General Articles

Yoga is a set of techniques that aim to cultivate health and well-being through physical, emotional, and mental practices. These include postures, breathing exercises, relaxation, concentration, and meditation.

Several studies have shown that yoga is good for stress reduction and can help improve fitness, flexibility, balance, and strength. It can also reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, like heart disease and high blood pressure.

Origins

Yoga is a spiritual discipline that dates back to 5000 years ago. It is rooted in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India and was started by Brahmans and Vedic priests.

The ancient Hindus believed that sacrifice was the key to joining the material world with the higher spiritual realms of spirit. This was achieved by focusing the mind for an extended period to transcend ordinary thoughts.

However, this process became tough and was only for those who renounced the material world to pursue a higher purpose. This was an exclusive practice; only the most dedicated could become expert yogis.

The ultimate goal of yoga is to still the mind and gain insight, gaining samadhi (a state of consciousness where one merge with the object of meditation). This is accomplished through various practices ranging from dhyana to kriyas to bhakti. These practices lead to the union of the individual self with the divine or supreme self.

Benefits

Yoga has many benefits, from calming the mind to improving health. It also helps with stress management, sleep, and weight loss.

It can increase strength in the core, arms, back, and legs. It also improves posture.

The breathing and meditation techniques of yoga can create mental clarity, promote calmness and sharpen concentration.

Practicing yoga in Texas regularly lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. This helps you deal with everyday challenges in a healthy way.

It can also lead to an overall improvement in your quality of life, including relationships, creativity, and learning opportunities. It can improve your ability to manage pain and other symptoms, a key indicator of your health and well-being.

You can also reduce loneliness by participating in a Goat Yoga Houston class. You get to connect with others and meditate, which can help you feel more connected to your environment. In addition, yoga can boost your energy and promote brighter moods.

Techniques

Yoga is a mind-body fitness discipline that uses various techniques to promote overall health and well-being, including meditation, breathing exercises, and poses—the meditative component of yowellbeingeduce stress, which has been linked to several diseases and illnesses.

The physical aspect of yoga focuses on developing strength and balance. It is a form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce body fat.

It is also a mental and spiritual discipline that helps increase calmness, mood, and energy levels. In addition, it is believed to be an effective way to alleviate anxiety and depression.

There are several styles of yoga, but the most popular is hatha yoga. This style focuses on physical self-discipline and is often considered more straightforward than more advanced types of yoga.

Instructors

Yoga instructors are skilled practitioners who may receive their training through a school or through mentors who share their philosophy. They also learn how to teach a class and lead students through yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation.

They use their teaching skills to help people overcome their fears and push their limits. They also use their knowledge of yoga to help their students choose the right type of yoga for their needs and goals.

Those who want to become yoga instructors typically pursue a career in fitness or other health-related fields before they enroll in a certification program. They can gain experience by observing other teachers and learning new and advanced poses through individual practice.

While a yoga instructor is not required to have formal education, some employers prefer candidates with some form of secondary or post-secondary education. This could include a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, sports medicine, or another related field.

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Connecting The Dots Between Diabetes and Brain Decline

A newly released 9-year study connects the dots between diabetes and cognitive decline. This is the first study to actually demonstrate the greater risk of cognitive decline with the severity of diabetes.

Scientists looked at the glycosylated hemoglobin blood marker, a standard for measuring the severity of diabetes. The marker shows evidence of high blood sugar because the sugar molecules become attached to hemoglobin proteins in the blood.

It was discovered that higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were present in the more cognitive dysfunctional patients. Patients with more severe diabetes who did not control their blood sugar levels suffered faster cognitive declines.

The study, starting in 1997, enrolled 3,069 adults over 70. All the patients provided periodic blood samples and took regular cognitive tests over time. The findings were produced by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. The data came from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) at two community clinics in Pittsburgh and Memphis.

The 9-year study supports the belief that preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes can stave off cognitive decline. Kristine Yaffe, M.D., the lead author of the study, said, “Both the duration and the severity of diabetes are very important factors. It’s another piece of the puzzle in terms of linking diabetes to accelerated cognitive aging.”

During the last few decades, scientists have learned that diabetes affects human tissue and organs, including the brain and central nervous system.

Dr. Yaffe said that the mental decline may be related to a human protein known as an insulin degrading enzyme, which plays an important role in regulating insulin, the key hormone linked to diabetes. He said that this same enzyme also degrades a protein in the brain resulting in beta-amyloid, a brain protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

There is a need for future studies to determine possible interventions that can effectively prevent, delay, or better control diabetes that would also lower people’s risk of cognitive impairment.

We are not claiming that T/C+ or other smart sugars can reverse, prevent, or delay diabetes, or cognitive impairment. We are, however, in a collaborative program with doctors, researchers, and individuals in various countries in an effort to discover if there may be synergistic benefits. The larger number of participants in the T/C+ self-funding Pilot Survey, the greater cross references of data we will be able to accumulate.…

Why Is a Chemical Laden Product Harmful to Your Body? – Free Radicals and What Harm They Cause

We are bombarded with chemical laden products today. It can be hard to know what is okay and what is causing us harm. These chemicals form free radicals in the body. These are toxins that attack our bodies at the cellular level, causing them to not work properly. Free radicals come from a variety of products from processed foods to treated water. They are also found in the air, put there by chemical waste producing factories and automobiles. They can be blamed with all kinds of ailments, including obesity. This is why many believe that you can detox obesity with herbs.

Herbs are often used to detox the body from free radicals. Many herbs contain flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. They work by attaching themselves to free radicals and neutralizing them. Thus, they are rendered powerless. Others work to cleanse the colon. This means they cause frequent bowl movements that are believed to remove toxins from the body. This type of detoxification is the most common way to detox obesity with herbs. The more chemical laden products we bring into our homes, the higher the buildup of toxins will be in our bodies. This buildup causes significant sluggishness, as well as a general unwell feeling.

Most of the time products used to detox obesity with herbs, or just in an herbal cleansing, are in the form of herbal tea. There are also pill forms of many herbs available, and they serve the same purpose. Many find it more pleasant to use the tea, as sipping a cup of hot tea seems more natural than taking a pill, and is relaxing in its own right. If beginning a detox process to rid your body of chemicals causing it to not work correctly, consider staying in for a few days as you can feel tired and ill in the beginning.

Chemical laden products are harmful to our bodies in more ways than one. The buildup of free radicals they cause can make organs work inefficiently as well as cause obesity and poor blood flow. Through detoxification and beginning a lifestyle that includes a diet free of chemicals, it is possible to reverse the effects of the toxins. Whether you begin to detox obesity with herbs, or simply want a fresh start with a clean body, discuss methods with your doctor before hand. They will give you a thorough exam to ensure there are no underlying issues, and they may want to monitor your progress.…

Substance abuse and drug addiction are serious issues that can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families. The symptoms of substance abuse and drug addiction can be difficult to detect, and often individuals will try to hide their behavior from others. However, there are some common signs that may indicate a problem, such as changes in behavior, mood, and appearance, and physical symptoms such as weight loss or gain, bloodshot eyes, and changes in sleep patterns.

Once a substance abuse or drug addiction problem has been identified, it is important to seek treatment. There are a variety of powerful treatments available for substance abuse and drug addiction, ranging from behavioral therapies to medication-assisted treatment. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, focus on changing patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to substance abuse and addiction. This type of therapy can be very effective, as it helps individuals develop coping mechanisms and strategies to overcome their addiction. Additionally, medication-assisted treatment, which involves the use of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, can be highly effective for individuals who are struggling with addiction.

Another powerful treatment for substance abuse and drug addiction is support groups. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. These groups can provide a sense of community and accountability, which can be incredibly helpful for individuals who are working to overcome addiction.

In conclusion, substance abuse and drug addiction are serious issues that require effective treatment. Symptoms of substance abuse and addiction can be difficult to detect, but changes in behavior, mood, and physical appearance can be signs of a problem. Powerful treatments, such as behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups, are available and can help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. It is important to seek help if you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, as early intervention can increase the likelihood of success in treatment.…

Tea Herb Gardening – Fresh Tea In Your Own Backyard

While vegetable and flower gardens take a lot of time to grow from seed, you can begin tea herb gardening with very little time commitment at all. Most herbal teas grow extremely fast, often developing from seed to full grown plants full of leaves within four or five weeks.

Why Grow Herbal Tea?

The biggest reason to start growing your own herbs is to enhance your health. Many people are now using naturally grown herbal teas to help combat diabetes and even some forms of cancer. You can even alleviate or prevent the common cold for your entire family by brewing your own herbal teas during the cold season. These benefits come from the antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of most herbs used for tea.

Happiness comes along with herbal teas, no matter how you use them. By placing containers with mixed herbs directly outside a sunny window you can bring a sense of happiness to everyone who walks by the window or sits inside to look out. Also, bringing bouquets of herbs into the home and placing them in vases will deliver aromatherapy benefits, especially with lavender. Similarly, you can take advantage of aromatherapy as well as mood enhancers by brewing your own chamomile teas, or other herbal brews.

Specific Uses for Herbal Tea

Wondering exactly how you combine and use herbs to enhance your health and your home? Consider just a few ways you can do this right from your own backyard.

Heart Burn Remedy – Combine peppermint leaves, fennel seeds and lemon balm leaves for this potent remedy to minor heart burn. Measure out and boil some water, adding about 1 teaspoon of the herbal mix for each cup of water. Reduce heat and allow it to simmer for five minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for about another ten minutes and strain out any floating tea particles.

Whooping Cough Remedy – Brew up some marjoram tea using two tablespoons of the herb (chopped) for every two teaspoons of water boiled. After steeping for 15 minutes and draining out any large pieces of tea remaining, it can be consumed twice daily at room temperature until the cough subsides.

Diabetes Remedy – You will need to grow fenugreek seed if you want a potent diabetes fighting tea. Make the tea with one teaspoon of the seed for every cup of water boiled. This one will take more time to prepare as it needs to be removed from heat, covered, and left to sit until morning. In the morning you strain out the seeds and drink it at room temperature. When consumed on a daily basis, this type of herbal tea can be quite beneficial to balancing blood sugar.

Constipation Remedy – To get relief from constipation, use one teaspoon of fennel seed for every half cup of water boiled. It must be covered for a half hour after brewing, and then the seeds can be drained out and tea consumed at room temperature.

It is best to go out and collect fresh herbs in the very early morning while they are still covered in dew. This will keep them fresh longer, allowing you more time to enjoy them or use them in your food. It is a good idea to keep a close watch on the weather as well, as you will want to harvest all of your remaining herbs just before the first hard frost kills the plants back.…

Drinking Tea As An Aid To Relaxation

Everyone views life differently, and what may be a stressful, negative event for one person, may be viewed by another as an opportunity to take positive action. Those of us who like working too tight deadlines and experiencing change in their lives may find stress manageable and be able to relax when the stressful situation has ended. Alternatively, overwhelmingly stressful situations may literally be a way of life for some people, and this may lead to perpetual feelings of anxiety. If stress is ruling your life, you can benefit greatly by learning some simple and effective relaxation techniques.

Your perception of yourself and other people influences your reactions to stress, and there have been many scientific studies documenting the effects stress has on your body. Elevated blood pressure and respiratory difficulties are genuine results of feeling anxious, and these conditions could be particularly dangerous if experienced routinely. Dietary changes such as substituting sugary, salty, or fatty foods for healthier alternatives and adding herbal teas to your diet may be extremely beneficial. While turning to indulgent treats such as cookies, cake, or extra cups of coffee may seem to relieve anxious feelings, the sugar and caffeine in these sorts of foods and beverages may actually produce the opposite effect.

While caffeinated drinks may be appropriate periodically, coffee and energy drinks are unlikely to contribute to feeling more relaxed. A better choice is to try one of the many natural herbal teas on the market, some of which have beneficial calming and anxiety-reducing effects. The combination of the chemical reaction in your brain and the healthful antioxidants found in these teas often lead to improved health and fortitude, giving you a stronger foundation from which to deal with daily stress.

Just a few cups of tea, such as chamomile, rooibos or peppermint, can make a difference to your state of mind and be part of a healthy diet plan. St John’s Wort is another very popular choice for those seeking a natural anxiety remedy, it is also said to help with insomnia and depression. Some of these herbal anxiety remedies are available in capsule or tablet form, rather than a product you make tea from – many people prefer teas, since sitting down for a moment and having a healthy drink is a relaxing action in itself.

While medical practitioners have compiled research supporting the biological changes that occur when people are feeling stressed and the benefits from drinking tea, many people around the world have demonstrated an understanding of this for centuries. It’s relaxing properties and pleasant flavour have made tea second most popular drink in the world after water, and is regarded as the national drink by many countries. It is perhaps not surprising that many people adhering to this philosophy often have a longer life expectancy and exhibit a better adjustment to life in general. Realistically, you won’t banish stress just by drinking tea, but as part of a regular routine you will find it will certainly help you to relax and improve your overall health in many ways.…

Healthy Herbal Tea

We have busy schedules these days, we are running here, going here, picking up kids from here, and by the time we actually have time to relax, it seems like we just cannot do it. Well if you seem to have this problem, you may want to try some herbal tea. Many green teas as well as herbal teas have antioxidants that are not only good for the body, but help you to relax and also help to manage weight loss, increase energy and burn more fat and calories. Herbal Tea may be just want you need.

According to and an article entitled, Herbal Tea Benefits, herbal mint tea acts as relaxant to the central nervous system. Also, adding some cardamom to the tea will give it a nice flavor as well as help to relief stomach cramps. Raspberry tea also has been known to help women during menopause and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Also, drinking tea with dandelion in it can help clean the liver and rosemary tea can help soothe coughs and colds. It also can help with circulation and is sometimes used as a pain killer for bones and joints. When thyme is added to tea it can help boost the immune system and aid in the healing process.

There are many benefits of herbal tea for use in sleep and relaxing to healing the body when we are sick, if you are running here and there and doing this and that all day long and you feel run down or cannot seem to relax, trying herbal tea may be a good idea. It will help you to relax, help to boost your immune system, and provide with the energy and peace of mind you need to start the day off in the best way possible. So, try some herbal tea today and you will be feeling better tomorrow and long into the future.…