ACUPUNCTURE : THE NEEDLE THERAPY

ACUPUNCTURE is the ancient Chinese medicinal art. Acupuncture has an important place in alternative healing even today. It is also called Oriental medicine. Acupuncture scientific name is paradigm.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE :
Each meridian corresponds to one organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. Acupuncture is thought to restore health by removing energy imbalances and blockages in the body. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago

The proponents of acupuncture rave about the benefits and efficacy of receiving acupuncture treatment sessions. There are also many studies that have substantiated some of the positive effects of acupuncture treatments on patients.
Acupuncture involves positioning long, thin needles on various points on the body. There are different techniques to the insertion of the needles, including care for the angles at which they are inserted, different types of needles (there are nine, but most practitioners only use six types of the needles), and various ways to twirl or vibrate the needles.

The needles are placed on the body depending upon the ailment of the patient. Acupuncturists believe that the body has different energy channels that help in the efficient and proper functioning of the body. Precise placement of the needles draws energy to the needed areas and makes way for positive energy flow. This is what adherents profess gives the health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS :
Those who practice and those who receive acupuncture point to a variety of positive health benefits associated with the expert placement of the needles. When placed in the proper places, acupuncture needles are said to help cure nearly any ailment from chronic pain to diabetes to cellulite. Cancer patients report that acupuncture helps them deal with their disease by helping them achieve calm and by helping they feel more energetic after cancer treatments. Additionally, relief of the pain associated with the progression of the cancer is felt. Similar results are said to be felt by HIV/AIDS patients.

For people without specific diseases, however, there are other health benefits. Acupuncture adds energy to the day. It can also reduce anxiety and stress. People who use this treatment claim that they feel calmer, and that they feel happier. Additionally, many of them report less worry and anxiety. They feel more alert mentally and more stable emotionally.

Acupuncture is also said to help prevent diseases. Because regular treatments keep the body in proper working order, and because the positive energy is uninhibited through its channels, the body is said to be less prone to sickness.

You can maintain your health and sense of well being by choosing acupuncture. There is researched evidence of the positive effects of acupuncture on the health of patients. However, most physicians and scientists recommend the use of more traditional methods of medicine for treating illnesses.
So the next time you get a chance to enjoy Acupunture don't miss it!!!!

STONE THERAPY

HOT STONE THERAPY

Go to any spa these days for a bit of ‘Me Time’ and you can be sure that stone therapy will be one of the therapies utilised on you.

History of Hot Stone Therapy :
Hot Stone Therapy has been used by healers as far back as recorded history. The deeply radiant heating effect of the stones was discovered to be very soothing and calming, allowing the body to utilize the energy from the stones to assist in healing itself. It has roots from ancient Rome, India, Polynesia, as well as the early South, Central, and North American Native Civilizations.


What is it?
Hot Stone Therapy is, as the name implies, massage using basalt lava stones which have been heated in a temperature controlled and monitored hot water bath. Basalt lava stones are preferred because of their superior heat retention and smooth texture. Although the specific techniques vary from therapist to therapist, a treatment will generally consist of a combination of stones being placed in various positions on the body in conjunction with alternating Classic Swedish techniques, utilizing both the hands, and the stones as an extension of the hands.


A Hot Stone Massage has many benefits, such as:
· Increasing blood circulation.
· Allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
· Dissolves aches and pains attributed to stress.
· Relaxes you and relieves tension, calms the nervous system.Relieves insomnia, depression, and pain.

Hot stone massage therapy is sought by people you have:
· Cold feet
· Muscle tension
· Back pain and aches
· Poor circulation
· Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
· Stress, anxiety and tension
· Insomnia
· Depression

Hot stone therapy is a wonderful treat for the body. It is very rewarding with lots of benefits. Hot stone massages can be found at almost every medical spa around the globe. This therapy is also offered at regular day spas and at vacation destination spa resorts. Everyone needs a break from time to time. Taking the time to get a hot stone massage is worth both the time and money. You will be able to relax, release, and rejuvenate. Reconnecting with you is priceless.

STRETCH AT THE DESK

Stretching plays a key role in a balanced fitness programme. it prevents injury,reduces muscle tension and relaxes the body,increases blood supply and nutrients to tissues,while increasing flexibility,improving posture and keeping the body agile. Here are simple stretches that anyone can do anytime, preferably twice a day.


NECK STRETCH :-
Drop your head to the right side and then to left side bringing your ears close to your shoulder.

SHOULDER STRETCH:-
Cross the right arm horizontally over your chest, placing your left hand just above the elbow joint,pull the right arm closer towards your chest.Repeat with left arm.

CHEST STRETCH:-
Clasp your hands behind you so that you feel a stretch in your chest muscles.

UPPER BACK STRETCH :-
Clasp your hands in front of you so that you feel a stretch in your upper back.


ARMS STRETCHP:-
Extend both hands straight above your head,palms together in a namaste



SHOULDER ROLLS :-
Rotate your shoulders forward a few times and then in the reverse direction.Remember to hold each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.Breathe normally when you hold stretch and don't hold your breath

SUN EXPOSURE IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

SUNNY DAYS....

You must be thinking what am i saying, coz now-a-days every body tries there level best to save themselves from the radiation of Sun. Expert doctors warn us to avoid almost any exposure to these potentially damaging rays – the sun’s radiation is known to suppress our immune system, give us cancer, and cause us premature aging.

BUT we need these rays to lead a healthy life. Just imagine the morning when it is cloudy outside you will feel lowered motivation, sleepiness, increased appetite, weight gain, irritability, and decreased sociability. On the contrary if it is a nice sunny morning you are active, energetic and less nervous. See you can make out difference here itself.

Other than this Sun rays are the main source of Vitamin D lacking which can cause bone deformity known as rickets.One can suffer from the heart diseases, skin diseases as well as from other types of cancers due to the low level of vitamin D in the body.
Some of the common types of cancer which are caused by scarcity of vitamin D include colon cancer and prostate cancer. Vitamin D is a substance which helps in using calcium as well as it is also an essential thing for maintaining the bone health.

Additionally Sun rays does the following :-

-Lowers cholesterol

-Lowers blood pressure

-Promotes thyroid stimulation

-Regulates the immune system

-Stimulates insulin production

-Improves heart muscle contractility

-Early morning Sun rays are recommended by the doctors for people suffering from Acne,Psoriasis,Depression,Osteoporosis.

-Sun rays are preventive measures for Heart diseases.diabetes (type-1),Multiple Sclerosis,Cancers of various types.

Nicely summarized, sunshine is health and happiness.

BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

In todays world where results matter rather than the effort, stress is overpowering. So inorder to reduce stress everybody right from Celbrities to normal people are turning towards meditation. Meditation has endless benefits.

- The first and foremost is stress reduction.It is scientifically proven that meditation is the best way to balance your emotions and stress,that is the reason why today doctors are adopting meditation techniques for various stress related disorders.

-It improves your concentration power.

-It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.

-Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.

-Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.

-Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.

-Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.

-It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.

-Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.

-Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.

-Helps in post-operative healing.

-Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.

-Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.

Meditation helps us to overcome phobias.It helps to build self-confidence

MEDITATION - BEST WAY TO RELAX

MEDITATION
Meditation is relaxing of soul along with the body. It is a way in which you can take control of your mind.In day-to-days life where results matter a lot no body has time to think about soul,peace and internal happiness.
Many people have started making meditation as a regular practice to reduce stress.
When we speak of meditation we think that there is just one way to meditate that is sit down and close ur eyes and do concious breathing that's it. But we are wrong there are many ways by which you meditate :-

• Concentrative type :- In this type of meditation we focus on one thing such as an image or listen to the music. It is like a filter where in we discard all the rest of the things and take only one thing which is necessary.
• Mindfulness meditation : - Vipassana is the other name used by the buddhist for this type of meditation. In this you do not concentrate on any one thing but you concentrate on what is happening in and around you. First we can concentrate on our breath and then slowly to the thoughts passing by your mind, the feelings . Here you are supposed to only watch not supposed to analyze or judge.
• Empty minded or mind centred meditation :- This type does not use any emotion. This meditation is a bit difficult as in this we have to make our mind thoughtless.
• Heart-centered :- In this one tries to experience all the emotions simultaneously.
• Simple mantra meditation :- Many people find it easier to keep their mind from wandering if they concentrate on something specific. A mantra can help. This is a word or phrase you repeat as you sit in meditation, and is chosen for you by an experienced master in some traditions. If you are working on this alone, you can use any word or phrase that works for you, and can choose to either repeat it aloud or in your head as you meditate.

There are many other ways of meditations such as Monastic,Active,Passive,Fantasy based,Religion based etc.Now one has to decide which one is suitable for them.

In my next post I'll discuss about the benefits of meditaions.

The Basics to Practice Every Day

"He who has health has hope, and he
who has hope has everything."

• Move More Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
• Cut Fat Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
• Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
• Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.