Ayurveda and yoga For better life follow yoga and live healthy

Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that have been united for thousands of years for the sake of healing body, mind, and consciousness. Generally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness, but in reality they complement and embrace each other.
The ancient rishis (seers) were the original masters of all Vedic sciences. They understood that good health is a great asset on the path toward Self-realization. If the body is neglected it can easily become an obstacle to spiritual practice. Anyone who has practiced meditation for any length of time would agree to how difficult it can be to sit still for long periods of time without feeling discomfort and fatigue. Both yoga and Ayurveda are mutually supportive and offer many ways to prevent and heal various disorders as well as to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.
Besides sharing a philosophical foundation, both systems have many similarities in relation to attitude, nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, cleansing practices, as well as spiritual practices. Traditionally, a student of yoga would first live close to and serve the guru for many years, during which time he would learn healthy habits. The basic Ayurvedic principles for health and longevity were past on in the lineage in oral form to serve as a foundation for a life of sadhana (spiritual practice).
Nowadays, the teachings of yoga are easily available to all, and whether prepared or not we can leap headlong into its practice. This has its blessings, in the sense that more people can be turned on to the teachings, although much is often lost without the parampara, or close guidance at the feet of an accomplished master. With this in mind, modern yoga practitioners would most certainly benefit from a basic knowledge of Ayurveda to help establish a healthy daily routine and adjust their practice according to the constitution, dosha imbalance, season, and so on, to prevent disease and promote longevity.
First, let's take a look at the similarities between yoga and Ayurveda:
* Both are ancient Vedic teachings. Yoga originates in the Yajur Veda, while Ayurveda originates in the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda.
* Both recognize that keeping the body healthy is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
* Both recognize that the balance of doshas (humors), dhatus (tissues), and malas (waste products) is essential for maintaining good health.
* Both share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of 72,000 nadis (subtle channels), 7 main chakras (energy centers), 5 bodily sheaths, and the Kundalini Shakti (energy).
* Both advocate the use of diet, herbs, asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, astrology, prayer, puja, and rituals for healing the entire being.
* Both encourage physical health as a good foundation for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
* Both share the same view on psychology. Ayurveda embraces all six of the main schools of philosophy including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Vedanta (a non-dual philosophical and spiritual path). They both understand that the attachment to the body-mind complex is the root cause of all suffering and that the ultimate state of health is experienced when we abide in our true nature, which is total peace, regardless of the state of the physical body.
* Both use cleansing methods for the body, all of which encourage the removal of waste products and toxins through their natural routes of elimination. Ayurveda has panchakarma (five cleansing actions) and yoga uses Shat Karma (six purification measures).
Ayurvedic approach to asana practice
The use of asana, pranayama, and meditation for healing is known as Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy and has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic and yogic adepts. In Yoga Chikitsa, a group of yogic exercises are chosen that will best support the individual and are practiced daily. This can be done over an extended period of time in conjunction with an Ayurvedic regime and herbal and dietary therapies. Yoga Chikitsa also plays an integral role in the Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation process known as panchakarma.
For a well balanced personal yoga practice, it is important to take into consideration the individual's body structure, prakruti (original constitution), and vikruti (present constitutional imbalance). The following are general recommendations according to the predominant dosha.
Vata predominant individuals should remember to focus on calming, grounding, stillness, strengthening, and balancing while doing their practice.
Precautions for vata:
* Vinyasa or flow styles of yoga tend to move too quickly from one pose to the next and can aggravate the hyper-mobile quality of vata over time. Flow sequences can be made to be more vata pacifying if they are not excessively long, the length of time poses are held is extended, and transitions are done slowly and consciously.
* Those with lower back problems may find that bending the knees in standing forward bends can prevent discomfort.
* Back bends should be done slowly, carefully and within one's own limits.
Pitta individuals should maintain a calm, cool, and relaxed intention while doing asanas. Pitta types may benefit from trying to cultivate an attitude of forgiveness, and of surrendering or offering the fruits of their practice to the divine of to those in need of positive healing energy. Because asana practice tends to generate heat in the body, it is best to do them at cooling times of the day, such as dawn or dusk. Also, it is useful to place some emphasis on poses that help to release excess heat from the body, such as poses that compress the solar plexus and poses that open the chest like.
Kapha types tend to be sedentary and often dislike vigorous exercise. For this reason, their practice should be energetic, warming, lightening, and stimulating, providing they are physically capable. Vinyasa or flow style yoga is good for kapha because it is dynamic and moves quickly from one pose to the next, it induces sweating and gets the heart pumping.
Yoga poses that address specific doshic problems can be easily added to an Ayurvedic regime and integrated into an existing yoga routine, or they can be organized as a small session with the help of an Ayurvedic clinician who knows each individual case well and can help set up a well balanced program according to the needs of each client.
Ayurveda also offers Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy, for specific doshic disorders. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for an individualized regime.
Ayurvedic Approach to Pranayama (breathing techniques).
The ultimate goal of pranayama is to calm the mind and prepare it for meditation. It also has a therapeutic effect on the physical body as well. It is not essential to do a pranayama practice according to dosha, but knowing its effects on the body is a valuable tool for management of the doshas. Below is a general list of pranayama and bandha exercises according to dosha.
Vata: Nadi Shodhana, Kapala Bhati, Agnisara Dhauti, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.
Pitta: Sheetali or Sitkari, Nadi shodhana.
Kapha: Bastrika, Agnisara Dhauti, Kapala Bhati, Ashvini Mudra (contracting and releasing Mula Bandha), Ashvini Mudra, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.
Furthermore, the Four Purifications taught in our workshops is an ancient method from the Ashtanga Yoga for purifying the gross and subtle body in order to prepare it for more advanced practices. They are tridoshic and safe for everyone, providing they are performed correctly.
Meditation According to Dosha.
These spiritual paths and their meditation techniques can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their prakruti. This list is only intended to give an idea on how dosha can support or influence one's spiritual practice. Many traditions of yoga blend various aspects of the paths listed here.
* Vata: Kriya Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga and other structured techniques help to keep vata stabilized and focused.
* Pitta: Jnana Yoga and Vedanta are good for pitta types because they often have sharp intellects and have a keen interest in self-study (Atma-vichara).
* Kapha: Bhakti yoga is natural for kapha types because they are often loving and devotional by nature.
Ayurvedic and Yogic Diet.
Ayurveda is more concerned with food being constitutionally balanced, while Yoga promotes a diet that is sattwic (light and pure). A combination of both aspects is the best choice for a yogi or anyone wanting to make real progress on a spiritual path.
Ayurvedic diet:
* According to dosha.
* Primarily vegetarian (meat is used as medicine, mainly for extreme deficiencies).
* Primarily cooked (raw food in moderation, especially for vata types).
* Containing six tastes.
Yogic diet:
* Sattwic vegetarian diet.
* Easy to digest.
* Simple meals (to limit desire).
* Both cooked and raw.
* Foods recommended in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika consist of rejuvenating substances such as wheat, whole grain, white basmati, corn, raw milk, raw sugar, butter, ghee, honey, dried ginger, mung beans, pure water, vegetables.
* Fruits, roots and nuts.
* Avoiding excessive hot, sour, salty, fermented, and fried foods.
* Avoiding tamasic (dulling) foods like meat, onions, garlic and mushrooms as a regular part of the daily diet.
Cleansing in Yoga and Ayurveda.
Ayurveda and Yoga both emphasize cleansing of the body for health and support of spiritual practices. Their methods are similar and work by expelling excess dosha and ama, or toxins, using the body's natural routes of elimination.
The yogic method is known in the Ashtanga tradition as Shat Karma, or six cleansing measures. These are:
1. Neti (nasal cleansing):
Jala neti (salt water flushing of the sinuses).
Sutra neti (nasal cleaning with string).
2. Dhauti (washing the GI tract).
Teeth, tongue, eyes, ears and forehead.
Agnisara Dhauti.
Vamana Dhauti (vomiting salt water).
Vastra Dhauti (washing with a cloth).
Varisara Dhauti (washing with water for purgation).
3. Basti (enema).
4. Trataka (forehead wash, gazing into a candle flame).
5. Nauli (intestinal washing, abdominal rolling).
6. Kapala Bhati (skull shining).
The Ayurvedic method for cleansing and rejuvenation is known as panchakarma (pancha karma), or five cleansing actions. This program is usually done for a week or two, but can also be done for longer periods depending on the case. The five actions of this method are:
1. Basti (Enema).
2. Nasya (Nasal application of herbs and herbal oils).
3. Vamana (Therapeutic vomiting).
4. Virechana (Purgation).
5. Rakta Moksha (Blood letting).

What your Zodiac signs says about love and relationship

Virgo: Activities with your sweetie are energized by the Full Moon this week, so share your innermost feelings. Hidden issues can ignite some conflict, though, so strive to talk about problems as they arise. Your sense of humor inspires romance midweek. A clash of wills is likely on Saturday. Your lusty side fires up passion on Sunday night! Libra: Look for love during a charity event or work project during this week's Full Moon. A healthy activity can bring a romantic interlude as well. Romance skyrockets on Wednesday, when your idealistic side takes over (keep one foot on the ground!). Heed your intuition, too. Your partner is combative on Saturday, but love rekindles on Sunday night.
Scorpio: Romance kicks into high gear because of this week's Full Moon. Getting creative between the sheets will inspire multiple rounds of sexy romps! Intimate moments toward the middle of the week can deepen love, but be clear about your intentions to avoid a misunderstanding. Your willful side may derail romance on Saturday. Conflict ignites passion on Sunday night.Sagittarius: Romance may seem illusionary or illogical during this week's Full Moon, so strive for clarity. A serene rendezvous at home can deepen love. A small party with friends will bring satisfaction as well. Look for romance while traveling midweek. A clash of values can unhinge love on Saturday. Your creativity fires up passion on Sunday night! Capricorn: Your words attract or repel love during the Full Moon this week, so speak thoughtfully. Romance can be found while traveling or taking a class toward the middle of the week. Impulsive words or actions can derail romance (or another relationship) on Thursday. You're feeling edgy on Saturday, and a homey night in can turn lusty on Sunday night! Aquarius: Revealing what's important to you attracts romance during this week's Full Moon. Look for a moneymaking opportunity as well. Your charisma skyrockets toward the middle of the week. Wednesday is an especially divine time for a romantic rendezvous, but keep it real. Criticism can unhinge romance on Saturday, but expressing your heart inspires love on Sunday night! Pisces: This week's Full Moon in your sign heightens your mystique, but can make you overly sensitive. Socialize with friends who are supportive, and strive to tune out negativity. A serene ambience attracts romance on Wednesday. Look for love during a spiritual activity as well. Saturday is irritating, but an imaginative date makes love bloom on Sunday night!
Aries: The Full Moon can prompt some sexy role-playing with your sweetie. Seeing a film or discussing your spiritual beliefs will inspire love as well. Your intuition is especially strong this week, so pay attention to your hunches. Passion is fiery this weekend (especially on Sunday night!), but you'll be irritated easily, too, so stay centered. Taurus: Spending time with friends during the Full Moon can bring fun and a romantic interlude. A community event or other group gathering can bring romance as well. Look to promote your career toward the middle of the week, when networking brings opportunities. Power issues arise on Saturday, when you're feeling antsy. A twosome turns out hot on Sunday night!Gemini: The Full Moon brings out your soulful side. Sharing your deepest self will heighten intimacy, or help you attract someone special. Look for a career opportunity this week as well. A foreign ambience or spiritual gathering will inspire love toward the middle of the week. Friends bring adventure (and chaos?) this weekend. Look for love during a group gathering on Sunday night. Cancer: An exotic locale or learning something new inspires romance during this week's Full Moon. A window to the future opens as well, so heed your intuition, which guides your direction. Romance is steamy on Friday, but you'll be feeling a bit argumentative. You may feel pushed by someone on Saturday. Being daring enflames passion on Sunday! Leo: Surprising your sweetie with an unusual evening out will heat up passion during this week's Full Moon. Be creative! A rendezvous can be sweet on Wednesday, if your expectations don't get overblown. Passion is hot-but-complicated on Saturday. Sunday night is the best time this week for a sexy rendezvous, or fun with friends.

HOW TO TRUST OR NOT TO TRUST .

What's healthy?In relationships, intrigue is innate. Mystery around your loved one is alluring, and can be downright sexy. The journey of getting to know someone - on the inside and out - can be the most natural thing in the world. Yet snooping for details about someone's on-line life can turn lethal if the power is misused. With a world of information at the tips of our fingers, all that data could be endless - but that doesn't mean you should be seeking it out. By turning to technology to learn about your squeeze, you could be missing out on the real gem - learning about someone on an in-person basis. Words and pictures are nice, and Facebook friends are fun, but in the end the most exciting thing of all is to learn through that first-hand connection.
Too much informationCuriosity can kill not only the cat but your relationship - if you're not careful. Our insatiable need for information is usually beneficial in a work setting, but it can be downright detrimental in a relationship. Dredging up details that someone is not ready to share is not in anyone's best interests. If he won't give you the whole story about why he and his ex broke up, that doesn't mean you should pop into his inbox to find out more. If she told you she has only had two serious relationships - but you think that's impossible given her good looks - that doesn't give you license to start Googling. These behaviors may sound harmless, but they are invasive. Relationships are all about boundaries, after all, and respecting them. Also: snooping on the web, intercepting phone calls and steaming open snail mail is not only bad form - it's also against the law. Who wants to be with someone who can't respect your privacy? Back offStill not ready to ditch your nosy side? Here are more reasons to stop snooping and start truly connecting:
1. Passwords came into play for a reason - you're not meant to see what's behind those virtual walls.
2. Remember getting your hand stuck in the cookie jar? It meant no more cookies. If you're caught sleuthing in a relationship, you can kiss it - and those home-baked treats - goodbye.
3. Relationships are built on trust - if you don't have it, move on.
4. Snooping from afar or snuggling in person - which sounds like more fun?
5. Feeling, touching, discovery, expression and inflection are all things that can only be judged correctly in person.
6. As with driving, a "do not enter" sign means just that - don't do it. If you do, you run the risk of endangering not only yourself, but others when you decide to sneak into "no go" zones (locked doors, mailboxes, envelopes, personal accounts).
There is such a thing as good and bad, cool and not-cool - it's a matter of right and wrong. Prowling is no way to get up-close and personal with someone. So step away from that keyboard, stop clicking your devices and start connecting with someone you dig - instead of digging into their dirt.

Michael Jackson's a view of astrology

August 29 would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday, yet his tragic death prevented that from happening. The young performer was crowned the King of Pop and later became a living legend who was both talented and troubled. He experienced the greatest fame and fortune, but compulsiveness and insecurity tormented him for most of his life.Jackson's death on June 25, 2009 from a lethal dose of an anesthetic, sent shock waves around the world. At age 50, Jackson was on the verge of a spectacular comeback. How could this have happened? What cosmic warning signs could have foretold this tragedy? Let's take a look at Jackson's astrology chart to discover the truth behind the man in the mirror.Power, obsession and extremism are the domain of Pluto. Born on August 29, 1958, Jackson had Sun conjunct Pluto in Virgo, the sign of work and health. Pluto intensifies and complicates whatever it touches, like the Virgo influence in Jackson's chart. You could see it in his superb work ethic. From an early age, he was focused and disciplined. The creativity of the Sun fueled his power. Typical of Pluto, however, this influence was both a blessing and a curse. Jackson was obsessed with his health and his appearance, to the point of undergoing multiple surgeries to change the way he looked. Just before his death, he used a combination of sedatives to battle insomnia. Adding in propofol, a powerful anesthetic generally used only in hospitals, created the combination that ultimately killed him.
What's more, Moon in fantasy-prone Pisces made Jackson susceptible to drug abuse, and hypersensitive to outside influences. He felt that living in a fantasy world (that is, Neverland Ranch) would keep him safe from criticism. Additionally, a Moon-Saturn square presaged a harsh childhood. Jackson had said that his father was an abusive, terrifying figure in his life. The need to escape from this cruelty through music, drugs and fantasy was irresistible.
An afflicted Moon in Pisces also muddied his relationships with women. Emotionally, Jackson was sympathetic, illusive and needy. His marriage to Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 lasted less than two years. Obviously affected by his vulnerability, she reportedly wanted to rescue him during his trial over molestation charges (of which he was acquitted). Then in 1996, he married Deborah Rowe, a dermatology nurse who had treated him for vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder. This marriage lasted three years, and produced two children. It's interesting that she was a healer - another rescuer, in a sense - which would have appealed to the compassionate (or helpless) nature of Jackson's Moon in Pisces.But fantasy ultimately prevailed over real-life relationships. Jackson got most of the validation he craved from his fans. For the King of Pop, the stage was his kingdom. He thrived in front of an audience, and it was evident in every pose he struck and every song he sang. Of course, part of his drive for fame came from Mercury, Venus and Uranus in Leo, the sign of the entertainer. And entertaining was what Jackson did best. Venus conjunct Uranus made him an electrifying, innovative performer. This influence also gave him, indeed, a Peter Pan-like quality. Did Jackson ever truly grow up? He was childlike to the end. So what was happening in the stars at the time of his death? One thing's for certain - he was under tremendous strain from Saturn, the planet of work and discipline. Saturn had been afflicting his natal Moon and Saturn since fall of 2008. It undoubtedly triggered his need for validation. Earlier that year, he announced he was planning to perform ten concerts in London over the summer. In true Virgo fashion, he spent long hours rehearsing, determined to perfect his performance.Additionally, Neptune opposing his Mercury clouded his judgment about his insomnia. It also added to his need to escape - and what better way to escape than by going to sleep? The strain of rehearsing probably kept him too wired to relax. In a strange foretelling, he called the upcoming shows his "final curtain call." Unfortunately, the curtain closed on his life all too soon. Still, the soul of Michael Jackson lives on in his music, for all to enjoy.