With healthcare a pressing issue, prices going up, and cures in short supply, more and more people are turning away from their medicine cabinets and to their pantries and gardens for remedies. And they are experiencing a certain amount of success.
Whether looking to help a stuffy nose or something more serious, the answer can be as close as an arm’s reach away with a look at these 100 healthy remedies that are right in your home.

Common Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Home
The below are commonly found in the average home and can help in many ways.

1. Water : Because dehydration can cause a range of symptoms from fatigue to headache, a simple glass of water can sometimes work wonders. Other problems that can arise from lack of water include increased heart rate, dark urine, muscle cramps, and nausea. To avoid these, make sure you get your eight to ten glasses a day.
2. Club Soda : Not only useful for getting out stains, it can also help with an upset stomach or dehydration. Because it is free of the sugar and additives of regular sodas, you can get the benefits without the negatives.
3. Chocolate Milk : Often thought of as more of an indulgence than healthy remedy, there are actually benefits to your childhood favorite. When drank after a rough workout, chocolate milk can actually be very useful as a recovery drink. Check out this video from The Doctors to learn more.
4. Honey : From healing wounds to fighting infections, honey is said to be one of the most ancient and turned to remedies across the world. It is even used to combat diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis. Visit here to get more information.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar : From Hippocrates to modern day doctors, apple cider vinegar has been used to treat many ailments. They include aches, pains, lack of energy, warts, and are even used on animals.
6. Lemon Water : That yellow wedge on the end of your glass can be so much more than a garnish. Combining lemon with water helps alkalize both your blood and body, keeping it from becoming too acidic.
7. Cinnamon : Studies have shown that a half of a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon can also help with diabetes, arthritis, and even leukemia.
8. Ginger : Used as a healthy remedy for centuries, the ginger in your home can actually help with many modern ailments. They include ovarian cancer, motion sickness, heartburn, and more.
9. Garlic : This clove has been used on everything from preventing the flu to the Bubonic plague. Raw garlic has also been used on a range of ailments including both acne treatment and managing cholesterol.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide : The subject of much controversy, this substance can help with everything from allergies to gingivitis. Check out this article by a doctor for more information.
Healthy Remedies To Help You Lose Weight
Avoid the dangers of supplemental weight loss pills by giving the below homemade remedies a try.
11. Milk : Studies showed that those who drank a glass of fat free milk before lunch experienced decreased appetite and calorie intake compared to those who drank fruit juice. Visit here to learn more.
12. Almonds : One of the healthiest of all the nuts, research has been found that people with a diet rich in almonds lost more pounds than those without. They also helped with blood pressure. Visit WebMD for the entire article.
13. Vinegar : Some studies suggest that vinegar can increase metabolism. This in turn helps the body process food and burn more calories.
14. Jalapenos : Similar to the above, the spice found here can also increase metabolism. In fact, many naturally spicy foods tout similar properties.
15. Evening Primrose Oil : The oil is extracted from a plant of the same name and contains an essential fatty acid that can help with metabolism. Other benefits include combating cholesterol, fatigue, improper hormone levels, and more.
16. Make It Raw : Because cooking food can remove nutrients while leaving fat, some people choose a raw diet. This site is maintained by raw food chef and published author and contains more information.
17. Coconut : The oil found in coconuts is said to have weight losing properties. Try taking a tablespoon or two before meals to see if it works for you.
18. Pine Nuts : Use these nuts as a garnish to many dishes to help naturally decrease your appetite. The pinolenic acid found in them is what makes it work.
19. Flaxseeds : Similar to the above, they also help suppress appetite. The seeds also contain omega-3 fats and fiber as well.
20. Other Herbal Remedies : Thinking about taking an herbal remedy such as Ephedra or St. John’s Wort? Then visit here to get an expert medical opinion on many weight loss herbs.
Healthy Remedies For Beauty
Look good on the outside as well with these homemade remedies for beauty.
21. Aloe : Most commonly used for sunburn, it can also be used to treat wounds and other types of skin inflammation. There are even studies suggesting that aloe can help with constipation.
22. Cocoa Butter : Extracted from cocoa beans, the white, waxy material can be applied to dry skin for a natural remedy. It can also be purchased at a store in stick or cream form.
23. Avocado : Often used as a main ingredient in face masks, the oils in avocados contain high levels of Vitamin E that are essential for healthy skin. Simply grab one, puree it, spread on your face, and leave for 20 to 30 minutes.
24. Toothpaste : Not just for a healthy smile, it can also be used as a spot treatment for acne. As soon as you feel a growth coming, apply toothpaste to the effected spot. If you feel it tingling, that means its working. Do not use as an overnight treatment.
25. Eggs : The protein found in eggs can be used to restore the strength of your hair. Simply mix one egg and one or two oils rich in moisturizing fats like coconut or sesame, apply to the hair, and wrap.
26. Ashes : Got a wart? Then grab some cool ashes from the fireplace to treat it naturally.
27. Banana Peel : Wrap one of these around a wart to help dissolve it. However, the time it takes to work – weeks to months – can have even the reasonably patient driving to the pharmacy.
28. Castor Oil : Use this on both your skin and hair for optimal results. The oil can also help with constipation, menstrual disorders, and more.
29. Mayonnaise : Coating your hair in this spread once a week can help restore its shine and manageability. Be sure to use the real kind, made of egg and oil.
30. Oatmeal : Not just a healthy breakfast, the beta glucan in real oatmeal can help your skin. Use a washcloth wrapped with oatmeal and rung into a sink to splash on your face for amazing results.
Healthy Fruit Remedies That Are Right In Your Home
That wicker basket in your home can contain a healthy remedy, along with a tasty snack.
31. Pomegranate : This super fruit can help with everything from anti-aging to fighting cancer. Simply choose a product that has pomegranate as one of the top three ingredients. This video from WebMD has more.
32. Acai Berry : Long before Oprah was touting its benefits, Acai berries were well known for their antioxidant content. These can help with free radicals, disease, and are often found in juice or granola.
33. Watermelon : Containing high levels of glutathione, the pulp in water melon is another powerful antioxidant. Because it is made up of so much water, it can also help with dehydration.
34. Grapefruit : The amount of Vitamin C alone found in this fruit is reason to eat it. However, it also contains flavonoids and other nutrients. But this fruit can also be bad for you if drenched in sweeteners.
35. Cherries : If you have arthritis or any kind of joint problem, cherries are sweeter than you think. The Arthritis Foundation recommends drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day for its anti-inflammatory properties.
36. Orange : Not just a high boaster of Vitamin C, oranges also have other uses. In fact, the peel of an orange can be rubbed against rough or dead skin as a healthy remedy.
37. Apples : It’s true that this fruit actually does keep the doctor away. Conditions it can help include prevention of cancer and Alzheimer’s, along with diabetes and cholesterol management.
38. Berries : Both raspberries and blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients that can help a number of conditions. Those with allergies should definitely give a daily dose of this fruit a try.
39. Tangerines : If you want to slow the growth of cancer cells, take a look at this home healthy remedy. Like many other brightly colored fruits, they contain the cancer fighting substance flavonoids.
40. Papaya : This fruit’s high levels of Vitamin C, E, and others help it combat a number of ailments. Anyone looking to combat a cold or cancer should reach for this.
Healthy Remedies For Your Immune System
With cold and flu season in full swing, these items found in your home can help boost your immune system.
41. Elderberry : Used to treat a Panamanian flu epidemic in 1995, its antioxidants are a powerful force. Available as a juice or supplement, it can also help with cholesterol, vision, and heart health.
42. Mushrooms : Not necessarily the ones in the backyard, but the right mushrooms contain both antioxidants and selenium to boost your immune system. The best kind are button.
43. Cabbage : Containing both antioxidants and glutathione, both help the immune system function. Don’t know which to get? Traditional, white, red, and even Chinese are all good sources of the preceding.
44. Wheat Germ : It contains both zinc and antioxidants to help fight infection, in addition to Vitamin B. Hate the taste? Then switch out part of the flour in a recipe to sneak in a little wheat germ.
45. Yogurt : The cultures found in it can both fight disease and keep them from happening. The best kind to get are those with no added sugar, low fat, and loaded with Vitamin D.
46. Spinach : Good for more than sailing cartoon characters, the folate in spinach helps cell production. It also contains fiber and Vitamin C for extra help.
47. Broccoli : Much like the above, even if you don’t like the taste of this vegetable, you’ll enjoy it more than having a compromised immune system. Full of Vitamins A, C, and D, it can help with a variety of ailments, including infection.
48. Sweet Potato : Switch out your baked or mashed potatoes for one of these to take advantage of the immune helping beta-carotene. They are also lower in carbs and contain high levels of Vitamin A for eye health.
49. Salt Water : Got a stuffy nose? Then help your immune system out by flushing your nose with salt water and removing virus particles. WebMD recommends mixing one quarter teaspoon salt, one quarter teaspoon baking soda, and eight ounces of warm water. Simply flush a few times with a bulb syringe to get results.
50. Eucalyptus : Often found in products like Vaporub, this plant can help clear congested sinuses and relieve pain. You can also use menthol or camphor as a substitute.
Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Spice Rack
These spices help make your food tasty, along with your body healthier.
51. Epsom Salt : Have you ever seen those foot detoxifier ads on television? Then save your money and instead soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt to get the same effect. It can also help in a full bath and is even useful for treating sciatica.
52. Tumeric : Part of the ginger family, it can be used for a variety of home remedies. Ailments treated include allergies, obesity, Alzheimer’s, in certain cancers, and more.
53. Sea Salt : Have trouble falling asleep? Pour a little of this into a glass of drinking water and it just may help you fall asleep and stay that way.
54. Horseradish : Anyone with a case of congestion knows that a dose of horseradish can instantly help. However, you can also apply it to acne and melasma for a natural remedy.
55. Pepper : Not only does black pepper help your food taste better, it also has other benefits. The stimulation of hydrochloric acid it stimulates can help improve digestion and reduce gas.
56. Oregano : Did you know that one teaspoon of this spice has as much antioxidants as three cups of broccoli? Simply add a little to pizza, pastas, sandwiches, and more to experience its benefits.
57. Dried Red Peppers : These can include cayenne, paprika, and others. The spices help stimulate digestion and burn fat.
58. Rosemary : This small green spice has been shown to help in heart health. It also helps reduce inflammation that can trigger many diseases.
59. Thyme : Similar to oregano, this spice is also high in antioxidants. Studies are also looking into its benefits against respiratory functions.
60. Curry : Have heart problems? Then you might have the remedy in your home’s spice rack. Made from turmeric, it contains many of the same benefits, along with help against heart disease.
Healthy Cancer Remedies That Are Right In Your Home
Although there is no cure for cancer, use the below to both fight and prevent it without ever leaving your home.
61. Legumes : Use this hearty vegetable as a meat substance to get the protein benefits without the price. You can also use beans, lentils, and the like as well.
62. Soy : This substitute also has the same benefits as the above. Varieties such as tofu and miso also contain cancer combating nutrients called phytochemicals.
63. Tomatoes : Because they contain high levels of lycopene, they can reduce risk of cancer. Try a tomato paste or sauce to get the most amounts.
64. Fish : Healthy varieties such as wild salmon, tuna, and halibut contain many cancer fighting substances such as oil. They also contain cancer fighting selenium that can be dangerous as a supplement but useful in fish.
65. Orange Juice : Containing high levels of folate and Vitamin C, it can help combat cancer. Be sure and get a healthy variety that isn’t overloaded with sugar.
66. Curcumin : This spice is also part of the turmeric family. Sprinkle a little into your next dish to enjoy it’s cancer fighting and anti inflammatory aspects.
67. Walnuts : The antioxidants and oils in these nuts can help prevent or stave off cancer. You can also substitute pistachio, pecan, and other nuts for similar benefits.
68. Cauliflower : Along with broccoli, this vegetable helps create sulforaphane in the body to protect healthy cells from cancerous ones. It is also recommended to grow it in your own home.
69. Sunshine : Get your dose of Vitamin D right from your home with this simple remedy. Simply expose at least 40% of your body to ten minutes of natural sunlight to get it.
70. Tea : Containing nutrients called kaempferol, a cup or four of tea a day can help combat cancer. To find out which kind are the best, see the below.
Healthy Tea Remedies That Are Right In Your Home
Switch out your coffee for one or all of the below to instantly get a healthy remedy.
71. Green Tea : For its high content of both antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea gets the top spot. It can help fight cancer, stimulate metabolism, boost your immune system, and much more.
72. Tea Bags : You don’t just have to drink it to enjoy the benefits. Putting warm tea bags over your eyes can help reduce and alleviate pink eye.
73. White Tea : A cousin of green tea, it helps fight viruses and bacteria. Read this article for more information on a study done at Touro College.
74. Black Tea : If looking to combat heart disease and stroke, check your home for black tea. It even contains fluoride to aid in dental health.
75. Oolong : Burn calories, increase blood flow, and build stronger bones with the help of this tea. It can also help with an upset stomach.
76. Chai Tea : This tea also contains antioxidants and can help in digestion. It can even be found at your local Starbucks as a hot or cold beverage.
77. Vanilla Tea : This tea is an excellent choice for diabetics. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it can help control blood sugar levels.
78. Red Tea : Most popular in Africa, this tea contains flavonoids that are useful against many ailments. It also helps with the nervous system, kidney stones, and can even be used as a sedative.
79. Chamomile : If you suffer from nervous disorders such as insomnia, panic attacks, and twitches, give this tea a try. It also helps with menstrual cramps and ulcers.
80. Tibicos : Think you can’t get tea from a mushroom? Then try this ancient and little known tea to cure endless ailments and has been used by the likes of Mother Theresa.
Healthy Remedies For Unusual Problems
Right in your home may be the answer to that embarrassing or unusual health problem.
81. Bananas : Got a hangover? Grab a banana. Better than a cup of black coffee, bananas contain potassium, which was depleted during that long night of drinking. They can also help with upset stomach and nausea.
82. Peanut Butter : Try eating some of this before drinking to stave off the hangover. This practice is most commonly found in Africa.
83. Tomato Juice : The last of the hangover remedies, there’s a reason why the Bloody Mary is the hair-of-the-dog drink of choice. The tomato juice contained in it actually helps your body speed up the process of alcohol. And, of course, it works best when there is no vodka in it.
84. Lemon Juice : If you have diarrhea and can’t leave the house to purchase an over the counter remedy, try reaching for those lemons. The juice in them can kill of the pathogens that cause it. Drinking the juice of one lemon three to five times a day should do it.
85. Powdered Milk : This substance carries the antibodies of the E. coli bacteria that can cause diarrhea and a host of other health problems. Some health food stores carry special kinds just for this kind of problem.
86. Gingkgo Biloba : Used as an herbal remedy for cardiac patients, it can also help with erectile dysfunction. The herb can improve blood flow to the arteries in the effected area.
87. Ginseng : This Asian herb is also used to treat the above. Be sure not to mix the two.
88. Licorice : Because women have embarrassing problems too, use the above to help treat yeast infections. Pouring teaspoon of licorice powder into a pint of boiling water can make a homemade douche.
89. Cranberry Juice : Also used to treat the above, the juice can even help with urinary tract infections. Be sure to get an unsweetened, 100% juice kind.
90. 24 More : For more on this health problem, click here to get a list of ways to treat and prevent if from How Stuff Works.
Lesser Known Healthy Remedies That Are Right In Your Home
When you think of the below, home healthy remedy doesn’t come to mind but should.
91. Bacteria : You read that correctly. Friendly bacteria in your intestines can actually help keep the more dangerous variety out. A variety of probiotics purchased over the counter can help. Check out this video from a licensed nutritionist for more.
92. Oysters : Because raw oysters are often seen to cause more problems than they solve, the benefits usually go unnoticed. However, the zinc found in oysters can help stave of the flu, heal wounds, and yes, increase male fertility.
93. Wine : The polyphenols found in wine actually can act as an antibacterial agent. They can help with everything from flu to diarrhea. Drinking more than one glass of red or white wine, however, can do more harm than good.
94. Ice : If you have a black eye, putting a steak on it can actually make it worse. The raw meat can contain high levels of bacteria and cause an infection. A plain old ice pack will have to do.
95. Black Strap Molasses : This lesser known healthy remedy contains tons of nutrients including iron, calcium, and copper. It is said to help with everything from arthritis to going prematurely gray.
96. Beer : Another correct read, studies have shown that one to two glasses of beer a day can reduce the risk of stroke and other heart disease. The type and brand you drink doesn’t matter, and you can visit AskMen for more.
97. Tequila : Can a shot of tequila be good for you? According to Associated Content it can. A moderate amount can help with cholesterol, metabolism, and even stress. As with all alcohol, addiction can also develop.
98. Cayenne Pepper : You don’t have to be from Cajun country to enjoy the healthy remedy of cayenne pepper. Simply mix with water and drink to cure a sore throat. Repeat as necessary.
99. Vodka : Vodka can make a very healthy remedy straight from your home without ever having to drink it. Use it topically to cure toothaches, neutralize jellyfish stings, and even combat swimmer’s ear. Visit here to learn more.
100. Tobacco : Use this for more than a nicotine fix the next time you have a bee sting. Simply pinch off the end of a cigarette, wet, and place it on the sting to relieve it.

www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/comment-page-1

One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama orBreathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. The Yogis realized the importance of an adequate oxygen supply thousands of years ago that is why they developed and perfected various Breathing Techniques that will help to revitalize the mind and the body.

Pranayama - the science of breath control, consist a series of exercises intended to meet these needs and to keep the body in vibrant health.

• Proper Breathing in a Yogic point of view is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control prana or the vital life energy.
• These techniques have also proved to help the prevention of major diseases and cure minor illnesses.

Breathing is important for two basic reasons.

• It is the only means of supplying our bodies and its various organs with oxygen which is vital for our health.

• Breathing is one of the ways to get rid of waste products and toxins from our body.

Why Oxygen is so vital?

• Oxygen is the most vital nutrient in our bodies.

• It is essential for the proper and efficient functioning of the brain, nerves, Glands and other internal organs.

• We can survive without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen we will die within a few minutes.

• If the brain does not get proper supply of this essential nutrient, it will cause degradation of all the vital organs of the body.

• The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. If it doesn’t get enough, the result is mental sluggishness, negative thoughts, depression and, eventually, vision and hearing declines. Oxygen supply in our body, however, declines as we get older and if we live a poor lifestyle.

Oxygen purifies the blood stream
One of the major secrets of energy and rejuvenation is a purified blood stream. The quickest and most effective way to purify the blood stream is by taking in extra supplies of oxygen from the air we breathe. The Breathing Exercises described in this website are the most effective methods ever devised for saturating the blood with extra oxygen. So here are a few things about what oxygen do to our body:

• Oxygen recharges the body’s batteries (the solar plexus).

• Most of our energy requirements come, not from food, but from the air we breathe.

• By purifying the blood stream, every part of the body benefits, as well as the mind.

• Rejuvenation of the skin will start to occur.

• Scientists have discovered that the chemical basis of energy production in the body is a chemical called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). If something goes wrong with the production of ATP, the result is lowered vitality, disease and premature aging.

• Scientists have also discovered that oxygen is critical for the production of ATP; in fact, it is in fact its most vital component.

• The work done at Baylor University in the USA has shown that you can reverse Arterial Disease in monkeys by infusing oxygen into the diseased arteries.

• Yoga permits us to tap into this vital nutrient.

Importance of Healthy Breathing
We know how to breathe. It is something that occurs automatically, spontaneously, and naturally. We are breathing even when we are not aware of it. So it seems foolish to think that one can be told how to breathe. Yet, one’s breathing becomes modified and restricted in various ways, not just momentarily but habitually. We develop unhealthy habits without being aware of it. For example:

• We tend to assume positions such as slouching that diminishes lung capacity to function properly, which result to shortened breaths.

• We also live in social conditions that are not good for the health of our Respiratory System.

• A normally sedentary person, when confronted with a perplexing problem, tends to lean forward, draw his arms together, and bend his head down. All these body postures result to reduced lung capacity. However, we also tend to have some bad habits that affect our breathing and here are a few reasons.

• As our duties, responsibilities and their attendant problems become more demanding; we develop habits of forgetting to breathe.

• The more we concentrate on something, the tenser the muscles become. This leads to the contraction of the muscles in your arms, neck and chest.

• The muscles that move the thorax and control inhalation and muscular tenseness clamp down and restrict the exhalation.

• The breaths become shorter and shorter.

• After an extended period of intense focusing, the whole system seems to be frozen in a certain posture.

• We become fatigued from the decreased circulation of blood and from the decreased availability of oxygen for the blood because we have almost stopped breathing.

Try an experiment suggested by Swami Vishnudevananda:

1. Focus attention upon the ticks of a clock placed at a distance of about twelve feet.

1. If you get distracted, try concentrating harder until you experience the ticking with undivided attention.

1. If you fail at first, you should try again and again until you succeed in keeping the ticking clearly in mind for at least a few seconds.

What happened? The majority of persons who took part in this experiment reported that they have completely suspended the breath. The others, who concentrated less, reported that they experienced very slow breathing.

This experiment shows clearly that where there is concentration of the mind, the breathing becomes very slow or even gets suspended temporarily.

What’s Wrong with the Way We Breathe?

• Our breathing is too shallow and too quick.

• We are not taking in sufficient oxygen and we are not eliminating sufficient carbon dioxide. As a result, our bodies are oxygen starved, and a toxic build-up occurs. Every cell in the body requires oxygen and our level of vitality is just a product of the health of all the cells.

• Shallow breathing does not exercise the lungs enough, so they lose some of their function, causing a further reduction in vitality.

• Animals which breathe slowly live the longest; the elephant is a good example. We need to breathe more slowly and deeply.

• Quick shallow breathing results in oxygen starvation which leads to reduced vitality, premature ageing, poor immune system and a myriad of other factors.

Why Is Our Breath Fast and Shallow?
There are several reasons why our breath becomes fast and shallow. The major reasons are:

• We are in a hurry most of the time. Our movements and breathing follow this pattern.

• The increasing stress of modern living makes us breathe more quickly and less deeply.

• We get too emotional too easily.

• We get easily excited or angry, and most of the time, we suffer from Anxiety due to worry.

These negative emotional states affect the rate of breathing, causing it to be fast and shallow. On the other hand here are some other reasons due to unknown wrong breathing habit.

• Modern technology and automation reduces our need for physical activity. There is less need to breathe deeply, so we develop the shallow breathing habit.

• We are working indoors more and more. This increases our exposure to pollution. As a result, the body instinctively inhales less air to protect itself from pollution.

• The body just takes in enough air to tick over.

As we go through life, these bad breathing habits we picked up become part of our lives. Unless we do something to reverse these habits, we can suffer permanent problems. The good news is that these are reversible. The bad news is that before we can change these habits, we should recognize and accept that our behavior needs to be changed. This means that we see for ourselves the benefits of good BreathingTechniques.

Certainly, Yoga is not the only way to cope with stress and the resultant drop of oxygen supply in the brain brought on by constricted breathing. Smoking, taking a coffee break, going to the restroom, or a good laugh may all result into some readjustment of constricted breathing patterns. These can be thought of as “mini yoga”, we can benefit by taking or seeking more breaks, trips or jokes. But people whose occupations continue to be highly stressful, something more will be needed. Deep Breathing Exercises and stretching of muscles, especially those primarily concerned with controlling inhalation and exhalation, should be sought. Participation in active sports will also be useful. Going for a walk is very good. For those experiencing restricted breathing at night, morning exercises should be actively pursued.

The Effects of Shallow Breathing
Shallow breathing can result to:

• Reduced vitality, since oxygen is essential for the production of energy in the body

• Susceptibility to diseases. Our resistance to disease is reduced since oxygen is essential for healthy cells. This means we catch more Colds and develop other ailments more easily.

• With our ‘normal’ sedentary way of living, we only use about one tenth of our total lung capacity. This is sufficient to survive and just tick over, but not sufficient for a high vitality level, long life and high resistance to disease.

• Poor oxygen supply affects all parts of the body. When an acute circulation blockage deprives the heart of oxygen, this will result to heart attack while a stroke is the result of poor oxygen supply in the brain.

• Scientists have known for a long time that there exists a strong connection between Respiration and Mental States. Improper breathing produces diminished mental ability. The outcome is true also. It is known that mental tensions produce restricted breathing.

• Some research made regarding various heart diseases and cancer due to lack of oxygen supply in the body.

• For a long time, lack of oxygen has been considered a major cause of cancer. Even way back as 1947, a study done in Germany showed that when oxygen was withdrawn, normal body cells could turn into cancer cells.

• Similar research has been done with heart disease. It showed that lack of oxygen is a major cause of heart disease, Stroke and cancer.

• Modem science agrees with the Ancient Yogis on the subject of shallow breathing.

• An editorial in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine suggested that fast, shallow breathing can cause: Fatigue, sleep disorders, Anxiety, stomach upsets, heartburn, gas, muscle cramps, dizziness, visual problems, chest pain and heart palpitations.

• Scientists have also found that a lot of people who believe they have Heart Disease are really suffering from improper breathing.

• Old people and those whose arteries are clogged often become senile and vague because the supply of oxygen towards the brain is reduced. They get irritated very quickly.

• People who have sedentary jobs and spend most of the day in offices have oxygen starved brains and their bodies are just ‘getting by’. They feel tired, nervous, Iirritable, and are not very productive. On top of that, they sleep badly at night so they get a bad start for the next day and this cycle continues.

• This situation also lowers their immune system, making them susceptible to catching Colds, flu and other Allergies.

Importance of Breathing through the Nose

• The first rule for correct breathing is that we should breathe through the nose.

• This may seem obvious, but many people breathe principally through the mouth.

• Mouth breathing can adversely affect the development of the Thyroid Gland, and can retard the mental development of children.

• Pathogens can also enter the lungs through mouth breathing that makes it impossible to be healthy. It is easy to break the habit of breathing through the mouth. Just keep your mouth closed and you will automatically breathe through your nose.

• The nose has various defense mechanisms to prevent impurities and excessively cold air entering the body.

• At the entrance to the nose, a screen of hairs traps dust, tiny insects and other particles that may injure the lungs if you breathe through the mouth.

• After the entrance of the nose, there is a long winding passage lined with mucus membranes, where excessively cool air is warmed and very fine dust particles that escaped the hair screen are caught.

• In the inner nose are glands which fight off any bacilli which have slipped through the other defenses. The inner nose also contains the olfactory organ-our sense of smell. This detects any poisonous gases around that may injure our health.

• The Yogis believe that the olfactory organ has another function: the absorption of Prana from the air.If you breathe through the mouth all the time, as many people do, you are cheating yourself of all this free energy (Prana).

  The Yogis say this is a major factor in lowered resistance to disease and impairs the functioning of your vital glands and nervous system.

  The Ancient Yogis knew the importance of correct breathing and developed techniques not only to increase Health and life span, but also to attain super conscious states.

Therefore, Yoga proves to have beneficial effect on the body if done with proper breathing. However, proper breathing should also be practiced and must be done habitually.

Ayurvedic texts recommend the principle of opposites for reducing the level of a dosha that has become aggravated. Since the characteristics of Kapha include heaviness, softness, sweetness, cold, stability and unctuousness, qualities that are opposite to these in diet and lifestyle help restore balance to Kapha dosha.

Dietary recommendations

Include a few dry foods in your daily diet to balance the oily nature of Kapha, foods that are nourishing but light to counter the heaviness of Kapha and warm foods with a zing to them to balance the sweet, cold quality of Kapha. So what exactly does this mean in terms of foods you should choose and foods you should stay away from? Here are some specific dietary tips:

1. If you need to balance Kapha, choose ghee, in very small quantities, as your cooking medium. Ghee can be heated to high temperatures without affecting its nourishing, healing qualities, so use ghee to sauté vegetables, spices or other foods. Steaming foods and then adding a mixture of spices sautéed in very little ghee is best. In general, avoid too many oily foods.

2. Light, warming foods help balance Kapha. Clear vegetable soups with beans and diced vegetables, stews made with Kapha-balancing vegetables, bean casseroles, dhal soups and light grain/vegetable combinations are ideal for balancing Kapha, especially when combined with Kapha balancing spices. Stay away from too much salt and instead infuse dishes with fresh herbs and spices for flavor.

3. The three ayurvedic tastes that help balance Kapha are pungent, bitter and astringent, so include more of these tastes in your daily diet. Apples, garbanzo beans cooked with Kapha-balancing spices or steamed broccoli or cauliflower with a light olive oil and spice mixture make healthy Kapha-pacifying snacks. Eat less of the salty, sweet and sour tastes.

4. Dry cereal, salt-free crackers and rice cakes balance the liquid nature of Kapha dosha and make good snacks. However, eat snacks in moderation if you are trying to balance Kapha, and avoid sugary snacks. Honey in small quantities is the recommended sweetener.

5. Carrots, asparagus, okra, bitter leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, daikon radish and bitter gourdare good vegetable choices. They become more digestible when chopped and cooked with Kapha-pacifying spices. Vegetables can be combined with lighter grains or mung beans for satisfying one-dish meals. Avoid nightshades. Fresh green chili peppers and fresh ginger root add flavor while balancing Kapha.

6. Choose lighter whole grains, and eat grains in moderation. Barley, buckwheat, millet and couscous are good choices. If you choose heavier grains, such as rice or wheat, eat very small quantities.

7. Zesty warming spices are wonderful for balancing Kapha. Ayurvedic spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, black pepper, dried ginger, asafetida (hing), cloves and fenugreek offer flavor, aroma and healing wisdom.

8. Drink lassi infused with digestion-enhancing spices and herbs with lunch and lots of warm water through the day to help flush toxins from the body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_6jKJYSGiU

Instructions

1. Lying on the floor with the arms along side the body with the palms down, bend the knees and kick and rock the legs up and back, bringing the bent knees to the forehead and placing the hands under the hips.

2. Slowly straighten the legs, reaching the toes to the floor over the head.

3. When the toes touch the floor, you can release the arms into one of three positions: a) along the floor, palms down behind your back; b) interlace the fingers behind your back and gently squeeze the shoulder blades together; c) slide the arms over your head and hold onto the toes.

4. Breathe and hold for 4-10 breaths.

5. To release: bend the knees back to the head, and carefully and slowly roll the spine back onto the floor.

Benefits + Don’t Use If

Benefits: Plow pose improves circulation of blood and lymph, stimulates the thyroid and immune system and releases stress and tension in the shoulders and back.

Don’t Use If: Recent or chronic shoulder, neck or back injury or inflammation, unmedicated high blood pressure, menstruation, pregnancy (after 1st trimester).

Balancing Table 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d79ZxEgZu7Q

Instructions

1. On your hands and knees in Table pose, inhale the right leg up parallel to the floor, reaching the toes towards the back wall.  

2. Starring at a point between the palms, slowly inhale the left arm up parallel to the floor, reaching the fingers towards the front wall.

3. Breathe and hold for 3-6 breaths.

4. To release: slowly exhale the left arm down, and then lower the knee down, back into table position.

5. Repeat on other side.

Benefits + Don’t Use If

Benefits: Balancing Table pose improves balance, memory, focus and coordination. This posture builds core body strength and lengthens the spine.

Don’t Use If: Recent or chronic injury to the knees, back, arms or shoulders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXrhrG7pctk

Instructions

1. From Mountain pose, step the legs 3-4 feet apart into Five Pointed Star. With a flat back exhale forward bringing the palms to the floor under the shoulders.

2. Use the arms to pull the forehead down towards the floor, bending the elbows towards the back wall. Press into the feet, lengthening the legs to press the hips up toward the ceiling.

3. Feel the spine being pulled in opposite directions as you press the head down and lift the hips up.

4. Breathe and hold for 3-8 breaths.

5. To release, reach the arms out to the sides and inhale back up into 5 pointed star.

Benefits + Don’t Use If..

Benefits: Wide-Legged Forward Bend pose lengthens the spinal column and stretches the backs of the legs and the back muscles.

Don’t use if..: Recent or chronic injury to the legs, hips, back or shoulders.

Child Pose

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V22xxybieHk

Instructions

1. From Table pose, exhale and lower the hips to the heels and forehead to the floor. Have the knees together or if more comfortable, spread the knees slightly apart.

2. The arms can be overhead with the palms on the floor, the palms or fists can be stacked under the forehead, or the arms can be along side the body with the palms up.

3. Breathe slowly and deeply, actively pressing the belly against the thighs on the inhale.

4. Breathe and hold for 4-12 breaths.

5. To release: place the palms under the shoulders and slowly inhale up to a seated position.

Benefits + Don’t Use If..

Benefits: Child pose calms the body, mind and spirit and stimulates the third eye point. Child pose gently stretches the low back, massages and tones the abdominal organs, and stimulates digestion and elimination.

Don’t Use If: Recent or chronic injury to the knees.

Upward Facing Dog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVavcaTyQ-Y

Instructions

1. From Table pose, slowly drop the hips forward toward the floor.

2. Press palms down into the floor, drop the shoulders down and back, press the chest forward and reach the crown of the head up towards the ceiling.

3. Inhale and lift thighs and legs off of the floor by pressing the tops of the feet down and engaging mula bandha.

4. Breathe and hold for 1-3 breaths.

5. To release: bend the knees and lift the hips back up into table position

Benefits + Don’t Use If

Benefits: Upward Facing Dog opens the chest and strengthens the whole body. Up dog aligns the spine and invigorates the kidneys and nervous system.

Don’t Use If: Recent or chronic injury to the back, hips, arms or shoulders, pregnancy and recent abdominal surgery.

Crescent Moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8HrUO600bE

Instructions

1. From Mountain pose, interlace the fingers, pointing the index finger up over the head, press the feet into the floor and reach the fingers and crown up while relaxing the shoulders down and back.

2. Exhale and press the right hip out to the side, arching over to the left. Keep the feet grounded and the legs and buttocks engaged. Reach up and out through the fingers and crown.

3. Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.

4. To release: inhale and press into the feet as you reach the fingers back up towards the ceiling.

5. Repeat on other side.

Benefits + Don’t Use If

Benefits: Crescent Moon pose deeply stretches and opens the sides of the body and improves core body strength, balance and concentration. Half moon strengthens the ankles and knees, improves circulation and energizes the entire body.

Don’t Use If: Recent or chronic injury to the hips, back or shoulders.

Warrior 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlyJfm1Gd3w

Instructions

1. From Mountain pose, step the right foot a foot lengths forward and shift all of your weight onto this leg.

2. Inhale the arms over your head and interlace the fingers, pointing the index finger up.

3. As you exhale, lift the left leg up and out, hinging at the hips to lower the arms and torso down towards the floor.

4. Look down at the floor and stare at a point for balance. Reach out through the left toes and the crown and fingers making one straight line.

5. Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.

6. To release: inhale the arms up to lower the leg back to the floor and step both feet together back into Mountain pose.

7. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits + Don’t Use If

Benefits: Warrior III improves balance, memory and concentration, and tones and invigorates the whole body.

Don’t Use If: Recent or chronic injury to the legs, hips, back or shoulders.

Vata = 9

Pitta = 6

Kapha = 12

http://www.naturdoctor.com/Chapters/Quiz/AyurvedicQuiz.html

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Kapha constitution.

	Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced
	Affectionate and loving
	Forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental nature Stable and reliable; faithful
	Physically strong and with a sturdy, heavier build
	Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive
	Slow moving and graceful
	Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process
	Slower to learn, but never forgets; outstanding long-term memory
	Soft hair and skin; tendency to have large “soft” eyes and a low, soft voice
	Tend toward being overweight; may also suffer from sluggish digestion
	Prone to heavy, oppressive depressions
	More self-sufficient, need less outward stimulation than do the other types A mild, gentle, and essentially undemanding approach to life
	Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance
	Excellent health, strong resistance to disease
	Slow to anger; strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings
	Not easily upset and can be a point of stability for others
	Tend to be possessive and hold on to things, people, money; good savers. Don’t like cold, damp weather
	Physical problems include colds and congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Physical Features

People of kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. There is, however, a strong tendency for these individuals to carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and broad. The veins and tendons of kapha people are not obvious because of their thick skin and their muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent.

Their complexions are fair and bright. The skin is soft, lustrous and oily, it is also cold and pale. The hair is thick, dark, soft and wavy. The eyes are dense and black or blue: the white of the eye is generally very white, large and attractive.

Physiologically, kapha people have regular appetites. Due to slow digestion, they tend to consume less food. They crave pungent, bitter and astringent foods. Stools are soft and may be pale in color: evacuation is slow. Their perspiration is moderate. Sleep is sound and prolonged. There is a strong vital capacity evidenced by good stamina, and kapha people are generally healthy, happy and peaceful.

Psychologically, they tend to be tolerant, calm, forgiving and loving: however, they also exhibit traits of greed, attachment, envy and possessiveness. Their comprehension is slow but definite: once they understand something, that knowledge is retained.

Kapha people tend to be wealthy. They earn money and are good at holding on to it.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.

	Creativity, mental quickness
	Highly imaginative
	Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget
	Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
	Slenderness; lightest of the three body types
	Talk and walk quickly
	Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates
	Excitable, lively, fun personality
	Changeable moods
	Irregular daily routine
	Variable appetite and digestive efficiency
	High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert
	Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance
	Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance
	Tendency to act on impulse
	Often have racing, disjointed thoughts
	Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don’t perspire much
	Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

Physical Features

People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible. The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked.

Vata people generally are either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development. The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lusterless. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and turned-up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata people loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They have a tendency to perspire less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.

Vata people tend to earn money quickly and also to spend it quickly. Thus, they tend to remain poor.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Pitta body type.

	Medium physique, strong, well-built
	Sharp mind, good concentration powers
	Orderly, focused
	Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance
	Competitive, enjoy challenges
	Passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas
	Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal
	Like to be in command
	When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry
	Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily
	Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair
	Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired
	Perspire a lot
	Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated
	Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech
	Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian
	Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects
	Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger
	Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.

Physical Features

These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair. The skin is soft, warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may be gray, green or cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well.

Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.

They are ambitious people who generally like to be leaders. Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well-off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions.