5 Cooling and Easy Indian Drinks to Quench Your Thirst This Summer

There’s no better way to beat the Heat of the Summer than with a cool refreshing drink! But, keeping inspired living in mind, we’re you looking to inspire you with these all natural drinks of India. A country familair with sweltering summers, these traditional Indian beverages like Lassi, Nimboo Pani (lemonade- Indian style), Masala Chaas, Kayree Panha and more are made not just as a simple refreshment, but the natural cooling properties of their ingredients are designed to keep your body cool. So here’s a look at some super cooling and easy-to-make drinks…

Mango Lassi (Yogurt drink)
Mango Lassi is a refreshing sweet yogurt drink perfect for a hot day. Traditionally Lassi is a Salty drink where yogurt is blended together with water, salt and spices until frothy but a more recent twist on the drink is it’s sweet version either plain or flavored by fruit. Mango Lassi is very easy to make.It’s best made with fresh mangoes but can also be substituted by canned mangoes or even mango juice.

Mango Lassi Recipe:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned)
1 cup crushed ice
3 table spoons sugar / Use sugar substitute for a healthier option (or if the mangoes are sweet enough don’t use any at all)
A sprig of mint or a slice of mango to garnish

Blend all of the above. Add a little water if the consistency is too thick. Keep refrigerated. Serve chilled. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Makes 4 servings. It’s as Simple as that!

*Can’t find mangoes? Try strawberries or your favorite fruit and it’ll be just as good!

Nimboo Pani (Lemonade)
Loved in the US as pure simple “Lemonade”. Nimbu Pani is the Indian version of the same. It’s Lemonade with an Indian twist of Jaljira, a spice blend with cooling properties that packs a real flavor kick!

Nimbu Pani Recipe:
Juice of 4 lemons
Sugar/honey to taste
2 tbsps Jaljira powder (available at most Indian groceries)
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Lemon slices and mint to garnish

* Squeeze all lemons to remove juice and strain the juice to remove seeds. Pour into a large jug.
* Add all the remaining ingredients to get desired strength and sweetness and mix well.
* Serve in chilled glasses garnished with lemon slices.

Kairee Panha (Raw mango drink)
Made with fresh raw mangoes known for their cooling effects on the body and abundantly found in the summer months in India, Kairee (raw mango) Panha originates from the state of Maharashtra in Western India. It is a sweet-sour-spicy drink you’ll just fall in love with! This recipe makes 6 tall glasses.

Kairee Panha Recipe:
4 medium-sized raw green mangoes
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp coarsely ground black rock salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tbsps Aniseed/fennel seeds ground coarsely
2 tbsps cumin seeds roasted and ground coarsely
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Sprigs of mint to garnish

Preparation:
* Wash, peel and grate the raw mangoes. Mix the mangoes, sugar and water in a deep saucepan and boil till the mangoes are soft.
* Put this mixture into a food processor and blend till smooth.
* Put the blended mix back into the saucepan and on a medium flame.
* Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 20 minutes.
* Take off from the fire and allow to cool completely.
* Pour into glasses, dilute with a little chilled water if needed, mix well and add crushed ice.
* Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

Masala Chaas (Spiced buttermilk)
Chaas is Buttermilk. Masala Chaas is it nothing but a spiced buttermilk is served as an aperitif and digestive drink.It’s traditionally served in a small clay glass which adds an earthy flavor to it. While yogurt itself has cooling properties, the cumin is what makes this drink so special for the summer. Boiling a teaspoon of cumin in a glass of water to make a tea cures problems in the urinary tract, cleans the bladder and kidneys. And eaten simply or chewed it promotes digestion and boosts immunity making this an all round drink.

Masala Chaas recipe:
1/2 cup yogurt
4 glasses chilled water
1/4 cup of chopped coriander (cilantro)
1/4 cup of mint leaves
1 green chilly
1 tea spoon cumin seed powder
2 tea spoon Black Salt
Salt to taste

Method
Put all the ingredients in a blender till coriander and mint leaves crush very well. Serve cold.

Tender Coconut Water
No Recipes here. The absolute best cooling and refreshing drink there is! All natural- No artificial sweetening, no added flavors or colors….just plain Coconut Water straight from a coconut.

*Photo Credits: blueSkySunHigh, elana’s pantry, DraconianRain, ampersandyslexia, feministjulie on flickr.

The Dancer- Poem by Bob Almodovar

“The Dancer”
By Robert Almodovar

_____

The music peaked with white-hot notes
That scorched the air and bade those bodies
To gyrate in flares and twirls.

The wooden floor enhanced the sound of
Heels as if to give applause and praise
so they would hear that all is going well.

On center stage, a figure flowed in full control of
All the hearts of all the men that begged for
Just a glance, perhaps a smile to make their day.

And as she turned, a smile appeared with
Fire dripping from her eyes that sent the
Music fever high then tumbling to a crashing end.

Then laughter’s echoes in the halls soon faded into
Memories as hard realities replaced
The feather-light buoyancy of that night.

The fire in her eyes cooled as she gazed into
Far away places and days of struggle, sweet with
Hope and promise of eternal bliss.

Now time for chores and obligations that
Lay before her like steps beneath her feet,
And define her adequate existence.

Thoughts of the next getaway fill her head
As she turns the key and enters to realize
How cold a house can feel when love is not at home.

*Photo Credits: photo by V О И on flickr

This poem is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

General Principles of Yoga Asana Sequences

The right order to perform asanas or yoga poses in a session is a tricky matter. It depends on a number of factors such as -the schools of yoga (like Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga etc.) age, experience, how you’re feeling mentally and physically on a certain day and even the weather. However, the sequencing of asanas plays a very important role in achieving maximum benefit from the session. A well-sequenced session is a well balanced session that reaches below the surface of the skin and muscles and bones of the body and get in touch with the energetic body at a more cellular level.

Most yoga traditions have their own precepts on how to sequence an asana practice. Sessions usually start with a Prayer, chanting Omkar or Mantra for brief relaxation which helps students forget their anxieties, worries and let go of stress related thoughts. Asana sequences which follow can be linear where one posture follows another in a logical step-by-step direction, moving from less challenging to more challenging and back to less challenging poses. Other types of sequencing including sequencing movements within a pose, from one poses in the same category of poses to the next or from one category of poses to another all of which are important for a positive impact not only on your body, but also on your mind and emotions.

Here’s a look at some general principles or guidelines behind the order of doing yoga asanas-

• Always start with preparatory poses and movements to loosen the joints, align the ligaments, tendons and muscles at joints. Work on all joints and areas specifically joints like waist, knee, shoulder, wrist, ankle, neck etc.
• Standing poses are a good preparation for forward bends and also for back bends.
• Adho Mukha Svanasana is a good preparatory poses for almost any asana and also serves as good warm down or resting pose after both forward bends and back bends.
• Alternating between forward bending poses and back bends is not good. After a series of back bends, gentle forward bends is the best way of relaxing the spine however, going back and forth between the two is not practice and can weaken the spine.
• After deep forward bends consider doing a few twists to balance and release your spinal muscles.
• Move from heating poses or more strenuous poses to cooling poses, easier poses but don’t go back to heating poses.
• Warm down with easier poses towards the end of the session to bring your body back into a neutral mode in preparation for complete relaxation.

While there no definite order to do things or any set rules, a good sequence to follow is
- Warm up movements and exercises
-  Surya Namskar (Sun Salutation)
- Standing poses like Trikonasana, Parsvakonasana, Ardha Chandrasana
- Arm balances including full arm balance like Adho Mukha Vrksasana
- Inversions like Halasana, Sarvangasana and Sirsasana
- Back bends like Virabhadrasana, Bhujangasana and Dhanurasana
- Forward bends like Uttanasana, Paschimottanasana and Adho Mukha Svanasana
- Twisting asanas Parivrtta Trikonasana, Parsvottanasana
- Restorative poses like Adho Mukha Virasana, Supta Baddha Konasana followed by Savasana

* Photo Credits: photos by Kelly Loves Whales and tarnalberry on flickr

This Summer, Let Your Fabric Breathe

Summer 2010 Fabric Trends: Natural Fabrics Take The Forefront

With temperatures and hemlines raising fast with the approaching summer, another aspect of fashion you need to consider is fabric choice. Here’s a look at the top fabrics for this season-

Natural Fabrics – Cotton, Linen and Silk
Cool summery natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk lend that fresh feel on those hot days will be in the forefront this season. Linen, often misunderstood cos of it’s label as a bedding and furnishing material, is on of the most sophisticated and durable clothing fabric out there. Whether worn casually in the form of a white linen dress or linen shorts or formally like a well cut suit, linen possess an “exclusive look” other materials cannot deliver. This natural moisture-licking fabric is a must have in your wardrobe this summer.

For your comfort clothing of the season, there no other way to go but cotton! This cool, soft and breathable fabric does have a tendency to wrinkle a bit, but don’t let that stop you. Available in different blends that do not need to be ironed the cotton will ultimately keep you cool.

Shiny and Rich – Chiffon and Satins
Along with the au natural fabrics this Spring Summer will be feminine, soft, fluid and slippery. Shiny and rich materials like chiffon, satins, taffeta and silks are will make a feature in the more trendy evening wear lending a chic and sophisticated feel to the night.Chiffon brings to the table a flowy feminine look to dresses and tunic tops.

Silk that oozes sensuality and elegance for a number of reasons is triumphant this season. Silk absorbs moisture, which makes it a versatile fabric wearable in both summers and winters. Matched with the color of the year, a sizzling yellow called Mimosa, according to the Pantone Institute is just hot hot hot!

Sheers and Lace
Sheer and light fabrics along with lace aptly suitable to beat the summer heat are the new trend for the season. Elegance is the key to wearing the sheer fashion trend this year.

Laces is used layered over shiny fabrics in some contrasting colors is all the talk of the runway shows of hottest designers in their Spring/Summer collections.

Yogic Eating- Food For the Body, That Nourishes the Soul

The practice of yoga is usually followed by a change in eating habits. Food and the nourishment it provides our bodies has a close association with yoga itself, after-all yoga is not mere exercise but a life style. While you can choose what part of yoga you’d like to adopt to improve your life, the choice of following a yogic diet is just that- a choice. Followed by  But when your body and inner-self start feeling good, you tend to pay closer attention to what you put into your body and so you should.

A Yoga diet or the yoga approach to food is not your average calorie counting or complicated menu planning diet, nor does it suggest going without food. In fact just as we’ve all known this to be good, it preaches a well-balanced diet to eat in moderation – always! In yoga, food is just a means of keeping our bodies (the carrier of our souls) functioning, it’s a necessity and not to be looked at as living to eat. Those practicing this mantra over thousands of years have proven it to build a strong mind and body as well as longevity.

Yoga and It’s Vegetarian Ways

There’s no written rule in yoga that practice it means you have to be vegetarian, but yoga does try to elevate our consciousness to a stage where we feel love and compassion for all living beings—including animals. Eating them isn’t exactly compassionate. Plus, it’s believed that our bodies don’t really need meat for it’s functioning. Eating meat puts our body into overdrive to digest it making us feel heavy and some yogis over the years also point out that meat eating nations are ones that have shown the most aggressive behavior. Another reason for the association is that Yoga practices aim at cleansing the system to gradually bring the body to a peak of efficiency and sensitivity, meat carries the very same toxins yoga aims as flushing out. Hence, eliminating meat from your diet not only has immense health considerations but also secures a oneness with all living creators of the earth and ultimately the creator.

Many of us worry about getting enough protein if we switch to vegetarian food, also that everything will be tasteless. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Vegetarians get lots of protein in legumes, grains and so on. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture places meat second to last in importance, behind grains, fruits, and vegetables. There’s now a vegetarian food pyramid and a wealth of scientific evidence proving the health benefits of the yoga diet. If you don’t believe this, take the 35 million odd Indians that practice vegetarianism from birth as part of their culture and religion.

* Photos by avlxyz, computix, Kaustav Bhattacharya on flickr

Extreme Yoga Poses- 2

With the hit of our last Extreme Yoga Poses post, we decided to bring you some more advanced yoga poses that look a little extreme yet make yoga so damn cool-

Photo by Sami Taipale on flickr

photo by milopeng on flickr

photo by domananda on flickr

photo by domananda on flickr

photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr

photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr

Photo by Sami Taipale on flickr

photo by milopeng on flickr

photo by lululemon athletica on flickr

photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr

CLICK HERE for more Extreme Yoga Pictures

Good Old Home Remedies For Common Ailments

Natural cure home remedies are gaining momentum even in today’s age where medical science is booming. Many people however are heading back towards adopting home remedy treatments to get rid any aliments and why not? they are natural, no side effects and are inexpensive!

Here’s a look at some Home remedies for some common Ailments:

Home Remedies for Acne

• Gently apply fresh limejuice on pimples and blackheads.
• Apply a paste made of nutmeg and raw milk on acne and wash it off after 20 minutes. Do this for about 10-12 days and see the magical effects.
• For people with oily skin, the perfect home remedy is to apply a paste made by mixing sandalwood and few drops of rosewater on the acne affected area for about an hour and then wash off gently.

Home Remedies for Asthma

• Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.
• Among fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.
• Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.

Home Remedy for a Body Rash

• The best home remedy for body rashes is to apply olive oil on the rash affected area.
• As a part of skin rashes home remedy treatment, baking powder is applied gently on the rash affected area.
• Wash the rash affected body part with chamomile tea.
• Take Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil and Vitamin E and apply on the rashes.

Home Remedies for Burns

• After a burn, the very first thing that you should do is to reduce the temperature of the burnt area. Put lots of chilled water or dip that body part into chilled water for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Apply honey to the wound once you have washed the wound properly. It will prevent infection and will heal the wound.
• Papaya contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells from the wound.
• Aloe Vera is good for treating burns. Cut some fresh aloe Vera leaves and put it on the burnt area.Once the wound starts healing, break a capsule of vitamin E and pour the liquid on it. This will prevent scarring.
• Applying lavender oil is also found to be effective for burns.

Home Remedies for the Common Cold

• Lemon is the most important among the many home remedies for common cold. It is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily.
• Turmeric is an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 ml of warm milk, and taken once or twice daily, is a useful prescription for these conditions
• For a stuffy nose prepare a solution using 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and Pine Essential Oil, 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and 7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Inhale vapors of this solution by putting it on a cotton ball or an aromatherapy diffuser.

Home Remedies for a Cough

• Extract the juice of a raw onion, Take one teaspoon of the juice mixed with one teaspoon of honey and keep it for four or five hours-it will make an excellent cough syrup that should be taken twice daily.
• Onions are also useful in removing phelgm. A medium-sized onion should be crushed, the juice of one lemon added to it, and then one cup of boiling water poured on it. A teaspoon of honey can be added for taste. This remedy should be taken two or three times a day.
• On a hot pan, burn a clove by stirring. Keep it in your mouth and suck it.
• Take 1 cup water and bring it to a boil. In this add on 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp carom seeds. Boil till half. Add 1 tsp of honey and drink it twice a day.
• Almonds are excellent for dry coughs. Soak about seven almonds in water and keep them overnight. Next morning peel off the brown skin. Now grind them to form a powder and add twenty grams each of butter and sugar and form a paste. Consume it twice a day, once in the morning and the second time in the evening.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

• Dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.
• Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots of white beets (not the red) should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea

• Buttermilk is one of the most effective home remedies to treatment diarrhea. Buttermilk is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from yogurt by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. Buttermilk may be taken with a pinch of salt three or four times a day for controlling this ailment.
• In case of diarrhea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger should be powdered along with a crystal of rock salt, and quarter of a teaspoon of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery (unrefined sugar).
• A glass of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken in the morning, also proves beneficial. for diarrhea

Home Remedies for Headaches

• The herb rosemary has been found valuable in headaches resulting from cold. A handful of this herb should be boiled in a litre of water and put in a mug. The head should be covered with a towel and the steam inhaled for as long as the patient can bear. This should be repeated till the headache is relieved.
• Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.
• The rind of lemons, which is generally thrown away, has been found useful in headaches caused by heat. Lemon rinds should be pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as plaster on the forehead. Applying the yellow, freshly pared-off rind of a lemon to each temple will also give relief.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss

• One of the best home remedies for treating hair loss is to massage your scalp with fingers gently. It will also aid in increasing blood circulation and lend glow to your hair.
• For nourishing your hair, apply coconut milk all over your scalp and massage it into the hair roots
• Liquorice ground in milk with a pinch of saffron should be applied to the affected patches before bedtime and washed in the morning
• Try using Indian gooseberry (Amla) oil as a hair tonic and Amla juice with equal amount of lime juice as a substitute to shampoo when you wash your hair.

More in Good Old Home Remedies For Common Ailments contd.

*Photo Credits: photos by jamieanne, Calliope1, Guin’s View, me and the sysop, Darwin Bell, Evil Erin, larryvincent on flickr

Sources:
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.homeremediesweb.com

Good Old Home Remedies For Common Ailments Contd.

Natural cure home remedies are gaining momentum even in today’s age where medical science is booming. Many people however are heading back towards adopting home remedy treatments to get rid any aliments and why not? they are natural, no side effects and are inexpensive!

Here’s a look at some Home remedies for some common Ailments:

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

• Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.
• Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.
• Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries. A Grapefruit a day will keep the blood pressure away.

Home Remedy for Indigestion

• In 1 glass of water, add 2-3 drops of mint essence and drink after every 4 hours.
• Take 2-3 drops of garlic oil or ½ cup of Soya oil and gently massage your tummy.
• Drink ginger tea after meal, as it aids in promoting digestion. Also you can go in for herbal tea prepared from blackberry, raspberry and mint.
• In 1 glass of water, put some lemon juice or cider vinegar. Drink this mixture before having your meal.

Home Remedies for Insomnia

• Milk is very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilliser. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective.
• Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water.
• A tea made from aniseed is valuable in sleeplessness. This tea is prepared by boiling about 375 ml of water in a vessel and adding a teaspoon of aniseed. The water should be covered with a lid and allowed to simmer for fifteen minutes. It should then be strained and drunk hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey, and hot milk may also be added to it. This tea should be taken after meals or before going to bed.

Home Remedy for Migraine

• Juice of ripe grapes serves as an excellent remedy for treating the problem of migraine. Consume it in small doses several times in a day.
• Niacin vitamin works wonders in overcoming migraine headache. Rich sources of this vitamin are yeast, tomatoes, green veggies, nuts, liver and fish.
• Crush a few leaves of cabbage and place in a cloth. Bind it on the forehead while lying on the bed.
• Vegetable juices have proved to be beneficial in curing migraine. Carrot juice can be had in combination with spinach and likewise beet and cucumber juices can be consumed.

Home Remedies for PMS and Menstrual Problems

• Drink some red wine to soothe the PMS cramps.
• Make a cup of tea; put some lemon juice and one tsp whiskey in it. Drink it hot.
• Parsley is one of the most effective among the several home remedies in the treatment of menstrual disorders. It increases menstruation and assists in the regularization of the monthly periods. This action is due to the presence of apiol, which is a constituent of the female sex hormone estrogens. Cramps, which are a result of menstrual irregularities, are relieved and frequently corrected entirely by the regular use of parsley juice, particularly in conjunction with beet juice; or with beet, carrot, and cucumber juices. The recommended quantity is 75 ml of each of the four juices.
• The use of ginger is another effective home remedy for menstrual disorders, especially in cases of painful menstruation and stoppage of menstrual flow. A piece of fresh ginger should be pounded and boiled in a cup of water for a few minutes. The infusion, sweetened with sugar, should be used thrice daily after meals as a medicine for treating this condition.
• Half a teaspoon of powdered sesame seeds, taken with hot water twice daily, acts excellently in reducing spasmodic pain during menstruation.

Home Remedy for Stomach Ache

• Take a small piece of ginger and grate it. Thereafter, squeeze out its juice. Apply the juice on the bottom of your belly and massage gently. It is an effective home remedy for stomach ache.
• Drink plenty of water, as it helps in ensuring smooth bowel movements.
• Drink lemon tea with some honey added in it for taste. It will keep away stomachache.
• Mix 1 tsp each of mint juice and limejuice. Add some ginger juice and black salt in it. Drink this mixture.

Home Remedies for Sunburn

• Apply aloe vera or vinegar on the affected skin; it will stop inflammation and pain.
• Avoid any products made from benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly
• Cut fresh cucumber slices and rub them on the affected area.
• Before taking bath, add some baking powder to the bath water, this will help to soothe the burnt skin.
• Apply apple cider vinegar to the burnt skin using cotton ball.
• Grate some potatoes and apply them on the burnt skin. Starch from the potatoes will soothe the burn.

Home Remedy for Toothache

• Dip 1 clove of garlic in rock salt and place it on the affected tooth.
• Keep a piece of raw onion inside the mouth on the affected tooth.
• Clove serves as an excellent home remedy for toothache. Keep a clove in your mouth and suck it. You can even apply clove oil on the affected tooth.
• Consume the juice of wheat grass, as it acts as a fabulous mouthwash in case of tooth decay.

Home Remedy for Wrinkles

• Application of leftover egg whites at the bottom of the shell to the problematic area serves as an effective home remedy for wrinkles.
• For the sagging skin under the eyes or on the throat, apply some odorless castor oil.
• Take some coconut oil and massage on the wrinkled skin.
• Eat 1 tsp of shredded ginger along with a few drops of honey every morning.
• Rub the core of a pineapple all over your face for sometime and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Click here for more Good Old Home Remedies For Common Ailments

*Photo Credits: photos by Andreas D., rbatina, 欠我兩千塊, hawk684, practicalowl on flickr

Sources:
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.homeremediesweb.com

Detoxify Your Body Inside and Out The Yoga Way

Cleansing Yoga Practices

The main ideology behind yoga is bringing about a balance of mind, body and soul in order to experience the ultimate awareness of the divine or as it’s sometimes known, to attain enlightenment. To achieve this one needs to detoxify the mind of material and worldly goods, cleanse and strengthen the body and attain a higher level of self consciousness that allows one to surrender themselves completely in order to be brought closer to God.

There are several yoga cleansing practices and rituals that clean out different parts of your body including what cannot be seen on the outside. While in true Yoga practice this is just a step to a larger more spiritual aspect, these yoga cleaning techniques have immense health and medical benefits. that include-

• improvement of immunity by elimination of toxins.
• flushes out the parts of the body that would otherwise not be washed (like the digestive system, the sinus and the airways)
• the massaging effect brought to some areas through cleansing postures, improves blood circulation for proper assimilation of nutrients throughout the body and stimulates the effective working of various Organs.

The Different Types of Yoga Cleansing

Hatha Yoga Cleansing
In Hatha Yoga cleansing system called Shatkarmas involves 6 cleansing practices or techniques targeted to specific parts of the body. These detoxification practices from Hatha yoga are widely popular and followed by millions to . They are-

1. Neti (Nasal Cleasing): This is the process of purifying the breathing path from the nostrils to the throat. Jala Neti (nasal irrigation) is the most popular of these cleaning practices and is a simple yet powerful technique which works wonders for chronic sinusitis, allergies and in several cases Asthma. Neti is divided into Jala Neti (using water), Dugdha Neti (using milk), Ghrita Neti (using ghee), Swamootra Neti (using ones own urine), and Sutra Neti (using a thread). (Read: The Wonders Of Jala Neti: A Yoga Nasal Irrigation Technique)
2. Nauli (abdominal cleansing): In Nauli, cleansing is focused on the abdominal region and uses massaging techniques and churning. The abdominal purification process in Nauli invovles three stages- Madhyama Nauli (central contraction), Vama Nauli (left contraction), Dakshina Nauli (right contraction), and rotational Nauli.
3. Dhouti/Dhauti:These are cleansing techniques for different parts of the body, but do not all involve literal washing. However, they are aimed at detoxifying your body and stimulating the digestive system. Dhauti consists of Chaksua Dhauti (eye cleansing), Karna Dhauti (ear cleansing), Jihwa Dhauti (tongue cleansing), Kapal Randhra Dhauti (scalp cleansing), Danda Dhauti (cleaning the esophagus), Vatsara Dhauti (stomach cleansing with air, also called Bhujangini Mudra), Vaman Dhauti includes Kunjal Kriya (stomach cleansing with water) and Vyaghra Kriya (emptying the stomach of excess food), Vastra Dhauti (stomach cleansing with cloth), Vahnisar Dhauti (same Agnisar Kriya or stomach massage), Varisara Dhauti also called Laghoo and Poorna Shankaprakshalana (washing from mouth to anus with water), Moola Shodhanam (cleaning the anus). Dhoutis are a type of shuddhikriya*.
4. Bhasti (colon cleansing): Used in treating digestive disorders and bowel problems, Basti involves the introduction of liquids such as water, oils, herbal concoctions and milk or air through the anus or vaginal orifice in order to clean the lower part of the body. It is not an easy technique and should only be administered by a trained practitioner.
5. Kapalbhati: Aimed at purifying and vitalizing the frontal lobe, kapalbhati is either done by air (Pranayama Kapalbhati) or water (Jala Neti stages 2 & 3). Kapalbhati, with air, cleanses the windpipe and in the process, the frontal lobes of the brain are influenced in a good manner. It is also a powerful method of waking up the mind.
6. Trataka: Trataka sharpens the psychic and optic ability by visualization on a particular object or thought. It is the steppingstone between physically oriented practices and mental practices, which leads to a higher state of awareness.

Shuddhikriyas and other yoga cleansing processes
Kunjal Kriya (stomach cleansing)- This method known as back-flushing, cleanses the upper digestive and the respiratory systems by eliminating any toxins on the mucus lining of your abdominal system.

Shankhaprakshalana (intestinal cleansing)- This is the practice of cleaning the whole digestive tract. Poorna (Full) shankhaprakshalana is a hatha yoga practice that involves drinking salted water and performing a series of asanas. Laghoo (short) shankhaprakshalana is a shatkarma technique, which involves drinking water and expelling it through the stool to clean the intestines.

Nasagra Drishti (mind purification)- Nasagra Drishti is a process of purifying the mind. Sitting cross-legged or in the Padmasan position, one fixes the gaze on the tip of the nose.

*Suddhikriyas- Shuddhikriyas are a group of different cleansing techniques, not meant to be practiced daily. They are used when cleansing is needed. Agnisardhouti, vamandhouti, kapalbhati, jalaneti and nasagra drishti are all types of shuddhikriyas.

More in… Yoga Cleansing and Purification Techniques Explained

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Yoga Cleansing and Purification Techniques Explained

In our previous post we saw the The Different Types of Yoga Cleansing Practices and what part of the body they are aimed at. Here’s a closer look at some of those  yoga cleansing techniques and how they are performed. However, this is a mere guide for better understanding of the body cleansing techniques and should only be attempted under the physical instruction and guidance from a yoga professional as if performed incorrectly can cause serious damage to your internal organs and systems.

Vamana Dhouti or Kunjal Kriya (Stomach Cleansing)
In this cleansing practice the stomach is flushed by drinking several glasses of saline water on an empty stomach, the first thing in the morning. You then consciously induce a vomiting reflex to regurgitate the water ingested. The fore or index finger, middle finger and the small finger of the right hand is used by inserting it in your mouth and pressing a little at the end of the tongue to gag.

As revolting as this method sounds, it’s not as bad or unpleasant, unlike actually throwing up food or something not agreeable to the stomach. The water usually comes out clear in gushes removing any remnant food and also helps replace the mucus lining. In short by performing this cleansing ritual the stomach and the esophagus are washed clean of any impurities from the inside.

Shankaprakshala (Intestinal Cleansing)
There are two types to this hatha yoga cleansing practice -Poorna shankhaprakshalana (full version) and Laghoo Shankhaprakshalana (short version). In the short version, one starts by gulping down 2 glasses of warm salty water (some add lime juice to the solution) followed by the performance of 6 yoga specific poses which are repeated 6 times each while drinking more of the saline solution. Usually, by the time 6 glasses have been drunk a strong bowel movement should be felt (if not the process is continued). The water drunk along with the exercises is said to wash put all matter from the stomach and small intestines. You’re not supposed to eat anything for at least half and hour after the cleansing, other than that the short version has no specific dietary restrictions and is not as thorough as the full version.

In Poorna shankhaprakshalana, one keeps drinking and exercising, drinking and exercising the same set of 6 asanas until you pass out water as clear as when you drank it. While it differs from person to person, it’s a long process involving anywhere between 20-50 glasses of the salt water solution and must be performed under strict guidance from and experienced yogi. Poorna Shankaprakshalana is an extensive and detailed practice which disagreeable consequences if not performed correctly. However, under the proper guidance this technique not only cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract but purifies the whole body as a strict diet and restricted activity and rest is followed according to guidelines, in order to restore the intestinal activity gradually. If the correct diet and rules are followed, the full effect of shankhaprakshalana is then felt during a two week period.

After completing the flushing of the intestines in both versions, kunjal kriya and neti kriya are usually performed.

Kapālabhāti  (Cleansing Breath)
It involves cleaning the wind pipe and is also meant to have a good effect on the frontal lobe of the brain. Kapalbhati is also known as the cleansing breath and helps clear blocked nasal passages well. The performance of kapalbhati by air emphasis on exhalation while leaving inhalation up to the natural reflex. It uses only abdominal breathing, that is breathing into the diaphragm. (*This exercises should be approached with caution for people with Blood Pressure as if it is done incorrectly one may feel lightheaded)

• Sitting upright in Vajrasana, place hands on your thighs.
• Gently exhale all of the air from the lungs then take a regular inhalation.
• Exhale through the nose, mouth closed with force rapidly in a short burst (like a sneeze) so your stomach squeezes in.
• Repeat twenty times, keeping a steady rhythm paying attention and emphasizing on the exhalation each time. Let the inhalation happen automatically. You should use your stomach muscles to exhale completely.
• Perform 8 to 12 Kapalabhati inhalations and exhalations for starters. This is one round. Slowly build up the Kapalabhati breaths taken in each round with practice to 30 times or 1 minute and then to 5 mins minutes.
• Repeat for 3 rounds.

Jala Neti or Jalneti (Nasal irrigation)
Jala Neti is the most popular of the cleaning practices and is a simple yet powerful technique which works wonders to purify and clear the breathing path from the nostrils to the throat as well as sinuses. For more details and the method to perform Jalneti (which is simple can can be tried even at home), read- The Wonders Of Jala Neti: A Yoga Nasal Irrigation Technique

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*Photo Credits: photo by prolix6x on flickr