Alternative Medicine

How Many Calories Does Bikram Yoga Burn?

June 14, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

The specific yoga postures done in a hot and humid room can bring you benefits of an aerobic workout.

One look at a yoga practitioner and you wish your body could also manage those difficult poses to attain flexibility and control. The age-old tradition from India has been so appealing that millions of practitioners across the globe dutifully get on to their yoga mats every day to seek wellness of both body and mind.

As several yoga masters moved from India to the West, the healing exercise also went along and the support it enjoyed from celebrities like Madonna, Meg Ryan and Ricky Martin turned yoga into a cult.

From Hatha Yoga to Iyengar Yoga, Viniyoga, and now famous Bikram Yoga and Hot Yoga, the original form has undergone several variations thus attracting so many followers. While some learn the poses for overall wellbeing, others see it as a means to lose weight.

Rigid form of yoga

Bikram yoga, developed by yoga guru Bikram Choudhury, originated from Hatha yoga which consists of different poses. It was developed by Bikram with the help of his master to recover from a debilitating knee injury. The successful recovery led to Choudhury opening schools of Bikram yoga all over India and in other countries.

Bikram yoga is much more rigid than any other form. It consists of a set of 26 particular poses to be done within 90 minutes in a room set at a temperature of 105 degrees and 40 per cent humidity level. In fact, even the classes are held in rooms which need to have specific interiors to the liking of Bikram Choudhury.

Warming up with a breathing exercise, the participants move on to 12 standing postures believed to be good for strengthening focus and concentration. Another 12 postures, this time done on the floor, are performed next before ending the session with another breathing exercise.

The postures have to be done only in this particular sequence within the time period of 90 minutes to reap maximum benefits of the stretching muscles and ligaments.

Students are supposed to avoid changing the sequence and use the mirror in front of them to maintain the correct posture. Despite being different in style, several of the poses being done in Bikram Yoga are common to other forms of yoga. Pranayam, eagle pose, cobra pose, triangle and tree poses are just some of these postures.

How the heat helps

The heat and humid atmosphere of the room allows the body to warm up quickly thus helping perform wide stretches and reducing the risk of injury. The profuse sweating also helps in aiding cleansing of harmful toxins from the body.

It is believed that combination of high temperature and yoga poses recreates the cardiovascular intensity as with any aerobic workout.

Participants of Bikram yoga are suggested 10 sessions within a month to get maximum benefits.

However, the calories burned by Bikram yoga would depend on the practitioner’s weight, fat to muscle ratio and the intensity of exercise. It can range from anywhere between 500 to 1,200 calories. In comparison, an hour and 15 minutes of running can burn 600 calories. This is the reason why Bikram yoga has turned out to be a good weight loss programme which, unlike running, does not impact the joints.

Besides helping you shed the pounds, Bikram yoga is also believed to be helpful in relieving joint pain and promoting flexibility, stamina, and strength besides offering the benefits of meditation. In fact, many of the participants rely on Bikram yoga more as a healing exercise to keep ailments of the body and mind away with regular practice. That calories burned by Bikram yoga add up to a big number is a bonus for them.

The Health Benefits of Seaweed

June 14, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Seaweed is a generic term for a variety of marine plants that have played a vital role in human diet, civilization, and health throughout history. Seaweeds encompass members from many taxa of algae including brown algae (Phaeophyta), green algae (Chlorophyta), and red algae (Rhodophyta). Most seaweed can be obtained along the coast, near estuaries or in shallow to deep water near coastlines and islands. Edible seaweed is either eaten raw, dried, or cooked usually by boiling and frying.

Seaweeds are rich in minerals derived from the sea. Iodine is a particularly abundant element in seaweeds. It prevents the occurrence of goiter in humans. It is responsible for thyroid maintenance, ensuring that hormone production remains unhampered. Calcium content of seaweeds is also very high. This mineral is responsible for maintaining bone health and other body functions. Iron and magnesium, two important minerals, are also found in seaweeds at significant amounts. These minerals increase red blood cell production.

Seaweeds have been known to protect against infection by viruses and bacteria. Sufficient intake of seaweed can lower inflammation in certain body regions. Seaweed has sufficient amount of potassium chloride that can alleviate the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

Kelps (Laminaria digitalis and others)

These cold water plants are excellent sources of iodine. They are used as food and medicine in various countries. They are good dietary sources of B vitamins, particularly folate. They contain essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They also contain compounds that ease digestion while reducing fat absorption. Their high growth rate and large size make them easily harvestable, allowing many people to enjoy their health benefits. People in Scotland, Japan, China and Korea all have kelp in their respective cuisines.

Carrageenan or Irish moss (Chondrus crispus)

This plant has been heavily utilized by the food industry due to its capability to form gels. It is a prime component of gelatinous desserts. It is a favorite in western European cuisines, being made into blancmanges. It is a primary source of retinol, as well as iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron and other ions. It is utilized throughout the history of Western Europe as a treatment for tuberculosis, common cold, and urinary disorders. It has also been used to alleviate diarrhea and treat infections.

Dulse/ Dilisk/ Sol (Palmaria palmate)

Palmaria (Rhodomyna) palmata is known as dulse in Scotland, referred to as dilisk in Ireland, and named sol in Iceland. It is widely used as edible seaweed both for human and animal consumption. It contains a significant amount of protein as well as other vitamins and minerals. Of particular note is its beta-carotene content, the precursor of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that keeps the skin and eyes healthy. The seaweed is also a component of several facial products that invigorate the skin and limit wrinkles.

Nori (Porphyra)

Nori is an integral part of Eastern Asian cuisine. It is usually rolled into mats and served with rice and other ingredients to make sushi. Nori is particularly rich in potassium and vitamin A. It also contains vitamin C, magnesium, and riboflavin.

Conclusion

Throughout history, western and eastern cultures have recognized and enjoyed the health benefits of seaweed. Being the primary source of goiter treatments, seaweed has proven invaluable to civilization. The various health properties of seaweed are significant: it gives essential vitamins and minerals, reduces fat absorption, provides low fat, and treats human illnesses. Humans from the past until the present have availed themselves of the health benefits of seaweed. Why not join them and experience the impact of seaweed on your health.

References

Chapman V.J. (1950) Seaweeds and their uses. London Methuen.

Smith, G.M. (1944). Marine Algae of the Monterey Peninsula, California. Stanford University., 2nd Edition.

How To Heal Scars Naturally

June 14, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Minor scar — A minor scar from a cut to the forearm, approx. one year since the wound. (Wikimedia Image)

I can only imagine the embarrassment you might be putting up with each time someone asks you if your father is a carpenter, because he can see those huge “nail heads” on your legs. Do not give up hope, there has got to be a way on how to eradicate those scars without costing you so much.

Scars, being a result of the healing of wounds, are an austere part of our life. Most wounds result to a certain degree of scarring. Scars can be caused due to accidents or skin conditions like pimples. These marks can be erased with the help of some natural ingredients.

Natural Ways of Healing Scars:

Aloe Vera Juice– This natural ingredient can greatly help in erasing scars. Just rub it on your skin at least twice a day. You can see a conspicuous improvement in a few days’ time. Apply it incessantly on your skin until your scars disappear.
Garlic– Raw garlic rubbed on the affected part of the skin many times a day is beneficial for healing scars naturally.
Vitamin E oil or capsules– These are recommended for healthy and vibrant skin. Applying Vitamin E oil can heal scars. Within a few weeks of the application of vitamin E oil, scars can vanish.
Blanched tea– This is also a great alternative in curing scars. Take a cotton ball, soak it in blanched green tea and then dab it on the scar.
Olive oil or tea tree oil– You apply either kind of oil on your scarred skin, either one can also diminish the traces of acne scars naturally.

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Mint leaves– Crushing a few mint leaves and tying them in muslin cloth to extract the juice helps in lightening the traces of your scars. Apply it all over the face to eliminate scars.
Ice– This can also help reduce scars. Application of ice on the face will definitely decrease the burning sensation and inflammation associated with acne scars.
Lemon juice– This has been known to be the classic way to get rid of scars effectively and naturally. Apply lemon juice on the scar using a cotton ball, twice a day, until the scar disappears. A freshly cut lemon, when rubbed on the skin, can help make it clear and healthy.
Cocoa butter– Another gift of nature than can also be helpful for healing scars naturally is the cocoa butter. You can apply cocoa butter daily for maximum efficacy.
Topical honey– This is by far the best way to eliminate scars everywhere in your body effectively. This has been used for centuries to heal wounds and burns. It should be applied several times in a day for its healing benefits. Due to its antibacterial properties, honey can completely remove scars within a few months of use.

All those natural ingredients plus a little massage therapy on your scars can guarantee you, maybe not immediate, but visible results over time. Fret no more. You can rely on what nature has to offer when it comes to getting rid of your scars. Topical creams do not completely get rid of scars, yes, not as advertised! If none of these ways help, it might be best to see a dermatologist so you can get a professional advice. In the meantime, it does not hurt to try any method or natural ingredient mentioned above to alleviate the awkwardness brought about by the presence of those ugly scars. You should also keep in mind that caring for your wounds as early as possible can also help eliminate the possibility of the appearance of scars.[ad#afterpost]

Natural Cures For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

June 14, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Home remedies can be very effective in dealing with excessive blood loss during menses.

Though it’s a biological process representing reproductive years of a woman’s life, society has always looked down upon menstrual periods. In fact, in many cultures women undergoing menses are not allowed inside religious places or near cooking areas because they are termed to be unclean.

Women also dread their periods because of extensive mood swings, stomach aches, weakness and sometimes heavy bleeding. In fact, heavy bleeding hassles certain women so much that they feel extreme discomfort and weakness due to loss of blood. Heavy periods can give rise to various complications which if not treated instantly can turn disastrous.

Young girls who have not started ovulating properly or pre-menopausal women are the two groups at maximum risk of heavy bleeding but any woman of child-bearing age can be susceptible to it. Overweight women, those on blood thinners and those with certain hereditary disorders are mostly likely to experience heavy bleeding.

Every woman undergoes a menstrual flow once in 20 to 30 days for a period of four days losing 30-40 ml of blood. However, for women prone to heavy bleeding the period may run up to a week which means prolonged blood loss of around 80 ml.

In fact, sometimes bleeding is so excessive that they have to change the sanitary napkins every two hours. Fortunately, there are natural cures for heavy menstrual bleeding which can help you evade the monthly hardship.

Set your diet right

Before you go further, get your food plate in right order. It is believed that due to high amount of toxicity in the body, women suffer from heavy bleeding during periods.

Have a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals to detox the body. Avoid sugar, saturated fat, packaged or tinned food and refined cereals besides strong spices.

Controlling blood flow

Banana flower is one of the best natural cures for heavy menstrual bleeding. The flower can be cooked and consumed with one cup of curd to perk up the amount of female hormone progesterone which helps check bleeding. Coriander seeds boiled in half a liter of water and little sugar can also treat excessive menstruation. Juice of fresh mango bark given with white of an egg and small amount of kernel of a poppy is an effective cure against heavy blood loss.

Bark of Ashoka tree boiled in milk and water can be another treatment for this condition. Around 90 g of the tree bark is boiled with 30 ml milk and 360 ml water and the mixture is given in two to three doses within 24 hours. The mixture can be given daily from fourth day of the period.

The herb rough chaff has also found to be good in case of heavy bleeding. Around 15 g of rough chaff can be mixed in 250 ml of water to be taken for this condition.

Other treatments

Parsley juice is well known as one of the best natural remedy against disorders related to menses. Containing apiol, an ingredient of female hormone estrogen, parsley helps in regularization of periods. The effect of parsley can be noticed as cramps due to irregular periods are relieved. Ginger is another good remedy to deal with irregular periods. Minced ginger can be boiled in a cup of water to form a mixture to be taken after meals.

Sesame seeds can also be an effective cure. Taken with hot water, half a teaspoon of sesame seeds powder can lessen pain and when taken two prior to periods, it can help deal with insufficient menstruation. Unripe papaya also helps in the same manner by contracting muscles of the uterus.[ad#afterpost]

Health Benefits of Rosemary Tea

June 14, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Drinking tea made with rosemary leaves can serve your health well.

Rosemary is one of the most beneficial herbs to have originated from the Mediterranean region. However, due to its ability to adapt to all kinds of weathers, it can be found in several other regions of the world as well.

Such have been the health benefits of rosemary, especially its ability to improve memory, that several cultures use it as a sign of remembrance on occasions like weddings, funerals and war commemorations. In fact, those studying for exams also used to place a twig or two of the herb in their hair but the effects of such a practice on the functioning of their brains have not been researched.

The herb has been in use as a cooking and medicinal ingredient to treat several physical ailments for centuries. In fact, physician Paracelsus also popularized the use of rosemary tea as a body tonic in the 16th century. The health benefits of rosemary tea have now been scientifically proven and it has been found to be a pain reliever besides being rich in beneficial antioxidants and vitamins.

The tea can be easily made by boiling dried leaves of the herb in water. Drinking around three cups a day can relieve indigestion and congestion.[ad#728-90 after post]

High on health

Rosemary is high in Vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K. Its antioxidant properties help prevent neurological problems which can lead to brain dysfunction. This is why rosemary tea is beneficial for those suffering from or at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Drinking this tea also helps the digestive tract and can be a great help for those suffering from difficult- to-cure irritable bowel syndrome. Rosemary encourages the release of bile which leads to better digestion of fats and hence alleviation of intestinal cramps and spasms. Besides irritable bowel syndrome, alleviation of bloating indigestion and flatulence are other health benefits of rosemary tea.

The tea has also been found beneficial for those having regular menstrual cramps, amenorrhea and arthritis. The mild analgesic properties of rosemary tea can relieve headaches and fever while it can also increase blood circulation to fight rheumatism, infection and indigestion.

Add it to your bath tub

It is an approved treatment to kill bacteria that cause infection and to soothe aching muscles. Gargling or bathing with rosemary tea can be beneficial too since it has great antiseptic properties and also improves blood circulation to soothe sore muscles and calm skin irritations. Applying a cloth soaked in rosemary water can help heal wounds and treat various skin disorders including eczema.
However, those suffering from hypertension or insomnia and pregnant women should take their doctor’s advice before ingesting rosemary concoction because it can be unsafe for them.[ad#afterpost]

The Seven Chakras and What They Mean

June 13, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Behavior and actions are dictated by the seven chakras and balancing all of them can help you attain eternal bliss.

Life’s progress is often dictated by accomplishment of our varied needs and the desire for perfection never vanishes. The fulfillment of needs and further growth is also believed to be dictated by the seven chakras which run along the spine of your body.

Chakra, a word derived from ancient Sanskrit language, means wheel or disc and it is believed we have seven chakras or hierarchical energy centers with each one of them relating to one of our fundamental emotional and psychological needs. The chakras also control our activities and behavior and it is believed that working on them through meditation or attitudinal changes can help accomplish what we want.

The root chakra

The basic chakra called the root chakra is located at the perineum, between the anus and the genitals, and deals with our fundamental need for security and stability. Due to uncertain nature of this world, we all pine for security. This is why even an agitated baby gets calm when the mother is around. The insecurity can be about finances, profession or relationships and attaining stability by balancing this chakra can lead to a successful life. You are able to stand against all odds without any fear.

The pleasure chakra

Moving further up, we meet the second chakra located at the genitals controlling our sexual and other worldly desires. An imbalance is often noticed in this chakra because most of us either over indulge or abstain from fulfilling our sexual needs. Maintaining a balance here is a tricky issue but once achieved, it helps fulfill your needs without getting addicted to the objects of desire. The harmony is also reflected in other aspects of your life.
The power chakra

The next chakra you encounter on the way up is positioned in the belly and indicates power. The chakra can help you achieve great things but when imbalanced it can lead to frustration with the person deviating either towards domination at one end or low confidence on the other. Giving away your desire to control others and also setting yourself free from dominance of others can help achieve self-sustenance which is the greatest power.

The heart chakra

After attaining power, the next need to fulfill is to spread love and feel loved. Located at the heart, this chakra is about moving from the self to others. While power chakra requires independence, heart chakra talks about giving and receiving love. Your likes and dislikes are dictated by this chakra and its imbalance can lead to hatred and rudeness.
The throat chakra

The need to communicate with others guides the next chakra which is why it is located at the throat. Clear and non-reactive communication is needed to keep this chakra in harmony unless it leads to misunderstandings and problems in relationships. This chakra is also dictated by your ability to listen and state your opinions without hurting others. Imbalance leads to people succumbing either to agitated speech or timidity.

The third eye chakra

Located in between the two eyebrows, the third eye chakra depicts higher intelligence and helps see things in a clear light to develop right perceptions. Mastering this chakra can lead to a gifted intellect and a pleasant life becomes a norm. The actions go beyond emotional and impulsive decision making thus resulting in a virtuous existence.

The crown chakra
As the name suggests, this chakra is located on the head and is last of the seven chakras. While the base chakra lays a strong foundation, crown chakra dictates the direction and guidance of your life. It indicates spiritual growth and when balanced helps you get past the ego and other limiting beliefs. Unconditional love and perpetual peace are the indications of enlightenment. There is no personal need to fulfill here since you get to know the secret of existence and your role in this transitory world.[ad#afterpost]

Alternative Medicine

Natural Ways of Healing Scars:

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