Ways to Simplify Your Life and Be Happier at Work

1. Make home your safe space

At work, you may have pressing deadlines to meet, you may feel you have to rush and multi-task to get things done, or you may feel that slowing down is not an option. This doesn’t mean you have to operate at the same speed at home. Give yourself a break when you’re off the clock and focus on your wellness.
The contrast in pace between your home life and work life will do you a lot of good, allowing you to fully appreciate and enjoy both more, as well as energizing your work life.

2. Shrink your problems

Is your house too big? Move to a smaller one. Big car? Trade it in for a smaller one. In other words, remove the things – especially the BIG things – you don’t need from your life.
In other words, occupy only the space you need and many of your problems and expenses will become much smaller.
By having fewer things, you will use, care for and appreciate the things you have that much more. Here are some extreme examples of minimalism that may inspire you: The 100 Thing Challenge and Living with 72 Things.

3. Be mindful of the green

You can take “living green” as far as you want. Buy Less. Use Less. Waste Less. Eat organic local produce.
If you’re really serious about this aspect of simplifying, check out the No Impact Project’s one-week challenge that will help you to reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Make more time for the people you (really) care about

Are you so busy focusing on your career that you tend to neglect the people you care about?
You’re not the only one. Most of us lead busy lives, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the things we have to do. Yet when we simplify life, we have more time for the people who really matter.
Which is better: a modest life of freedom spending time with your loved ones, or a rich life of excess but at the price of neglecting those relationships that really count? Your answer will make this decision easy.

5. Appreciate the little things

Stop for a moment and take a look around. You are well on your way to a happy life when you find appreciation in simple things.
Enjoy the things that are right in front of you every day. Enjoy experiencing life. Enjoy sharing, learning, giving and receiving. Enjoy nature. Go for long walks. Breathe fresh air.
Again, the balance between being able to do this, then being able to shift gears when you need to in the workplace, can be really powerful – so powerful that it will ultimately lead you to more success in both your personal and business life.

6. Eat healthy – even when you don’t want to

Eat simple, nutritious food. Eat slowly and enjoy every mouthful. Exercise moderately and often. Drink plenty of water and live in the moment. BY focusing on these simple principles, you will be much healthier, both mentally and physically.
It’s nearly impossible to improve your health without having a healthier mind, becoming more alert, seeing an increase in your energy, and ultimately finding that you are more enthusiastic about the challenges ahead.

7. Make reducing stress a priority

Not all stress is bad, but a surplus can be detrimental to everything from your personal life to your work life. Busy people with a lot on their mind often get stressed when they surpass a limit. And too often, we think of “being stressed” as something we can’t control.
Try to identify your limits and take control of your time and your life by taking small steps when dealing with big challenges. Remove the word failure from your vocabulary. Replace it with experience and you will shift your view of stress.

8. Save money by not buying things you don’t really need

Live within your means, and keep those means modest. This will enable you to enjoy life more by giving you more resources (not just money but also time and energy) to invest in the things that really matter. You are effortlessly being more efficient.
And here’s another perk: being more efficient about how you view and spend money will increase the relative success of your career.

9. Make new connections

If you really commit to simplifying your life, you are going to make new connections. Believe it or not, by slowing down, you will meet more people – because you will notice more people – and you will have more time for them.
Not only will you connect with new people, you’ll also connect with new thoughts and with your surroundings. Being open to these connections could lead to career advancement you hadn’t expected before.

10. Let life become easier

Be true to yourself and take only what you need. Give what you can. Don’t hold on to things. Make time for the experiences and people that are really important to you and let go of anything that really isn’t. In time, you’ll find your biggest difficulties will fade away. Life will literally become less cluttered, and in turn, easier.
The result will be amazing – and your life, both personal and business will benefit tremendously. This concept is both simple and practical, and it’s up to you how far you take it.

Source:Internet

Read more...

20 Ways to Advance Your Career

To survive and thrive in today's competitive environment, it is not just what you know. You also need to be competent. You must stand out from the crowd - be memorable, impressive, credible, trusted and liked.
"Success is never a destination - it is a journey."
1. Exceed expectations; deliver results on a or head of time.
2. Manage your time effectively.
3. Create a career plan with goals and training requirements.
4. Move away from day-to-day operations.
5. Develop strong rapport with colleagues, senior managers/executives.
6. Get a mentor, accept guidance in your career.
7. Know your organization's goals vision, values, business strategies.
8. Create opportunites to further own/business goals.
9. Solicit feedback and assess the decision for purposes of continuous improvement.
10. Communicate effectively to people at all levels of your organization.
11. Build and maintain relationships with individuals who might impact your work.
12. Plan, prioritize and organize your work.
13. Manage own emotions and reactions.
14. Balance the demands of your personal and professional life.
15. Give yourself quarterly reviews, identify your accomplishments.
16. Become your own sales team, market your abilities.
17. Dedicate yourself to lifelong learning.
18. Be decisive and action oriented.
19. Commit to excellence and professionalism.
20. Be self-disciplined.
Try to Apply these rules on your self and get success in your Life.

Read more...

A flick of hand can cure you

How would you respond if I told you about a therapy that can tell you about ailments before they happen, just by scanning your body’s energy field, without actually touching you? Your first reaction would be of disbelief. After all, in this age and time, this sounds straight from a mumbo-jumbo flick. Hold your guns before jump to a conclusion. The therapy called Pranic healing is an ancient science and art of healing that utilizes prana or life energy to heal the whole physical body. Unusual though such information may seem, it is well documented in ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Taittiriya Upanishad, which deals with the body and its five layers.

Today, many doctors too are recommending their patients to get a dose of this healing as an adjunct to conventional healing.

The energy of life force is recognized in many other cultures and known by different names such as Chi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese, Mana in Polynesian, Pneuma in Greek, and Ruah in Hebrew. The main sources of prana, available in abundance, are air, sun, earth and the Divine. Prana can be projected to another person for healing. In fact, we all experience prana around us all the time, but we don’t register it. Go back to the memory of walking bare feet on dew-kissed blades of grass. It invigorates. So, are the first rays of sun when it touches your body, which means that these are imbued with natural energies and enliven you each time you come across it.

Like most of the alternative healing practices, Pranic healing is based on two fundamental laws:

The law of self-recovery: The body in general has the capacity to heal itself.
The law of life force or prana: For life to exist, the body must have prana or life energy. The healing process can be accelerated by increasing life energy on the affected part(s) and on the entire body.

How the healing system works

Yulia Pal, Pranic Healer with Delhi based MCKS Pranic Healing Center, says, “According to pranic healing, disease first appears in the energy body before rooting itself in the physical body. Any blockage, excessive build up of energy or depletion of it prevents prana (life-force energy) from flowing easily. This results in corresponding problems for the physical body. In this no-touch therapy, the healer transfers energy to heal the patient’s invisible energy body, which interpenetrates the physical body and extends a few inches from the skin’s surface.”

“Pranic healing is complements conventional therapy and does not supplant it,” informs she.

She got converted to this science of healing in March 1997. Over the period of time, the hobby grew into profession.

In today’s date most of us are afflicted with stress, and Pranic healing can help you manage stress. Master Choa Kok Sui, founder of Pranic healing says, “Stress is energy, and this energy is real. Thoughts are real. Negative thoughts, emotions dirty stress. What we call stress is our negative reaction to a taxing situation.”

To keep stress in control Yulia suggests to, “Bathe with warm water, salt, and use of lavender oil.”

What should you expect in a healing?

Pranic Healing session lasts approximately 1 hour. This can vary: some healers heal very fast, some healers heal very slowly. The speed of healing is not an indicator of healer’s skills.

The client can sit in a chair or may lie down, during a session of healing. He/ She should try to maintain a relaxed and receptive state during the session. It is better to wear loose garments made from natural fibers. Sometimes we can advise him to practice a simple form of pranayam (pranic breathing) intermittently or do a meditation.

What does the healer do?

• The healer scans the energy body of the client. Scanning is detection of the condition the energy body, its chakras and meridians, and the whole aura with the hands. It is non-touch and it allows to see energy disbalances (in the form of energy congestion, depletion, over- and under-activity of chakras, etc.). The hands of a Pranic healer are very sensitive and they serve him as the “eyes” to see the inner realities.
• After scanning, the healer performs general cleansing of the aura in order to remove diseased energy, strengthen the health rays and to close holes and breaks that may be present.
• He does localized cleansing, energizing and balancing of the affected chakras and organs and overall balancing of the entire energy body. The healer continuously re-checks the results of her work by repeated scanning of the chakras/body.
• The session is ended with balancing the whole aura.

Read more...

Meditation -To Bring the Mind Home

Image by alicepopkorn ( in and out ) via Flickr

Meditation -To Bring the Mind Home

Today we generally waste our life in endless activity, struggle, aggressive competition and achievement. Meditation is the exact opposite. To meditate is to make a complete break with how we normally operate, it is a state free of all cares and concerns.

The heart of meditation
In the stillness of meditation, we return to that inner nature that we have so long ago lost in the busy and chaotic distractions our mind is subjected to each day. The heart of meditation is to bring the mind home, release and relax.

• To bring the mind home means to turn your mind inward and to rest in the nature of mind.
• To release means to release mind from its prison of grasping, since you recognize that all pain, fear and distress arise from the craving of the grasping mind.
• To relax means to relax your mind into your true nature, letting all thoughts and emotions naturally subside and dissolve into the state of the nature of mind.

Meditation in a nutshell
I don't think it is possible to relate what meditation is in a nut shell but here is my feeble try: "Quietly sitting, body still, speech silent, mind at peace, let thoughts and emotions, whatever rises, come and go, not clinging to anything".

A Reiki meditation
Strictly speaking I am not sure this can be called a meditation but I cannot think of a better name so I will still refer to it as a Reiki meditation.
There are many types of meditations the three methods that seems most effective in the Western world are watching the breath, using an object and reciting a mantra. In this simple Reiki meditation one could say one uses the last two: object in the Reiki symbols and mantra in the names of the Reiki symbols. This is a very forceful and effective meditation that gives relaxation, mental calmness, clarity, increased ability to visualize, clairvoyance, increased healing power and a wider conciousness. It can also be used to solve problems or reach goals and it surrounds you with healing Reiki energy.
Here is how to do it:

1. Sit comfortably, either on a cushion with legs folded or on a straight back chair. Keep your spine erect (without force). If you are sitting on a chair do not lean back. Rub your hand together and put your hands on your knees or on another place comfortable for you.
2. Relax and breath slowly, think about Reiki.
3. Draw the Power symbol in front of you with your whole hand. Visualize how a white or violet light comes out trough your fingers as you draw the symbol in the air in front of you.
4. Visualize the symbol in the third eye chakra an recite its name three times. Keep the symbol steadily in your third eye.
5. When you feel that you have meditated enough on this symbol let it float up into a field of light above your head. Return your consciousness to the third eye chakra.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the Mental/Emotional symbol and the Distance symbol.
7. When you are finished meditating on the three symbols you will be concentrated and full of healing Reiki energy. You can now continue with the final part of the meditation where you can send Reiki to your projects, goals or healing others at a distance.
8. Send Reiki by visualizing or describing the object, goals or person. You can use the method you have learned or the one you feel is most suitable to you.
9. When finished, slowly relax and release all thoughts. Sit quietly for a few minutes and enjoy the peace.
10. Rub your hands together and "wash" your face with them. Open your eyes, walk a few steps and feel how refreshed you are.

Here are a few tips:
Make sure you have a quiet and undisturbed place. I will once again stress that you should keep your back straight to receive the most benefit from any meditation. At step 2 you can ask for help from your Reiki guides and thank them when you are finished. Practice seeing the symbols in front of you, this helps whenever you use Reiki.

Try it and see if you like it - have fun!

Read more...

Aurashield

Image by kairin via Flickr

Aurashield

I am sure you have experienced the feeling of instant dislike when you meet someone or had an uncomfortable feeling when in a crowd. Most of us have also experienced other people shouting and being abusive towards us. I will share a very good method of using Reiki to protect yourself from these types of negative energies.

Meetings of auras - good or bad?
As you know the aura surrounds our body. The aura normally extends a few decimeters from the body but if you are a Reiki practitioner your aura can extend up to a couple of meters. Generally one can say that when interacting with other people, voluntary or involuntary, your aura will mingle with other peoples aura. Most meetings of the auras will pass by and you do not notice the interaction or feel anything. These encounters are not harmful to you or can even be beneficial. In fact the joining of the auras when it comes to people who are in love or have very strong feelings for each other are very beneficial. The problem occurs when you meet people who are not compatible with you, people who are energy leaches, too many people or you are forced into an argument etc.

Why an Aurashield?
Let me give some examples:

• You meet someone that you instantly dislikes: This person could be what I call the leach type i.e. they try to "steal" your energy as soon as your auras touch (this person will usually not be aware of what is happening).
• You are in a crowd or using a public transport system or similar i.e. your aura is affected by many other peoples' auras. Sometimes this feels fine sometimes not.
• You get drawn into an argument and you can feel that the other persons words are hurting and making you uncomfortable. That person is forcing negative energies towards you, here you will once again have an affect on your aura.

Let us settle for these examples, I am sure you can think of many more. If we realize that there can be a problem and the aura can be affected it is fairly easy to protect oneself.

Use Reiki to make an Aurashield and protect yourself!
What is an Aurashield? The best analogy I can give will be from Star Trek or some similar Science Fiction story, what protection does most spaceships in these stories have? Force fields! Your aura consists of pure energy, the trick is to make your aura into a "force field" that does not let in any negative energies or leak out any of your energy. As in all Reiki practice it is your intention that counts. If you want you aura to stop negative energies it will!

Shields up! - Make your own Aurashield!

Here is how you do it:
When you feel you need to protect yourself just visualize that the outer edge of you aura goes hard like a force field covering you from head to foot. Nothing can get in and nothing can get out. I suggest that you mentally decide on a word or command that instantly will trigger your intention of putting up your shield. "Shields up" is one suggestion. For me it is the name of the Reiki Power symbol, I might even draw it or visualize it. In my Aurashield I have included that any negative energy directed at me should bounce back to the sender as positive energy. This can make many conflicts easier. Experiment and see what works for you.

A few words of warning
I am sure that you understand that this Aurashield will only protect you from negative energies, it will not protect you from physical attacs. I would also suggest that you use this in moderation for two reasons: First if we were supposed to walk around shielded from others, evolution would have given us such a protection. Second some people who are sensitive to other people's auras will actually feel or see your shield and they might get the wrong impression about you as a person.

Hope the Aurashield will be of help to you!

Read more...

Magnetized Oils

Oil can be magnetized in an approximately similar fashion as of magnetization of water with the exception that the oils need a longer duration of exposure to magnets in order to assimilate the beneficial properties of the latter.

Oils are prepared either on the North Pole or the South Pole and hence are of two types only. Mixed oil is not used as the oils are used as for external application only. The use of blue and red oils in naturopathy are designated as such `cause these are prepared in blue or red bottles and exposed to sunlight for a minimum of 21 days to imbibe cooling or heating properties of the sun`s radiation passing through particular colors. These oils are used against a number of infections like boils, fever, headache and rheumatic pains.

Following a similar principle, the magneto therapists utilize the natural potency of magnetism, which has made it possible to use the immense healing properties of the oils.

North Pole Oil:
To obtain North-pole oil:

Take a colorless, clean glass bottle (preferably round in shape). Fill it with coconut or til (sesame) oil. Cork it properly and keep it over the north pole of a strong magnet for 15 days. During this period, shake the bottle occasionally to help the oil absorb the magnetic emanations uniformly. After the above period, remove the bottle, shake it well and label it as `North-pole Oil` and keep it in a cool place away from the sun. The north-pole oil is highly useful in painful infections, which arise as a result of eczema, infectious Wounds and cuts and boils. South-Pole oil: South Pole oil is prepared in the same way as that of the north-pole oil except that the bottle filled with any of the two oils mentioned under the north-pole oil should be kept over the south pole of a strong magnet for 15 days. Prepare the oil and label it `South-pole Oil`. South-pole oil is highly effective in non-infectious affections like sciatica, cervical spondylitis, arthritis, lumbago, painful inflammations and sprains and strains. Method of Applying Magnetized Oil: Although Magnetized oils can be used independently; they are generally used during magnetic treatment, as in the case of cure for whooping cough and pneumonia. Before applying the oil, clean the infected portion properly and lightly rub the north or South Pole oil over it. A piece of cloth or napkin is placed over the oiled portion. Then the magnet is placed accordingly. Magnetization of Other Substances: Fluids other than water can also be magnetized for treatment. Consumable products like milk, beer and wine can be magnetized with similar types of magnets. The duration of exposure of these substances may be restricted to an hour or so as these are consumed in large quantities. Other substances like rose water can also be magnetized for about 12 hours, and can be used as eye drops in infections such as conjunctivitis, sore eyes and ophthalmia. Glycerin can also be magnetized with the South Pole to use for either as throat pain or against fissures, chaps and cracks of the skin. Many homeopathic physicians in India magnetize various homoeopathic ointments and mother tinctures based on the firm belief that such treated ointments are more effective and have a better penetrating power in several skin conditions. Substances used for cosmetic purposes such as shampoos are also often magnetized for treatment against dandruff and hair fall. Hair oils can also undergo magnetization process for improved growth and lustre of hair. Mouth washes; Eardrops, and skin oil are some instances of innumerable possibilities of using magnets and hence better products.

Read more...

Magneto Therapy and Acupuncture

The magnetotherapists have found that various acupuncture points can be utilised for magnetotherapy. It can be then used for treatment of various internal ailments. In India, several physicians have now started practicing it.

The term `Acu` means needle and the meaning of `puncture` is pricking. Therefore, Acupuncture means treating the patients through the art of pricking or piercing needles on some special points on the body of the patients. In this type of treatment, a fine needle is pricked into the skin of the patient to the depth of a few millimeters and is withdrawn after a few minutes. Here, it is essential to know which point is to be pierced in a particular disease. These acupuncture points are used for magnetotherapic treatment.

There are some tender areas at certain points on the surface of the body in all diseases and these tender areas are the Acupuncture points. If the magnet is applied in those points, the best benefit can be enjoyed. In simple acupuncture diagnosis, the patient is examined from head to toe in order to find out all the tender points to assume the internal disease corresponding to them. It has been noticed that a disease of an internal organ produces pain, tenderness, hyperesthesia or hypoesthesia, etc. in some part of the skin. This can be verified experimentally. Then in these parts the magnetotherapy can be applied.

Read more...

Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurveda as the science of life combines natural therapies with a personalized approach to the treatment of disease. This form of healthcare focuses equally on the wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic physicians ensure the overall health of people by looking at their unique strengths and susceptibilities and by identifying their metabolic type (vata, pitta, or kapha). The main aim of Ayurvedic medication is to help a person remain healthy as well as to treat a person suffering from disease. According to the eight branches of ayurveda or the Ashtang Ayurveda, when the bodily activities of a human being occur at an optimum level and the individual is physically, mentally and spiritually balanced, the condition is known as health. This non invasive Ayurvedic treatment procedure supports the usage of natural herbs as the main curatives. Since ages, ayurveda has rediscovered nature`s own treasure in healing. Herbs, roots, leaves and fruits have all gained a whole new facet in the arena of ayurvedic treatment as the ayurvedic healers of India have so very passionately pounded and stewed, mixed and matched whole flowers, roots, stems and leaves to get the desired curatives. The green and tender ayurvedic herbs since ages with their unique flavors and intoxicating aromas and impressive healing powers have made ayurveda a natural science to achieve healthy life.

Ayurvedic herbs are made out of roots, bark, fruits and plants, found in the deep dark woods of India where the herbs grow freely without pesticides and chemicals. These ayurvedic herb works with perfect harmony with the body and the mind. Ayurvedic medicine utilizes ayurvedic herbs for the therapeutics like herbal tonics, and herbal sweat baths. To deal with stress-related, metabolic, and chronic conditions these ayurvedic herbs are administered often orally or even often inhaled depending on the need of the patient. Ayurvedic herbs can be classified into five types: according to origin, according to habitat, according to various actions, according to action on doshas and according to their use.

Classifications of herbs according to origin are based on the theory of Panchabhuta. According to ayurveda, Dravya or substance is constituted by five elements or Panchabhuta. Herb is also a Dravya hence it has been classified as Parthiv , Apaya , Taijas , Vayaveeya and Akasheeya.

The classification of ayurvedic herb as per habitat and life span divides the herbs into four main categories like Sthalaj - Plant and trees that grow on land, e.g. Haritaki, Amalki etc, Jalaj - herbs that grow in water. E.g Lotus, Vruksharuha- herbs that grow other tree but are not dependent on that tree for its food and Vrukshadan (parasitic) - herbs that grow on another tree and also depend on that for its required food. Ayurvedic herbs that are being classified according to the action on doshas are known as Shaman - herbs which associate the vitiated dosha without purifying the doshas or disturbing the equilibrium, Kopan - herbs which vitiate the doshas in equilibrium and Swasthahita - herbs which have a tendency to increase or decrease vatadi doshas. Depending on their usage also ayurveda classifies the ayurvedic herbs into two main categories like aushadhi herb - herbs which are mainly used in preparing medicine; and ahar Dravya herb - the herbs that are used in preparing ayurvedic pathya.

Ayurvedic herbs are further categorized according to their herbal properties and functions and each herb are used to treat each specific disease or behavior. It is only by studying the symptoms coupled with the constitution of the patient, the ayurvedic practitioners determines the prevalence of each of the physical manifestations of the doshas and selects herbs to correct the physical imbalances. The selection of the ayurvedic herbs in this case is also done, based on the characteristics of the herbal materials. Based on their characters ayurvedic herbs can be broadly classified into three main groups: herbs related to Vaisheik gunas (related to the sensory organ), herbs related to Samanya gunas (general) and herbs related to Atma gunas (related to the soul). Although the ayurvedic herb has been categorised yet one of the major descriptions of herb properties is based on the taste of the herbs, i.e. Sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.

The properties of the ayurvedic herbs and effects of the doshas are taken into account in designing the Ayurvedic herb formulas. So it is important to know the details of the ayurvedic herbs.

Amalaki is a common Ayurvedic herb mainly used to maintain and rebuild tissues whilst augmenting the RBC count. Rich in Vitamin C, it reduces pitta without aggravating vata or kapha and is one of the three herbs used in triphala, the primary Ayurvedic tonic for maintaining health. Arjuna, another ayurvedic herb is traditionally given to support circulation and oxygenation of all tissues. It is also a famous cardiac tonic used in Ayurveda for a variety of heart conditions. Ashoka is used in Ayurveda as a tonic for the uterus and is believed to maintain the proper function of the female generative system.

Ashwagandha an important ayurvedic herb has been traditionally used for general debility, sexual debility and nerve exhaustion. Ashwagandha is also considered as the primary adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb as this herb is famed to build reserves for handling stressful conditions. In the ancient Ayurvedic medical texts of India, the gummy exudate from boswellia is grouped with other gum resins and referred to collectively as guggals. Historically, the guggals were recommended by Ayurvedic physicians for a variety of conditions, including osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease, and ringworm.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has recommended ginger for over 2,500 years. It is used for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Ginger is commonly used in the Ayurvedic and Tibb systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis and rheumatism. There are two types of Ginger i.e. Black Ginger and Wild Ginger. Gotu kola, an important ayurvedic herb has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was purported to prolong life, as elephants commonly eat the leaves. Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to leprosy, have been treated with Gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a variety of illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders. Some of its common applications in Ayurvedic medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin conditions.

Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses as an ayurvedic herb. It was and remains one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Among its most consistent and important uses are as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) in the digestive and urinary tracts, to help with coughs, to soothe sore throats, and as a flavoring. It has also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat conditions ranging from diabetes to tuberculosis. In ancient times, the red-brown resin of myrrh was used to preserve mummies. It was also used as a remedy for numerous infections, including leprosy and syphilis. Herbalists for relief also recommended myrrh from bad breath and for dental conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been used to treat bleeding disorders and wounds.

Phyllanthus or Niruri is an herb found in central and southern India. It can grow from 30-60 centimeters in height and blooms with many yellow flowers. Phyllanthus species are also found in other countries, including China (e.g., Phyllanthus urinaria), the Philippines, Cuba, Nigeria, and Guam. All parts of the plant are used traditionally as an ayurvedic herb. The bitter rhizomes of picrorhiza have been used for thousands of years in India to treat people with indigestion. It is also used to treat people with constipation due to insufficient digestive secretion and for fever due to all manner of infections.

Tylophoras as an ayurvedic herb has been traditionally used as a folk remedy in certain regions of India for the treatment of bronchial asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, and dermatitis. In the latter half of the 19th century, it was called Indian ipecacuahna, as the roots of the plant have often been employed as an effective substitute for ipecac. Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a member of the pea family and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Alfalfa sprouts have become a popular food. Alfalfa herbal supplements primarily use the dried leaves of the plant. The heat-treated seeds of the plant have also been used.

Among all herbs, Tulsi occupies the most respected and important position. The Tulsi plant can be used for prevention as well as cure of illnesses. A Tulsi plant at the doorstep is said to keep the atmosphere of the house pure and clean, and keep illness away.

While some ayurvedic herbs are administered individually some other herbs are also used as traditional formulas. In traditional ayurvedic formulas like Digestive Fire ayurvedic herbs like ginger, black pepper and pipalli are used to enkindle digestive fire and to burn fat and toxins. Gasex is another traditional formula used to help remove gas and bloat. This contains warming herbs such as cumin, and asafoetida. Joint Formula a most well accepted ayurvedic formula contains boswellia, Ashwagandha, turmeric and ginger to control inflammation and maintain healthy muscles and joints.

All the Ayurvedic medicines are made from natural ayurvedic herbs of Indian origin, which are used as herbal medicines, herbal extracts, herbal cosmetics, nutrition foods and other alternative medicines and herbal remedies for natural healings.

Read more...

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, an essential part of health & fitness, is the art of living in harmony with the laws of nature. Ayurvedic living occurs when you recognize your basic nature and live according to this true self. In Ayurveda there are eight divisions of treatments for a healthy living. You will learn more about the different treatments for health & fitness and also the various diagnosis processes in Ayurveda. Learn the evolution, principles much more about Ayurveda.

Read more...

Preparation of Flower Remedies

Image via Wikipedia

There are two methods of preparing flower remedies viz. the Sun method and the boiling method. Although discovered by Dr. Bach these two methods are still followed for extracting the flower essence.. The two methods are collectively called as `potentization`. The basic difference of flower remedies with homeopathy lies in the preparative method of flower remedies.

The two types of methods in flower remedies are-
1.Sun Method : Dr. Bach found that the curative properties of plants are localized in the flower heads. He expanded the principle and was sure that the dew that is accumulated on the flowers also possesses some of the curative properties. In order to prove himself right he collected the dew that actually was deposited over the flowers and tested them. Dr. Bach discovered that the essence of the flowers is also present in the dewdrops also but the flower essence is more potent in the dewdrops that are exposed to sun.

Practically, it is not possible to collect so many dewdrops. So, in real life the flowers are placed in the jar containing clear water of stream and this is left in the sun. After a few hours, the extracts of flowers ooze out into the water.

2. Boiling Method : Boiling method is almost as same as sun method. Here the flower is placed in the jar containing clear water of the stream and then it is boiled. The flower extract pass out in the water. But there is one restriction in the boiling method. It cannot be used for the flowers that are heat sensitive.

Read more...

Flower Remedies-1

Flower remedy is an alternate therapeutic method that can be used for the treatment of various ailments in human beings. It is almost similar like homeopathic treatment. The natural extracts from flowers are taken and used in the therapy. The extracts are not used in the concentrated form, but applied in diluted form. Only a small amount of flower extract in solution gives the desired effect. The preparation of flower remedies is not an easy job. To prepare flower remedy the person must have knowledge and a lot of skill.

Though flower remedies have many similarities with homeopathy practice but the method of preparation is markedly different. This rigorous method is done to make the flower remedies more effective than the homeopathic therapies.

Dr. Edward BachDr. Edward Bach, the prominent English botanist and homeopathic practitioner was the father of the flower remedies as he discovered and perfected the preparation of flower remedies. He devoted rest of his life in discovering different flower essence and prepared thirty-eight flower remedies in total. This method thus acknowledged as Bach Flower remedies. However, later the herbalists and botanists from all over the world have researched with the potential of other flowers and made their own remedies. In the recent era, in India flower remedy as an alternative treatment has gained a colossal importance.

. The principle of making flower remedies involves the theory of positive and negative energies of nature that influences human body. Diseases occur due to negative energies that contradict with the human soul. A healthy person`s soul keeps all the negative energies away. The flower remedies can also keep away the negative energies. The flower extract have the potencies to convert all the negative energies into positive energy, so it has the ability to prevent the diseases.

Thus, flower remedies work at the mental level rather than the physical level. Flower remedies cannot directly remove the disease symptoms but it can work at the basic level and uproot the cause of disease. Thus, flower remedies are slow procedure but the beneficial result it gives is more lasting.

Preparation of Flower Remedies: Flower remedies are done from flower extracts, which are used in diluted condition. The flower extract can be made by sun method or by the boiling method.

Flower Remedies in Different Diseases: Flower extracts are specially helpful in case of different mental conditions, that might have physical manifestations.

Read more...

Indian Naturopathy

Naturopathy as an age old healing method was very much in practice in India when drugs and technology were not much in vogue. Nature provided all the elements, within the range of the natural foods, which man needed in the way of nutrient and medicine. Thus, the healing power by naturopathy was nothing new to the Indian tradition. In Indian homes, home remedies have always come before the even doctor`s medicines. This clearly portrays the sheer importance of naturopathy as a trustworthy alternative treatment procedure in ancient India. With passing time, Indian naturopathy gained contour as one of the important health care systems in India, famed for its side effect less treatment.

The root of naturopathy as a treatment process is steeped in the antiquities. The origin of Naturopathy could be traced right to Vedic period wherein Dietary Discipline (Pathya & Ahara) and the Principles of Health (Swastha Vurtha) described in Ayurveda have branched out and developed in the form of today`s Naturopathy. Vedic tradition believed that it is nature, which cures, not the physician and the Vedic culture of ancient India highlighted the use of natures foremost healing agents, water, air, earth and sun which indeed forms the basic crux of naturopathy.

The entire philosophy of naturopathy is thus based upon three basic principles. The first principle of naturopathy believes that all diseases are due to the accumulation of toxins and waste materials in the human body. Thus the therapeutic principle of naturopathy in this case refers to the application of various methods to clear the human system from these toxins and accumulated wastes.

The second principle of naturopathy is again further elaboration of the first principle. According to the second principle when toxins accumulate in the body, the various organs of the body gets over exercised while clearing the toxin off the body. It is when this harmony of internal body organ is disturbed then germs multiply and cause disease. Application of medicine, high dose drugs and vaccines to suppress the symptom of the diseases further aggravates the disease while subduing the symptoms.

The third principle of naturopathy is somewhat a solution of the problems that the first and second principle states. According to the third principle of naturopathy, the human body is equipped with a unique self-healing mechanism, which brings back the body to normal conditions of health, if proper natural methods are used to assist the system to function properly.

The therapeutic practice of naturopathy is based on the principle of naturopathy. Naturopathy believes that the body possesses an inherent ability to "heal thyself"; all the healing powers are within one`s body, hence people actually fall ill only when they go against nature. The therapeutic use of naturopathy or the healing power of nature therefore corroborates nearly all the healing techniques in alternative medicine. The basic healing theory of naturopathy is based upon the fact that human being is born healthy and can stay healthy by living in accordance with the laws of nature. To support healthy living and indeed to say no to diseases, Indian naturopathy has described certain nature`s way; thus, thorough rest, fasting, water therapy, mud therapy, aromatherapy, message therapy, sleep therapy, acupressure, etc an ailing body can purify and recoup itself

Trusted for its side effect less treatment naturopathy as a health care system has gained importance. The naturopathic centres as the therapeutic centres have mushroomed in large numbers to provide naturopathic treatment especially in the metropolitan cities in India. Most of them follow a similar routine for treating the common ailments. Whether it is the treatment that suits the more spiritually inclined, with yoga and meditation forming an important part of the day`s routine, or more modern equipment like saunas and whirlpool baths that take one`s fancy, one can choose from many naturopathy centers in India to restore health.

Read more...

Massage Therapy

An excellent form of passive exercise is massage Therapy. Massage Therapy involves the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, which if done correctly, can be highly stimulating and invigorating. Massages have been used from the ancient times, as old as 400 B.C and yet been used as a mode of treatment for many ailments, since it has restored many a sufferer to health and vigour.

The general massage, dealing with all parts of the body, is highly beneficial in many ways. It tones up the nervous system, influences respiration and quickens the elimination of poisons and waste material from the body through the various eliminative organs and also boosts blood circulation and metabolic processes. A massage removes facial wrinkles, helps to fill out hollow cheeks and neck and eases stiffness, sore muscles and numbness. Cottonseed oil is most commonly used for massaging, but butter is used for filling out cheeks and the neck and also for breast enlargement. If the patient is averse to oil, talcum powder may be used. Persons with excessive body hair should not use oil. General body massage may be done for 40 to 45 minutes and local body massage for 10 to 15 minutes. The oil should be washed off completely after massage. Different body parts can be massaged in distinctive ways for better healing process. These are described as follows:
1. Massage of the Joints: In these cases, affected parts should first be bathed with hot water for 15 to 30 minutes and then the massage should be done for a few minutes. Gentle stroking and kneading is recommended on and around the injured tissues. This thus provides additional nourishment to feed the muscular tissues, helping them to grow strong. Massage is employed for eliminating muscle contraction and of breaking of adhesions. A little moderate kneading, and percussion cause muscles to contract and become stronger. Deep circular kneading and vibration loosens the muscles. Kneading under and round the muscles breaks up adhesions.
2. Massage of the Abdomen: Abdominal massage should not be done after a heavy meal, but after two hours or so. The bladder should be emptied before the massage. The patient is made to lie on his back with his knees drawn up. This enables the abdomen wall to relax. The masseur should stand at the right side of the patient and use his finger tips for friction round the umbilical region from right to left. He should likewise alternatively knead the walls and roll with both hands, making deep and firm pressure. He should knead with the hand and finger tips and keep clear of any wound or tender places. He should later take up massaging the larger intestines.

The manipulation of the large intestine should begin on the right side. Keep it going upwards and across the transverse colon and move right down on the left side to the sigmoid flexure and rectum. Circular kneading should be done with the help of the three middle fingers. At the same time press into the contents of the abdomen, following the course of the larger colon with a crawling motion. Keep kneading by means of a few circular movements in one spot with the help of fingertips. Keep moving the fingers a little further along. Knead repeatedly. Use ruckles of the hand to make deep pressures along the large colon, moving the hands along after each pressure. Once the kneading of the abdomen is over, follow up by massaging with both hands cupped or use the knuckles of the hand. The patient could also be asked to do some gymnastic exercises for strengthening the walls of the abdomen. Since blood pressure increases during abdominal manipulation, patients with hypertension should avoid abdominal massage. Massage should also be avoided in cases where there has been recent bleeding in the lungs, the stomach or the brain.
3. Nerves Massage: Nerve compression is recommended for soothing nerves. Grasp the limb with both hands, and create firm pressure around and down the arm. Start with the shoulder and proceed down to the wrist. As you leave the grip, bring the hands down a little and make another pressure. As a result, blood circulation will increase. Spinal nerve compression is extremely beneficial. The palm of the hand does it and the vibration of the fingers stimulates it.
4. Chest Massage: Chest massage is helpful in many ways. The patient is made to lie on the back with the arms at the sides. The masseur starts manipulating the chest by means of strokes with both hands on each side of the breastbone. The movement made up and down, moving down the chest, forms a circular motion. Next the muscle kneading is done by picking up the skin and muscles with both hands. Treatment is given to both sides of the chest likewise. Circular kneading is next done by placing one hand on each side of the breastbone and making the circular motions outward towards the sides.
5. Back Massage: The patient is made to lie down with arms at the sides. The masseur effleurages the back from the shoulders downwards using both hands on each side of the spine. Stroking is done from the sacrum upward. Friction follows with each hand at the sides of the spine going down slowly. Next, kneading by muscle picking is done with squeezing. Alternate rapid pushing and pulling movement of the hands sliding down the spine. Circular kneading should also be done. The treatment should end by slapping, hacking and cupping on each side of the spine. Gentle stroking and light kneading of the back is relieving and soothing. Percussion and vibration result into stimulating experience.
6. Massage of the Throat: The patient is made to throw his head back. The masseur places palms of both hands on sides of neck with thumbs under the chin, and fingers under the ears. A downward stroke is next made towards the chest over the jugular veins. Do not exert heavily on the jugular veins. Repeat several times.

Read more...

Massage Therapy

An excellent form of passive exercise is massage Therapy. Massage Therapy involves the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, which if done correctly, can be highly stimulating and invigorating. Massages have been used from the ancient times, as old as 400 B.C and yet been used as a mode of treatment for many ailments, since it has restored many a sufferer to health and vigour.

The general massage, dealing with all parts of the body, is highly beneficial in many ways. It tones up the nervous system, influences respiration and quickens the elimination of poisons and waste material from the body through the various eliminative organs and also boosts blood circulation and metabolic processes. A massage removes facial wrinkles, helps to fill out hollow cheeks and neck and eases stiffness, sore muscles and numbness. Cottonseed oil is most commonly used for massaging, but butter is used for filling out cheeks and the neck and also for breast enlargement. If the patient is averse to oil, talcum powder may be used. Persons with excessive body hair should not use oil. General body massage may be done for 40 to 45 minutes and local body massage for 10 to 15 minutes. The oil should be washed off completely after massage. Different body parts can be massaged in distinctive ways for better healing process. These are described as follows:
1. Massage of the Joints: In these cases, affected parts should first be bathed with hot water for 15 to 30 minutes and then the massage should be done for a few minutes. Gentle stroking and kneading is recommended on and around the injured tissues. This thus provides additional nourishment to feed the muscular tissues, helping them to grow strong. Massage is employed for eliminating muscle contraction and of breaking of adhesions. A little moderate kneading, and percussion cause muscles to contract and become stronger. Deep circular kneading and vibration loosens the muscles. Kneading under and round the muscles breaks up adhesions.
2. Massage of the Abdomen: Abdominal massage should not be done after a heavy meal, but after two hours or so. The bladder should be emptied before the massage. The patient is made to lie on his back with his knees drawn up. This enables the abdomen wall to relax. The masseur should stand at the right side of the patient and use his finger tips for friction round the umbilical region from right to left. He should likewise alternatively knead the walls and roll with both hands, making deep and firm pressure. He should knead with the hand and finger tips and keep clear of any wound or tender places. He should later take up massaging the larger intestines.

The manipulation of the large intestine should begin on the right side. Keep it going upwards and across the transverse colon and move right down on the left side to the sigmoid flexure and rectum. Circular kneading should be done with the help of the three middle fingers. At the same time press into the contents of the abdomen, following the course of the larger colon with a crawling motion. Keep kneading by means of a few circular movements in one spot with the help of fingertips. Keep moving the fingers a little further along. Knead repeatedly. Use ruckles of the hand to make deep pressures along the large colon, moving the hands along after each pressure. Once the kneading of the abdomen is over, follow up by massaging with both hands cupped or use the knuckles of the hand. The patient could also be asked to do some gymnastic exercises for strengthening the walls of the abdomen. Since blood pressure increases during abdominal manipulation, patients with hypertension should avoid abdominal massage. Massage should also be avoided in cases where there has been recent bleeding in the lungs, the stomach or the brain.
3. Nerves Massage: Nerve compression is recommended for soothing nerves. Grasp the limb with both hands, and create firm pressure around and down the arm. Start with the shoulder and proceed down to the wrist. As you leave the grip, bring the hands down a little and make another pressure. As a result, blood circulation will increase. Spinal nerve compression is extremely beneficial. The palm of the hand does it and the vibration of the fingers stimulates it.
4. Chest Massage: Chest massage is helpful in many ways. The patient is made to lie on the back with the arms at the sides. The masseur starts manipulating the chest by means of strokes with both hands on each side of the breastbone. The movement made up and down, moving down the chest, forms a circular motion. Next the muscle kneading is done by picking up the skin and muscles with both hands. Treatment is given to both sides of the chest likewise. Circular kneading is next done by placing one hand on each side of the breastbone and making the circular motions outward towards the sides.
5. Back Massage: The patient is made to lie down with arms at the sides. The masseur effleurages the back from the shoulders downwards using both hands on each side of the spine. Stroking is done from the sacrum upward. Friction follows with each hand at the sides of the spine going down slowly. Next, kneading by muscle picking is done with squeezing. Alternate rapid pushing and pulling movement of the hands sliding down the spine. Circular kneading should also be done. The treatment should end by slapping, hacking and cupping on each side of the spine. Gentle stroking and light kneading of the back is relieving and soothing. Percussion and vibration result into stimulating experience.
6. Massage of the Throat: The patient is made to throw his head back. The masseur places palms of both hands on sides of neck with thumbs under the chin, and fingers under the ears. A downward stroke is next made towards the chest over the jugular veins. Do not exert heavily on the jugular veins. Repeat several times.

Source:Internet

Read more...