Therapy Using Flower Essence

Dr. Edward Bach thought that the dew which gets collected from flowers or plants retains some properties of the flowers or plant. These properties seem to be more potent on flowers which were grown under sun. As it was not possible to go on collecting dew, he decided to take flowers (which were exposed to sunlight) and let them steep in a bowl of water.

This is the story behind the flower essence therapy. Dr. Edward Bach is a pioneer in development of this alternative medicine branch. Flower essence therapy basically uses this water and not the flowers itself. The concept behind flower therapy is that all the living beings in this world have a tendency to naturally be in a harmonic and balanced state. Each matter vibrates at a certain frequency. When animals or humans are disturbed in any way this frequency changes in them and makes them imbalanced.

Plants and flowers have a certain frequency which is harmonic and balanced. When the flowers are let to be in a bowl containing water, this energy steeps in the water. Sun exposure tends to help sink this energy better into the water. Water is a universal solvent. Hence, water is used as a medium. This water after a certain period of time is said to contain the essence of the flower. The essence of the flower is not which is seen in aromatherapy. But, it actually is the vibrational pattern which has been absorbed by the water.

This water is then used on patients which can be animals and humans. Patients who have emotional or physical problems are given flower essence therapy with their normal treatment. Patients suffering from these problems become closed up and chaotic. Flower essence therapy helps to produce a sense of physical and emotional well-being in the patients. Patients tend to have an imbalanced vibrational pattern. The flower essences helps to change the vibrational pattern of the patient. This helps to harmonize the patient and produces the sense of overall well-being.

Flower essence therapy is administered topically or given orally to the patient. The standard dose for flower essence is four to ten drops which is generally given to the patient under the tongue. The dose is given around four times in a day. The potency is usually increased by giving more frequent doses of the essence. The flower essence which is produced by letting the flower energies steep in the water is collected and concentrated. It is stored for future use and the concentrated solution is diluted and then administered to the patient.

However, it is very important to buy the best quality of flower essence for therapy for the best results. Because, if pure flower essence is not used then the chances of healing are low. The best way to is to go to a flower essence therapy practitioner or a qualified naturopath who will be able to produce fresh and potent flower essence for you. There are also many commercially made flower essence available. These you can find at a health care store or online. But, make sure you are buying flower essence which are real and can help heal.

The answer to all your needs is personalized health care management service. Medix the leading health care solution provider would guide you as you battle ahead with an emergency situation. We have the best physicians and other efficient health care professionals and together as a team we provide the support you need. Your medical situation will be assessed immediately; a personal case manager would look into your case. According to the emergency of your situation prompt actions will be taken; expert medical attention will be given to your case. All the urgent tests that are necessary to conduct to decide the next steps to be taken, would be carried out from best laboratory facility. Appointments with best physician in the field would be scheduled and your personal case manager will be with you too. In case of a surgery you could be sure of the fact that only the best surgical team would handle the surgery and it would be scheduled with promptness which the situation demands. At Medix we realize when an emergency medical situation arises how important it is to access the best medical help in the most urgent manner possible. We arrange every thing for you, guide you, and you have the best medical counseling to battle your emergency health problem. So, do not feel helpless;we are there for you giving all the care and assistance that you need to recover.

An incorrect breathing pattern is said to be an indicator of something wrong in your system. And to correct that problem all you need to do is, consciously breathe in the correct way.

First Check How You Breathe

Before giving you the right technique to breathe properly I would like you to first test and check how you are breathing right now.

Either lay down, or stand up, or sit up-right comfortably on a chair and keep your right hand on your stomach and your left hand on your chest. Now, breathe how you would normally. Don’t be conscious and don’t attempt to change or correct the way you are breathing at that time. While breathing, observe the muscle movements in your entire body. Pay close attention to how the muscles of your stomach and chest are moving while breathing. Repeat breathing at least 7-9 times.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions

• When you inhaled where did you start to breathe from (Stomach, chest,..)?
• How did your stomach and chest move while you were inhaling?
• How did your stomach and chest move when you were exhaling?

Answer the above given questions and note down the breathing pattern observed.

Breathing Properly: 4-7-8 Breathing

Now that you have an idea as to how you breathe let’s now look at how you are supposed to breathe and compare them both.

The correct of way of breathing is by inhaling the air in about 4 counts and it should reach your abdomen. Now hold your breath for 7 counts and then exhale slowly in 8 counts. These counts are more or less same for everyone and therefore, the correct breathing technique is also known as the ’4-7-8 breathing technique’. Now when you breathe in, your stomach will pull inside and your chest will rise outwards. And, when you exhale your stomach muscles will move outwards and your chest will move inwards.

To check if you are breathing correctly or not, place your right hand on your stomach and your left hand on your chest and take deep breaths. You breath should reach your abdomen and then you should slowly exhale it, following the technique given above. Now, if your stomach is rising more than your chest while you breath then you are breathing the right way.

If you were breathing in the way described above then, that’s great, you are in a much better position than most of the people. And, if you following the wrong breathing pattern then, consciously practice the above mentioned 4-7-8 breathing technique daily for about 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t exert yourself or else it may end up making you dizzy. Practice it for a short span but do it regularly and gradually increase the time span. Soon you will get accustomed to the right breathing practice and you will breath correctly even unconsciously.

Breathing in the right manner is not just beneficial but an essential activity for you to be able to manage and perform chores efficiently. Incorrect breathing, or shallow breathing leads to many health problems. It does not allow sufficient oxygen to reach your brain, and can affect its basic functioning. If you are not breathing properly then it also shows up in your sleeping pattern which leads to a chain reaction of spoiling your mood and spirit. It is surprising but, an incorrect breathing pattern also leads to increase in a person’s weight and also decreases immunity.

You may now understand how essential breathing correctly is. Though, there is nothing to worry about if you were going wrong when you took the test, but what is important is that you try to improve your breathing pattern now. Don’t give up on it and soon you will get it right. An activity that we take for granted can actually cause serious health problems. Whenever you are in stress, breathing in the right way can release your stress. Whenever you get time, while at work, or watching TV, or eating food, etc, observe how you are breathing and if it is wrong, then correct it immediately.

Yoga helps you connect your mind, body and soul. Yoga is a great way to direct energy to the different areas of the body. Yoga is not a way to workout, but it is good for the overall health of the body, neurological system and metabolism. At the physical level, there are immense medical benefits of different yoga positions. Yoga helps in increasing the flexibility of the joints in the body. It helps to lubricate the joints, ligaments and tendons of the body. Yoga is the only activity which can stimulate and massage the internal organs of the body and keep one healthy. It detoxifies the various organs and helps in optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. It leads to increase in energy and delayed aging process. The various medical benefits of yoga in men, women and kids is listed below.

Benefits of Yoga for Men

Yoga is being introduced in many pro and university sports program as a cross-training activity. Basketball star Kareem Abdul Jabbar, has made yoga popular among men, by his decade long yoga practice. Many men smirk at the idea of carrying out yoga positions and stretches. According to many men, it is a ‘girly thing’to drop into a pose. But initially yoga was mainly practiced by men, before it became popular among women. Yoga has many medical benefits for men that makes their bodies stronger. The yoga postures help the body to realign, increase flexibility and ease pressure on the joints. Yoga helps in increasing concentration power and improves breathing. It helps build up strength in the muscles without adding extra bulk. It also helps increase endurance factor in the body. Yoga also helps in decreasing muscle soreness. Yoga stretches the muscles and helps release the tension and flushes the lactic acid build up. It is the best activity for runners after an endurance jog. Yoga builds up energy levels that are depleted after a strenuous workout. Yoga exercises increase the lost vigor and revitalize the tired body. It helps in balancing the mind and increases clarity and focus. Men become calmer and less self-absorbed. Yoga helps to oxygenate the body and create more energy in every muscle, joint and organ. Yoga helps men build leaner and stronger bodies.

Postures for Men
Few yoga postures for men are mentioned below:

• Marjariasana
• Bikram Yoga
• Tikonasana or triangel Pose
• Forward Fold Pose
• Downward Facing Dog Pose
• Crescent Lunge
• Boat Pose
• Bow Pose

Benefits of Yoga for Women

Women have to face more emotional pressure than men. Women are under constant mental and physical stress. Hormonal changes play havoc in a woman’s overall health. Yoga helps women overcome these problems to some extent. Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps can try yoga to relieve tension in the back and the sexual organs. Yoga helps stretching and increasing the circulation in the reproductive organs and relieves cramps, cleans the liver and balances the hormones. Few yoga poses are known to stimulate flow of spinal fluid and adjust the mood swings. Yoga tones the ovaries, glands and fallopian tubes and help women conceive. Yoga also helps reduce morning sickness. It helps in strengthening and relaxing the pelvic muscles. Many women opt for yoga during the last stages of pregnancy to deliver their baby without any complications. ‘Cat pose’ and the ‘Fish pose’ assist the mother in developing physical strength and mental focus which is needed during labor. Yoga helps improve the eating disorders in women. It helps promote a healthier body image in women.

Yoga Postures for Women
Few yoga postures for women are mentioned below:

• Cobra Pose
• Tiger Stretch
• Frog Pose
• Plough Pose
• Camel pose
• Archer Pose
• Baby pose
• Lotus Pose

Benefits of Yoga for Kids

Just as in the case of adults, benefits of yoga for children is enormous. Yoga helps make the children more flexible and coordinated. It helps increase self esteem in children as they gain control over their minds and bodies. It helps children learn self-discipline with the help of certain poses, which make them breathe and think in certain ways. It helps children control stress and relax. It helps them calm down and focus in their studies in a better way. Yoga helps develop their creativity and imagination. They become more aware of their surroundings and their instincts are sharpened. Children practicing yoga eat better and choose healthier foods over junk food. Children develop better emotional responses and compassion, teamwork and leadership skills. Yoga improves their digestion power and strengthens their immune system. Hyper active children practicing yoga, learn to direct their extra energy and build stronger concentration power. Yoga has also proven to be beneficial for children suffering from down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. Yoga induces a person to discipline his body, breathing and thoughts. Therefore, many children learn to discipline themselves without any adult controlling them.

Yoga Postures for Kids
Few yoga postures for children are mentioned below:

• Sunrise/Sunset Pose
• Butterfly Pose
• Lion pose
• Warrior Pose
• Tree Pose
• Eagle Pose
• Natarajasana
• Dog Pose

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

Yoga helps the mind and body to calm down. It relaxes the body and decreases the feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. Many experience increase in attention span and concentration power. People learn to control aggression and exercise self control. Yoga practice helps ease stress and improves memory power. Many people who practice yoga have experienced an increase in their learning ability and retaining power.

As you can see, there are many health benefits of yoga that help you stay fit and healthy. Yoga not only boosts stamina but increases immunity. People of all ages can reap benefits from yoga. Yoga helps in lowering blood pressure, maintaining pulse rate, increasing cardiovascular endurance, gastrointestinal functions, metabolism and decreases pain. Yoga helps prevent many diseases and reduces symptoms of many existing diseases like carpel tunnel syndrome, migraines, menopause, constipation, etc. Practice yoga under skilled guidance and enjoy a stress free, healthier life.

Yoga is the key factor for every woman to live healthy ad happy life. Women on practicing yoga can avail several types of physical benefits, physiological benefits and spiritual benefits. Yoga for women As per the survey, the living expectancy of the woman practicing yoga is more when compared with non yoga practitioners. Many woman in present world spend their valuable time at fitness center or gym centers to practice yoga and it is easy to carry out yoga asana since their will be no lifting of heavy objects. In the present days, children are facing great stress in their life in their school environment due to high competition and expectations from media. There is huge impact of stress on the children in their way of learning and interacting with students. Stress affects the health of children, confidence and well-being. yoga for kids The meaning of the word yoga is join. Yoga is the method by which a child mind is made still and free from all the distractions. It is the ancient science and mostly practiced in India. Yoga is essential for children and can make their life healthy.Yoga has become part of every individual life irrespective of gender. But it is very important for men to practice the yoga as it is usually termed as stress buster. yoga for men Due to hectic schedule and busy life of men in the present world, it has become mandatory for them to practice some stretching exercises to get relief from the body pain and stay fit to carryout the operations on the next day. So men start looking for gyms and plan to work out there to get rid from the stress and frustration that they experience during their work.

Why women are more prone to gall bladder symptoms?

It is the physiological differences in women that make them more prone to gall bladder symptoms

The gall bladder emptying is slower in women and it only exacerbates during a woman’s pregnancy and slow emptying could be reason for crystallization and solidifying of the bile into gallstones and eventual progression of gall bladder symptoms in women

There is another school of thought that cholelithiasis or gallstone condition affects more women than men due to estrogen and progesterone effects. Progesterone is known to slow muscle contractions and so the gall bladder contraction to empty bile is slowed and the accumulation of bile lead to development of gallstones.

The infrequent emptying of the gall bladder as seen in pregnant women, enables the bile to become saturated with cholesterol other salts present in the bile and allow these components to crystallize and harden resulting in gallstones, and these account for over three-fourths of the gallstones.

Another spoiler in women responsible for gallstone development is the hormone replacement therapy. A woman who is under HRT to moderate the menopausal symptoms always is under the risk of gallstones. There is plenty of research that proves use of hormone replacement therapy actually increases the risk of gallstone formation for two times. The estrogen which is administered in this therapy not only results in gallstone formation but has many adverse side effects: included but not limited to risk of uterine cancer, cardiac conditions, kidney stones, brain stroke, severe mood swings and bloating and flatulence. There are complaints from women experiencing irregular bleeding too.

Use of birth control pills is one more reason why women are susceptible to gallbladder symptoms more than the men. Women who take some brand of the contraceptive pills will run in millions. There is a theory that says use of OCPs increase cholesterol levels produced by liver. Furthermore, the contraceptives reduce force of gall bladder contractions resulting in poor emptying of the bile from gall bladder. This saturates the gall bladder with bile and cholesterol which along with the biliary sludge harden over time and form calculi.

Finally, the fad diets and crash weight loss programs that women embrace also make women more prone to gall bladder formation. The drive to become thin is intense among women and this make them choose fad diets which can cause poor bile empty-filling cycles.

If you suffer from gallbladder symptoms knowing the treatment options such as gall bladder removal or otherwise non surgical treatment could help you making informed decisions for the treatment. Do not hesitate to discuss all the options with the physician and ask him to recommend the best one for you.

The liver which is an organ hidden under the ribs and the gall bladder which is located beneath the liver and the pancreas which is located just beneath the antrum do not form the part of the alimentary canal, yet are considered most important organs aiding in digestion. Liver secretes bile which helps in emulsification of fats and the bile that is produced in liver is actually held in gallbladder. The gallbladder however develops gallstones and it can be inflamed when it is called cholecystitis or simply gallbladder disease. This is one of the commonest of the digestive diseases warranting even hospitalization.

Gallbladder inflammation due to stones or calculi has become a common problem in the adult population. But the incidence of this in children is changing its status from being uncommon to common lately. Ultrasound scan will reveal the cause for gallbladder symptoms in children though; either due to cholelithiasis (stones in the gallbladder) or cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation). However, early gallbladder symptoms in children if detected an emergency and hospitalization can be avoided.

Early presentation symptoms should not neglected but presented to physicians for better clarity on gallbladder disease. The gallbladder symptoms in children include but aren’t limited to sudden onset of pain in the RUQ of abdomen which is the foremost. The physician can look for Murphy sign in the RUQ (its arrest of expiration upon palpation). Children may complain of pain onset immediately after eating fatty food and may even complain of nausea and vomiting.

Gallstone distribution differs significantly in children as compared to adults, as the cholesterol stones seen in adults and pigment stones dominating among the children.

About 50% of gallstones are pigment stones in children, and these develop when the bile saturates with chemicals such as calcium bilirubinate (calcium salt of bilirubin).These stones are common in those children having hemolytic disorders. The stones though are caught only in x-ray or ultrasonography (when the stone size is very small then the ultrasound scan becomes a loser) and doctors then go for blood test, presence of serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase are indicators for gallbladder disease.

Similar to adults the treatment for cholelithiasis and/or cholecystitis is symptomatic and if stones are reason laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to be the standard. To prevent recurrence of the gallstones in children, doctors recommend modifications in diet and lifestyle.

Foods that boost brain power are foods popularly known as brain power foods. These foods have the ability to improve the function of the brain in terms of alertness, concentration, memory, problem solving, a nd creative thinking too. Just like our arteries get blocked upon eating the wrong foods, so do blood vessels in the brain. These alter the function of the brain and result in poor memory, low concentration levels, lack of focus, and slowly begin to affect other bodily functions. It is, thus, important to take care of one of the most vital organs of the body, and improve the quality of your life by consuming good foods to boost brain power and memory.

Best Brain Power Foods

A lot of foods that we tend to overlook while eating all the junk food are those foods that enhance the abilities of the brain and its function. On the other hand, these brain power foods are great to eat and none of them are those that you want to avoid. Consuming any one food from the list everyday will sufficiently improve your brain function, and you will be able to tell the difference over time.

• Water: Let’s start with the basics. We all drink water everyday, but we don’t realize how much. Drinking about 8-10 glasses of water a day is important to keep the brain working well. For those of you who are unaware, about three-quarters of the human brain is composed of water. Studies have proven that those who drink enough water a day have better brain function than those who don’t.
• Berries: Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackcurrant, etc., are known to improve memory and brain power. Add these to your cereal or enjoy them with a bowl of yogurt. These can be had daily, and their antioxidant properties will provide several other benefits to the body.
• Oily Fish: Oily fish have omega 3 essential fatty acids that are essential for good memory and concentration powers, as well as lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The iodine present in fish is known to improve clarity of thought. Fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and albacore tuna are great choices in this regard. Consume them twice a week to benefit from their properties.
• Nuts and Seeds: Certain nuts and seeds are other great sources of omega 3 fatty acids as well as vitamin E and are the perfect foods for brain power. In fact, a lack of these nutrients in the body have known to lead to memory loss and poor function of the brain. Among these, walnuts and almonds are the most popular for alertness and memory improvement respectively. Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are also essential in boosting the function of the brain. Sprinkle a few nuts in your cereal or bowl of oatmeal, or have a handful of slightly roasted nuts and seeds as a snack. Consume flax seeds in their ground form by taking a teaspoon with water every morning, or sprinkling some on your salad.
• Green, Leafy Vegetables: Brain food also includes green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc., and are rich sources of antioxidants that fight toxic wastes in the body that affect brain function. The vitamin C in these vegetables protects the brain from numerous diseases and conditions that may afflict it. Consume these vegetables daily for maximum benefit.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and bran are sources of complex carbohydrates that are healthy for the body. Glucose is the biggest energy source of the brain. Other foods such as white bread, which rice, potatoes, refined sugar, etc., contain simple carbohydrates that can give a temporary bout of alertness to the brain, and then cause you to feel tired and weak again. As such, include their complex counterparts in your diet to get the most of its effect on the brain.

Other foods such as tomatoes, avocados, soybean, yogurt, raisins, plums, eggs and milk are great brain power foods. Now, only these foods are not going to help your cause. There are other ways to increase brain power so that you can make the most of this valuable asset bestowed upon you. Physical exercises are essential to keep the brain active too. Furthermore, there are numerous brain exercises and brain power games that help enhance the numerous aspects of brain function. Sleeping well in order to maintain brain power is also important.

Now that you are aware of how to increase brain power with the help of these brain power foods and other activities, improving your concentration, focus, memory function and other such attributes that will help you in daily life, should not be difficult. These are simple foods that are rich sources of essential nutrients, and including them in your diet will not only help the brain but other bodily functions as well. Consume these foods to lead a healthy and positive life. By Puja Lalwani

Electronic cigarettes are available in different flavors. If you think you do not have enough reason to give up smoking traditional cigarettes, the uniquely smooth flavors of electronic cigarettes can be really helpful for you.

Electronic cigarette has taken the world of smoking by storm. Smokers round the globe have started understanding that this killer habit can take lives. Smoking traditional cigarette is harmful not only for the active smokers, but also for the passive smokers. South Beach Smoke has come up with electronic cigarette that can take the pleasure of smoking to a different level. This is the right time for the smokers around the world to try it. Another very valid reason for them to try it is the wide range of flavors these cigarettes are available in. You can try the different electronic cigarette flavors that have become a rage among the smokers who have already got into the habit of smoking electronic cigarette.

You will need to buy the Starter kit of discount electronic cigarette. The very moment you order for that starter kit, you become eligible for Home Delivery Program. According to this option, you will be getting 15 cartridges after every 30 days. All these cartridges will be offered to you at a 30% discount. The nicotine cartridges are available in two different forms, “Nicotine Cartridge for Premium Kit” and “Nicotine Cartridge for Deluxe Kit”.

Both these forms of cartridges are available in five different flavors. The flavors are Tobacco, Menthol, Cherry, Chocolate and Vanilla.

Brain Plasticity

One effect of brain boosting food is in the improvement of plasticity in the brain. Plasticity is the ability of the brain to change with learning and experiences. Brain cell plasticity is maintained and improved with omega-3 fatty acids. Thirty percent of brain cell membranes are made of omega-3 fatty acids, according to the July 2008 "Nature Reviews Neuroscience." Omega-3 fatty acids function in cell membranes to transport nutrients which promote brain plasticity. Foods sources of omega-3s are in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, whitefish, tuna and herring.

Slower Brain Deterioration

The aging process causes the brain to age and deteriorate. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease are all examples of diseases associated with brain deterioration. Certain nutrients disrupt brain deterioration by changing the pathways between neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals which allow for communication between cells. Nutrients also maintain and improve membrane fluidity which enhances communication between cells. Examples of nutrients which contain these properties are curcumin, copper and omega-3 fatty acids, explains the journal "Nature Reviews Neuroscience."

Protection of Cognition

Another effect nutrients have on the brain is in protecting healthy cells. Foods rich in antioxidants are the best at providing this benefit. A study in the May 2007 "Journal of Health, Nutrition and Aging" observed two antioxidants, vitamins C and E, from both supplemental and dietary sources and their effects on cognition in an elderly population. Their diets and scores on cognitive assessment tests were also studied. The participants in the study with the highest levels of vitamin C and E in their diet scored higher on the cognition tests. Vitamins C and E are found in citrus fruits, vegetables, asparagus, avocado, seeds, nuts, olives, vegetable oils and wheat germ. Vitamins C and E should come from the diet first and then from supplemental sources if the diet provides inadequate amounts.

Improvement of Memory

Brain-boosting foods affect the brain by improving memory. A study published in the June 2002 "Journal of Nutrition" looked at 211 women who took a supplement of folate, B-12 or B-6 for 35 days. Supplementation of these nutrients improved memory performance considerably. Food sources of folate, B-12 and B-6 were also provided and their effects measured. Food sources were linked to an improvement in brain processing speed, recall ability and verbal ability. Folate food sources include fortified cereals, dark green vegetables and orange juice. B-12 food sources include fortified breakfast cereals, trout, clams and animal products. B-6 sources include liver, chicken, pork, fish and eggs.
By: Andrea Johnson

Weight loss Vegetarian Diet Plan

A healthy vegetarian diet plan entails indulging in minimum calories and maximum vitamins and minerals and other nutrients. The diet should be as nutritionally balanced as possible. For weight loss diet plans have salads, sans the heavy fat filled toppings and dressings, dry fruits, grains and vegetables. Let us take a look at a sample weight loss diet plan for a day.

First Meal of the Day: Breakfast is supposed to be the most sumptuous meal of the day. But most of us often tend to eat the least for breakfast. But that apart, a weight loss vegetarian diet plan consists of Bagel, accompanied by 2 table spoons of peanut butter, 1 banana and 1 cup of soy milk. You can opt for either this or go for a sandwich with egg and 1 cup of orange juice. Or you can have 2 small slices of leftover (if at all) pizza. This was the the breakfast menu on the run. Now, if you have the luxury of sitting and having a leisurely breakfast with your family, well, you can have oatmeal topped with dry fruits, or whole grain pancakes, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 cup of soy milk. A perfect way to start off your vegetarian diet plan.

Good Afternoon: Well, if you do not want to end up getting all sleepy after a heavy lunch, a light vegetarian lunch comprising of a vegetarian burger with whole grain buns, topped with lettuce and tomato are just about what you would need. Or you can go for a few slices of whole grain bread with peanut butter, some jelly and a cup of yogurt.

Last Meal: As we are normally scheduled to sleep after the dinner, it is better to keep the dinner as light as possible. For dinner, you can have baked potatoes with your choice of legumes. Season them with chili powder, and cumin and the likes. Make it green by having some good old steamed broccoli, and perhaps baked apples to go with it. Or maybe you can have maximum 3 cups of fried rice with a cup of tofu. If you are not that interested in beans and stuff like that, go for vegetarian kababs, garnished by marinated tempeh and vegetables. If you are tired to prepare anything elaborate, just make some soup and whole grain bread with carrots. A fruit would also go really well with this soup and bread set up. This is a fast and an easy meal idea.

Based on these foodstuffs, you can prepare a vegetarian meal diet plan for the whole week. Here are a few diet tips you could use to adhere to a vegetarian diet plan.

Tips for a Healthy Vegetarian Diet Plan

• Do not go for big meals. Instead go for smaller meals 4 to 6 times a day.
• Foods high in sugar are a complete ‘No No’. No binging on pastries and chocolates, people!
• Plan your meals and get the foodstuffs ready for the next day the earlier night.
• Do not think much about the vitamins and calories. First just keep a check on the calories. The other things will fall in place automatically for a healthy diet.
• If you are an absolute non-vegetarian, may be you can try eliminating one non-vegetarian food item and replacing it by a vegetarian item. In a few days your diet will be completely vegetarian, hopefully without giving you withdrawal symptoms of not eating non-vegetarian!
• Eating out would not be a sin, but be careful about what you order. Go for foods that are less oily and have lots of vegetables. A bit of spice is fine.
• Cucumber salad, soybean, fruit juices, vegetables juices and soups, etc. are good options to fill your stomach as well as avoid the criminal act of consuming calories and fats!

This was just a brief overview of a vegetarian diet plan. For those wanting to go green in their diet, everyday is a day to experiment with all the vegetables, fruits, tofu, and so on. Have them raw or baked or sometimes fried, and satiate your taste buds, sans consuming the calories! Have anything, but be sure you opt for healthy eating.

So what are you waiting for? Way to go (Green)!
By:- Medha Godbole

Health Benefits of Yoga for People of All Ages

People suffering from high blood pressure or respiratory problems, can reap immense benefits from inculcating yoga in their daily lives. Yoga enhances the circulation and oxygenation in the body, thus keeping blood pressure at a normal level. Yoga ensures controlled breathing and better fitness. This in turn, ensures a lower respiratory rate. So, when the respiratory rate is low, it indicates that the lungs are working fine and with more efficiency. Thus, yoga also keeps a check on respiratory ailments.

One of the popular health benefits of yoga which people attain is a slower pulse rate. A slower pulse rate is indicative of the healthy function of the heart. Meaning, the heart is capable of pumping more blood with fewer beats. This is one of the greatest benefits for people suffering from, or are prone to hypertension, heart diseases and stroke. When nutrients and oxygen are transported throughout the body, blood circulation is kept at a maintained level. Regular practice of yoga does that for you and thus, provides healthier organs, skin and brain.

People can not only notice the effects that yoga has on their body, but they can feel the changes in their mental health as well. Even people who are novice in this field, feel calmed and less stressed after their very first class. Yoga practices help in reducing catecholamines, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine thus, lessen the stress in one’s mind and provide calmness and tranquility.

Improving concentration and mood and reducing depression are some more benefits of yoga for men & women. In fact, people of all age groups. Yoga students will always be with the feedback that they feel happier and at rest after every class they participate in.

It has been studied that people who go for regular yoga classes have lower levels of cholesterol and triglyceride and a stronger immune system, than those who did not. Apart from these, people noticed a reduction in the intensity of the symptoms of asthma, back pain, arthritis, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, etc. Maintaining a balanced metabolism rate, increasing pain tolerance, improving gastrointestinal functions and cardiovascular endurance are the other health benefits of yoga.

Benefits of yoga during pregnancy are even vouched by doctors, as it provides the best and the most soothing effect of physical and mental exercises to an expecting mother. The calming effect which yoga has is beneficial for both the mother and the child. It also helps the expecting mother to tone the reproductive organs, pelvis and the rest of your body to ensure an easier childbirth. Not only it helps her to counter the excruciating pains of pregnancy, but also helps her with a natural childbirth. Through yoga breathing practices taken up by the mother, the unborn child can benefit from vital oxygen and energy and thus, place his foot into his world as a healthy and happy child. To sum up, yoga during pregnancy puts the mother in tune with her baby!

This was about the different medical conditions which can be prevented or treated with the help of the various yoga exercises and practices. Now, let’s see, what does this ancient art have in store in physical aspects. Read more on yoga meditation.

Flexibility, is perhaps, one of the most effective and desiring benefits of yoga poses. People belonging to any age groups, can improve their flexibility with the help of a series of yoga poses known as asanas. These poses deal with stiffness, tension, pain and fatigue in the body, thereby increasing the range of motion. With increased flexibility, pain in different body joints seem to wash away and there is a feeling of ease and fluidity throughout your body.

Then comes strength and all thanks to the involvement of power yoga. This style of yoga involves vigorous exercises than the traditional ones and it tremendously helps in toning the muscles. However, even the traditional styles help in improving the muscle strength and this is where come the benefits of yoga for athletes. Athletes always need to be on their toes, when it comes to strength, endurance and agility and yoga has just the right platform for such people!

When flexibility and strength are maintained, body posture comes on naturally. This is evident in people who practice yoga. They are always seen standing or sitting tall and straight and never slouching or slumping. Not only for young people, but this is true even for elderly people who are yoga students.

Other benefits of yoga are:

• Delayed aging process by effective detoxification of the body.
• Decreased fatigue and increase level of energy for most part of the day.
• Better metabolism and maintenance of healthy weight.
• Improved sleep and more control on body and mind.
• Treating ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder – a condition characterized by behavioral and learning disorders); one of the important benefits of yoga for children/kids, apart from the above described ones.
• Helps one to be more aware of his/her body and develop greater self-confidence.
• Proving better control on breathing, increases relaxation and self-confidence, yoga also does a great deal in enhancing the libido aspects in people.

Before I go to the conclusion, here is a quick insight on what are the benefits of yoga and pilates? Well, the benefits are no different than what have been described above. However, the program may provide higher level of efficiency and better results. Benefits of yoga just cannot be merely put down in black and white. These were the benefits which have been observed by experts and by those who have inculcated this art in their lives. However, there may still be other innumerable benefits, which yoga might have in store for mankind, but have not been discovered yet. So, make this healing art a part of your lives and enjoy living each day healthily and happily!

By Rajib Singha