NATURAL REMEDIES

WELCOME

2015-05-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my page on natural therapy...I personally believe these words"உடம்பால் அழியின் உயிரல் அழிவர் திறம்பட மெய்ஞானம் எய்தவும்மாடார் உடம்பை வளர்க்கும் உபாயம் அறிந்தே உடம்பை வளர்த்தேன் உயிர்வளரதேனே"-Thirumoolar

Meaning: "If we dont have a healthy body we cant have healthy mind realising this i am taking care of my body."-Thirumoolar

We injure our body with wrong food habits and lifestyle that results in some disease. And doctors treat symptoms rather than the cause.These medicines ,which has side effects harms our body more.

My dad is a Siddha/ Aruveda doc and my Mom was good in Home remedy and Homeopathy(though she was not a doc). right from my childhood i grew up taking these types of medications . May be because of these things (Actually my PG major was Archaeology) I got into yoga and nature therapy. I have done DIP in Yoga and Natural Science(DYNS) and few certificate courses like Food and Nutrition and Clinical councelling.

I would like to share few therapies like...Yoga, Music,Laugh,Dance etc,which had helped me, my students and my dad's patients.

FRIENDS..THIS BLOG WAS CREATED TO SHARE THE KNOWLDGE WHICH I HAVE GAINED FROM SEVERAL TEACHERS,(yoga college, my dad, mom my grandpa)...SOME INFORMATIONS ARE FROM MY DAD'S BOOK AND YOGA BOOKS.YOU ARE WELCOME TO USE THESE FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE BUT PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE FOR OTHER PURPOSES .THIS IS COPY RIGHT PROTECTED. IF NECESSARY PLEASE DO GET PERMISSION.THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING.

MEXICAN MINT or KARPOORAVALLI or OMAVALLI

2011-03-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Karpooravalli /Omavalli or Mexican mint (as its known in US) is a perennial herb.It has flesh and aromatic leaves.Its very commonly found herb in chennai,India.

I remember my Amma giving me the juice of the leaves to me and my brother when we were kids for our cold. I don't think i liked it then ,but as i grew and started realising its value...i started eating it raw..

My appa used to tell its very good for sore throat and cough too.

I have also seen that they use this leaf as kashayam(tea) for indigestion.My father in law eats this for his bronchitis .

After i came here to US i saw one of my neighbour Make bajji using this leaf.. it tasted very good.Though the medically value may not be the same its nice way of taking the leaf for those who don't eating it raw.

Another common wonder herb in the list will follow...

TASTE AND HEALTH

2008-12-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

Taste buds play a very important roll in our food habits.some are sweet tooth and some love hot,spicy food.very few love bitter or astriengent ones, infact many dont even know these tastes.As far as i have seen mostly westerners are used to sweet, salty and little spicy food when compared to asians, who normally know all the 6 tastes.

According to Siddha/Ayurveda literature(Siddha is Dravidian version of Ayurveda) the food that we eat daily should contain all the so called six tastes to have complete nutrition i.e, SWEET,SOUR,SALTY,BITTER,HOT and ASTRINGENT.

Sweet taste is rich in fat,protein and carbohydrates items like root vegetables,fruits and cereal grains .Though this gives energy, builds tissues and calms nerves , in excess, it builds toxins and causes obesity.

Next comes sour taste it is normally found in fermented food and sour fruits. This helps Cleanse tissues, increases absorption of minerals etc .but according to Siddha medicine too much of this increases acidity.

Next in line is salty taste which is found in table salt and sea weed,which maintains proper metabolism, help cleanse the body and improves appetite and digestion. Excess salt can aggravate skin conditions, weaken the system, cause wrinkling of the skin and hair fall and premature greying .

Next taste is hot that's found in hot spices, like red pepper,ginger etc . Though this improves metabolism, appetite and digestion,in excess it causes burning sensation and increases body heat, sweating,and also cause peptic ulcer.

Bitter , many wouldn't have known .But this and the next taste to come(astringent) are high in vitamin and minerals.They are considered to be very healthy,but when had in right amount. It tones the organs, lightens tissues and detoxifies. Its found in some vegetable like bitter gaurd,greens, herbs and spices. Too much bitterness can cause dehydration. It can also Increase roughness, and dryness. Reduces bone marrow & semen.

The astringent taste is found in some herbs, legumes,some vegetables like banana flower,trunk,aththikai(sorry dont know english name) etc. It is said to absorbs water, tightens tissues. In excess, it causes dryness and thirst thus weakening and causing constipation .

As you have see nothing in excess is good. there is a saying in Tamil" alavukku minjina amruthamum visham"meaning even excess of nectar (one that makes us immortal) becomes poison.

NOTE:NO IDEA IN THIS IS SCIENTIFICALLY SUPPORTED.BUT THIS INFORMATION IS BASED ON SIDDHA LITERATURES.

CHAKKI CHALASANA

2008-11-12T08:43:00.001-08:00

Chakki is appliance used in villages.It has 2 round stones to grind the grains to a powder .Chakki chalasana means ,one that is like grinding(using the the chakki)grain using chakki.Hope i am clear!!!

METHOD:

1)Sit with legs stretched and arms stretched.

2)Interlock the fingers(hand).

3)Make horizontal circular motion with arms.i.e,lean forward as far as possible(so that closed palms comes around the big toe) and move back as far as possible(but do not let the spin touch the ground),Also move the body (waist) in circular motion.(you can feel all the abdomen muscles working)

4)Repeat this 10-15 in both clockwise and anti clockwise direction.

EFFECTS:

1)Abdomen and pelvis area are toned.

2)Also helps regulate menstrual cycle.

TIPS:Keep the elbows straight while doing this exercise.

THITHALI ASANA

2008-11-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

BUTTERFLY POSE

Another favorite asana of kids.Its fun to do asana.Though some kids find it difficult to do this initially because of tight inner thighs(groin)

METHOD:

Sit with legs stretched in front.
Bend the knees and place the soles of both the feet together in such a way that they are close to the body.
Hold the foot with the hand interlocking the fingers.
Bring the knees down to the ground and then up.(this action looks like flying butterfly wings)

EFFECTS:

Strectches inner thighs(groin)
Brings mobility to hip joints.

NOTE:Initially some may find it difficult .They can start doing half Butterfly pose .ie, placing one foot above the other leg's thigh .

VYAGRASANA

2008-11-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

TIGER POSE

When i used to work in school as yoga teacher ,this was one among the kids favorite poses.They loved roaring like lion when doing the second part of the pose.... METHOD:

Sit in vajrasana and come to kneeling position just like cat pose.
Inhale and stretch the right leg back,in such a way that its parallel to the ground.
Then bend the right knee and point the toes towards the head and raise the chin high.

Now exhale and bring the knee under the chest.
Lower the chin so that the nose touches the knee.
Repeat this process about 5-6 times and then practise with the other leg.

BENEFITS:

This excersises the spine.
Tones reproductive organs.
Reduces excess fat in hip,abdomen and thighs.
Stretches abdominal muscles.

MARJARI ASANA

2008-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Marjariasana(CAT pose) Our sages ,observed the nature around them named may asanas with their names.This is another pose which i love doing.This helps me a lot to when i get my back pain. METHOD:

Sit in vajrasana and come to kneeling position.

Place the hands on floor.

Inhale deeply and pull abdomen down towards the ground and raise the head up.
Then exhale deeply and slowely arch the back(spine) up ,pulling the abdomen up .
Bend the neck down towards chest.

Repeat this about 10-12 times.

BENEFITS:

Tones reproductive organ.
Helps relieve back pain.
Increases flexibility of neck shoulders and spine.

HEALING MUDRAS

2008-11-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

MUDRAS are easy to do but often not given much importance.Mudras, the science of hand and finger postures, can help you to cure bodily ailments . Very similar as accupressure. Its called 'MUDRA VIGYAN'. Hey!We r not going to strain ourself or no side effects why not give it a try. I would like to say about some of the mudras that i have learnt. Starting with:

LINGA MUDRA

Cross-link all fingers of both hands keeping thumb straight. This Increases fire element in the body and Very useful in cold, phlegm and cough ailments

SURYA MUDRA

Reduces weight of your body. Put the tip of ring finger at the base of thumb, with thumb gently pressing on it .Can keep our hand in this position when v r free watching TV.No hard workouts. Y not give it a try.

CANT EXPECT IMMEDIATE RESULTS AS HARD WORK OUTS.

MRITU SANJIVINI MUDRA

Heart problems For people with heart problems, this divine Mudra provides instant relief within few seconds.Its first Aid for Heart Problems.Place the tip of the fore finger at the base of the thumb Touch the tip of the middle and ring finger with the thumb. little fingure should be staright.

NOTE: This is not substitute for medicine.PLEASE TAKE MEDICAL ADVICE.It doesnt cure heart disease.it just helps as a first aid.(not proved scientifically)But u can be sure it doesnt have any side effects.

HALASANA

2008-11-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

This is my yoga teacher Malathy's, (who was also my very good friend)favorite asana.For some unknown reason i too love doing this pose.SHe told me it was very good for utreus and thyroid. METHOD:

Lie flat on back with palms on sides.
Raise both the legs above the head and slowely bring it down to back of the head to touch the ground.

Note: keep the legs straigh and support the back with hands if need.

BENEFITS:

It is said to be good for diabetes as it rejuvenates pancrease .
Regulates adrenaline.
streches spine

CAUTION:

Maintain this pose for 3-4 seconds initially.
Dont force to touch the ground with foot initially.
Consult your doctor before trying and have proper guidence when begining for the first time.

PAWANAMUKTHASANA

2008-11-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

(pictures from Bihar school of yoga) This was the first yoga pose that i learnt .My dad taught me this pose long before when i was a kid. I used to have problems because of constipation and gas. so he used to tell me to do this pose immediately before i got up from my bed. METHOD:

Lie flat on your back.
Fold the legs and hold the knee and pull them slowly towards chest,while exhaling.
Inhaling relax the knee.
Repeat this process for about 10 times.
Stretch the legs and relax.

BENEFITS:

Release gas from stomach and intestine.
Massages abdominal organ.
Benefits lumber spine and muscles

SURYA NAMASKAR

2008-11-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Surya namaskar, as the name suggest its sun salutation.Its a dynamic work out designed by our ancestors for those who complain lack of time for their exercise. Surya namaskar is sequence of 12 poses .The alternative movements of forward and backward bending gives a profound stretch to entire body.In short its a whole body workout in 15 minutes.One full round of surya namaskar consists of performing two sets of this series.
Synchronizing the breath with the movements of the body is what makes this unique. The basic breathing principle is to inhale during backward bending postures and exhale during forward bending postures.
SURYA NAMASKAR SEQUENCE:
I)PRANAMASANA:

Stand straight facing east with palms in prayer pose near the chest.
Inhale and exhale normally.

II)HASTA UTTHANASANA:

Slowly raise the arms above the head inhaling.
Keeping arms separated arch back bending the head back.

III)PADAHASTASANA:

Exhaling bend forward and place(try to) the palms on the floor beside the foot.(do not bend the knee while bending)

IV)ASHWA SANCHALASANA:

Inhaling deeply stretch the right leg back as far as possible and bend the left knee.
Arch back and look up.

V)PARVATASANA:

Exhaling, Slowly stretch the left leg back,such that the heels of both the legs are no the ground.
And also raise the buttocks and lower the head .

VI)ASHTANGA NAMASKARA:

Lower the knees, chest and the chin to the ground in such a way that only toe,knee,chest hands and chin touches the ground.
exhale and inhale normally for of times.

VII)BHUJANGASANA:

Inhaling slowly lower buttocks and hip to the ground.
Place the Palm on the ground and arch back bending the head back.

VIII)PARVATASANA:

Raise buttocks while exhaling (without moving hands and feet).

IX)ASHWA SANCHALASANA:

Bring the left foot front between the hands and lower the right knee and stretch back while inhaling.
Arch back and look up.

X)PADAHASTASANA:

Exhale and bring left foot front near the right and straighten the knees.

XI)HASTHA UTTHANASANA:

Inhaling raise the body and stretch the arms above head and arch back with head bending back.

XII)PRANAMASANA:

Exhale bring the arms in front of chest to prayer pose and stand straight and relaxed.
Breath normally.

BENEFITS :

Synchronizing breath and physical movements stimulates muscles, joints,glands and internal organs.
Pranamasana helps concentration and awareness.
Hastha uthanasana opens lungs and stretches abdominal area .
Padahastasana improves digestion and reduces abdominal fat.
Aswa sanchalasana tones abdominal muscles and strengthens leg muscles.
Parvatasana strengthens nerves and muscles of arms legs and also stimulates circulation in upper spine.
Asthanganamaskar tones shoulder and neck muscles.
Bhujangasana is good for indigestion ,constipation,balancing hormones and also revitalises spinal nerves.

EKAPADASANA

2008-11-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

(pictures taken from Bihar school of yoga books)

EK-meaning 'One' ,PADA-Leg

This is one of me favorite asana.I had always wondered what was so great about the pose when i saw the 'Bagirathan/Arjun thavam(thapas) sculpture in malabalipuram.

Normally elders in home used to say (in Tamil nadu) not to stand on one leg.But this sculpture is famous. and i have seen my mom pray in this pose for more than half hr.I didn't know the reason and meaning behind all this till i started DYNS(diploma in yoga and natural science).

This asana might look very simple and easy... but don't go with your eyes... its not that easy until you concentrate.

METHOD:

1)Stand erect and raise one leg and place the foot on the other legs thigh.

2)Raise the hands and place the plams in front of the chest or above the head in prayer position.

3)Fix the eye on one point .Hold in this pose as long as possible and then try with other leg.

EFFECTS:

1)This developes balance,equilibrium and concentration.

2)It also strengthens leg muscles.

After couple of practices try doing this pose with closed eyes.(which usually is tough without good concentration)

HERBS AND FOOD

2008-09-24T07:03:00.001-07:00

Nature has always been kind to us by providing us all her good things.Lot of plants around us help to maintain good health.Only thing is we have not recognised these plants or we have ignored their goodness.

I have noticed dogs,sometimes feed on grass(ARUGAM PUL)for digestion.This is just an example... There are lot more which i can say..

My dad,who is a naturopath and siddha doctor, have been doing lot of research on food and herbs and have written lot of books on this.I would like to share with you all my knowledge regarding this.I will keep posting about each herb or vegetable daily so... keep checking

Here are the list of some of the herbs that i know which are commonly used as home remedies .Some of their properties have also been described in ancient Siddha -Ayurveda books.Though many have not been proved by the scientific society it has been used widely as home remedy by many.

First to come to my mind was THIRUNEETRU PACHILAI/KRISHNA TULASI/SWEET BASIL.This is one of my favourite herb guess why???!!! It helped me to have a clear face during my adolescence.We used to make face cream using this herb.These days i heard some face creams using this herb are available in chennai.

SWEET BASIL: This is a small perennial plant that grows in warm climates. They look very much like basil except for the size of the leaves and the flavour.

Siddha literature talks a lot about its medicinal value like.. it reduces body heat,helps treat dysentery,white discharge etc. From my personal use i can say this really helps cure pimples and black marks on our face(we can either apply the juice or paste of the leaf on our face for a hour or so and wash the face) recent research shows the compounds in this plant have potent antioxidant, properties.

And one more things which i know from personal experience is snakes are scared to come near this plant..This happened long back... we used to get snakes(small ones) near our house and we used to have this plant in pots outside our house and when these snake enter this area they just stood frozen!!! they wouldn't go near this plant to hide.Then i was told that snakes don't go near this plant.

DISCLAIMER:

Article written here is based on personal experiences , siddha literatute and home remedies that have been in use for ages and have not been proven scientifically.

COLOURFUL LIFE

2008-08-30T14:10:00.001-07:00

When i saw this rainbow in Niagara ,my reaction was WOW!!!!Amazing!....Isn't that what we all feel when we see these beautiful colours?When we were kids we all loved to colour right? even now everyone are fascinated to see colourful things... food,dress,flowers.. we all want our life to be colourful.They bring happiness to us.

Colour Therapy has long recognised the strong health connection between the colours of food and their nutritional value, but it is only in the last few years that the scientific establishment has come to support this theory.Analysis of pigments reveals that colourful fruit and vegetables are not just visually appetising, but positively good for us because each colour is related to a different phyto-chemical that has particular health benefits. It is the colour pigments that are the real super nutrients and these are as important to our health as vitamins and minerals. Many of the pigments in vegetables, for example lycopene in tomatoes, beta carotene in carrots, and lutein in spinach, can act as antioxidants. Antioxidants have the ability to block or reduce damage from harmful free radicals produced in the body. Recent research from the World cancer Fund and Better Health Foundation has divided natural food into colour groups .Each color group has a unique combination of nutrients and phyto-chemicals that appear to be associated with specific health benefits, such as heart health, a healthy immune system, vision health, and risk reduction for some cancers. The Five Colour Food Groups are:

WHITE :Helps maintain heart health,cholesterol levels that are already healthy, lower risk of some cancers.

White, tan, and brown fruits and vegetables contain health-promoting allicin.

Foods like potatoes, cauliflower, white beans, chicken, white fish, tofu (white bean curd), parsnips, organic brown rice, onions, cottage cheese,garlic, ginger, mushrooms, white corn,turnips, white peaches should be included in our diet.

RED :Helps maintain a healthy heart,memory function,urinary tract health.

Red Fruits and veggis contain health-promoting lycopene and anthocyanins.

Include foods like Cherries, cranberries, watermelon, tomatoes, beets, radishes, red peppers, red onions, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, strawberries, salmon in daily diet.

GREEN :Helps lower risk of some cancers,helps vision health,strong bones and teeth

Green fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant, health promoting lutein and indoles.

Include a lot of green salad leaves, cucumber, spring onions, spinach, chinese leaves, green peppers, beans, peas, green lentils, kiwi fruit.Avocados, green apples, honeydew, artichokes, arugula, broccoli, celery, okra.

ORANGE/YELLOW :Helps maintain healthy heart,healthy vision , healthy immune system, lower risk of some cancers

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin C as well as carotenoids and bioflavonoids.

Include items like Apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, peaches, pineapples, carrots, yellow peppers,pumpkin, sweet corn, lemon. cheese, melons, orange peppers, oranges, yams, bananas, nuts, corn, split peas. BLUE/VIOLET/PURPLE:Helps lower risk of some cancers,maintain urinary tract health, Memory function an healthy Aging.

Blue/purple fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant , anti-aging and health-promoting phytos called antocyanins and phenolics

So...never forget to include foods like blackberries, blueberries, passion fruit, dates, purple grapes, raisins, plums, purple asparagus, eggplant, purple figs, purple cabbage.

As long as the food is fresh and organic it is better for us to have more colourful food .Introducing a range of colours into our main meal each day is a reliable way of making sure we have a balanced diet. For all the mothers who complain about their kids bad appetite......Try this ........Children love colour ,by looking for the different colours on their plate,encourage them to eat a greater variety of foods ,stimulate their appetite ,make eating more enjoyable.Remember...............no single substance or food will ward off illness.

DANCING OUR WAY

2008-08-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

Dance has been a part of human life since prehistoric times.It has been a part of self-expression, religious events and health in most cultures . My fathers uncle and guru,Devaraja thatha used to tell lot about dance of lord nataraja.I vaguely remember certain moves(not actually BHARATHANATIYAM moves but it was sort of like TAI CHI movements),which he taught me ,saying those were the movements used by great siddhars and it will keep us healthy. The therapeutic use of Dance was recognised only in 1940s by the western world.Dance therapy is using body movements to improve the mental and physical health of a person.It focuses on mind and body connection to promote health and healing. Scientific studies conducted to evaluate the effects of dance therapy on health, prevention, and recovery from illness suggest it is effective in improving self-esteem, and reducing stress,anxiety, and depression and also helps decrease isolation, chronic pain, and body tension.It also helps in increasing communication skills and feelings of well being.Some of the physical motions of dance therapy can be useful exercises that provide similar health benefits gained through exercise Dance movements send vibrations within the body which stimulate production of sex hormones, improve blood supply to the genital organs, relax the mind . Clinical reports shows physical activity increases special neurotransmitter substances in the brain (endorphins) which create a state of well being. A total body movement enhances the functions of other body systems, such as circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems. So... whats stopping guys.... lets dance to music and stay physically fit and enjoy our life.

BHUJANGASANA

2008-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Bhujanga-snake

METHOD:

1)Lie down on the stomach .

2)Place the hands(palms) down, under the shoulders on the floor.

3)Inhaling raise the chest and head, arching the back(without lifting the navel from the floor) .

4) Hold this pose for 15- 20 counts(breathing normally)

5)Then exhale and slowly lower the chest to the floor. Rest and then repeat couple of times.

BENEFITS:

1)Strengthens the spine , chest , shoulders, and abdomen .

2)Stimulates abdominal organs

3)Opens lungs and thus good for asthma.

4)Soothes sciatica

5)Beneficial for back ache

CAUTION:

1)Its better to avoid if there is back injury or Carpal tunnel syndrome .

2)Avoid during Pregnancy (can practice only with doctor recommendation and supervision)

SALABASANA

2008-05-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Salabam - Locust,Grasshopper.
METHOD:

1)Lie on stomach with your arms under the thighs, chin resting on the floor.

2)Raise the legs .

3)Breathe normally.

4)Stay for 30 counts, then bring down the legs with an exhalation. (Take a few breaths and repeat 1 or 2 times more if you like. )

BENEFITS:

1)Strengthens the muscles of the spine, buttocks,

2)Stretches the abdomen and thighs and stimulates abdominal organs

CAUTION:

1)Those having serious back injury or problem should avoid.

2)Those having neck problem should keep their forehead on the floor.

VAJRASANA

2008-05-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

VAJRAM - Thunderbolt,Diamond.

METHOD:

1)Fold the right leg and then the right leg join both the toes.

2)Sit on the space formed by the parted heels.

3)Place the palms on the knees.

4)Keep the spine, the neck and the head straight .

5)Continue normal breathing.

6)This asana can be maintained for a long time.

7)When realising from the pose,remove the palms from the knees and bring them to the sides.

8)Straighten both legs and sit in normal position.

BENEFITS:

1)This asana eliminates gas troubles and helps in digestion.

2)Along with the body, the mind also gets stabilized in this asana,and so it is preferred for meditation in this asana. Hence, it is preferred for meditation and concentration. This asana is also found to be good for Pranayama.

3)This asana could be performed just after meal to stimulate digestion.

VRIKSHASANA

2008-05-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

VRIKSHAM - Tree METHOD:

1)Inhale and lift both the arms above head and join the palms together.

2)Lift the heels and stand on the toes and Pull the hands upward as much as possible.

3)Continue normal breathing.

4)Hold in this position for couple of minutes

5)Then exhaling bring both the hands down to the sides.

6)Bring the heels on the floor and take up standing position.

BENEFITS:

1)All the muscles are stretched and then relaxed,which helps to remove muscular strains.

2)This asana also increase height in children.

JANUSIRASASANA

2008-05-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

JANU -KNEE and SIRAS - HEAD.

METHOD:

1)Sit on the floor and stretch your left leg straight .Fold your right knee, and place the foot against the inner left thigh.

2)Turn your body to left.

3)Keep your hands beside the body.

4)Inhale and lift hands above head .

5)Exhale and bend forward and try to hold left leg toe with both the hands.

6)Breathe slow and steady.

7)Remain in the pose till 10 to 20 counts.

8)Inhale slowly lift the hands and bring body back to straight position.

9)Stretch the right leg and relax.

10)Repeat the same with right leg.

BENEFITS:

1)Stretches the spine, back muscles and hamstrings.

2) Massages and stimulates internal organs like the liver and kidneys and improves digestion .

3) Helps relieve symptoms of menopause.

4) Therapeutically said to be good for high blood pressure, diabetes.

CAUTION:

DO NOT FORCE YOURSELF TO BEND.

PASCHIMOTHASANA

2008-05-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

METHOD:

1)Sit on the ground with legs stretched.

2) Place the hands down.

3)Inhale slowly and deeply.

4)Raise the hands over the head.

5)Exhale and slowly bend forward at the waist and hold the toes with the hands and try to touch your knee with the head.

6)Breath normally and hold in this position till 10 to 15 counts.

7)Inhale slowly and return back to normal sitting position.

BENEFITS:

1)The whole body is getting streched.

2)The internal parts in the abdominal area like lungs, intestines and other glands functioning are improved.

CAUTION:

1)Donot force yourself to bend.

2)Those having Spine, neck problem consult doctor before doing this asana.

YOGA MUDRA

2008-05-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

METHOD:

1)Sit in Padmasana.

2) Inhale and take both the hands back and interlock them.

3)Exhale and bend the waist and try to touch the ground with the forehead .After bending breathe normally. (Initially Count till 15-20 after some practice this duration can be increased)

4)Inhaling straighten the waist and bring the hands to front.

BENEFITS:Since the Waist is bent there is tremendous pressure on abdominal parts ie, intestines, liver, spleen, etc., and this improves their functioning .

CAUTION: Bending should be done slowly .People with back problem ,cesection or any operation in abdominal area should practice this only after consulting doctor .

UTHITHA PADMASANA

2008-05-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

'Uthitha'meaning Raised...Raised padmasana/lotus .

METHOD:

1)Sit in padmasana and keep arms on sides,touching the ground.

2)Exhale, and inhailing, lift the whole body (supported by the hands) and breathe normally.Hold this pose for 10-20 counts.

3)Keep the eye sight ahead and fixed.

4)Inhale, and exhaling, get the body on the floor slowly.

BENEFITS:Along with the advantages of Padmasana it has good effect on the muscles of the body spl arms.

NOTE: Donot Hold the breath when lifting or when staying in postion. Since the whole body is balanced by the hands, donot strain by increasing duration.

PADMASANA

2008-05-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

PADAMASANA (Padma means lotus in Sanskrit)is a cross-legged sitting posture.

METHOD:

1)Stretch both the legs .

2)Bend right leg and keep the right foot on the left thigh

3)Take the left foot with both hands, gently keep it over the crossed right leg's thigh.

4)Keep the hands on the knees in Dyana mudra

This posture is good for Pranayam, Meditation & concentration.

BENEFITS:

1)This pose keeps the spine erect and helps develop a good posture .

2)Helps keep the joints in flexible condition

Note :Keep the backbone straight and breath normally.

KAPALAPATHI

2008-05-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Next in our pranayama series is KAPALAPATHI. Though this is one among the pranayama types it is one of the 'Shat Kriyas'(6 cleaning process) 'Kapala' in Sanskrit means skull. and 'Bhati' means to shine. The term 'Kapalabhati' means an exercise that cleanses the skull and make it glow !!!. METHOD: 1)Sit on Padmasana. Keep the hands on knees. Close the eyes. 2)Inhale slowly (but should be long ) 3)Quickly and forcibly exhale immediately by contracting the abdominal muscles with a backward push. Again when inhaling, release the abdominal muscles. 4)Repeat this 4 to 8 times (one cycle) .Continue 3 to 5 cycles . 5)Relax and take few slow deep breath in between the cycles Note:Some people bend their heads when doing fast breathing but personally i feel this will hurt their neck. BENEFITS : It cleanses the respiratory system and the nasal passages. The circulatory and respiratory systems are toned. CAUTION:Stop the practice if u feel pain or strain. Persons with weakness, poor lung , high or low BP, suffering from eye or ear complaints etc should not attempt this pranayama. IT IS BETTER TO PRACTISE THIS UNDER SUPERVISION AND DOCTORS CONSULTATION.

OM

2008-05-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

In India ,we have for a long time known that the power of sound and music affects our emotions,which ultimately affects our bodies. Right from our birth ( Thalattu/lulluby)till death(oppari/death song) there are songs and music in our life.

Everything in this universe is vibrational in nature.Modern science says that every tissue, cell etc of our body vibrates in a specific frequency, this shows that sound does have some effect on our mind and body.

Many of us must have seen beating of drums in the temple ...when walking on fire or when someone is possessed(chotani karai),When we listen to a music our hands or foot starts to tap unconsciously.so.... why all this?This must have a reason behind.

I would to love share some of my views about this Miracle of sounds.

First to come in this Healing sound section is the PRANAVAM...The very begining...AUMKARA

Chanting the Mantra OM can cure the root cause of major disease .i.e, it activates major glands in our body and keeps us healthy.

1)Sit in comfortable position. 2)Close eyes and take deep breath . 3)Exhaling start chanting "Ahhhhhh UHoooooo Mmmmmmm"its AUM and not OM. As we begin, the “AH” vibrates and resonates in abdomen then to heart. As we continue with the sound, we resonate the “OH” in the throat. We conclude this sound with the “MMM” resonating in our forehead and finally at the top of the head. If we concentrating on this vibration we can see that almost the whole endocrine system gets activated by this vibration .This helps lower the heart rate, relax the brain wave patterns and reduce respiratory rates and keeps us healthy.

Note:reference from my Dad's book.. IYARKKAI MARUTHUVAM(Natural remedies)

ALTERNATIVE BREATHING

2008-04-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

Breathing naturally alternates from one nostril to the next automatically.This may suprise many...as breathing is automatic process,we dont really care about it.Normally only when we suffer from congestion in one nostril, we realise this. "புள்ளினும் மிக்க புரவியை மேற்கொண்டாற்கள்ளுண்ண வேண்டாந் தானே களிதருந்துள்ளி நடப்பிக்குஞ் சோம்பு தவிர்ப்பிக்கும்உள்ளது சொன்னோம் உணர்வுடை யோருக்கே"-Thirumoolar According to Thirumoolar-If we practise pranayama ,it will give us the pleasure of intoxicating wine,will make u brisk and energetic. According to our Yogis , our breath will alternate between nostrils about every two hours(in a healthy person).Though the science agree with this but the timing between the change differs. According to the yogis, if breath continues to flow in one nostril for more than two hours, it will effect on our health. so they have designed this techinque of ALTERNATE BREATHING,which clears any blockage to air flow in the nostrils and reestablishes the natural nasal cycle.

ALTERNATIVE BREATHING:

1)Sit in a comfortable position.Close your eyes. 2)Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Inhale till 4 counts. 3)Now close the left nostril with ring finger (remove your thumb from the right nostril) and exhale through left nostril.Exhale till 8 counts. 4)Now inhale through the right nostril till 4 counts. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril till 8 counts. This completes one full round of alternative breathing.

CAUTION: PLZ do not do if you if your nasal passages are blocked .

ABDOMINAL BREATHING

2008-04-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

Abdominal breathing means breathing fully from your abdomen or from the bottom of your lungs. (To check if your are breathing corrtecly and exercising your lungs enough...place your hand on your abdomen and see if it rises each time you inhale.If it does its the right way. ) ABDOMINAL BREATHING: 1. Place one hand on your abdomen right beneath your rib cage. 2. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose into the bottom of your lungs. Your chest should move only slightly, while your stomach rises, pushing your hand up. 3. When you’ve inhaled fully, pause for a moment and then exhale fully . NOTE: Try to keep your breathing smooth and regular throughout.Exhalation is longer than inhalation. its in the ratio 1:2

REVERSE AGING (PRANAYAMA)

2008-04-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

"PRANAN(LIFE)"-OUR BREATH.Our respiratory sysytem is another amazing unit in our body factory.We breath 13 pints of air every min i.e,appox 7 liters.And a health person at rest breaths 12-15 times per min.Isnt that amazing!!! BUT R WE BREATHING PROPERLY???? Well....... we all know how to breathe.This is something that occurs naturally without one being aware of it.It may sound stupid if someone told us how to breathe but we develop unhealthy wrong way of doing this because of our wrong posture, life style, pollution etc,and as time goes.... it becomes a part of our normal lifestyle. But what if its wrong...as long as we r breathing???!!! Everyone knows that the brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. If the brain does not gets proper supply of oxygen, it will result in the degradation of all vital organs in the body.If our breathing is too shallow ,quick, our intake of oxygen will be less than the elimination of carbon dioxide. As a result, our bodies are oxygen starved, and a toxic build-up occurs. Every cell in the body requires oxygen for our good health.Even as far back as 1947, work done in Germany showed that when oxygen was withdrawn, normal body cells could turn into cancer cells.An editorial in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine suggested that fast, shallow breathing can cause fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, stomach upsets, heart bum, gas, muscle cramps, dizziness, visual problems, chest pain and heart palpitations.Increasing the amount of oxygen in your system through proper breathing will improve in the quality of our bloodstream, enhancing digestion, improve health of the nervous system and rejuvenate glands, skin and lungs. apart from all these taking a few deeps breaths is a great way to relieve stress,lower the heart rate , relax the muscles and reduce excessive anxiety levels. So.... what the right way???.... how to increase the level of oxygen intake???....simple..... lets start with ABDOMINAL BREATHING..... Hey, one last word... to stay young...Scientists have also discovered that oxygen is critical for the production of ATP(chemical basis of energy production in the body is a chemical called Adenosine Triphosphate -ATP). If something goes wrong with the production of ATP, the result is lowered vitality, disease and PREMATURE AGING .so... now u know how to be a Margandeyan(boy who got boon from lord shiva to stay young always)

ASANAS

2008-04-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Asana- meaning seated position in Sanskrit is described in 3rd tantra of 'Thirumoolar Thirumandiram'.According to patanjali STHIR SUKAM ASANAM i.e a position that is firm but relaxed and comfortable.

Asana focuses on increasing the strengh various parts of the body like muscles,nerves etc.

Asana is different from other forms of physical exercise.

1)It not only works on outer parts of the body like muscles but also on inner organs like endocrine,circulatory,reproductive.digestive and respiratory systems by increasing blood flow to all the parts of our internal organs. 2)Unlike exercise it doesn't involve speedy movements, but instead very slow and steady movements. 3)Asana done along with pranayama helps achieve relaxation which reduces stress & strain. 4)Since the movements are slow and steady very few calories are consumed during our practice and we wont feel hungry as we do after doing exercise.

Many movements and postures from basic asanas have been incorporated into modern exercises in form of stretches and warm ups.

According to saint Thirumoolar there are more than 64,000 asanas..

i quote"பத்திரங் கோமுகம் பங்கயங் கேசரிசொத்திரம் வீரஞ்f சுகாதனம் ஓரேழு(1) முத்தம மாமுது ஆசனம் எட்டெட்டுப்பத்தொடு நூறு பலஆ சனமே(1) முத்த மயூரமுது"

Note the lines.."எட்டெட்டுப் பத்தொடு நூறு பலஆ சனமே".எட்டெட்டுப் (8 times of 8- 64 or 2times 8 -16 or 8 , 80 hundred???)

(Bhadra, Gomukha, Padma and Simha,Svastika, Veera, and SukhaThese seven are asanas eminent and ancient;Numerous as, eight, eighty and hundred, however,Are asanas in all reckoned. )

so...it is impossible to establish a complete and exact set of yoga postures.But there are few postures which are basic enough to keep us fit and health.Basically these postures can be classified into:

1)Standing poses

2)Sitting poses

3)Supine poses

4)Prone poses

5)Balancing poses

6)Twisted poses

Apart from these there are Sukshma vyayama or subtle exercise

I would like to share few of those which i have learnt and practised all along.

GET...SET...GO....

2008-04-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Best time to practise yoga is early morning .It is said Yoga practised early morning is good for pitta . But we can also practise yoga in the evening....Sandhyakaalam. it is said that parctising in the evening is good for vatha.
Asanas has to be practised in empty stomach or 3-4 hrs after meal or 1-2 hrs after light snacks.
Empty bowels and bladder before starting.
Wear comfortable light ,loose clothings.
Practising bare feet is more effective or may be just socks.
Do in a well ventilated place.
Practice on a mat or towel/carpet .facing east ,preferably.
Start with warmups (as some may feel muscles stiff in the morning.)
Never force your body into a posture . when you are holding a pose, check the body to see if you can feel tension building up anywhere. If you do, consciously try to relax that tension using the breathing and relaxing that area.
avoid asana's during menstural period or illness.
Last but not least ... if u have any disease... plz consult the doctor before doing asanas.

Note:Pranayama and Meditation can be practised any time ,any where,by anyone. but in clean enviornment

2008-04-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

People have started giving differnt names depending on their style.But i feel the very basis... Yama , Niyama are totally ignored and more emphasize is on Asana, Pranayama and Dharana(in the name of Dhayana).Yoga has now become business.... Asana's are seen as Acrobatic act...and most hurting part for me is Dhayana... they dont get the right meaning.....i dont want to hurt anyone but people who say they have reached greater level in dhayana dont act like that.I know and have see people who have really achieved this stage.....they r different... they dont say that they have achieved the stage... What i strongly feel is lot of us have skipped prathyahara(sensory with drawal) and moved on to dharana (concentration) stage , which cannot really be achieved without prathyahara.

YOGA

2008-04-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

The word "YOGA" came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "Yoke or to unite or to control."Yoga is about the union of a our body and mind.Breathing is the connecting link between the body and the soul.To put it in simple words The cart( body)is attached to a bullock(mind)by a special chain (breath)attached to yoke. Ancient Yogis beleived that for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he has to integrate the body, the mind, and the soul.They achieved this through exercise(asanas), breathing(pranayama), and Meditation- the three main Yoga structures. HISTORY OF YOGA:
The roots of Yoga can be traced as long as 5000 years back. During archeological excavations made in the Indus valley, a seal with a figure sitting in a traditional cross-legged yoga pose with its hands resting on its knees was discovered. The seal’s discoverer, archeologist Sir John Marshall, named the figure Shiva Pasupathi. Among the literary evidence "The Bhagavad Gita" (about 500 B.C) is the most well known and popular work but it has very little to do with the physical aspect of yoga.But speaks about KARMA YOGA (yoga of service ),GYANA YOGA(yoga of knowledge, particularly self-knowledge)and BHAKTI YOGA( yoga of devotion) Next book considered as bible of Yoga is "Yoga Sutra " written by Patanjali around the second century, it was an attempt to define and standardize Classical Yoga.Patanjali's Eightfold path of Yoga (also called Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga-"ASTANGA YOGA"). These are:
1)Yama, which means social restraints or ethical values; 2)Niyama, which is personal observance of purity, tolerance, and study; 3)Asanas or physical exercises; 4)Pranayama, which means breath control or regulation; 5)Pratyahara or sense withdrawal in preparation for Meditation; 6)Dharana, which is about concentration; 7)Dhyana, which means Meditation; and 8)Samadhi, which means ecstasy.
Another important text "Thirumandiram" written by Thirumoolar(traditionally allotted a date of 3000 BC ), one among 18 siddhars clearly says about astanga yoga and medicines.