reasons why people decide not to give up smoking, and sadly, the reason why some people take it up is the effect smoking supposedly has on you weigh gain or loss. It is true that smoking has been associated with an increase in metabolism it is a drug!!

However it is a dangerous, addictive drug and surely the tiny effect it has on your metabolism is outweighed by the huge risk of dying from lung cancer.

Interestingly in regards to weight gain and loss, although smoking over 25 cigarettes a day can increase your metabolism by up to 10% overall, smokers have been found to be fatter than non – smokers!!

Take In More Water – You can live three weeks without food, However you can only live for three days without fluid, just think 3 days and its all over, one could suggest that fluid is fairly important!

Your body is anywhere between 60 and 70 percent fluid. The fluid in your body is responsible for helping to keep every system of your body in good working order, including all of your metabolic processes.

De-hydrate and everything slows down. The fluid in your body will also ensure that you can move well and be active.

If you start to dehydrate, your body’s ability to do basic activities will slow down and your ability to exercise effectively or even enjoy exercise will be reduced. You will feel tired, lethargic and will probably get a headache.

Eat A Variety Of Foods – For protection from the majority of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer you need a variety of foods that deliver that mix of nutrients and minerals.

Aim to eat different coloured fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a different food each month. Eat an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

Relax For 20 Minutes a Day – Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reactions to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, Breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils breathing deeply into your abdomen. Say HAM as you inhale and SA as you exhale.

These suggestions are charged with positive energy and will help you control your emotions. Try once a day for fantastic results.

Floss Every Day – Flossing your teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect your heart. Gum disease, which is left untreated, can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body that can trigger heart disease and stroke.

Drink More Tea – Try drinking more tea instead of coffee to help protect your body from damaging effects of free radicals. Tea is a rich source of antioxidants that play a big role in protecting against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Get Active – Aerobic activity not only burns calories but also increases your metabolism and can keep it elevated for several hours after a workout. You don’t need to spend hours each day on the treadmill or bike to reap the benefits.

Exercising aerobically for as little as 20 minutes, three to five days a week will make a big difference. Extra movement throughout the day is also essential, take the stairs instead of the lift, lose the remote and move at every opportunity you can.

Get More Sleep – Lack of sleep changes your hormone levels and capacity to metabolise carbohydrates so less sleep = slower metabolism.

Studies have revealed that deep sleep causes cell repair and cell growth, which will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. So aim to get at least eight hours sleep a night.

Eat More Protein And Boost Your Energy Levels – Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert, try chicken or tuna salads for lunch. Go for complex carbohydrates rather than white flour and sugar, as they will provide a sustained energy source as opposed to a quick hit.

Another reason to leave simple carbohydrates out of the diet is that they have a negative effect on your skin and how it ages. The more sugar that is in the body the more you force a chemical reaction causing sugars to attach to proteins and this is very detrimental to your skin.

So go ahead and introduce these tips into your everyday life, I am sure you will reap the benefits as you go forward.



Fibromialgia Health Tips

Friday, September 18th, 2009


Over 6 million people suffer from fibromialgia today. It’s an invisible, but very real condition. There are several symptoms of fibromialgia (fibro for short).

One of the main symptoms of fibromialgia is tender points. People with fibromialgia will have certain points, where, when pushed on gently, cause severe pain.

Another main symptom of fibromialgia is chronic pain. Sufferers describe this pain as anywhere from mild to bone crushing. Many can’t pinpoint exactly where their pain is, but it can be very debilitating.

Many fibromialgia sufferers have some form of chronic fatigue. This is more than just being tired, but being exhausted most or all of the time. This fatigue is sometimes described as “brain fatigue,” in which people feel completely drained of energy.

Depression and or anxiety are common in people with fibromialgia. They can be mild or severe, and many doctors feel that they are brought on by the other symptoms of fibro.

Many Fibro patients have sleep disorders. The most common is what is called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This is basically when patients wake up after sleeping and feel like they’ve been run over by a bus. Doctors also refer to this as unrefreshing sleep.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is another common symptom of fibromialgia. IBS consists of constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea.

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, effects many people with fibro. It causes jaw-related face and head pain in one quarter of fibro patients.

There are many other symptoms of fibromialgia that haven’t been mentioned. Here’s just a small list of some of the other symptoms:

- Chronic headaches

- Numbness and tingling sensation

- Skin sensitivities

- Dizziness

- Panic attacks

- Irritable bladder

- Lightheadedness

- Severe muscle weakness

- Weight change

- Night sweats

- Muscle spasms

- Heartburn

- Difficulty swallowing

- Interstitial cystitis

There are lots of medications that help with fibromialgia. This next set of tips will cover some of the common ones.

Antidepressants are often used to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. They help by improving sleep, mood, or by blocking pain signals. Here’s a list of a few that are used:

- Prozac

- Zoloft

- Paxil

- Trazadone

Certain muscle relaxants have been shown to help fibromialgia patients. Flexeril, for example, has been used for pain and sleep problems.

Some fibro patients have seen good pain relief with anticonvulsant medications. Two common ones are Lyrica and Neurontin.

Reuptake Inhibitors are a different form of antidepressants. They haven’t been used very long for treating fibromialgia, but the results have been good. A couple examples are Cymbalta and Ixel.

Certain types of injections have helped fibro patients as well. Here are a few:

B-12

Botox

Nerve blockers

Some over the counter medications have been successful at alleviating fibro pain. Some of these include:

- Ibuprofin

- Tylenol

- Asprin

There are many other treatments that are helping fibro patients. Here are a few:

Many people find relief from fibro pain from a good chiropractor. Make sure that you do your research though. Make sure the chiropractor that you choose has experience with fibromialgia.

Physical therapy is another treatment that is used for fibromialgia. Talk to your doctor about finding a good physical therapist that will sit down with you and discuss your options.

Many fibromialgia sufferers find relief in daily, low impact exercise. It’s important to start slow; 2-3 minutes a day, building up until you can do a steady 20 minutes per day. Be sure to keep your doctor informed with how you’re doing.

Acupuncture is another way that some fibromialgia patients find relief. It reduces pain through body chemicals that have calming effects, and is achieved by putting pins in certain parts of the body, just under the skin.

Some fibromialgia patients have had success with simply increasing their water intake in their daily diet. This is probably the simplest thing that you can do, and it can only improve your health.

There are many vitamins that help relieve symptoms of fibromialgia (though laws prohibit vitamin companies from claiming this). Do your research and you’ll find the best ones for you.

Like vitamins, there are so many herbal supplements available that have helped many people with fibromialgia. Again, do your research, and keep trying different supplements, to see which ones help you.

Many newly diagnosed fibromialgia patients try to live their lives the same as before they were diagnosed. What they don’t realize is that they need more sleep than the average person. Simply getting in an extra 3-4 hours sleep every night can really help.

Yoga is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. Many fibromialgia patients have found help and relief from doing yoga.

Many people with fibromialgia find that simply eating better can relieve some of their symptoms. Talk to a nutritionist to find out some things that you can do to make your diet better.



A Guide To The Most Popular Acne Treatments

Thursday, September 17th, 2009


Everyone knows how irritating and embarrassing acne and breakouts can be. While there are a variety of treatments, but it can be hard to find the best acne treatment for you. Some of the most popular treatments include bactericidal, natural acne treatments, and hormonal therapy. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of acne treatments.

The most popular method of treating acne is the use of a topical bactericidal. These are widely available and contain a chemical known as benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is oxidizer-essentially mild bleach. It works as a keratolytic, dissolving the keratin that causes blocked skin pores. Also, this medicine helps prevent new breakouts from happening. Topical bactericidals are found in either an ointment form or as a wash. Ointments should be applied to the affected area twice daily. Don’t overuse either form, as this could cause dry and irritated skin.

If you’re one who wants to try a more natural or homemade acne treatment, you will be pleased to know that there are a variety of natural remedies that can aid in the treatment of acne. Some of the most popular include Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel. Tea tree oil is an anti-bacterial oil produced from the leaves of an Australian shrub called Melaleuca Alternifolia. Just put a bit on a cotton swab and dab at the affected areas. It will leave your skin tingling with a cool, fresh sensation. Witch hazel is a great natural astringent to use even if you have sensitive skin. It’s very soft and won’t strip your skin’s moisture. You can also try other natural oils, such as Bergamot and Lavender oils, which are also natural anti-bacterial drying agents. And for those of you who have oily skin, you can use rosewood oil to reduce the amount of sebum (natural oil) your skin produces.

For females, hormonal treatment for acne is also an option. Balancing hormone levels can reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. Birth control pills often reduce acne due to the combination of controlled estrogen and progestogen. They are particularly effective when high levels of androgens are detected in the blood. Contraceptives, however, have many side effects. They should not be taken without the guidance of a physician to make sure the type of pill is a good match for you.

Out of all the acne treatments available, bactericidals are definitely the most widely used. However, the amount of people who are trying natural acne remedies is increasing all the time. Finding the right acne treatment product is really just a system of trial and error. Just hang in there and you’re sure to find a treatment that works for you!



Keep Fit by Doing Yoga

Thursday, September 17th, 2009


 

Yoga’s primary emphasis is upon general well-being. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Rather, yoga employs a broad holistic approach that focuses on teaching people a new lifestyle, way of thinking, and way of being in the world. In the process, however, it is also found to bring a myriad of healing effects. By attending to practices for improving, regaining or retaining general good health, a person is likely to find that some of his more specific difficulties tend to disappear. Many of the healing effects of yoga is clinically verified. We will look at the healing effects of yoga. However, one of the most important benefit of yoga is its application in relieving stress, fatigue, invigoration and vitality and its anti-aging properties and its application for relaxation therapy.

According to Swami Sivananda, the benefits of pranayama (yogic breathing practices) include: “The body becomes strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is luster in the face. Eyes sparkle like diamonds. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious”

Indra Devi, author of many books on yoga suggests that with yoga: “You will be able to enjoy better sleep, a happier disposition, a clearer and calmer mind. You will learn how to build up your health and protect yourself against colds, fevers, constipation, headaches, fatigue, and other troubles. You will know what to do in order to remain youthful, vital and alert, regardless of your calendar-age; how to lose or gain weight; how to get rid of premature wrinkles, and keep a smooth skin and clear complexion.”

Doing yoga regularly offers many benefits, including making you feel better about your body as you become stronger and more flexible, toning your muscles, reducing stress and improving your mental and physical well-being. Will it help you lose weight, though?

Answer: Practicing any type of yoga will build strength, but some types may not raise your heart rate enough to make them the only form of exercise you need to include in your weight loss regime. It depends on the type of yoga you select and how frequently you practice it.

In order to lose weight, you must eat healthily and burn calories by doing exercise that raises your heart rate on a regular basis. Some types of yoga, such as Iyengar, in which yoga poses are held for several minutes with a resting period between each pose, will build muscles and improve your posture, but will not give you the cardiovascular workout you need to lose weight.

If you plan to make yoga your primary form of exercise, you must do a vigorous 90-minute yoga class at least three times a week. Many people also choose to combine yoga with running, walking or other aerobic exercise in order to reach their weight loss goals.

Ashtanga:

Ashtanga Yoga is a very vigorous style of practice with a few distinct advantages for those who want to lose weight. Ashtanga practitioners are among the most dedicated of yogis, and beginners are often encouraged to sign up for a series of classes, which will help with motivation. Another advantage is that once you learn the poses, Ashtanga Yoga is ideal for home practitioners.

Power Yoga:

Power Yoga is extremely popular, because it provides a very vigorous cardiovascular workout.

Hot Yoga:

Vinyasa yoga done in a hot room ups the ante by guaranteeing 

Yoga’s primary emphasis is upon general well-being. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Rather, yoga employs a broad holistic approach that focuses on teaching people a new lifestyle, way of thinking, and way of being in the world. In the process, however, it is also found to bring a myriad of healing effects. By attending to practices for improving, regaining or retaining general good health, a person is likely to find that some of his more specific difficulties tend to disappear. Many of the healing effects of yoga is clinically verified. We will look at the healing effects of yoga. However, one of the most important benefit of yoga is its application in relieving stress, fatigue, invigoration and vitality and its anti-aging properties and its application for relaxation therapy.

According to Swami Sivananda, the benefits of pranayama (yogic breathing practices) include: “The body becomes strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is luster in the face. Eyes sparkle like diamonds. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious”

Indra Devi, author of many books on yoga suggests that with yoga: “You will be able to enjoy better sleep, a happier disposition, a clearer and calmer mind. You will learn how to build up your health and protect yourself against colds, fevers, constipation, headaches, fatigue, and other troubles. You will know what to do in order to remain youthful, vital and alert, regardless of your calendar-age; how to lose or gain weight; how to get rid of premature wrinkles, and keep a smooth skin and clear complexion.”

Doing yoga regularly offers many benefits, including making you feel better about your body as you become stronger and more flexible, toning your muscles, reducing stress and improving your mental and physical well-being. Will it help you lose weight, though?

Answer: Practicing any type of yoga will build strength, but some types may not raise your heart rate enough to make them the only form of exercise you need to include in your weight loss regime. It depends on the type of yoga you select and how frequently you practice it.

In order to lose weight, you must eat healthily and burn calories by doing exercise that raises your heart rate on a regular basis. Some types of yoga, such as Iyengar, in which yoga poses are held for several minutes with a resting period between each pose, will build muscles and improve your posture, but will not give you the cardiovascular workout you need to lose weight.

If you plan to make yoga your primary form of exercise, you must do a vigorous 90-minute yoga class at least three times a week. Many people also choose to combine yoga with running, walking or other aerobic exercise in order to reach their weight loss goals.

Ashtanga:

Ashtanga Yoga is a very vigorous style of practice with a few distinct advantages for those who want to lose weight. Ashtanga practitioners are among the most dedicated of yogis, and beginners are often encouraged to sign up for a series of classes, which will help with motivation. Another advantage is that once you learn the poses, Ashtanga Yoga is ideal for home practitioners.

Power Yoga:

Power Yoga is extremely popular, because it provides a very vigorous cardiovascular workout.

Hot Yoga:

Vinyasa yoga done in a hot room ups the ante by guaranteeing 

Yoga’s primary emphasis is upon general well-being. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Rather, yoga employs a broad holistic approach that focuses on teaching people a new lifestyle, way of thinking, and way of being in the world. In the process, however, it is also found to bring a myriad of healing effects. By attending to practices for improving, regaining or retaining general good health, a person is likely to find that some of his more specific difficulties tend to disappear. Many of the healing effects of yoga is clinically verified. We will look at the healing effects of yoga. However, one of the most important benefit of yoga is its application in relieving stress, fatigue, invigoration and vitality and its anti-aging properties and its application for relaxation therapy.

According to Swami Sivananda, the benefits of pranayama (yogic breathing practices) include: “The body becomes strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is luster in the face. Eyes sparkle like diamonds. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious”

Indra Devi, author of many books on yoga suggests that with yoga: “You will be able to enjoy better sleep, a happier disposition, a clearer and calmer mind. You will learn how to build up your health and protect yourself against colds, fevers, constipation, headaches, fatigue, and other troubles. You will know what to do in order to remain youthful, vital and alert, regardless of your calendar-age; how to lose or gain weight; how to get rid of premature wrinkles, and keep a smooth skin and clear complexion.”

Doing yoga regularly offers many benefits, including making you feel better about your body as you become stronger and more flexible, toning your muscles, reducing stress and improving your mental and physical well-being. Will it help you lose weight, though?

Answer: Practicing any type of yoga will build strength, but some types may not raise your heart rate enough to make them the only form of exercise you need to include in your weight loss regime. It depends on the type of yoga you select and how frequently you practice it.

In order to lose weight, you must eat healthily and burn calories by doing exercise that raises your heart rate on a regular basis. Some types of yoga, such as Iyengar, in which yoga poses are held for several minutes with a resting period between each pose, will build muscles and improve your posture, but will not give you the cardiovascular workout you need to lose weight.

If you plan to make yoga your primary form of exercise, you must do a vigorous 90-minute yoga class at least three times a week. Many people also choose to combine yoga with running, walking or other aerobic exercise in order to reach their weight loss goals.

Ashtanga:

Ashtanga Yoga is a very vigorous style of practice with a few distinct advantages for those who want to lose weight. Ashtanga practitioners are among the most dedicated of yogis, and beginners are often encouraged to sign up for a series of classes, which will help with motivation. Another advantage is that once you learn the poses, Ashtanga Yoga is ideal for home practitioners.

Power Yoga:

Power Yoga is extremely popular, because it provides a very vigorous cardiovascular workout.

Hot Yoga:

Vinyasa yoga done in a hot room ups the ante by guaranteeing you’ll sweat buckets.

Keep in mind that if you are just starting to do yoga or are quite out of shape, always choose a beginner-level class.

Yoga Workouts at Home

Keep yourself exercising by doing yoga at home on the days you can’t make a class. Follow along with a video or audio recording, if you are new to yoga. When you are ready to plan your own workouts, use these yoga sequencing ideas to help you come up with yoga sessions of varying lengths that suit your needs.



Origins And Concepts Of The 3 Different Branches of Yoga

Thursday, September 17th, 2009


History of Hatha Yoga: The history of hatha yoga goes back in the fifteenth century India when Yogi Swatmarama, a sage during those times, introduced it as a form of “a stairway to the heights” of Raja Yoga which is the preparatory stage of physical purification that makes the body fit for the practice of higher form of meditation. Hatha yoga is also known to be called as “hatha vidya” and the word “hatha” is a combination of the words, “ha” which means sun “tha” that means moon and they are said to refer to the prinicipal “nadis” or the energy channels of the body and must be fully operational to attain the state of “dhyana” or a certain aspect of meditation.

Some people may link that the origins of hatha yoga which dates back in the tenth or eleventh century with Goraknath, a yogin during those times. However, the oldest surviving text about hatha yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by yogin, Yogi Swatmarama. The text is said to be taken from old Sanskrit writings and personal yogin experiences of the yogin himself. The text relates about shatkarma, asana, pranayama, chakras, kundalini, bandhas, kriyas, shakti, nadis, and mudras among others.

Concept of Hatha yoga: The total concept of the traditional hatha yoga is a holistic yogic path comprising of moral disciplines, physical exercises, breath control, and meditation. The hatha yoga that is widely practiced and popular in the western countries mainly composed of the “asanas” or postures and other exercises.

Hatha yoga is only one of the two concepts of yoga that concentrates on the physical culture and the other yoga is the Raja yoga but both of these are referred to as Ashtanga yoga. The main difference is that the Raja yoga concentrates more on the “asanas” or postures to get the body ready for a prolonged meditation that concentrates mainly on the meditative “asana” poses. The hatha yoga on the other hand concentrates on balancing the mind and body through physical exercises, controlled breathing, and calming the mind through meditation and sheer relaxation.

Different positions or postures are recommended by practitioners to help lessen or avoid health problems ranging from constipation through cancer. It was said that it helps to reduce stress, pressure, and other mental worries that people today are frequently exposed to.

History of Karma Yoga

Karma yoga also known as Buddhi Yoga or the “discipline of action” is centered on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism. One of the four pillars of yoga, Karma yoga concentrates on the adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining detached from the reward. It states that one can attain Moksha (salvation) or love of God (bhakti) by performing their duties in a selfless manner for the pleasure of the Supreme. Karma Yoga is an inherent part of many derivative types of yoga, such as Natya Yoga.

Concept Of Karma Yoga

The word Karma is mentioned from the Sanskrit Kri, meaning ‘to do’, in its most basic sense karma simply means action, and yoga translates to union. Therefore, Karma yoga literally translates to the path of union through action. It is described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which one acts in accordance with one’s duty (dharma) with no consideration of personal selfish desires, likes or dislikes, i.e. acting without being emotionally involved to the fruits of one’s deeds.

In the case of Arjuna in the Gita, this translated to his fighting in the oncoming war to uphold the righteous cause in accordance with his duty as a warrior; even if out of compassion, he did not want to battle with his relatives and teachers on the other side.

Krishna then goes on to tell how Arjuna should surrender the fruits of his actions (good or bad) to himself (as the Supreme Person or avatara) :

Krishna describes that allocated work done without expectations, motives, or anticipation of its outcome purifies one’s mind and slowly makes an individual fit to see the value of reason. He states that it is not necessary to remain in external solitude, or actionless, in order to practice a spiritual life, with the state of action or inaction is solely determined in the mind.

In order to attain the perfection of life, Krishna describes it is important to control all mental desires and tendencies to enjoy pleasures of the senses. The practice of Karma Yoga in everyday life makes an individual fit through action, meditation and devotion to sharpen his reasoning, develop intuitive power of acquiring knowledge and to transcend the mind itself.

History Of Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga also known as Classical Yoga or simply Yoga is one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Hindu philosophy, being described Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. It is also occasionally referred to as A??anga (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend. Raja yoga is concerned primarily with the cultivation of the mind using meditation (dhyana) to further one’s acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.

The term Raja Yoga is a retronym, introduced in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika to differentiate the school based on the Yoga Sutras from the new current of Hatha Yoga.

Concept of Raja Yoga

Raja-Yoga is principally concerned with the mind. The mind is traditionally perceived as the ‘king’ of the psycho-physical structure which does its bidding (whether or not one has realized this). Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must be ‘tamed’ first through self-discipline and purified by various means (see Hatha Yoga). A good level of overall health and psychological integration must be achieved before the deeper aspects of yoga can be pursued. Humans have all sorts of addictions and temptations and these preclude the attainment of tranquil abiding (meditation). Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one’s actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes well to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself is the alternate meaning of the word yoga.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras start with the statement yogas citta-vtti-nirodha (1.2), “yoga limits the oscillations of the mind”. They proceed on to detailing the ways in which mind can create false ideations and advocate meditation on real objects, which process, it is said, will lead to a spontaneous state of quiet mind, the “Nirbija” or “seedless state”, in which there is no mental object of focus. Practices that serve to maintain for the individual the ability to check this state may be considered Raja Yoga practices. Thus Raja Yoga encompasses and differentiates itself from other forms of Yoga by encouraging the mind to avoid the sort of absorption in obsessional practice (including other traditional yogic practices) that can generate false mental objects. In this angle, Raja Yoga is “king of yogas”: all yogic practices are seen as potential tools for obtaining the seedless state, itself considered to be the first point in the quest to cleanse Karma and obtain Moksha or Nirvana. Traditionally, schools of yoga that label themselves “Raja” offer students a mix of yogic practices and (hopefully) this philosophical viewpoint.