Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Benefit of Yoga - Fight or Flight?

Medical conditions can be vastly improved through the benefit of yoga. yoga can lessen the negative effects of such conditions as lung disease, Parkinson's, insomnia, high blood pressure multiple sclerosis, and even joint pain. The benefit of yoga is being recognized today as a viable alternative not only by the yoga community, but by many medical doctors.

stress is the leading cause in many illnesses today. An astonishing factor in today's world is noted by the Surgeon General who estimates that "80 percent of the people who die of non traumatic causes actually die of stress diseases". In this fast paced world, it is little wonder that people are turning to alternative solutions.

The use of the benefit of yoga is just one such solution. Since stress is developed in the mind, it is only natural that conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, several auto-immune diseases, some types of diabetes mellitius, some cardio-vascular diseases, and irritable bowel syndrome would be at the forefront of human conditions and the quality of life today.

Outside stress is reflected in the reaction of our nervous system. The input stimuli, known as "Fight or flight" affects both our metabolism and well being. When faced with danger, whether real or imagined, the mind prepares the body for execution of one of these two conditions. Manifestation is in the form of increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and the shutting down of unnecessary bodily functions, such as digestion. All systems are focused on one of two things - either "flight" or "fight." Breathing becomes shallow, muscles tense in anticipation of action, and blood flow to vital organs is decreased. The digestive and elimination process shuts down. This can be a good thing - our body is prepared to defend itself.

However, problems arise when this condition is long term. The "flight or fight" scenario is only meant to be a very short term event. One can see that long term exposure to this situation will have very adverse effects on the body. yoga can change that.

In nature, the countermeasure for "fight or flight" is known as the "relaxation response" or parasympathetic nervous system. The main nerves of the parasympathetic system are the tenth cranial nerves, or the vagus nerves. They originate in the medulla oblongata. Parasympathetic stimulation causes a slowing down of the heartbeat, lowering of blood pressure, increased blood flow to the skin and viscera, and peristalsis of the GI tract - the exact opposite of "fight or Flight" symptoms. yoga induces this response by teaching the pupil to breathe deeply and relax muscles. The benefit of yoga is clear. The body recovers faster, and the harmful effects of stress are reduced.

yoga subscribes to the theory that by using breathing and relaxation techniques, the harmful effects of stress on the body can be eliminated, or at the very least greatly reduced. Through meditation and calming of the spirit, yoga teaches us to face the situation of "fight or flight" from a threat to a challenge. One is able through practice to focus on finding a solution, rather than creating an immediate response to the stimuli. One learns to be proactive, and take care of the stressors in their lives.

The benefit of yoga is undeniable. By utilizing the techniques of this ancient practice, anyone can achieve the balance and harmony so needed in their lives. Remember, however, that just one thing is not the solution to all of life's problems. By combining yoga with the miracles of modern medicine and traditional healing remedies, the average person in today's world will enjoy a longer, happier life.

Alden Smith is a published and award winning author who has built the website http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com to inform and educate the person wishing to learn more about the benefit of yoga.

Christian Yoga Videos

Now that I have to Eat Salads, Any Suggestions?

When people resolve to lose weight, they know snacks and junk foods will have to be eliminated and replaced with salads and fruit. In order to stay on such a dietetic resolution it is imperative that the meals be enjoyed.

Of course, its easy as pie to peel a banana or grab an apple and enjoy the delicious flavors of these and several other fruits without the hassle of preparation. However, everyone knows that we still need our vegetables as some nutrients which may be lacking in fruits are very much more present in these substances.

Moreover, when it comes to weight loss, as we detoxify with exercise and diet, it is imperative that the body is nourished and provided with as much essential substances as possible to maintain adequate health and wellness. These are abundant in green leaves and vegetables and in addition to this; these substances possess the fibrous qualities to serve as intestinal brooms for ridding the body of excess debris.

But how many people do you know that just grab plain lettuce or cabbage and chew on these items like rabbits? Even if you came across someone so inclined, I bet you they wouldnt last long on such a practice. But still we need the vegetables. So how does one ensure to get them and enjoy them as we go on a weight loss diet?

Perhaps the tastiest and most creative way will be by eating salads. Now, to enjoy them and to be able to have fun making them on your own for saving money and knowing exactly what is in your meal, here are some tips and recipes that should come in handy.

Ensure to chop the base vegetables all to the same size to allow the flavors to intermingle. When making for the whole family you can double the ingredients in the recipes and increase the vegetables.

Great choices for base vegetables for salads are Lettuce, Cabbage and Kale. You can augment these with fruit vegetables like Cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes etc or root vegetables like carrots or plain celery.

For a dressing, you can use any choice of the following to enjoy your salads while you go on a diet for weight loss

Tom-Avo

-2 organic Roma or Hot House tomatoes
-2 big Avocadoes (pitted)
-2 tsp orange juice (freshly squeezed) 2 oz of water
Serving Suggestion: Chop some Red Cabbage say a cup or less finely and sprinkle into the soup

The Real Ranch Dressing:

-2 medium sized tomatoes
-2 young coconuts
-1/2 tsp of salt
-6 organic sun dried tomatoes
-I stalk of Celery
-1 tbs of lemon juice (optional)
Blend all and use as a dressing for a lettuce based salad. (Note: I recommend using one base leafy vegetable at a time, if desired a fruit veggie like cucumbers or organic bell peppers can be used along with shredded carrots)

Guacamole:

-2 avocadoes
-2 medium tomatoes
-1/2 orange
-Sea salt to taste
Process everything in your food processor. I would say this can be an excellent first food for a child in the evenings. Serve in lettuce leaves or largely cut cabbage leaves a la Tortilla chips and dips.

Dress Down Dressing:

-1/2 lemon
-2-3 avocadoes
-Sea Salt to taste
-1/2 cup water

With the suggestions above, now that you may have to include more salads and vegetables into your diet for a safe and healthy weight loss, these delicious recipes will ensure that you not only enjoy how you make your meals but most importantly that they taste good. This way you can stay on your weight loss program and still not compromise tasty meals per-se.

Well, enjoy your salads and have fun working out later on.

Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com

For more information on Safe Weight Loss Tips, visit his website today.

Louise Pilates Solomons Yoga