Healthy yoga and chakra centers:

 

What is chakras?  How yoga can be healthy? What is the relationship between yoga and chakras? Sometimes we are interested in knowing about the source of illness, one of them is charkas or energy centers in our body .

word of chakra (or as it is spelled in Sanskrit – chakra –pronounced  as chakra) means wheel, and originally referred (Later it became associated with the term "wheel of light usage of the word” .charkas are center of energy that are located the midline of body . in line with spinal cord .Western knowledge of the chakras comes from an English  Sanskrit texts from the 10th and 16th centuries. It is in the seven energy centers described so long ago actually anatomy, they correspond to five main nerve ganglia of two areas of the brain (upper and lower) (2).

The Vedas, which are the oldest written tradition in India (2000-600 B.C) were written largely by the indo-European invaders of India, known as the Aryans. Original meaning of the word chakra as ‘wheel’ refers to the chariot wheels of invading Aryans. the word was also the metaphor for the sun  which ‘traverses the world like the triumphant chariot of Cakravartin or wheel of time in this way , it represents celestial order and balance .(3)

Yoga is one of the most important types of exercise for the mind and body (9).

 the word of yoga means “ unity  or oneness” and is derived from Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to join”. the union is between individual consciousness with the universal consciousness(9) .

yoga philosophy was systematized some 2000 years ago by sage Patanjali in a single treatise , yoga sutra .yoga comprises eight limbs Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Ratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Ssamdhi (4) .

 

Yoga is unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical  application . it’s a philosophy ,a science and art .yoga is the oldest system of personal development. It’s a practical method of harmonizing the body, mind, emotions and is a tool that allows us to find a quiet space within. it utilizes the innate life force within the body and teaches us how to tap into, harness, and direct it skillfully. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation, and meditation that helping us to establish a healthy,  balanced approach to living (9).

 Yoga exercises consist of Asanas, or Postures, that involve stretching, bending, turning, and relaxing. Each posture has a therapeutic effect. Yoga systematically stretches and strengthens muscles throughout the body, improves circulation to internal organs and gland, quiets the nervous system and improves concentration. The ancient system of self –care vitality, health deep relaxation and peace of mind .by making the body stronger and more flexible allow the one to face the life with greater   poise, openness and equanimity.

Although yoga had its beginning in Indian pre-history, its not a religion it can be used with great benefit by any one, regardless of his/her religious or philosophical benefits (5).

 

Various research have shown that yoga has both preventive and therapeutic benefits. Yoga  offers both physical and mental benefits to the body and mind .different researches have approved that regularly practicing yoga  improves flexibility and  muscle joint mobility ;strengthens, tones, and builds muscle ; corrects posture; strengthens the spine ; eases back pain ; improves muscular-skeletal conditions such as “bad knees”; tight shoulders and neck and scoliosis; increase stamina ; creates balance and grace ; stimulates the glands of the endocrine system ; improves digestion and elimination ; increases circulation ; improves heart conditions ;improve breathing disorders; boosts immune disorders; boost immune responses ; decrease cholesterol and blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss (6).

Health increases the quality of life and   usually every body is interested in improving her/his health. the health is not just lack of diseases ,but based on WHO narrate, it  includes physical ,mental and spiritual welfare (7). Illness is lack of health .  it can be seen as simply message from our body to that say , wait a minute : something is wrong . You are not listening to your whole self; you are ignoring something that is important to you “ A return to health requires more personal work and change than simply taking pills prescribed by a doctor. Without personal change, we will eventually create another problem to lead us back to the source that caused the diseases in the first place (8).

 

Ayurvedic medicine suggests, yoga as a healer for some physical and psychological illness because relaxation and breathing are vital parts of yoga practice  which benefits all the vital force. yoga can make change as a practical method .they believe that illness is  result of imbalance and yoga because of  improving  balance in the body, can be as a healer for improving balance to get rid of illness . (6,7)

 

Green Tea with Rosemary

Both green tea and rosemary contain anti-oxidants making this blend a wonderful immune booster. This blend also provides mental stimulation, as green tea is known for its ability to promote alertness and rosemary has a reputation as a memory aid.

1 heaping teaspoon green tea
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 cup water

Bring water to boil. Add rosemary and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for two minutes. Strain into mug and add green tea. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain again.

Eye Wash Tea

Eyewashes are helpful for tired, inflamed eyes and are especially useful for soothing eyes strained from reading or too much time in front of the computer. The following herbs are recommended for eyewashes: basil, calendula flower, catnip, chamomile flower, elder flower, fennel seed, fenugreek seed, plantain leaf, raspberry leaf, red clover blossom, rosemary, and thyme.

1 teaspoon of one of the dried herbs listed above
1 cup of water

Simmer at a low boil for 10 minutes. Strain to remove all herb particles and cool. The strained liquid may be used as an eye wash with an eyecup or may be used with a compress.

Power Up—Nuts & Berries

Nuts and berries are a wonderful way to boost energy throughout the day.

Almonds

Most people avoid almonds because they are relatively high in fat, but they contain fat that can help lower cholesterol because it’s mostly unsaturated. Almonds are one of the best sources of vitamin E, which protect against high blood pressure and heart attacks, and provide bone–building minerals calcium and magnesium, as well as of the mood–soothing B vitamins niacin and riboflavin.

  • Almond Milk: In a coffee grinder, finely grind 1/4 cup almonds. Place ground almonds in a blender with 1 cup water and purée for 2 minutes. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth–lined sieve. Use it in desserts and on breakfast cereals. (Almond milk is also sold in natural food stores.)
     
  • Almond Pesto: In a food processor, combine 4 peeled garlic cloves, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 2 cups basil leaves, and 1/4 cup extra–virgin olive oil. Process to make a smooth paste. Serve with pasta.

Health–full Sink

This month cold, congestion, and flu remedies can be found floating in the sink. Some of these remedies may be a bit messy, not to mention odiferous. Be sure to let the other members of your household what you’ll be doing so they don’t grow concerned when they find you resting on the sofa, smothered in a smelly, healing concoction!

Ancient “Secret”, Chest Congestion Remedy

Slice and roast several large onions, pour enough vegetable oil over the onions to cover them, and allow them to steep in the oven for 30 minutes. Put the onion mixture on a flannel cloth. Grease chest with olive and oil and apply the onion poultice to the chest. Cover to keep the poultice warm. Remove after 30 minutes.

Banish a Bad Cold’s Bad Breath

Sweeten breath during colds and flu. Chew fresh parsley during a cold or flu. This not only freshens the breath during a cold, but rids the mouth of any bad odor anytime. Parsley also gives us the extra vitamins needed while suffering through a cold or flu.

Sweet and Simple Congestion Remedy

Mix 1 cup warm almond oil with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint oil. Massage the chest and back to relieve chest congestion. Keep warm and give plenty of peppermint tea to produce sweating. Remedy formulator Jude Williams says, “This works very well. My sister uses this recipe to treat her children when they have chest congestion.”