It's a fact that computers make our work easier and more efficient. However on the other hand, computers also affect our health at the same time. Many people suffer from digital eye strain and this can cause neck and headaches plus more.
According to experts, 70 to 75% of those who work or sit on a computer have vision problems. This condition is called "computer vision syndrome". Sitting by a computer for more than three hours a day poses a potential threat. This comes in the form of many physical aches and pains. These include but are not limited to:-
headaches,
stiff neck and shoulders,
repetitive strain injury,
frozen shoulder,
shallow breathing
and computer vision syndrome.
Digital Eye strain
Recently, a 2-year-old girl from China was diagnosed with severe myopia because her parents allowed her to use a phone for longer periods of time since she was only a year old.
The girl's condition is worrisome, especially considering her age, and it will only get worse as she ages. Digital eye strain can lead onto many other conditions and we need to take responsibility for our health.
In Australia, the current recommendation is for children to spend not ore than 2 hours looking at the screen. Children under the age of 2 shouldn't be allowed any screen time at all, according to information found on The Sydney Children’s Hospital website.
In addition, excessive screen time can also change the brain structure of the child according to a recent US study.
How Looking At a Screen Damages Eyesight
The consequence of long-term and excessive looking at the computer is the weakening of the ability of certain types of eye accommodation. One reason is unnatural looking or loss of perspective. It is natural that the eye wanders with changes in focus on close and distant objects.
We usually look at screens from a relatively small distance from the eye. Over time, the eye loses its ability to quickly focus objects at a greater distance, and the lens of the eye loses elasticity.
The problem is that eye movements are extremely frequent but short, because the things the eye focuses on, either on a monitor or a keyboard, are only a few millimetres away.
Under normal circumstances, the eye moves slightly 50 to 60 times in just one second, constantly changing what it looks at. Such subtle movements are necessary for a clearer vision. This reduces the tension of the entire visual system. Read how Yoga practices can help you to prevent eye strain.
Concentration stops eyes from focusing
With intellectual work and deep concentration, inevitably, the eye stops focusing entirely on real objects. When we are looking at the screen, but thinking about something else we lose the objects on the screen as in a fog. Then we being to see the objects indirectly and intuitively and are accustomed to watching them as if through a fog without any possible details. You see the objects indirectly and are intuitively getting accustomed to looking at them "through the fog" without all the possible details.
What Can You Do To Prevent Damage To Your Eyes?
In order to alleviate or eliminate the problems caused by looking at the screen for a longer period of time, we propose:
Adjust the brightness of the screen to the intensity that isn't tiring to your eyes.
Limit the time you look at the screen in one sitting.
Apply the rule to look at the distance for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Use special filters in glasses or to reduce the glare. Wearing special glasses designed to operate on a computer reduces eyestrain.
Parents should contact a doctor in case you notice that the child blinks a lot, squints, has red eyes, if they complain of tearing, blurred vision, eye fatigue and headache.
Electronic devices used by your children should be set at an adequate height and with optimal lighting in order to prevent possible eyesight issues.
join our classes and stop in the middle of the day to relieve digital eyestrain and other computer related conditions. Become aware of your breathing, posture, mind and eyesight. Take some time in the middle of your day to really connect with yourself and make any subtle adjustments. This will give you energy for the rest of the day. You can find out more here.
Ayurveda addresses the alignment of the outer and different levels of our being with our inner or immortal self. As well as, our karmic reincarnating being that connect to the supreme self, the divine essence within us. Yoga and Ayurveda are integrative systems and combined help us live life with grace. The meaning of Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge.
Veda yoga or inner cognitive science is born out of samadhi. This is the state of inner knowing or self realisation beyond the mind. Veda is knowledge and Yoga is its practice. They are two sides of the same truth. Yoga leads us to and expresses Veda. Veda embodies itself through yoga as its expression.
Ayurveda is part of broader system of knowledge. Vedic science addresses the consciousness of life as a whole. This is based on our physical body looking out to the greater immortal essence of our inner being.
It originates from the ancient Vedic tradition of India where Ayurveda has been practised for more than 6,000 years. It comprises 9 out of 40 branches of this complete system of Vedic Health-care.
Ayurveda’s broad view of spirituality, mental awareness and clarity of mind an integral part of our wellbeing and causes disease such as:-
The physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing to move beyond our karmas
External pathogens and disease
Opposites of heat/cold, the change of seasons, bacteria and viruses.
Constitutional factors of vata, pita or kapha
Movement of the elements and life force within us
Gunas – satva – rajas and tamas
Karmic issues from past or present life
Ayurveda has a broad view of healing
Ayurveda includes the physical, psychological, energetic, spiritual and yogic modalities for right living and higher consciousness – or subtle energy systems. Yoga with Ayurveda is a vast system that requires deep contemplation and examination. There are many branches and fields for application. Together they form a broader modern medicine or natural system of healing.
Ayurveda combined with Yoga teaches us to live life with grace
The relationship of Ayurveda with Yoga is very important and it evolves out of the Yoga philosophy. The practical side of Vedic science is the system of Yoga. Yoga develops the ideas of Vedic philosophy into the tools of the development of consciousness. Asanas or postures are only one small aspect of Yoga. Traditionally Yoga has eight limbs as taught by Patanjali that covers areas of life.
The science of meditation and enlightenment which are an aspect of Yoga combined with Ayurveda cross over in many ways. Both are an integral system that show us how to live life with grace.
Overall Yoga and Ayurveda combined provide an understanding of the mind, consciousness, karma and rebirth. Each is not stand alone and combined they take into account:-
About Vastu Science
Astrology – the science of karma and how it impacts us throughout time.
Medicine towards a physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.
Integration, contemplation and self realisation.
Vastu science is the directional influences and energy patterns on the earth. Texts from the Indian subcontinent describe Vastu as principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry. The aim is to create a congenial setting or a place to live or work, in a most scientific way. It takes advantage of the benefits bestowed by the five element earth, water, fire, air and ether. These five elements that are in all living things are earth, fire, water, air and ether.
Traditionally Yoga and Ayurveda compliment each other and form a complete therapy for body, mind and spirit. Likewise the focus is on each person as an individual. Together we look at your strengths and weaknesses, current lifestyle and digestive challenges as well as your physical posture and condition. Yoga and Ayurveda combined is a complete lifestyle with tips and guidelines that will change your life.
Surprisingly most people do not know what they put into their body via their senses – mouth, ears, nose, eyes, skin and mind actually effects their health! This means they can be poisoning themselves daily and wonder why they are suffering. In the world of technology there is a saying garbage in garbage out – GIGO. However your childhood experiences can play out in your present day behaviours.
Ayurveda is a proven and ancient wisdom
Modern day treatments only take just a piece of this ancient wisdom as a cure for an imbalance. This is temporary and disempowering, creating a costly dependence on the therapist. Zoe our Senior Yoga Ayurveda therapist has incorporated this ancient wisdom into her life for the past 30 years.
Zoe lives and breathes Yoga and Ayurveda. She will help you to diagnose your dosha and provide recommendations to integrate into your every day life. Receive the guidance and support to return to a state of balance. We use only naturally sustainable methods with no nasty side effects.
A personalised Yoga Ayurveda therapy program encourages and support you to set up a daily practise. Also we show you how to eat food that suits your digestive system. Undigested food becomes toxic in the system and affects the body as well as the mind.
What is Yoga Ayurveda Therapy?
Therapeutic yoga appears to be extremely safe and adjusted to each student. Beyond medical conditions, the yoga therapist factors in the client’s overall level of fitness, stamina, frailty, and specific needs. Yoga and Ayurveda therapy looks at the lifestyle and desires for therapeutic outcomes.
Yoga Ayurveda therapy uses various yoga practices such as poses, relaxation breathing and meditation. This helps people with a wide variety of health conditions, both physical and psychological. It can be a useful adjunct to medical care or, in some cases, in place of conventional approaches.
Typically, private Yoga Ayurveda therapy consultations include the following:
It is important to differentiate between a general yoga class conducted by a yoga teacher and yoga therapy. In this way, Yoga Therapy is similar to other healthcare modalities. In the one-on-one setting, the level of assessment can be detailed. This allows for a tailored treatment plan to suit the client.
Clients who may be frail or for whom standard yoga practices may be contraindicated benefit from the individual approach. Also the patients themselves must do the practices to gain the benefits, all that is required for successful yoga therapy is :-
1. Conducting an intake consultation or reviewing an intake form. As well as reports from healthcare practitioners that include current treatment, including medications etc.
2. Assessing the current health condition based on Yoga Ayurveda therapy principles
3. Identifying underlying causes of the presenting condition from the Yoga Ayurveda therapy perspective
4. Discussing any lifestyle or digestive challenges
5. Conducting a physical strengths and weaknesses assessment
Yoga therapy usually involves a number of consultations with the yoga therapist. Follow up sessions allow the therapist to refine the plan to ensure the student has been practicing in an appropriate way. As well as address any new concerns that may have arisen in the interim. In the process of teaching the routine to the client, the therapist will sometimes determine they need to make modifications.
Common challenges to follow Yoga Ayurveda Therapy guidelines
A common challenge in yoga therapy is patient compliance. A few words from the referring clinician may help motivate patients to continue their yoga program. Yoga therapy is usually an adjunctive therapy. Likewise they should continue with their other treatments under the care of their healthcare practitioners.
Yoga therapy consultations are typically several days to a few weeks apart. A yoga therapy program with recommendations to practice (at home, work, or elsewhere). As well as the program may be written or video recorded to support the patient. Many clients have three or four consultations over a number of weeks.
In some instances, a healthcare practitioner and yoga therapist may believe that a patient is best served by regular therapeutic sessions. These can happen once a week over a number of months.
Healthcare referrals for Yoga Ayurveda Therapy
Healthcare providers do not need to have an in-depth understanding of yoga to make skilful referrals to yoga therapists. A yoga therapist will safely adapt practices to meet the needs of individual students. Also different yoga approaches vary enormously, it is generally not incumbent on the referring clinician to specify which yoga tools to avoid, rather the yoga therapist.
If the referring clinician provides general guidelines about his or her concerns, the yoga therapist can figure out which practices should be omitted or modified. For example; a patient with diabetic retinopathy, the yoga therapist could be advised to avoid any practices that increase intraocular pressure.
Yoga means union between the mind and body
For optimal health and wellbeing, integrate Yoga and Ayurveda into your daily routine. Learn to listen and respond to your bodies needs with love and respect. Learn how you can blend Yoga into your life without too much effort and reap the benefits.
To give is to receive and I believe it is wise to share your knowledge only to those who are honest open and willing to receive.
Do you have a morning routine for keeping your body in good condition? I know the cat wakes me up around the same time every day wanting to be fed. My Yoga Ayurveda daily routine changes with the seasons and with me as I change. Ayurveda is about being in tune with the seasons, times of day and your stage of life. This way my practice has changed throughout my body strengths and vulnerabilities, digestive system, strength and clarity of my mind, responsibilities and for my deeper spiritual growth. Our Good Morning Yoga Therapy “live-online” class is a great way to start the day.
Sleep is best between 10pm and sunrise
The best quality of sleep is between 10pm and sunrise and it is at this time the restoration occurs. When I don’t get enough sleep my body gets stressed as I am traveling on my nervous system which is a vulnerable area for Vata. When I miss my sleep window and fall asleep when naturally tired, by over stimulating my brain looking at a digital screen my sleep quality weakens. Poor sleep quality has a flow on effect to staying in bed. This then affects the bodies natural urges. Resulting in missing out on the peristalsis brings attention to need to evacuate the body.
Ayurveda tells – do not withhold the bodies natural urges. According to Ayurveda we recognise the 14 natural urges of the body should always be respected. They are as follows:-
flatulence,
defecation,
urination,
belching,
sneezing,
thirst,
hunger,
sleep,
cough,
breathing rapidly with exertion,
yawning,
tears,
vomiting
and ejaculation.
Laughter and hiccups are classified as secondary urges that should also be respected. To suppress these is called prajnyaparadha, or crimes against wisdom. This “crime” is a suppression of your body’s innate wisdom about what it needs to do to function well. To deny that wisdom is a direct offence to your physical, mental, energetic and spiritual body.
Feed the cat before he bites
Our Yoga Works for Over 40s live-online yogi Sexy Rexy is a Pita. That means he lets me know when he is hungry and if he doesn’t get fed when he wants to his Pita will rise. The bile will secrete from the gall bladder into his stomach and he will burn with rage. When this happens I have learnt I will get a bite on the arm just to get me out of bed! The Pita energy is vexatious to a Vata. A Vata person instead of going to anger as the Pita type can tend to do, they go into fear. Once the fear is triggered the vibration starts in the body that then moves to an over working of the mind.
Morning is a good time for me, to look after me and show gratitude I have a cat!.
Rexy Sexy cat
Ayurveda morning routine drink recipe and fruit snack
Ingredients
1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or
1 teaspoon of ginger powder
Sprinkle of black pepper
3 cardamon pods
Method
Boil the jug, squeeze the lemon, add the ingredients and drink while still warm
Four pieces of fruit away satiate my taste buds for sweet. I will choose orange to sweeten my palate, pawpaw (papua) to increase my digestion for pineappe
Being of Vata constitution the tastes that suit my body are sweet, sour and salty.
Lemons effect on Vata, Pita and Kapha doshas
Lemons have a strong sour flavour, a vivid zing that puckers the lips. The potent lemon flavour has an equally strong effect on the body. Consuming the juice encourages saliva in your mouth which makes your mouth watery. It also encourages secretions in stomach and digestive tract organs, improving taste and digestion while freshening the breath. Lemon Juice softens stools as well, aiding regular elimination. The juice in hot water is a mild morning laxative choice for many, helping to keep your gut clean. It has been found that lemons nourish deficient blood plasma and help rebuild fluids.
Lemons are a way to calm down Vata, detoxify balance Pitta, but may stimulate aggravated Pitta, and Kapha dosha. The sour, and heating effects of lemons have sour after digestion effect which is of particular benefit to Vata dosha.
Kapha Pita and the effects of Lemons
The heavy, moist quality of the Earth element is what can aggravate Kaphas, though it is less aggravating to Kaphas than to Pitta. Kaphas need to avoid sour in the case of an acute Kapha imbalance, like a head cold, but otherwise, Kapha’s can actually benefit from the sour tastes stimulating qualities in small amounts. The ginger and pepper is warming as it good however they may find the cardamon a little too grounding, as they are challenged to move their energies away from the earth.
For a Kapha they need to stay away from the sweet tastes but Pita can also consume sweet but it is not good for the Kapha. Pita will possibly not like the hot lemon drink as they are already heated and they could substitute with lime and go easy on the black pepper and ginger. It is important to be aware of how the body reacts to what ever you put into it and this is where a Yoga therapy practice provides this connection.
Note: Lime should not be used when one has a cold, congestion and/or cough.
Practices to sooth the soul, cleanse and strengthen the body
Yoga and Ayurveda morning routine aims to fit into your life and making time to schedule your daily routine will set your day up the right way. Each morning unless I have an early appointment or it is the weekend I will do 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar. Surya Namaskar (Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार IAST: Sūrya Namaskār), Salute to the Sun or Sun Salutation, is a practice in yoga as exercise incorporating a sequence of some twelve gracefully linked asanas.[2][3] The asana sequence originated in the Hatha Yoga tradition on 9th century in India. The basic sequence involves moving from a standing position into Downward and Upward Dog poses and then back to the standing position, but many variations are possible. The set of 12 asanas is dedicated to the vedic-hindu solar deity Surya. In some Indian traditions, the positions are each associated with a different mantra.
For each round I have a prayer, mantra or affirmation. This helps me know where I am up to and really set the tone for my day. The prayers and mantras are very grounding and where I can really set the tone of my heart for the day. If I don’t have enough time for a longer practice here is a snippet below of what I do.
India’s traditional, natural system of health and medicine Yoga and Ayurvedahas been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Yoga is the union between the mind and the body. Ayurveda is the science of life. Both are traditionally practiced together. One-on-one without the other is only half the benefit. Together they provide a naturally sustainable method to maintain health and wellbeing.
Yoga is a science, a philosophy of life.
By practicing Yoga Ayurveda therapy we enhance our physical well-being, mental peace, harmony, moral elevation and become spiritually uplifted.
Each person is unique
Ayurveda states disease comes in six stages and Yoga provides the bridge to listen to our bodies messages.
Ayurveda holds that specific disease conditions are symptoms of an underlying imbalance. It does not neglect relief of these symptoms, but its main focus is on the big picture. With Yoga and Ayurveda we learn to listen deeply and restore balance. Likewise we begin to create such a healthy lifestyle that the imbalance won’t occur again.
Yoga is a conduct, an attitude and an approach, as well as an art of living.
Consideration for each persons individuals dosha (body type) Vata, Pita or Kapha. With this knowledge a the natural healing approaches and recommendations for daily living are determined. This method is in alignment with modern science which views individuals as unique in the universe, with a unique DNA.
Take responsibility for your health with Yoga and Ayurveda therapy
Ayurveda teaches us to take responsibility for our health. We have so many options to choose from and choosing wisely will enable you to live a full life. In contrast poor choices makes life smaller. As the years go by without listening to what we need, we are left to rely on others.
Every day of our lives, every hour of every day, we can, and do, choose either health or illness. When we choose wisely, nature rewards us with health and happiness.
When we persistently choose unwisely, nature, in her wisdom, eventually sets us straight. Unfortunately she makes us sick and gives us a chance to rest and rethink our choices.
Living in harmony with nature, the seasons and your body is living a balanced life. You will learn to listen deeply to your body and choose food, places, people and things that suit your dosha.
About Zoe Campbell
Zoe is a Yoga Ayurveda therapist and the founder of Computer Coach Australia. Juggling life as a mother, carer and business woman Zoe has worked with technology for over 30 years. She can guide you to implement Yoga and Ayurveda into your daily life.
We invite you to learn more about the following services:-
Anorexia is a mental health disorder which belongs to a group of behavioural disorders. This is because the person is often physically healthy before the onset of the disease. Social media has a lot to answer for regarding an addictive behavioural disorder.
Its symptomatology appears to disturb the normal functioning of a young person in the psychological, family and social settings. Anorexia is, after bulimia, the most common eating disorder in puberty and adolescence. It is mainly a disease of the female population – a disease of women and young girls. The word “anorexia” in free translation means loss of appetite.
Visible physical symptoms are a consequence, not the cause of the disorder
Adolescent girls are increasingly suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia, and social media is largely responsible for this.
Anorexia in Teenage Girls
Soothe social media habits with Yoga therapy
Experts have found that young people have become dependent on social networks which undoubtedly negatively affects health. This is both physically and mentally and Yoga therapy can help to reverse these impacts.
There are more teenage girls who are unhappy with their appearance. They will compare their body to the people and celebrities they see online. As a result severe dieting regimes can be adopted. And so more and more suffer from anorexia or bulimia.
Several researchers have highlighted that spending too much time on social media leads to a one-sided focus on appearance, habits and behaviour. Teens feel like they need to look and behave in the same way as girls who they follow Instagram.
Self-image and Social Media
Girls visit websites in search of diets
Experts have found that more and more girls visit websites in search of diets. The most disturbing, is the fact that some people visit pages that encourage people to have an eating disorder. Consequently, they can ask for advice on how to starve and how to get into the state of extreme skinny-ness.
There was also a series of social media sites that target anorexia called so-called Pro-Ana (for anorexia) and Pro-Mia (for bulimia). For the purpose of persuading girls and women to persevere in their disorder. As well as inspire them to achieve weight loss. Here they can find pictures of models and celebrities looking like skeletons. As well as tips and techniques to stay dangerously skinny.
To protect teenagers and their platform (from future litigation) some social media sites like Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest have actually banned the hashtags from their platform. As well as turning off the number of likes on some posts. Recently social media platforms have turned into publishers and block certain posts and sites from exposure to direct the consumer in line with their own views.
Read what Instagram hashtags such as #thinspo for thin inspiration have been banned here.
The “most dangerous” part of the Internet is precisely the social media community. Namely, the girls, through communication with others, receive great support and strong encouragement for extreme forms of behaviour. Girls with eating disorders feel ashamed and flee from their real environment. Also on the Internet there are whole groups of like-minded people who will “understand” them. The danger is they are probably further encouraging unhealthy and dangerous behaviour.
Orthorexia obsession with healthy nutrition
Healthy nutrition has been gaining momentum in all life spheres in recent years. Firstly, the media bombards followers with articles and research on the positive effects of eating natural foods. Such as vegetables, fruits, eating high-quality meat or reducing meat intake, industrial foods, and foods rich in sugar. This is really good until it becomes an obsession where anorexia or orthorexia sets in. Like any other obsession, the obsession with eating healthy foods has got its name – orthorexia.
We are not talking about people who choose to lead a healthy lifestyle when it comes to their diet. Also there is an obsession with fast-food, the complete opposite. Even more than the dependence on healthy eating is what happens if they ingest a “forbidden” food into their body.
Orthorexia or anorexia are a based on a need to control life
Most people who suffer from orthorexia appear skinny in the same way as anorexic people do. As a result, the term orthorexia can be confused with anorexia. However they do have several common consequences on the human body. Those with anorexia and orthorexia restrict the intake of food into the body. Both follow various diets. In contrast people with orthorexia consume exclusively healthy foods in order to be “healthier”.
But as with anorexia, a person suffering from orthorexia wants complete control of their life. Likewise they desire a certain weight (which is often imposed on them by others and which they have accepted). This is all in attempt to raise self-confidence to feel better about themselves.
Orthorexia an obsession with healthy nutrition
Exactly the opposite happens and the self confidence can crash. When finally putting down social media a rush of blocked emotions rise to the surface followed by anxiety. This can result in self medicating by controlling their food intake.
When food becomes the central topic, at any given time and orthorexia develops, the quality of a person’s life deteriorates. This behaviour can become isolating and further exacerbate feelings of anxiety and behavioural problems.
Orthorexia
What Can We Do?
Epidemiological studies by the NIH suggest that the incidence of eating disorders among adolescent girls has increased over the last 50 years read more.
Parents need to be aware that an entire online community can stand behind the problem encouraging their daughter’s diet while negatively effecting their mental health. As well as in some way, regulating access to sites that encourage negative and unhealthy behaviour.
Parents have the potential and ability to prevent the development of eating disorders in young addicts on social media
If you wish to know more about this rather serious subject, please check out the video below:
How Yoga helps you with anxiety
It is so important to develop an awareness of yourself, so as not to alienate yourself from your teenager. With Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation you will have the opportunity to connect to your feelings and the wisdom of intuition. You will recognise the pause between the inhalation and exhalation and inhalation and develop skills to create pauses in your mind and life. As a result this space in your life provides choice to temper your re-actions.
Problems are exacerbated when feelings or emotions are blocked. Yoga provides the opportunity to meet and uncover blocked emotions in a gentle and loving way.
As a parent serious issues are best not to be neglected or push under the carpet
Social media is very natural for teenagers as they are so used to connecting with others in a digital world (which is less confrontational) – and plays an important role in their lives often perceived as a lifeline. Any confrontation brings out a survival instinct. Real life situations can trigger reactive behaviour and blocked emotions can erupt. Learning to manage thoughts, feelings and emotions is difficult for everyone and a lifelong quest. As a parent role modelling is very powerful way to offer support.
Yoga therapy and overuse of technology
Teenagers can struggle with real life confrontation, especially after spending time in a virtual world with their friends. Some parents have likened the over re-action from the teenager when asked to put down the device, similar to an addiction. Likewise they may only know how to express themselves online and have not developed the skills to manage life’s inevitable experiences.
Yoga therapy provides tools to access emotions and feelings plus an awareness of a need to digitally detox. Managing overuse of technology improves sleep and anxiety is released. This then calms the nervous system. It is not just teenagers who struggle with over using technology. And we have many older people who come to us for help.
As a Hi-Tech-Yogi I am very familiar with both Yoga and Technology. Therefore we address topics such as:-multi-tasking, over using technology and the effects on the pineal gland. Ayurveda the science of life recognises each person is as unique as their DNA. Also each person and relationshipwith social media requires different tools, strategies and goals.
Yoga Therapy live-online classes
Good Morning Yoga therapy class helps to get your body ready for the day in the right way. Set an intention, stretch, strengthen and increase your immunity.
Lunchtime Chair Yoga therapy class brings a welcome break into the middle of your day to connect with your breathing, body posture and the present moment.
Sleepy Time Yoga therapy class is a relaxed and soothing way to clear your mind, calm your nervous system, a form of sleep hygiene to prepare for a restful nights sleep.
We believe it’s important to address these topics with the aim to calming yourself as the parent. Learn to come from a centred and grounded place when dealing with your teenager. Develop strategies to model and integrate technology into every day life in a balanced and responsible way.
Yoga Works for Over 40s has ‘live-online’ classes as well as Yoga Therapy one-on-one practices. Classes address the individual needs of each person.
Ayurveda states that food is medicine. What we put into our body has a direct effect on our health. If our digestion is too strong we will not receive the nutrients from the food. When our digestion is weak we are left with stale food that turns toxic in our digestive tract. Optimally we need to be aware of how we feel after we eat. Read on to discover the Ayurveda eating guidelines and view a simple recipe.
What can you eat to improve your digestion?
The digestive system has been termed the ‘second brain’ because what we put into our body affects the whole us, physically and emotionally. As mentioned by Science Daily ‘the enteric nervous system (ENS) is known as the “second brain” or the brain in the gut because it can operate independently of the brain and spinal cord, the central nervous system (CNS)’. Learn how the tastes of food affect our digestion.
Ayurveda eating tips
The Ayurveda eating guideline says that we need to eat what suits our body type. This information can be gleamed from knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your dosha.
It is important to notice how your body reacts to everything you ingest through your senses. Therefore the food you eat is what needs to work for you. Always aim to eat foods in a conscious way, and what can digest.
This is similar to putting the right petrol into your car, or feeding your pet food that keeps it healthy. Yoga Ayurveda Therapy for over 40’s teaches us how to connect with ourselves. Likewise we begin to notice what does and doesn’t work for us and make conscious choices.
An Ayurvedic breakfast idea
Rice flakes are an easy foundation for a good healthy easy to digest breakfast. You can add many things to the rice flakes that suit your body type. An Ayurvedic eating guideline is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your digestion depending on your Dosha or body type. Your Dosha will give you these guidelines. Learn about Ayurveda tastes of foods.
Breakfast – eat like a saint
Lunch – eat like a king
Dinner – eat like a pauper
Eating a big mean after 7pm is hard to digest
How many times have you eaten a big meal late at night and tossed and turned restlessly as the food digests? Really, eating anything big at night is not good at all it just sits there and can turn to fat.
Light meal for dinner
Therefore it is best to eat a smallish meal for dinner. If you have followed the Ayurveda eating guidelines, you have had a big lunch and something light for dinner.
For dinner soups are ideal, especially in winter. Try some adding kidney beans to create a very nourishing meal that tempers the vata dosha. You might like to view our Ayurvedic food workshop.
Combining Yoga with Ayurveda
Just doing Yoga on its own or Ayurveda without Yoga is only half the benefit. Traditionally, Yoga and Ayurveda are practiced together. For a healthy digestive system at Yoga Works for Over 40s we keep this in mind.
Why just practice Yoga on its own if you are putting foods into your body that are not serving you? Or why focus on your diet if you are not using the asana (exercises, breathing and meditation) and living a sedentary life with blockages building up in your body.
Understanding the premise that the body effects the mind and visa versa is a simple yet effective way to look at your health and wellbeing.
As we learn to listen deeply with a regular Yoga (union) practice, we begin to notice even the smallest symptom in the body. Likewise Ayurveda (science of life) helps to make you conscious of your choices. As living beings with the prana flow or (life force) we are all effected by cause and effect.
Yoga provides a natural relief for anxiety. Harvard Medical School stated that a wide range of yoga practices suggest they can reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses. As a result they may be helpful for both anxiety and depression. For this reason, yoga functions like other self-soothing techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, exercise, or even socialising with friends.
By reducing perceived stress and anxiety, yoga appears to modulate stress response systems. This, in turn, decreases physiological arousal — for example, reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration. Likewise there is also evidence that yoga practices help increase heart rate variability, an indicator of the body’s ability to respond to stress more flexibly.
The chakras store the anxiety
Notably if someone is feeling anxious it is very difficult to lasso the mind and body to sit in the stillness and emptiness of Yoga. Often the mind will conjure up many reasons not to attend a class. Even though, after a class the vibration of anxiety inevitably slows down.
Chakras store anxiety
A yoga practice will move the anxious vibrating energy. The prana (life force) moves the anxiety from the solar plexus chakra (Manipura chakra) down to the root chakra (Muladhara chakra). Under those circumstances you will feel a sense of feeling grounded, solid and secure (kapha) .
Literally speaking, the word “chakra” from Sanskrit translates to “wheel” or “disk,” but references a spiritual energy centre within the human body. You can read more about the chakras here.
5 ways Yoga relieves anxiety
A regular Yoga practice is an act of self love and has many benefits like improved breathing, stretching, relaxation, peacefulness of mind and a like minded community. These are all built into the one class. When you recognise you are having an anxiety attack, tune in and ask yourself the following:-
Where do I feel the sensation in my body?
Am I concerned with something that is happening now, in the past or future?
How smooth, subtle and long is my breath?
Do I feel restless and unsettled?
What do do I need right now, am I hungry or cold?
Yoga relieves anxiety
Yoga (asana) is not just for the physical body to build strength and flexibility. Actually Yoga works on so many levels including the mind, body and spirit.
Yoga and Ayurveda combined providing many benefits and tools to help you to manage your vata, pita or kapha imbalances.
Anxiety, Ayurveda and Vata dosha
Anxiety is a vibration that is experienced in the mind and body. The body vibrates as the thoughts jump around. Anxiety produces the Ayurveda symptom of Vata. Vata is predominantly air and ether and moves via prana (life force) throughout the body.
People born with the Vata dosha when out of balance experience anxiety. Others may not be predominately Vata but have experienced a traumatic event in their lives increasing vata. Equally, growing up in a home with strong vibrations may seem the norm, until diagnosed with anxiety.
Motivating oneself to make changes can be difficult for a kapha, a pita will think the issue is outside of them, and a vata person will find it difficult to slow down and stick to a plan. To discover more about Ayurveda you can take our simple test here.
Can you feel the vibrations?
‘Can you feel the vibes man’ – was a popular saying in the 1960’s. It was seen to be a hippy term that coincided with the sensitive, vegetarian, peace, loving lifestyle. Vata is a sensitive body type and just the tone in the environment or interactions with others can disturb.
The vibration of anxiety is exhausting to experience and be around and is linked to the base emotion of fear. Likewise the side effects of fear or anxiety lead to the Vata symptoms of: insomnia, constipation, rapid movement, fast speech, shallow breathing, poor digestion and restlessness.
Ayurveda states like increases like
Feeling anxious often makes it difficult to want to sit still and slow the mind down. Anxious people will gravitate to others with the same vibration. Having said that Yoga combined with Ayurveda has many tips to reduce anxiety.
12 practical suggestions to reduce anxiety
Track back after an anxiety attack to view how its started (and subsided)
There are several types of enemas used by Ayurveda and an easy one to self administer is made from sesame oil. Some of this information is from my own personal experience as well as from a site Ayurvedic enemas that has some interesting information.
I have found sesame oil useful for many everyday conditions such as:-
When my body suffers any of the above conditions I know it is either my Vata or Pita that are out of balance. Imbalances occur so easily. That is why it is so important to take time out just for you to come back to your senses. We need to do this on a regular basis. Even a conscious breath in the middle of your day will bring you back to the present moment. It is in the present moment that we can feel what is going on. We are not feeling the past or the future, we are feeling now.
Learning about Ayurvedic Basti in India 2004
The best way I know how to come back to my senses is to combine Yoga and Ayurveda. This way I receive all the information that I need. My senses notify me that something about me that feels different to my ‘normal’ Do I have less energy today or am I bloated, did I wake up with some aches and pains? These are the things I am grateful to notice. To combine yoga and Ayurveda into my routine I hear these messages. Yoga Works for Over 40s “live-online” classes teach you how to combine Yoga and Ayurveda as a therapy.
Click this link to learn more about different types of basti enemas.
Ayurveda enemas
Basti (Vasti) is the Ayurvedic name for an enema to clean out the colon. Ayurveda uses Bastis (Vastis) which can be very helpful in a variety of complaints and should be used in discretion. This section is for general information only. As Ayurveda is a very complex topic and includes diet and lifestyle changes please visit a Ayurvedic practitioner before attempting to administer an ayurvedic Basti.
“Basti” literally means bag/container/bladder. In ancient times, sterilised urinary bladders of animals were used to instil the enema, hence the name of the procedure is Basti Karma.
Sacred peaceful cow
They involve the introducing of liquids like medicated oils, herbal concoctions and milk through the perineum (through the anus, urinary meatus or vaginal orifice in women) in order to clean or heal the lower part of the body (below umbilical part). The toxins (ama) accumulated in the lower part of the body or the toxins pushed to the colon, urinary tract or reproductive tract by previous ayurvedic procedures like Oil-therapy (snehan) or Sweat-therapy (swedan) can be cleared with bastis.
What is the Ayurveda basti?
There are significant multiple effects from using Ayurveda enemas. They cannot be compared with contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive therapies. Though Basti practices directly affect the colon they are much more than a localised, symptomatic treatment. In administration, effects and intent the Basti differs significantly from Enema and Colonic treatments which only address the eliminative capacity of the colon.
Training in Ayurveda and Yoga therapy
The Basti procedure restores the balance of the body types (doshas) in particular VATA body type (there are 7 body types in Ayurveda). It increases weight in emaciated people, decreases weight in the obese, improves vision, prevents ageing, brings back lustre and strength, and healthy longevity. They are specifically for vata disorders. Likewise there is relief from constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other Vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with Basti.
Basti is effective for digestive disorders
Training in Ayurveda India 2004
Basti is effective for most of the digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from such conditions. It also provides relief in conditions like distention of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract observed in chronic fever, etc. A Basti can treat conditions such:- as body debility, senile debility, impaired immunity, muscular dystrophy and bed ridden conditions like paralysis can also be treated by Basti. The Basti can also be used to give some energy supplementation to the body, as the mucous membrane of the rectal canal is a semi permeable membrane.
The oil enema will moisturise and rejuvenate your entire system and if any part of the body feels dry.
Preparation:
Dr Majosh Ayurvedic teacher
Pour 50 ml of lukewarm oil (preferably Black Sesame Oil) in a glass, suck the oil into the syringe by putting the tip into the oil and pulling on the syringe handle.
Connect the rectal tube to the syringe.
Turn the syringe and tube with the tip up and slowly push any air out of the tube.
Lie on your left site with the left lower leg straight and the right leg flexed at the knee and at the hip joint.
Lubricate the Anus and the tip of the rectal tube with Black Sesame seed oil.
Carefully insert the rectal tube (about 5 cm).
Then slowly and steadily inject the oil.
Stay lying on the side for 15 minutes before getting up.
Aim to retain the oil for 24 hours or more. This will happen naturally, more so if you do it at night time. If there is a tendency to release wind it is recommended to wear a pad during the day.
4 to 6 hrs after a meal or in the morning is the best time. Evacuate the bowel and bladder prior to the treatment. If possible give yourself a light belly massage with warm oil then put a hot water-bottle on your tummy for 10 minutes.
You will need a 60 ml syringe, a rectal tube, 50 ml of Black Sesame Oil
What to do after your Basti enema
Take a light diet for one day after the Basti as well as reduce the following activities:-
Ayurveda benefits your digestion
sitting for a long duration
standing for long duration
excessive talking
traveling
sleeping during the day
coitus
exposure to cold
too much sunlight
sexual relationship
anxiety
anger
untimely meals
an incompatible diet
suppression of natural urges (e.g. sneezing, farting, burping, elimination of faeces)
Contraindications for Basti
Avoid Basti for all types of diarrheas, dysenteries, rectal bleeding, diabetes, severe anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, breathlessness associated with any problem and pulmonary tuberculosis (raj-yakshma) avoid the Basti treatment. As well as infantile problems and senile debility.
When the treatment is incomplete spasmodic pains, burning sensation, anorectal itching and pain, anorexia, blockage of stools and wind can be noticed. If given in excess, it causes anorectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness, and muscular cramps.
If you experience pain in abdomen after Basti, massage the abdomen gently!
For headaches apply a gentle head and forehead massage followed by Ginger and Nasya (special Ayurvedic treatment to cleanse the sinus area).
Combine Yoga and Ayurveda as a therapy
We are currently running 3 Yoga therapy classes a week online in our Yoga Works for Over 40s online series. They come right into your home and all you have to do is click on the link and show up. It can’t get much easier. What you will learn is how to come back to your senses and how to manage your health. From this you will learn to listen deeply to your bodies signals. Yoga means union with the body and mind and it is surprising how many things there are in the big wide world that can distract us from ourselves. It is in these classes you will learn how to combine yoga ayurveda.
Combining Yoga and Ayurveda as a therapy
Join our Yoga for over 40’s class here
Online Yoga Therapy for over 40’s class is perfect because Zoe is a senior herself who has over 35 years of training and experience using yoga therapy to maintain excellent health. She will guide you to look after yourself through the many transformational changes in life. And as a free bonus, we will invite you into my FB group – where you can run class replays at a time that suits you.
Not always traditional medicine is the solution to common conditions. Having said that, Ayurveda teaches us about the benefits of Tulsi as a natural alternative.
Benefits of Tulsi
At this time of year we are very susceptible to catching colds and the flu, due to the change of season. In the morning the sun is shining and warm then by the afternoon it is cold and raining. For this reason, you may not have taken enough warm clothes and have got caught out.
Apart from Tulsi’s religious and medicinal significance, it has many great benefits as a prime herb in Ayurveda treatment. Tulsi is a kind of "elixir of life" as it promotes longevity. The healing power of Tulsi is marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste. Because it is used to prevent the onset of many illnesses and common ailments such as:-
The Tulsi plant has many benefits and medicinal properties. Also the leaves are a nerve tonic and sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the inflammation and phlegm from the bronchial tube. In the same way, the leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration.
The seed of the plant ia mucilaginous. Mucilaginous herbs derive their properties from the carbohydrates they contain. These carbohydrates have a 'slippery', mild taste and swell in water. They produce a gel-like mass that can be used to soothe and protect irritated tissues in the body. For instance dry irritated skin and sore or inflamed mucous membranes.
Fever and Common Cold
The leaves of the Tulsi (perennial basil) plant are specific for many fevers. During the winter and rainy seasons, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against disease.
In case of acute fevers, a drink made of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature and fever. With this intention the extract of Tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between, keep giving sips of cold water.
Coughs
Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilise mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
Sore Throat
Water boiled with perennial basil (Tulsi) leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water is also used to gargle with.
Respiratory Disorder
The Tulsi herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A drink of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A drink of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. Boil in half a litre of water till only half the water is left.
We combine Yoga with Ayurveda so that the practice is beneficial to the mind, body and digestive system. Many illnesses can be attributed to eating foods that are not suitable for your body type. For this reason we like to include Ayurveda Everyday tips as a bonus in our subscribers. Our Private facebook group Yoga Works better with Ayurveda has recipes and everyday tips as well as class replays. In this way we are offering the these ancient teachings as traditionally taught.
Click here for more information on our Yoga Therapy classes :- Good Morning Yoga, Lunchtime Chair Yoga and Sleepy time Yoga Therapy classes.
