Health & Fitness
Do Yoda Proud: Meditation 101
Meditation means to be in a state in which your physical body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. People who faithfully practice this art report increased awareness, center, and concentration, as well as a more positive attitude in life.
Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, shaman and other spiritual disciplines. Nonetheless, you don’t have to be a monk or shaman to enjoy its benefits. And you do not even have to be in a special place to meditate. You could even try it in your own living room!
Although there are several varying methods to meditation, the fundamental principles never change. The most essential of these principles is that of doing away with obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus. This empties the mind of rubbish and prepares it for a higher level of activity.
The pessimistic thoughts you have - those of noisy neighbors, bossy officemates, that parking ticket you received, and unwanted spam- are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’|”Cluttering”| of the mind, and shutting them out permits for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may center on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.
Some who practice meditation even shut out all sensory input - no sights, noises, and nothing to touch - and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them. You may now focus on a deep, reflective thought if this is your objective. It might seem deafening at first, since we are all too accustomed to constantly hearing and viewing things, but as you get use to this exercise you will discover yourself becoming more conscious of everything around you.
If you find the meditating methods you see on television threatening - those with ridiculously arched backs, and agonizing-looking contortions - you need not worry. The principle here is to be in a relaxing position conducive to concentration. This may consist of sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.
If the position allows you to stay calm and become centered, then that would be a good starting point. While sitting or standing, the spine should be straight and aligned, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only things you want to refrain from is slouching or allowing yourself to fall asleep.
Unrestrictive, comfortable clothes makes a big difference in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and leave you feeling tense.
The place you perform meditation should have a calming atmosphere. It might be in your front room, or bedroom, or any other area that you feel comfortable in. You may want an exercise pad if you plan to attempt more challenging positions (if you feel more centered doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You may want to have the place situated so that it is calming to your senses.
Silence helps most people become at ease and meditate, so you may want a quiet, undisturbed area away from the ringing of the phone or the swishing of the washing machine. Sense friendly scents also assist in that regard, so having on hand many aromatic candles is not such a bad idea either.
The monks you see on T.V. making those repetitive sounds are in reality just performing their mantra. This, in simple terms, is a statement of belief, of sorts, a simple sound which, for these individuals, holds a mystic value.
You do not need to practice or do such exercises; although, it would be beneficial to note that centering on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner gain a higher state of consciousness.
The principle here is center. You may also try centering on a specific object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.
One sample routine would be to - during meditation - in your head name every part of you body and centering your consciousness on that part. While doing this you should be conscious of any stress on any part of your body. Mentally picture releasing this tension. It works like magic.
In all, meditation is a reasonably risk-free practice and its benefits are most definitely worth the effort (or non-effort - remember we’re relaxing).
Studies have discovered that meditation does bring about beneficial physical effects to the body. And there has been a growing agreement in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So in the near future, who knows, that spiritual, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!
Why Colon Cleansing Is Important To Health
The nutrients and fiber we need to be healthy is stripped away from most of the convenience foods we eat. This food will not provide the fiber we need to maintain a healthy colon.
Because of the lack of fiber in their diets many people have trouble with bowel movements and turn to chronic use of laxatives to solve the problem. Laxatives can interfere with natural waste elimination processes. Waste can build up in the colon for weeks, or even months resulting in painful constipation and bloating.
A healthy colon will eliminate waste twice a day. If the waste is not eliminated regularly it can lead to other serious problems. You need to take action before your health is seriously affected.
If toxic fecal matter remains in your system it will produce toxins that can be absorbed by your liver and other organs. A build of toxins in your organs will cause them to stop functioning properly resulting in risk of disease and serious health problems.
An unhealthy colon can lead to a number of diseases and health problems including but not limited to fatigue, asthma and anemia. When the toxins from fecal build up are not eliminated from your body it can lead to serious problems. Colon cleansing can help you stay healthy and prevent disease.
Once the colon stops working properly it may not be enough to simply follow a strict fiber filled diet plan. The colon may have already been damaged and it will take more than proper eating for it to heal properly.
You may need to consider a combination of treatments as well as colon cleansing and switching to fruit and vegetable filled high fiber diet.
Arthritis - The Real Cause is Food!
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which includes symptoms ranging from daily pain, stiffness and fatigue to inflammation and eventual disfigurement of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis,is a crippling condition that is thought to affect around 3% of the world’s adult population, symptoms normally start to become apparent between the ages of 20-40, with the disease being far more prevalent amongst women, affecting them up to 3 times more often than men. A version of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can occur in children, with similar symptoms to those suffered by adults. It is a much more devastating illness than had previously been appreciated.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition, which means any part of the body can be effected, including organs such as the kidneys in some cases. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any race or ethnic group, there are no restrictions to RA.
Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include physical therapy; modified exercise programs; devices such as canes, special shoes, and splints (rigid supports that keep a part of the body from moving while it heals); and lifestyle changes–such as balancing activity with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress.
Medicines that manage your immune system (called Immuno-suppressants) can also be used to fight RA. When you have RA, your immune system is out of control.
An autoimmune diseases is the description given to a condition which causes the body’s own antibodies mistakenly attack their own body tissues (in RA the area normally attacked is the joint synovium), this causes the pain and inflammation.
The joints most commonly afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis can include the hands, wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, & knees. Arthritis varies from person to person and Rheumatoid arthritis is no exception, while some will suffer daily with the chronic condition others may experience long periods of remission with perhaps only mild infrequent attacks. Most cases of rheumatoid arthritis are however chronic conditions, which means the disease is reoccurring.
People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis should always consult with their medical professional regarding their course of medication. Medicines must be used with caution, due to the toxicity of some RA drugs. Patients should let their doctors know about any changes that may occur while using the medication. Patients should also be aware that their condition could lead to other complications, which may not be obviously apparent such as the affect RA can have on their spinal cord.
Many foods are known to help one’s RA, while many others will actually contribute to the disease or trigger the symptoms, there are far to many to list here, however one of the most important foods to cut out of your diet, would be white flower, and anything made with white flour.
Rheumatoid Arthritis linked to food allergy & intolerance’s
Foods which contain a chemical called inflammatory prostaglandin are known to be bad for sufferers of RA, these natural chemicals can be directly responsible for triggering attacks of arthritis. Many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis have shown a marked improvement when removing certain foods from their diet.
Foods which should be avoided by anyone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis
1.Processed foods
2.Fatty foods
3.Sugar
4.E numbers & preservatives
5.Citrus fruit
Foods which should be treated with caution;
Foods which cause confusion amongst many are those from the ‘nightshade family’
1.Potatoes (especially when green and sprouting)
2.Tomatoes (especially when green)
3.Hot peppers
4.Sweet peppers
5.Tobacco
Good and beneficial foods for those suffering with arthritis;
1.Brown rice (a good alternative to potatoes)
2.Pulses
3.Fruit (not citrus)
4.Nuts
5.Fresh celery
6. Most oily fish
This is just a small list of good and bad foods, which are known to influence arthritis. Diet and natural treatments for arthritis are not necessarily the fastest remedies. This is because they sometimes have to cure a basic imbalance in the body which may take up to a few weeks, however natural practices do actually tackle the underlying contributing factor of one’s RA and not just the symptoms.
Natural practices could be the answer to one’s RA,and shouldn’t be discounted.
Acne Treatments: Don’t Settle For Dry Skin
Acne is a common skin condition that often flares up during puberty. Hormonal changes, Vitamin A deficiencies, bacteria and other factors can cause this irritating problem.
Two of the biggest issues with acne are the overproduction of sebum (the oily substance that blocks the pores and leaves the skin feeling greasy) and the bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium causes inflammation and produces enzymes that break down the sebum into an irritating substance. The result is red, swollen skin and ugly pimples.
By targeting the main components of acne breakouts you can drastically improve the look and feel of your skin. However, while there are a number of treatments aimed at disinfecting and clearing your skin, many of them also leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. That is why it is important to choose your acne treatment carefully.
The Problem With Acne Treatments
Many acne treatments are designed to dry up the excess oil (sebum) on your face and kill the bacteria that cause the inflammation. While this sounds good, the treatments often only target the top layer of skin, leaving it feeling dry and uncomfortable. On an already irritated face this has the potential to cause other problems. A better choice is to treat the issues using products that will leave the skin feeling moisturized without clogging the pores or adding excess oil.
Skin Care Routine
The best thing you can do for your skin if you suffer from acne is to develop an ongoing skin care routine. Two products that will help with this are: Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Gel. - Wash your face with a 5% Tea Tree Oil solution (5ml Tea Tree Oil in 95 ml of water) to kill those nasty bacteria and to dry up any excess sebum (oil). Gently pat your skin dry and then apply an Aloe Vera Gel designed for use on the face. The Aloe Vera will sooth and moisturize the skin without clogging pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and will aid in healing acne scars. Do this twice daily. Once in the morning and once before bed. - Invest in regular acne facials. Proper acne facials will help clear clogged pores and add much needed moisture back to your face. They also have the added side effect of reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
What Is An Acne Facial?
Acne facials are a step-by-step procedure that can be done at home or by an experienced esthetician in a spa or treatment facility. You can buy acne facial kits through health stores and online.
Acne facials usually involve a three-stage process: - First: The skin is thoroughly cleansed. - Second: A steam massage loosens the blackheads and whiteheads and softens the skin to prepare for the removal of toxins. - Third: A soothing facial mask is applied to draw out any remaining dead skin and pore clogging materials. This step also moisturizes leaving your skin feeling clean and fresh.
In a spa environment the esthetician will work on your skin during the process and may perform extractions (manually unblocking pores and clearing impactions) and use a fingertip facial massage to relax and release stress. Stress is known to be a major contributor to acne outbreaks and so reducing your stress level can reduce your acne.
By using these natural remedies in an ongoing skin care routine, you can effectively treat the two main causes of acne without settling for dry, flaky skin. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne always talk to your dermatologist before starting new skin care regiments.
8 Easy Weight Loss Tips- Easy Weight Loss Tips to Strip that Fat
Looking for easy weight loss tips? This article outlines 8 easy weight loss tips that are very simple to follow and effective as well. Don’t be fooled by quick weight loss diets - there’s no magic pill to losing weight. What you have are easy to follow tips that you can gradually inject into your daily activities and you’re certain to have more success with that.
Revisit the patterns that worked: You’ve probably been on this road before, only it didn’t work out for one reason or another. Nevertheless, it was not for nothing; there were probably some techniques that did work. Sift through the experience again and note down what worked or even what motivated you; chances are those could work this time too.
Road map to weight loss success: This is a road you’re taking towards your weight loss goals. Hence, you need a good map. Note down your goals for every week-just gradual changes so you don’t overwhelm yourself- and carry each week’s goal to the next week and so on.
Choose your TV programs: If you watch a lot of TV, start giving up some programs you’re not really into. Of all sedentary activities, we expend the least energy when watching TV. There’s a tendency that it could jeopardize your weight loss plans especially if you keep a snack beside you.
Make workouts enjoyable: Workouts feel like work because that’s how you think of it. Change your outlook and view workouts as fun; there are several exercises that you could enjoy after all. You can also cook up playful physical activities, or conduct social plans outdoors (walk in the park) instead of indoors (watch movies).
A habit you can kick: You will sometimes find yourself craving for some after-dinner treats, especially when you’re just starting out. Distract yourself when craving strikes- pamper yourself, go for a walk, brush your teeth, or go to bed early. Remember that it’s a habit you can kick, not some addiction you?re hooked to.
Eat slowly, eat less: Your body can only tell you you’re full 20 minutes after you’ve actually filled up. That is why fast eaters tend to overeat and are thus more prone to weight gain. Get used to taking your time when eating; constantly sip from your water glass; place your utensils down when you’re still chewing your food; and if you’re with someone, talk.
Serving individual courses: Instead of putting everything on your plate, serve the meal courses individually. Start with soup or vegetable salad. When the main meal or dessert is served, you won’t feel like eating as much.
Hidden calories: If you’ve been counting the calories your taking in, and still feel like you’re not losing weight as you should, look at the condiments, sauces, seasonings, dips, and dressings you’re using. Some are packed with calories too. Go for the low-fat, low-calorie kind.
These fast weight loss tips will help you ease into losing weight so that you can be on your way to achieving your goals with a plan that knows what you need.
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