Posts Tagged ‘Halasana’

GROW TALLER WITH YOGA

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

By Dr. Rita Khanna

The entire human organism is controlled by the hormones. Every system, every organ, every tissue, every cell is guided in its functioning by hormones. Any imbalance results in disease. In children, various hormones, many minerals, and nutrients play the role in good height growth. Hormones are the products secreted by the endocrine glands. The endocrine glands are ductless glands, which discharge their internal secretions directly into the blood stream, and greatly influence the relationship between our mind and body.

Various, ductless glands of the body are the pineal, the pituitary, the thyroid, the parathyroid, the thymus, the adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. Height, stature, the shape of the face, the appearance, intelligence, bodily development, the complexion, the color and characteristic differences between men and women, such as the temper, the voice, the growth of the hair, mental and physical capacity, the formation of the body, and even the emotions are regulated by the functioning of these glands.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONES (HGH)

HGH is a substance produced by a gland in the brain, called the pituitary gland. This gland is often called the master gland because it controls many of the other glands in the body. It is about the size of a pea, and it lies above the roof of the mouth, beneath the brain. Growth hormone prompts the liver to make a substance, called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).

These growth factors, along with growth hormone itself, travel through the bloodstream and cause growth and development to occur throughout the body. Major organs that synthesize IGF-1 are the human placenta, heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen, small intestines, testes, ovaries, large intestines, brain, bone, and pituitary. Improper secretions of the pituitary gland, and shortage of hormones, may result in abnormal growth.

GROWTH PLATE

Bow pose - yogaThe growth plate is the area of growing tissue, near the end of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates – one at each end. The growth plate determines the future length and shape of the mature bone. When growth is complete, sometimes during adolescence, the growth plates close, and are replaced by solid bone. Whether a growth plate is still open, or not, can only be known through an X-ray. For those whose growth plates are still open, an increased amount of human growth hormone can lead to height increase. Growth hormone does not only serve to increase children’s height, it also helps transform fat into muscle. It helps to build up and maintain bones, and to maintain other organ functions.

yoga instructor certificationYOGA INCREASES YOUR GROWTH HORMONES OR HGH

Yoga is the safest way to boost human growth hormones, without any side-effects. The proper growth and functioning, of the various parts of the body, is possible only when there is a balanced secretion of all these hormones. Asanas balance the hormonal secretions from the various glands and affect the function of the pituitary, as do various breathing exercises that stimulate the brain. Any Asana, where the head is lower than the heart, will result in increased blood flow to the brain, and benefit the pituitary gland and its functions.

YOGA ASANAS FOR HEIGHT

fish pose - yoga• Asanas, recommended for increasing height, are Tadasana, Trikonasana Suryanamaskara, Shavasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana, Sethubandhasana, Vajrasana, Shashankasana, and Usthrasana. They maximize the harmonious interaction of the endocrine hormones, secreted by the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands during the adolescent growth spurt. Minute concentrations of vital endocrine secretions, including growth hormone from the pituitary, calcitonin from the parathyroids, and thyroxin from the thyroid gland, control the rate and extent of physical growth and metabolism.

• Dynamic and static Asanas, such as Pada-hastasana, Paschimottanasana, Halasana, Yoga- mudra, Matsyasana, and yoga teacher certification course Supta- vajrasana, which exert a powerful stretching effect upon the vertebro-spinal axis, hips and legs, profoundly influence the nervous and arterial plexuses, supplying and innervating the epiphyseal growth plates of the spine and long bones (femur and tibia). They promote maximal nutrition, and contribute to the development of the skeleton, before fusion of the epiphyses occurs – usually by the 16th year.

• Pranayama, such as Bhramari and Ujjayi, are very relaxing to the brain. When the human mind is relaxed and stress-free, it will increase the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH).

• Besides Asanas and Pranayamas, proper diet for the bones and muscles is a must. It should include water, protein, become a yoga teachercarbohydrates, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.

• An adequate quantity of sleep is also required to increase the height, and makes the body stronger. During deep sleep, growth hormones, produced by your pituitary gland, are released into your blood stream, and travel through your body, causing the thickening and lengthening of your bones.

• Do not forget to laugh, because laughter has numerous healing powers, and is also the best medicine for generating Human Growth Hormone.

Below is a technique of Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) for height growth:

yoga posture alignmentTECHNIQUE

• Spread mat or double-folded blanket on a flat ground.

• Now, lie down straight on your back.

• Bend each leg, at the knee, one-by-one.

• Both knees should touch each other.

• The heels and the toes should also touch each other.

• Take the heels quite close to the buttocks.

• Feet flat on the floor.

• Keep your hands, by your sides, parallel to the ground.

• By pressing the palms on the ground, lift the waist up.

• The middle part of the body should be lifted up, as much as possible, and it should be supported by both hands.

• The fingers, of the hands, should remain on the outer side, and the thumbs should point inwards.

• The waist should be supported with the hands.

• The arms, between the shoulders and the elbows, remain parallel to the ground, and the forearms, between the elbows and wrists, remain vertical to the ground, as a pole.

• Now, very slowly – straighten your legs one-by-one, with the right leg first, then the left leg.

• Both – thighs, knees, calf muscles, heels, and toes of the feet should touch each other.

• There should not be any angle at the knee joint.

• In this way, the shape of the whole body will be like a fly over a bridge.

• Hold this pose for as long as you are comfortable.

• When releasing the Bridge Pose, slowly fold the legs first, one-by-one, then remove the hands and put them on the sides of the body; slowly put the body back down on the floor.

• Relax.

BENEFITS

The Sethu Bandhasana enhances the functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates secretion of the hormones. It increases flexibility and elasticity of the body, strengthens the lower back, abdominal muscles, and opens the chest. By the practice of this Asana, the vertebrae of the spinal column, shoulders, upper arm, both forearms, elbows, wrists, palms, fingers, neck, back, waist, thighs, knees, and the calf muscles, experience energy and vitality. By its regular practice, one becomes free from psychological abnormality, if any; and obtains a life filled with good thoughts, hopes, and joy.

If one follows the above Yogic lifestyle, religiously, which includes regular Asanas, Pranayama, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet – one can ensure maximal growth and development of the body.

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows:

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Also conducts online Yoga Courses & Naturopathy Guidance.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

IDLENESS OR LAZINESS

Monday, August 30th, 2010

By Dr. Rita Khanna

Idleness, or laziness, means working half-heartedly, without alertness, unknowingly, or unconsciously. It is a lack of action or activity. It is as if the work is done during sleep. Unfortunately, our condition has become such that our morning arises to welcome idleness, only. Some people are so lazy that they don’t like to get up on time. They don’t like to bathe for two to four days, or they don’t take a bath at all. After waking, they take tea, read newspapers, listen to the radio, watch TV; and then again, they lie down. They have lots of excuses for all lazy attitudes.

THREE GUNAS OR QUALITIES

The mind has three Gunas, or qualities, born of nature. These are known as:

• Sattwa or light, bliss and goodness

• Rajas, or passion and motion;

• Tamas, or inertia and darkness.

There are three Vrittis, or modifications of the mind, corresponding to the three Gunas.

• Shanta Vritti or peace, equilibrium and balance come from Sattwa Guna.

• Ghora Vritti or anger manifests from Rajo Guna.

• Moodha Vritti or carelessness, laziness, and drowsiness come from Tamo Guna.

Tamas binds the living beings by idleness, laziness, and sleep. Due to idleness, we cannot imagine of healthy thoughts. Idleness is the gateway to death.

HOW TO ELIMINATE LAZINESS OR IDLENESS

Laziness must be eliminated with activity. To get rid of idleness, Tamas must be conquered, with Rajas first, and then Rajas with Sattva. Swami Sivanandji used to say – do not depend on others. All work should be done, by the body, to leave laziness. When we make a habit to do all possible work by ourselves, we get its reward, also. The health remains best. We remain healthy. The intellect becomes sharp, pure, and alert.

Our scriptures say to exist with awareness – wakefulness while awake, wakefulness during dream and during sleep. There should be awakening during eating, drinking, speaking, and walking. Bhagvan Shri Krishna has said that the person is a Yogi when he does not sleep – even while he is sleeping. It means that his inner mind is awake when he is sleeping. So, he does not have binding of Tamoguna. He is free. Once you try to live with alertness and full awareness, you will be able to experience new life and will be free from idleness.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS

There are lots of methods to remove idleness. One of them is Yoga. Normally, what happens when we are not well – the doctor advises us to do some activity, such as Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation. However, it is better if we get up early by ourselves and do some Asanas. By this, we get the benefit of prevention – before the problem occurs.

Asanas, such as Suryananmaskar, Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana; and Pranayamas, such as Sheetali, Kapalbhati, and Bhastrika are very beneficial. All these Asanas open up the vertebrae, increase elasticity in the spinal column, and the blood circulation in the whole body. These exercises will remove laziness and will give you energy and vitality for the whole day. After this, there is no will to lie down in the bed. In the beginning, the Tamasa is destroyed, and then Rajas increases. The active life, proper thinking, and social dealings will lead towards Sattva completely. So, do the Asanas, which are possible for you, out of the above-mentioned Asanas.

For those who can’t do the above-mentioned Asanas, there is a very simple Asana named – Setubandha Asana. Having the shape of fly over bridge, this Asana has numerous potential.

By the practice of this Asana, the vertebrae of the spinal column, shoulders, upper arm, both forearms, elbows, wrists of the hands, palms, fingers, neck, back, waist, thighs, knees, and the calf muscles of the legs, experience energy and vitality.

TECHNIQUE OF SETUBANDHA ASANA (FLY OVER BRIDGE)

• Spread mat or double folded blanket on a flat ground.

• Now, lie down straight on your back.

• Then bend each leg at your knee one by one.

• Both knees should touch each other.

• The heels and the toes should also touch each other.

• Take the heels quite close to the buttocks.

• Feet flat on the floor.

• Keep your hands, by your sides, parallel to the ground.

• By pressing the palms on the ground, lift the waist up.

• The middle part of the body should be lifted up as much as possible, and it should be supported by both hands.

• The fingers of the hands should remain on the outer side and the thumbs should point inwards.

• The waist should be supported with the hands.

• The arm, between the shoulder and the elbow, remains parallel to the ground; and the forearm, between the elbow and the wrist, remains vertical to the ground – as a pole.

• Now, very slowly straighten your legs – one by one; the right leg first, then the left leg.

• Both thighs, both knees, calf muscles, heal, and the toes of the feet should touch each other.

• There should not be any angle at the knee joint.

• This way, the shape of the whole body will be like a fly over a bridge.

• Hold this pose for as long as comfortable.

• When releasing the Bridge Pose, slowly fold the legs – first, one by one, remove the hands, and put them on the sides of the body – then, slowly put the body down back on the floor.

• Relax.

BENEFITS

By the practice of Setubandhasna, the body experiences the big tide of energy. The muscles of the legs, hands, and the joints become strong. By its regular practice, one becomes free from psychological abnormality, and obtains the life filled with good thoughts, hopes, and joy.

Do not forget this formula, rest is rust. Always be engrossed in one or the other activity, such as sports, swimming, skiing, learning, or research – so that one should be free from idleness.

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

DISORDERS OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (MRS)

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

By Dr. Rita Khanna

The male reproductive anatomy includes internal and external structures. Most of the male reproductive system is located outside the body. The external structures of the MRS are the penis, the scrotum, and the testicles. The internal organs of the MRS, called accessory organs, include vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbo-urethral glands.

The functions of the MRS are:

• To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)

• To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract

• To produce and secrete male sex hormones

HOW DOES MRS FUNCTION

The entire male reproductive system is dependent on hormones, which are chemicals that stimulate, or regulate, the activity of cells or organs. The primary hormones, involved in the functioning of the MRS, are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain.

FSH is necessary for sperm production (spermatogenesis), and LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is necessary to continue the process of spermatogenesis. Testosterone is also important in the development of male characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, and sex drive.

MALE REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

• There may be some defects in the genitals, or in excep¬tional cases, genitals may not exist.

• The amount of spermatozoa in the semen, may be lesser than required, or may not be there at all.

• Physical incapacity or non-existence of procreation capacity or aversion.

• In the majority of the cases, one may not really find anything lacking in the procreation system of the male; but because of the mental tension, or due to advanced age, the procreation system may have lost interest.

• The most complicated problem of MRS is incapacity of the semen to procreate.

• Out of all the problems, one third are as a result of spermatozoa being almost nil in the male semen.

DETAILS OF THE CONTENTS OF SEMEN

Normal healthy semen has following details:

1. Quantity: between 2 to 5 ml (normal estimate is 3 to 5 ml)

2. Quantum of spermatozoa: 60 to 120 million per ml.

3. Motility: 80% to 90%.

4. Morphology: 80% normal (oval head, neck and tail)

5. PH: acidic.

6. Liquefaction: +ve

7. Fructose: +ve

SEMEN EXAMINATION

The only really satisfactory way to produce a semen sample, for examination, is by masturbation into a special container or in chemical laboratory. The reason for this is that most of the sperm in an ejaculate are in the first portion. If one wants to have a correct examination, and get correct chemical results, as well as get proper estimate of actual situation, it is essential that at least 4 to 5 days before getting the specimen for examination, there should be no wastage of semen. Similarly, one should not encourage the specimen of semen, brought in by use of a condom, which are lubricated with spermicides. It will kill sperms and will not have a correct examination.

Secondly, it is necessary that after the first examination of semen, a second sample should be obtained 15 days later, and after thorough examination, one should arrive at a definite decision. Only then, proper treatment should be obtained. The sperm in a specimen of semen gets affected both in quantity and in capability of procreation, if a person is habituated to take intoxicants like liquor, smoking, or chewing tobacco. Insufficient intake of nutritive food, too hot a climate, or staying in a place where it is tremendously cold, also affects.

OBSERVATION ON THE CHEMICAL CONDITION OF THE SEMEN

• In some cases, either both, or one testicle, may be under-developed or immature, or these may remain in the abdomen, only. This condition is known as cryptorchidism. In such cases, a male, although he has had a perfect conjugal and sexual partner¬ship, will be incapable of procreation. Under such circumstances, an operation could bring fruitful results.

• Varicoceles are tortuous dilated blood vessels in the scrotum (just like having varicose veins in the legs). These veins are dilated because the blood does not drain properly from them. These dilated veins allow extra blood to pool in the scrotum, which has a negative effect on the sperm production.

• One of the principal reasons for insufficient spermatozoa, in male semen, which could result in non-procreation, is high temperature in the internal secreting glands of male reproductive system.

• If there are glands or nodules, which hinder the forceful and speedy ejection of semen, this could also be one of the main reasons for incapability of procreation.

• There can be some hindrance or disease inside the tube of the gentile organ like urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis, etc.

• It is also possible that some hindrance, or disease, in the testicles may result in plenty of blood coming out of the genital organ, which may result in weakness, and procre¬ation may not be possible.

• Persons who work in the vicinity of hot kilns, put on very tight underwear, or take a bath with extra hot water, have higher temperature of tes¬ticles (hyperthermia) than required. Over a period of time it can lead to sexual disorder, but can be treated by hypothermia (Abnormally low body temperature).

• Persons, whose quantum of spermatozoa is found lesser than required, can cure the same by this treatment of hypothermia. However, those who exhibit no sper¬matozoa are in the condition of azoospermia (no sperm count); hypothermia will not be of much use.

• For the treatment of hypothermia the special underwear could be used. It is called thermal underwear and is excellent for keeping the heat in your body and gives excellent comfort even in icy arctic cold weather conditions.

• On medical advice – if long term use of such underwear is being made then an appreciably big difference in number of spermatozoa would be possible. You can remove such special underwear only at time of having a bath or at the time of sexual intercourse; it is advisable to put on this special underwear for the rest of the period and for as long as possible. This is a non-chemical treatment. The underwear is easy to put on and is light in weight. No sexual disorder is created by its use, and this is widely recognized.

• If the prostate gland has grown to a huge extent, it can create disorganization of sexual life. It is likely that the male sexual life will be imbalanced. If a couple has no children, and if they are getting treatment, they should ensure that the personal lifestyle of the male should be analyzed, and the problems observed, therein, should be first solved.

• Check up whether sexual life has an ebb – as a result of having no children. It is essential that sufficient investigation should be undertaken for this cause. If a married couple remains childless for a pretty long period, there is a possibility of internal strife and insufficiency of coitus.

• Impotence indicates that one has to spend a long time in the erection of phallus, the genital organs may be completely inactive, the ejection of the semen may take longer time, or semen may not get ejected at all. Normally, such occurrences are more as a result of psychologi¬cal reasons, and it is advisable to get the solution to this problem by psychiatric treatment.

• Besides the above, patients suffering from diabetes, renal disease, trauma or consumption of strong medicines for longer periods may also get affected by impotency. One can go in for psychological treatment, Medical aids and medicines and vitalizing by mechanical means or by penile implants.

• If a person remains ever ready for sexual intercourse (libido), and indulges in abnormally excessive sexual activities, he may, in the long run, stop procreating.

• The male genital organ should essen¬tially be capable of full excitement so that the organ should remain absolutely straight and erect – then can only one enjoy the intercourse in a proper manner. If the genital organ is comparatively very short, it is known as microfilms. If the genital organ is having too many bends in it, this is termed hemi-hyper-trophy. The non-stimulation of the phallus is the main cause of impotence. People could have insufficiency of erection of the genital organ, due to mental fear, worry, trauma, diabetes, etc.

• Male procreation problem can also arise because of the addiction to alcohol, narcotics, tobacco, and anti¬hypertensive drugs.

YOGIC MANAGEMENT

Yogic philosophy maintains that most of the diseases are due to insufficient life force, either in the body as a whole, or a blockage of life force, to one part of the body. When the whole body has lowered life force, the result is a lowered vitality level, poor health, and susceptibility to infection. Yoga practice increases the working capacity of the body to a huge extent.

Yes, you can definitely correct your impotence, and also get stronger erections, if you practice certain Yoga poses regularly. These includes Surya¬namaskara (12 rounds) each morning at Sunrise, Trikonasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Paschimottanasan, Bhujangasana, Shalbhasana, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana, Ardha-Matsyendrasana Yoga¬mudra, Uttitthpashchimottanasana, Padahastasana, Tolungasana, Mahamudra, Vajrasana, and Shavasana.

Regular practice of these Asanas can help to increase the blood circulation to the scrotum. This increased blood flow removes and remedies the biological, or chemical, imbalances that might be causing impotence.

In addition, the practice of Bhastrika Pranayama, Sukhpurvaka Pranayama, Yoganidra, as well as Meditation will help you to correct problems, such as premature ejaculation, and also help in better concentration.

CONCLUSION

It must be remembered that successful impregnation, fertilization, and subsequent pregnancy, always involves the cooperation and interaction of husband and wife as one. There are always cases of infertility in marriage. If the couple tries to have mutual understanding, goodwill, and equipoise, then the majority of the problems of procreation by males can be solved. For this reason, both partners are recommended to adopt a Yoga program and practice it together.

Keep patience – nothing is impossible!

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

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