Saturday, 17 June 2017

AYURVEDIC HERBS TO ENHANCE BRAIN POWER

Four Ayurvedic Herbs to Enhance Brain Power Naturally
In this age of day-by-day increasing mental stress, strain and cut-throat competition, we are finding it more and more difficult to cope with the pressures of day to day life. Ayurveda claims at not only increasing the powers of the brain but also at keeping the mental diseases away, along with helping to cure them desirably.
It is believed that a number of the diseases have their root in the brain of an individual. That is one of the reasons why the number of psychological and neurological cases is on the increase.
Ayurveda Dosha Healing and Mental Balance
According to Ayurveda text, the balance of the three body humors viz. air, fire and phlegm or the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas when gets disturbed, tends to manifest itself both in somatic as well as psychic spheres.
Vitiation of the Vata dosha destroys mental sense and gives rise to grief and infatuation.
When the Pitta dosha or the fire humor of the body gets aggravated beyond its normal limits, may lead to mental states of fear, lust and grief.
Similarly, imbalance in Kapha causes lethargy and in-discrimination.
These dosha imbalances disturb both the body as well as the mind. Although the predominant factor in case of mental disturbances is believed to be an increase and imbalance in the two mental states of the brain viz. Rajas and Tamas. These two states are ascribed to Iccha (Desire) and Dwesha (Repulsion). It is believed that when these states of mind tend to cross the limits set by social norms and values; they tend to excite the basic humors of the body resulting into degeneration of the brain powers and birth of mental diseases.
Ayurveda Herbs as Brain Tonics
1. Shankhpushpi
There is a herb named as Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) which is one of the nature’s precise answers to the brain weakness. It has been used since ages in Ayurveda therapy to sharpen intellect and increase the mental powers, as it has a cooling, calming and subsiding action on the brain. Shankhpushpi is believed to be a Medhya Rasyana (Brain tonic) in Ayurveda and it is a rejuvenator par excellence. One teaspoonful of the powder of this herb is to be taken twice daily along with a cup of milk. It could prove beneficial in maladies like insomnia, anxiety, everyday stress, and loss of memory, anorexia nervosa and lethargy.
2. Brahmi
Brahmi (Centella asiatica) is another useful brain tonic. It can be taken in powder or paste form along with milk. You could also extract juice by pounding the fresh herb and take it once or twice in a dose of 20-ml approx. Though useful for all ages, it is a boon for students as it increases the intellect and helps undo stress and strain. Powder of this herb taken along with powdered herbs of Shatavari (Asparagus) and Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) aids in reducing the aggravated Pitta or fire in the system and thus gives a calming effect to the brain. It is also a good cure for bilious headaches.
3. Jatamansi
Roots of the herb of Jatamansi (Nordostachys jatamansi) helps to tone up the brain and stabilizes mental abilities. It is another excellent restorative as it helps to subside all the three body humors. It thus has a specific action on the nervous system and aids in curing a number of mental diseases like hysteria, depression, insomnia, epilepsy and loss of memory. It has also shown results in hypertension.
4. Shatavari
Click here to join World Malayali Club
Another herb by the name of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a body and brain rejuvenator and good for intellect. All the more, it helps undo the everyday strain and induces sound sleep. This can be taken in powder form in a dose of 3 to 5 grams along with milk or mixed into equal amount of honey. Also, some medicinal preparations of the herb are available like Shatavari Gritha, which can be taken a teaspoonful at bedtime along with warm milk. Regular use of the same for sometime helps fight mental stress, exhaustion and fatigue. It aids in increasing the eyesight and mental faculties as well.
Ayurveda Recommends Lifestyle Modifications
The daily diet intake should be regularized in means of proper timing as well as nutritional balance. Try avoiding oily, heavy and spicy meals in your routine. Fresh juices, fibrous foods, raw green vegetables and garden herbs provide with ample supply of anti oxidants and resistance boosters. A good amount of water intake is also a must.
A sound mind dwells in a sound body. It is therefore essential to keep the body fit and healthy in order to develop better intellect. A regular exercise schedule or walks in fresh air especially in the early sunrise could do wonders.
Sound sleep for eight hours is your daily rest requirement for the proper functioning and recharging of your brain powers.
Make a daily work list and try to handle problems one by one, as it would be rather difficult to cope up with the accumulation.
It is equally important to stay involved and seek for counseling whenever required.
Massage of the scalp and soles of the feet with sesame seed oil is also suggested.
Cow’s ghee is quite beneficial for the brain. It should be included in daily diet and can also be inhaled through the nostrils.
So fresh and so clean.
 
Image may contain: night

7 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure without Medication

 
7 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure without Medication

1. Invest in a home blood pressure monitor.
It is wise to monitor your blood pressure at home, as well as your doctor’s office. Combining your readings with your doctor’s will provide a better measure of your high blood pressure and treatment to control it. Also, home monitoring will rule out if you suffer from “white coat hypertension”. Ideally, monitor your blood pressure at the same time every day.
2. Increase your potassium intake.
Potassium works to balance out the sodium in your diet. An adequate potassium intake can lower systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Some good potassium sources include cantaloupe, bananas, dates, nuts, oranges, and green leafy vegetables. If you are taking diuretics (i.e. water pills) to lower blood pressure, the excess urination can cause loss of potassium for some diuretics.
3. Reduce caffeine intake.
Limit caffeine from tea, coffee, soda, sports drinks, and chocolate to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Caffeine can lead to short, but significant increases in blood pressure.
4. Manage stress.
Coping strategies to deal with stress can promote high blood pressure levels, such as overeating, smoking, and increased alcohol consumption. Implement stress management strategies to avoid these pitfalls.
5. Eat a diet rich in magnesium.
Research has shown an inverse relationship between magnesium and blood pressure. Individuals with a high magnesium intake, typically have a low blood pressure. Some good sources of magnesium include peas, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, Lima beans, squash, broccoli, spinach, and seafood. Learn more about and implement the DASH diet to consume adequate levels of potassium and magnesium daily. For greatest success, implement changes gradually versus all at once.
6. Get adequate sleep.
Research indicates insomnia may be linked to high blood pressure. Take steps to protect your sleep, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time every day (even on weekends), power down for one hour before bed (meaning no electronic devices), and have a regular bedtime ritual.
7. Lose weight. 
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for high blood pressure. As you gain weight, your blood pressure tends to rise. Weight loss of only ten pounds can positively impact blood pressure levels. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9 and obesity is a BMI equal to or greater than 30.

Regulate Blood Sugar Naturally with Cinnamon

 Regulate Blood Sugar Naturally with Cinnamon
Regulate Blood Sugar Naturally
Ingredients:
2 sticks of cinnamon
3 grams of cloves
5 liters of water
Instructions:
Mix all three ingredients in a bowl and place them in the refrigerator to sit for 5 days for drinking.
Consume 100 ml (roughly 3 ½ ounces) of this tonic upon waking, on an empty stomach. You may want to strain the liquid before drinking it to avoid a potentially gritty texture.
When you are left with only 400 ml (13 ½ ounces) of this tonic, prepare a new dose. After you have consumed 3 batches, take a 2 week break.
Repeat as needed.
This recipe is full of amazing spices, not only in taste, but for your health as well. This easy to prepare recipe will help to speed your metabolism and positively affect your overall health, all from the superstar spices – cinnamon and clove.
Cinnamon is considered anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and is also considered to help regulate blood sugar levels. Because it helps to slow the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, this aids in reducing blood sugar surges after meals.
It’s also been shown to stimulate insulin receptors and inhibit the enzyme that inactivates them, which in turn increases the cells ability to use glucose efficiently.
Not to mention that cinnamon is a very powerful antioxidant!
When it comes to health benefits, clove is not far behind. Cloves are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They’ve also been shown to be beneficial in fighting fungus, bacteria and yeast (that includes candida). They also contain health-promoting antioxidants!
In addition, cloves may aid in stomach bloating and gas, due to their ability to reduce pressure and help to carry out toxins through elimination. Clove oil is also said to be a great natural healer for oral health, relieving toothaches and sore gums in particular.
Image may contain: food

How to React to Common First Aid Problems

How to React to Common First Aid Problems
We all want to protect the people we love; family, friends and of course, our children. Not knowing what's the best course of action in case of a medical emergency can be a horrible experience and a little basic medical knowledge can do really do some good. This quiz will test your knowledge and teach you some of the best ways to react when someone next to you needs some first aid.
At the end of the quiz you will find out how many right answers you got and if you perhaps need to refresh your knowledge in this area.
1. If your child was bitten by a dog he will have to get...
A. Antibiotics.
B. A Rabies vaccination.
C. A Tetanus vaccination.
D. All answers are correct.
2. What should be done if someone has a bleeding nose?
A. Call 911.
B. Tilt their head back until the bleeding stops.
C. Lean the head forward and gently pinch the bridge of their nose.
D. Put some ice on the nose bridge.
3. Your child has fallen and was hit on the head, He is in the biggest danger if...
A. He fell from the second floor.
B. He fell on a wooden floor.
C. He loses consciousness for a short time.
D. He falls on the carpet.
4. Your child was cut in his arm and is bleeding steadily, you should...
A. Place an arterial tourniquet on his arm.
B. Use sterile gaze cloth to warp the cut and apply gentle pressure until the bleeding stops.
C. Put his arm below his heart.
D. All the answers are correct.
5. If your child is having a seizure then you must...
A. Start giving him CPR.
B. Place something in his mouth so he won't swallow his tongue.
C. Hold his arms and legs so he won't move around.
D. None of the answers is correct.
6. Someone just split hot water on their arm and the area is very red and covered in blisters. This is probably a...
A. A first degree burn.
B. A second degree burn.
C. A third degree burn.
D. A forth degree burn.
7. You have been bitten by a fire ant and the area looks red and blistered. This is probably a...
A. An allergic reaction.
B. A normal reaction to a fire ant bite.
C. An emergency that needs a doctor's attention.
D. It's actually a spider bite.
8. When someone is suffocating they needs a..
A. A Hertzsprung maneuver.
B. A Heimlich maneuver.
C. A Healthy maneuver.
D. A Lichtman maneuver.
9. Which of the following is a classical sign of dehydration?
A. Crying.
B. Weight gain.
C. Reduced urination.
D. Increased urination.
10. A bite from which animal can infect your child with Rabies?
A. Rat.
B. Fox.
C. Bat.
D. A and C are correct.
11. Your child was stung by a bee, you should...
A. Try to scrap off the stinger with a credit card or something similar.
B. Pull out the stinger.
C. Cool the area with some water and ice
D. A and C are correct.
12. After being stung by a bee your child had a severe allergic reaction. After this you should...
A. Always keep an Pepin adrenaline shot with him in case he gets stung again.
B. Always keep an antibiotics shot with him in case he get stung again.
C. Always use a bug spray when he goes out.
D. Never let him go outside again.
13. Your child has fallen on his arm and the area starts swelling, what should you do?
A. Take him to the hospital to get an X-ray immediately.
B. Put some ice on his arm and see if the swelling disappears over time, if it does not go to the hospital.
C. Move his arm around to see if it's broken.
D. Place his hand in a home-made a cast.
14. Which of the following things should always be in a child's first aid kit?
A. Aspirin, in case the child gets sick.
B. Band-Aids and gaze, in case the child gets a cut.
C. Quicksilver thermometer, to see if the child has fever.
D. All the answers are correct.
15. You have found a small tick on your child, after removing it with a pair of tweezers you should...
A. Call the doctor if the child shows any unusual symptoms.
B. Check if the child has Lyme disease.
C. Check if the tick has Lyme disease.
D. Give the child antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.


 No automatic alt text available.

Migraine


Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder manifesting in the form
of a throbbing head ache with nausea, vomiting, and/or sensitivity
to light. If you or your loved one suffer from migraine, I have
compiled some remedies which you can try safely. Know that quick
treatment of migraine is a wise thing to do.
# Identify your triggers and avoid them. Sometimes it can just be
the weather, a drug or any food like , caffeine or chocolates.
# Do not depend on pain killers and have them for more than thrice
a week.
# Avoid white flour products, sugar, tinned or preserved foods.
Drink more water and eat more fibre, vegetables, whole grains, and
get vegetable proteins like beans, nuts, seeds, broccoli, spinach,
peas etc.
# Sit and stand in proper postures.
# Do not skip meals.
# Exercise but do not overdo it.
# Sleep and wake up at proper timings.
# Keep a headache diary which will help you to find your triggers
and help the doctor to choose his treatment plan.
# When you get a bad headache, lie down in a dark, quiet room. Put
a cold or hot compress on your forehead with a few drops of
lavender oil (if you are not allergic to its scent) in it. Massage
your scalp and apply pressure on your temples.
# Have chamomile tea.
# Start meditation and yoga. Pranayama including Shitali works the
best for migraine. You may also visit a therapist or a counselor
for stress management. Also, ask your doctor about cognitive
behavioral therapy.
# Make a habit of massaging your temples, neck and head when you
get a headache.
# Use peppermint oil to rub on your temples and on the tight
muscles on your neck and shoulders.
# Have carrot juice with spinach.
# Ask your doctor about having Riboflavin, magnesium and Coenzyme
Q10 for prevention.
# Try Gingko Biloba extracts with the consent of your doctor. With
its antioxidants Gingko Biloba dilate blood vessels and improve
circulation throughout the body especially in the brain.

Tuesday, 6 June 2017

40 Tips For a Better Life

40 Tips For a Better Life
Life is made up of good and bad lessons we accumulate along the way. In order to understand it, we must separate it into a few domains, each with its own lessons to teach us. This list of good advice was given by a group of people from all ages. So here are 40 great tips for a great life!
1. Drink a lot of water
2. Eat your breakfast like kings, lunch like princes, and dinner like beggars
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat fewer foods made in factories
4. Live your life according to the TEE principle: Truth, Empathy and Energy.
5. Make time for contemplation and/or prayer
6. Involve more game playing in your life
7. Read more books than you read last year
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes a day
9. Invest at least 7 hours of sleep every sleep
10. Take 10-30 minutes to walk somewhere each day. Smile while you walk.
11. Don't compare your lives to those of others. You have no idea what their journey actually looks like.
12. Don't waste time on negative thoughts or things you cannot change. Instead, divert your energy to a positive moment in the present.
13. Don't exaggerate in your actions, keep yourself in check.
14. You don't have to win EVERY argument. Agree to disagree.
15. Don't waste your energy gossiping.
16. Dream more while you're awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You may already have all you need, but if not, envy won't get it for you.
18. Forget past events and don't remind your partners of their past mistakes. It will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life's too short to hate people. Don't hate in vain.
20. Make peace with your past, or it will destroy you at present.
21. No one is responsible for your happiness but you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you're here to learn. Problems are just a part of learning, but the lesson they teach will be with you for life.
23. Smile more. Laugh more.
24. Don't take yourselves so seriously, no one else will!
25. Call your family often.
26. Every day give or do something good for another.
27. Forgive everyone, for everything.
28. Spend time with people over 80 and under 6 - it will teach you a lot.
29. Try to make at least three people smile, every day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your concern.
31. Your work won't take care of you when you're sick. Your family and friends will. Don't cut ties.
32. Do the right thing. It pays in the long-term.
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or brings you enjoyment.
34. When you are angry or upset, seek solitude before taking it out on the people around it.
35. Forgiveness heals all wounds.
36. No matter how good or bad the current situation is, it'll change.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you wake up alive in the morning, don't take it for granted - embrace it.
39. The secret of secrets in your heart is that you CAN be happy - so be happy.
40. Never forget to enjoy the time you have, the moment you are in, and the people that share these things with you! —

How To Improve Blood Circulation? 25 Ayurveda And Yoga Tips

How To Improve Blood Circulation? 25 Ayurveda And Yoga Tips

Article by: Dr. Mahesh Annapure M.Sc. D.N. M.D.(A.M.)
Transportation of blood from heart to the different parts of the body, then pulling it back to heart to send it to lungs to get fresh oxygen and so on, is called as blood circulation. Human body contains 1,12,000 km long blood vessels. The functions of the blood vessels are to provide the nutrients and fresh oxygen to all the cells of body and to remove unpurified blood and the wastes from body metabolism .
Blood facts:
Human body is having at about 10 Lakh Crore cells. The needs of these cells are supported by the blood. The main part of the blood is a Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs). In every second 12 Lakh RBCs are degenerated. The life span of RBCs is of 120 days. The formation of new RBCs occurs in the bone marrow. In the whole life of human, the bone marrow produces 100 kg of RBCs. Within the life span of 120 days, these RBCs revolves around the body cells near about 75 thousands times. This happens due to the help of the motor pump of body, we know it as a heart. Heart performs the activity to supply blood to the body cells and collect it back.
blood circulation
From each contraction of the heart 75 ml of blood is forced towards the body. Due to the hearts contraction and relaxation, heart beats are formed. We call it as a Nadi (Pulse). This practice is called as a Nadi parikshana. Many defects and disorders of the body are occurred by the obstructions in the blood vessels, major of it is a Blood Pressure or Heart Attack. In Charaka Sutrasthana, it is denoted as a Raktavaha srotas and explained that the roots of the Raktavaha Srotas are based in the 12 major arteries and veins near the heart.circulatory system
Symptoms of obstruction in blood circulation
– Shortness of breath
– Irregular heartbeats
– Itchy hands, legs and feet
– High cholesterol and blood pressure
– Swelling of hands and feet
– Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
– Change in skin temperature like cold hands, feet and fingers
– Numbness or loss of sensation in feet, toes and hands
– Feeling lethargic even after doing small activities like climbing the stairs
– Lack of energy and stamina
– Hair fall and dandruff
– Dry skin, uneven skin tone and blemishes on the skin
– Memory loss or sluggish memory
– Feeling sleepy all the time
– Cramps and headaches
Tips to maintain proper blood circulation:Take Hydrotherapy –
It includes warm water bath, tub bath, contrast bath (switching between the hot and cold water), steam bath, etc. The therapy of water vapours, targeted towards relaxation, causes vaso-dilatation (widening of the blood vessels) of peripheral blood vessels (arteries and veins in the feet, legs, lower abdomen, arms, neck or head) which in turn, lead to faster and smoother blood circulation.
Quit Smoking-
Smoking is primarily responsible for peripheral vascular diseases (diseases of the blood vessels located outside the heart and brain). It brings about degenerative changes within the blood vessels leading to hardening of arteries and vericose veins, heart attacks, which eventually leads to improper blood circulation.
Regular exercise-
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to enhance blood circulation. Thirty minutes of regular exercise daily can substantially reduces your risk of various cardiovascular problems. There is an increase in the pumping action of the heart along with an increase in the number of vessels and capillaries. It can take the form of any physical activity like walking, jogging, running, stair climbing, cycling, swimming etc. These exercises have a great potential to improve the blood circulation rate and maintain pulse rate.
Take healthy, fats free diet-
To live healthy, you must eat healthy by taking healthy diet. Avoid consuming excess of anything especially dairy products, hydrogenated oils etc.
Consume healthy fats such as ghee, omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) that are available in fishes.
Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Reduce the consumption of sugar and excess salts and add up more of dietary fibers. Improper diet can adversely affect the blood cholesterol levels, which in turn, can result in atherosclerotic changes (plaque build-up in the artery walls which does not allow blood to flow freely). These conditions affect the body’s normal process of blood circulation.
Tomato:
Tomato is a well-known food for blood circulation improvement. It contains lycopene, a compound that prevents plaque buildup, a hindrance to healthy blood flow.
Ginger-
Fresh ginger

Ginger contains gingeroles and zingerone, the active components that provide a whole range of benefits to the body. It prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the blood and liver. Regular consumption also prevents the clotting of blood in the body. In fact, it is much more effective than aspirin in preventing blood clot formation. Read more about ginger usage
Green Tea-
Green tea is rich in antioxidant called epigallocatechin, which improves the health of the cells that forms in the innermost lining of the blood vessels. This helps in the constriction and dilation of the vessels, enhancing the flow of blood. It reduces the formation of bad cholesterol and prevents the rise in blood pressure. Regular consumption also cuts down the risk of heart diseases.
Nuts-
Nuts like almonds and cashews provide high levels of vitamin B3, which boost the blood flow. It dilates the blood vessels, improving the circulation of blood. It also helps to lower low-density lipoprotein in the blood.
Garlic-
garlic

Garlic relaxes the blood vessels and interacts with the red blood cells, increasing the production of hydrogen sulfide. Increased production of hydrogen sulfide improves blood circulation. Consuming raw garlic reduces the accumulation of low-density lipo-protein in the blood. It also raises good cholesterol in the blood, keeping the blood pressure within normal limits. It also prevents blood platelet aggregation.
Guggulu or Guggul-
Guggul is a plant gum, contains kenotic steroid compounds called Guggulsterones, which reduces the plaque that builds the inner walls of the arteries, causing poor blood flow. It reduces the possibility of platelet aggregation, preventing blood clot formation. Read more about guggulu
Mehendi (Rosemary)-
Rosemary is one of the great herbal remedies for blood circulation improvement in the body. Fresh rosemary works best, but you can use the dried ones, its extract is taken in small quantity.
Nagfani/ Bansanjali (Hawthorne)-
Hawthorne has been used since centuries to treat heart and blood circulation problems. The berries and leaves of Hawthorne plant contain quercetin, a substance that minimizes histamine release. It is also useful for treating blood pressure problems.
Lifestyle changes-
– Reduce your coffee and tea intake or cutting down on them may be very beneficial for the body.
– Alcohol can have several detrimental effects on the body. It should be drunk only in moderation.
– Quit smoking in order to lead a healthy life. Smoking increases cholesterol levels, constricts the blood vessels and hardens the arteries.
– Avoid eating foods that contain high amounts of saturated fats. Saturated fats contribute to the buildup of cholesterol deposits or plaque in the arteries, leading to poor circulation.
– In addition, it is also required eliminate refined foods like alcohol, sugar and oily foods. Eliminating these items from your diet will help thin your blood, which will enable it to pass easily through the small blood vessels.
Drink plenty water- and juices
The blood plasma volume is the major determinant of blood pressure and the circulatory functions, plasma makes blood thinner. Dehydration can cause a reduction in the volume of blood through a reduction in the water content of the blood. This further lowers the blood circulation rate.
Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and it also maintains body heat.
Adopt Active Lifestyle-
The sedentary and lazy lifestyle of today slows down the rate of circulation and causes various health related problems. Switch to a healthy and active lifestyle, get involved in some outdoor activities like social gathering, mass movements, enjoy festivals, carnivals, gardening, dog walking, house keeping or in some recreational sports. Get adequate amount of sleep and learn to cope up with day to day stress. Stress, which causes muscle-tensions, can lead to serious circulation problems and cardiovascular diseases.
Take Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies-
Include herbs like cayenne (a mild form of chili powder), ginger, garlic and in your diet. These herbs have favorable effects on blood circulation. Wild berries, tomatoes and rosemary are known for their effects in regulating and stabilizing blood pressure. Spicy foods also promote good circulation. When you eat spicy food, your body’s temperature is raised; therefore, it increases your blood flow and gets your heart pumping.
Massage-
Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. Massage is one of the ancient and the most effective remedies to improve blood circulation. Massage is not just a relaxation technique but something more than that useful for circulation, The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. Body pain develops on account of reduced oxygen supply to the muscles due to muscle tension, The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function. Massage warms the body reliving the blood vessels improving blood circulation.
Yoga for improving blood circulation-
Virabhadrasana – Warrior Pose –
Warrior pose stretches the muscles of arms, shoulders, neck, legs, and groin favoring muscle contraction and relaxation. Such tone up muscles encourages circulation. Furthermore, the joints of the legs, the waist and those of spinal cord and neck get curved exactly in opposite direction, regulating the blood circulation in those joints.
Salamba Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand –
Shoulder stand is a part of Hatha yoga, where all pressure is exerted on the neck, shoulders and back of the head. As the body remains straight from feet up to shoulder with legs at the 90- degree angle from the floor, blood flows from lower part of the body towards heart for oxygenation. Peculiar shoulder stand position improves supply of fresh blood to the brain, eyes, ears, nose and throat.
Viparita Karani- Leg’s Up Pose –
Inverted body position with leg’s up is just opposite to our normal standing or sitting posture. Gravity effect pushes impure blood from legs and pelvis towards heart and improves circulation.
viparita karani
Uttanpadasana with Both Legs
Vertical position of both legs stretches thigh muscles facilitating blood circulation. In this pose, you raise both legs up without the support of a wall.
Shavasana- Corpse pose –
Shavasana is one of the best relaxing poses, where a body looks like a dead body. Whenever a body is in action, it requires more oxygen, which is gained through increasing circulation. Increased circulation favors increase in respiration.
Deep Breathing
– While breathing in, the diaphragm, a major respiratory muscle is pulled down. This minimizes the chest pressure and increases abdominal pressure. An increased abdominal pressure compresses the abdominal veins, a type of blood vessels and pushes blood upward in chest and heart.
– While breathing out, the diaphragm reverts back in its normal position, which minimizes abdominal pressure. Reduced abdominal pressure drains blood from both legs toward abdomen and improves venous return to the heart.
Kapalbhati -Skull Shining Breath –
Kapalbhati, a process of fast exhalation and jerky inhalation is another type of breathing useful in maintaining a flow of blood. Peculiar exhalation and inhalation contracts and relax the abdominal muscles and diaphragm.
Unlike in deep breathing, during exhalation, blood is pushed from an abdomen upward in the heart. While in inhalation, the blood from legs drain into abdomen and go to the heart in next round.