ygoy.com Blog

Yoga to help breast cancer patients feel better

2009-11-16T05:48:29Z

Yoga can give a new lease of life to women who are under or have undergone breast cancer treatment. This is not to say that Yoga cures cancer. It only helps in the healing process and makes it easier to cope with chemotherapy and other treatments. These treatments drain energy from the body making the patient weak. Yogic practices help rejuvenate and energise the body and strengthen the mind to help cope with the illness and treatment procedures.

Yogic practices
Pranayama or breathing techniques, specifically those that aid slow deep breathing are found to be beneficial to cope with physical as well as the psychological impact of cancer and its treatments. It helps patients to relax and take it easy. Simple gentle stretches combined with breathing are a good way to start off. Meditation combined with these practices also proves extremely helpful. These techniques help patients feel better from within about themselves, which in turn speeds up the healing process.

A lot of women have benefitted from Yogic practices and recent researches give further evidence to the fact that Yoga makes coping with cancer easier on the body and mind. It helps give these women a better quality of life.

Yoga is beneficial to everyone. Cancer patients in particular can, however, have tremendous benefits with regular practice. Although its beneficial for them, cancer surviviors and patients not under chemotherapy seem to benefit more than those under chemotherapy. This may be the case because chemotherapy tends to make them feel sick and, due to this, they may not be able to see the benefits of Yoga.

Word of caution
Yogic practices are highly recommended for those with breast cancer. But, one has to be careful where to go and who to learn Yoga from. This is because not all centres hich teach Yoga are equipped to deal with cancer patients and their unique requirements. One has to go to a practitioner who is trained to manage cancer patients. This is because such patients frequently have arm and shoulder problems which may get aggravated if proper care is not taken during practice of Yoga. If these few precautions are in place, Yoga can be a safe and effective method to help breast cancer patients heal faster and better.

Yoga for better winter health

2009-11-14T11:18:10Z

Winters are that time when the body becomes stiff and we become lazy and lethargic owing to the cold weather. This is why we need to pay special attention to exercising in winters. Exercise during this time is especially important to keep the body supple and toned, without causing injuries.

Yoga for winters
Here are some Yogic practices, Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing), that should be followed for better health in winters.

Proper warm up: This is very essential to avoid injuries as the body becomes stiff in cold weather.
Indoor yoga: This is advisable to protect the body against cold and related health impacts.
More dynamic than static postures: Static postures help in stability but may increase stiffness in joints, while dynamic exercises help loosen the body.
Surya Namaskaras (Sun Salutations): This is a combination of a series if Yogic postures and corresponding breathing control which helps to warm up the body and keep it flexible and supple.
Pranayamas: These are breathing exercises which help open up the respiratory tract and relieves respiratory blockages, especially Bhastrika (forceful deep equal breathing) and Kapalabhati (fast exhalation), which also help in warming the body.
Deep breathing: Deep equal breathing and Anulom-Vilom (alternative nostril breathing) in meditative postures like Vajrasana (Diamond pose), Sukhasana (Comfortable pose) and Padmasana (Lotus pose)
Spine-related exercises: Asanas like Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) and Shalabhasana (Locust pose) help loosen the spine and avoid injuries.
Exercises of the limbs: Asanas like Tadasana (Mountain pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand), Halasana (Plough pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose), Gomukhasana (Cow-face pose) help in strengthening and toning limbs.
Shavasana (Corpse pose): This Yogic relaxation technique helps to keep the mind calm and composed and rid lethargy by refreshing the mind.

Yoga is an Indian system of fitness, not only of the body but also of the mind. It is not just bodily exercises but a whole system for complete well-being of an individual. It would be better to call it a philosophy and a lifestyle for better living.

These are some Yogic practices that can be followed for better bodily and psychological health. They also help in getting over the laziness of winters. They help us concentrate better on our work and optimise our efficiency in everyday activities. Along with all this, it is a better, healthier way of living.

Organic Toenail Care

2009-11-12T12:23:50Z

Due to invasion of many chemical fertilizers in the market organic products have become an essential. Organic products are produced with out using any chemicals fertilizers and hence are completely natural. Lord Northbourne first suggested organic farming in the year 1939. Many nail care products contain toxic products like toulene and formaldehyde. Toulene is a harmful reproductive toxin and formaldehyde is a carcinogen (cancer causing). Over use of these products can be very dangerous as these can lead to serious problems like breast cancer, reproductive organ cancer and fertility problems.

As we witness organic skin care and organic hair care. Organic nail care products have also evolved. In fact many saloons have opted to do it the organic way. Toenails are more prone to infections than the finger nails. Some of the toenail problems are toenail thickening, in grown toenails etc. Organic pedicure products are also present in the market, which are totally safe and help in curing the fungus.

Chemical nail polishes are very harmful for pregnant women as they can harm both mother and child. Organic nail care products are completely safe and also help cure some stubborn nail ifections. Where as products contain natural ingredients like water, natural coloring agents and natural antibiotics (like turmeric). These are harmless and as the products are water based they evaporate less.

Some countries like America, Austria, Italy, Poland and Uk are following certified standards to produce organic products. These measures help produce genuine organic products.

So next time you paint those nails ensure that it is an organic nail care product.

Yogic Diet for Asthma

2009-11-09T07:06:36Z

Yoga gives great importance to diet and strongly demands to avoid dietetic errors. Sattvic (pure) foods, form a perfect diet for an Asthma patient. They are nutritious and easily digested.

Asthmatic’s diet is usually lacto-vegetarian. Vegetarian diet is considered as the best food for asthma patients. The meet proteins take longer to digest and ultimately slowdowns the metabolic system. Thus it is always recommended for a yoga practitioner to take a proper diet.

Vitamins and Minerals for Asthma:

Vitamin A is considered as the best curing product for asthma. Beta-carotene the substance of Vitamin A is present in great quantity in pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, broccoli, spinach and winter squashes,. If the vegetable or fruit The vibrant color of the fruit or the vegetables indicate the percentage content of beta-carotene.
Vitamin B-6 helps in forming hemoglobin and improves the autoimmune function. It is found in legumes, nuts, beans, eggs, fish, meats, fortified breads, cereals and whole grains.
Vitamin C adds greatly to the list of benefits. You can get Vitamin C through apples, avocados, apricots, breadfruit, black-currants, blackberries, blueberries, jujubes, cantaloupes, kiwifruits, peaches, pears and melons.
Vitamin E is a chemical substance that inhibits oxidation, it helps in carrying the oxygen by improving the blood capacity. It has its presence in corn, seeds, vegetable oils, wheat germ, olives, asparagus, nuts, spinach, and other leafy vegetables.
Zinc activates the immune system and supports the adrenal glands. It is found in excess quantity in: raisin bran, baked beans, peas, mixed nuts and oatmeal and specially in almonds, walnuts and roasted peanuts.
Essential fatty acids like omega-3 oils are highly favorable in reducing swelling and relieve asthma attacks. They are found in a great quantity in vegetarian foods like walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin and almonds.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is an ayurvedic herb that helps in reducing mucus and irritation. The content of eugenol in Basil contributes to its therapeutic effects.

Yoga Diet And Its Benefits

2009-11-07T12:13:23Z

A proper diet is much required by the yoga practitioners, in-order to get desired results from yoga. By including yoga diet in the list, you can achieve spiritual and emotional balance and maintain your weight.

To remain energized and keep ourselves alert all-through the day, we must refresh our mind and body. Yoga diet is considered as one of the branch in yoga, and is an important aspect of yoga practice.

You Diet and its Benefits:

Yoga diet is considered as the purest diet.
It nourishes mind and body
It maintains peaceful and stable state
Most suitable for any student who practices yoga
Purifies mind and enables it to perform at a maximum speed.

Yoga is not designed on how to make six pack abs, nor to keep track of how much calories do you take each day. It just helps you in maintaining balanced diet and eat in limitation.

Yoga diet is a pure vegetarian food; it consists of simple, natural and pure foods that promote health and are easily digested.

The aspects of yoga diet will help you grow your knowledge about various foods and the way it affects you. No matter how sad, ill health or depressed you are, yoga diet will get you back on track and pushes you to achieve your spiritual and material goal.

Well if you are planning to lead a better and healthy life, you need to depend upon the diet that is being practiced for more than thousand years now. Yoga diet is proven to build a strong body and mind, it drives you on the path of enlightenment and longevity.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana And Its Benefits

2009-11-04T13:34:32Z

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is derived from a Sanskrit word; Setu means bridge or dam, Bandha meaning lock. And the meaning of Sarvanga is support. The meaning of the complete word can be put as ‘Supported Bridge Pose’ in English.

This posture is simple, yet thrilling. It is can be practiced by experienced practitioners and beginners as well.

This pose helps in maintaining good nervous system and makes the spine flexible. By practicing this posture one can enjoy both emotional and physical benefits. And it will also help you prepare for more and more back bending exercises.

Technique:
Place a mat on the floor and lie-down on your back. Slowly bend your knees and get the feet closure to your butt. With the hip width apart place your feet on the mat.
Get your palms aligned with your hips facing downwards. Lie down in a supine position facing towards the roof with a stretched neck.

Benefits:

Stretching exercise for hips, neck, spine, and chest strengthens the spinal muscles, hamstrings, buttocks and back muscles.
This pose helps in controlling the central nervous system, and acts as a remedy to depression.
It enhances digestive system and stimulates abdominal organs.
It gives relief to women suffering from menopausal symptoms.
The back-bend poses help reduce the headache and back pain.
Doing the pose before going to bed, can get you some sleep at night, even if you have insomnia.
Like many other poses, it also improves your blood circulation.
It may be beneficial in curing hypertension, clog sinus, asthma and osteoporosis.
It gives work to quads, hamstrings and calves.
It provides relief against abdominal cramps.
This exercise will help in healing the prolapsed uterus, and it also controls the menstrual flow.

Cautions:
These exercises should not be performed in case of neck or knee injury.
Never try this pose during pregnancy.
It is always recommended to perform under the guidance of a trainer.
Please consult a doctor in-case of injury or back pain.

Yoga Blankets

2009-11-02T12:21:14Z

Are you bored performing the yoga asanas in the same old place? Then hold on, there is something that will refresh your yoga studio, and that is Fiesta Mexican Blankets. They are bright and designed to add colors to your studio.

These blankets can be perfectly used for various poses like sarvangasana – the shoulder stand, savasana – the corpse pose and sirsasana the headstsand. Your blankets will keep you warm and comfortable while performing the asanas.

These blankets are in the size of 50″ by 70″, which will be good enough to use on the floor, it occupies less space and gives more comfort.

Some people are allergic to blankets, that are made up of woolen, keeping that in mind the Fiesta Mexican Blankets are designed with the mixture of cotton (10%), polyester (40%) and acrylic (50%).

The quality of all these together makes the blanket tougher and long lasting. You need not worry about the uninvited dust that accumulates on the blanket, because these blankets are washable and can be roughly used.

The polyester and acrylic makes them more resilient and they are felt soft with the blend of cotton.
These blankets are wool-free and will not create an allergic reaction in yoga practitioners, those who are allergic to wool.
Brightens up your yoga studio or home with a variety of colors.
They are thick, soft and warm
Hand Made In Mexico, Machine Washable
Measures approximately 74″ long and 54″ wide
High Quality, yet affordable
They are designed in variety of colors and patterns

Benefits of Dwi Pada Dandasana

2009-10-29T05:00:08Z

Dwi Pada Dandasana, is a very difficult asana to start off with. It requires a lot of practice for any person to expertise in it. Do not perform this pose until and unless you establish good grip over back bending. Initially, one can start with Ustrasana, which is called as the (the Camel Pose).

It is always recommended to perform the poses under the guidance of a trainer, especially those who have never tried yoga and who are less flexible.

Benefits:

Heart opening pose, with physical and emotional effects
Expands and opens chest to a great extent
Make room between vertebrae in back-bends
This pose gives complete body stretching exercises
This Pose inspires many glands and organs: thyroid, pineal, pituitary and adrenal glands.
Improves respiration and blood circulation by providing space in the lungs.
Enhance shoulder and spine flexibility
Strengthens and energizes the whole body
Builds self confidence
Develops dignity and silence of mind.

Safety Measures:

Do not perform Dwi Pada Dandasana, or the two legged exercises, if you are undergoing any of the following problems.
Slip disc problems or Spinal nerve damage
Chronic shoulder dislocations
During Pregnancy
In case of retina problems
Uncontrollable high blood pressure

You have to self-judge on how good you are performing yoga poses. If you experience severe pain during the pose, then it’s a sign to stop and relax.
Never try these poses without proper guidance

Yoga for Health – Dwi Pada Dandasana

2009-10-29T04:24:16Z

Meaning: The word Dwi Pada Dandasana is derived from the sanskrit language. DWI means two, Pada is foot, danda is a staff, and asana means posture or pose in yoga.

This particular asana is considered as a very important asana in yoga, as it helps in curing several health issues.

Backbends or back exercises create flexibility in the spine and according to the yogis a flexible spine is associated with long life.

Technique: Place a mat on the floor and lie on your back. Bend your knees and draw the feet towards the hips to keep the ankles under your knees. Get your legs and feet together. Take the arms over the head, bend at the elbows, and get the palms down, where the shoulders are positioned.

If you feel tight in the chest or shoulders, you may place your palms slightly wider then the shoulder. Make sure your pelvis bends forward a bit to keep the natural arch at the lower back.

To move into the back arch, one has to raise the pelvis up from the floor. Any person practicing this asana should keep in mind several important things. One cannot move his pelvis you he likes. If wrongly done, it leads to several complications.

Wrong back bending can lead to “crunching” which allows the vertebral column to damage and pressurize on the cartilage present between them. This negative movement can lead to severe back injury.

To avoid crunching maintain space between the vertebrae in your lower back during the act. While moving the pelvis upwards, make sure it is tilted a bit and constantly move the coccyx bone “up and through” your buttocks. Keep this action throughout the session. This is a constant pelvic tilt.

Avoid the separation of the knees while doing the pose. Keep them at a distance of hip-width and don’t let them turn out.
Turn the outer thighs up and inner thighs down throughout.
Keeping all the above points in mind, raise your pelvis up and keep it in forward motion towards the feet.

Plus size yoga clothing:

2009-10-24T04:50:07Z

Comfort breathing is the key factor in clothing for today’s plus size woman. Your daily activities could be using a treadmill, running on the race tracks or golf course. But to move or run confidently, you need to have a good quality pair of clothes. About which one doesn’t need to worry about irritation or chafing. Thus buying quality clothes with flexibility makes a wiser decision.

To enjoy these routine exercises, you need to consider plus size yoga clothes. These clothes are specially made to improve the movement of your body.

Danskin v-neck
The plus size v-neck t-shirt is unique in its quality and material. It is created in soft comfort cotton with a little of spandex to give a smooth finish.

Danskin wide leg:
The new and trendy wide leg pant is a mixture of spandex and comfy fleece, which offers great flexibility in movement. The wide waistband provides an added comfort.

Bike shorts:
There is an eleven inch inseam for absolute comfort and coverage. These bike shorts are designed for perfect fit and performance.

Baseball style:
This athletic free size baseball top is ideal for all your sport activities. Wear it along your plus size bike shorts, sneakers, or with your favorite capris, and then you can get on to your treadmill.

Bra-workout wear style:
Sports bra is doing well in the market for its style, comfort and fit. The quality stitching is used to make this bra adaptable. You can use it under your top as a substitute to the plus size bra..