Upgrade Your Immunity

In Today's Email:

• All About Hatha Yoga...

• Our Gift To You: Download Your Heart Chakra Poster

• Ways to digest healthy digestion: Two simple ways anyone can follow...

Inspiration of The Day

HATHA YOGA: A CROWD FAVORITE

Increasingly, you may hear about your companions enrolling in Hatha classes at the local gym. In terms of pure popularity, Hatha yoga is number one in the yoga world.

As a result, the poses are known well by both beginners and experts. Hatha yoga poses are called Asanas. The Asanas are used in combination with meditation and the breathing techniques known as Pranayama. Together they work the body to improve strength and flexibility as well as overall health, which is one of the reasons it is so popular.

Hatha is a hybrid of the Sanskrit words “ha” which means “sun” and the word “tha” which means the “moon.” Together, they refer to the way that Hatha’s yoga poses often bring together opposites currents in the system.

Of the eight limbs of yoga, Hatha focuses mostly on the third, which is Asana, and the fourth, which is Pranayama. These pose and posture techniques coupled with the breathing patterns are used to clear out your body’s energy channels, known as the Nadis. This, in turn, removes obstacles that could hamper other limbs helping to improve your well being.

Hatha History Hatha has been around since 15th century India when a yogic sage, Swami Swatamarama, detailed Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the most important yoga texts. The original intent of this form of yoga was to help support relaxation of the body and to support the “contemplation of one reality.” Many of the classic Hatha yoga poses that were used at its inception, in fact, are still in use with it today. According to those first practitioners of Hatha, the postures can lead to the best in not only physical well-being, but also the best state of mind you can possibly attain. Your Hatha Path Before beginning your journey into Hatha yoga, you need to be prepared just like with any other form of yoga. There are some basic tips that can help you have an easier, more effective, and safer experience as you begin this original yoga style. First, remember to breathe normally while you are in and move between each of the poses. Your breaths should be deep and smooth.

Try to feel your diaphragm opening and expanding as you switch from one posture to another. Hatha rarely, if ever, uses the shorter and harder yoga breathing, so stay smooth and deep. Second, do not force any of the stretch positions in Hatha. Start with the easier ones and make sure you are moving easily and naturally into each pose and that you are holding it for 15 to 30 seconds. This will ensure that you get the most out of your yoga and minimize your risk of injury.

Be patient with your body and do not attempt the more difficult poses until you are sure you are ready. Finally, concentrate on your breathing. One of the big focuses in this particular yoga is breathing which leads to many of mental health benefits. Use the exercise to relax and become at peace with yourself in the moment.

That is what Hatha yoga poses are intended to do for you. Hatha has been in practice for over 600 years. Longevity like that is rare even in yoga and can be a sign of success and true belief. If you are considering this form of yoga as for yourself, then remember: never strain, take the time to make sure you are ready for a given pose, and to concentrate heavily on your breathing. Following these tips will help you to attain the superior mental and physical well-being that Hatha is said to provide.

Our Gift To You:

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Today you get our Anahata Heart Chakra Poster. Everything you need to know on how to balance this chakra to achieve inner calm is here. To download them please click on the button below called “Download”.

Ways to Cultivate Healthy Digestion

YOGA

Yoga can soothe discomfort when you’re feeling bloated or gassy. Your asana practice can also help keep you regular because it incorporates movement and breathing, both of which are crucial for healthy digestion. Yoga also nurtures a mind-body connection that may help you to make more mindful choices about how, when, and what you eat. Start with the gentle restorative poses below. And don’t forget to practice kshama—being patient and forgiving to avoid adding self-judgment and frustration to your symptoms.

● Side-lying Savasana: For indigestion or excessive fullness, lie on your left side. Use pillows under your head to keep your neck and spine aligned and place a bolster or pillow between your legs. Breathe through your nose, gradually slowing your breath and feeling your lower ribs and upper abdomen expand.

● Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) or Supported Reclining Pose: These postures beat bloat by creating space and openness in the abdomen. Use blocks, folded blankets, or pillows to prop and support your body. Breathe gently in and out through your nose to soothe the nervous system.

NUTRITION

When it comes to digestion, how you eat matters as much as what you eat. Your goal: Eat until you’re satisfied, not stuffed. Here’s how:

Slow down: Eating too quickly—usually because you are rushed or ravenous from going too long without food— is a common cause of indigestion. Chewing your meals thoroughly gives your body time to digest them. Burst the bubbles: The tiny air bubbles in seltzer, sparkling water, and other fizzy drinks can end up in your abdomen, leaving you feeling gassy and uncomfortably full. Ditto chewing gum and smoking, so consider avoiding them.

Know your triggers: The human digestive system is super-individualized —one person can’t drink dairy; another can’t eat tomatoes. But some foods tend to be harder for everyone to digest: cow’s milk products, onions, garlic, wheat (gluten), soy, caffeine, alcohol, corn, and eggs. Note how you feel after eating these foods; avoiding them may eliminate discomfort.

IMMUNITY-BOOSTING HERBS IN AYURVEDA

The vital essence of all body tissues is called “Ojas.” According to the principles of Ayurveda, Ojas is believed to be responsible for the overall health, well-being, intelligence, immunity, and thought-process of humans. According to the concept of Immunity - Vyadhikshamatva or Bala or Ojas, the body’s resistance is not only important for disease prevention but also for a speedy recovery from illness.

Through ancient times, Acharyas promoted the use of Rasayana (Rejuvenation) to enhance the Ojas. Rasayanas are rejuvenating agents that produce resistance against diseases, both physically and mentally, thus improving overall health. The uses of different types of ojas-promoting Medicinal Plants have been described in Ayurveda. These can be quite helpful in improving overall immunity.

Herbs are known for their several health benefits. They are anti-oxidants, immunomodulators, anti-microbials, anti-inflammatory, aid in digestion and the list can go on. However, one very important function of herbs is they help cleanse toxins and in turn help boost our immunity.

Some of the commonly describe herbs described in Ayurvedic literature which help to boost our immunity are as follows:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

All parts of the ashwagandha plant like leaves, roots, bark, fruit, and seeds are consumed for their medicinal properties but the root is most commonly used. This herb has traditionally been prescribed to strengthen immunity post an illness. Ashwagandha has a strong anti-inflammatory action that helps in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and certain skin diseases. This herb has proven its efficacy in nervous system disorders. It has been shown to improve brain cell function, nervous exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. It also refreshes the body by relieving fatigue. Researchers are exploring the role of ashwagandha in degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is ideally recommended to be had with warm sweetened milk.

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice or yashtimadhu, also known commonly as mulethi is an excellent home remedy for a number of disorders like cough and cold. According to Ayurveda, mulethi is sweet to taste, it’s slimy and heavy, and is efficacious in treating vata disorders. Glycyrrhizin – a saponin found in mulethi is known for its anti-microbial action. The root is powdered and had with honey and ghee to improve immunity. It is believed to be a natural revitaliser and anti-ageing agent. Some studies have also shown positive effect of mulethi in relation to brain function.

Amla (Emblica officinalis)

It is perhaps one of the richest sources of vitamin C and is perfect for the overall immunity, as it can rejuvenate and revitalise the body systems. Amla is cooling in nature and can help remove excess body heat, thus often recommended in pitta conditions. It is also helpful in in afflictions of the gastro-intestinal tract. Amla is also believed to stimulate regeneration of red blood cells and help improve haemoglobin content in body. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe joint pains. Amla is often used in powder form but is also available as tablets or liquid extracts. It is best to consume amla in raw form. Amla powder can be consumed by mixing with honey, twice a day. Chyawanprash is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation that can be taken to reduce mental and physical fatigue and boost immunity also contains amla.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

Ginger is hot in potency and thus aids in decreasing the aggravated vatta and kapha doshas. Ginger is very versatile – it can be had fresh, powdered or oil form or in dry candied/ juice form. Dry ginger powder mixed with sesame oil is used to relieve joint or muscle pains. It is also used for hot fomentation in gout, oedema, arthritis or other joint pains. Anti- microbial compounds in ginger helps fight infections, and boost immunity levels. Ginger is also recommended for many respiratory ailments like cold, cough, pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Ocimum sanctum is the primary form of Tulsi used for its medicinal purposes, due to its anti-infective properties and its use in respiratory tract infections like cough, cold, sore throat, asthma etc. It helps remove excess kapha from lungs. This natural stimulant energizes our body, increases circulation, and has been proven to be beneficial in skin diseases and ulcers. Fresh tulsi juice taken twice a day may help to boost health. Adding a few drops of ginger and honey to tulsi juice may help further improve immunity.

Meme

NAMASTE ❤️

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