Month: June 2007

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Yoga

Vakrasana -2(Yoga Exercise)

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This Asana (Yoga Exercise) is designed to twist the spine to the right and left side in from its erect position. The spine is made up of highly elastic joints and can be moved to any direction.
Pre position: Sitting Position.

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How to do the Exercise:

1. Bend the left leg in the knee and place its heel near the thigh. Keep the sole of the left foot flat on the floor and the thigh and knee touching to the chest.
2. Place the left hand in front of the right hand in such a way that the fingers of both the palms face each other and the palms remain flat on the floor.
3. Now turn the neck and the trunk to the right, twisting the spine and look back above the shoulder. Continue smooth breathing.

Position:

1. In this Asana the spine is to be kept straight.
2. The lower end of the spine and both the hips be placed well on the floor and stabilize them.
3. Then with the support of the neck and shoulders twist the upper vertebrae to the right. At the same time, the standing knee be kept close to the chest.
4. Alongwith the neck, the sight should also be turned to the right side and stabilize it in that direction.

Releasing:

1. Turn the neck to the front.
2. Restore the hand to its place.
3. Straighten the left leg and take the sitting position.

Note: Following the above mentioned process, practice this Asana placing the right leg in folding position.
Duration: This Asana should be retained for minimum two minutes on each side. With more practice this duration can be increased to six minutes.

Benefits: The elasticity of the spine increases as it gets twisted in its erect position. Along with the spine the belly and other internal organs also get twisted and receive the desired strain. It also has very good effect on the spinal cord and its functioning is improved.It improves digestive system too.

Precaution : One should avoid the temptation of attaining the ideal position if strain is unbearable.

Reference Book:- Yoga Pravesh

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Positive thinking

What We See

Judging Others :
Though it is human to evaluate people we encounter based on first impressions, the conclusions we come to are seldom unaffected by our own fears and our own preconceptions. Additionally, our judgments are frequently incomplete. For example, wealth can seem like proof that an individual is spoiled, and poverty can be seen as a signifier of laziness—neither of which may be true. At the heart of the tendency to categorize and criticize, we often find insecurity. Overcoming our need to set ourselves apart from what we fear is a matter of understanding the root of judgment and then reaffirming our commitment to tolerance.

When we catch ourselves thinking or behaving judgmentally, we should ask ourselves where these judgments come from. Traits we hope we do not possess can instigate our criticism when we see them in others because passing judgment distances us from those traits. Once we regain our center, we can reinforce our open-mindedness by putting our feelings into words. To acknowledge to ourselves that we have judged, and that we have identified the root of our judgments, is the first step to a path of compassion. Recognizing that we limit our awareness by assessing others critically can make moving past our initial impressions much easier. Judgments seldom leave room for alternate possibilities.

Mother Teresa said, If you judge people, you don’t have time to love them. If we are quick to pass judgment on others, we forget that they, like us, are human beings. As we seldom know what roads people have traveled before a shared encounter or why they have come into our lives, we should always give those we meet the gift of an open heart. Doing so allows us to replace fear-based criticism with appreciation because we can then focus wholeheartedly on the spark of good that burns in all human souls.

Source:Daily Om

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Pregnancy & Child birth

Eating for Appropriate Weight Gain During Pregnancy

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Years ago, many women thought of pregnancy as their ticket to eat anything they wanted, indulging any and all cravings and leaving portion control by the wayside. After all, they rationalized, they were  eating for two.  That thinking, however, has changed over time, with doctors now advising pregnant women of the risks to both mother and child of excess weight gain during pregnancy.

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Conversely, inadequate weight gain can also pose potential problems. So, how much weight should pregnant women gain and what nutrition guidelines will help them achieve it? This article answers those questions and more with regard to healthful eating during pregnancy.

Guidelines for Weight Gain
Exactly how much weight gain to aim for will vary among women and depends on several factors, including the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight, height, age, and health status, as well as whether or not the birth will involve twins, triplets, or more. See your doctor to determine the best weight gain goal for your individual situation.

In general, the following guidelines are used:

Women beginning pregnancy at a normal weight (defined as body mass index [BMI] of 19.8 to 26) are advised to gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
Underweight women (BMI < 19.8) are advised to gain 28 to 40 pounds.
Overweight women (BMI 26 to 29) are advised to gain 15 to 25 pounds.
Obese women (BMI > 29) are advised to gain at least 15 pounds.

Risks of Too Little or Too Much Weight Gain
Gaining the recommended amount of weight is one of many factors that may help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Gaining too little weight can increase the risk for delivering a low–birth weight baby who may be at greater risk for developmental and health problems later on. Gaining too much weight can increase the mother’s risk for conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. It may also be a risk factor for long-term obesity in the mother after the pregnancy is over.

Maximizing Nutrition Without Maximizing Calories
The approach to healthful eating during pregnancy is twofold: you want to eat for an appropriate weight gain, but you also want to make sure you and your unborn baby get all the nutrients you need. The best way to do that is to make sure your diet is high in healthful, nutrient-dense foods, and low in foods that provide lots of calories but little nutrition (such as cookies, chips, soda, and pastries).

Registered dietitians recommend using the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid as a guide for eating from each of the food groups every day. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, dairy foods, and healthful fats (such as those in olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds, and peanut butter). And be sure to take any prenatal supplements your doctor may have prescribed.

Of course, physical activity also plays a role in pregnancy weight gain. Getting regular exercise during pregnancy may help you achieve your recommended weight gain goal, but be sure to check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise program during pregnancy, especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly before pregnancy.

Pregnancy: No Time for Extreme Diets
Many people wonder if some of today’s popular diets, such as low-carbohydrate diets, are a good way of controlling weight gain during pregnancy. While there is little published data regarding the use of these diets during pregnancy, many nutrition experts advise that pregnancy and breastfeeding are not the time to embark on any type of extreme diet, particularly those that restrict entire food groups from the diet. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting any kind of new diet.

A Note About Food Safety:
A discussion of healthful eating during pregnancy would be incomplete without a mention of food safety. While it’s important to eat a variety of foods and get adequate nutrients, it’s also important to avoid certain foods that could pose a risk to you or to your unborn baby.

Here are some of the foodborne illnesses that pose a particular risk to pregnant women:

Listeria. Listeria poisoning during pregnancy may increase the risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. Foods that may be contaminated with listeria include unpasteurized milk, deli meats, hot dogs, and soft cheeses (such as feta, Brie, and blue cheeses).
Mercury and PCB contamination. Some types of fish, including shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tile fish, may have higher levels of chemical pollutants that can be harmful to unborn babies and small children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid these types of fish.
E. Coli 0157:H7. This bacterium may be found in raw and undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk. Be sure to cook all meats to appropriate temperatures and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.

Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/getcontent.aspx?cid=38209

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Herbs & Plants

Gokulakanta

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Botanical Name:Hygrophila spinosa or Asteracantha longifolia / Hygrophila auriculata
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Hygrophila
Species: H. auriculata
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales

Common Name :: Gokhulakanta,marsh barbel,    Sanskrit: Kokilaksha

Description and Composition
Gokulakanta is a stout, rough, thorny, slightly tall annual herb. The stem of the plant is thin and small, round, hairy and red in color. The plant grows vertically up to about one metre with no branches on the sides. The leaves are simple, with waving or curling margins and the flowers are bright blue in color. The seeds are small, flat, round, dark red in color. The whole plant is covered with a soft hair growth. The entire plant is used medicinally, specially its leaves and roots.

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Hygrophila spinosa belongs to the plant family ACANTHACE and Genus Hygrophila This plant specimen prefers Wet soil a pH of 7 . All plants need light to allow the photosynthesis process of converting carbon dioxide to growth sugars to take place. Some plants need more sun-light than others. For this plant those sunlight conditions are well described as … Full sun .

Impressive Autumn foliage display is not shown by Hygrophila spinosa so look for an alternative plant for pleasing Fall leaf properties

Hygrophila spinosa gokulakanta is not known as a butterfly attracting plant

Almost all plants grown in gardens need to be fed using fertilzer in order to see them at their best. For this plant the suggested fertilizer program would be based upon … Typical mix of: 3 parts Nitrogen (N), 2 parts Phosphorous (P) and 3 parts Potassium (K for Latin name Kalium).

The roots of the plant contain an essential oil. Its seeds contain a yellow semi-drying oil-that is, the oil which possesses the property to dry partially by evaporation. They also contain diastase, lipase and protease. An alkaloid is also present in the seeds in addition to these chemical substances.

Benefits and Healing Power of Gokulakanta Herb.
Hygrophila spinosa has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a demulcent, as an aphrodisiac, as a diuretic and as a urinary tonic. See the medicinal properties section for the full list. The aerial parts and the root are used in herbal preparations.

The herb is a tonic and stimulant. It increases the secretion and discharge of urine and promotes libido. The ash of the plant selVes as an excellent diuretic. It has a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Special qualities
Tolerates drought no Tolerates high humidity no Tolerates seaside conditions no Insect resistant no Disease resistant no Deer resistant no Best uses Symbiosis Attracts butterflies no Attracts hummingbirds no Autumn foliage no Colorful berries no Desirable qualities Other interest Other interest color Other interest period

Adverse factors
Common pests Poisonous parts Poisonous indications Internal poison no Dermatologic poison no Livestock poison no Mechanical injury no Hay fever pollen Hay fever season Adverse qualities

Herbal medicine :
Medicinal properties demulcent aphrodisiac diuretic urinary tonic hepatoprotective Medicinal parts Aerial parts Root Has medicinal uses yes Do not self-administer no Do no use if pregnant no Legally restricted no Toxicity precautions Medicinal notes Hygrophila spinosa has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a demulcent, as an aphrodisiac, as a diuretic and as a urinary tonic. The aerial parts and the root are used in herbal preparations.
Toxicity precautions & Medicinal notes: Hygrophila spinosa has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a demulcent, as an aphrodisiac, as a diuretic and as a urinary tonic. The aerial parts and the root are used in herbal preparations.

Traditional uses
Parts used Traditional uses Contemporary uses Fragrance Fragrance parts Fragrance intensity Fragrance category Dye parts Dye color

Nutrition :
Is edible no Culinary uses Nutritional value Edible parts Description of edible parts Flavor / texture

Medicinal Uses: The herb is a good tonic and stimulant.It increases the secretion and discharge of urine and promotes libido. The ash of the plant serves as an excellent diuretic. It has a soothing effect on skin and mucous membranes.

Dropsy :– The ash of the plant is useful in treating dropsy, a disease marked by an excessive collection of watery fluids in the tissues or cavities of the body. The ash should be administered preferably with cow’s urine in doses of 1.5 to 3 grams. The root is also useful for treating dropsy.

Genito-Urinary Disorders :- The root of the plant is beneficial in .the treatment of gonorrhea and urinary disorders, including inflammation of the urinary tract and stone in the kidneys. Its decoction can be given in doses of 30 to 60 grams, twice or thrice a day.
The decoction of its leaves can be used with confidence in case of syphilis and gonorrhea. The mucilage obtained by infusing the seeds in water is also prescribed in gonorrhea, urinary diseases and as a tonic.

Liver Disorders :– The root of the plant is useful in treating liver disorders like jaundice and hepatitis. It is specially useful in hepatic derangement. A decoction of the root is administered in the treatment of such conditions. About 60 grams of the root is boiled in half a litre of water for 20 to 30 minutes in a closed vessel. About 30 to 60 ml of this preparation is given two or three time daily.

Anemia :- The herb purifies blood and is beneficial in the treatment of anemia. A decoction of its root can be administered in the same manner as for liver disorders.
Rheumatism :- The drug is also effective in rheumatic afflictions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.

Methods for Uses and Dosages: The leaves of the plant do not have any noticeable taste. They contain a cellulose which is hard. The leaves can be taken by themselves or mixed with the leaves of holy basil (tulsi). The juice from 20 grams of leaves can be mixed with either buttermilk or coconut water or fruit juice. Two teaspoons of the powdered leaves can also be mixed with 120 to 180 ml of buttermilk or 100 ml of water.

Rheumatism: The drug is effective in rheumatic affictions such as rheumatism,arthritis and gout.

Other Uses:The leaves of the plant contain a cellulose which is hard. The leaves can be taken by themselves or misex with the leaves of holy basil. The juice of the leaves can be mixed with either buttermilk or coconut water or any kind of fruit juice.

References:
Miracle of Herbs,
http://www.vitamins-minerals-supplements.org/herbs/gokulakanta.htm,
http://www.plant-supplies.com/plants/hygrophilaspinosa.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrophila_auriculata

http://www.crescentbloom.com/Plants/Specimen/HU/Hygrophila%20spinosa.htm

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News on Health & Science

Lazy kids face chronic health problems

LONDON: Children who are lazy and inactive may later face chronic health problems, says a study that advices parents of such children to take steps before it is too late.

Kamlesh Khunti and other researchers at Leicester University investigated activity levels among more than 3,500 pupils from five inner city secondary schools in Leicester and found that children face years of ill health because they are not active enough.
“This study shows that overall the physical activity levels in inner city school children are very low,” said Khunti.

“Parents, schools and community health providers need to address the results of these findings to reduce their future risks of developing diabetes and heart disease in children,” he said.

Khunti added that those of South Asian origin in Britain were at particular risk of both heart disease and diabetes. Children of parents who suffer from these conditions were also at extra risk of developing them as a result of inactivity.

Junk food, sedentary lifestyles and excessive television and computer usage have been blamed for creating couch potato children. At the same time, many children no longer take part in competitive sport at school, reported online edition of the Daily Mail.

Previous studies have shown that physical inactivity plays a major role in health. Those who are physically inactive face a risk of developing coronary artery disease. It also increases the risk of stroke and such other major cardiovascular risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol that is good for health.

The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

Increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, scientists said. Physical activity also produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults.

Source:The Times Of India

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