The Yoga rules

If you are suffering from hair loss and you don't want to go under the knife, then yoga could be the answer. According to some yoga gurus, there is little solution for hair loss problems in western medicine. Hair loss in men & women is a universal phenomena caused by hereditary problems, poor diets, stress etc. Only one western prescription product minoxidil has some acceptance as a cure of hair loss. However minoxidil has little or no effect when there is actual baldness rather than thinning.Yoga postures can help you overcome stress, anxiety, and indigestion, poor blood circulation in head, which are considered as main causes of hair loss. Headstand yoga pose can be very helpful as it contributes blood circulation in head as well as relieves tension.

Following are some of the of yogas which can help you to remove stress and improve blood circulation in head.
Downward facing dog
Standing forward bend
Camel pose
Shoulder stand
The Knee to Chest (Pawanmuktasana)
Vajrasana

Apart from practicing these yogas, one can try message therapy for hair loss problems. You can take 3-5 minutes of gentle head message by using your fingertips, which will improve blood flow to hair follicles and help hair growth.Divya Kesh Tail (Hair Oil for Hair Loss, Dandruff and Headache), which is produced by Swami Ramdev's Divya pharmacy, can be a great cure for hair loss problems. This oil has ingredients like Bhringa-raja, Brahmi, Amalakl (Amala), Shweta Chandana & other constituents.

You can also try Reflexology by buffing of your fingernails of one hand against the other on a regular basis preferably daily twice or thrice for 5 minutes.
Meditation is another way to overcome hair loss problem as it can control stress. Sit in proper pose and observe your breathing.

Author Bio:
Author Bio:
Donna Summer is a renowned Hair Specialist and focuses on Natural hair care solutions and Ayurvedic treatment for hair loss.

Various forms of meditation and inner concentration have been developed by most cultures and systems devoted to human health, harmony and evolution. The concept of coming into contact with an inner power, an inner voice, an inner knowledge or an inner guidance is common to all spiritual systems and religions.

These techniques, however, were used in the past mostly by the priests, monks, mystics and those with deeper inclination for spiritual growth. The most scientifically developed and effective system of inner concentration is probably the system called Yoga.

There is much confusion concerning the meaning of the word, and what exactly a person who practices yoga does; why he does it and what effect it has on him and his environment. Some believe that it is another religion. Others claim that it is a science of human harmony, while still others praise its wonderful healing powers on the body and mind.

The truth, of course, for each one of us is relative depending on our experiences, childhood programming, desires and needs. I will express to you the truth as I see it after 25 years of studying and practicing yoga and 20 years of teaching it. My association with yoga has also brought me into contact with thousands of other teachers and students of this system in America, Europe, England, Australia, India, the Middle East and Greece.

YOGA IS NOT A RELIGION

It is a science of human development and improvement that can be used in any religious setting, and along with any particular dogma. It is a system of techniques designed to aid an individual in creating a world of inner and outer harmony, health and happiness.

These techniques will help each to benefit more deeply from his own religious path. A Christian will become a better Christian, a Christian in spirit and not only in name. A Hindu will become a better Hindu, a Moslem a better Moslem.

The same techniques of yoga, which will help a Christian focus more deeply, and clearly on the Christ, will help a Hindu to focus more deeply and one-pointedly on Krishna or Rama.

Yoga embraces the concept that there is ONE GOD who is worshiped through all the religious paths. It never asks a man to change his religious beliefs or worship some other God.

Yoga has no particular form of God or type of worship. Yoga is a system of techniques, which help each man and woman worship more efficiently, independent of his or her religion.

Yoga is like a car that is at the disposal of all. I can use it to go where I want, and you to go where you want. The same car takes each of us to where we want. Each chooses his own direction.

YOGA IS NOT RETREATING
FROM THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LIFE

Rather it is a preparation of the body and mind so that one can perform his duties more efficiently, more happily, more harmoniously, and more creatively. Any employer who would make a study of the efficiency, honesty and consistency of his employees who do yoga, would find that these qualities are present in them to a greater degree than the average of the society.

WHAT, THEN, IS YOGA?

There are many ways to describe yoga. It is something different to each person according to his needs and goals.

1. It is a Science of Human Development, offering techniques for the harmonization and mastery of the body, bioenergy, senses and the mind.

2. It is a way of life which creates a state of inner harmony, as well as harmony with the environment around us. These guidelines for living are similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible and will be discussed later.

3. It is a method for the transcendence of human suffering, leading to freedom from illness, pain and unhappiness.

4. It is a system for the development of the inherent mental and supermental powers, which are at present latent in man. (We use only one tenth of our brain - evolution has not stopped). We continue to evolve and yoga is an efficient system for accelerating human evolution.

5. It is a path to Self - Knowledge beyond the changing reality of our bodies and personalities.

6. Its ultimate goal is the transcendence of the mind and union with God, the Universal Spirit living in all beings.

WHY DO PEOPLE START PRACTICING YOGA?

People turn to yoga for various reasons according to their needs, issues, problems and goals in life.

1. The majority start because they have some physical or emotional problem such as headaches, high blood pressure, spinal problems, arthritis, constipation, drug dependency, insomnia, nervous tension, fears, anxieties; or they may have lost a loved one, or their wealth, or their job, or have some other difficulty in life. Yoga gives them a chance to help themselves.

It is not a drug that someone can take. Each person learns to develop his inner strength, to care for his body and mind properly, to cure himself and to develop his ability to face life, and to enjoy it.

2. Others start because they simply want to learn to relax and be at peace with themselves. They enjoy the inner peace that they feel during and after the practice of the various techniques. They find that when they develop a daily discipline, that this peace and sense of well being carries over into most of the day. They begin to change their attitude towards life.

3. Others come to improve the quality of their bodies and minds. They do not have any specific problems, but are interested in greater control over their bodies and minds. They develop this increasing control through regular practice of the techniques. As they progress they are given more difficult techniques. It is similar to studying any other subject. Whether learning to drive a car, to play the piano, to cook a good meal, to run a business, to do scientific research; there are techniques that can help us learn to master those activities more efficiently. The same is true with the mastery of the body and mind. There are techniques that can make the process much easier for us.

4. Fewer people come for spiritual growth, in order to improve their character, to develop the ability to love more purely, to increase their self-knowledge, and in general, to become free from the limitations of their bodies and their minds. Eventually they feel an increasing need for contact with the Divine. They want to feel the Divine in every moment, to break through the illusion of this temporary material reality and discover the Absolute Truth. They seek enlightenment and union with God.

5. Others may start out of curiosity and if they are not then attracted by one of the above mentioned motives, they soon give up the effort.

All motives are acceptable and one motive may lead to another. Also we often function from a combination of motives.

Please see part 2

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The power of Yoga to create a state of mental and physical well being can also be put to good use for taking off excess weight. Yoga promotes a healthy and balanced life style and when combined with a calorie burning program can show exceptional results.

Practicing yoga will also increase your metabolism, increasing the calorie burning process, but you should not see it as an immediate results method. By following the rigors imposed by yoga you will gain a holistic, long term solution to balance your life style and keep off any excessive weight.

As well as loosing weight you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, you will develop higher resistance to stress factors and an all round healthier way of living.

Metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component of the endocrine system. It is responsible for the chemical processes in your body that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism to burn more calories and reduce your body weight.

An improvement in local circulation is another direct effect of using yoga postures and this leads to a healthier, more energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the calorie output your body will start burning fat cells to acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong metabolism takes this process even further and you will see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.

Different back bends, combined with forward bends, are used to stimulate metabolism. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid gland is situated, are especially useful as the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand. Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the process.

For people who are significantly overweight some of the bends may prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. They should gradually increase the difficulty of the postures until they are confident enough to go to more complex exercises.

Muscles can be strengthened by using standing poses, such as the warrior. A higher endurance and increased caloric output will also result from using standing poses. Energize the body and increase your metabolism even more by using Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.

A proper diet should also be followed to support the holistic weight loss system. Try to consume food rich in fiber, vegetables, whole grains and less high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all maters concerning your food and no excess should be made. Do not totally eliminate certain food items from your menu and remember that diversity is the key to an equilibrated and satisfactory diet.

A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Results may not be spectacular and immediate, but this is one of the best long term weight loss methods available. In addition to weight loss you also benefit from an increased protection against adverse factors as well as a general feeling of well being and inner peace.

All in all, it is definitely worth looking into the possibilities that Yoga offers.

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Special back pain yoga posture choices can dramatically improve the flexibility and lengthen the natural reach of your spine. Back injuries often arise from just bending to pick something up. It is important to identify and use the appropriate postures safely and effectively. Deep breathing warms the body to enhance the benefit of these exercises. The benefit of yoga becomes evident when one realizes back pain sends more people to the doctor than any other ailment except the common cold.

Most damage occurs in the last two lumbar discs often due to mechanical strains are from overstretching ligaments and soft tissue. Take time to understand the cause of your pain. Is it tight and/or weak muscles, obesity, emotional stress, lack of full movement in the shoulders and hips or just poor posture? Learn about your back pain.

Yoga posture selection will come from that understanding. Stretching with yoga increases blood flow allowing nutrients in and toxins out to improve overall nourishment of the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back. Take it slow and work gently toward aligned flexibility. Relax your head and neck. When one area of the body is out of alignment, it affects every other.

Stand with feet flat on the floor or mat a comfortable distance apart. Facing forward pull the arms up. Alternate the arms to expand up and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Repeat several times. Shake out the arms and legs. Roll the shoulders and wiggle the feet. Inhale as you bring the arms straight by your ears with fingers reaching to the sky. Exhale as you bend over with palms down leading your arms to hang gently from the waste.

Inhale as you slowly roll up and stand head erect arms relaxed at your side. Take a moment to rub your lower vertebrae with the back of each hand. Bend down on one knee and place your hands on the floor. Position the other leg to lift up into an arch walk your hands out to Down Dog. Stretch the arms and legs as you pull up into a V at the hip. Stay there for a minute or so. You'll soon see why these back pain yoga posture choices work so well!

From Down Dog, walk your hands in and bring your knees one at a time comfortably to the floor in Cat Pose. S-t-r-e-t-c-h the spine and arch the back like a cat. Tuck your head under. Inhale as you release the arch into a bowed back. Arch the head and s-t-r-e-t-c-h the neck upward. Repeat this pattern several times. Now lie on the floor relaxed face down. Inhale as you slowly lift your feet and arms stretch out to gently arch the back bringing your chest high. This is a modification of Cobra Pose to strengthen the back. Repeat. That repetition will help fight back pain. Yoga postures can be used as a way to fight off future injury, as well as to reduce currently experienced pain.

Dahnhak yoga began in Korea several thousand years ago to develop the mind and body in an area called Land of the Morning Calm. It was revived by Dr. Ichi Lee in 1980. "Dahn" means energy, and "Hak" means study. Dahnhak is the study of energy (Ki, Chi) and how to use it to restore mind/body communication. A cardinal back pain yoga posture of Dahnhak is to smile.

If you experience back pain, yoga posture choices can provide a great deal of relief and might just bring a smile to your face at the same time!

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If you're pregnant and are already in yoga classes, don't be afraid to take a break from your current classes or to take a class that is less strenuous. Even if you haven't gone public with your pregnancy yet, you should have a confidential talk with your instructor let him or her know of your pregnancy, the instructor will then be able to assist you with less strenuous postures or teach you poses that you aren't doing that will help you.

If you are new to yoga and are looking for a low impact way of exercising the best thing to do is to look for a prenatal yoga class. These classes are designed for pregnant parishioners and you can start them as early in your pregnancy as you want. If you are having morning sickness, you may want to wait until that passes and that usually is the second trimester.

If you have been practicing yoga for a while, you still may find your regular classes seem to be too intense for you. Prenatal classes may seem too easy, so at this point you will need to decide which class you should take on a given day depending on how you feel.

The solution might also be to include some prenatal poses that have been adapted into your regular routine. If you are in a class, your yoga instructor may help you with special poses developed for pregnancy and your changing body. When you enter the second or third trimester, you may find that prenatal classes are more suited for your body and its changing shape.

If you do Yoga with videotape, you should buy a prenatal video. Some of the recommended poses are ones that open the hip such as Pigeon, Triangle, Warrior II, and Knee to Ankle.

Second Trimester?

Are you a Yoga enthusiast and want to continue to do your practice while pregnant? Yoga can continue to be practiced during your second trimester with just a few precautions.

By the second trimester, your morning sickness should be over and should be feeling better.

If you haven't yet started a yoga yet and wish too, and you are in luck, "now is the perfect time to start".

Always contact your health care provider before starting any new exercise program. This is a good rule of thumb even if you aren't pregnant.

Start with finding a class with an excellent and experienced instructor. Many women enter yoga for the first time during their pregnancy so don't worry that you will be the only new pregnant woman in class. Talk with your friends and get references for and instructor.

If you are already practicing yoga, there is no need to give up your classes if you feel strong enough to do them. You can incorporate your own adaptations to the poses when fitting. As your belly grows, the more adaptations you will need to make. You will want to take any inversion pose to the wall if it poses a risk of falling. If you aren't comfortable doing these poses, then it's all right to give your body permission to skip them. One that you can practice safely is the Legs Up the Wall Pose.

If you practice at home, you still might consider going to a prenatal class at least once or twice a week. You will be able to connect with other pregnant women there and know you are not alone in what you are going through.

Some Yoga Poses you will want to avoid during your second trimester or at least adapt them to your growing belly. Deep twists from the belly compress all of your internal organs, including the uterus. You can continue to do the twists, just do them gently from the shoulders instead of the belly.

Of course avoid any jumping or poses that require back bends. Abdominal strengtheners should be avoided, as they need to be softened in preparation for birth. Of course, lying on the belly should not be practiced once you begin to show. It will probably be too uncomfortable for you anyway.

Practice the Birthing Breath, deep inhalations in through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth.

Third Trimester?

In the third trimester of your pregnancy, everything becomes more difficult to do. Tying your shoes, climbing upstairs and even turning over in bed can become a chore. Yoga will become more difficult and you should use more caution but there isn't any reason you can't continue to practice yoga up to your due date.

For those that were working and are now on maternity leave, you might just now be finding time to do prenatal yoga. You will still benefit from doing gentle yoga stretches and poses. If you are attending a class, be sure your teacher knows when you are due. Remember, now is the time to take it easy. It isn't the time to be an overachiever. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program or if you have questions about which prenatal yoga is best for you.

If you are listening to your body, it will tell you what you can and can't do. Continue to stay in touch with your body, allow your body to take it easy. It's a good idea to continue practice breathing, as this will help you during the birth process.

Some poses that are recommended for the third trimester are hip openers such as Pigeon, Warrior II, Triangle, and Knee to Ankle. All four Cat-Cow positions will also help by preparing the baby for birth. They will help the baby get in proper position, head down and it's back turned toward your belly.

Of course, the same poses you adapted during your second trimester must be practiced with extra caution. No jumping, or twisting from the belly, deep back bends or anything that involves strengthening the abdomen. Goes without saying, there shouldn't be any poses that need you to lie on your belly.

One of the more important aspects to remember when you are practicing Yoga during pregnancy is to control your breathing and listen to your body. Practicing yoga and listening to your body will help prepare mentally for the birth process. As you learn to be in the moment and quiet your inner body, Yoga will help with that as well as your breathing exercises.

Pregnancy doesn't have to be an obstacle in your practice of Yoga. In fact, it can be a vital part of your prenatal routine. With poses that are designed for pregnancy and incorporating routines that will help you to have an easier birth. Some routines you will find you are unable to do. If you are unsure of the poses, listen to your body. It will tell you which ones that are too much for you in time in your pregnancy.

So, don't be afraid to continue your Yoga practice. It may mean that you will have an easier delivery and a faster recovery after birth. It also should make getting into shape after birth easier as well.

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