Ayura Journal

New ‘Yoga Retreat’ Facebook Game Targets Our Idle Minds

2012-08-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

Get ready to waste more of your time on facebook! It’s The Sims meets Farmville meets a virtual yoga retreat. Because, hey what’s second best to actually going on a retreat to a tropical paradise? Pretending you’re at one on your computer! Finland’s Gajatri Studios has created what they deem to be the “first social management game derived from authentic well-being and yoga content” (read: potentially incredibly addictive “friendly” time-waster) based on the brainchild of yoga enthusiast Tiina Zilliacus.

Do we need more virtual distractions and “social management” games?

According to the press release this is relaxing AND educational:

Yoga Retreat aims to give players a relaxing gaming experience while sat at their desk and at the same teaching genuine Hatha moves, as well as introducing real world yoga philosophies. Players will build up their virtual island paradise by learning and teaching yoga moves, curing customer ailments and gaining virtues through quests.

The Yoga Retreat game is to be unleashed on Facebook August 6th. Hide your idle hands and minds.

——

Earlier…

Tagged as: facebook, interwebs, video games

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Feng Shui Money Trees

2012-08-03T02:14:00.001-07:00

An ancient Chinese legend tells about a tree with gold coins on its branches: when it’s shaken, gold coins fall to the ground like drops of rain.A rain of gold coins is one of the favorite themes in Chinese art, which is often depicted in Chinese paintings. This money symbol works on the following principle: like attracts like, and money attracts money. The amulet can come in an array of options, including live plants, artificial commercial charms, and hand-made talismans. In this article, we will discuss and advise on each type.

Plants: In feng shui, money trees are plants with thick and fleshy leaves of a circular shape (the so-called succulents). To strengthen the talisman, attach coins and notes to the leaves, or put them in the pot. Avoid placing the plant next to cactuses, as this can lead to the following situation: the wealth is there, but it’s complicated by problems that are as sharp as cactus spines.

Hand-Made: You can make this talisman with your own two hands. To do this, you need coins, banknotes, wire, play-dough, foil and a flower pot. Make holes in the coins, or use Chinese coins with holes. Make branches from wire and hang the coins and banknotes on them.

Having made a few branches, twist them together to make them look like a tree. The trunk can be wrapped with foil or painted with a gold or silver paint. Place the construction in a flowerpot and secure with play-dough. Your work and creative energy will definitely lead you to success.

There are many ways to create feng shui money trees with your own two hands. You can glue coins onto a photo of a tree (preferably a strong and beautiful one like oak or sycamore). You can sew banknotes (rolled in tubes and tied with red ribbons) onto tree-embroidered fabric. You can put a dragon in the branches, attach a motto on the trunk, or put three red lights at its base, etc. In Feng Shui, they traditionally place an image of an owl onto the tree – this symbol of wisdom will save you from wasteful investments.

Commercial: You can also find nice commercial items. A popular example is money trees that stand on gold bars, and have gold coins on their branches (the material can be anything, as long as it’s painted in a gold color). Ancient feng shui texts refer to a tree that stands on a gold bar, which shows a dragon and phoenix. This symbol is more potent than the one in a pot. Another option is the tree that has its leaves made of precious stones, such as jade or carnelian. And finally, you can find the trees with peaches instead of coins. These give many years of happy life. A peach is a symbol of longevity, spring, love, and happy relationships. To find a soul-mate or improve your current relationship, put it in the southwest section of your room.

Placement: Whichever type of wealth symbol you choose, it needs to be placed properly. One of the popular areas is the southeast or northwest section of a living room, or any other room in your home. Alternatively, the talisman can be placed near the home or office entrance.

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Medical Websites Provide Medical Help Online with Medical Information

2012-08-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

In depth medical website information is just a click away. In fact, not every health situation demands a doctor’s office. A quick medical help online search can save you time and money. According to Pew Internet & American Life Project, “80 percent of otherwise healthy people have used the internet to self-diagnose their illnesses at least once.”

Medical help online is just a click away. Find out how you can access medical information to help you and your loved ones.

There are many sites offering free medical help on line, giving you full access to a wealth of medical information for prevention, treatment, clinical trials and research, publications, prescription drugs, videos, confirmed medical diagnosis (after seeking a physician’s input), safety and health tips as well as news.

Some, like the Stanford Health Video Library, offer video programs where you can hear noteworthy doctors speak on anything from ears, nose and throat to geriatrics and from blood and lymphatic systems to urology. The Stanford Health Video Library presents the latest medical information free for the public.

Others, like Zipnosis, offer on line diagnosis and treatment in less than one hour. Just log on and get answers to health care questions from a board certified physician. The fee is $25, much less than some insurance deductibles.

Sites like these are handy if you have cut yourself or had a mild allergic reaction; however, they are never meant to take the place of a doctor’s medical diagnosis.

It is important what you should know when using medical websites like these:

1. Your diagnosis could be wrong due to a lack of proper education and understanding. Some patients have misdiagnosed when the condition was more serious than they had anticipated.

2. Be weary of chronic on line diagnosing. You could become stress over something that isn’t what you think it is. Only a doctor can give you the peace of mind you need in dealing with the medical issue.

3. Make sure to always keep regular check ups on your schedule. These include vaccines and OBGYN exams.

4. There may be a community-based clinic in your area that offers quality treatment for less money. In fact, they may offer a sliding scale option or free health care for qualifying patients.

Some sites like WebMD offer a Symptom Checker. Simply fill in your sex, age, symptoms and the medical diagnosis category will give you possibilities and the likelihood of those options. When you click on an option, you will receive a list of symptoms, an overview, what to expect, common ailments, treatment, self-care tips, negative reactions, some questions to ask your doctor as well as risk factors. WebMD is careful to state the following disclaimer, “This tool does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.”

Many of medical websites are independently run and continuously reviewed to give you the most accurate information to date from health professionals. Here are some of the most popular and trusted medical information sites on line:

Medical Library

Treatments Library

Management Library

Health Related News Feeds

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What Is Reflexology Self-Healing Using The Hand And Foot?

2012-08-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

Reflexology is a holistic therapy and treats the person as a whole rather than just focusing on a set of symptoms. Holistic therapies take the emotional and spiritual being into account as well as the physical. Reflexology is a self-healing technique which involves the application of pressure to the hands and feet in order to energize other parts of the body for healing.

Holistic Medicine, Zone Therapy, Reflexology An Alternative Medicine

The earliest evidence of a method being used that is similiar to reflexology as we know it today dates back to 2500BC. Modern day reflexology grew from what was known as ‘zone therapy’. Zone therapy was pioneered by Dr William Fitzgerald (1872-1942) who was an American Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.

It involves the stretching of your hands and feet for the stimulation of other part of the body towards self-healing. In most cases, reflexology is used for relieving stress and depression. It’s a kind of self-massaging technique which you can easily learn how to use. You can equally use it to support various systems of your body in order to attain self-healing. The technique is never meant to replace medical healing processes. It’s actually meant to compliment it.

Reflexology is a powerful self-healing therapy which has been shown to have a very positive effect on health and wellness. When a part of the body is not working at its best, a specific area will be found in the corresponding part of the foot or hand that pressure is applied to it. By working over sensitive reflexes through a number of reflexology treatments the tenderness will usually reduce as the body begins to function properly again as it reaches homeostasis.

There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health. It is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body.

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What is a Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty Procedure

2012-08-02T08:56:00.001-07:00

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and daydreamed about getting a nip/tuck in your midsection, then most likely you’ve considered a tummy tuck. Also referred to as an abdominoplasty procedure, a tummy tuck can take off the extra layers of fat and excess skin that stubbornly sticks to the midsections regardless of diet and exercise.

What diet and exercise can't fix, a tummy tuck procedure will.

What is abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck, or adbominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is suitable for women and men who are in good overall health. It is considered major surgery that can improve the appearance of aging, stretch marks, skin folds and loss of skin elasticity, giving the abdomen a flattened, firmer shape.

Many patients undergo a procedure for tummy tuck to restore muscles that have been weakened or separated in an effort to regain a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. Weakened or separated muscles could be caused from one or more of the following:

AgingHeredityPregnancyPast surgeriesMajor fluctuations in weight gain and loss

There are two types of Adbominoplasties available to patients: complete Abdominoplasty and Partial/Mini Abdominoplasty. The first includes an incision made just above the hairline, low on the belly. (This is helpful as most undergarments and bathing suits will cover post-surgical scars. In fact, some patients cover the scar with a tattoo once the physician gives his or her approval.) The plastic surgeon will then pull the skin down like a curtain, as tightly as possible and remove the excess skin. The remaining skin will be sewn together to give a smooth shape to the abdomen area. Drainage tubes may be used, often placed under the skin and removed in two to three days by a surgeon.

The second type of abdominoplasty is the Partial/Mini abdominoplasty where a surgeon removes fat deposits below the navel. Short incisions allow the surgeon to insert an endoscope (a small camera located on the end of a tube).

Both last about two hours and are highly individualized procedures that are often considered body contouring operations. It should not be confused with liposuction. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat deposits. However, liposuction can be performed as a part of the abdomiplasty procedure. You may need to discuss these with your physician as one might be right for your needs.

Abdominoplasty Recovery

Because patients receive general anesthesia, someone will need to drive you home and stay with you at least the first night after surgery.

It takes about one week to 10 days for patients to recover from an abdominoplasty procedure. Patients are often cleared to return to work full time with some limitations on physical activity until they have fully recovered.

Could I be a candidate for a tummy tuck?

If you have Individuals who of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. If you are in good physical health and maintain a stable weight, then you would make a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Being in the right frame of mind when considering a tummy tuck is always a good idea. Your doctor can work with you to be sure that this is the right surgery for you. Here are some things to consider before signing on the dotted line:

A procedure for tummy tuck surgery should be the last resort in getting a firmer, shapelier stomach region.Make sure you are undergoing surgery for yourself and not fulfilling another’s wishes.Be realistic with your expectations.If you smoke, you should quit prior to surgery.

When to Reconsider a Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty procedure is considered permanent, but could vary over time if you experience fluctuations in your weight. If you plan to lose a substantial amount of weight loss or plan to become pregnant in the future, you may need to postpone your tummy tuck procedure.

It’s important to keep in mind that a procedure for a tummy tuck is not a miracle surgery. They have limitations, as do most surgical options. Tummy tuck is not a substitute for a weight loss or exercise regime, but an abdominoplasty procedure can give you a firmer shape.

View the original article here

2012-04-01T22:15:00.002-07:00

01. Asoka

Botanical Name : saraca indica
Local Name : Asoka
Sanskrit Name : Rakthapallawa, Madhupaushpa, Anganapriya,
Ashopallawa, Hemapushpa, Kankeli
Family : Fabaceae

Description : This is a rain forest tree. This tree prized for it`s
beautiful foliage & fragrant flowers, with, green
leaves growing in dense clusters.

flowering season : Around the February to April

Constitution : Asoka contain haematoxylin. Recent analysis of the bark showed the
presence of fair amount of tannin and probably an Organic substance can
taring iron. Bark contains a fair amount of tannin and catachin.

Flower Fruit

Parts of use : Bark, flowers

Medical uses : The bark of the herb is strongly astringent and uterine sedative. It acts directly

on the muscular fibers of the uterus. It has a stimulating effect on the

endometrium and ovarian tissue. Used for the uterine /ovarian fibroid s,

menorrhagia, bleeding, hemorrhoides, bleeding dysentery.

Dosage :

preparation - Decoction

Powder

Pill

Ghee

Paste

Herbal Wine

Source :

Medicinal Plants - A Srilankan study

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka_tree

http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h120.htm

http://www.herbsnspicesinfo.com/medicinal-herbs/ashoka-tree.aspx

Who is Sushruta ?

2010-06-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Sushruta is considered the father of Indian Surgery aMaster Ayurvedic Surgeon.

“ To Sushruta may be attributed the glory of elevating the art of handling a lancet or forceps to the status of a practical science “

Sushruta was an intellectual with a keen mind and a critical eye. He had studied medicine and surgery under a teacher called Dhanvantari. Sushrtapractised and taught surgery in the University of Varanasi, in the city of Baranas (modern Benares) – a renowned University in

India

during the time of the Buddha.

Concept of Samya and Vaisamya in Ayurveda

2010-06-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Doshas are not static, do not remain constant but they are ever change with the slightest provocation from out side or inside. They are either exited or depressed in their quantity or quality or both , this is called Vaisamya Dhatu Samya is health.

Dhatu vaisamya is disease.

These are some of the salient points described in nutshell which are meant to give one a glimpse in to the fundamentals of Ayurveda on which the whole body of knowledge of preservation of health treatment of diseases stands.

Concept of Ama in Ayurveda

2010-06-07T19:50:00.001-07:00

By the functioning of Agni (digestive power) at the respective stages, food is transformed in to the constituents of tissues and organs (Dhatus) and a normal amount of effect matter “mala” is produced and excreted. If Agni get faulty in any way resultant transformation will be defective and abnormal reaction which vitiate the body are formed, such abnormal reaction or products are called Ama.

What is Ojas/ bala In Ayurveda?

2010-06-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

Concept of Ojas/ bala:

Concept of ojas is a principle related to the question of resistance, one of the peculiarities in the fundamentals of Ayurveda. It is a very subtle all pervasive factor in the body.

It is a force which, enables life to continue despite hazards. Strength, stamina, vigor, which are called bala in Ayurveda are related to ojas.

What is "MALA" In Ayurveda?

2010-06-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Mala - Waste product

Mala or Waste products are the constituents that are constantly eliminated from the body. Their physical appearance varies from gaseous, liquid, semi-solid to solid form. Gross waste products - Urine, feces and sweat. Subtle waste products - Eliminated from epithelial lining of the eyes, nose, mouth, ears. Health is maintained when these products are eliminated properly.

What is dhatu in Ayurveda ?

2010-05-27T02:58:00.000-07:00

Dhatu (Tissues) in Ayurveda

There are seven dhathus or body tissues that give shape and from to the body.

Rasa - Body or tissue fluids
Rakta - Blood
Maansa - Muscular tissues
Meda - Adipose tissues
Asthi - Bony tissues
Majja - Nervous tissues
Sukra - Reproductvity

Formation of dhathus (tissues) commences soon after the union of spermatozoa and ovum. In the living body dhatus are present in the state i.e. unstable and stable. As Bodily strength grow these tissues continue to develop.

What is Panchamahabutha

2010-05-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Theory of Panchamahabutha

According to the ancient physics, all the intimate objects in the universe bodies of living creatures including man are composed of the permutation and combination of five basic elements (Panchamahabutha).

Akash (space) – 1st evolutes, all pervasive omnipresent
Serves as an abode to all the other 4 elements (No capacity to move)

Pritvi – Last evolutes, mass or matter

Vayu – Velocity and motion

Agni - Heat & Light

Ap – Properties of cohesion cooling effect (constantly on moving)

Physics of modern medicine believe in about 110 basic elements.

Later physics, protons, neutrons, electrons, positrons etc. As the basic elements, which constitute entire universe. Out of 05 mahabhutas vayu, agni, ap are dynamic always in a condition of flux and were transformed into the dosha by Ayurveda, which are dynamic forces of the body having mutually opposite properties.

What is "TRIDOSHA" in Ayurveda ?

2010-05-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Theory of Tridosha (Biological humors)

The 3 basic biological elements or dynamic forces of the body namely vata, pitta and kapha, which derived from 5 basic physical elements constitute the bodies of all the These 3 forces responsible for maintenance of health and also for production of diseases.

Vata - All movements (voluntary and involuntary)
- Acuity of sensation
- Consciousness

Pitta - Heat production (Biochemical)
- Energy exists in the form of pitta
- Transformation of nutrients in to tissues and tissues block exertion
- Biochemical reaction and metabolic process and supply heat and energy to the body

Kapha - Constitute the cellular as well as intracellular structure of the body and maintain the
milieu interior (internal environment of body) impart strength and stability to the body

Protein, fat, carbohydrates, enzymes, hormones, vitamins, etc. Constitution the biological elements of modern science. Thus there are hundreds of basic biological elements.

Ayurveda Aims

2010-05-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Aims and objectives of Ayurveda

Main aim is-

To achieve positive health for the individual maintenance and promotion of health.
Prevention and treatment of diseases.

The action here is establishing the equilibrium of the body elements. (Biological elements): and the procedure of maintaining the equilibrium of the body elements is the objectives of this science.

So the aims of Ayurveda can be categorized as:

I. Treatment of diseases

II. Promotion of ideal constitutions

III. Improving qualities of tissue

IV. Improving quality and strength of mind

V. Sop that one can attains a state of supreme and eternal happiness.

Ayurvedic concept of health:

Man is made of matter and mind.

Dosha Atma

Matter – Dhathu Mind - Indriya

Mala Manasa

Health is wholeness Health is complete integration and perfect functioning of body and mind.

Equilibrium of balance of body and mind is health.

2010-04-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the journal of Ayura

Ayurveda, the science of life aims at attaining ideal physical, mental and spiritual health. One can acquire physical health by following “sad-vrutta” (Personal Hygiene / daily and seasonal regimen). One can develop strong mind by following San (rules of good conduct). One can attain spiritual one can attain spiritual health by understanding true nature of self and his relation to the Universe as well as by developing a philosophical attitude.

WHAT IS AYURVEDA?

Ayurveda is the science of positive health and fulfillment of life.

This is named the science of life, wherein are laid the good and the bad of life, the happy and the unhappy life, and what wholesome and what is unwholesome in relation to life, as also measure of life.

(Charaka Su 1/41)

Give the drug as a whole. Isolation and administration of active principles from drugs affect the cure quickly but cause side effects or complication too, and the ideal treatment is that which cures the disease and does not cause any iatrogenic disease. If drug as a whole is administered, it will affect cure relatively slowly and cause no their disease.

Ayurveda believes in strong physique, quite mind and kind heart.

Preventive is better than cure.

Ayurveda advocate certain purificatory measures.

Stress has been laid on increasing the resistance power of the body.

Yoga is an integral part of Ayurveda. This practices release man’s strains and stresses and Ayurvedic practices restore his hormonal and functional normalcy and correct the susceptibility to environmental variations and behavioral fluctuations.