Health fitness medical diseases control Tips For Everyone

Makeup tips for evening party

2012-04-10T13:18:00.002+05:00

Makeup changes your look completely. Based on the occasion, time and your outfit, you do makeup. Makeup is basically known to glam the evening as it is the time to highlight your beautiful face with sparkling eye makeup and blusher. New Year parties are round up this weekend so plan your outfit and makeup before! Take a look at the party makeup for the perfect evening.

Makeup tips for evening party:

1. Prepare your team for makeup by cleansing, toning and moisturizing. This is an important makeup tip to cleanse the skin and make the makeup last longer.

2. Now apply little foundation on your face and neck. Pick up the foundation shade which is lighter than the skin tone. Blend on the skin to get the natural look.

3. If you have pimples or dark spots on your face, use a concealer. The concealer shade should match with the foundation shade. Take a drop of the concealer on your fingertip and apply on the face. Let the concealer blend with the foundation. Follow up with little powder.

4. Now use a blusher on your cheeks to get the glittery shine. You can also go for non-glitter blusher. With a brush, apply it on the cheeks. Blusher can be of the skin tone or any other colour such as pink or rose to get the rosy cheeks.

5. Eye makeup for evening is the most dramatic. You can easily highlight your eyes with sparkling makeup. Party makeup is basically based on the eye makeup. You can go bold with doe eye makeup for party or try glittery eye shadows to get the stylish chic look. Depending on your outfit, pick up eye shadow colours and highlight those beautiful eyes.

6. You can also blend 2-3 eye shadows for the perfect party makeup. Finish the eye makeup with an eye liner and kajal on the eyelids.

7. Lip gloss finishes any party or evening makeup. Go for nude lip gloss if your eyes are already highlighted with dark eye shadow. Loud makeup can look odd so, a light lip colour is best for the elegant evening look.

8. Hairstyle can vary depending on the mood and outfit. You can make a French bun or leave your hair open. Don't forget to apply serum or mousse to set the hair and make it manageable.

Follow these makeup tips for the perfect evening party!

How to apply perfume effectively?

2012-04-10T13:15:00.002+05:00

Most effective ideas to use perfume

1. To allow the perfume to set before stepping outdoors apply perfume at least 20 minutes earlier

2. To give a lovely smell to your clothes add a little perfume into your steam iron

3. Rub perfume on the palm of your hand the press the palm in the nape on your wrists and elbows and on the hairline of your elbow.

4. Smear a drop of Vaseline on the areas where you would like to dab on your
perfume. The scent will linger for long hours

5. leave unscrewed unused perfume bottles among your lingerie for that lovely smell

6. Soak a small pad of cotton and pin it up inside your clothes or dress for the
scent to waft around you.

7. A little perfume in the hair goes a long way.

8. Soak leftover pieces of bath soap in warm water. Wash your handkerchief in the
soapy water for a mild perfume

9. If you have not had the time to wash your hair before attending the party,
freshen it up by dabbling cologne on the hair roots

Teen Drinking Linked to Benign Breast Disease

2012-04-10T12:01:00.003+05:00

Study Shows Alcohol Use by Teenage Girls May Raise Risk of Noncancerous Breast Lumps

Teenage and adolescent girls who regularly consume alcohol may be at greater risk for developing benign breast disease in their 20s than their teetotaling counterparts, Harvard researchers report in the May issue of Pediatrics. Benign breast disease or noncancerous lumps, bumps or cysts in the breast are known risk factors for breast cancer.

"These findings raise concern because alcohol intakes by college students has increased greatly in recent years, whereas drinking by adult women is one of few known dietary risk factors for breast cancer," conclude the researchers, who were led by Catherine S. Berkey, ScD,
a lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and a research associate at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston. "If future work confirms our findings, then clinical efforts to delay the onset of alcohol consumption may prevent some cases of benign breast disease and breast cancer."

Girls were aged 9 to 15 when the Growing Up Today Study began. They answered questionnaires from 1996 to 2001, and then again in 2003, 2005, and 2007. The questions about alcohol consumption in the previous year were a part of the 2003 survey.

During the 2005 and 2007 surveys, the participants were asked about benign breast disease; 147 women said they had been diagnosed with it and 67 of these women said this diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy.

Those participants who drank alcohol six to seven days per week were more than five times as likely to develop benign breast disease as their counterparts who abstained. The teens and adolescent women who drank three to five days per week had three times the risk of developing benign breast disease as their counterparts who did not drink alcohol, the study showed.

Exactly how alcohol use during the teen years raises risk for benign breast disease is not fully understood, but the researchers speculate that alcohol use may increase levels of the female sex hormone estrogen, which may foster the development of benign lumps, bumps, and cysts in the breasts.

"The breasts of young girls are very active and if you give them extra hormones or alcohol, then they can respond by creating lumps and bumps and things in the category of benign breast disease, and if you keep this going, it can increase the risk of breast cancer," says Marisa Weiss, MD, the president and founder of advocacy group Breastcancer.org and the author of several books, including Taking Care of Your Girls: A Breast Health Guide for Girls, Teens, and In-Betweens. "You are laying the foundation for your future breast health during adolescence," says Weiss, who is also the director of Breast Radiation Oncology and the director of Breast Health Outreach at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Penn.

"The habits that you develop as an adolescent are likely to turn into lifelong habits, and we know that drinking in adult women is a risk factor for breast cancer," she says.

Alcohol of Any Form is Harmful to Heart Health

2012-04-10T11:56:00.001+05:00

While it is often assumed that red wine is beneficial to heart, an alcohol health group in Australia has hit out against the myth and said that alcohol of any kind is detrimental to the health.

The Alcohol Policy Coalition, made up of a number of health groups in Australia, has dismissed some of the recent studies that claimed that people who drink in moderation are at less risk of heart disease than abstainers.

The coalition has come out with a report citing various studies which show that any benefits obtained by light drinking of alcohol is far outweighed by the risk to the long term health.

Commenting on the study, the chief executive of the Victorian Heart Foundation, Kathy Bell said, “After reviewing all the scientific evidence, it appears any positive effects of alcohol in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease have been hugely overestimated. ’In particular, red wine has no special protective qualities.”

Wonderful Natural Eye Care Tips

2012-04-10T11:53:00.002+05:00

1. To get relief from eye irritation wash it water to which is added a few drops of rose water.

2. Apply a little refined castor oil on the eyelids to be free of boils in or around the eyes.

3. Splashing cold water several times into eyes will keep your eyes clear and perfect.

4. To lubricate dry eyes soak cotton pads in water squeeze out extra water and cover the eye with them for 20 minutes.

5. A weak solution of water and sugar will cleanse your eyes and improve your eyesight.

6. The juice of fenugreek seeds leaves is effective cure foe conductivities.

7. Take a ripe banana along with little curd and water twice a day.

8. Mix together a teaspoon of tomato juice, half a teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder and little gram flour into a paste. Apply on the dark circles around the eyes, leave it for 10 minutes and wash off.

9. Soak cotton pads with cucumber juice and keep in eyes for 10-15 minutes.

10. Dip two cotton pads in solution of water and a drop of lavender oil. Squeeze out extra water and keep them over the eyes for 10-15 minutes.

11. To improve eyesight, eat cardamom with a teaspoon of honey every day.

12. Mix basil juice with pure honey. Apply on eyes to cure related problems.

13. For night blindness eat two slices of papaya regularly.

14. An infusion of coriander seeds, used as an eye wash, relieves burning, reduces pain and swelling in conditions of conjunctivitis

15. Bathe the sore or inflamed eye with fennel tea.

Tears Can Be Used To Test Blood Sugar In Diabetics

2011-11-20T18:20:00.001+05:00

Tears for diabetes test

Until now, blood was used in diabetes testing machines to evaluate the blood sugar level of patients. Latest studies have now shown that tears can also used effectively to evaluate blood sugar levels. The study was conducted by University of Michigan researchers and the study was published in Analytical Chemistry journal. When studies were conducted on animals in laboratory, tears were found to give an accurate measure of blood sugar level. The device used for testing was an electrochemical sensor.

Increase in the number of diabetes cases all over the world

According to the researchers, there is a drastic increase in the number of people suffering with diabetes all over the world. As per statistics, 5% of the world’s population is diabetic. In addition, the lead researcher of the study Mark Meyerhoff said that the frequency of diabetics is also increasing. Obesity was said to be the major culprit behind this alarming scenario. Given the demand for devices that test diabetes, Meyerhoff and his team decided to develop a new method that did not involve drawing blood to test glucose levels. Tears were the next best choice. The level of blood sugar in tears was found to give an accurate evaluation.

Blood test is not necessary

People who suffer from very high level of diabetes may have to test their blood sugar level by drawing blood more than eight times a day. Piercing finger with a needle to extract blood is a painful and uncomfortable process. This leads to a dangerous ramification. People who need to test their blood sugar do not do it often enough due to the pain caused. This hampers testing the glycemic index and leads to inefficient control of glycemic levels. This might lead to further complications. Testing using tears is more comfortable and less painful.

What does the study say?

According to the study, tears are accurate in providing results as is blood. Further, those who need to measure blood sugar several times a day do not have to be intimidated by the task because tears do not cause pain at all. The device that has been developed is sensitive enough to measure very small amounts of blood sugar as well. It can detect 1.5µM add or subtract 0.4 µM of glucose. This provides an accurate enough solution to testing of glucose in the blood. It is also a non invasive and painless way of testing blood glucose.

How to Boost in Work ( Methods)

2011-11-07T22:54:00.002+05:00

Whether you want to perk up, calm down, feel sharper, or just get happier, there’s a mind-altering routine for you.

1. To Feel More Confident, Try Yoga
The science: A little down? Assume upward dog.
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the anxiety levels and moods of people who practiced yoga for an hour three times a week.
Yoga practice is associated with increased levels of GABA, an amino acid and neurotransmitter that may help reduce anxiety, according to Chris Streeter, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, and the lead author of the
study. Also, slow, deep yogic breathing increases oxygen flow, which leads to optimal functioning of all your organs—including your brain, according to Dr. Anita Herur, an assistant professor of physiology at S. Nijalingappa Medical College, in India.

Another 2010 study, published in the Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences, led by Herur, looked at the physical effects of yoga on new practitioners and linked the practice to improved overall mood. The researchers found that in the study’s subjects the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of the nervous system that promotes relaxation—kicked into high gear “around three months after starting yoga,” says Herur.
How to put it into practice: If you’re new to yoga, your first step should be to learn correct breathing, says Lynn Louise Wonders, a yoga teacher and the owner of the Yoga Room, in Marietta, Ga.
Wonders advises, “Breathe in through your nose to the count of five. Hold for two counts, then exhale through your nose to the count of five, emptying your lungs completely.” Repeat five times. Now you’re ready to merge the breathing with movement.
Aim to take one 60-minute class a week. But even 10 minutes done every day at home may improve your outlook. The key is consistency.
2. To Sleep Better, Try Pilates
The science: People who report sleep problems are sometimes just having a hard time relaxing, since good sleep is difficult to achieve when you’re stressed and can’t wind down. But there’s a promising fix: Recently published research from Appalachian State University, in Boone, N.C. found that practicing Pilates was associated with better snoozing.
For the uninitiated, Pilates, developed by fitness pioneer Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s, is a system of core-strengthening moves done on a mat or an apparatus called a Reformer. Study participants who did Pilates on a mat twice weekly for 75 minutes or three times a week for 50 minutes, for 15 weeks, were less likely to experience troubled sleep. These sleep improvements may be linked to an increased bodily awareness, says Karen Caldwell, the lead researcher of the study. One theory holds that when you’re more in tune with yourself, you’re better able to let go of stress and feel relaxed.
How to put it into practice: Alycea Ungaro, the owner of the Real Pilates Studio, in New York City, suggests that you get started by reading Joseph Pilates’s book, Return to Life Through Contrology. She describes it as the method’s most comprehensive manual. When you’re ready to get moving, try taking mat classes at a gym. Classes usually last an hour. For noticeable results, try to go three times a week

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3. To Increase Your Energy, Try Cycling
The science: When you spin your wheels, you’re not just spinning your wheels—even if your bike rides aren’t Tour de France length. Researchers at the University of Georgia in Athens (UGA) found that after a single 30-minute session of stationary cycling, subjects reported a boost in their energy levels. In addition, the authors of the study were able to record positive electrical changes in the subjects’ brains related to energy (the measurements were taken by an electroencephalogram). “The cycling seemed to activate brain neural circuits that make a person feel energized,” says Patrick O’Connor, a professor of kinesiology at UGA.
“We tend to think of physical activity as being tiring, but in fact physical activity adds energy to our lives,” says Kate F. Hays, a clinical and sport psychologist in Toronto.
How to put it into practice: Although a single session of cycling will put some pep in your step, for lasting results, try cycling “at a light to moderate pace on a stationary bike for 15 minutes three times a week,” says Rick Mayo, a cycling instructor and the owner of North Point Personal Training, in Roswell, Ga. This will provide the stimulus needed for a consistent increase in energy. And don’t limit your workouts to the gym. Research shows that any kind of exercise done outdoors may boost energy more than indoor activity does.
4. To Achieve Clarity, Try Weights
The science: Lifting dumbbells is obviously great for toning your triceps, but it does the same for your mental muscles. In a November 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, older adults who did simple, low-intensity weight-training exercises three to five times a week for one month performed significantly better on cognitive tests than did the control group, which did no weight training. Specifically, the weight-training group improved in executive function, which includes the ability to plan, regulate behavior, and multitask, says Cay Anderson-Hanley, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of psychology at Union College, in Schenectady, N.Y.
A 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that one-hour sessions of weight training, done once or twice a week for a year, increased participants’ ability to focus their attention and make the right choice on a challenging brain test, according to lead author Teresa Liu-Ambrose, an assistant professor in the department of physical therapy at the University of British Columbia. In this study, participants started with two sets of eight repetitions and increased the weight load once they could handle more than eight reps while maintaining proper form. While researchers are still examining why the mind-muscle connection exists, one area they’re exploring is growth factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic growth factors. These growth factors help the brain generate new neurons, even later in life, and help increase the flexibility of existing ones.
How to put it into practice: Beginners can try three weekly sessions, each including three sets of the exercises used in Anderson-Hanley’s study (which can be found on the National Institutes of Health website).
“All you need is a chair and some three- to five-pound weights,” she says. The last set of reps should be a challenge. If it’s too easy, either increase the weight or try a body-sculpting class at a local gym or a DVD. Skip a day between workouts so your muscles have some time to rest.
5. To Reduce Stress, Try Tai Chi
The science: Recent studies have shown the stress-busting benefits of Tai Chi, a popular form of an ancient Chinese martial art that is essentially a combination of movements and positions that flow into one another. In fact, Tai Chi was linked to reduced stress in two separate studies last year—one in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and the other in the Journal of American College Health.
In Tai Chi, which is traditionally done in a standing position, you repeatedly shift your weight back and forth, engaging the muscles in both your upper and lower body, as well as employing rhythmic breathing. Because the shifts are slow and fluid, they relax your muscles and calm your mind while improving your balance, strength, and flexibility. This “meditation in motion,” as it is sometimes called, is said to stimulate the body’s flow of what the Chinese refer to as Chi (pronounced chee), or life force. Whether or not you believe the force is with you, psychologist Kate Hays theorizes that Tai Chi’s mellow pace and precise actions focus the mind and serve as a reminder to take things more slowly.
How to put it into practice: New to Tai Chi? Consider learning the basic series of movements at home with a DVD. Seek out more advanced study with a teacher. For maximum benefits, strive to practice for up to 20 minutes every morning.

You can run in any Age (Is not it amazing)

2011-11-07T22:49:00.001+05:00

Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Recently, I saw the news of a 100-year-old man, Fauja Singh, who finished the Toronto Marathon in 8 hours, 11 minutes. What struck me as interesting was that he started running at 81 years of age. I have been involved with marathons, professionally, for years and recently had the opportunity to watch the Ironman World Championships in Kona. I have observed for over a decade that the average age of “endurance” athletes is much older than one would expect. Twice,
Diana Nyad, 61, made attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida… certainly, there have not been any 20-somethings performing such feats. But why is this?
Exercise Is Medicine
According to Barbara Bushman, editor of “ACSM’s Complete Guide to Fitness and Health,” older athletes recognize that exercise has physiological benefits: Improved glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle mass and ability to perform activities of daily living. They can be more reflective and see the benefit.
We can all agree that physical activity yields a positive mental attitude and helps to maintain cognitive function, but it can also be social.

Life Cycle
Bob Babbitt, the co-founder of Competitor Magazine and 10th inductee into the Ironman Hall of Fame, explained that there is a social component to endurance sports – there is an increased availability of training groups.
“In your 20s, you are in college, starting a career and perhaps a family – without the time to train for endurance sports, but once you get into your 30s, you can appreciate that being more fit makes you a better parent, partner, employer, employee and friend,” said Babbit. “Exercise is the fountain of youth.”
America’s PE Program
Team sports involved other people to show up in order to play, however, swimming, cycling and running can be done alone and at one’s own pace.
“We want the person who had the swimmies on as a kid, ran around the yard, and biked in the neighborhood to find their childhood again,” Babbit said.
Some people find triathlons intimidating – they involve swimming, running and cycling, but the number of events and participants across the country increase each year. Competitor Sports has the Rock’n Roll series – with music along every course, and their Muddy Buddy series, in which you can have fun and get dirty with very little training.
Masters Majority
In this year’s Ford Ironman World Championship, the average age of the competitors was 37 years old, and 70 percent were over the age of 35, according to, Shelby Tuttle, a spokesperson for the event. The Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, followed by 112 mile bike ride, finished with a 26.2 (marathon) run. A “masters athlete” is one that is 35 years or older.
“Some athletes spend up to 40 hours per week training,” Tuttle said.
Who has that kind of time? The oldest male in this year’s Ironman was Lew Hollander, 81 and Harriet Anderson, 76, was the oldest female. With age, comes wisdom, maturity and perhaps the ability to have what it takes to go the distance. Beate Goertz, 42, was the first non-pro female to cross the finish line, in front of people half her age.
Running Anyone?
Richard Finn, Director of Media for the NY Road Runners, told me their motto is “run for life; there is a race for every pace.”
The nice thing about running is that it can be an individual-driven activity, there is no court or tee time, and running is an activity that can be accessible at any time for busy people.
“The New York City Marathon is the Mount Everest for the average person who is determined and willing to do the training,” said Finn.
In last year’s New York City Marathon, 53 percent of the 45,103 finishers were over the age of 40. This year, there will be a 5K run in New York City starting at the UN and ending at the same finish line as the marathon, giving more runners the opportunity to be part of the fun and excitement.
Mind Over Matter
There is a beauty and allure to running because almost anyone can do it, and it doesn’t have to be a long distance. Many communities and causes have 5K and 10K races; and half marathons have become more popular.
I have done several half marathons with some of my overweight clients, and I can tell you that the positive feelings of accomplishment are truly priceless.
Bushman had some great advice for participating in endurance sports as we age; “remember the pregnancy rule,” and listen to your body. It goes without saying that you should speak with your physician before starting any physical fitness program — but we can all start by walking.

Dads' Depression Linked to Kids' Behavior Problems

2011-11-07T22:45:00.001+05:00

Depression in fathers is strongly linked to behavioral problems in their children, a new study suggests.

While 6 percent of children with non-depressed parents had behavior problems, 11 percent of children with a depressed father did, according to the study.
"There are countless articles on the effect of depression and other mental health problems in mothers on children, but this is virtually the first paper that we are aware of that has looked at similar effects in fathers," said study author Dr. Michael Weitzman, of New York University School of Medicine.

To be sure, the researchers also found that 20 percent of children with a depressed mother had behavior problems, and the number rose 25 percent if both parents were depressed.

"Despite all the progress in the past generation, and facilitating women's presence in the workplace… we find no attention to similar efforts to enhance the effects of fathers in raising their children," Weitzman said. "I think that depression is one of the greatest and least addressed public health problems in the nation, if not the world."
The study was published online today (Nov. 7) in the journal Pediatrics.
A growing problem
Weitzman said that in the coming years, world events could lead to an increased rate of depression among adults, and a corresponding problem for the next generation.
"The recession, unemployment, returning veterans," may all affect adults mental health, and therefore affect children," Weitzman told MyHealthNewsDaily.
The researchers examined data on 22,000 children living in two-parent households (biological, adoptive and step parents were all included). The data were collected during the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a government study conducted from 2004 to 2008 in which trained interviewers visited homes and asked an adult about the health of the household.
It's unclear exactly how depression in parents and behavior issues in children interrelate, and the study was not designed to tell if the two have a cause-and-effect relationship.
And children's behavior problems can cause stress, and affect the mindset of the parents.
"Psychology recognized years ago that you really need to have the arrow going in both directions," said Sherryl Hope Goodman, a professor of psychology at Emory University.
Treat the parent, help the child
While the study sheds light on what might be a neglected area of therapy, it had some limitations, Goodman said. The study did not connect specific behavior problems in children with depression in fathers, she said, and there may have been some reporting bias on the part of parents.
In 2002, Goodman reviewed existing research that compared psychological issues in mothers to those of fathers, in terms of the effects on children.
"The bottom line conclusion — I strongly agree. We need to be concerned with children whose fathers are depressed, [although] there's less concern than if the mother is depressed," Goodman said.
"The importance of [the study], to me, is what it says to clinicians who are treating adults. It's important, whether it's the mother or the father, to consider the impact of the parent's challenges on the development of the child," said Raymond Firth, policy initiatives director for the University of Pittsburgh's office of child development.
Still, Firth cautioned: "This study doesn't mean all children with fathers with mental health problems are going to have problems themselves. Far from the truth."
Another important issue, he said, becomes whether insurance companies would recognize depression as a risk factor for the rest of the family.
"The insurance company needs to see the work of that therapist as prevention for the children, and to think about it from a preventive perspective rather than waiting for the child to present with an emotional problem," Firth said.

Stress of 21st century life puts Britons at greater risk of stroke, study warns

2011-11-07T22:42:00.001+05:00

Around one in seven Britons are feeling 'extremely stressed' as they start 2011 and are at a higher risk of suffering a stroke, new research out today suggests.
Almost one in five women and one in 10 men feel their stress levels are out of control, according to the poll of 2,000 people.
Experts warned that stress pushes up blood pressure, putting people at higher risk of stroke.

A poor diet and lack of exercise also contribute to the chances of suffering a stroke.
Stroke is the third commonest cause of death in
England and Wales after heart disease and cancer, killing more than 67,000 people every year. An estimated 150,000 people annually suffer a stroke.
Today's survey, from the Stroke Association and Siemens, found almost a fifth of people said they 'take no exercise whatsoever'.
A similar number said they manage only 30 minutes of exercise once a week.
Over a quarter of middle-aged people (45 to 54) said they never exercise, despite suffering the highest stress levels - with almost half ranking themselves as more than 'moderately stressed'.
Overall, 40 per cent of Britons surveyed said they were unaware of the link between exercising and lowering the risk of stroke.
James Beeby, head of corporate fundraising for the Stroke Association, said: "The research is incredibly worrying and emphasises the need for the public to be aware of the dangers of stroke.
'Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and we'd encourage as many people as possible to take part in Stroke for Stroke week - and help to raise awareness as well as vital funds.
'It's imperative that people take regular exercise and modify their diet to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.'

Low Calorie Desserts

2011-10-16T14:00:00.002+05:00

Apple Slices and vanilla cream:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups

Apple whip:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Apple roll with vanilla cream:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups

Apples and saffron sauce:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Baked apple surprise:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Fruit salad:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Hawaiian fruit bowl:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Kesari sweet curds:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Orange sauce:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Papaya pudding:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Peach yogurt:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Saffron Cardamom icecream:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Saffron cardamom squares:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Sandesh dessert:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Sandesh with golden apples:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Stewed pears with orange sauce:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Strawberry yogurt:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Stuffed apples in saffron sauce:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups
Vanilla squares with strawberry sauce:
Calories: 167 per cup
Preparation Time: 2 days
Cooking Time: No Cooking
Quantity: Makes 3 cups

A Mood Boosting, Ailment - Busting guide to munching your way to Good Health

2011-10-15T19:24:00.001+05:00

Food is really medicine in disguise. It's what nature always intended us to shove in our mouths when calamities happen.
Although serious condition should always be handled by a physician, for minor problems, food is a natural remedy that's often less expensive and has fewer side effects
To know exactly what to cook for what crisis, Indiadiets.com has compiled a list of the most common reasons you'd find yourself dialling the doctor, and matched the food to your particular misery. Yes,
popping a supplement may be more convenient, but it isn't as effective. With foods, you get the combined effects of dozens of nutrients rather than just one or two. Pick your symptom and start eating.

BUILD MUSCLE
Eat a meal containing the perfect ratio of nutrients for building muscle - six parts carbohydrate to one part protein. In a University of Texas study, subjects who downed a carbohydrates and protein drink, a few hours after resistance training experienced 50% more muscle growth than those given only protein. The extra insulin released by eating carbohydrates intensifies the ability of the essential amino acids to promote optional muscle growth.

COMMON COLD
At least one laboratory study suggests that chicken soup may fight colds by reducing inflammation, while peppermint tea, which contains methnol, may clear congestion. The jury's still out on vitamin C, but it can't hurt to consume foods high in C, such as orange juice, mosambi, hot lemon tea.

FATIGUE
Eat more iron rich foods such as fortified cereals, spinach, beans, chicken and red meat. (Lack of iron can make you tired and unfocused). Boost your intake of fruits and vegetables, too; their vitamin C will help your body use the iron in plant foods. Fatigue may also signal that you're mildly dehydrated, so drinking a few glasses of water during mid-afternoon slumps could help.

PMS
Is your calcium intake shamefully low? This could be the cause of your PMS symptoms. In one study, women who supplemented their diet with 1200 mg. of calcium a day (roughly the equivalent of 4 glasses of milk or fortified orange juice) for three menstrual cycles reported relief from crankiness, water retention, food cravings, and pain.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION
If you have got it bad, your best bet is antibiotics. But to prevent a UTI from striking again try black and blue berries (eg. jambools, karvandha). Studies at Rutgers University in Chatsworth, NJ, have shown that these berries can protect against UTI's by preventing bacteria from sticking to urinary tract tissues. A handful a day should do it.

PAIN RELIEF
Tart red cherries may offer relief. About 20 cherries have anti-inflammatory capability comparable to that of Aspirin or Ibuprofen, according to research from Michigan Stat University. If the fresh kind is not available near you, then try the canned variety.

CONSTIPATION
Boosting your intake of insoluble fibre (bran cereal, whole grain bread) is the key to keeping your system humming. Flax seed (linseed), praised for it's potential to protect against disease, beans and banana are also loaded with fibre. Drink plenty of water - at least 8 glasses every day - and try eating a few slices of pineapple after meals; it contains bromelain, an enzyme that promotes regularity.

ENLARGED PROSTATE
Make a habit of guavas, or melon. It doesn't matter. Increased intake of fructose, the sugar found in fruit, may combat benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate - BPH, for short). Here's the theory: Fructose helps reduce phosphate levels in your body, and too much phosphate may raise your levels of 1,25-(OH)2D,a chemical that's been linked to both BPH and prostate cancer.
Any fibre is good fibre, but soluble fibre - the kind found in oats and beans - is the best for your prostate. A recent study published in the Journal of Urology noted that men who ate more soluble fibre had lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. Soluble fibre may help lower PSA by clearing out harmful steroids that are involved in both BPH and prostate cancer.

MUSCLE INJURY
Peanuts contain medicine for your muscle: vitamin E. According to researches the extra Vitamin E present in peanuts may speed immune cells to the site of an injuty and help fight the inflammation that interferes with muscle healing. Grapes can also help out with flavonoids that increase the flow of blood to your sore spot.

DEPRESSION
Research has shown that, over the long haul, omega 3 fatty acids ( found in fish oils) may stave off depression. Carbo - rich snacks, e.g., a banana, could also be a good bet for combatting crankiness in a pinch. Eating carbohydrates boosts your levels of tryptophan and serotonin - to feel - good brain chemicals (for the same reason this diet is also good for the stressed out).
Another important nutrient you need to fight depression is Vitamin B6, found in meat, liver, whole grains and veggies like potatoes. Serious B6 deficiencies can result in dementia and paranoia. But even border - line levels can make a case of the blues worse. You could also increase the intake of Dahi - which is high in Riboflavin, another mood-boosting B.
Beans are rich in folate, a hard disease fighting vitamin that may also help mend broken hearts. A Harvard study that examined blood levels of Vitamins in 213 depressed subjects found that low folate levels translated into higher levels of depression and a poorer response to medication.

HEART ATTACK
A daily dose of berries. Black or blue, they're sky high in Vitamin C. A guava or a few amlas will also do. Research shows that high blood levels of C may help improve the functioning of your blood vessels in a way that would help prevent a heart attack.

COLD SORES
A glass of red wine. According to a study published in Antiviral Research, resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, stopped the herpes simplex-1 virus from multiplying. Researchers aren't sure if this works in humans, but red wine isn't exactly castor oil, so give it a try.

YEAST INFECTION
Eating a cup of yoghurt or dahi daily may help prevent infections. The lactobacillus acidophilus - cultures present in dahi can help replenish the helpful bacteria that are necessary for controlling yeast levels.

KIDNEY STONES
Beer. Or a few porters. Both are high in hops, a beer ingredient that's believed to keep stone - forming calcium from accumulating in your kidneys. Finnish researchers studied approximately 27000 men and estimated that each glass of beer drank in a day lowered their kidney stone risk by 40%. Just don't binge; what's good for your kidney's isn't necessarily good for your liver.
If your doctor tells you to cut back on coffee because it contains compounds that may bind with calcium to form stones, he isn't up on his research. A study review published in the American Journal of Kidney disease found that those who drank coffee had a lower risk of kidney stones.
But since caffeine is a diuretic, and dehydration is known to increase your risk of stones, drink plenty of water.

BROKEN BONES
Mix up some oil and vinegar for your salad dressing, using soyabean or mustard oil, both of which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids create a friendly environment for bone cells to do the job of building a new bone. Other sources that are high in omega-3s include fatty fish like tuna, sardines, and mackeral and walnuts.

TOOTH TROUBLES
Vitamin K. It helps your blood clot, which in turn will help close that hole left in your gums after a root canal. Leafy green vegetables are high in K, but since your chompers are on strike, drink vegetable juice instead.
Soya can also help dampen your post surgical pain. Researchers found that when soy protein was fed to rats who later underwent surgery, their pain responses were suppressed.

INSOMNIA
Compulsively shell peanuts or pistachios. It's the fat, not the monotony of shelling the nuts, that may help you doze off. Researchers in England found that when subjects were given a little fat, they fell asleep faster than when they were given salt or sugar. While peanuts and pistachios may not be any better than ice cream at knocking you out, the mono-saturated fat in them will improve your cholesterol levels.

LUNG CANCER
Grapefruit (paphanas). In a study published in tha Journal of the national Cancer Institute, subjects who frequently ate the tart fruit cut their lung cancer risk in half. Grapefruit, especially the white kind, contains naringin, a phytochemical that may help lower levels of a cancer causing enzyme.
But if you are simply trying to quit smoking, go for more protein. There's a chemical reason why kicking the butt makes you feel like kicking the dog. Levels of cortisol, a mood lifting brain chemical, spike when you smoke but drop during withdrawal. In one study, people who ate a high protein lunch had a higher cortisol levels - and improvements in mood - then when they ate nothing

Childbirth

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Childbirth is the process whereby an infant is born. It is considered by many to be the beginning of the infant's life, and age is defined relative to this event in most cultures.

A woman is considered to be in labour when she begins experiencing regular uterine contractions, accompanied by changes of her cervix — primarily effacement and dilation. While childbirth is widely experienced as painful, some women do report painless labours, while others find that concentrating on the birth helps to quicken labour and lessen the sensations. Most births are successful vaginalbirths, but sometimes complications arise and a woman may undergo a cesarean section.

During the time immediately after birth, both the mother and the baby are hormonally cued to bond, the mother through the release of oxytocin, a hormone also released during breastfeeding.

CESAREAN SECTION
A Caesarean section, (also C-section, Caesarian section, Cesarean section, Caesar, etc.) is a surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies, or, rarely, to remove a dead fetus. A late-term abortion using Caesarean section procedures is termed a hysterotomy abortion and is very rarely performed. The first modern Caesarean section was performed by German gynecologist Ferdinand Adolf Kehrer in 1881.

A Caesarean section is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk, although in recent times it has been also performed upon request for childbirths that could otherwise have been natural.

BREAST-FEEDING
Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from female human breasts (i.e., via lactation) rather than from a baby bottle or other container. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. It is recommended that mothers breastfeed for six months or more, without the addition of infant formula or solid food. After the addition of solid food, mothers are advised to continue breast-feeding up to a year, and can continue until two years.

Human breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for babies. There are few exceptions, such as when the mother is taking certain drugs or is infected with human T-lymphotropic virus, HIV, or has active untreated tuberculosis. Breastfeeding promotes health and helps to prevent disease. Artificial feeding is associated with more deaths from diarrhea in infants in both developing and developed countries. Experts agree that breastfeeding is beneficial, but have conflicting views about how long breastfeeding remains beneficial. They also express concerns about the risks of using artificial formulas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize the value of breastfeeding for mothers as well as children. Both recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding for at least one year and up to two years or more. While recognizing the superiority of breastfeeding, regulating authorities also work to minimize the risks of artificial feeding.

Breast milk is made from nutrients in the mother's bloodstream and bodily stores. Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development. Because breastfeeding uses an average of 500 calories a day it helps the mother lose weight after giving birth. The composition of breast milk changes depending on how long the baby nurses at each session, as well as on the age of the child. The quality of a mother's breast milk may be compromised by smoking, alcoholic beverages or caffeinated drinks.

Breast-feeding has several benefits for the child. It provides immunity and thereby decreases the morbidity and mortality rates. Children those who are breastfed are likely to have higher intelligence, less childhood obesity, lesser tendency to develop allergic diseases, less overweight and other long term health benefits.

Mothers too benefit from breastfeeding as the process increases bonding between mother & child. Mother can shed off her extra kilos as the fat accumulated can be used for milk formation. It helps in reducing the chances of developing breast cancer. The hormones responsible for lactation process also helps the uterus and vagina to return to normalcy. Breastfeeding serves as a natural postpartum infertility measure thereby reducing the chances of consequent pregnancy.

Nutritional Care in Pregnancy

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A balanced, nutritious diet is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy. Eating a healthy diet, balancing carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, usually ensures good nutrition. Those whose diets are affected by health issues, religious requirements, or ethical beliefs may choose to consult a health professional for specific advice.

Adequate periconceptional folic acid (also called folate or Vitamin B9) intake has been proven to limit fetal neural tube defects, preventing spina bifida, a very serious birth defect. The neural tube develops during the first 28 days of pregnancy, explaining the necessity to guarantee adequate periconceptional folate intake. Folates (from folia, leaf) are abundant in spinach (fresh, frozen, or canned), and are found in green leafy vegetables e.g. salads, beets, broccoli, asparagus, citrus fruits and melons, chickpeas (i.e. in the form of hummus or falafel), and eggs. In the United States and Canada, most wheat products (flour, noodles) are fortified with folic acid.

DHA omega-3 is a major structural fatty acid in the brain and retina, and is naturally found in breast milk. It is important for the woman to consume adequate amounts of DHA during pregnancy and while nursing to support her well-being and the health of her infant. Developing infants cannot produce DHA efficiently, and must receive this vital nutrient from the woman through the placenta during pregnancy and in breast milk after birth.
Several micronutrients are important for the health of the developing fetus, especially in areas of the world where insufficient nutrition is prevalent. In developed areas, such as Western Europe and the United States, certain nutrients such as Vitamin D and calcium, required for bone development, may require supplementation. A 2011 study examined cord blood of healthy neonates and found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection the first year of life.

Dangerous bacteria or parasites may contaminate foods, particularly Listeria and toxoplasma, toxoplasmosis agent. Careful washing of fruits and raw vegetables may remove these pathogens, as may thoroughly cooking leftovers, meat, or processed meat. Soft cheeses may contain Listeria; if milk is raw, the risk may increase. Pregnant women are also more prone to Salmonella infections from eggs and poultry, which should be thoroughly cooked. Practicing good hygiene in the kitchen can reduce these risks.

WEIGHT GAIN
Caloric intake must be increased to ensure proper development of the fetus. The amount of weight gained during a single pregnancy varies among women. The Institute of Medicine recommends an overall pregnancy weight gain for women starting pregnancy at a normal weight, with a body mass index of 18.5-24.9, of 25-35 pounds (11.4-15.9 kg). Women who are underweight, with a BMI of less than 18.5, may need to gain between 28-40 lbs. Overweight women are advised to gain between 15-25 lbs, whereas an obese woman may expect to gain between 11-20 lbs. Doctors and dietitians may make different, or more individualized, recommendations for specific patients, based on factors including low maternal age, nutritional status, fetal development, and morbid obesity.
During pregnancy, insufficient or excessive weight gain can compromise the health of the mother and fetus. All women are encouraged to choose a healthy diet regardless of pre-pregnancy weight. Exercise during pregnancy, such as walking and swimming, is recommended for healthy pregnancies. Exercise has notable health benefits for both mother and baby, including preventing excessive weight gain.

EXPOSURE TO TOXINS
Various toxins pose a significant hazard to fetuses during development:

	Alcohol ingestion during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a permanent and often devastating birth-defect syndrome. A number of studies have shown that light to moderate drinking during pregnancy might not pose a risk to the fetus, although no amount of alcohol during pregnancy can be guaranteed to be absolutely safe.
	Numerous studies show that children exposed to prenatal cigarette smoke may experience a wide range of behavioral, neurological, and physical difficulties.
	Elemental mercury and methylmercury are two forms of mercury that may pose risks in pregnancy. Methylmercury, a worldwide contaminant of seafood and freshwater fish, is known to produce adverse nervous system effects, especially during brain development. Eating fish is the main source of mercury exposure in humans and some fish may contain enough mercury to harm an unborn baby's developing nervous system, sometimes leading to learning disabilities. Mercury is present in many types of fish, but it is mostly found in certain large fish. The United States Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency advise pregnant women not to eat swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish and limit consumption of albacore tuna to 6 ounces or less a week.
	The Center for Children's Environmental Health reports studies that demonstrate that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is related to adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight, premature delivery, and heart malformations. Cord blood of exposed babies shows DNA damage that has been linked to cancer. Follow-up studies show a higher level of developmental delays at age three, lower scores on IQ tests and increased behavioral problems at ages six and eight.
	According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the developing nervous system of the fetus is particularly vulnerable to lead toxicity. Neurological toxicity is observed in children of exposed women as a result of the ability of lead to cross the placental barrier and to cause neurological impairment in the fetus. A special concern for pregnant women is that some of the bone lead accumulation is released into the blood during pregnancy. Several studies have provided evidence that even low maternal exposures to lead produce intellectual and behavioral deficits in children.
	A 2006 study found that children who were exposed prenatally to the insecticide chlorpyrifos had significantly poorer mental and motor development by three years of age and increased risk for behavior problems. A 2007 study using a mouse model suggested that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons prior to conceiving and when lactating reduces the number of eggs in the ovaries of female offspring by two-thirds. A 2009 study of pregnant women exposed to tetrachloroethylene in drinking water found an increased risk of oral clefts and neural tube defects in their children. A 2009 study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates, the chemical compounds used as plasticizers in a wide variety of personal care products, children's toys, and medical devices, may be an environmental risk factor for low birth weight in infants." A 2010 study found that prenatal exposure to flame retardant compounds called polybrominated diphenyl ethers is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental effects in young children.

NUTRITION AND PREGNANCY refers to the nutrient intake, and dietary planning that is undertaken before, during and after pregnancy.

In a precursory study into the link between nutrition and pregnancy in 1950 women who consumed minimal amounts over the eight week period had a higher mortality or disorder rate concerning their offspring than women who ate regularly, because children born to well-fed mothers had less restriction within the womb.

Not only have physical disorders been linked with poor nutrition before and during pregnancy, but neurological disorders and handicaps are a risk that is run by mothers, who are malnourished, a condition which can also lead to the child becoming more susceptible to later degenerative disease(s).

Beneficial pre-pregnancy nutrients
As with most diets, there are chances of over-supplementing, however, as general advice, both state and medical recommendations are that mothers follow instructions listed on particular vitamin packaging as to the correct or recommended daily allowance (RDA).

	Magnesium and zinc supplementation for the binding of hormones at their receptor sites.
	Folic acid supplementation, or dietary requirement of foods containing it for the regular growth of the follicle.
	Regular Vitamin D supplementation decreases the chances of deficiencies in adolescence. More importantly, it is known to reduce the likelihood of rickets with pelvic malformations which make normal delivery impossible.
	Regular Vitamin B12 supplementation, again is known to reduce the chances of infertility and ill health.
	Omega-3 fatty acids can increase blood flow to reproductive organs and may help regulate reproductive hormones. Consumption is also known to help prevent premature delivery and low birth weight. The best dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids is oily fish. Some other omega-3 fatty acids not found in fish can be found in foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and enriched eggs.

Diagnosis of Pregnancy

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Most pregnant women experience a number of symptoms, which can signify pregnancy. The symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, excessive tiredness and fatigue, cravings for certain foods that are not normally sought out, and frequent urination particularly during the night.

A number of early medical signs are associated with pregnancy. These signs typically appear, if at all, within the first few weeks after conception. Although not all of these signs are universally present, nor are all of them diagnostic by themselves, taken together they make a presumptive diagnosis of pregnancy. These signs include the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood and urine, missed menstrual period,
implantation bleeding that occurs at implantation of the embryo in the uterus during the third or fourth week after last menstrual period, increased basal body temperature sustained for over 2 weeks after ovulation, Chadwick's sign (darkening of the cervix, vagina, and vulva), Goodell's sign (softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix), Hegar's sign (softening of the uterus isthmus), and pigmentation of linea alba – Linea nigra, (darkening of the skin in a midline of the abdomen, caused by hyperpigmentation resulting from hormonal changes, usually appearing around the middle of pregnancy). Breast tenderness is common during the first trimester, and is more common in women who are pregnant at a young age.

Pregnancy detection can be accomplished using one or more various pregnancy tests, which detect hormones generated by the newly formed placenta. Clinical blood and urine tests can detect pregnancy 12 days after implantation. Blood pregnancy tests are more accurate than urine tests. Home pregnancy tests are urine tests, and normally cannot detect a pregnancy until at least 12 to 15 days after fertilization. A quantitative blood test can determine approximately the date the embryo was conceived.

In the post-implantation phase, the blastocyst secretes a hormone named human chorionic gonadotropin, which in turn stimulates the corpus luteum in the woman's ovary to continue producing progesterone. This acts to maintain the lining of the uterus so that the embryo will continue to be nourished. The glands in the lining of the uterus will swell in response to the blastocyst, and capillaries will be stimulated to grow in that region. This allows the blastocyst to receive vital nutrients from the woman.

Despite all the signs, some women may not realize they are pregnant until they are quite far along in their pregnancy. In some cases, a few women have not been aware of their pregnancy until they begin labour. This can be caused by many factors, including irregular periods (quite common in teenagers), certain medications (not related to conceiving children), and obese women who disregard their weight gain. Others may be in denial of their situation.

An early obstetric ultrasonography can determine the age of the pregnancy fairly accurately. In practice, doctors typically express the age of a pregnancy (i.e., an "age" for an embryo) in terms of "menstrual date" based on the first day of a woman's last menstrual period, as the woman reports it. Unless a woman's recent sexual activity has been limited, she has been charting her cycles, or the conception is the result of some types of fertility treatment (such as IUI or IVF), the exact date of fertilization is unknown. Without symptoms such as morning sickness, often the only visible sign of a pregnancy is an interruption of the woman's normal monthly menstruation cycle, (i.e., a "late period"). Hence, the "menstrual date" is simply a common educated estimate for the age of a fetus, which is an average of 2 weeks later than the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. The term "conception date" may sometimes be used when that date is more certain, though even medical professionals can be imprecise with their use of the two distinct terms. The due date can be calculated by using Naegele's rule. The expected date of delivery may also be calculated from sonogram measurement of the fetus. This method is slightly more accurate than methods based on LMP. Additional obstetric diagnostic techniques can estimate the health and presence or absence of congenital diseases at an early stage.

Pregnancy test

A pregnancy test attempts to determine whether or not a woman is pregnant. Modern pregnancy tests look for chemical markers associated with pregnancy. These markers are found in urine and blood, and pregnancy tests require sampling one of these substances. The first of these markers to be discovered, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), was discovered in 1930 to be produced by the trophoblast cells of the fertilised ovum (blastocyst). While hCG is a reliable marker of pregnancy, it cannot be detected until after implantation: this results in false negatives if the test is performed during the very early stages of pregnancy. Obstetric ultrasonography may also be used to detect pregnancy. Obstetric ultrasonography was first practiced in the 1960s; the first home test kit for hCG was released in the mid-1970s.

Modern tests

The test for pregnancy which can give the quickest result after fertilisation is a rosette inhibition assay for early pregnancy factor (EPF). EPF can be detected in blood within 48 hours of fertilization. However, testing for EPF is expensive and time-consuming.

Most chemical tests for pregnancy look for the presence of the beta subunit of hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood or urine. hCG can be detected in urine or blood after implantation, which occurs six to twelve days after fertilization. Quantitative blood (serum beta) tests can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, while urine tests have published detection thresholds of 20 mIU/mL to 100 mIU/mL, depending on the brand. Qualitative blood tests generally have a threshold of 25 mIU/mL, and so are less sensitive than some available home pregnancy tests. Most home pregnancy tests are based on lateral-flow technology.

With obstetric ultrasonography the gestational sac sometimes can be visualized as early as four and a half weeks of gestation (approximately two and a half weeks after ovulation) and the yolk sac at about five weeks' gestation. The embryo can be observed and measured by about five and a half weeks. The heartbeat may be seen as early as six weeks, and is usually visible by seven weeks' gestation.

Test for Viability

Pregnancy tests may be used to determine the viability of a pregnancy. Serial quantitative blood tests may be done, usually 2–3 days apart. Below an hCG level of 1,200 mIU/ml the hCG usually doubles every 48–72 hours, though a rise of 50–60% is still considered normal. Between 1,200 and 6,000 mIU/ml serum the hCG usually takes 72–96 hours to double, and above 6,000 mIU/ml, the hCG often takes more than four days to double. Failure to increase normally may indicate an increased risk of miscarriage or a possible ectopic pregnancy.

Ultrasound is also a common tool for determining viability. A lower than expected heart rate or missed development milestones may indicate a problem with the pregnancy.[9] Diagnosis should not be made from a single ultrasound, however. Inaccurate estimations of fetal age and inaccuracies inherent in ultrasonic examination may cause a scan to be interpreted negatively. If results from the first ultrasound scan indicate a problem, repeating the scan 7–10 days later is reasonable practice.

Duration of Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is considered "at term" when gestation attains 37 complete weeks but is less than 42 (between 259 and 294 days since LMP). Events before completion of 37 weeks (259 days) are considered preterm; from week 42 (294 days) events are considered postterm. When a pregnancy exceeds 42 weeks (294 days), the risk of complications for both the woman and the fetus increases significantly, as such, obstetricians usually prefer to induce labour, in an uncomplicated pregnancy, at some stage between 41 and 42 weeks.

Accurate dating of pregnancy is important, because it is used in calculating the results of various prenatal tests (for example, in the triple test). A decision may be made to induce labour if a fetus is perceived to be
overdue. Furthermore, if LMP and ultrasound dating predict different respective due dates, with the latter being later, this might signify slowed fetal growth and therefore require closer review.

Menstrual Period

The menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the physiological changes that can occur in fertile female humans. Overt menstruation (where there is blood flow from the uterus through the vagina) occurs in humans.
The menstrual cycle, under the control of the endocrine system, is necessary for reproduction. It is commonly divided into three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase; although some sources use a different set of phases: menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase. Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. Hormonal contraception interferes with the normal hormonal changes with the aim of preventing reproduction.

Stimulated by gradually increasing amounts of estrogen in the follicular phase, discharges of blood (menses) slow then stop, and the lining of the uterus thickens. Follicles in the ovary begin developing under the influence of a complex interplay of hormones, and after several days one or occasionally two become dominant (non-dominant follicles atrophy and die). Approximately mid-cycle, 24–36 hours after the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surges, the dominant follicle releases an ovum, or egg in an event called ovulation. After ovulation, the egg only lives for 24 hours or less without fertilization while the remains of the dominant follicle in the ovary become a corpus luteum; this body has a primary function of producing large amounts of progesterone. Under the influence of progesterone, the endometrium (uterine lining) changes to prepare for potential implantation of an embryo to establish a pregnancy. If implantation does not occur within approximately two weeks, the corpus luteum will involute, causing sharp drops in levels of both progesterone and estrogen. These hormone drops cause the uterus to shed its lining and egg in a process termed menstruation.

In the menstrual cycle, changes occur in the female reproductive system as well as other systems (which lead to breast tenderness or mood changes, for example). A woman's first menstruation is termed menarche, and occurs typically around age 12. The end of a woman's reproductive phase is called the menopause, which commonly occurs somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55.

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PRIMIP AND MULTIP

Primipara = a woman who has delivered one baby.
Multipara = a woman who has delivered two or more babies.
Primip / Primigravida: A woman pregnant for the first time.

IMPLANTATION

The egg cell is released by one of the ovaries and than sucked into a fallopian tube. The lining on the inside of the fallopian tube is also a highly specialized mucus membrane. The cells on the surface of this mucus membrane contain specialized hair like protrusions which is constantly moving in such a way that there is a constant movement of fluid from the ovary towards the opening of tubes and from there toward the cavity in the womb. This movement causes a suction effect. Anything in the vicinity of the ovaries ( like the egg cell) will be sucked into the womb.

An interesting fact is that fertilization does not occur in the womb , but at the opening of the tube near the ovary. The sperms swim all the way from the vagina, through the womb and upstream through the fallopian tubes.

After fertilization the fertilized egg cell is slowly sucked through the fallopian tubes into the cavity of the womb. It only arrives in the womb about five days after conception. The egg than attaches itself to the endometrium ( the lining on the inside of the womb.).

NAEGELE’S RULE
Naegele's Rule is a standard way of calculating the due date for a pregnancy. The rule estimates the expected date of delivery (EDD) by adding one year, subtracting three months, and adding seven days to the first day of a woman's last menstrual period (LMP). The result is approximately 280 days (40 weeks) from the LMP. Naegele's Rule is named after Franz Karl Naegele (1778–1851).

Example:
LMP = 8 May 2009
+1 year = 8 May 2010
-3 months = 8 February 2010
+7 days = 15 February 2010

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PRETERM

In humans preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby of less than 37 weeks gestational age. The cause for preterm birth is in many situations elusive and unknown; many factors appear to be associated with the development of preterm birth, making the reduction of preterm birth a challenging proposition.

Premature birth, commonly used as a synonym for preterm birth, refers to the birth of a baby before the developing organs are mature enough to allow normal postnatal survival. Premature infants are at greater risk for short and long term complications, including disabilities and impediments in growth and mental development. Significant progress has been made in the care of premature infants, but not in reducing the prevalence of preterm birth. Preterm birth is the major cause of neonatal mortality in developed countries.

Symptoms of imminent spontaneous preterm birth are signs of premature labor; one sign is four or more uterine contractions in one hour. In contrast to false labor, true labor is accompanied by cervical dilatation and effacement. Also, vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, heavy pressure in the pelvis, or abdominal or back pain could be indicators that a preterm birth is about to occur. A watery discharge from the vagina may indicate premature rupture of the membranes that surround the baby. While the rupture of the membranes may not be followed by labor, usually delivery is indicated as infection (chorioamnionitis) is a serious threat to both fetus and mother. In some cases the cervix dilates prematurely without pain or perceived contractions, so that the mother may not have warning signs until very late in the birthing process.

The shorter the term of pregnancy, the greater the risks of mortality and morbidity for the baby primarily due to the related prematurity. Preterm-premature babies ("preemies" or "premmies") have an increased risk of death in the first year of life (infant mortality), with most of that occurring in the first month of life (neonatal mortality). As risk of brain damage and developmental delay is significant at that threshold even if the infant survives.

Preterm infants usually show physical signs of prematurity in reverse proportion to the gestational age. As a result they are at risk for numerous medical problems affecting different organ systems.

	Neurological problems include apnea of prematurity, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), developmental disability, cerebral palsy and intraventricular hemorrhage, the latter affecting 25 percent of babies born preterm, usually before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Mild brain bleeds usually leave no or few lasting complications, but severe bleeds often result in brain damage or even death. Neurodevelopmental problems have been linked to lack of maternal thyroid hormones, at a time when their own thyroid is unable to meet postnatal needs.

	Cardiovascular complications may arise from the failure of the ductus arteriosus to close after birth: patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
	Respiratory problems are common, specifically the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS or IRDS) (previously called hyaline membrane disease). Another problem can be chronic lung disease (previously called bronchopulmonary dysplasia or BPD).
	Gastrointestinal and metabolic issues can arise from hypoglycemia, feeding difficulties, rickets of prematurity, hypocalcemia, inguinal hernia, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
	Hematologic complications include anemia of prematurity, thrombocytopenia, and hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) that can lead to kernicterus.
	Infection, including sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection.

As the cause of labor still remains elusive, the exact cause of preterm birth is also unsolved. In fact, the cause of 50% of preterm births is never determined. Labor is a complex process involving many factors. Four different pathways have been identified that can result in preterm birth and have considerable evidence: precocious fetal endocrine activation, uterine over-distension, decidual bleeding, and intrauterine inflammation/infection.

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:

	Age at the upper and lower end of the reproductive years, be it more than 35 or less than 18 years of age.
	Maternal height and weight can also play a role.
	Pregnancy interval makes a difference as women with a 6 months span or less between pregnancies have a two-fold increase in preterm birth.
	Studies on type of work and physical activity have given conflicting results, but it is opined that stressful conditions, hard labor, and long hours are probably linked to preterm birth.
	Women who have undergone previous surgically induced abortions have been shown to have a higher risk of preterm birth (less than 37 weeks), as well as extreme preterm birth (less than 28 weeks).
	Adequate maternal nutrition is important. Women with a low BMI are at increased risk for preterm birth. Further, women with poor nutritional status may also be deficient in vitamins and minerals. Adequate nutrition is critical for fetal development and a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of a preterm delivery. Obesity does not directly lead to preterm birth; however, it is associated with diabetes and hypertension which are risk factors by themselves.
	Women with a previous preterm birth are at higher risk for a recurrence at a rate of 15–50%
	To some degree those individuals may have underlying conditions (i.e. uterine malformation, hypertension, diabetes) that persist.
	Genetic make-up is a factor in the causality of preterm birth.
	Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) are a significant factor in preterm birth.
	Maternal medical conditions increase the risk of preterm birth, and often labor has to be induced for medical reasons; such conditions include high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, maternal diabetes, asthma, thyroid disease, and heart disease.
	Women with vaginal bleeding during pregnancy are at higher risk for preterm birth.
	Women with abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid, too much (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios) are also at risk.
	Babies with birth defects are at higher risk of being born preterm.
	Finally, the use of tobacco, cocaine, and excessive alcohol during pregnancy also increases the chance of preterm delivery.

Historically efforts have been primarily aimed to improve survival and health of preterm infants (tertiary intervention). Such efforts, however, have not reduced the incidence of preterm birth. Increasingly primary interventions that are directed at all women, and secondary intervention that reduce existing risks are looked upon as measures that need to be developed and implemented to prevent the health problems of premature infants and children.

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POSTTERM

Postmaturity is when a baby has not yet been born after 42 weeks of gestation, two weeks beyond the normal 40. Post-term, postmaturity, prolonged pregnancy, and post-dates pregnancy all refer to postmature birth. Post-mature births do not have any harmful effects on the mother, but the fetus, however, can begin to suffer from malnutrition. After the 42nd week of gestation, the placenta, which supplies the baby with nutrients and oxygen from the mother, starts aging and will eventually fail. If the fetus passes fecal matter, which is not typical until after birth, and the child breathes it in, then the baby could become sick with pneumonia. Postterm pregnancy may be a reason to induce labor.

The causes of post-term births is unknown. But post-mature births are more likely when the mother has experienced a previous post-mature birth. Post-mature births can also be attributed to irregular menstrual cycles. When the menstrual period is irregular it is very difficult to judge how and when the ovaries would be available for fertilization and subsequently result in pregnancy. Some post-mature pregnancies are because the mother is not certain of her last period, so in reality the baby is not technically post-mature.

Different babies will show different symptoms of postmaturity. The most commons symptoms are dry skin, overgrown nails, creases on the baby's palms and soles of their feet, minimal fat, a lot of hair on their head, and either a brown, green, or yellow discoloration of their skin. Doctors diagnose post-mature birth based on the baby's physical appearance and the length of the mother's pregnancy. Some postmature babies will show no or little sign of postmaturity.
Once a pregnancy has surpassed the 40 week gestation period, doctors closely monitor the mother for signs of placental deterioration. Towards the end of pregnancy calcium is deposited on the walls of blood vessels and proteins are deposited on the surface of the placenta, which changes the placenta. This limits the blood flow through the placenta and ultimately leads to placental insufficiency and the baby is no longer properly nourished. Induced labor is strongly encouraged if this happens.
Post-term babies may be larger than an average baby, thus increasing the length of labor. The labor is increased because the baby's head is too big to pass through the mother's pelvis. This is called cephalopelvic disproportion. Caesarean sections are encouraged if this happens.

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GESTATION

Gestation is the carrying of an embryo or fetus inside a female viviparous animal. Mammals during pregnancy can have one or more gestations at the same time (multiple gestations). The time interval of a gestation plus two weeks is called gestation period, and the length of time plus two weeks that the offspring have spent developing in the uterus is called gestational age.

Human pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters, each three months long. The first trimester is from the last period to the 13th week, the second trimester is from the 14th to 27th week, and the third trimester is from the 28th week through the 40th week.

In humans, birth normally occurs at a gestational age of about 40 weeks (nine months and one week), though a normal range is from 37 to 42 weeks.

Physiology of Pregnancy

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First Semester
Traditionally, doctors have measured pregnancy from a number of convenient points, including the day of last menstruation, ovulation, fertilization, implantation and chemical detection. In medicine, pregnancy is often defined as beginning when the developing embryo becomes implanted into the endometrial lining of a woman's uterus. In some cases where complications may have arisen, the fertilized egg might implant itself in the fallopian tubes, the cervix, the ovary or in the abdomen, causing an ectopic pregnancy. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, there is no way for the pregnancy to progress normally. If left untreated, it can cause harm and possibly death for the mother when a rupture occurs. Sometimes it will go away on its own, but otherwise a surgical procedure or medicine is given to remove the tubal pregnancy, since there is no way of the pregnancy being able to continue safely. Most pregnant women do not have any specific signs or symptoms of implantation, although it is not uncommon to experience minimal bleeding at implantation. Some women will also experience cramping during their first trimester. This is usually of no concern, unless there
is spotting or bleeding as well. After implantation, the uterine endometrium is called the decidua. The placenta, which is formed partly from the decidua and partly from outer layers of the embryo, connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. The umbilical cord is the connecting cord from the embryo or fetus to the placenta. The developing embryo undergoes tremendous growth and changes during the process of fetal development.

Morning sickness occurs in about seventy percent of all pregnant women, and typically improves after the first trimester. Although described as "morning sickness", women can experience this nausea during afternoon, evening, and throughout the entire day.

In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the nipples and areolas darken due to a temporary increase in hormones.

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are considered to make up the first trimester. The first two weeks from the first trimester are calculated as the first two weeks of pregnancy even though the pregnancy does not actually exist. These two weeks are the two weeks before conception and include the woman's last period.
The third week is the week in which fertilization occurs and the 4th week is the period when implantation takes place. In the 4th week, the fecundated egg reaches the uterus and burrows into its wall which provides it with the nutrients it needs. At this point, the zygote becomes a blastocyst and the placenta starts to form. Moreover, most of the pregnancy tests may detect a pregnancy beginning with this week.

The 5th week marks the start of the embryonic period. This is when the baby's brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs begin to form. At this point the embryo is made up of three layers, of which the top one (called the ectoderm) will give rise to the baby's outermost layer of skin, central and peripheral nervous systems, eyes, inner ear, and many connective tissues. The heart and the beginning of the circulatory system as well as the bones, muscles and kidneys are made up from the mesoderm (the middle layer). The inner layer of the embryo will serve as the starting point for the development of the baby's lungs, intestine and bladder. This layer is referred to as the endoderm. A baby at 5 weeks is normally between 1⁄16 and 1⁄8 inch (1.6 and 3.2 mm) in length.
In the 6th week, the baby will be developing basic facial features and its arms and legs start to grow. At this point, the embryo is usually no longer than 1⁄6 to 1⁄4 inch (4.2 to 6.3 mm). In the following week, the brain, face and arms and legs quickly develop. In the 8th week, the baby starts moving and in the next 3 weeks, the baby's toes, neck and genitals develop as well. According to the American Pregnancy Association, by the end of the first trimester, the fetus will be about 3 inches (76 mm) long and will weigh approximately 1 ounce (28 g).

Second trimester

Weeks 13 to 28 of the pregnancy are called the second trimester. Most women feel more energized in this period, and begin to put on weight as the symptoms of morning sickness subside and eventually fade away.

In the 20th week, the uterus, the muscular organ that holds the developing fetus, can expand up to 20 times its normal size during pregnancy. Although the fetus begins to move and takes a recognizable human shape during the first trimester, it is not until the second trimester that movement of the fetus, often referred to as "quickening", can be felt. This typically happens in the fourth month, more specifically in the 20th to 21st week, or by the 19th week if the woman has been pregnant before. However, it is not uncommon for some women not to feel the fetus move until much later. The placenta fully functions at this time and the fetus makes insulin and urinates. The reproductive organs distinguish the fetus as male or female.

Third trimester

Final weight gain takes place, which is the most weight gain throughout the pregnancy. The fetus will be growing the most rapidly during this stage, gaining up to 28 g per day. The woman's belly will transform in shape as the belly drops due to the fetus turning in a downward position ready for birth. During the second trimester, the woman's belly would have been very upright, whereas in the third trimester it will drop down quite low, and the woman will be able to lift her belly up and down. The fetus begins to move regularly, and is felt by the woman. Fetal movement can become quite strong and be disruptive to the woman. The woman's navel will sometimes become convex, "popping" out, due to her expanding abdomen. This period of her pregnancy can be uncomfortable, causing symptoms like weak bladder control and backache. Movement of the fetus becomes stronger and more frequent and via improved brain, eye, and muscle function the fetus is prepared for ex utero viability. The woman can feel the fetus "rolling" and it may cause pain or discomfort when it is near the woman's ribs and spine.

There is head engagement in the third trimester, that is, the fetal head descends into the pelvic cavity so that only a small part (or none) of it can be felt abdominally. The perenium and cervix are further flattened and the head may be felt vaginally. Head engagement is known colloquially as the baby drop, and in natural medicine as the lightening because of the release of pressure on the upper abdomen and renewed ease in breathing. However, it severely reduces bladder capacity, increases pressure on the pelvic floor and the rectum, and the mother may experience the perpetual sensation that the fetus will "fall out" at any moment.

It is during this time that a baby born prematurely may survive. The use of modern medical intensive care technology has greatly increased the probability of premature babies surviving, and has pushed back the boundary of viability to much earlier dates than would be possible without assistance. In spite of these developments, premature birth remains a major threat to the fetus, and may result in ill health in later life, even if the baby survives.

Embryonic and fetal development

Prenatal development is divided into two primary biological stages. The first is the embryonic stage, which lasts for about two months. At this point, the fetal stage begins. At the beginning of the fetal stage, the risk of miscarriage decreases sharply, all major structures including the head, brain, hands, feet, and other organs are present, and they continue to grow and develop. When the fetal stage commences, a fetus is typically about 30 mm (1.2 inches) in length, and the heart can be seen beating via sonograph; the fetus bends the head, and also makes general movements and startles that involve the whole body. Some fingerprint formation occurs from the beginning of the fetal stage.

Electrical brain activity is first detected between the 5th and 6th week of gestation, though this is still considered primitive neural activity rather than the beginning of conscious thought, something that develops much later in fetation. Synapses begin forming at 17 weeks, and at about week 28 begin to multiply at a rapid pace which continues until 3–4 months after birth. It is not until week 23 that the fetus can survive, albeit with major medical support, outside of the womb, because it does not possess a sustainable human brain until that time.

One way to observe prenatal development is via ultrasound images. Modern 3D ultrasound images provide greater detail for prenatal diagnosis than the older 2D ultrasound technology. While 3D is popular with parents desiring a prenatal photograph as a keepsake, both 2D and 3D are discouraged by the FDA for non-medical use, but there are no definitive studies linking ultrasound to any adverse medical effects.
Some people are confused about the differences between an ultrasound and a sonogram. An ultrasound is the actual machine that lets you observe pregnancy. A sonogram is the image of the baby that the ultrasound produces. 4D Ultrasounds take 3D sonograms. Some people refer to the procedure as prenatal imaging, 3D imaging, a 3D scan, or 4D scan.

Physiological changes

During pregnancy, the woman undergoes many physiological changes, which are entirely normal, including cardiovascular, hematologic, metabolic, renal and respiratory changes that become very important in the event of complications. The body must change its physiological and homeostatic mechanisms in pregnancy to ensure the fetus is provided for. Increases in blood sugar, breathing and cardiac output are all required. Levels of progesterone and oestrogens rise continually throughout pregnancy, suppressing the hypothalamic axis and subsequently the menstrual cycle. The woman and the placenta also produce many hormones.

Pregnancy Overview

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Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the womb of a female. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets. Human pregnancy is the most studied of all mammalian pregnancies. Childbirth usually occurs about 38 weeks after conception; in women who have a menstrual cycle length of four weeks, this is approximately 40 weeks from the last normal menstrual period (LNMP). The World Health Organization defines normal term for delivery as between 37 weeks and 42 weeks.

INITIATION
Although pregnancy begins with implantation, the process leading to pregnancy occurs earlier as the result of the female gamete, or oocyte, merging with the male gamete, spermatozoon. In medicine this process is referred to as fertilization; in lay terms, it is more commonly known as "conception". After the point of fertilization, the fused product of the female and male gamete is referred to as a zygote or fertilized egg. The fusion of male and female gametes usually occurs following the act of sexual intercourse, resulting in spontaneous pregnancy. However, the advent of artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization have also made achieving pregnancy possible in cases where sexual intercourse does not result in fertilization (e.g., through choice or male/female infertility).

The process of fertilization occurs in more than a single step, and the interruption of any of these can lead to a failure. Therefore, fertilization is much more than the fusion between the female gamete and male spermatozoon. Through fertilization, the egg and sperm are saved: the egg is activated to begin its developmental program, and the haploid nuclei of the two gametes come together to form the genome of a new diploid organism

PRENATAL PERIOD
Prenatal defines the period occurring "around the time of birth", specifically from 22 completed weeks (154 days) of gestation (the time when birth weight is normally 500 g) to 7 completed days after birth.

POSTNATAL PERIOD
The postnatal period begins immediately after the birth of a child and then extends for about six weeks. During this period, the mother's body returns to pre-pregnancy conditions as far as uterus size and hormone levels are concerned.

PERINATAL PERIOD
The perinatal period is immediately before to after birth. Depending on the definition, it starts between the 20th to 28th week of gestation and ends between 1 to 4 weeks after birth (the word "perinatal" is a hybrid of the Greek "peri-" meaning 'around or about' and "natal" from the Latin "natus" meaning "birth.").

Types Of Yoga

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Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga is a path of devotion to the work. One looses his identity while working, only selfless work remains. This state is very difficult to achieve. Generally some rewards or incentives or outcome follows the work and one is attached to this reward or incentive. This is not the Karma Yoga. Non-attachment with the work and becoming the perfect instrument of the super consciousness in this manifested universe is the ultimate aim of Karma Yoga. In the initial stages of Karma Yoga, individual possesses strong sense of ego and consciously or unconsciously he is attached to the fruits of his efforts or at least praise or recognition but by continuous involvement in the work and change in mental attitude, one can surely disassociate himself from the ego and his own personality. In this state the work becomes worship to the God, it becomes
spiritual, also the individual becomes expert, skilled and Yogi. He achieves stability of mind in all conditions, he is not disturbed or excited or happy in any of the situations. He becomes divine & his actions represent God's will.

The essence of Karma Yoga as extracted from 'Bhagvad Gita' says: The world confined in its own activity except when actions are performed as worship of God. Therefore one must perform every action sacramentally and be free of your attachments to the results.

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Jnana Yoga

Jnana Yoga is the process of converting intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom. It is a discovery of human dharma in relation to nature and the universe. Jnana Yoga is described by tradition as a means to obtain the highest meditative state and inner knowledge.

Jnana literally means 'knowledge', but in the context of yoga it means the process of meditative awareness which leads to illuminative wisdom. It is not a method by which we try to find rational answers to eternal questions, rather it is a part of meditation leading to self-enquiry and self-realisation.

Some of the components of Jnana Yoga are:

1. Not believing but realising
2. Self-awareness leading to self-analysis
3. Experiencing knowledge
4. Realising the personal nature
5. Developing intuitive wisdom
6. Experiencing inner unity

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Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti is a Yoga of devotion or complete faith. This faith is generally in the God or supreme consciousness in any of the forms. It may be Lord Rama, Krishna, Christ, Mohammed, Buddha etc. It may be a Guru for his disciples. Important thing is the person interested in following this path should have very strong emotional bond with the object of faith. The flow of emotional energy is directed to this object. Mostly people suppress their emotions and that often reflects in the form of physical and mental disorders. This Bhakti Yoga releases those suppressed emotions and brings the purification of inner self.

Continuous meditation of God or object of faith gradually decrease the ego of the practitioner, which further prevents new distractions, fickleness or even pain and induces strong bonds of love. Slowly the practitioner looses the self identity and becomes one with the object of faith, this is a state of self realization.

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Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga usually refers to the system of yoga that is described in the Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali. In this ancient text Sage Patanjali describes eight stages of yoga which are known collectively as Raja Yoga.

Raja Yoga is a comprehensive yoga system which deals with the refinement of human behaviour and personality through the practice of the yamas (restraint) and niyamas (disciplines); attainment of physical health and vitality through asanas (postures) and pranayamas (pranic breathing techniques); management of mental and emotional conflicts and development of awareness and concentration through pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) and dharana (concentration); and developing the creative aspect of consciousness for transcendental awareness through dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption in the universal identity).

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Kundalini Yoga

This system of Yoga is concerned with awakening of the psychic centers or chakras, which exists in every individual. (Please refer to the figure) There are six main chakras in the human beings.

The mind is made up of different subtle layers. Each of these layers progressively are associated with the higher levels of consciousness. Each of these levels are related to the different chakra or psychic center located throughout the psychic body. There are no of other chakras apart from the six main, which are associated with planes below the human level. In all we have chakras that connect us to animal levels of mind, to the instinctive realms of being or to the sublime heights of consciousness.

In Kundalini Yoga, higher-level chakras are awakened and also the activities associated with these higher psychic centers.

The basic method of awakening involves deep concentration on these chakras and forcing their arousal. Asanas, pranayama, mudra and bandha and other forms of Yoga such as Mantra Yoga are also used to stimulate the awakening.

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Mantra Yoga
Mantra Yoga has its origin in Vedic Sciences and also in Tantra, infact all the verses in Vedas are called mantras, it is said that any person who can chant or sing Vedas can achieve the ultimate salvation or union with supreme consciousness only by chanting the mantras, which is the aim Mantra Yoga.

Swara Yoga
Swara is Sanskrit word, meaning sound or note. It is also a continuous flow of air through one nostril. Yoga means union, so Swara yoga is a science which is realization of cosmic consciousness through control and manipulation of breath.

Swara Yoga is science which is a complete study, observations, control and manipulation of breath or Swara. Pranayama is only related to control of breath in various ways. In swara yoga, you will find association of breath in relation to activities of sun, moon, various seasons, physical and mental conditions of individuals etc. So Swara Yoga is more comprehensive in theory and practices related to breath.

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Kriya Yoga

The word kriya means 'activity' or 'movement' and refers to the activity or movement of consciousness. Kriya also refers to a type of practical or preliminary practice leading to total union, the final result of practice. Kriya Yoga does not curb mental fluctuations but purposely creates activity and awakening in consciousness. In this way all faculties are harmonised and flower into their fullest potential.

Kriya Yoga originated in antiquity and evolved over time through practise and experience. The full form of Kriya Yoga consists of over 70 kriyas out of which only 20 or so are commonly known.

The kriya practices are inscribed in numerous tantric texts written in Sanskrit. To date only a few of these have been translated into other languages.

History of Yoga - A Complete Overview of the Yoga History

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The saying, "What's in the past, should stay in the past" - doesn't work here.

We might already have an idea of what Yoga is but to understand it better, we have to know what it has become as well as its roots and beginnings. A quick look at the history of Yoga will help us appreciate its rich tradition and who knows, it might help us incorporate Yoga into our lives.

Although Yoga is said to be as old as civilization, there is no physical evidence to support this claim. Earliest archaeological evidence of Yoga's existence could be found in stone seals which depict figures of Yoga Poses. The stone seals place Yoga's existence around 3000 B.C.

Scholars, however, have a reason to believe that Yoga existed long before that and traced its beginnings in Stone Age Shamanism. Both Shamanism and Yoga have similar characteristics particularly in their efforts to improve the human condition at that time. Also, they aim to heal community members and the practitioners act as religious mediators. Though we know Yoga as focusing more on the self, it started out as community-oriented before it turned inward.

For a better discussion of the history of Yoga, we could divide it into four periods: the Vedic Period, Pre-Classical Period, Classical Period, and Post-Classical Period.

Vedic Period

The existence of the Vedas marks this period. The Vedas is the sacred scripture of Brahmanism that is the basis of modern-day Hinduism. It is a collection of hymns which praise a divine power. The Vedas contains the oldest known Yogic teachings and as such, teachings found in the Vedas are called Vedic Yoga. This is characterized by rituals and ceremonies that strive to surpass the limitations of the mind.

During this time, the Vedic people relied on rishis or dedicated Vedic Yogis to teach them how to live in divine harmony. Rishis were also gifted with the ability to see the ultimate reality through their intensive spiritual practice. It was also during this time that Yogis living in seclusion (in forests) were recorded.

Pre-Classical Yoga

The creation of the Upanishads marks the Pre-Classical Yoga. The 200 scriptures of the Upanishads (the conclusion of the revealed literature) describe the inner vision of reality resulting from devotion to Brahman. These explain three subjects: the ultimate reality (Brahman), the transcendental self (atman), and the relationship between the two. The Upanishads further explain the teachings of the Vedas.

Yoga shares some characteristics not only with Hinduism but also with Buddhism that we can trace in its history. During the sixth century B.C., Buddha started teaching Buddhism, which stresses the importance of Meditation and the practice of physical postures. Siddharta Gautama, the first Buddhist to study Yoga, achieved enlightenment at the age of 35.

Later, around 500 B.C., the Bhagavad-Gita or Lord's Song was created and this is currently the oldest known Yoga scripture. It is devoted entirely to Yoga and has confirmed that it has been an old practice for some time. However, it doesn't point to a specific time wherein Yoga could have started. The central point to the Gita is that - to be alive means to be active and in order to avoid difficulties in our lives and in others, our actions have to benign and have to exceed our egos.

Just as the Upanishads further the Vedas, the Gita builds on and incorporates the doctrines found in the Upanishads. In the Gita, three facets must be brought together in our lifestyle: Bhakti or loving devotion, Jnana which is knowledge or contemplation, and Karma which is about selfless actions. The Gita then tried to unify Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga and it is because of this that it has gained importance. The Gita was a conversation between Prince Arjuna and God-man Krishna and it basically stresses the importance of opposing evil.

Classical Period

The Classical Period is marked by another creation - the Yoga Sutra. Written by Patanjali around the second century, it was an attempt to define and standardize Classical Yoga. It is composed of 195 aphorisms or sutras (from the Sanskrit word which means thread) that expound upon the Raja Yoga and its underlying principle, Patanjali's Eightfold path of Yoga (also called Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga). These are:

Yama, which means social restraints or ethical values;
Niyama, which is personal observance of purity, tolerance, and study;
Asanas or physical exercises;
Pranayama, which means breath control or regulation;
Pratyahara or sense withdrawal in preparation for Meditation;
Dharana, which is about concentration;
Dhyana, which means Meditation; and
Samadhi, which means ecstasy.

Patanjali believed that each individual is a composite of matter (prakriti) and spirit (purusha). He further believed that the two must be separated in order to cleanse the spirit - a stark contrast to Vedic and Pre-Classical Yoga that signify the union of body and spirit.

Patanjali's concept was dominant for some centuries that some Yogis focused exclusively on Meditation and neglected their Asanas. It was only later that the belief of the body as a temple was rekindled and attention to the importance of the Asana was revived. This time, Yogis attempted to use Yoga techniques to change the body and make it immortal.

Post-Classical Yoga

At this point, we see a proliferation of literature as well as the practice of Yoga. Post-classical Yoga differs from the first three since its focus is more on the present. It no longer strives to liberate a person from reality but rather teaches one to accept it and live at the moment.

Yoga was introduced in the West during the early 19th century. It was first studied as part of Eastern Philosophy and began as a movement for health and vegetarianism around the 1930's. By the 1960's, there was an influx of Indian teachers who expounded on Yoga. One of them was Maharishi Mahesh, the Yogi who popularized Transcendental Meditation. Another one is a prominent Yoga Guru Swami Sivananda. Sivananda was a doctor in Malaysia and he later opened schools in America and Europe. The most prominent of his works is his modified Five Principles of Yoga which are:

Savasana or proper relaxation;
Asanas or proper exercise;
Pranayama or proper breathing;
Proper diet; and
Dhyana or positive thinking and Meditation

Sivananda wrote more than 200 books on Yoga and Philosophy and had many disciples who furthered Yoga. Some of them were Swami Satchitananda who introduced chanting and Yoga to Woodstock; Swami Sivananada Radha who explored the connection between psychology and Yoga, and Yogi Bhajan who started teaching Kundalini Yoga in the 70's.

Up to this day, Yoga continues to proliferate and spread its teachings, crossing the boundaries of culture and language.

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Tradition

Yoga refers to traditional physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines, originating in ancient India, whose goal is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Within Hindu philosophy, the word yoga is used to refer to one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy. Yoga in this sense is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and is also known as Rāja Yoga to distinguish it from later schools. Patanjali's system is discussed and elaborated upon in many classical Hindu texts, and has also been influential in Buddhism and Jainism. The Bhagavadgita introduces distinctions such as Jnana Yoga ("yoga based on knowledge") vs. Karma Yoga ("yoga based on action"). Other systems of philosophy introduced in Hindusim during the medieval period are Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga.

The Sanskrit word yoga has the literal meaning of "yoke", from a root yuj. As a term for a system of abstract meditation or mental abstraction, it was introduced by Patanjali in the 2nd century BC. Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy with a high level of commitment is called a yogi or yogini.

The goals of yoga are varied and range from improving health to achieving Moksha. Within the Hindu monist schools of Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism and Jainism, the goal of yoga takes the form of Moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), at which point there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Brahman. In the Mahabharata, the goal of yoga is variously described as entering the world of Brahma, as Brahman, or as perceiving the Brahman or Atman that pervades all things. For the bhakti schools of Vaishnavism, bhakti or service to Svayam bhagavan itself may be the ultimate goal of the yoga process, where the goal is to enjoy an eternal relationship with Vishnu.

What is Yoga?

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Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. The references to yoga are available in 'Upanishads' and 'Puranas' composed by Indian Aryans in the later Vedic and post- Vedic period. The main credit for systematizing yoga goes to Patanjali who wrote 'Yoga Sutra', two thousand Years ago. He described the principles of the full eight fold yogic discipline. He composed the treatise in brief code words known as 'Sutras'. 'Yoga Sutra' is the most important basic text on Yoga. It is through this basic treatise that the essential message of yoga spread throughout the world.

Aim of Yoga is the attainment of the physical, mental and spiritual health. Patanjali has recommended eight stages of Yoga discipline.They are -

1. Yamas- Yamas (abstentions or restrains)

2. Niyamas- Niyamas (observances)-austerities, purity, contentment, study, surrender of the ego

3. Asanas- Physical postures or exercises

4. Pranayama- Control of vital energy (Breathing control)

5. Partyahara- Withdrawal of the senses

6. Dharana- Concentration of the mind (Contemplation)

7. Dhyana- Meditation

8. Samadhi- Attainment of The super conscious state

Pranic Healing

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Pranic healing is very much the in-thing nowadays. After Reiki, Pranic healing is perhaps the most sought after form of alternative therapy.
The Deal: Pranic healing is a holistic healing therapy, which takes into account both–the chakras and the aura. The colour and intensity of the aura gives the first indications as to what is wrong and where. You can heal the ailment, either directly or treat the aura, the net result is same. When the aura gets back into shape, your problem disappears.
The technique: According to Pranic healers, energy flows in the body throughits 11 chakras. Traditional Aryan philosophy talks of only seven chakras, as does Reiki. But there are other minor chakras, which Pranic healing takes into account. These chakras are the body’s energy stations.

By using meditation technique, Pranic healing recharges these energy centres and cleanses and heals the body. There are three levels of Pranic healing course: basic, advanced and psychotherapy. These are two-day courses and after completing them you can start healing people.

Watch Out:
Pranic healing generates a lot of energy and you need to be careful while handling it. This therapy involves lot of meditation and hence requires a lot of practice. It’ll be better to talk to a therapist before plunging head in.

Unani Medicine

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The Unani system of medicine owes its origin to Greece (Unan in Arabic means Greece). The theoretical framework of Unani medicine is based on the teachings of the Greek philosopher-physician Hippocrates. On this foundation, Islamic physicians constructed the edifice of Unani medicine. The medical system was enriched by imbibing what was best in the contemporary systems of traditional medicine in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Persia, India, China and other Middle East and Far East countries.

At present, India is considered a world leader in the Unani system of medicine, which has its own recognised practitioners, hospitals and educational and research institutions. It offers time-tested remedies for gastro-intestinal, cardiovascular and nervous disorders and makes use of surgery, too.

The fundamental principles of Unani medicine stress on disease being a natural process and its symptoms being the reaction of the body to the disease. Unani is based on the humoral theory, which presupposes the presence of four humors -- dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safra (yellow bile) and sauda (black bile) -- in the body. Every person is supposed to have a unique humoral constitution which represents her/his healthy state.

To maintain the correct humoral balance, there is a power of self-preservation or adjustment called quwwat-e-Mudabbira (medicatrix naturae)in the body. If this power weakens, an imbalance in the humoral composition is bound to occur and this causes disease. In Unani medicine, great reliance is placed on this power. The medicines used in this system, in fact, help the body to regain this power to an optimum level and thereby restore the humoral balance, thus retaining health. Correct diet and digestion are also considered in maintaining humoral balance.

Diagnosis is through nabz (pulse), which is felt by the fingers. Other methods of diagnosis include examination of urine, stool, etc. Treatment is of various types -- regimental therapy, diet therapy, pharmacotherapy and surgery. The regimental therapy includes venesection, cupping, diaphoresis, diuresis, Turkish bath, massage, cauterization, purging, exercise and leeching. Diet therapy aims at treating certain ailments by administration of specific diets and by regulating the quantity and quality of food. On the other hand, pharmacotherapy deals with the use of natural herbal drugs, though drugs of animal and mineral origin are also used. In Unani medicine, single drugs or their combinations in raw form are preferred over compound formulations.

Flower Therapy

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Flower Therapy

Dr. Edward Bach, the father of Flower Medicines, was a bacteriologist and consulting homeopath of London. Not-satisfied with homeopathic practice, he turned to flower as medicines. He discovered 38 flowers as corresponding to 38 human states.

These medicines are prepared by putting flower in a pot of water exposed to noon sunlight for about three hours. Essence thus ready is mixed with alcohol for preservative purposes
and dispensed in liquid or pill forms.

Flower medicines treats the "negative feelings" like anger, fear guilt, inferiority complex, lack of confidence, negative expectancy, envy, jealousy etc. by flooding the consciousness with positive feelings. In flower medicines "disturbed" feelings, moods, attitudes are taken as base for the selection of medicine. Bach found these "imbalances" in the personality as the "core element of disease".

Agrimony - for those who hide worries behind a brave face
Aspen - for apprehension for no known reasons
Beech - for those who are critical and intolerant of others
Centaury - for those who are weak-willed, exploited or imposed upon
Cerato - for those who doubt their own judgement, seeking confirmation of others
Cherry Plum - for uncontrolled, irrational thoughts
Chestnut Bud - for those who refuse to learn by experience and continually repeat the same mistakes
Chicory - for those who are over possessive - (self-centered) - clinging and over-protective especially of loved ones
Clematis - for those who are inattentive, dreamy, absent-minded, for mental escapism
Crab Apple - the 'Cleanser' - for self-disgust/detestation - for those who are ashamed of ailments
Elm - for those who are overwhelmed by inadequacy and responsibility Gentian - for despondency
Gorse - for pessimism, defeatism, 'oh what's the use!'
Heather - for those who are talkative, (obsessed with own troubles and experiences)
Holly - for hatred, envy, jealousy, suspicion
Honeysuckle - for those living in the past - nostalgic - for home-sickness
Hornbeam - for 'Monday morning' feeling - procrastination
Impatiens - for impatience and irritability
Larch - for lack of self-confidence, feeling of inferiority, fear of failure
Mimulus - for fear of known things, shyness, timidity
Mustard - for 'dark cloud' that descends, making one saddened and low for no known reason
Oak - for those who are normally strong/courageous, but no longer able to struggle bravely against illness or adversity
Olive - for those who are fatigued, drained of energy
Pine - for guilt complex - those who blame themselves even for mistakes of others and are always apologizing
Red Chestnut - for those obsessed by care and concern for others
Rock Rose - for those who are suddenly alarmed, scared, panicky
Rock Water - for those who are rigid-minded, self-denying
Scleranthus - for uncertainty/ indecision/ vacillation - for fluctuating moods
Star of Bethlehem - for all the effects of serious news, of fright following an accident, etc.
Sweet Chestnut - for utter dejection, bleak outlook