Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Acupressure - Ancient Therapy

Acupressure (sometimes written as "accupressure") is a technique related to acupuncture, where the energies of the body are regulated by manipulating points on the body. This has effects on the emotions, tension and physical conditions.
The points are commonly called "acupuncture points," "pressure points," "acupoints" or "acupressure points."
Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and vibrant health
The Applications of Using Acupressure include reliving pain, balancing body energy, and maintaining good health. Acupressure's healing touch reduces muscular tension, increases circulation, and enables deep relaxation. By relieving stress, Acupressure Therapy strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. 
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Back Care Acupressure Therapy is highly effective for relieving muscular tension in all areas of the back. Important points are located along either side of the spine and on the upper back. For self back care, lie down on a couple of tennis balls tied in a sock. Many people especially appreciate the release of tightness associated with lower back pain and sciatica. Acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, and self-acupressure for relieving back pain can also be an effective .
Addictions: Compulsive behaviors occur in cycles and are cumulative; one stress leads to another. Poor choices and emotionally unhealthy situations contribute to muscular tensions, pressures and pain. People commonly use drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or overeating to avoid the stress and tension in their lives and to escape from feeling pain in the body.
Acupressure can break the negative cycle of addiction, since it releases pain, stress, and tension, and heightens body awareness. Instead of the numbing affects of drugs, acupressure increases the circulation, helping to lift the fog of addiction and bringing a person back to the present moment. There are acupressure points for regaining stability, reducing cravings, for heightening morale, self-esteem, and self-confidence, and for boosting will power - all of which are vital for combating addictions.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

General View on Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit word has the meaning to join, to unite or to attach.

Yoga is not mere a acrobatics - it is a holistic approach of uniting the body, mind and spirit.
Yoga and yoga postures are beneficial as they bring a harmonious balance within your system. A total well being is not just a healthy body, but a healthy mind and spirit too.
The yoga postures improve the flexibility of the muscles and joints. It heals various chronic illnesses in a natural and simple way and also improves the body's immunity.
Meditation being one of the main aspect of yoga  which first concentrate on mind and then improve the strength of Soul or spirit .In meditation one develops deep into self. When the yoga coordinated with the breath, then the yoga practice becomes effortless.

Patanjali is widely regarded as the compiler of formal yoga philosophy .Patanjali's yoga is known as RAJA YOGA.

Patanjali defines the word "yoga" in his second sutra - "Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodhah" means yoga is the inhibition ( Nirodhah ) of the modification ( Vritti ) of mind ( Chitta ) .

 Patanjali's writing also became the basis for a system reffered to as ASHTANGA YOGA (Eight limbed yoga). They are as follows:-

1.  Yama - The five 'abstention' are
             a. Ahinsa (non – violence)
             b. Satya (non - lying, truth)
 c. Asteya (non - covetousness
 d. Brahamcharya (non - sensuality, celibacy)
 e. Aparigraha (non - possessiveness)                    

2. Niyam - The five 'observances' are 
 a. Shouch (purity)
 b. Santosh (contentment)
 c. Tapa (austerity)
 d. Swadhyay (study of vedic scripture to know about God, Soul)
 e. Ishwar pranidhan (surrender to God)


3. Asan - " Sthiram Sukham Asanam " refers to seated position used for meditation .

4. Pranayam - Pran means ' breath 'Pranayam means control of life force .

5. Pratyahar (Abstraction) - Withdrawal of sense organ from external object.

6. Dharana (Concentration) - "Deshbandhh Chittasya Dharana" means fixing the attention on single object.

7. Dhyan (Meditation) - Intense contemplation of the nature of objects it.

8. Samadhi (Liberation) - Merging consciousness with object of meditation.