Mudras!

Stretch Your Ring Finger with your Thumb, and Maintain for a few seconds. Reason YOU’LL LOVE!

 

 

 

How is it possible to reach a state of peace and harmony just with our hands?

 

The positions of hands or ” mudras ” develop a very important role in the practice of yoga, so much so that they are known as “producers of joy.”

 

The explanation for this strange practice it is in the huge amount of nerve endings containing our fingers and that when pressed in a specific way, help us connect channels that allow energy circulating through the body.

 

The good thing is that these exercises can be done anywhere and at any time of day. Simply spend a few minutes and put forward to reach a state of absolute relaxation.

 

1. GYAN MUDRA FOR HEALING (MUDRA OF KNOWLEDGE):

 

How To Do:

 

Peacefully sit in a lotus posture and keep your hand on knee then touch thumb tip with your index finger tip and keep the remaining three fingers free like straight or close.

 

Benefits:

This gyan hand mudra helps to relax your mind and improves the ability to concentrate better.

• It keeps brain power sharp and smart.
• It can cure insomnia (inability to sleep)
• Regular practice can keep you stress relief and depression.

2. VAYU MUDRA (MUDRA OF AIR):

 

How To Do:

Fold Your index finger towards palm show like above image and the press with the base of thumb. And rest of the three fingers keep extend as much as possible.

Benefits:
This yoga mudra eliminates excessive gas from your body

• It can gives relief in problems associated with the air element such as: Flatulence, constipation, cervical spondylitis, arthritis etc.

 

3. PRITHVI MUDRA FOR HEALING (MUDRA OF EARTH):


 

How To Do:

First of all you touch the tip of your ring finger with tip of thumb and then pressing the both fingers with each other then kept the remaining fingers extended out.

Benefits:
 

• This mudra gesture balances the element Earth in your body.
• It improves body weight, blood circulation, digestive power and vitamin deficiency associated problems.

 

4. AGNI MUDRA (MUDRA OF FIRE):

 

How To Do:

This mudra is related to fire element in your body. Close the ring finger towards palm and press second phalanx with thumb base and rest of the fingers keep extend out side like straight. Do it on early morning with empty stomach for best results. Who are suffering from acidity don’t do this Agni mudra.

Benefits:

It helps to reduce the levels of Cholesterol in the body, reduces fats, improves metabolism and boosts the immune system.

5. JAL MUDRA (VARUNA MUDRA/ MUDRA OF WATER):

 

How To Do:

This is very simple to follow and basic yoga mudra also. Simply touch the little finger tip with tip of thumb and don’t press the fingers and then keep rest of the fingers straight like shown above picture. The preferable position is sitting with cross-legged.

Benefits:
 

• It improves blood circulation, reduces body aches.
• It helps in bringing back taste sensations and helps in reducing dryness of mouth.

 

6. SHUNYA MUDRA (MUDRA OF EMPTINESS):

 

How To Do:

First phalanx of your middle finger should be pressed with thumb base.

Benefits:

It is helpful in ENT (Ear, Nose,Tongue) problems, vertigo and motion sickness.

7. PRANA HEALING (MUDRA MUDRA OF LIFE):


 

How To Do:

First you bend your little finger and ring finger then touch these two fingers tips to tip of thumb.

Benefits:
 

• It makes you feel more energetic and helps boost the body’s immunity, too.
• This can prevent tiredness
• Cure the eye problems and increase eye power.

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Forget Pills: 12 Great Natural Sources of Omega-3!

When we think about eating fats, our first thought is to reduce the amounts of fat we consume. There is, however, different kinds of fat, some of which are very beneficial to our health, Omega-3 in particular. This fatty acid is considered to be one of the most vital and nourishing substances for the human body, be it in children or adults. Since the human body is incapable of producing it, it’s doubly important.
While most of us know of Omega-3 from advertisements for pills and additives, it’s actually available in many common foods. By eating these foods regularly, you’ll enjoy not only the Omega-3, but also various vitamins and minerals that are in these foods.

The Health Benefits of Omega-3:
Omega-3 is comprised of three kinds of fatty acids: α-linolenic acid (ALA) (found in plant oils), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (both commonly found in marine oils). All three have many therapeutic benefits, the main ones being:
Reducing the likeliness of heart disease – DHA reduces the levels of fats in the blood (triglycerides) and prevents it from lining the arterial walls. As a result, the chances of contracting heart diseases such as arteriosclerosis and heart attacks decrease considerably. In several studies conducted in the U.S. and Europe, it was found that regularly eating Omega-3-rich fish reduces the chances of developing heart diseases by 50%, as well as reduce the chances of a reoccurring episode.

Helps in treating chronic and internal inflammations – Omega-3 has potent anti-inflammatory properties, so consuming it can help treat various inflammations, such as arthritis. It also aids the activity of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Mood enhancement and reduction of depression symptoms – Omega-3 acids are natural antidepressants that help in mood enhancement, reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression.

Reduction of Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder (ADHD) – Children and adults dealing with ADHD should consume more Omega-3, as it helps improve your cognitive capacity in areas such as learning, memory, and focus.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia – In the long-term, regular consumption of Omega-3 may serve to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and has restorative effects in cases of aging-related memory-loss.

Foods Rich in Omeg3 Fatty Acid:
The recommended dosage of Omega-3 intake per day is 500 milligrams, with no research showing damage from higher intake. It can be acquired from both vegetables and meat, but not all three fatty acids comprising Omega-3 are available in each. In vegetables, only ALA is available, while you can find DHA and EPA in meat. ALA is different to the other two in its composition, prompting the body to convert it to EPA and DHA. Sadly, this process is not very efficient, so it is recommended to get your daily dose from a combination of meat and vegetable products.

1. Salmon
With its pink, buttery flesh, Salmon is considered one of the best sources of Omega-3, thanks to the high level of it in its meat. In addition, salmon is also rich in protein and amino acids, which are responsible for strengthening our immune system, as well as muscle buildup. 100g (0.220lb) of salmon contains no less than 26,000 milligrams of Omega-3.

2. Canned Sardines in Oil
Another great source of Omega-3 is canned sardines in oil. These fish are also rich in Vitamin B12, which is vital for our cardiovascular and nervous system. 100g (0.220lb) of canned sardines contains 15,000 milligrams of Omega 3

3. Fresh/Canned Tuna
Another great source of Omega-3 is tuna. Fresh or canned, this fish will provide you with a lot of these vital fatty acids. Additionally, tuna is rich in potassium, proteins, and selenium – a powerful anti-oxidant. 100g (0.220lb) of tuna contains 17,000 milligrams of Omega-3.

4. Flax Seeds
The most prominent source of Omega-3 in nature, flax seeds contain 56% Omega-3 and are considered a miracle of nature. Their many benefits include aid in digestion, skin protection, and anti-cancerous properties. 100g (0.220lb) of flax seeds contains 56g (0.12lb) of Omega-3.

5. Soybeans
Soybeans are rich in Omega 3, as well as whole proteins, iron, and calcium equal to those found in meat products. Soy also contains Vitamin E, B6, potassium, folic acid, and other minerals. 100g (0.220lb) of soybeans contains 6.8g (0.01lb) of Omega-3.

6. Butternut Squash
Great in soups and stews, butternut squash is also rich in Omega-3, Vitamins A and C, as well as five kinds of Vitamin B (folic and pantothenic acids, B6, B3, and B1), as well as antioxidants called carotenoids. All of these make butternut highly recommended for diabetics and cancer patients. 100g (0.220lb) of butternut squash contains 664 milligrams of Omega-3.

7. Spinach
There’s a reason spinach gave Popeye such strength. Rich in Omega-3, flavonoids, and carotenoids, it also possesses anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in Vitamin K, which is vital for the health of our bones. 100g (0.220lb) of spinach contains 704 milligrams of Omega-3.

8. Wild Rice
You may be confusing wild rice with brown rice, but this unique grain not only contain Omega-3, it also contains Omega6. Wild rice also contains 30 times more antioxidants than white rice. 100g (0.220lb) of wild rice contains 95 milligrams of Omega-3.

9. Bell Pepper
Bell peppers contain not only a healthy amount of Omega-3, but also Vitamin C, B6, A, and magnesium. 100g (0.220lb) of bell peppers contains 775 milligrams of Omega-3.

10. Sprouts
Other than Omega-3, sprouts also contain many antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and A. It also has anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory benefits. 100g (0.220lb) of sprouts contains 270 milligrams of Omega-3.

11. Walnuts
Highly rich in Omega-3, walnuts also aid in reducing “bad cholesterol” (LDL) levels in our system. It’s recommended to eat it fresh from the shell, or at least with the skin, which contains over 90% of all the nutrients. Walnuts are also brimming with Vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese. 100g (0.220lb) of walnuts contains 9,080 milligrams of Omega-3.

12. Chia Seeds
Like flax seeds, chia seeds are also a part of the superfood family, thanks to their many health benefits, including their large amount of Omega-3. Chia seeds contain more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach. They are also rich in dietary fibers and antioxidants. 100g (0.220lb) of chia seeds contains 35.6 grams of Omega-3.

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10 Simple Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthier!

Protecting your lungs is vital, if you want to preserve your long-term health. Over a period of time, toxins from mold and bacteria can build up in your lungs causing you ill health. Therefore, getting into the habit of cleansing your lungs on regular basis is a good thing to do. A lung cleanse promotes normal lung functioning, helps to reduce swelling and inflammation and rejuvenates lung strength and vitality.

To add to this, it also helps clear any mucus from your airways and improves circulation. It can even help treat asthma, throat infections, bad breath and chronic bronchitis. Fortunately, cleansing your lungs is pretty simple to do; you can easily do it with some home remedies mixed with lifestyle and dietary changes.

Here are ten great ways you can cleanse and detox your lungs:

1. Do Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises can help improve your lung capacity by delivering more vital oxygen to your body. This will strengthen your lungs, and clear and cleanse your airways. To add to this, it will increase your energy and reduce stress. To carry out this exercise, follow the instructions below:
1. Find a comfortable place and lie flat on your back.
2. Place your hands on your stomach at the bottom of your rib cage.
3. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply through your nose while counting to 5.
4. Hold your breath for 2 seconds, and then breathe out slowly while counting to 5.
5. Repeat this 9 or 10 times.
6. Do this exercise 2 or 3 times a day.

2. Use a Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil stimulates waste elimination and draws toxins out of the lungs, uterus, digestive system and liver. It can even help reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic circulation. To make this pack, follow the instructions below:
1. Soak 2 to 3 pieces of wool flannel in 1 cup of warm castor oil (use only organic, cold-pressed castor oil).
2. Lie down on a large plastic sheet.
3. Place the soaked wool flannels on your chest and sides so that they cover your lung area.
4. Cover these flannels with the large plastic sheet.
5. Place a heating pad over the plastic sheet for 1 to 2 hours.
6. Remove the packs and wash with warm water to remove the oil residue.
7. Repeat twice a week for at least one month.

3. Take a Hot shower/Visit a Sauna

A hot shower or sauna increases sweat secretion which helps your lungs to get rid of toxic substances. Please remember to drink some water if you have spent a long time in a hot shower or sauna so that your body does not become too dehydrated.

4. Add Ginger to Your Diet

Ginger can also be used to detoxify your lungs as it contains several chemical compounds which help eliminate air pollutants from the air passages before they have the chance to irritate your lungs. It also improves blood circulation. To make use of ginger to clean your lungs, you can:
1. Drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea each day. To make this tea, simply boil 1 teaspoon of sliced ginger in 1 cup of water. Allow it to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Strain it and add some lemon juice or honey to improve the taste.
2. Include raw ginger in your cooking.
3. Ask your doctor for a ginger supplement.

N.B. If you are taking heart or high blood pressure medication you should avoid taking ginger in excess.

5. Consume Licorice

Licorice is an effective herb which can help cleanse your lungs. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Furthermore, it has antibacterial and antiviral properties which help prevent and treat mild lung infections, as well as reduce irritation from a cough, sore throat or allergies. To cleanse your lungs using licorice, you can:
1. Drink 2 to 3 cups of licorice root tea over the course of a few days. To make this tea, simply add 1 teaspoon of licorice powder to a cup of hot water (not boiling), cover and leave for 10 minutes before drinking.
2. Add half a teaspoon of licorice powder with a tiny bit of honey and consume it twice a day for a few days.

N.B. Licorice may not be suitable for pregnant women, infants and people who have kidney diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure or low potassium levels.

6. Steam Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus is commonly found in cough sweets and syrups. It's effective due to its expectorant compound called cineole, which can help fight coughs, congestion and soothe irritated sinus passages.
To use eucalyptus oil to cleanse your lungs simply add a few drops of it to hot water and inhale the steam for up to 15 minutes.

N.B. Eucalyptus oil can decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medication. Therefore, taking eucalyptus oil with medications can increase their side effects and effects. Please talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether any medications you take may be affected.

7. Consume Antioxidant-rich Foods

Eating a healthy diet can drastically improve the strength of your lungs, and foods which are high in antioxidants are especially beneficial. Antioxidants have been shown to increase lung capacity and improve the quality of a person’s breathing.

Foods that are high in antioxidants include blueberries, broccoli, spinach, grapes, sweet potatoes, fish and green tea.

8. Consume Lobelia

Lobelia is yet another herb that can cleanse your lungs. The alkaloid present in it, known as lobeline, helps to promote the expulsion of phlegm by thinning mucus. It even helps to stimulate the release of epinephrine, which relaxes the airways and makes it easier to breathe. To detox your lungs using lobelia, you can:
1. Place 5 to 10 lobelia leaves in a pot of boiling water. Cover and steep for around 5 minutes, then inhale the steam. Do this for about 10 minutes each morning and evening for a few days to cleanse your lungs.
2. You can also drink it as a herbal tea. However, this herb can be toxic if taken in high doses, so take it under the supervision of an herbal practitioner.

9. Drink Mullein Tea

The mullein plant is known to clear mucus and cleanse bronchial tubes. The flowers and leaves of this plant are used to make an herbal extract that can strengthen the lungs. To make a mullein tea simply add one teaspoon of the dried herb to a cup of boiled water.

10. Add More Oregano to Your Diet

Oregano contains carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. Both of these compounds are natural decongestants and histamine reducers which have been shown to benefit the respiratory tract and nasal passage. The oils in oregano (thymol and carvacol) inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

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