How Yoga can save you from Coronavirus ! Explained

Yes! Yoga can save you from coronavirus with the help of its scientifically proven well being effects. Here we will explain how you can defeat this virus by dedicating a little time from your busy life for the well being of your body. I hope most of us will not find it useless to do so.
Before starting to practice anything, just try to understand the whole concept that we are trying to tell you. Then you may practice it at a suitable time of your choice.

Get Rid of Fear and anxiety about Coronavirus

Lets begin by easing your body and mind. Before practicing the yoga it is necessary to get rid of any negative thoughts. Frankly speaking, COVID-19 kills only those who have a weaker immune system, either due to age or due to some other pre-existing medical condition. A healthy man or women need not to be worried at all. Mortality rate of COVID-19 is around 3.4%. According to wikipedia, 80% of deaths happened among the age group of above-60 and 75% of them had pre-existing health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Maximum number of deaths in a single day by COVID-19 is 158, which happened on 23rd Feb. If we compare it with other diseases, then

• Diabetes killed 4100 people per-day in 2012 (according to a WHO study).
• High Blood pressure killed 1300 people per-day in US alone during year 2017 (according to a CDC report).
• More than 26000 people died everyday due to various types of cancer during year 2017.
• More than 49000 people die everyday due to Cardiovascular diseases (according to WHO).

This data is sufficient to tell you that coronavirus stands nowhere near these major causes of death.

Then what is making people more fearful about coronavirus ?

The fear is the contagiousness. Coronavirus spreads through tiny droplets suspended in air due to a sneeze of an infected people. Lack of faith on their immune system is another reason behind fear. Most of us do nothing to improve our immunity and take our own immune system as granted. Yes, it is granted by nature, and it is best. Just have faith in it and do some exercises on daily basis to keep it running at its full throttle.

Yogas to save you from coronavirus.

Step 1: Remove Stress and Fear

Stress makes our immune system less effective. Fear is also a form of stress, so get rid of it. Our fear/stress can be easily measured by checking our breathing rate. Once you become fearful of something, your breathing increases. Reverse can also be done through yoga. Just take some deep breaths and slow down the pace of your inhale-exhale, which will make you feel less stressed within minutes. “Pranayama”, or breathwork act on the vagus nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen and balances the ANS (autonomic nervous system).
“Ujjayi” or victorious breathing : This pranayama is performed with inhale-exhale ratio of 1:2. Inhaling fills the lower belly and rises the lower rib cage. Inhaling is done through both nostrils, while exhaling is done only through left nostril, by closing the right nostril with thumb.
“Yoga Nidra” (yogic sleep) : This is performed by lying down in a completely mindful and relaxed state which calms your nervous system and helps you overcome any fear or anxiety.

Step 2 : Restorative Yoga to boost immunity

Sukhasana and Pranayama: It is simple sitting and breathing, sounds a bit simple but its an effective way of boosting your immunity. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed or in kneeling position, making sure that you are straight with your shoulders above your hips. While inhaling lengthen up your spine and feel rooted while exhaling. At least 10 deep breaths should be taken in one sitting.

Ardha Matsyendrasana: Just sit in the posture as shown in image (as long as you are comfortable). Take 5 long breaths and then change the posture to other side. Make sure that your spine is straight and inhaling is exerting bearable pressure on your abdominal region. This yoga stimulates your spine and digestive system.

Supported Matasyasana: This yogasana open up lungs and removes any type of congestion. Stay in this pose for 1 to 5 minutes. This pose boosts energy level and immunity.

Uttanasana (Forward Fold) : This pose increases the blood flow to sinus. Sinus and mucus membranes are important part of our immune system and defends us from any possible intruder. Stay in this pose for 5 breaths. This pose is a bit difficult, so only regular practitioners can do it perfectly. Don't push yourself too hard if you can't do it in the beginning.

Viparita Karani : This yoga is done by putting your legs on the wall. It relaxes your back, allows lymph drainage and boosts your immunity. You may stay in this pose for 1 to 10 minutes. You may use some supporting pillow under your hips to be comfortable.

According to yoga guru Ramdev, some pranayams can also help in improving immune system. These pranayams are

• Bhrasrika
• Kapalbhati
• Anulom-Vilom
• Bhramri
• Udgeet

Ayurvedic / Herbal Plants

Apart from these pranayams Giloy, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, is also recommended by experts. In Ayurveda Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) is also known as amrita (the root of immortality). Both stem and roots of Giloy are used as powder and juice. It should be boiled in water till the amount of water remains one-forth and then cooled down before drinking. It boosts immunity, treats chronic fever, improves digestion, treats diabetes, reduces stress/anxiety, fights respiratory problems, reduces inflammation and improves vision.
Tulsi tea: tulsi (Holy basil) is one of the most revered Ayurvedic herbs. Drinking its tea can save you from stress, fever, and headache and it is a natural lung clearer.
Ashwagandha: It is an Ayurvedic super-herb which boosts immunity and fights immune-compromising fatigue and anxiety.
Turmeric: It has got natural anti-microbial properties and used as must-have ingredient in Indian kitchens.

Lifestyle Changes to avoid Coronavirus

Some lifestyle practices can help you in staying away from coronavirus infection. Some people re using face-mask to protect themselves from viral infection, which is not so effective compared to some other methods that we are describing here.

• Gargle: Germs hang out in your nose and throat for 24 hours before going into your blood stream. Gargle every morning and evening using salt mixed warm water to flush out any infectious agent.
• Avoid touching public properties: While travelling you must avoid touching unnecessary object like railings of escalators, door handles and armrests. Virus can survive on such surfaces for hours and can infect all those who touch these objects. 
• Go Cashless: Cash currency can be best carrier for any virus/bacteria. Using digital currency can save you from this threat. ATMs are used by a number of people everyday and their keypad contain more virus/bacteria than a toilet seat. So always use handwash/sanitizer after using ATM. 

Expert Tip: Instead of using fingertips, use your knuckles to operate the ATM.

• Don't touch your face: Suppose you touched any infected surface with your hand and touched your eyes, nose, mouth then you are unknowingly welcoming the virus inside your body. 

Apart from these tips you may give your opinion in the comments section. Spread the word by sharing this article to your family and friends.

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Gadgets that help in Yoga Meditation

Yoga Meditation is the best practice in world that not just helps in attaining peacefulness but also helps you in knowing the maya of the creator. However this world is maya, but there is no harm in letting this maya be comfortable for you and help you in doing Yoga Meditation in a better way. Those who have mastered the art of Yoga may not need the gadgets that can help in meditating, but most of the users can definitely get benefit from them.
We have collected some of the best gadgets created by innovative people to help you in yoga meditation.

Gadgets that help in Yoga Meditation

Muse This gadget is one of the best and one of its type. It can track your brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and body movements and then guide you the best meditation experience. Once you wear it, it can check the activity of your mind and gives you instant feedback to control your mind and go into deep meditation. The earphones play natural sounds in your ear that show the status of your mind. You can also review your meditation data on your smartphone and check your progress. See Price   |    Know More

Yoga Chair This yoga chair is designed by Swami Dhyan Unmesh, who is a registered Yoga Teacher & Osho Meditation Facilitator. It is available on Amazon under the brand name of Friends Of Meditation (FoM). This yoga chair is best for those who find it uncomfortable to sit in cross-legged postures like padmasana. People with back pain get comfortable support on this chair and also get relief from problems like numbness in legs while sitting cross-legged. See Price    |    Know More

Spire Fitness Tracker This fitness tracker is different from other fitness trackers as it can also track your breathing. It can sense when you are tense and also help in breathing meditation. Breathing meditations are the best meditation practice for both beginners and experienced and this gadget can help you in mastering the art. See Price   |   Know More

Tibetan Singing Bowl The Tibetan Singing Bowl produces a perfect meditating and soothing sound when the stick provided is rubbed on the rim of the bowl. It can be perfectly used for the purpose of meditation. See Price   |    Know More

Yoga Bell Chimes - Tingsha Cymbals These bells are used in Buddhist meditation prayers and it can hold your mind. These handcrafted bells are finetuned for auspicious sound of OM. The sound produced last for 30 to 60 seconds. See Price   |   Know More

The above gadgets are just meant to help you in your yoga meditation practice. Your actual potential to learn meditation depends on your personal efforts and your trainer. But one thing is for sure that meditation improves your health by improving your immunity from inside.

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Yoga to Improve and Correct Eyesight : Yoga for Eyes

The value of correct eyesight is often understood when you face some problem with your eyesight or get spectacles to correct the focus. But still if you wake up on time then you can improve and correct your eyesight with the help of Yoga and balanced diet. Now a days  both kids and adults face issues with incorrect focus as both deal with increased on-screen time. Most of the time it occurs due to overuse of muscles in our face and eyes. Eyesight can be corrected by performing some yoga exercises to reduce the tension in these muscles. Here we have made a list of some yoga for eyes which can help in improving and correcting the eyesight.

Yoga to Improve and Correct Eyesight

Muscles in our eyes are eight time more stronger than necessary capacity. So we don't need to exercise them to strengthen them, but to stretch them, relax them and fine-tune them. All of these objectives are fully covered in yoga exercises. Yoga is not just something for our body, but for our mind and soul as well. Someone said "How you see is how you think", and this objective can be achieved through yoga, as yoga not just helps in improving your vision but also your mind and soul.

Yoga for Eyes

• Blinking Yoga: Make your eyes wide-open and then blink them ten times very fast. Then close them for 20 seconds. Repeat this yoga for four times.
• Palms on Eyes: This is a very simple yoga, just rub your palm till they become warm. Then put them on your closed eyes till they feel warm. This yoga gives a lot of relaxation and warmth to eye muscles.
• Eye Rotation: In the beginning move your eyes from left to right and right to left for a few times. Then rotate them in a circular way. If you feel it hard to rotate it in a circle then rotate your finger in a circular way and look at it. Make sure that you don't move your neck while doing so. There is one more way to do the same yoga while sitting in a room. Move your sight among the four extremes, upper left, upper right, lower right and lower left.
• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangna Asana): In this yoga you need to lie flat on your back and then lift your legs, waist and stomach upwards till your body become perpendicular to floor. In this pose your body will stand on your neck and shoulder with arms giving help to keep the body lifted upwards. In this pose blood flows towards eyes, optic nerve and brain.
• Bee Buzzing (Bhramri Pranayam): Sit cross-legged or in a comfortable position, then place your fingers on your closed eyes in a horizontal way. Keep your lips sealed and make a bee buzzing sound while inhaling. Apply a little pressure on your eyeballs while making the buzzing sound.
• Focus Shifting: Choose a distant and a nearby object around you and keep shifting the focus from one to other.
• Distance Gazing: Focus your sight on a distant object around you and try to view it perfectly as if it is the only object available to look at. Concentrate on that object as if you are meditating. Do it till you feel comfortable. In the end thank the god for giving you these precious eyes to see his creations.

Our eyes are the most used external organ in our body, but we care about it the least. What we usually care about is our weight, stomach, legs, arms and hairs. But in this screen-age if we don't give enough attention to our eye-health then sooner or later we can easily face problems with our eyesight. Apart from enough sleep, a few minutes daily for our eyes is sufficient for them to stay fit for your whole life. So make these yoga for eyes, a part of your daily life and lifestyle.

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Are Yoga Pants really useful for Yoga

Yoga is a good lifestyle practice and should be followed to earn good health and peace of mind, but a number of people are following it to click selfies and then upload their best pics on social networks to get some likes and comments. Yoga pants are one of such accessories that may make your pics look better and your yoga mat will make others aware that you do yoga. Yoga is the latest fashion for some people and some marketing companies are utilizing this opportunity by making people feel that their yoga pants will give them look of a model. Once you fall prey to such tricks, the probability of forgetting the real objective of yoga is quiet high.

Are Yoga Pants really useful ?
Yes, they are useful. Yoga Pants are the latest skinny jeans that you can use with various forms of dresses. They take lesser space in your wardrobe, easier to wash, easier to dry and no hassle of buttoning-unbuttoning. These features really make them easier to wear at work, home and workout.

Are Yoga Pants also helpful in Yoga ?

If you have noticed the structure of yoga pants, then you must have noticed that they stick to skin and stretch easily. You may feel that it won't tear when you stretch, but the truth is that even your old sweatpants can do the same job. The real fact is that the new yoga pants don't let your legs breathe and makes the yoga less effective. Most of us don't do as much stretching as yoga pants can support.

Some negative facts about Yoga Pants

• Our skin is our largest organ, which removes a number of toxins out of our body. Wearing skin tight clothes disturbs this process.
• Yoga Pants are usually made of wrinkle-free fabrics, which is treated with chemicals that release formaldehyde (a toxic cancer-causing chemical).
• Wrinkle-free clothes cause dermatitis, a skin condition that causes itchiness, rashes and blisters. 
• Toxic chemicals like Triclosan are used in Yoga Pants to prevent odor.
• Additives like PFAS/Teflon are used to make yoga pants stain repellent.
• Fabrics like nylon and polyester are used in yoga pants, and these fabrics generate nitrous oxide during their production, which is 300 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
• Dyes used to color the fabric of Yoga Pants use heavy metals, which pollute water and wildlife.
• Short term wearing of such fabric might not produce and harmful effect, but long term may do.

Recently an article was published in NewYork Times claiming that Yoga Pants are bad for women. That article attracted a lot of controversy and several women claimed that yoga pants are good and that thinking of writer was a bit mean. But here the actual concern is yoga, not the pants or freedom of women. Some people blamed the writer to be closed-minded while the writer was just telling that the society is becoming cloth-minded.

Yoga Pants are more about

• letting your curves be visible to others, especially men (nothing bad in it).
• spending more money on fashion, instead of the yoga class itself.
• making your pics tell others that you do yoga, even if you don't.

The name "Yoga Pants" don't justify the product as it is widely used for all other purposes but yoga. Any other name would have done the job, such as skinny pants, stretch pants or rubber pants.

Now a days fitness studios are taking place of traditional gym, where the looks matter more than what you are really doing to improve your health. Truth is that women are spending more on fitness accessories, instead of real fitness. The count of women joining fitness studios is twice more than men and it has really boosted the sale.

The truth is that most of us wear yoga pants because they are sexy, otherwise their is nothing special about them for yoga. Some feminist may say that women have every right to look sexy, but the truth is that yoga is meant for health and peace of mind. Women may wear anything they like, but purchasing them in name yoga and gym is totally wrong.

Reference:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/opinion/sunday/yoga-pants-sweatpants-women.html
https://branchbasics.com/blog/detox-your-wardrobe/

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Why do we Breathe through one Nostril at a time ?

Human Body is one of the most complex machines. Its still a wonder how our body evolved like this. We have the best brain and other body parts. Our body parts seems to be weaker than other animals but still they are the best. Human race can survive the most extreme conditions found on this planet only with the help of our brain and gradually evolved body parts. Each of our body part have a motive. Nothing in our body is a waste. Sometimes people argue that why do we have 2 nostrils. One was sufficient for inhaling and exhaling. But the truth is that we use one nostril at a time, not both. We switch from one nostril to other within a time interval of 15 minutes to 2 hours. This time interval differs in different people.

The concept of breathing through one nostril at a time was discovered by Richard Kayser in 1895. He called it Nasal Cycle. Now nasal cycle is a well known phenomena.

How does our nose maintain the nasal cycle ?

Our nose have erectile tissue in the upper part of nose. These erectile tissues are similar to those found in a penis or clitoris. When the erectile tissue in one nostril swells up, the erectile tissue of other nostril shrinks. This cycle continues and erectile tissues changes their state after a particular time interval. The swollen erectile tissue does not blocks the passage of air completely. If we forcefully try to blow the air out of it then we can do it.

Whats the reason behind this Nasal Cycle ?

Several researches are done to know the motive behind this nasal cycle. Various conclusions are derived from these researches. Here we are providing a list of these conclusions.

• A study done in 1988 found that breathing through right nostril increases our blood glucose level, which breathing through left decreases the blood glucose. This study concluded that nasal cycle is a way to maintain the blood glucose level. If a person continues to breath only through right nostril and very rarely switches to left then it means that either he is diabetic or he will be soon.
• Another study in 1993 concluded that we consume more oxygen while breathing through right nostril.
• In 1994 one more study concluded that nasal cycle has something to do with brain. When we breath through right nostril the left part of brain is more active and vice versa. Some scientists believe that nasal cycle helps in maintaining coordination between right and left hemispheres of brain.
• One more thing was discovered that when we sleep on left side the right nostril opens up, and when we sleep on right side the left nostril opens up. So our nasal cycle may be the reason why we change sides while sleeping.
• Some researchers believe that prolonged breathing through left nostril can be a factor behind Asthma.
• According to belief of Indian Yoga Teachers, Nasal Cycle helps in maintaining the body temperature and mind-body balance. 

Nasal Cycle is not only limited to humans. Its also found in rats, rabbits, domestic pigs, cats and dogs.

Nasal Cycle and Yoga

Yoga Teachers claim that Nasal Cycle is nothing new to Yoga. Its known for centuries and used to treat diseases through various pranayams. According to Yaga Teachers our nasal cycle should change within 2 hours. If it doesn't then it means we are not in a healthy state of body or mind.

• If we breath with right nostril for more than two hours then it means mental and nervous disturbance.
• If we breath with left nostril for more than two hours then it means chronic fatigue and reduced brain function.
• Right nostril is Pingala Nadi(Sun principle or body), so breathing through right nostril is called "Surya Shawsa".
• left nostril represents Ida nadi (moon principle or mind), so breathing through left nostril is called "Chandra Shawsa".

Nadi Shodhan or Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing) is a pranayam that is based on the principle of nasal cycle. All "Baba Ramdev" fans must be aware of Anulom Vilom.

How to do Nadi Shodhan / Anuloma Viloma ?

Its a breathing exercise. Initially you close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale using left nostril, then remove your thumb and close your left nostril with index finger and exhale through right nostril. Now Inhale through right nostril and then remove index finger from left nostril and close right nostril with thumb and exhale through left nostril. This cycle should continue for 5 minutes initially. After few weeks you may do it for 15 to 20 minutes daily.

Benefits of Nadi Shodhan / Anuloma Viloma

• More oxygen in provided to body per breath.
• Blockages in nostrils are cleared, air flow becomes optimal and healthy nasal cycle in maintained.
• Its effective in stress management.
• It helps in dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.
• It balances Ida and Pingala and removes all the blockages in the pranic energy channels.
• It helps in maintaining a balance between body and mind.

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Yoga FAQ for Women (Periods, Pregnancy, Menopause)

Bodies of Men and Women are different. They are different not only on outside features but also on internal functioning. Women bodies go through periods, pregnancy and menopause while men don't. Some believe that yoga is same for both men and women but some scholars differ. Here we have collected some yoga FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) which are commonly asked by women worldwide.

Is Yoga OK during periods ?

Its one of the most controversial question? Different gurus have different opinion on this question. But as we researched this question, we found that that there are some similarities in different views. Bodies of all women don't react in the same way during periods. Some feel more pain and discomfort while some don't. So you have to listen to your body during this time. Upside-down Asanas are strictly prohibited, backward bending asanas and Bandhs are also better to be avoided.
Some easy to do Asanas like Yoga-Nindra, Anulom Vilom, Bhramri Pranayam, Ujjayi Pranayam, Chanting of Om are few of the asanas that are advised by everybody during Periods.

Is Yoga safe during Pregnancy ?

Yes, Yoga is not only safe but also beneficial for a pregnant women, if done under supervision of an expert. All asanas can't be and should not be done by pregnant women for safety of the unborn child. Here is a list of asanas which should be avoided during pregnancy:

• those asanas which put more stress on your muscles
• Those asanas which are done on back
• Standing postures should be avoided during second trimester
• Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga should be avoided as the heat may harm the baby.
• Don't overdo the twisting poses. If you have to twist then use your shoulder and back, rather than waist.

At last listen to your body and don't do anything where you are fearful or uncomfortable.
Benefits of Yoga during Pregnancy: Read More

Is it OK during menopause ?

Menopause brings a lot of hormonal changes in the body of Women. Usually Yoga can help you in getting relief from the side effects of these hormonal changes. Yoga is better way to get relief from stress symptoms and it works in most of the cases. At least its better than relying on medicines.

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Yoga for High Blood Pressure Control and Treatment

Yoga is Considered as one of the best alternative treatments for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Yoga Guru "Ramdev" has made yoga even more popular around the world in past few years. Here we will tell you about a few yoga postures / exercises that can help you in treatment of High Blood Pressure and control it to live a normal life.

Baba Ramdev Yoga for High Blood Pressure

Baba Ramdev Yoga mostly consists of Pranayams. Pranayams are yoga breathing exercises. High Blood Pressure patients should ensure that they don't do these breathing exercises very fastly. Instead BP patients should do pranayam with slow deep breaths. Its better to consult your doctor and practice pranayam with the help of an expert. Here is a list of few 'Baba Ramdev Yoga' (pranayams) for High Blood Pressure.

• Bhastrika Pranayama
• Kapalbhati Pranayama
• Bahya pranayama
• Anulom Vilom Pranayama and Nadi Shodhan
• Bharmari Pranayama
• Udggeth Pranayama
• Pranav Pranayama
• Shavasan

Seetkari Yoga Pranayama

Seetkari Yoga Pranayama is another pranayam to effectively lower the High Blood Pressure. As its name symbolizes its meaning, "seetkari" means cooling. It provides a cooling effect to the body  and helps in lowering the Blood Pressure

How to do Seetkari Pranayam

• Sit straight with elongated spine.
• Take 5 deep breaths.
• Now close your teeths and expand your lips and inhale the air through tour mouth. It will be like a smiling face, but no teeth showing. Air should be inhaled through teeths with a hissing sound. Inhale air deeply though your teeths and exhale through nose.
• Doing it for 5 to 10 minutes will provide a cooling effect.

Precaution: If you are suffering from or prone to cold or respiratory diseases then you should not practice seetkari pranayam.

List of yoga poses for High Blood Pressure is mentioned on the page given here. Read More

Yoga Poses to be avoided by High BP Patients

There are a few yoga poses that should be avoided by High BP patients. Most of them are those poses in which there is extreme pressure on body and are not easy to do. If you feel yourself uncomfortable in a posture then you should not do it. If your are a High BP patient then you have to practice yoga poses to calm down the body and reduce fat. But if the yoga pose is taking you to your limits then its not for you. A few postures to be avoided are: Dhanurasana, Ustrasana, Adho Mukha Vrksasana, Natarajasana and many more. Complete list can be given here. So its best to get the list of yogasans that can be done by you with the help of a yoga teacher.

Note: If you are practicing some regular medication for High Blood Pressure, then don't stop it to practice yoga. You may continue your medication with yoga. Some researches done on this topic has shown that even if yoga don't show any improvement in your Blood Pressure condition, it will help you in improving your quality of life.

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Yoga to Stop Hair Fall (Asanas to prevent Hair Loss)

Yoga is considered as one of the best technique to remove the side effects of stress, which is a major cause of Hair Fall. Here we are describing some of the Asanas which will not only remove stress but also prevent hair loss. You have to just trust these yoga techniques and do them properly. Yoga Asanas can prevent hair loss much faster then any medication if its done properly.

Balayam Yoga (Rubbing Nails)

This yoga was made popular in India by Swami Ramdev. This yogasana is known to improve hair quality and stop hair loss. You can do it anywhere while sitting or standing. This yoga is also known to remove dandruff and early greying of hairs.

Sarvang Asana (The Shoulder Stand)

Benefits of Sarvang Asana: Effective for Excessive anger or hate, Migraine headache, Liver disorder, hemorrhoids, Anemia, Hypertension, activate cells for new growth, proper blood supply to scalp.

Description of Sarvang Asana: Lie on the floor with your legs together and your palms facing floor by your sides. Now Inhale and push down on your hands and try to raise your legs straight up above you. You have to lift your hips up in air. When you have reached upto 45 degress in air, then exhale and use your arms to support your body and lift it up to 90 degrees. Try to hold yourselves near your shoulder. Now breathe slowly and deeply.

Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward Dog Pose)

This asana provides good circulation to the head. It is also beneficial for sinus, common cold, mental tiredness, depression and insomnia.

Utthanasana (Standing Forward Pose)

It helps in reducing fatigue and tiredness. Good in menopause and also improves digestion. Uttanasana de-stresses you and relieves you of all anxiety and increases blood flow to your scalp which is beneficial for hairs.

Sasangasana (Rabbit pose)

In this asana the crown is on the ground and the blood flows to the head. Proper circulation of blood to scalp means less hair fall and healthy hair growth.

Vajrasana (Diamond Pose)

This asana can be done just after eating your food unlike any other asana. It helps in urinary disorders, weight loss and digestion and also reduces gas in stomach.

Apanasana

Apana refers to the prana or energy of you digestive tract, that aids in purifying and eliminating toxins. And this pose gives clarity to the mind. It relieves constipation.

Pavanmukthasana

It reduces gas, and helps digestion. The muscles of lower back are strengthened. It also reduces fat of abdomen and buttocks. 

Most of the asanas which include forward bending improves the blood flow to the scalp, which is beneficial for hairs.

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Yoga during Pregnancy Benefits for Child and Mother

Yoga is considered as a good health practice in every phase of life. You can even practice it during pregnancy. Its good for both child and mother. There are several books available in market about how to practice yoga during pregnancy. We will also mention some good yoga poses that can be practiced during pregnancy. But either you should hire a yoga teacher or consult your doctor before practicing it. Every pregnancy is different and if these yoga poses are done incorrectly then it may harm.
Yoga is practiced in India from several centuries and knowledge of Indian Yoga Teachers is considered best in this field.

Benefits of Yoga during Pregnancy

• Some deep breathing yoga exercises are preferred during pregnancy as they provide good amount of oxygen in blood to both mother and the child in the abdomen.
• Yoga makes you stress free which relaxes your body and mind. Its also necessary for physical and mental growth of fetus.
• Muscles near the abdomen, such as lower back and pelvic region, are most used by the body of mother during pregnancy. Good yoga practices keep these muscles in health state. It also makes delivery easier.
• Stretching yoga exercises makes circulation better and help in fluid retention.

Which yoga should not be practiced during pregnancy

• Those yoga postures should be avoided which make excessive pressure on your abdomen. Instead practice those postures which extend your abdomen.
• Don't indulge in forward bending yoga asanas as they make pressure on abdomen.
• Konasana (angle pose) should not be done after seven months of pregnancy.
• Those Yoga Asanas which require making balance should be avoided.
• Don't practice those yoga posture which need lying down on your stomach.

Yoga during Pregnancy

Following Yoga can be practiced during pregnancy after consulting a yoga teacher: 

Vakrasna (Twisted pose)

Benefit: Spine, legs, hands, neck are exercised. Gentle massage is provided to abdominal organs.

Utkatasana (Chair pose)

Benefit: Strengthens thigh and pelvic muscles

Konasana (Angle pose)

Benefit: Makes your waist flexible. Removes fat from the waist region.

Paryankasana (Ham's pose with one leg)

Benefit: Makes abdominal, pelvic and thigh muscles strong.

Hast Panangustasana (Extended hand to big tow pose)

Benefit: Improves pelvic and thigh muscles

Bhadrasana (Butterfly pose)

Benefit: Strengthens inner thighs and pelvic region

Parvatasana (Mountain pose)

Benefit: Improves body posture and provides relief in backache

Yastikasana (Stick pose)

Benefit: Corrects posture, body gets stretched, relieves body tension

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Yoga Asanas for Weight Loss

Increasing weight is an issue of major concern for those people who want want to live a long and healthy life. Increasing weight might become a reason for various diseases related to diabetes. People often go towards yoga asanas for weight loss. Yoga Asanas are well known for their fast effects without side effects. Here we will provide you a list of yoga asanas for weight loss.

Yoga Asanas for Weight Loss

1. Setu Bandh (Bridge pose): Its benefits your thighs and lower back. (See Image)
2. Mandukasan (Frog Pose): It reduces belly fat. (See Image)
3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Its good for thighs and back. (See Image)
4. Pavanmuktasana (Wind-releasing pose): It provides a good workout to your stomach. (See Image)
5. Ardha Matsyendrasana: It helps a lot in removing the belly tire (sides of stomach). (See Image)
6. Vakrasana: It removes fat from your stomach and belly area.  (See Image)
7. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose): It provides a good stretch to your legs, chest and arms.  (See Image)
8. Halasana: It stretches your whole body. (See Image)

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These yoga asanas for weight loss should be practiced with proper care and in proper manner. If done incorrectly then you you might not get the desired result. The images provided above don't show the complete process of performing that yoga, so don't try it without knowing it completely. If you can get a yoga teacher then its better as he/she can teach the complete technique.

The yogas listed above are not only meant for weight loss. Their main motive is something else, but they also help in weight loss. Yoga asanas are the best practice to keep you fit and it can be practiced even in elderly age when running, swimming and workout in gymnasium is not possible. Running and swimming are considered as best exercises for weight loss, but you can't practice it after a certain age. So i will suggest you to go for yoga asanas as they are easier to perform and can be practiced at home. But performing yoga asanas for weight loss make sure that the room is well ventilated. Fresh air brings in the "Pran vayu" wich is must for performing yoga asanas.

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Yoga Padmasana Benefits Lotus Pose in Detail

Yoga Padmasana is considered as an ideal pose for meditation and concentration. Its also known as Lotus Pose. In Yoga Padmasana you have to sit cross legged with your spine straight. Baba Ramdev of India also practice Padmasana during his yoga classes. In Chinese Buddhism Padmasana is known as Vajrasana (Vajra Position).

Yoga Padmasana

Yoga Padmasana can be practiced any time. You may do it while watching TV or while having food. Its the basic pose to perform any of the meditations or sitting in any mudra. Details about the sirring posture of Padmasana is described below. For those people who can't sit in Padmasana, they can perform ardha-padmasana (Half Lotus Pose), which is a bit easier than Padmasana.

Yoga Padmasana Pose in Detail

Correct siting position has great importance while performing yoga. As Padmasana is a basic yoga pose, so it should be practiced correctly. You may follow the steps provided below to sit in Padmasana.

• Sit on a tough surface.
• Put your right foot on your left thigh such that flat portion of your feet is facing upwards and ankle is touching your abdomen.
• Now put your left foot on your right thigh in the same way.
• You may use your hands to put your feet on your thighs.
• If you are having difficulty in sitting in this posture then you may do ardha-padmasana. In this you don't need to put your left feet on right thigh. Instead you may keep it under the thigh, which is a bit relaxing. 
• There is no time limit for doing Padmasana. You may do it till you find it easy to do in your daily life, but never go over the limits. Release from the pose when you find it uncomfortable.
• Every time you do Padmasana, start it with alternate legs. If this time you have started your pose with right leg, then next time start it with left leg.

Who should avoid doing Padmasana

• If you recently have a knee injury or an ankle injury then you should avoid Padmasana until you are fully recovered.
• If you have a sprain in your leg then avoid Padmasana.
• If you have lower or Upper back pain then avoid Padmasana.

Benefits of Padmasana

There are uncountable benefits of Padmasana. It is the basic pose for most of the meditation mudras. Here we are listing some of the major and worldwide accepted benefits of Padmasana.

• It increases our concentration power.
• It strengthens our spine.
• It improves of thigh, ankle and calf muscles.
• It destroys diseases and awakens kundalini.
• It relieves sciatica pain and improves body posture.
• It improves blood circulation and digestion.
• It makes our joints and ligaments flexible.
• It restores the energy level of our body.

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