Simple Steps to Optimum Health

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Yoga is a very old form of exercise that has been followed through ages in order to have a healthy body and mind. This form of exercise is becoming very popular in the recent past due to the exposure it is getting worldwide. There are more and more people turning to this form of healthy living in order to get rid of their sedentary lifestyles. This form of activity is not only easier to do but also does not require any external help in terms of equipments or step-up stools.

Yoga has been credited to having solved many problems that we face in our lives. A few changes in our lifestyle coupled up with a few exercises in yoga can help take care of many diseases like diabetes, cancer, and high or low blood pressure. Some yoga exercises that you can carry out daily are:

Anulom Vilom or Alternate Nostril Breathing: This is one of the most common exercises that Yoga offers and can be done by anyone without the constant supervision of a trainer. To do this you will need to hold the left side of your nose with the thumb and breathe from the right. Then go on to closing your right nose with the help of the middle finger and breathe through your left nose. Keep doing this continuously for about 10-15 minutes. This helps breathe in fresh air and also helps in clearing out the congestion in the chest and nose area.

Kapalbhati or Skull Shining Breath: This is a type of pranayama or breathing exercise that will help you get rid of most ailments of the body. You can do this exercise anytime of the day in a sitting posture with your back straight. This exercise requires you to exhale and contract your abdomen simultaneously with each exhalation. You need to exhale in a manner that you're throwing out your breath. In-between several rapid exhales do some passive inhales. Keep doing this continuously for a period of 5 minutes in the beginning and you can increase the time once you're comfortable with the exercise. Take short breaks to let your body relax a little in between the exercise.

Basic Pranayama: Sit in a cross-legged posture or lotus posture and breathe in and out slowly and recite "OM" as loudly as you can. Let your body vibrate with the effect of the recitation. Keep doing this pranayama for about 20-30 minutes. This will not only help you relax your body but will also help in controlling your temper and is a very good exercise for people who lead a very stressful lifestyle.

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