All posts by HealthyLife

HealthyLife is a part of www.WeRIndia.com, an all India – centric website (https://healthylife.werindia.com) and is solely owned and operated by WeRIndia.com. It is a Indian nutritional portal providing educational articles.This nutritional port was launched on February 5th, 2015.
Mudra sculptures displayed in New Delhi International Airport

Yoga Mudra

Image: Mudra sculptures displayed in New Delhi International Airport

Yoga mudra and the five vital elements of the body have a close relationship. The Mudras can be used to balance the five vital elements of the body, which are water, earth, ether, air, and fire. Any deficiency or excess of each element can cause a disorder and imbalance in the mind and body.

Our five fingers represent five elements of the body.events fire, the index finger represents air, the middle finger represents ether, the ring finger represents earth, and the little finger represents water.

Five Fingers for Five Elements

* Thumb                      Fire

* Index                         Air

* Middle                       Aakash (Eather)

* Ring                           Earth

* Little                          Water

  • Can be practiced at all times while sitting, lying, standing, walking or even talking.
  • For good results should be practiced for 24 minutes continuously. Can be practiced for 4-5 minutes also at one time.
  • If a mudra cannot be made in both hands, you may do it in one hand only

Mudras for Benefits:

Mudras

 

1. Gyan Mudra :

This Mudra is formed by joining together the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb.

Benefit: Effective in cases of mental ailment, imparts happiness, the intellect develops, memory is sharpened.

2. Shoonya Mudra :

Press the middle finger on the base of the thumb and keep the thumb on middle finger. Keep the other three fingers straight

Benefit: Relief in diseases and pains relating to the ear.

3. Apaan Mudra :

Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of middle and ring finger, keeping the other finger straight.

Benefit: Helps in clearing the body by elimination of waste matter from the mouth, eyes, ears, nose etc. Helps when urine is obstructed, reduces constipation.

4. Prana Mudra :

Join the tip of the thumb with tip of little and ring finger. Keeping other two fingers straight.

Benefit: Helps in pumping the life force into your body. Beneficial for all types of diseases. Imparts special power to the eyes.

5. Vayu Mudra:

This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the index finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger.

Benefit: Helps in diseases like arthritis, trembling in Parkinson’s disease. Better results obtained if practices after Prana mudra.

6. Prithvi Mudra (Prithvi vardhak):

Join the tip of the thumb and ring finger.

Benefit: Makes body sturdy. One experiences happiness.

Mudra

 

7. Jal Shamak Mudra

This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the little finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger.

Benefit: Reduces edema (water-retention) &, dropsy, excessive salivation, watery eyes, running nose.

8. Varun Mudra (Jal Vardhak):

This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the little finger.

Benefit: It increases the water content in the body (helps in hydration), reduces dryness. People who have edema should not perform this Mudra.

9. Surya Mudra (Prithvi Shaamak)

This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element earth (residing in the ring finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb). The earth element thus suppressed, fire is able to rage unopposed.

Benefit: Reduces weight of your body, controlling obesity, reduces the symptoms of loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation.

10. Linga Mudra

Interlock the fingers of both hands together. Keeping the left thumb up (encircled by right thumb and index finger) i.e. left thumb should be vertically straight and right thumb around it.

Benefit: Produces heat in the body and helps in curing cold and cough.

11. Akasha Mudra

This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the middle finger.

Benefit: Helps -to develop noble & elevated thoughts, To develop intuition and extra sensory powers (ESP), To detoxify the body by the elimination of metabolic wastes (through exhaled air, sweat, urine and stools), To overcome a feeling of fullness / heaviness in the body or body-parts.

12. Ganesha Mudra

Position the left hand with the palm facing outwards in such a way that your thumb points towards your solar plexus and your little finger points towards your collar bone. Form a claw by bending the four fingers of your left hand and clasp them with the four fingers of your right hand. In this position, your right palm should be facing towards your chest. Repeat this.

Benefit: The benefits of the Ganesha Mudra extend to the cardiac muscles, the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms. It also helps to release any pent up tension from the shoulders and chest.

13. Shankh Mudra:

Raise both your arms in front of your chest. Wrap all four fingers of your right hand around your left thumb. Bring the tips of your right thumb and left middle finger together. The other fingers off your left hand should be parallel to the middle finger. Your hands will form a shape like a conch shell, which is where the Shankh Mudra gets its name from.

Benefit: One of the most important benefits of the Shankh Mudra is the positive effect that it has on the respiratory system. It also helps to calm and center the mind.

Image: Delhi Airport, Yoga mudra statues- www.healthylife.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: December 13, 2016
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The average amount of fat in the human body:

  • is almost the same as the amount of fat in broccoli and meat.
  • represents most of the body weight for males and females.
  • is typically greater in women than men.
  • is equal to the weight of the muscle tissue.

The answer is: Is typically greater in women than men

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: December 11, 2016
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Essential Oils

Healing 7 Chakras by Essential Oils

Plant essential oils has been in use for many centuries in traditional systems for healing purposes. Healing of body from outer and inner stress through essential oil is possible because of the divine nature of essence produced by plants.  Aromatherapy, crystal therapy, massage therapy and cosmetic industry – use essential oils for various reasons. The pure quality essential oils can be used for healing the seven chakras of our body. Chakras represents  our vital energy centers of the body.  Depending on the purpose, condition, stress level chakras are cured and balanced using various essential oils. When all of the chakras are balanced in their expression, the expression of physical, mental and spiritual well being is manifested.

*Do you know? You can apply essential oils while practicing yoga and use simple yoga poses to balance the chakras: forward bend for the root chakra, triangle pose for the sacral chakra,  mountain pose for the solar plexus chakra, cobra pose for the heart chakra, shoulder stand for the throat chakra, crescent pose for the third eye chakra and tree pose for the crown chakra!

Essential oils are renowned for their ability to promote spiritual focus, enhance mental clarity, and emotional well-being. One way to apply essential oils on chakras is direct application on chakra areas. One can also inhale the oils that diffuse throughout our system. Put a small amount of oil on hand and rub the hands and inhale slowly and deeply.

1. The Root Chakra: Sanskrit: Muladhara Chakra: Located at the base of spine in tailbone area, this is where our sense of security lies.

The root Chakra essential single oils: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Ginger, Cyprus.

Where to apply? On souls of the feet.

What effect these oils have? They help to create a sense of stability and security. Cyprus oil is purifying, soothing, invigorating, strengthening and centering. It calms the nervous system and eases stress; helping with anxiety, perfectionism & rigidity, and forcing or controlling tendencies.

2. Sacral Chakra: Sanskrit: Vadhistana Chakra: The lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in — our creativity and sexuality. Sacral Chakra, is symbolized by a lotus with six petals and corresponds to the color orange. Sacral chakra is like water and free flowing. Ylang Ylang and sandalwood both act as an aphrodisiac to aid in our sexual and reproductive energies.

Sacral Chakra Essential Oil Singles: Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, Rose, Rosemary, Patchouli  and Jasmine

Ylang Yalng can help release feelings of tension and irritation, allowing emotional healing to flow naturally and bring joy back into the heart. It heightens sensitivity, self confidence and a sense of creativity. It develops the inner feminine and is balancing, purifying and calming.

Where to apply? Below naval region

3. Solar Plexus Chakra: Sanskrit: Manipura Chakra: It is also known as power chakra. The upper abdomen, in the stomach area — our self-esteem and confidence. Use cinnamon to help heat up this power center, or peppermint to cool any excess fire in the system.

Solar Plexus Chakra Essential Oil Singles: Juniper, Basil, Lavender, Bergamot, Geranium, Ginger, Lemongrass

The Manipura is the center of self-esteem,  willpower, self-discipline, as well as warmth in the personality. Balancing the Manipura allows us to feel cheerful, vital, strong & alive.

4. Heart Chakra: Sanskrit: Anahata Chakra: Located in the center of chest just above heart. The scent of rose is related to our heart, and enhances romance and love. It is also helpful for alleviating depression and insomnia.

Heart Chakra Essential Oil Singles: Rose, Geranium, Jasmine, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Eucalyptus

5. Throat Chakra : Sanskrit: Vishudha Chakra: Located in the throat — the center for self-expression.Use eucalyptus to help clear sinuses and cure a sore throat or coughing, allowing this passageway to become free and clear for self-expression.

Throat Chakra Essential Oil Singles: Eucalyptus oil, Roman Chamomile, Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Hyssop

Where to apply? On throat region.

Eucalyptus  oil helps to open, clean and in clearing lungs and airways. This oil improves breathing function and provides the body with rich antioxidants. It allows for a feeling of safeness to embrace life through the breath and be open to all experiences.

6. Third Eye Chakra: Sanskrit: Ajna Chakra: At the forehead and in between the eyes is the gateway to our intuition. Lavender oil is incredibly calming and great for headaches; a common occurrence whenever your third eye is blocked.

Third Eye Chakra Essential Oil Singles: Lavender, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Helichrysm,

The Ajna is associated with intuition (or sixth sense), and governs how the rest of the chakras function. When third eye is functioning well, you have insight and you trust your inner wisdom to face life’s challenges and choices.

Orange oil helps to bring confidence by calming the body & mind, while focusing attention. It relieves tension and doubt while increasing intuition, self-assurance & creativity.

Where to apply? The space between the eyebrows.

7. Crown Chakra: Sanskrit: Sahasrara Chakra: The very top of the head is our universal connection to beauty and spirituality. When it is open it helps us relate to spirituality and helps us in understanding beyond our physical body who we are. Frankincense is the divine oil that one should use on crown chakra to balance and bring back the clarity.

Crown Chakra Essential Oil Singles: Frankincense, Sacred Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Jasmine

Frankincense is one of the most spiritually-charged oils. It has been around for thousands of years, and brings us mental peace and clarity.

Where to apply? On the top of the head.

With busy and fast life we all get stressed and we look for some inner peace. Nature has gifted us a powerful method to overcome the stress in the form of plant essential oils. Just the thought of flowers, leaves and the fresh scent helps us to calm down. Understanding and noticing where and how we are disturbed with respect to chakra and applying respective essential oils on chakras is a simple method that helps us to achieve inner peace, empowerment, confidence, happiness and balanced life.

Reference:

  • https://www.auracacia.com
  • http://inmysacredspace.com/
  • https://www.fengshuiaccents.com
  • http://www.mindbodygreen.com/
Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: December 9, 2016
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Pepper Rice

Pepper Rice For Winter

For this cold winter try something new – a traditional black pepper rice.  It can be a lunch item too.

Black pepper is a fruit and it an economically important cash crop. It has several health benefits. Ayurvedic system widely uses black pepper as a remedy for several such diseases.

It gives relief from respiratory disorders, coughs, the common cold, constipation, indigestion, anemia, impotency, muscular strains, dental disease, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and heart disease.

Try black pepper rice which is tasty and healthy this cold winter!

Ingredients:

1. White rice (your choice) 2.5 cups

2. 1 Tbs clarified butter (ghee)

3. 2 tsp black pepper

4. 2 tsp channa dal

5. 3 tsp urad dal

6. Grated coconut – 2 tsp

7. Asafoetida – as per your requirement

8. 1 string of curry leaves

9. 1 tsp mustard seeds

10. 1 Tbs broken cashew nuts

11. 1 Tbs ground nuts

12. Salt to taste

13. Coriander leaves – chopped 1/4 cup

 Preparation:

1) Cook rice in a rice cooker – rice should not be too soft.

2) In a pan heat clarified butter (ghee) and roast black pepper.

3) Allow pepper to cool and prepare powder.

4) In a deep pan heat ghee and add channa dal, urad dal, curry leaves, mustard seeds, cashew nuts, ground nuts and asafetida. Fry the ingredients till the aroma comes out! Turn of the flame.

5) Add rice, pepper powder and salt and mix well . While mixing add little more ghee.

6) Garnish with grated coconut and coriander leaves and serve hot.

*Do not add more pepper as it will be very spicy. Little amount as mentioned in ingredient list should be sufficient. One can always add more  crushed pepper if they want.

Recipe by:  www.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Most of what we know about vitamins resulted from research that occurred

  • over 2400 years ago in Greece during the time of Hippocrates
  • during the 1600’s in Europe
  • during the early 1900’s
  • in 1943 when the Recommended Dietary Allowances were established

The answer is: During the early 1900's

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: December 5, 2016
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Raw Mango Recipe

Raw Mango Bhoota Gojju and Mango Chutney

You might find raw mangoes in the market. If so and if you like spicy foods then try these two delicious and tasty recipes- Mango bhoota gojju from North Karnataka, India and Mango chutney. Mangoes supply vitamin C and fiber. Mangoes are also good for bowl movement and helps in reducing constipation!

The two recipes given below tastes much better during rain and cold seasons!!

Mango bhoota gojju909

Ingredients:

  1. Raw mango -1
  2. Garlic – 3-5 cloves
  3. Green chilli – 2 to 3
  4. Coconut oil or cooking oil – 1 Tbs
  5. mustard seeds
  6. Curry leaves
  7. Salt to taste

Preparation:

  1. Cook mango till it becomes tender.
  2. In a pan add oil and fry garlic cloves. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
  3. Grind green chilli and mango pulp – transfer to a vessel and add salt. Boil this content.
  4. Add garlic, mustard and curry leaves and continue boiling for couple of minutes more.
  5. Serve mango bhoota gojju with rice. One can mix the rice with gojju – add little oil or clarified butter for taste.

Raw Mango Chutney

Ingredients:

  1. 1/2 tsp oil
  2. 4 tsp channa dal
  3. 2 tsp black gram dal
  4. 4 to 5 dry red chilies
  5. 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  6. 1/4 tsp asafetida
  7. 1 cup coconut
  8. 1 medium raw mango, peeled
  9. Salt per taste

For seasoning

  1. 2 tsp oil
  2. 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  3. 1 sprig curry leaves
  4. 1/4 tsp asafetida powder

Preparation:

  1. In a heavy bottomed pan, heat 1/2 tsp oil dry roast channa dal, black gram dal, red chillis and fenugreek seeds.
  2. Add coconut and asafetida and continue to roast for one more minute. Turn off the flame.
  3. Allow the mix to cool and add raw mango pieces – mix and transfer to a wet grinder.
  4. Add water and grind the mix to coarse paste. Transfer to a vessel.
  5. In a pan – heat the oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafetida. Prepare seasoning and transfer the seasoning to above mango chutney.
  6. Add salt and mix the content.
  7. Serve mango chutney with rice, chapati, idli, dose or mix with rice and serve.

Recipe: www.werindia.com

Image: Google

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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