How Yoga Calms the Mind and Body

What's the difference between a cheerleader and a yogi practicing backbends and splits? From a distance, the two would appear to be doing the same thing. But if you looked a bit closer, you might notice that the yogi is breathing more smoothly, slower, and more evenly. You might even observe that while the cheerleader is looking around, smiling at everyone, the yogi's face is relaxed and his or her gaze is focused. While externally the differences between the yogi and the cheerleader may seem slight, the internal differences are significant.

Most yoga classes in the West focus exclusively on asana, the physical postures of yoga. While it’s a good thing to stretch and tone, it's an even better thing to stretch and tone while slowing down the breath and incorporating other yogic meditation techniques. One such technique is the use of drishti, focusing the gaze, which helps to quiet the mind. When the gaze is fixed on a single point, the mind is less likely to be distracted by thoughts provided by visual stimuli (the carpet in here is ugly . . . I can’t believe that guy is wearing those pants...). These thoughts distract and pollute the mind, causing it to constantly churn and fluctuate.

Yoga is famous for its ability to heal and bring peace of mind. But how does the practice of yoga accomplish this?

There are two nervous systems in the human body: sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic, commonly known as the "fight or flight" system, causes the blood pressure to rise, the breath rate to quicken, and stress hormones to flood into the body. Historically, this occurred to prepare the body for fighting dangerous animals. But in today's world, we experience this response while we are sitting in traffic or feeling stressed at the office. When this system is overly stimulated, we can experience health consequences such as ulcers, migraines, and heart disease.

The parasympathetic nervous system lowers blood pressure and slows the pace of the breath. When the blood no longer has to rush to the muscles, it is free to travel to the digestive, reproductive, glandular, and immune systems — systems made up of organs that are more necessary to long-term survival. The body now has time to heal the damage accumulated during our daily battles. Studies have shown that long, deep breathing encourages the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system and allows relaxation and healing to occur. The yogi practices breathing meditations called pranayama, which encourage the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system.

So while the yogi and the cheerleader both gain strength and flexibility from practicing backbends and splits, the yogi is able to reap additional health rewards from the addition of pranayama. But even more is happening within the yogi. The yogi is working to calm the fluctuations of the mind.

Try this little exercise: take a break from reading this article and spend the next five minutes concentrating on the breath and nothing else.

You probably discovered that your mind wants to think about everything but the breath. Our minds have a tendency to wander, to disconnect from our bodies, to daydream and fret about the future, to reminisce and stew over the past. Humans have evolved the ability to automatically breathe even while sleeping. While breathing does not require conscious awareness, focusing your attention on your breath will force you to focus on what's happening right now, at this very moment. Focusing on your breath doesn't allow your conscious mind to drift away, but encourages it to stay connected in your body and in the now.

But why shouldn’t we allow ourselves to daydream or reminisce, it seems harmless? Well, frequently when we are reminiscing about the good old times we begin fear to these events won't occur again. The more time we spend in reverie, the less open we are to the good things that are happening right now. Often, even when we are the midst of a good time, we begin to worry about it ending and start plotting to make it happen again. We miss out on embracing the moment fully while it is unfolding. And while having goals in life is a good thing, spending hours daydreaming won’t get you any closer to making your dreams come true. Being lost in fantasy can often lead to disappointment when reality hits.

The quality of the breath reflects the quality of the mind. There is a connection between our mental, emotional, and psychological states and the pace and depth of our breath. For example, when we are frightened, we take short, quick, shallow breaths. When we are deeply relaxed or asleep, we take long, deep breaths.

While our mental state influences our breathing pattern, we can choose to change our breathing pattern and thereby change our mental state. When you relax and slow the pace of the breath, the pace of the mind is similarly calmed and quieted. Over time, you begin to act and think from a state of peace. The more time you spend in this place, the more likely you are to act with patience, understanding, and compassion.

The breath also helps us to stay connected to the present moment. Staying in the now frees us. We can move on from past grievances and sorrows and can view the world as it really is, without false expectations. We learn to accept ourselves and others as we and they currently are. Being in the moment allows you to be fully present when you spend time with the people you love.

Our mood is also affected by how we feel physically. Ever try to be friendly when you have a stomach ache? Asana helps to keep our muscles, joints, and fascia strong and flexible. The practice of asana also helps reduce blood pressure, stimulate the immune and glandular systems, reduce insomnia, and heal the body in innumerable other ways.

The simple practices of asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing), and drishti (focusing) lead the yoga practitioner to not only a state of optimal physical health, but to a state of peace. These practices help to connect you to the present moment, to others and to your true self.

By yogamovement.com

Female Hair Loss

Hair is not essential for life. Yet hair means many things to women. Personality, style, health, success, social system and attractiveness for women hinge often on their luxuriant tresses. Hair loss creates tremendous psychological effects on women and most of the times leave them devastated. What are the common causes of female hair loss? What is the course of treatment for female hair loss? Are there any non-surgical and safe options to treat thinning hair in women?

Female hair loss
The American Academy of Dermatologists estimates that about 30 million women in the US are affected by hair loss. Research shows that increasing number of women lose around 20% of hair between 20 -50 years of age. While an average of 615 follicles grow per sq. cm during the 20s and 30s, the number of follicles is reduced to 485 per sq. cm by the age of 50.

Hair loss is a natural part of the body renewal process. As some hair falls out, new hair grows in its place. As hair grows older, it reaches a 'resting stage' where it simply remains on the head without growth. At the end of this stage, hair falls out. Usually it takes a minimum of 6 months for the follicles to grow in its place.

Causes of female hair loss
Though hair loss is a natural process, there are several reasons that can cause excess female hair loss.
Medical Causes: Temporary hair loss is bound to occur in women 3-4 months post illness or major surgery. Some medicines induce hair fall due to the toxicity of the drugs. Once the medicine is stopped, this type of hair loss reduces. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, chemotherapy, birth control pills and antidepressants.

All temporary hair loss or hair shedding problems are termed as 'telogen effluvium'. Autoimmune disorders result in recurrent or episodic hair loss. Here, hair loss occurs in patches from the scalp, eyebrows and other hair bearing areas of the body. In addition, certain types of autoimmune disorders result in a slightly different and often less dramatic hair loss problem known as alopecia areata -- an inflammatory condition that causes hair to come out in clumps or patches. The 'loose anagen syndrome' is when hair gets easily pulled out of the scalp even during normal combing.

Anemia is a major cause for hair fall in women. Hypothalamic or pituitary disorders also cause frequent hair loss in women. Hormone problems, especially the unknown estrogens and androgens that go out of balance result in excess hair loss. An overactive or under active thyroid gland disorder is bound to effect in tremendous female hair loss.

Excessive hair loss occurs 2- 3 months after delivery in pregnant mothers. During pregnancy, there are high levels of hormones that cause body to retain hair that would otherwise have fallen. Women's hair also gets fuller during pregnancy when the estrogen level is high. Once the baby is born, there is a heavy hair fall. Women experience the trauma of hair loss perimenopause or post-menopause. This is due to the fact that estrogen level in the skin declines with age. This lower level of estrogen in the body results in hair loss.

Physical / emotional causes: Improper physical handling and care of hair can result in temporary or permanent hair loss. Applying too tight hair rollers, curlers or pigtails that pull the hair strands from the roots causes hair fall. If this kind of pulling is stopped before scarring the scalp, then chances are that hair can grow back. Otherwise if scarring occurs, it would be difficult for hair to grow back and sometimes there is fear of permanent loss.

Irregular, non-professional perms, bleaching, improper brushing can also result in hair loss. Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) is a psychological disorder due to emotional stress. Here again hair loss may be temporary or permanent depending upon the degree of scarring on the scalp.

Physical stress placed on the body can cause hair loss. One good example would be crash dieting. Here the woman loses large amount of weight rapidly and this may also cause her to lose her tresses also. Deficiency of proteins, essential fatty acids and minerals in food causes hair loss or hair thinning. Smoking tobacco, which contains a lot of cadmium results in loss of hair.

Genetic causes: Genetically hair loss can come from either parent sides of the family. Hair loss due to hereditary affects almost 50% of women. Genetic predisposition to hair fall is an important factor and has to be examined when the line of treatment is decided for restoration of hair.

Aging: As the woman grows older, hair thins out with age. Women tend to lose hair on the crown and at hair line. This are referred to as 'female pattern hair loss'. This is a normal part of maturing.

Environmental factors: Proximity to a mining site or working in an industry using heavy metals such as lead or mercury leads to insidious poisoning and leads to hair loss.

Treatment for female hair loss
Treatment for female hair loss can be undertaken only after the cause and permanency of the loss is diagnosed. If the hair loss is primarily due to an underlying illness, the medical examination must focus on the reason for illness and the ensuing hair loss. This is commonly done through blood tests and in rare cases scalp biopsy is done. Family medical history is also examined for any genetically prone diseases and reasons.

In any healthy women, the most common cause of hair loss is 'androgenetic alopecia' (that is production of male hormones that affect the androgenetic hormones on the hair follicle).Hence the resultant hair loss. This can be corrected by non surgical interventions, with drugs like a combination of Finasteride or Minoxidil (These are the only two drugs that are approved by the FDA).

If hair loss starts before menopause, then pill named Aldactone (Spironalactone) helps women. This pill tends to act slowly and it may take many months for hair to grow again. Pills like Prempro plus Aldactone are better after menopause. There are a number of hair growth stimulators. These drugs are available only on prescription and it is better to consult the Physician before anybody starts consuming any drugs/pills, as these pills may not have the same effect on all persons.

Surgical treatment for female hair loss
There are two surgical remedies for hair restoration:

Hair transplantation techniques Scalp reduction techniques - Here devises are inserted under the skin to stretch areas of the scalp that still have hair so that the bald areas are removed. Hairy scalp is moved around the head in flaps. The surgical options for hair restoration are extremely expensive. The surgical option may not be viable in women who have diffused hair loss throughout the head. Natural remedies for female hair loss A healthy diet is essential for correcting any illness, hormonal imbalances that may lead to hair loss.Multi Vitamin tablets and mineral supplements for healthy diet help to overcome the deficiency of minerals like iron, manganese, zinc and others - lack of which result in hair loss. Hair instantly responds to additions of proteins, meat, egg, cheese, seeds and nuts in diet. B-Vitamin - Biotin is essential element for hair growth. Vitamin B deficiency results in hair loss. 5 - 8 grams of biotin taken daily can be effective in hair restoration. This has no side effects. Saw Palmetto - a natural substance that inhibits the action of testosterone which is primarily responsible for hair loss in woman. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in Fish oil. Therefore deficiency of essential fatty acids that result in dry, brittle, thinning hair and loss can be combated by taking fish oil. Personal care for female hair loss It would also be a good idea to cut hair short and in layers. Use of soft brushes instead of comb is suggested. Hair sprays must be avoided and a good mousse or soft gel can be used instead. Any product that is harsh on the hair has to be avoided. Shampooing hair at least thrice a week helps to remove dirt from the hair and maintain healthy tresses. But frequent shampooing should be avoided as it will dry out the hair. A good moisturizing regimen should be adopted for good conditioned hair. The hair shafts are replenished with nutrients thereby preventing hair loss. Over exposure to the sun can cause irreparable damage to hair by inducing oxidization of sulfur found in the hair shafts. Hair has to be protected from Sun block. Female hair loss is now fully recognized as a medical and aesthetic concern that can be treated successfully. However much depends upon what woman feel about her appearance and how she wants the others to perceive her.

By targetwoman.com

Acne

What causes acne or pimples?
There are four basic factors that work together and result in acne:

1.Hormones
2.Increased oil (sebum) production
3.Changes inside your pores (hair follicles)
4.Bacteria

Pimples may begin with changes in your hormones, called androgens. These hormones cue the glands in your pores to produce a sticky oil called sebum, which keeps your skin and hair from drying out. Under ordinary circumstances, sebum moves to the surface of the skin and carries out normal skin bacteria and old skin cells. When these glands are over stimulated by hormonal changes, they can produce high levels of sebum resulting in clogged pores. This is kind of like a traffic jam that happens when a four-lane highway has to go through a one-lane tunnel. When your pores get clogged, they become a breeding ground for bacteria, causing them to multiply rapidly. This overgrowth of bacteria can lead to inflammation, or zits.

Will eating chocolate make me break out?

Although it's been said that you are what you eat, you do not have to worry that eating chocolate or fatty foods will cause zits or make them worse. Extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between diet and pimples. Hey, eating a balanced diet always makes sense. But if acne is being treated properly, you can have clear skin and a slice of pizza!

What happens when I squeeze a zit?

Acne can be cleared, but squeezing pimples just increases the chance of scarring. And who wants that? Instead of using your fingers, use a topical treatment, like benzoyl peroxide creams for existing zits. Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying the bacteria associated with pimples, which will heal existing zits on your face and help achieve clear skin.

Will cleaning my face make pimples go away faster?

Zits are not caused by dirt or surface skin oil. So scrubbing your face will not give you clear skin any faster. In fact, if you wash or scrub your face too vigorously, you can irritate your skin and make the acne worse. Best solution? Wash your face gently with a mild soap or cleanser. And stop zits before they start by using a combination topical and internal treatment for continuously clear skin.

Why do I get pimples during my monthly cycle when I have clear skin the rest of the time?

The answer is hormones. During your menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can trigger imbalances in your oil production system. Hormones called androgens stimulate the production of sebum, the sticky oil that keeps hair and skin from drying out. The greater the sebum production, the increased likelihood that your pores will get clogged and cause zits to develop.

At what age will I stop getting zits?

While acne used to be considered primarily a teen phenomenon, dermatologists report that the number of adults with pimples is on the rise, with about one in ten adults aged 25 to 44 suffering from acne. Some think the number is closer to one in five adults not having clear skin. Regardless of age, the causes of acne are the same. Stress and hormonal imbalances, which often lead to pimples, are becoming more common in women's lives.

By naturescure.com