Alternative Health Articles

Yoga, Natural Stress Reliever

Yoga as a movement has dated back in the ancient times of India. Today, 15 million Americans practice it while its fans are mostly women and those in the age brackets of 18-34.

Yoga has been known as one of the oldest practice of self-development and has evolved from its classic beauty to its modern charms today. It included discipline, medication, breathing and physical postures. Now a major physical fitness staple and movement in the West, it has come a long way since its establishment and practice from the East.

Understanding Yoga

Yoga is composed of stretching exercises, relaxation and controlled breathing. Its major focus though has been on its Asanas or the poses. It is an excellent activity to reduce stress.

Yoga poses are composed of different movements that are designed to increase flexibility as well as the strength. These poses are either done at home or in a yoga room. Yoga poses can be brought outdoors too and may be done even in offices and workplace. Poses also varies from simple floor stretching to complicated postures that make use of some yoga equipment.

Yoga has become a fitness phenomenon as well as a meditation option. It helps improve range, motion, strength and balance. Keeps you from injuring yourself from some physical endeavors and makes you healthy due to its capability to improve blood circulation and its flushing out f toxins benefits.

It has been known to help manage heart conditions, high blood and alleviate pain, anxiety and sleeping problems.

Lately though yoga has been emphasized as a stress buster. So how does it benefit stress?

Yoga in Fighting Stress

There are many stressors in everyone's everyday life. Say you got an inconsiderate boss, an exam tomorrow, or a deadline to meet. Work and personal life are often the two major fields in one's life that can cause stress. Physical and emotional stress once adds up can be tasking and may affect ones normal day to day living.

Yoga on the other hand can help remedy it and even reduce it. You can start saying goodbye to emotional tension and even to physical stress.6

Yoga poses helps better blood circulation which may prep up the body to function better and be stronger to fight against tasking mental stress and over thinking. Plus, yoga may help reduce the cortisone hormones as well as the adrenaline, two of the things that are known as chemical stressors.

Plus, consistent yoga practice may prevent depression and moods swings, one major result of long time stress. It helps increase the body's serotonin level which regulates sleep, appetite and mood.

Different Yoga Moves to Battle Stress

Here are some different yoga poses you may try to help combat stress.

1. Child's Pose. You may need a pillow for this pose. Lower on your knees and fold your upper body over the support or the pillow. Rest forearms in the floor and turn to one side.
2. Half Pigeon. Half pigeon pose asks you to go on all fours, move your right knee forward toward your right hand as you lower your right hip into the pillow. Let your hands support you.
3. Supported bridge pose. Lie on your back, bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor apart. Extend your arms by your side on the floor and lift your hips while sliding the yoga block under the base of the spine. Always do the pose first before putting the block support under you.
4. Reclining bound angle pose. This one's a bit easy. Lie on your back putting your feet soles together. Slide it up close to the groin as possible and put a cushion under your legs. Place your arms at your side in 45 degree angle while palm is up.

These yoga poses doesn't just need to be executed, you have to do the breathing exercises with it. It will calm you down, help you think better and keep you perked up for the day.

Fishing for a Longer and Healthier Life

Ever wondered why some people have a longer life expectancy? It has often been said that we are what we eat. And if we took a closer look at the diets of countries that have the longest life expectancy then it would be no surprise that their diets have the healthiest mix of foods prepared over their table. The Japanese in particular have diets that are rich with fish and vegetables. So what makes it standout from most of today's modern diet and what are the benefits of taking fish oil?

Fish takes a centerpiece when we talk about Japanese diets. Its cuisine is characterized by fish often prepared raw combined with fruits and vegetables. One nutrient that is found in great amounts in fish particularly fish fat is Omega 3. This could not be found in fats found in animal meat making it special to fish fat.

Unlike many of the body's much needed nutrients which are produced by breaking down food, Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that could only be taken directly from its source. Good sources of these fatty acids include cold water fishes like salmon, herring and calamari. It could also be found in plant based sources like flaxseed.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be categorized into three types; EPA, DHA and ALA. Fish fat and calamari or squid oil contain EPA and DHA while plant based sources have ALA. Those contained in plant sources however (ALA), needs to be converted to EPA and DLA before being used by the body.

Omega 3 could be found in great amounts in fish fat. It is also referred to as polyunsaturated or essential fatty acids. Omega 3 or “good fat” helps clear clogged arteries and reduces the risks for cardiovascular diseases. This is the exact opposite the action of meat fat which is one of the main culprits in strokes or heart attacks.

The benefits of Omega 3 go beyond keeping our hearts healthy. It is also a vital building block for cell walls. It helps regulate the flow of nutrients to and from the cell and helps send signals to the brain. Omega 3 is essential for keeping our body's basic unit (cells) healthy and functioning at its optimum.

Omega 3 is required for normal brain development. Pregnant women are strongly advised to take their recommended dietary allowance of Omega 3 to ensure normal brain development. This is also important during their growing years for optimum brain growth.

Omega 3 also plays a role in the production of hormones. It is responsible for regulating the production of eicosanoids. This aids in the body's normal immune functioning by reducing inflammation. It reduces blood clotting and promotes the dilation of blood vessels. Omega 3 could also decrease the gravity of strokes and heart attacks by reducing blood clots.

A healthy diet means eating the right type and amount of nutrients. But many of us fail to follow a healthy diet because of the lack of food choices. Varying your choice of foods

The best way to get the most out of eating fish based diets is to have variety. You could have the recommended daily amounts of Omega 3 by eating cold water fish or squid oils. Omega 3 fatty acids could be sourced from a variety of food. These include cold fish, prawns and squid oils which are rich in DHA and EPA. ALA, the third type of Omega 3 fatty acid could be taken from vegetable oils and nuts. Plant sources for ALA include soy bean, flax seed, canola and olive oil.

Foods that Promote Detoxification

Several foods have already been hailed in science and nutrition journals as the saving grace of humankind. That is if humankind is keen enough to forget take-outs, burgers and sodas.

The way your body functions can be taking a lot from your diet, from what you eat and what you ingest. Everything in your system from your digestive to your circulatory to your nervous system relied mostly in the food you take in. They may not function as they usually do once it has been filled with all the oxidants both from external and internal factors.

And here comes the miracle foods that can promote detoxification in the body.

The Detox Craze

Several detox craze has surfaced over the years. Some are even promoted and advertised by famous Hollywood Celebs.

Some established detox process involves incorporation f several foods and natural ingredients. Mostly it requires a day or more of consumption of these formulas but most often results to hunger and eating impulse since it's the only thing they take in.

By this, experts say that to be able to detoxify you may not need to deprive yourself of food, instead choose it wisely and let it complement each other. Take a hint below.

Avocado

Avocado is rich with fiber and anti-oxidant which makes it good for digestion and for the cleansing of the body. Avocado is also high in fats but the good ones. And for the right detox, an organic avocado can do the job instead of the little piece of guacamole in your restaurant meals.

Beets

A regular beet in your meal can do a lot good than an occasional one in your salad. Beets can make sure that you will really flush out the toxins since sometime the toxins are not totally ousted from your system and are reintroduced in your body. It can help in free-radicals and can aid against cancer.

Blueberries

Blueberries have long been known to be a detoxifier. It contains vitamin c and fiber. It is low in calories and is rich with anthocyanins. These antioxidant pigments protect body's cells from free radical damage. It can enhance the glutathione production which is another antioxidant.

Broccoli

Broccoli is health food and you just have to deal with that. It can work for your liver through its enzymes. Raw broccoli can be more nutritional than a cooked one, but you can have your options.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds can aid in detoxification since it's also rich in antioxidants. It has even more than those of blueberries. It can help boost metabolism, rich in fibre and is high in protein.

Ginger

Gingers benefits have been recognized even back then in the world's ancient civilization.  It can be taken in as tea or as drinks it can help liver to function properly and is rich with astringent properties.

Green tea

Green eta is refreshing but it can also be high in anti-oxidant value. It can help educe and fight free-radicals.

Kale

Kale, blended and made into a shake can be the best possible way to benefit form this vegetables anti-oxidant properties. It can help fight kidney disease and is anti-inflammatory.

Lemons

Lemon as has been a component of most known detox craze. It is rich in vitamin C and can flush out toxins.

Garlic

Though pungent to smell, garlic can be a very good detoxifying food. It is antibacterial, antibiotic and is antiviral. It contains allicin which helps fight against toxins

The above superfoods are just part of the big picture. Some other option not mentioned above includes seaweed, flaxseed, water, watercress, wheatgrass, artichoke and more. And with these options, who's got an excuse not to detoxify?

Aromatherapy : Scents and Effects

Aromatherapy

Have ever you experienced smelling something nice or different and it having an effect on you? Yes, even our sense of smell could have a direct effect on our mood and how we feel. And this is the principle behind aromatheraphy. In fact it's defined as the use of natural oils which induces physical and psychological well being.

Aromatheraphy is also a form or alternative or traditional medicine that is used to promote health naturally. Often time people use aromatheraphy to induce specific moods and feelings or reduce stress and pain caused by physical ailments.

Different scents trigger different reactions. You should know that there are several types of scents which offer a different effect on the person's mood and feeling. It is essential that you understand what particular scent can relieve your ailment. You can get the specific scent you want from oils, candles, soaps, and even perfumes. There are also a lot of variations that you can choose from with each scent having a different effect.

Here are some of the common scents available and their effects:

• Cedar wood- this has a woody, sweet scent. The effects on the body is both soothing and strengthening. This kind of scent is used for treating Dandruff and arthritis.
• Chamomile- it has a sweet, crisp scent which can be relaxing and soothing. You may want to use this scent if you have a headache, experiencing insomnia and nausea. This can also be effective in reducing stress.
• Eucalyptus- this scent is characterized by a fresh and earthy smell. It balances and stimulates your body. This provides relief for colds, poor blood circulation and arthritis.
• Ginger- this scent is commonly used for treating nausea and colds. It is characterized by a warm and spicy aroma which can be warming if inhaled.
• Jasmine- the scent provides a soothing and calming effect for people who are suffering from depression and mental tension. It has a floral and exotic scent which calms and reduces stress levels.
• Lavender- It is characterized by a fruity and fresh aroma. It can have a calming and therapeutic effect on the body. It's a great remedy for people with depression, muscle pain, anxiety and burns.
• Lemongrass-this scent has a fresh and lemony aroma to it. This helps relax the muscles and a great stress releaser. It's great for relieving muscle pain.
• Peppermint- it has a fresh and strong minty aroma. It helps refresh and stimulate the body. This is a good remedy for people who are experiencing headache and nausea.
• Sandal wood - the scent is characterized by a rich delicate and sweet aroma. It can be warming and relaxing to people. This can be a great relief for stress and anxiety.
• Vanilla- it has a rich and warm scent which could be stimulating and relaxing for the body. It is also a great scent for people suffering from depression and anxiety.

Smelling different scents can trigger different reactions from your body. If you want to relax and feel refreshed you now know that specific scents could have a soothing effect on your mind and body. So why not use aromatheraphy to relax your body and lighten up your mood. The next time you start reaching out for your pills; why not experiment with scents and oils to help relieve your tired and stressed body naturally.