Healthy Food: Brown Rice
What is it?
Brown Rice is a whole grain that is made from either unmilled or partly milled rice. It has similar calories, carbohydrates and proteins to the more common white rice, but sometimes contains more fat. The extra bran in brown rice may help lower cholesterol, and is a good source of dietary fiber.
Use:
Rice can be eaten plain, in soups and stews, ground into flour and made into pastas, noodles, breads and other baked goods.
Where to find it:
Most large supermarkets carry a few brown rices, and you can find a wide array of them at your local health food stores.
For more information please see the following:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=128
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_rice
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Featured Guest Article: How to Cure High Blood Pressure- 7 Blood Pressure Secrets Doctors Won’t Tell You by: Joe Barton
How to Cure High Blood Pressure- 7 Blood Pressure Secrets Doctors Won’t Tell You
by: Joe Barton
|
|
 |
Do you know how to cure high blood pressure with no medication? Most people would probably say to eat healthy (lower your salt-intake) and make sure you exercise. Unfortunately, most doctors tell you this and forget to tell you the other treatments you can be doing to lower your score and eventually be med-free.
The truth is that doctors are educated in medical schools were natural health and simple 'common sense' secrets are not taught. Unfortunately, medicine and antibiotics are only being taught because our medical industry is completely reliant upon pharmaceutical companies.
But new research is now showing the sometimes medicines are not the only treatment. In fact, some natural treatments are just as effective as their medicine counterpart.
Which is making some think, "Is there something doctors are NOT telling us?"
Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure Medications (Diuretics, Beta Blockers, Alpha Blockers, and Vasodilators) work because they lower your blood pressure. The problem is that they make it look that you are healthy but are your numbers showing the truth?
High Blood Pressure medications work because they synthetically alleviate the pressure of the arteries and blood. For instance, with diuretics the blood will become less salty (less thick) and your pressure with drop. Another example would be beta blockers which synthetically cause the heart to beat slower.
Though these medications look good on paper, they are NOT treating the disease known as the 'silent killer'. In fact, they could be prolonging your life but they will never fully treat the disease. And statistics show that users will eventually die from the high blood pressure.
But what if you could naturally treat high blood pressure.
7 Hypertension Tips Your Doctor Won't Share with You
So you want to know, 'how to cure high blood pressure'? First, you need to know how to prevent high blood pressure holistically. Because curing high blood pressure starts with a holistic treatment. Holistically treating hypertension simply means using the 'whole' body to cure the problem. This is completely different than taking a pill to synthetically thin out the blood.
1. Three Miracle Minerals- If you are suffering from high blood pressure, you should be supplementing your diet with 3 miracle minerals that lower high blood pressure. Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
2. Garlic- Garlic has been shown to benefit the heart, lower cholesterol and lower high blood pressure naturally. The compound in garlic, allicin, is thought to naturally lower high blood pressure. Find a quality supplement today.
3. Folic Acid- Vitamin B which is found in green leafy vegetables reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. This vitamin will lower the risk of heart disease and alleviate the pressure naturally.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar- Many or my customers have found success with apple cider vinegar which contains vitamins C, A, E, B1, B2 and B6, in addition to potassium, magnesium, and copper.
5. Relieve Stress- Do you know there are numerous ways to relieve stress? Breathing exercises, exercising, or reading a book are simple ways to relieve stress and lower high blood pressure. And there are even more than this!
6. Your Diet! You know the major Do's and Don'ts about high blood pressure dieting. Just remember to be eating your water-soluble fibers (fruits and vegetables). Fibers, especially water-soluble, will flush your system and plaque. Also, switch to whole grains! With less plaque in the arteries you will eventually be hypertension-free! Our HBP report goes into great detail about how you can treat hypertension with your diet.
7. Green Tea! It is loaded with antioxidants and research shows it lowers high blood pressure. Whether it is the 'relaxing' factor or the natural herbs in green tea, 1 cup of green tea will be helpful for your health!
Normalize your High Blood Pressure in 3 Weeks or Less
What foods should you be eating? What other vitamins are a must? What exercises are an absolute do? What herbs are making doctors scratch their heads? Why is chocolate now good for you?
Are you interested in lowering blood pressure naturally, with out drugs? We offer a 100% guaranteed, medical doctor-approved HBP Remedy Report which shares numerous natural health tips and guarantees to normalize your pressure in 3 weeks or less. If you are serious about living young again, please visit our How to Cure High Blood Pressure Website.
About The Author
Guaranteed to work in 3 weeks or less! Joe Barton and Barton Publishing Inc. have been publishing Hypertension Remedy Reports that teach you how to cure high blood pressure naturally. Are you next?http://www.bloodpressurenormalized.com/hbp1/
Friday, October 24, 2008
Healthy Food Brief: Barley
Healthy Food Brief: Barley
What is it?
Barley is a popular cereal grain, rich in fiber, selenium and tryptophan. It is used in cereals, and is an ingrediant in beer and other alchoholic beverages. Studies have recently indicated that eating barley can have a positive effect on bood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and help improve intestinal protection.
Use:
Barley is a key component in the making of beer and many breakfast cereals. It's a welcome addition to soups and stews, and sometimes used as a medicine to treat a variety of illnesses.
Where to find it:
Barley is easily found in a variety of forms at local supermarkets, as well as in the health food stores. Most whole grin breads include it as a main ingrediant.
For more information please see the following:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=127
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barley
What is it?
Barley is a popular cereal grain, rich in fiber, selenium and tryptophan. It is used in cereals, and is an ingrediant in beer and other alchoholic beverages. Studies have recently indicated that eating barley can have a positive effect on bood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and help improve intestinal protection.
Use:
Barley is a key component in the making of beer and many breakfast cereals. It's a welcome addition to soups and stews, and sometimes used as a medicine to treat a variety of illnesses.
Where to find it:
Barley is easily found in a variety of forms at local supermarkets, as well as in the health food stores. Most whole grin breads include it as a main ingrediant.
For more information please see the following:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=127
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barley
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Feature Guest Article: Healing Through Qigong - The Art Of Breathing By: Eric Cho
Healing Through Qigong - The Art Of Breathing
By: Eric Cho
The word ‘Qigong’ is made up of the two words ‘Qi’ (meaning breath or gas in Mandarin) and ‘Gong’ (meaning technique or work). Thus Qigong basically means ‘breath work’. Qigong, therefore, is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine involving the regulation and coordination of breathing patterns to ensure good health.
Qigong is believed to be the result of decades of struggle by the Chinese people for survival.
It was noticed that certain breathing techniques used in conjunction with mental concentration greatly improved bodily functions. Qigong has also borrowed heavily from Taoism and Buddhism. Thus religion and spirituality plays a very important role in Qigong techniques. Some forms of Qigong even believe that an individual can attain higher levels of accomplishment only if he is very virtuous.
Traditional Chinese medicine operates on a simple but effective premise – that of ‘Chi’. Chi is the energy or life force that travels through the human body and suffuses all our organs with health and well being. When this flow is blocked or disturbed, there is a disturbance within the system that manifests itself as a disease. According to tradition, all that a doctor has to do to restore good health is to analyze the reasons for the block and to take measures to facilitate the free flow of energy once again.
Qigong teaches an individual to live in such a way that the free flow of energy happens always, so that he is free from diseases. As the two words indicate, Qigong deals with the manipulation of breath to achieve and maintain robust health. This art has found a strong role in the martial arts of ancient China where people had to mobilize energy and stamina in coordination with the physical act of breathing.
This Chinese healing art is an effective form of alternative medicine that uses a series of gentle focused exercises to coordinate the mind and the body. It is believed that most people use only a small portion of the energy within them. Most people get sick because they do not breathe properly. These two facts have been juxtaposed in Qigong, where proper breathing helps bring good health. As such, Qigong is mostly taught for health maintenance purposes. But rarely the doctor also uses Qigong for therapeutic purposes.
In the modern world, millions of people all around the world practice Qigong for maintaining their good health. Qigong and other related arts are still associated with meditation and martial arts. But as opposed to the past, these people are no longer the sole custodians of the intricate techniques involved in Qigong. These techniques have become so popular now that medical Qigong has been officially recognized as a medical technique in China.
The practice of Qigong began nearly 5,000 years ago. Today there are almost 3,000 forms of Qigong. Tai Chi is just one of the more popular forms.
Western medicine accepts that Qigong can improve the overall health and vitality of a person. But the religious connotations that are lying just below the surface have often proved to be a matter of controversy. But there are no two opinions regarding the level of effectiveness of this practice.
About the Author:
Alternative Holistic Medicine
By: Eric Cho
The word ‘Qigong’ is made up of the two words ‘Qi’ (meaning breath or gas in Mandarin) and ‘Gong’ (meaning technique or work). Thus Qigong basically means ‘breath work’. Qigong, therefore, is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine involving the regulation and coordination of breathing patterns to ensure good health.
Qigong is believed to be the result of decades of struggle by the Chinese people for survival.
It was noticed that certain breathing techniques used in conjunction with mental concentration greatly improved bodily functions. Qigong has also borrowed heavily from Taoism and Buddhism. Thus religion and spirituality plays a very important role in Qigong techniques. Some forms of Qigong even believe that an individual can attain higher levels of accomplishment only if he is very virtuous.
Traditional Chinese medicine operates on a simple but effective premise – that of ‘Chi’. Chi is the energy or life force that travels through the human body and suffuses all our organs with health and well being. When this flow is blocked or disturbed, there is a disturbance within the system that manifests itself as a disease. According to tradition, all that a doctor has to do to restore good health is to analyze the reasons for the block and to take measures to facilitate the free flow of energy once again.
Qigong teaches an individual to live in such a way that the free flow of energy happens always, so that he is free from diseases. As the two words indicate, Qigong deals with the manipulation of breath to achieve and maintain robust health. This art has found a strong role in the martial arts of ancient China where people had to mobilize energy and stamina in coordination with the physical act of breathing.
This Chinese healing art is an effective form of alternative medicine that uses a series of gentle focused exercises to coordinate the mind and the body. It is believed that most people use only a small portion of the energy within them. Most people get sick because they do not breathe properly. These two facts have been juxtaposed in Qigong, where proper breathing helps bring good health. As such, Qigong is mostly taught for health maintenance purposes. But rarely the doctor also uses Qigong for therapeutic purposes.
In the modern world, millions of people all around the world practice Qigong for maintaining their good health. Qigong and other related arts are still associated with meditation and martial arts. But as opposed to the past, these people are no longer the sole custodians of the intricate techniques involved in Qigong. These techniques have become so popular now that medical Qigong has been officially recognized as a medical technique in China.
The practice of Qigong began nearly 5,000 years ago. Today there are almost 3,000 forms of Qigong. Tai Chi is just one of the more popular forms.
Western medicine accepts that Qigong can improve the overall health and vitality of a person. But the religious connotations that are lying just below the surface have often proved to be a matter of controversy. But there are no two opinions regarding the level of effectiveness of this practice.
About the Author:
Alternative Holistic Medicine
Monday, October 20, 2008
Proper Breathing
Proper Breathing
By Bob Hubbard
The idea of a guide to breathing seems rather strange to some. After all, we all do it automatically. But, like everything else, there is a right way to breath to maximize its benefit to you.
The most common breathing uses only the top half of our lungs. This leaves the bottom portion unused and tends to hinder the fullest absorption of oxygen due to the retention of stale air. This stale air and poor use of our lung capacity effects every organ in our bodies. Every day we take thousands of breaths but rarely will we think about how to improve the process.
Proper deep breathing combined with meditation can reduce stress, expand your consciousness, deepen insights and help create inner peace. Even without meditation, properly breathing can help keep you alert and energized to face the trials of the day.
We enter this world in a soft, relaxed state, gradually growing harder as we age. As we age, we forget how to breathe at our full capacity, taking shallower and shallower breaths. This should be a concern.
One of the first things the singer and musician learn is proper breath control. Body builders and weight training includes proper breathing instruction.
Tai chi, Yoga and other meditative practices require you to become attuned to your breathing at an early stage. In order to bet the maximum from these studies, it is vitally important that the body and the mind receive sufficient oxygen. The act of breathing itself is important for proper bodily function. It massages the internal organs and moves both nutrients and wastes. From a meditative perspective, focusing on proper breathing unclutters your mind, and helps you to relax. How often have you had trouble sleeping and heard "focus on your breathing" or "breath slow and count your breaths"?
So, breathing right is important. But, how do you do it?
In order to understand the right way to breath, you must also know the wrong ways. You want to avoid what are called "Clavicle" and "Thoracic" breathing. In "Clavicle breathing", the abdomen is sucked in and the shoulders and collarbone are raised. It is the shallowest type giving the least benefit. Expanding the rib muscles does “Thoracic breathing” which is where the stomach is often sucked in but the chest rises and falls..
Proper breathing is more than simply "breath in, breath out". Proper breathing involves the abdomen, and four distinct stages: Inhalation, retention, exhalation and pause.
Inhalation
Never force yourself to inhale to the point where you feel so full you might burst. A common mistake, you should never try to force it beyond comfortable fullness. Go about 2/3's full. Don't try to suck in all the air you can as fast as you can. Do it at a slow and steady pace for maximum effect. Breath with your abdomen. To get the feel for this, while wearing loose clothing, lie on your back. Place your hand on the upper abdomen, where the diaphragm is located, approximately just under your rib line. Breathe in and out slowly. The abdomen should expand outward as you inhale and contract as you exhale.
Retention
A common mistake is to breath in and out as fast as you can. This can cause you to become lightheaded, and you get minimal effectiveness of the air. Instead, after breathing in about 2/3 of a lungful of air, hold it for about 3-4 seconds. This allows for proper exchange of oxygen and toxins through the cell walls, and can slow down your heartbeat and reduce blood pressure. Proper retention has many therapeutic benefits to the body.
Exhalation
Don't try to force the air out. Empty from the top to the bottom, in a relaxed manner.
Pause
When the lungs are completely empty, pause for a few seconds. This will allow the abdominal wall and diaphragm to relax so that they may operate at the best of their ability on the next breath.
Proper deep breathing can reduce stress, expand your mind, increase your endurance and energy, and keep you alert. Shallow or incorrect breathing can leave you clouded, tired and lethargic. Regardless of your activity, remember to breath. Be aware of how you are breathing, and focus on a slow deep relaxed breath. You'll find you will be more effective in your daily activities.
===
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts sites MartialTalk.com and KenpoTalk.com. He is president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. A student of all the arts, he is currently studying Modern Arnis.
Bob can be reached at kaith@martialtalk.com. More of Bob's articles can be found at rustaz.net.
Discuss this at MartialTalk
By Bob Hubbard
The idea of a guide to breathing seems rather strange to some. After all, we all do it automatically. But, like everything else, there is a right way to breath to maximize its benefit to you.
The most common breathing uses only the top half of our lungs. This leaves the bottom portion unused and tends to hinder the fullest absorption of oxygen due to the retention of stale air. This stale air and poor use of our lung capacity effects every organ in our bodies. Every day we take thousands of breaths but rarely will we think about how to improve the process.
Proper deep breathing combined with meditation can reduce stress, expand your consciousness, deepen insights and help create inner peace. Even without meditation, properly breathing can help keep you alert and energized to face the trials of the day.
We enter this world in a soft, relaxed state, gradually growing harder as we age. As we age, we forget how to breathe at our full capacity, taking shallower and shallower breaths. This should be a concern.
One of the first things the singer and musician learn is proper breath control. Body builders and weight training includes proper breathing instruction.
Tai chi, Yoga and other meditative practices require you to become attuned to your breathing at an early stage. In order to bet the maximum from these studies, it is vitally important that the body and the mind receive sufficient oxygen. The act of breathing itself is important for proper bodily function. It massages the internal organs and moves both nutrients and wastes. From a meditative perspective, focusing on proper breathing unclutters your mind, and helps you to relax. How often have you had trouble sleeping and heard "focus on your breathing" or "breath slow and count your breaths"?
So, breathing right is important. But, how do you do it?
In order to understand the right way to breath, you must also know the wrong ways. You want to avoid what are called "Clavicle" and "Thoracic" breathing. In "Clavicle breathing", the abdomen is sucked in and the shoulders and collarbone are raised. It is the shallowest type giving the least benefit. Expanding the rib muscles does “Thoracic breathing” which is where the stomach is often sucked in but the chest rises and falls..
Proper breathing is more than simply "breath in, breath out". Proper breathing involves the abdomen, and four distinct stages: Inhalation, retention, exhalation and pause.
Inhalation
Never force yourself to inhale to the point where you feel so full you might burst. A common mistake, you should never try to force it beyond comfortable fullness. Go about 2/3's full. Don't try to suck in all the air you can as fast as you can. Do it at a slow and steady pace for maximum effect. Breath with your abdomen. To get the feel for this, while wearing loose clothing, lie on your back. Place your hand on the upper abdomen, where the diaphragm is located, approximately just under your rib line. Breathe in and out slowly. The abdomen should expand outward as you inhale and contract as you exhale.
Retention
A common mistake is to breath in and out as fast as you can. This can cause you to become lightheaded, and you get minimal effectiveness of the air. Instead, after breathing in about 2/3 of a lungful of air, hold it for about 3-4 seconds. This allows for proper exchange of oxygen and toxins through the cell walls, and can slow down your heartbeat and reduce blood pressure. Proper retention has many therapeutic benefits to the body.
Exhalation
Don't try to force the air out. Empty from the top to the bottom, in a relaxed manner.
Pause
When the lungs are completely empty, pause for a few seconds. This will allow the abdominal wall and diaphragm to relax so that they may operate at the best of their ability on the next breath.
Proper deep breathing can reduce stress, expand your mind, increase your endurance and energy, and keep you alert. Shallow or incorrect breathing can leave you clouded, tired and lethargic. Regardless of your activity, remember to breath. Be aware of how you are breathing, and focus on a slow deep relaxed breath. You'll find you will be more effective in your daily activities.
===
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts sites MartialTalk.com and KenpoTalk.com. He is president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. A student of all the arts, he is currently studying Modern Arnis.
Bob can be reached at kaith@martialtalk.com. More of Bob's articles can be found at rustaz.net.
Discuss this at MartialTalk
Friday, October 17, 2008
Healthy Food Brief: Quinoa
Healthy Food: Quinoa
What is it?
Quinoa (pronounced Keen Wah), is an ancient grain native of South America, that was once favored by the Incas. It is an excellent complete protein, including all 9 essential amino acids. A good choice for vegans who are concerned about their protein intake, quinoa is a good source of lysine, as well as other health building nutriants.
Use:
Quinoa is a versitile food. You can use it like you would rice, adding it to soups, served on it's own, as a breakfast porridge, and more. You can even find flour made from it, as well as pastas and sprouts.
Where to find it:
Quinoa is slowly turning up more and more in local supermarkets, as well as your local health food store. It's an affordable and nutritious addition to youor diet.
For more information please see the following:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
What is it?
Quinoa (pronounced Keen Wah), is an ancient grain native of South America, that was once favored by the Incas. It is an excellent complete protein, including all 9 essential amino acids. A good choice for vegans who are concerned about their protein intake, quinoa is a good source of lysine, as well as other health building nutriants.
Use:
Quinoa is a versitile food. You can use it like you would rice, adding it to soups, served on it's own, as a breakfast porridge, and more. You can even find flour made from it, as well as pastas and sprouts.
Where to find it:
Quinoa is slowly turning up more and more in local supermarkets, as well as your local health food store. It's an affordable and nutritious addition to youor diet.
For more information please see the following:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Feature Guest Article: A 5-Step Breathing Exercise to Better Health, More Energy & Longer Life! By H.W. Williams
A 5-Step Breathing Exercise to Better Health, More Energy & Longer Life! By H.W. Williams
A 5-Step Breathing Exercise to Better Health, More Energy & Longer Life!
By H. Wei Williams
Just a few minutes a day of this simple breathing exercise will bring you better health, more energy and longer life!
We all know that the human body can go more than a month without food and several days without water… but how long can we survive without air? Without oxygen, we'd be brain-dead within minutes! Yet most of us take our breathing for granted.
Did you know that the brain uses more than three quarters of the oxygen taken in? Without efficient respiration, the human body becomes oxygen-starved: we become sluggish, unable to concentrate, easily fatigued, and slow to react.
But we can change that by simply improving our respiration. Just five to ten minutes practice of this qigong/chi kung diaphragmatic breathing exercise will do wonders for your mind and body. Here's how:
Assume a comfortable position, sitting or lying down, or even standing up.
Make sure your back is straight, not ramrod rigid, but straight in a relaxed way: Your shoulders should not be tense but slightly slumped forward, with your chest slightly caved in. Likewise, your chin shouldn't be thrust forward; instead it should be drawn slightly inward, so that your head is aligned with the rest of your spine.
Inhale fully by pulling down the diaphragm muscle that sits just below the rib cage. This will allow your lungs to expand to its fullest capacity.
When you inhale, breathe in slowly and evenly through the nose, visualizing filling your abdomen full of air, as you expand your abdomen outward.
Sometimes it helps to lie down and put a book on your stomach for visual feedback. Or, if you are sitting or standing, place your hand on your abdomen and feel it expand when you breathe in.
Next, pause a moment before exhaling, again slowly and evenly through your nose. As you breathe out, let your abdomen flatten out. This should be natural, not forced.
Pause for another moment before repeating the cycle again.
And that's it — a simple breathing exercise that most children do automatically, and adults should always practice to extend their health and longevity. Diaphragmatic respiration is just one of many qigong (a.k.a. chi kung) breathing techniques that can bring you many health benefits:
greater mental clarity and alertness;
reduces stress, more relaxation
more energy and vitality, and less fatigue
nourishes, cleanses and detoxifies the body
improves concentration, focus, and memory
facilitates digestion and elimination
better organ function, cardiovascular functions
strengthens immune system
better circulation
aids in cell repair and regeneration
improves overall health and well-being
promotes anti-aging and longevity
Other breathing techniques can also help with weight reduction, faster reflexes, sleep reduction, pain management, treatments of particular diseases and disorders, such as hypertension, asthma and bronchitis, migraines, heart conditions… and much more.
Feel a headache coming? Just take five minutes to breathe it away! Your headache will begin to diminish in just a few minutes of practicing the 5-step breathing exercise just outlined.
Headaches are usually caused by too much tension. Arteries and capillaries carrying oxygenated blood become constricted and the oxygen-starved brain signals with a headache. When you practice qigong yogic breathing techniques you signal to the brain that it's time to relax and increase circulation, thereby increasing your oxygen intake.
Short on energy? Easily fatigued or sluggish? Now you can increase your work efficiency in just five minutes of qigong, right at your seat of work. Literally, just take a breather, and you'll be well rested and ready to work at your fullest capacity in no time!
If you are new to qigong and not accustomed to deep respiration, you may find that your diaphragm and abdominal muscles may feel sore at first. That's because the muscles are not accustomed to the exercise.
Keep your practice brief, no longer than a few minutes at a time. Then gradually increase until it becomes natural and unconscious.
Try it. This breathing exercise is only one of many literally life-giving breathing techniques practiced in qigong meditation — rich in oxygen, rich in life.
H. Wei Williams has trained and taught qigong/chi kung and tai chi chuan for health, self-defense and spiritual growth for almost 30 years. To learn more about respiration and breathing techniques, as well as other qigong-related topics, visit her website [http://www.chikung-unlimited.com/]Chi Kung Unlimited at http://www.chikung-unlimited.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=H._Wei_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-5-Step-B...ife!&id=675179
By H. Wei Williams
Just a few minutes a day of this simple breathing exercise will bring you better health, more energy and longer life!
We all know that the human body can go more than a month without food and several days without water… but how long can we survive without air? Without oxygen, we'd be brain-dead within minutes! Yet most of us take our breathing for granted.
Did you know that the brain uses more than three quarters of the oxygen taken in? Without efficient respiration, the human body becomes oxygen-starved: we become sluggish, unable to concentrate, easily fatigued, and slow to react.
But we can change that by simply improving our respiration. Just five to ten minutes practice of this qigong/chi kung diaphragmatic breathing exercise will do wonders for your mind and body. Here's how:
Assume a comfortable position, sitting or lying down, or even standing up.
Make sure your back is straight, not ramrod rigid, but straight in a relaxed way: Your shoulders should not be tense but slightly slumped forward, with your chest slightly caved in. Likewise, your chin shouldn't be thrust forward; instead it should be drawn slightly inward, so that your head is aligned with the rest of your spine.
Inhale fully by pulling down the diaphragm muscle that sits just below the rib cage. This will allow your lungs to expand to its fullest capacity.
When you inhale, breathe in slowly and evenly through the nose, visualizing filling your abdomen full of air, as you expand your abdomen outward.
Sometimes it helps to lie down and put a book on your stomach for visual feedback. Or, if you are sitting or standing, place your hand on your abdomen and feel it expand when you breathe in.
Next, pause a moment before exhaling, again slowly and evenly through your nose. As you breathe out, let your abdomen flatten out. This should be natural, not forced.
Pause for another moment before repeating the cycle again.
And that's it — a simple breathing exercise that most children do automatically, and adults should always practice to extend their health and longevity. Diaphragmatic respiration is just one of many qigong (a.k.a. chi kung) breathing techniques that can bring you many health benefits:
greater mental clarity and alertness;
reduces stress, more relaxation
more energy and vitality, and less fatigue
nourishes, cleanses and detoxifies the body
improves concentration, focus, and memory
facilitates digestion and elimination
better organ function, cardiovascular functions
strengthens immune system
better circulation
aids in cell repair and regeneration
improves overall health and well-being
promotes anti-aging and longevity
Other breathing techniques can also help with weight reduction, faster reflexes, sleep reduction, pain management, treatments of particular diseases and disorders, such as hypertension, asthma and bronchitis, migraines, heart conditions… and much more.
Feel a headache coming? Just take five minutes to breathe it away! Your headache will begin to diminish in just a few minutes of practicing the 5-step breathing exercise just outlined.
Headaches are usually caused by too much tension. Arteries and capillaries carrying oxygenated blood become constricted and the oxygen-starved brain signals with a headache. When you practice qigong yogic breathing techniques you signal to the brain that it's time to relax and increase circulation, thereby increasing your oxygen intake.
Short on energy? Easily fatigued or sluggish? Now you can increase your work efficiency in just five minutes of qigong, right at your seat of work. Literally, just take a breather, and you'll be well rested and ready to work at your fullest capacity in no time!
If you are new to qigong and not accustomed to deep respiration, you may find that your diaphragm and abdominal muscles may feel sore at first. That's because the muscles are not accustomed to the exercise.
Keep your practice brief, no longer than a few minutes at a time. Then gradually increase until it becomes natural and unconscious.
Try it. This breathing exercise is only one of many literally life-giving breathing techniques practiced in qigong meditation — rich in oxygen, rich in life.
H. Wei Williams has trained and taught qigong/chi kung and tai chi chuan for health, self-defense and spiritual growth for almost 30 years. To learn more about respiration and breathing techniques, as well as other qigong-related topics, visit her website [http://www.chikung-unlimited.com/]Chi Kung Unlimited at http://www.chikung-unlimited.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=H._Wei_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-5-Step-B...ife!&id=675179
Monday, October 13, 2008
Ginseng, A Brief Overview
Ginseng, A Brief Overview by Bob Hubbard
Ginseng, A Brief Overview
By Bob Hubbard
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a common name for the roots several different plants. Used medicinally for centuries by both the Chinese and North American Natives, it is a very diverse plant. Ginseng is often referred to as an adaptogen, a product that does no harm, but increases the body's resistance to stress. This property is unfortunately extremely difficult to prove scientifically, so at this time there is still much debate on the matter.
The uses of the various ginsengs are extremely diverse. Used as both an energy booster, health maintainer, mental booster, and more, it’s use goes back centuries in China and North America, as well as Russia.
Types of Ginseng:
Asian ginseng (panax ginseng)
Asian Ginseng is also called Panax or Korean Ginseng. The active ingredients of Panax are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have several beneficial effects. Included among them are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects. There has also been some clinical research that has demonstrated that Panax ginseng may improve the immune function, conditions associated with diabetes and psychological function. It is native to China, Korea, and Russia, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, primarily as a treatment of weakness and fatigue. It is also combined with other herbs in many TCM treatments.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
A different plant from both the Asian and American ginsengs, Siberian ginseng contains no ginsenosides, instead eleutherosides are present. It is not considered a true ginseng due to these differences. Siberian ginseng is usually used in a tonic, and is reported to be most useful in maintaining health, rather than treating illness. It has been shown to stimulate resistance to stress, and delay the exhaustive phase. It works by strengthening the bodies natural immune system. It is grown primarily in China, eastern Russia, Korea, and Japan's northern island, Hokkaido, with most of the worlds supply coming from Siberia and China.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Also containing ginsenosides, American ginseng is reported to be a boon to those recovering from illness or surgery. Research and studies indicate that is may be of use in treating ADHD, speed up the metabolization or slow down the absorption of alcohol, slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, as well so help improve cardiovascular health and raise HDL levels. However, users of Warfarin (used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger) take note: American Ginseng appears to reduce it’s effects.
American ginseng is cultivated in the US state of Wisconsin, , Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, China and France. The root is gathered in autumn.
All of these species are in the Araliaceae plant family, but each has its own specific effects on the body. Due to its growing popularity, growth is now done with extreme care, with many countries having strict harvesting regulations.
Side Effects and Cautions
Before beginning any herbal treatment, it is highly recommended that one consult with a competent herbalist and pharmacist, so as to avoid any negative interactions with existing medications.
Of specific concern, if you are taking anticoagulants, vasodilators, or are pregnant consult with your physician. Certain treatments for AIDS, cancer, connective tissue disease, heart, kidney and liver disease, and tuberculosis may also have bad interactions with ginseng.
Side effects may include diarrhea, headache, heart palpitations, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, euphoria, hypertension, hypotension, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, blood pressure abnormalities and heavier menstrual flow.
Ginsengs are commonly taken for several weeks, and common practice suggests a week or 2 break after every 3-5 week period. Prolonged usage can increase your chances of side effects.
Summary
The various forms of Ginseng have been used for centuries as a treatment for numerous ailments. Research into the real effectiveness of ginseng to treat illness and other health problems continues, with some showing positive results. Used intelligently, with the advice of a competent and up to date physician, ginseng may be of some benefit to you.
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_ginseng
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panax_ginseng
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/...mericanch.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050501/tips/14.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1539.html
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/ginseng.shtml
http://www.heartspring.net/ginseng_research.html
===
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts sites MartialTalk.com and KenpoTalk.com. He is president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. A student of all the arts, he is currently studying Modern Arnis. Bob can be reached at kaith@martialtalk.com. More of Bob's articles can be found at rustaz.net. Copies of this article is free to distribute, provided all text is retained intact. It and other articles can be found at rustaz.net
Discuss this at MartialTalk
By Bob Hubbard
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a common name for the roots several different plants. Used medicinally for centuries by both the Chinese and North American Natives, it is a very diverse plant. Ginseng is often referred to as an adaptogen, a product that does no harm, but increases the body's resistance to stress. This property is unfortunately extremely difficult to prove scientifically, so at this time there is still much debate on the matter.
The uses of the various ginsengs are extremely diverse. Used as both an energy booster, health maintainer, mental booster, and more, it’s use goes back centuries in China and North America, as well as Russia.
Types of Ginseng:
Asian ginseng (panax ginseng)
Asian Ginseng is also called Panax or Korean Ginseng. The active ingredients of Panax are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have several beneficial effects. Included among them are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects. There has also been some clinical research that has demonstrated that Panax ginseng may improve the immune function, conditions associated with diabetes and psychological function. It is native to China, Korea, and Russia, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, primarily as a treatment of weakness and fatigue. It is also combined with other herbs in many TCM treatments.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
A different plant from both the Asian and American ginsengs, Siberian ginseng contains no ginsenosides, instead eleutherosides are present. It is not considered a true ginseng due to these differences. Siberian ginseng is usually used in a tonic, and is reported to be most useful in maintaining health, rather than treating illness. It has been shown to stimulate resistance to stress, and delay the exhaustive phase. It works by strengthening the bodies natural immune system. It is grown primarily in China, eastern Russia, Korea, and Japan's northern island, Hokkaido, with most of the worlds supply coming from Siberia and China.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Also containing ginsenosides, American ginseng is reported to be a boon to those recovering from illness or surgery. Research and studies indicate that is may be of use in treating ADHD, speed up the metabolization or slow down the absorption of alcohol, slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, as well so help improve cardiovascular health and raise HDL levels. However, users of Warfarin (used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger) take note: American Ginseng appears to reduce it’s effects.
American ginseng is cultivated in the US state of Wisconsin, , Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, China and France. The root is gathered in autumn.
All of these species are in the Araliaceae plant family, but each has its own specific effects on the body. Due to its growing popularity, growth is now done with extreme care, with many countries having strict harvesting regulations.
Side Effects and Cautions
Before beginning any herbal treatment, it is highly recommended that one consult with a competent herbalist and pharmacist, so as to avoid any negative interactions with existing medications.
Of specific concern, if you are taking anticoagulants, vasodilators, or are pregnant consult with your physician. Certain treatments for AIDS, cancer, connective tissue disease, heart, kidney and liver disease, and tuberculosis may also have bad interactions with ginseng.
Side effects may include diarrhea, headache, heart palpitations, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, euphoria, hypertension, hypotension, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, blood pressure abnormalities and heavier menstrual flow.
Ginsengs are commonly taken for several weeks, and common practice suggests a week or 2 break after every 3-5 week period. Prolonged usage can increase your chances of side effects.
Summary
The various forms of Ginseng have been used for centuries as a treatment for numerous ailments. Research into the real effectiveness of ginseng to treat illness and other health problems continues, with some showing positive results. Used intelligently, with the advice of a competent and up to date physician, ginseng may be of some benefit to you.
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_ginseng
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panax_ginseng
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/...mericanch.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050501/tips/14.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1539.html
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/ginseng.shtml
http://www.heartspring.net/ginseng_research.html
===
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts sites MartialTalk.com and KenpoTalk.com. He is president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. A student of all the arts, he is currently studying Modern Arnis. Bob can be reached at kaith@martialtalk.com. More of Bob's articles can be found at rustaz.net. Copies of this article is free to distribute, provided all text is retained intact. It and other articles can be found at rustaz.net
Discuss this at MartialTalk
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Welcome to Random Acts of Healing.
Welcome to Random Acts of Healing.
In this blog, I will be presenting articles and healthy living ideas for your review.
I'll be doing 3 updates per week.
I hope you find them useful in improving your own healthy life style.
In this blog, I will be presenting articles and healthy living ideas for your review.
I'll be doing 3 updates per week.
- Monday will feature a new article by me on some aspect of a health, healing and enjoying a healthy life.
- Wednesday will feature a guest article containing information that might be helpful to you.
- Friday will feature a food brief on both common and uncommon foods. Check them out, most are esy to work into your diet and boost your health.
I hope you find them useful in improving your own healthy life style.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
