Archive for July, 2008

Published by Wendy Jones on 25 Jul 2008

The Art Of Yoga And It’s Amazing Health Benefits

by Wendy Brausch

The art of yoga is a rather tough subject to discuss today. Globalization seems to have a devastating impact on this ancient concept. To facilitate people’s understanding, the mysteries of yoga and all its intricacies have been simplified into the modern day version of yoga practice.

Western civilization may find its contents to be mystical and complex, thus finds it hard to understand. To be on the safe side, it is good to gain a thorough understanding of a particular subject before you begin to speak of it from an expert’s viewpoint. Yoga is mainly perceived as a physical activity in the western part of the world. The rich philosophies behind yoga practice have been reduced into a simple form of art that focuses merely on achieving inner balance and peace.

It is one of the six schools of Hindu thoughts has roots deep within the pages of the Hindu Holy Scriptures. Indians understand that is not a mere physical activity, but yoga is part of a spiritual development that is realized through a systematic and disciplined physical approach. It is unfortunate that the western world would approach yoga as a mere physical activity. Yoga with its strange looking symbols may seem mystical to the average Joe, is often enough to perk up a considerable level of interest in the hidden aspects of this ancient practice, but sadly, they are often misunderstood.

This discipline is practiced as a popular sport. Additionally, people who desire inner tranquility would often find this practice to be beneficial. The allure of yoga as an effective way to gain inner peace and balance has beckoned many to embrace this activity as well.

Almost all who proclaim themselves as yoga masters perpetrate these claims and the masses are undoubtedly fascinated. Fatal errors have been detected in the practice of yoga outside of India, showing the level of misunderstanding among the western practitioners. Closer observation reveals that the unique culture of each race has dramatically influenced the way yoga is practiced.

The busy western lifestyles certainly do not provide much space to contemplate on this philosophy. While meditation is an integral part of the practice, the westerners with their ever busy lifestyles certainly do not posses time for such luxuries. The Hindus have a different set of value system that is very different from the west, and places low importance in the mere accumulation of physical wealth. Unless these values are changed, it is impossible for westerners to achieve the true wisdom and enlightenment as defined by the parameters of the Hindu religion.

It takes patience and time to experience a successful meditative session. This is what the westerners lack. The west seems cursed with the obsession to pursue the goal of building better lives in the form of lavish lifestyles and not in the philosophical way.

Yoga becomes a stylish endeavor instead of a spiritual experience. There is a lot of information going out promoting yoga as a form of sports. In fact you can grab any of those and start practicing yoga anywhere you want to. Even the famous people who are fake yoga gurus have garnered a lot of support from their disciples. This crooked philosophy has been widely spread by its loyal followers.

About the Author:

Published by Paul Branston on 25 Jul 2008

No more Panic Attacks During Pregnancy

by Millicent Feraux

During pregnancy it is not uncommon for women to experience anxiety and panic attacks for the first time. This is not without reason

During pregnancy, the hormones in a pregnant woman’s body are all working overtime. It is these hormone changes which often cause the panic and anxiety. It is during pregnancy that every part of the woman’s body is involved and working differently than normal.

Pregnancy is a naturally stressful time for many women, particularly where the pregnancy is unexpected or unplanned, or where there are health concerns surrounding the pregnancy. When combined with these hormonal changes, pregnancy becomes a common time for panic and worry.

When I was pregnant, I seemed to be most worried about what was going to happen during the birth process and I was also worried about being a good mother. I was lucky as my extra anxiety and panic was considered by my doctor as being normal.

But for some women, anxiety and panic can be a problem especially in the third trimester which is the last 3 months of pregnancy. You might find it interesting to know that some women prone to anxiety and panic find these feelings actually go away during pregnancy. This shows a direct connection between hormone changes and anxiety and panic.

What can you do if you experience anxiety and panic attacks while pregnant? Pharmaceutical options may harm your child or interfere with the natural rhythmn of childbirth. Luckily there are natural solutions which help many women overcome these attacks.

* Relaxation- whenever you feel yourself getting stressed or anxious take time to relax. Find somewhere quiet and cool to lie down and just relax. Do not spend this time worrying or feeling anxious. Just allow yourself to think of something or somewhere calm and enjoyable to you.

* Share your problem - pregnancy is not something you have to do alone. Talk about your feelings with your partner, family or friends. All new mothers feel anxious and scared at some point and you are not unusual in this. Remember too that there are many professional counselling and therapy services available for people exactly like you.

* Breathe deeply - you will be surprised by how effective focused breathing can be. Try lying down and breathing deeply. Breathe in through your nose; blow out through your mouth. Take your time and keep breathing deeply and slowly until you feel better.

It can not be emphasized enough how important it is if you are pregnant and are feeling anxiety and having panic attacks that you get some help. It is not only important to you but to the health and growth of your baby.

Also for women who are pregnant, their husbands may also be prone to anxiety and panic attacks. Becoming a new father can be very stressful and your husband or significant other may be extremely worried about supporting the new child and if the both of you can afford a new baby.

These stresses can be just as serious as those of a mother, and men are often unwilling to share or discuss these issues. The outcome can often be anxiety or panic attacks.

If you notice your partner seems more stressed than usual it might be a good idea to talk to them about it. Pregnancy should be an enjoyable time. If you find yourself worrying or anxious, seek treatment.

About the Author:

Published by Serge Taylor on 20 Jul 2008

Deep Abdominal Breathing For Anxiety And Panic Attacks

by Serge Taylor

Probably the most distressing symptom that one will experience during a panic attack is the terrible feeling of being unable to breathe. Sometimes the chest become so tight that breathing feels almost impossible. Then there are the times where breathing becomes so rapid and shallow that it is bordering on hyperventilating. Because this is probably the most common and one of the most distressing symptoms of a panic attack, almost all non-drug methods of dealing with panic attacks utilise breathing exercises in one form or another.

The most commonly used breathing technique to help in coping with an anxiety attack is controlled abdominal deep breathing. Part of the typical stress response in people and especially so in the case an anxiety attack or a panic attack is that their breathing starts to become extremely shallow. This rapid panting style of breathing is part of the body’s natural flight flight response. And while it may be natural, it is also very distressing to someone experiencing it during a panic attack.

Unfortunately when the person experiencing the panic attack and the associated difficulties with their breathing begins to notice their breathing difficulties the level of panic increases making them feel even worse.

When our breathing is disturbed in this way our nervous system provides feedback letting us know that we need to address this breathing issue. If we consciously become aware of the breathing problem and our nervous system is screaming at us to fix it and we are unable to fix it, the panic attack response gets stronger and stronger.

This is the vicious cycle of a panic attack.

The practice of deep controlled abdominal breathing will provide options the panic attack sufferer can use at the time of their attack. But a regular training program of controlled abdominal breathing must be undertaken if the ability to apply it during the extreme nervous system responses of a panic attack is desired.

This is just like training regularly for some sporting competition. The more you practice before the actual event the more automatic the desired responses will be come game time.

In order to be able to utilise this deep abdominal breathing during the extreme conditions of an actual panic attack a reasonable amount of familiarity with the technique needs to be in place. The best way to learn how to do this style of breathing is to practice it during times of zero stress and tension. And once you feel comfortable with the mechanics of the method you can then start looking for opportunities to practice and apply it during periods of medium level stress and anxiety.

As you can see we are taking the breathing technique we have learned in a neutral environment and slowly increasing our ability to use it in the field. In a very short time with regular practice you’ll have access to this breathing technique and be able to use it to help you handle your panic attacks.

While breathing in this way can help immeasurably during an actual panic attack, an even greater benefit is how the body becomes less prone to anxiety and stress generally, due to regular deep abdominal breathing, making the occurrence of future panic attacks less likely.

The technique of controlled abdominal breathing is quite simple. If this is your first attempt at breathing in this way remember to start slowly, as you would with any exercise, and gradually increase the length of time of your breathing practice sessions

You may not know this, but this way of breathing is the way our body is designed to breath. It is natural and normal. If you look at how toddlers breath you will see that they are belly breathers. As we get older for one reason or another we move into a more chesty way of breathing.

So this isn’t learning some weird or abnormal breathing technique. It is re-learning how to do soimething that is completely natural although for the most part completely forgotten.

About the Author:

Next »