Archive for October, 2008

Inversion Table Therapy

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

What is inversion table?

Inversion table is an exercises table that is designed in such a way that your feet is placed higher than your head. As a result it reduces the bad effect of gravity. In fact these tables position your body upside down, so the gravity works in the opposite direction.

Most of the doctors and physical therapist recommended to their patients with back pain. Many doctors and therapist recommended inversion table exercise for these patients.

Inversion tables are design into many different sizes and styles.They are many different brands available on the market.

Certain design of the table are complicated, big size and difficult to operate. There are some small design that can fit into a small apartment living room.

Some inversion tables could also be used as a workout machine that you can exercise other body parts. The price tag is labeled according to the features and functionality. For examples power inversion tables are more expensive than the manually operated one.

Each of the equipment could only hold certain weight and will last in a limited time. Some of the manufacturers offer warranty while others are not.

What are other benefits of inversion table?

The table is especially effective for people with lower back pain, since the gravity helps to stretch the back bone. As a result it provides a great relief from the lower back pain.

Inversion table exercises are especially helpful for older people. Largely back problems are caused by the aging process. Back pain is the result of gravity that is constantly pulling down for a long period of time.

Inversion therapy is not new. It has been around for thousands of years.

It is  claimed that the use of inversion table could improve blood circulation, helps to lessen compression fatigue and as a result reduces stress and promotes relaxation. It is also used for treatment of stress headaches.

Those who tried this treatment believed that it can increase flexibility in movement for older people and reduce the effects of aging caused by gravity.

Some of the doctors from western countries refuse to recommend inversion therapy to their patients. No doubt the benefit of inversion therapy is proven. Such therapy is known to help improve posture,lessen back pain,better blood circulation and increase flexibility.

Do you need Shoulder Physical Therapy?

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Do you need shoulder physical therapy? Is this a step you are willing to take? If not, we can provide you with valuable information about your shoulder, which will illustrate some of the common shoulder problems and the physical therapy available to treat these issues. The most flexible joint in the body is the shoulder, it can do a wide range of motions, which is important for sports. By design it has a remarkable mobility, which can also increase the effect on stability and can be the root cause of problems.

In order to get a good prognosis, early discovery and treatment is crucial. So, if you experience pains in your shoulder don’t hesitate to see your doctor. Even though your first reaction, a natural one, is not to move your shoulder, refrain from it since it can lead to complete loss of shoulder mobility. Physical therapy for your shoulder could be suggested by your doctor. After the evaluation of your condition, a physical therapy program will be put together to keep your shoulder in motion and help you recover.

People of all ages can have problems with their shoulders. Such problems are often encountered by athletes, sports people and children. Everyday exertions can lead to shoulder pain in adults in their 20s. Middle aged people are not spared of such problems especially if they use this joint with a high frequency in their jobs, as well as those who do physical activities a variety of sports as their time permits or those who prefer to do the painting themselves. So, people needing shoulder physical therapy are plentiful and from all age groups and jobs.

Physical Therapy Information
The shoulder is complex and can be difficult to work with due to its makeup with several muscles and three different joints. Skilled shoulder physical therapy workers and unique methods are needed as a result. Shoulder Physical therapy is often used to regain flexibility and movement in the shoulder region. In addition, these exercises can used as a warm-up prior to strength training to minimize risk of shoulder injury.

Why is shoulder physical therapy so important in dealing with shoulder injuries and pains? Well, unlike in the past, present-day treatment advice takes on a more active physical approach. In the past, doctors ordered bed rest and directed patients not to use a joint until it heals but now the treatment philosophy has as its motto or main principle the words “use it or lose it.”
I found the principle is not only typical of shoulder physical therapy evidently, but all the branches of physical therapy apply it. When you don’t move your shoulder or any joint after surgery, it leads to weakening and stiffening of the muscles which can cause bones and cartilage to get weak and cause scarring of the soft tissue. Anyone who is recommended physical therapy for your shoulders should not hesitate to attend.

Shin Running Pain

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

What is a Shin Splint?

A shin splint is a generalized term that is given for pain felt at the front of the lower leg. Causes of shin splints are commonly overuse or fatigue caused by regular stresses due to biomechanical imbalances of the feet and lower legs. Imbalances can be caused by bad feet, worn out shoes, and inappropriate training methods.

The term Shin Splints covers many injuries that effect the lower leg, including stress fractures, tendonitis, periostitis (the annoyance of the bone covering), muscle tiredness or fascial herniation, popliteal artery entrapment, peroneal nerve entrapment or spinal radiculopathy (which is when the spinal nerve is compressed, causing referred pain). As you can see, diagnosing shin splints isn′t all that easy when there can be many fundamental causes.

Why does this cause Lower Leg Pain?

Shin splint pain is felt in the lower leg. You may feel tenderness on the inside of the shin that may or may not be accompanied by swelling. Shin splint pain generally goes away after a time of rest but comes back when you begin training again. You may feel pain when your toes or foot are bent down and some people have inflammation on the inside of the shin. Others feel lumps or bumps along the inside of the shin bone.

In spite of the many potential causes for shin splints, most are induced by tight calf muscles inducing strain on the weaker front muscles of the lower leg. This is common in runners, whose calf muscles get a lot more work than the front muscles.

Shin Splint Treatment Options

Cold Packs and rest are a great beginning for Shin Splint Treatment. The cold helps reduce pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen may be helpful. You may want to evaluate your running shoes to see if you need more support. Once you feel some ease, there are stretches you can do to increase the strength of your front lower leg muscles. Doing basic wall stretches to stretch your Achilles tendon several times per day to stretch your calf muscles can be helpful. You can also strengthen that front muscle by balancing a small weight of some kind on your foot and lifting up your toes. This will exercise those front muscles. Hold the weight up for a count of ten before relaxing and repeat twenty or more times per day. Over time, this will strengthen those front muscles.

Other things you can do that will help Shin Splints includes wearing shock absorbing insoles in your shoes. Change your exercise routine to include other non impact exercises such as a treadmill or cross trainer

After the initial pain is gone, apply heat to the area before training to help loosen up the muscles and increase blood flow. Taping your ankle can help support your Lower Leg.

Consider getting your posture analyzed as any muscle imbalances in your body could be making the problem worse.

A Sports Massage Therapist may be able to help once the initial inflammation has gone down.

Yoga Can Eliminate Stresses

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Yoga is a 3,000-year-old, Hindu discipline of mind and body that became known in Western society with the hippie generation of the Sixties and early Seventies. Its persona as a religious mystic exercise is vanishing as fast as the stressful aspects of the 80s are coming out.

As an effective method of stress management, yoga is spreading into the business world, the helping professions, nursing and old age homes, and is used in the treatment of alcoholics, hyperactive children and youngsters with learning disabilities. Yoga centers are getting stiff competition from adult education classes of community colleges, boards of education and parks and recreation departments.

The meaning of yoga is union of the body, mind and spirit with truth. There are many kinds of yoga to study, and there can be endless years of practice for the willing student.

Hatha Yoga is among the most popular forms in the west. It emphasizes the practice of postures, which stretch and strengthen the body, help develop a sense of balance and flexibility, as well as body awareness and mental concentration. All forms of yoga incorporate the practice of proper breathing techniques for relaxation, to rest the mind from its constant chatter, to experience an internal calm, and to energize and purify the body.

As stress levels in society reach new heights, Raja Yoga, the yoga of meditation, is growing in popularity in Western society, while others, such as Krya Yoga, the yoga of cleansing, and Mantra Yoga, the yoga of chanting, not surprisingly, have little appeal for newcomers.

Stretching along and toning up, although advantageous, aren't the main causes people address yoga. Newcomers are hoping that yoga will provide them with a means for handling stress and diffusing tension. The difference between exercise and yoga is that yoga has a meditative quality.

A lot of people are exercising for the psychological benefits and trying many of the Eastern activities, like yoga and tai chi. Yoga seems to have a calming effect on people.

And the techniques work on children as well as adults. When your children are quarreling, ask them to stop what they′re doing, raise their arms over their heads, lean forward and breathe deeply to help diffuse their anger. It unquestionably facilitates them to cool down it.

Yoga : Learning And Instructions

Forget Back Pain With Back Massager

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

For those of you who feel tired and fatigued after a long day of work or exercising, a body massage can give you a sensation of being refreshed. Knowing how to give a good body massage takes time and study.

For those who have been busy standing or working behind the computer all day, nothing can be more relaxing than sitting and reclining on a professional home back massager.

To get a quality back massage you need to spend a lot of money. But who can have that kind of money to spend it on the expensive massage you get at spas? Not to mention the travel time for those appointments.

Why not try using a back massager? It’s easy, inexpensive, and can be used anytime in the comfort of your home.

If you react on time, you won’t have to spend whole piles of money on your massage therapist, just on one back massager. The back massager is a reliable way to relax the back anytime and eliminate the stress from the daily grind.

It’s easy to use back massager as well as move it around. You just need to press the on button and relax yourself while you get a refreshing bavk massage. Some homedics back massagers emit penetrating infrared heat to enhance the massage even more. Your muscles can feel the power of infrared massagers, no matter where they are. Make every day a truly relaxing day!

With current high technology, back massagers are equipped with many different combinations of settings and programs that lead to different types of massage. Just try to imagine feeling relaxed every day, with stress and fatigue being removed and lost? With back massagers, you can enjoy a customized massage every day to eliminate stress and fatigue.

It’s very easy to design the program that suits you best with your own back massager.

Hm, where in the world you could get the massager you need? The online shop has a lot of back massagers you could use, no matter what kind of massager you want to purchase for yourself.

Inversion Therapy Exercises

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

Inversion Table Decompression Exercise

Unless you are Superman, you are going to experience back pain at some point in your life, likely several times. Usually, back pain is the result of overdoing a certain activity, repetitive movement, a car accident, disease and a host of other factors. Back pain usually goes away within a few days to a few weeks depending on the injury but it is one of the most common complaints of patients visiting doctors. However, with back pain therapy exercise, you can avoid a trip to the doctor and remedy the situation on your own.  Here are some of the more popular ways you can eliminate or relieve back pain.

The Exercise Ball

The exercise ball is fast becoming one of the favorite ways to conduct back pain therapy exercise because it is versatile and people of all ages can use it. You can use this huge ball to conduct stretching exercises for back pain, specifically the lower back. The best way to use it is to lie on the floor with your head slightly elevated on a pillow and the heels of your feet propped up on the top of the exercise ball. Slowly lift your buttocks off the floor so that your body is straight at an angle to the ball and floor where your head is positioned. This back pain therapy exercise is one of many on the exercise ball that even physical therapists recommend.

No Tools Needed

There are back pain therapy exercise options that do not require any special tools or implements to ease the aches, just your body! For upper back pain, there is the pectoral stretch, which consists of standing in an open doorway and using both hands to grasp either side of the doorframe. Then, with the frame tightly gripped, you push slightly forward until you feel the muscles in your chest stretch and then hold the pose for about 15-20 seconds if possible. You would then retract and repeat the process at least 2 or 3 more times.

Another back pain therapy exercise consists of lying on your stomach with your chest supported by a small pillow. From there, hold your arms out in a 90 degree position from your body and then squeeze your shoulder blades together by raising your arms from their position This could take some time to get used to but greatly alleviates pain in the upper to middle back areas.

Inversion Table

The inversion table has been around for ages and is a popular way to conduct some back pain therapy exercise. You are strapped into this table and then it is inverted, based on the degree of angle you need. The reason why the inversion table is popular for back pain therapy exercise or inversion therapy as its called, is that it works to increase the disc space between the vertebrae which in turn alleviates the pressure that could be pinching nerves or compacting discs.

Going the back pain therapy exercise route is the best place to start when it comes to aches and pains from the upper to lower back. Remember, a large percentage of people experience pain that can and will go away within a few weeks but you can speed up the process with back pain therapy exercise.

Should I Take Fresh Or Aged Garlic To Heal My Body

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

For more than 900 years garlic has been used for medicinal purposes.  From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, all the way to America, garlic has been used to treat different ailments.  Garlic has stood the test of time and now has over 2200 credible studies to support its health benefits.(1)  These health benefits of Garlic come at a price; garlic has a very strong odor that can last a long time in the body because of this odor, garlic supplements have become very popular. 

Garlic supplements are an easy and effective way to consume garlic, so your friends and family will not be offended by the odor.  These types of supplements have been around for more than 25 years.   There are two types of garlic supplements on the market and hundreds of manufactures.  You will find either Fresh Garlic supplements or Aged Garlic supplements each of which will claim their garlic is the best and most beneficial.  We are going to take a look and see which type of garlic is most beneficial and why?

First let’s look at what makes garlic so beneficial for you.  At first glance, fresh garlic does not seem to be much of a vegetable.  Garlic is consumed in very small amounts; one serving of garlic provides very little vitamins.  For example: the vitamin C in one serving of garlic is 1 mg compared to potatoes having 26mg and broccoli having 82mg.(4)  So what makes Garlic so good?  It’s the collection of compounds in Fresh garlic called sulfur compounds, this is what make it beneficial to the body.  Over 90% of the research done on garlic has been done on these sulfur compounds.  Sulfur has been used in pharmaceuticals for years.  For example antibiotics, blood pressure lowering drugs and diuretics all have sulfur.  Since sulfur is so readily absorbed into the body, pharmaceutical companies have been able to blend sulfur with medications to make them more effective.

Researchers have primarily focused on one group of sulfur compounds in garlic; this group is called thiosulfates.  Alliin and allinnase are the primary substances found in the garlic clove and both are found in separate chambers in the garlic clove.  Allinnase is an activating enzyme, when garlic is crushed or cut the alliin and allinnase combine to make thiosulfate allicin.  This new compound created is what gives garlic its beneficial effects. (3)

Research has found that allicin has a wide range of benefits.  These benefits include (1) allicin can help kill bacteria and fungi, (2) reduce inflammation, (3) prevent the common cold, (4) stop tumor growth, (5) kill cancer cells, (6) help keep blood from clotting, (7) prevent heart attach, (8) reduce LDL and raise HDL cholesterol, (9) reduce triglycerides, (10) lower blood pressure, (11) improve blood flow in the lungs and help open breathing passages, (12) help reduce liver damage, and (13) allicin works as an antioxidant fighting free radicals in the body.

All the evidence points to how allicin benefits our body yet aged garlic supplement manufactures discount allicin as the primary health compound.  You might be wondering why would anyone discount allicin as beneficial when 90% of research has focused around allicin.  Is the research wrong? 

The chemistry of allicin is why manufacturers claim allicin is not the key component that benefits the body.  Studies have shown allicin to be an unstable compound.  Allicin will breaking down just after a few hours and can loose 50% of its potency from 4 – 30 days if left exposed to Air.(3)  Only a few manufactures make garlic tablets air tight.  Manufactures claim that allicin can be destroyed by stomach acids and rightfully so.  This is why fresh garlic supplements are enteric coated so that it passed through the stomach and opens in the intestines where it is needed most.  Once you understand how allicin works in the body you will see why aged garlic is not the most beneficial to choose. 

Aged garlic has a compound called S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC).  This compound is what aged garlic manufacturers claim is good for you.  An interesting fact, fresh garlic doesn’t contain any SAMC. SAMC only appears after the aging process.(5)

SAMC research has been studied with cancer, heart, immune function, and stress.  These studies were conducted with high amounts of aged garlic, ranging from 10 to 20 grams each day and after months and months of continuous use.  These dosages are nowhere near normal garlic consumption levels for over 900 years people have been consuming fresh garlic and experiencing benefits at minimal levels how can aged garlic be beneficial at normal doses? 

Aged garlic is made by placing sliced garlic in a solution that contains 15% - 20% ethanol and then is stored for 20 months.  After 20 months the solution is filtered and concentrated.  While the solution is stored for 20 months, the allicin and most of the thiosulfates are destroyed.  Let’s now look at fresh garlic. 

Many universities from around the world have done research on fresh garlic and the health benefits of fresh garlic consumption.  All these universities have been able to replicate each others results further proving fresh garlic’s abilities.  Replications research has found answers to some of the puzzling results in fresh garlic research.  For example, before 1995, researchers were able to replicate the cholesterol lowering benefits of garlic.  But one study after 1995 with clinical trials showed inconsistencies. (6)

Dr. Larry Lawson, a highly respected researcher, closely examined the tablets used in this clinical study and found that these tablets were not enteric coated.  Some of the people consuming these tablets digested them in the stomach; the allicin was destroyed before it reached the bloodstream.  This rendered the tablets useless and those patients didn’t experience any beneficial effect when consuming the garlic tablets.  After finding out the clinical trial used poor quality garlic tablets, Dr. Larry Lawson recommended new clinical trails to be conducted on garlic with higher quality tablets.  Researchers need to look for garlic supplements that are enteric coated and have an allicin potential rating.

Allicin can not be measured in a garlic clove or in an enteric coated tablet.  Look for a garlic supplement that has an allicin potential rating.  Credible manufactures will list this potential on there label.  Also, experts recommend the consumption of 4000mg of fresh garlic each day.  To receive 4000mg of fresh garlic each day in a tablet, look for a garlic supplement that offers at least 5,000 mcg of allicin and at least 11,000 mcg of alliin per serving.  That’s equal to about four cloves of garlic extract each day. 

Keep one thing in mind, garlic is a blood thinner, if you are on medication to thin the blood such as Coumadin, consult your doctor before taking garlic. 

Garlic has been consumed for hundreds if not thousands of years for spicing up meals and keeping the common cold away.  Many cultures have claimed garlic can cure what ails you.    Finally, research is here to back the benefits of fresh garlic and explain why aged garlic doesn’t work. (7)  Remember, when looking for a good quality fresh garlic supplement, make sure it delivers 5000 mcg of allicin each serving.  You can find Fresh Garlic and other vitamin supplements at your local vitamin store.

References:
1. Steven Foster Group. Garlic monograph. Accessed on January 26, 2004. Available at: www.stevenfoster.com/education/monograph/garlic.html

2. Grodner M, Anderson SL, DeYoung S. Food composition table: garlic. In: Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby 2000: 660-661.

3. Lawson LD. The composition and chemistry of garlic cloves and processed garlic. In: Koch HP, Lawson LD, eds. Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium sativum L. and Related Species. 2nd Ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins 1996:37-107.

4. Grodner M, Anderson SL, DeYoung S. Food composition table: garlic. In: Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2000: 660-661.

5. Lawson LD. The composition and chemistry of garlic cloves and processed garlic. In: Koch HP, Lawson LD, eds. Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium sativum L. and Related Species. 2nd Ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams &amp Wilkins; 1996:37-107.

6. Stevinson C, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Garlic for treating hypercholesterolemia. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Ann Intern Med. 2000; 133(6): 420-9. Review.

7. Amagase H, Block E, Bordia A, Lawson LD. The controversial issues surrounding allicin versus non-allicin containing products. Presentation at the American Herbal Products Association International Garlic Symposium. Aug. 1, 2000.

What Are The Benefits Of A Home Sauna

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Not all of us have time to go to the gym to enjoy a sauna after a great workout. There are even less of us have access to a sauna period. So how do you enjoy the benefits of a sauna if you can’t go to a sauna? Bring the sauna to you!

A home sauna is a great addition to any home. It’s always there and unlike exercise equipment you can be sure that it won’t be unused in your home. It’s a worthwhile investment and it’s guaranteed to be enjoyed by all the family. Not only will it be a fun way to relax together but you can enjoy the health benefits of a home sauna.

The Great Benefits

When you fell that your skin is tired, or is a little dull then what better way to rejuvenate then with a sauna and restore the healthy glow to your skin. Many times skin care problems are related to toxins in the body and washing with a cleanser only  penetrates the superficial layer of the skin where as the sauna tends to act deeper through the skin.

Should you want that deeper cleansing of your skin, then using a home sauna is definitely an advantage. Having a home sauna kit helps to stimulate the lymphatic system throughout your body and helps rid it of the toxins that surfaces in tired skin. After a short workout the use of a home sauna is really great.

It is not necessary for a really vigorous workout, and a simple workout which simply gets your heart rate up and lets you have a light sweat is needed. After you have worked up a fairly good amount of sweat, into the sauna you go and stay for about fifteen minutes for a nice rejuvenating sauna experience.

Get in and out of your home sauna at fifteen minute intervals so that you spend at least forty five minutes in your home sauna. You want to shower and cool down after each fifteen minute session in your home sauna. Remember to keep hydrated by drinking lots of water before and during your skin cleansing session.

Not only will you find that your skin looks better but you will feel better as well. You will find that this kind of skin detoxifying session will help you feel more relaxed. It is a great way to ease stress if you’ve had a long day in the office and need a way to unwind and forget about all the annoying things in your day.

A 12-Step All-Around Yoga Exercise

Monday, October 6th, 2008

A 12-Step All-Around Yoga Exercise

One of the all-around yoga exercises is the 12-step salute to the sun. As you do it once or twice in the morning it will help loosen up any stiffness in your body and rejuvenate it. Multiple repetitions at night will help you to relax; insomniacs often find that 6 to12 rounds help them fall asleep.

1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, thumbs against your chest.

2. Inhale deeply, while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks.

Then continue to hold that position for three seconds.

3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet.

You may not be able to touch the floor but you should get as close as you can to it and then bend your head inwards, towards your knees.

4. Now slowly inhale, bend your knees and try again to touch the floor just outside where your feet are.

Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor, (a lunge position). Now look up as high as possible, arching your back and hold for a few seconds before exhaling.

5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane.

All the time while doing this yoga exercises you need to make sure your stomach is pulled in.

6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.

7. In this position begin to inhale slowly once again, bend your head back by looking upwards, now lift up your chest and bring it back down.

Remember, the lower part of your body should be on the floor with your elbows slightly bent. Hold this position for three to five seconds.

8. As you exhale slowly, raise up your hips until both your feet and hands are flat on the floor and your legs and arms are in a straight inverted V type position.

9. Bring your foot forward as you slowly inhale the same way you did in the forth position.

The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Again, you will raise your head by looking upward and arch your back in this position.

10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one.

Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.

11. Slowly begin to inhale deeply as you raise your arms up and stretch back as you did in the second position.

Don’t forget while in this position it is important to tighten your buttocks and hold for three seconds.

12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides and then relax.

By repeating these yoga exercises you will improve much of your overall health, both mentally and physically.

Ways That Yoga and Meditation Can Give You a Better Life Quality

Monday, October 6th, 2008

It’s no secret that yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand. While some people use yoga merely to meet their fitness goals, many instructors emphasize the 5,000 year old spiritual teachings that are behind the movements, positions, stretches and breathing techniques. They argue that unless you subscribe to the basic principles of yoga, you will not achieve full balance and spiritual oneness.

Sahaja yoga and meditation has been taught worldwide since 1970. Sahaja Yoga is well known for treating ailments and diseases. Additionally, the practice was introduced to New York City’s Rikers Island prisoners to help them find social, psychological and spiritual healing. To translate from Sanskrit, “Saha” means “spontaneous” and “ja” means “born within.” Yoga, of course, means “union.” The end goal is kundalini (or spiritual awakening), as well as a unity and collective awakening among every member of society.

Students of this branch will study the three vertical energy channels within the human body: the sun channel (governing our thought processes), the parasympathetic / nervous system channel (governing our body processes) and the moon channel (governing our emotions). In addition to these three channels, millions of chakras (literally translated from Sanskrit to mean “wheels” or energy centers) are swirling around us, keeping the channels in motion. Chakras can vary from religion to religion, but Sahaja Yoga focuses on several in its yoga and meditation: the crown chakra (pituitary gland / consciousness), the third eye chakra (pineal gland / sleep and awakening), the throat chakra (thyroid / growth and maturity), the heart chakra (thymus / stress and wellbeing), the solar plexus chakra (pancreas / digestion and energy), the sacral chakra (groin / sexuality and reproduction) and the root chakra (adrenal gland / basic fight or flight instincts and kundalini awakening).

Another study is the Raja Yoga tradition (the “king” of yoga or “royal path”), which is heavily steeped in spirituality. Practitioners believe in a serious code based upon self-restraint, quietude, concentration, regulation of breathing, uniting body and mind through action, withdrawing from the senses and studying religious texts. Often retreats are offered (by places like the Margaret Austin Retreat Center in Texas or the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California) to help students immerse themselves in a new way of thinking. Students will learn about the Eightfold Path and the seven chakras, in addition to yamas and niyamas (code of conduct and religious observances, respectively).

Curious parties can go to SahajaYoga.org for more information on the teachers, philosophy and practice of yoga and meditation. If you’re in the California region, another highly acclaimed meditation expert and retreat guide is Deepak Chopra, who can be found at Chopra.com. Also, if you go to Yoga.com’s studio search, you can look up Raja Yoga studios near you. IAYT.org has information regarding healing yoga.

There are many different forms of Yoga that people around the world practice. Some use it primarily for its low-impact workout whereas others love the feel of meditation and concentration required in some of the many poses. Yoga is a great way for those suffering from injury or unused to a cardiovascular workout to begin their path to becoming physically and mentally fit. Exercise is an important part of our daily lives and the added benefit of learning relaxation techniques is enough to entice anyone onto a mat. Find your relaxation and work out by clicking here for more information: Power Yoga and at Yoga Chairs also at Yoga Teacher Training Courses