Guest Views On... Hot Yoga

Decreasing Stress Utilizing Hot Yoga

by Cathy T.  Linton

For anyone who is just starting hot yoga, you might question exactly what benefits it can provide with regards to reducing stress. How can a challenging class that gets your heart pumping and allows you to push past your usual comfort zones be in any way soothing?

As many can confirm, hot yoga is actually a fantastic exercise for relaxation. Those who perform it often have reduced cholesterol levels, lower heart rates, lower blood pressure, and better rest at night. Hot yoga enables your internal organs to detox during class and leaves you with a sense of well-being afterward.

The poses in hot yoga are designed so that your lymphatic system is flushed and your detoxifying organs, such as the liver, are gently massaged. The tightening and release of muscles also stimulates your body in a way similar to receiving pressure point therapy.

Hot yoga is not only about bodily practices, but breathing. Breathing exercises allow you to release tension and get into a calmer state of mind. It is actually quite meditative to be so concentrated on your breath and the positioning of your body during a class and this sort of focus can be transmitted into other practices as well.

Hot yoga increases metabolism and blood circulation so that you will feel its healing effects once you are outside of class. Many participants feel that since they have been able to work through a hard scenario during hot yoga, they are able to deal with other, non-physical stresses throughout the day better as well. It is true that much may seem less taxing than usual after a hot yoga class, and having completed one is definitely something to feel confident about. This self belief leads people to feel more sure of themselves.

There is a specific stress reduction technique that is targeted during yoga, whether practitioners are aware of it or not. It is called "progressive muscle relaxation", which is fairly similar to how one prepares to sleep. Though hot yoga is of course a more conscious activity, the practice of tensing certain muscles and then releasing that tension allows people to slip deeper into a stress-free state of being. This is also an important method because it sets people up so that they are able to tell when they may be feeling increased discomfort or tightness in any specific portion of their body, and they can more easily work to soothe it.

Mindfulness has always played an important part in all forms of yoga, especially when it was first created thousands of years ago. By paying attention to every part of their bodies while performing hot yoga, practitioners are able to be aware of themselves to a greater extent than usual. There is also a "walking" meditation that hot yoga promotes that allows for people to be aware of the physicality of what they are doing without being distracted by other things going on around them. Hot yoga is a wonderful way to loosen up and grow more centered in your life and that can pass from you to others for a more peaceful attitude throughout the day.

Also See:  Yoga Benefits
   
Few careers provide the flexibility and satisfaction of being a yoga instructor.  Yoga teacher trainings offer the support and guidance essential to acquire your official yoga instructor certification.

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Reviewing... MSM With Organic Turmeric Oil

Omica Organics MSM

One of the main things I suffer from due to my health issues is muscle spasms. If you've never suffered from spasms, take it from me, it is a miserable state of being.

I ran into Matt form Omica Organics the other day. We were both hanging out at Erewhon Market in Los Angeles and I told him the Magnesium Oil Spray (Reviewing... Magnesium Oil) he had given me really does help. It takes the edge off. He suggested I try their new MSM with turmeric capsules, as both are anti-inflammatory.  (MSM is a type of natural, essential sulfur, not to be confused with Sulpha drugs.)

I know part of my problem is inflammation. Following the diet outlined in The Inflammation Syndrome helps considerably, but I am human. As hard as I try not to eat sugar, I fail at times. Staying off gluten helps, too. But again, sometimes I back slide.

I have been back sliding a lot recently, and as a result I'm paying for it. Put simply, I hurt. Mostly my legs, primarily my right leg, which makes driving miserable.

When I got home after seeing Matt, I had something to eat (this is important, as turmeric can irritate an empty stomach) and swallowed three capsules.  My legs were spasmodic and I was very uncomfortable.   Within 15 minutes I was noticing the difference.  I still had spasms, but they were much, much less.  Needless to say, I've been taking the MSM with turmeric caps everyday since, and I'm very happy indeed that I ran into Matt!

(Thanks Matt!)

*A note about Omica Organics:  Their products are very pure; they use absolutely no additives or fillers.  Their MSM is plant derived, where cheaper brands are derived from petroleum.

Reviewing... Orac-Energy Greens

I am very blessed to work with quality companies. One of my favorites is Paradise Herbs and Essentials.

Founder and formulator Scott Bias has over 24 years of training and experience in the natural foods industry.

This guy rocks! Purity is of the utmost importance to him, and he really stands behind his products.

I've used Paradise Herbs' ORAC-Energy Greens for some time now. Being that MS is thought to be an auto-immune disorder, I can't use many of the supplements I used to.

I'm grateful to have this in my arsenal. The ORAC value of each tablespoon of powder is 12,000, and its so concentrated its considered to be the antioxidant equivalent of 24 servings of fruits and vegetables.

Add in that its certified organic and the ingredients are ecologically wild crafted...

Okay, Scott rocks and so do his products!

Also see: Reviewing... Best Green Drink

Guest Views On... Essential Oils for Skin Care

What To Know About Essential Oils For Skin

by Alexis Hodge

Holistic health has become very popular as a way to treat and relieve ailments. There are many natural techniques that can assist with overall body health and using various kinds of essential oils for skin to assist in getting rid of toxins and promote faster healing is one method.

Herbs, roots, tree barks, leaves and flower petals are used to make the concentrated liquids. Many essential oils are added into shampoos, conditioners, soaps and lotions; some are used to scent perfumes, used as bug sprays or insect repellents, and used as air fresheners.

There are various kinds of oils on the market, and some of the most common ones found in spas are jasmine, peppermint, and lemon, which are used to energize the mind. Lavender, rose, and lemon verbena have a peaceful and relaxing effect when used. Tea tree is used as an antiseptic, and rosemary, bergamot, orange, and sage are used to uplift and stimulate; while ylang ylang, cinnamon, grapefruit and lavender help with mental clarity.

To avoid the risk of allergic reaction or sensitization, one should do a patch test before applying to the skin. If not used properly these oils can be harmful, as they are highly concentrated.

These potent oils should never be used straight out of the bottle and need to be diluted with a carrier oil. There are many carriers made from vegetable sources such as seed, plant, kernel and nut that can be used as mixers. These oils should be treated the same as if you were taking medication, and using a small amount is best. They should never be taken by mouth, and should be stored in a cool area away from heat and light.

Some carrier oils used to mix or dilute essential oils with are sesame, sunflower, jojoba, grapeseed, apricot, and almond. Knowing about essential oils for skin care does involve some research on what kinds to use on different types of ailments. You should consider speaking with a practitioner that has experience in holistic health if more information is needed.

Looking to find the most comprehensive information on essential oils for skin?

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Reviewing... Gylcemic Index Diet for Dummies

There are many diet books on the shelf, so many that the average consumer can be left scratching their head.

While perusing the aisles at Barnes & Noble this weekend, I had a look at The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies. This is a book I can feel good recommending.

When I'm out in the field, people always ask me about diet and weight loss. I tell them the same things I've written here and in various articles: Cut the simple carbs; eliminate or limit anything "white"; consider giving up gluten.

The glycemic index is something most of us should familiarize ourselves with. All foods are not created equal. Learning and understanding the glycemic index will go a long way in helping to control weight loss struggles, as well as symptoms associated with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Sometimes keeping things simple leads to greater success than when over-complicating. The Dummies series of books is known for simplicity, and in this case, I think that's a good thing!