Ditch the sugary gatorade and naturally replenish your electrolytes with these foods.

A guide to Syncing with your Cycle Cycle Syncing is the practice of naturally balancing hormones by structuring our life around the four phases of our menstrual cycle. This includes the foods we eat, how we exercise, the way we work, socialize, and interact with the world. Cycling Syncing is tre

Yoga mudras regulate energy flow into the body and help treat several ailments. Click here to learn about the different types of yoga mudras for ailments.

This infographic was inspired by “Karuna Reiki® Symbols” article. Click the image below for full size. For the printable PDF version, see the link at the end of the article. To download this as a PDF chart, right click here and choose Save Link As… (depending on your browser, it might be called Save target as…, Save as…, or ... Read More about [Infographic] Karuna Reiki® Symbols Explained

Smooth away bloating with these soothing yoga stretches.

Keeping your digestive system health in this world is not always easy. Meditation, probiotics, and exercise are good places to start.

Imagine a cauldron gently resting over a warm fire. This is how Chinese medicine views the center of the body. A healthy, strong digestion and metabolism rely on keeping this fire burning, which means supporting the warming or Yang energies of the Spleen and ultimately the Kidneys. In Chinese Medicine, the Spleen corresponds not only to how we digest and process food, but also how we digest and process thoughts. So even if we consume high quality organic foods, too ...

YOGA FLOW & MEDITATION: "Stop asking 'Why am I stuck in this situation?' and start asking, 'What do I need to learn from this situation?"

Knowing if you have low levels of nitric oxide requires seeing the signs. Here are the top nitric oxide deficiency symptoms to look for.

Deficient Kidney Yin and Excess Liver Yang Imbalance In the case of a hypertensive patient, the heart is impacted as a result of an imbalance of Deficient Kidney Yin and Excess Liver Yang. The hypertension manifests from excessive stress and over-thinking, which lead to the Deficient Kidney. As a result the patient craves salty foods. The salty diet creates a rennin imbalance in the kidney, which gives rise to the Deficient Kidney. When the body experiences emotional tension, adrenaline is released, heart rate speeds up, blood vessels then narrow and blood pressure increases. With the consumption of a fat-laden diet, the Liver organ is overburdened, a build-up of plaque occurs, blood vessel electricity is reduced, and the patient experiences high blood pressure. If the Kidney Yin is Deficient, it fails to properly nourish the Liver Yin and thus leads to the hyperactive Liver Yang. In addition to hypertension, the patient also manifests feelings of fullness in the head, daydreaming headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia and dysphoria with feverish sensations in the chest. In this post I will discuss alternative holistic suggestions for blood pressure control like Acupressure, Qigong, Meditations, Healing Sounds and Food Ideas. Medical Qigong Treatment A Doctor of Medical Qigong treats hypertension with a sequence of techniques to purge and cleanse the Excess Liver Yin energy. Next, Qi emission is directed to tonify the insufficient Kidney Yin energy. It is important to open and lead the stagnant unprocessed emotions to the patients lower Dantian while rooting their Qi. Short inhalation breaths and long exhalation breaths facilitate this process, as well as showing the patient an image that they are floating in warm, calm water pouring down over their head, torso, extremities and feet. The Qigong Doctor then completes the treatment by regulating the Yin and Yang energies into a balanced state. The Qigong Doctor may prescribe self-therapy via meditations, toning specific resonating sounds into the organs, and Qigong exercises. Good Qigong exercises to practice is "Pulling down heavens" or "Pressing Up to the Heavens with Two Hands". I have a detailed description of this "Pressing Up to the Heavens" exercise in my post - 8 Exercises for Fitness, Healing, and Longevity - Part 1 Also Standing Qigong (Zhan Zhuang) is a great practice to reduce stress. I have detailed explanation of this practice in posts below: Standing Qigong produced superior results What is stronger Qigong or Coffee for an instant “hit”? Zhan Zhuang - Foundation of Internal Martial Arts Pulling Down Heavens Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart, feet facing forward and parallel to each other. Bend your knees slightly so that you can achieve a firm yet comfortable stance. You should still be able to look down as see your feet past your knees if you are doing this correctly. Tilt the pelvis forward to lengthen and flatten the spine. Allow the arms to hang loosely at your sides, palms facing inward. There should be a small space (chicken egg-sized) in your armpits. Relax the shoulders and let them sink downward. Make the chest concave in shape and relaxed (opposite of “military stance” with the chest pushed out). Imagine that you head is suspended from on high by a thread. Tilt the chin toward the chest to further lengthen the spine. Close the mouth and lightly place the tip of the tongue at the upper palate where it meets the teeth. Breathe through the nose. Use abdominal breathing, allowing the lower abdomen to expand with inhalation and contract with exhalation. Breath deeply at a rate that feels comfortable (the slower, the better). Close your eyes or keep them only slightly open with a gaze not fixed on anything specific. Take another inhalation and with the palms facing the ground, raise your arms upwards at your sides and imagine that you are pulling golden-yellow Earth Qi into your palms and into your body. Continue inhaling and when your arms reach shoulder level, turn the palms upward, now gathering white light Heavenly Qi and pulling it into your palms and your body. Once your hands are at their peak above your head, conclude the inhalation and turn the palms again to face the top of your head. As you begin to exhale, allow the hands to float downward and direct the golden Earth and white Heavenly Qi into the top of your head. As you continue to exhale, direct the Qi into all the parts of you body as your hands float downward in a continuous motion, palms facing your body or facing the ground. Allow the hands to come to rest just above the knees at your sides and end the exhalation. Repeat 5 to 9 times. This qigong exercise can be performed by anyone, anywhere. A standing posture is preferable but it can easily be accomplished while sitting as well. Feel free to give it a try today. Qigong involves the use of certain sounds that are believed to promote healing in different organs. According to Deborah Davis, author of "Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity," the healing sounds related to the kidney and liver can help regulate blood pressure. KIDNEY HEALING EXERCISE Davis recommends practicing the healing sounds six times for each organ. As you intone the sound, extend the exhale to promote the release of toxins from the body. The kidney healing sound is pronounced "chu-ay." Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder width, knees slightly bent. As you inhale, place your palms on your lower back and draw them upward, warming the area around the kidneys. Exhale and move your palms back down. Repeat three times. On the fourth time, squat as you exhale and intone the sound "chu-ay." Circle your arms out in front of you at chest level. Holding the arms at heart level allows blood and qi to flow freely in the chest, helping to regulate heart function. At the end of your exhalation, stand up and relax your arms by your side. Repeat the entire sequence three to six times. CDs and Books on Healing Sounds The Six Healing Sounds: Taoist Techniques Six Healing Sounds with Lisa and Ted Six Healing Sounds All Natural Kidney Restoration Program LIVER HEALING EXERCISE The exercise for the liver healing sound also involves holding the arms at chest level. The liver healing sound is "shuu," pronounced "shoe." As you exhale, hold the "sh" sound, adding "uu" at the end of the exhalation. As you stand, place the backs of your hands together, fingertips pointing downward. Bend your elbows so your hands line up with your lower abdomen. Inhale, then exhale and draw your hands upward toward your chest. Continue raising your arms upward, then open them outward and stretch them to the side, palms up. Lift your face and chest to the sky. Circle your arms forward, this time with palms upward. Fold your arms and fists inward, squeezing the air out of your chest. Release your arms and open your fists, turning your forearms and palms to the ground. The entire movement should be performed on the exhalation as you voice the healing sound. Inhale, pressing down, and return your hands to the starting position. Repeat a total of six times. BEAR STRETCHING Davis also recommends an exercise called bear stretching to strengthen the heart and reduce blood pressure. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly and comfortably bent. Inhale, bringing your fists to your waist, palm side up. As you exhale, lower into a squat and punch your arms out to the sides. On your next inhale, bring your fists back to your waist while remaining in a squat. Finally, exhale and you stand up, punching your fists forward at chin level to form a "V." Complete the full cycle eight times. Liu Zi Jue: Six Sounds Approach to Qigong Breathing Exercises [With Instructional DVD] (Chinese Health Qigong) It's very important in treatment of Blood Pressure to Increase your oxygen intake. I cannot stress this enough. It is a known fact we cannot survive more than a few minutes without oxygen. Without sufficient oxygen our cells — particularly brain cells begin to die. One way to increase our oxygen intake is to get plenty of fresh air. In China, millions of people practice Qigong in the parks every morning at the crack of dawn. Running water and fresh vegetation are excellent primary sources for negative ions that clean and freshen the air. That is why we enjoy practicing Qigong out in nature, particularly near running water, such as rivers, streams, brooks and waterfalls, and near fresh dense vegetation, such as in parks, forests and jungles. That is also the reason we avoid exercising outside on windy days or just before it's going to rain. Such times are when the air is dense with positive ions that create "bad chi" and stress-related illnesses. On such days, practice Qigong indoors with an ion generator in the room. A negative ion generator creates negative ions, attracting dust particles and contaminants in the air and filtering them out, making the air smell fresh and clean, just like after a recent thunderstorm. It also clears the air of positive ions, which are contraindicative to good health, creating ill humor and irritability, leading to hypertension and other stress-related illnesses. Finally, practice Qigong/Yogic breathing. All Qigong exercises are accompanied by diaphragmatic breathing, which increases the efficiency of oxygen consumption and circulation in the blood. The easiest and most common method is diaphragmatic breathing. Also inappropriately dubbed "belly breathing," diaphragmatic breathing expands the lungs to its fullest capacity by pulling down the membranous diaphragm located just below the rib cage, separating the thoracic cavity and the abdomen. To practice diaphragmatic breathing, imagine filling up your belly with air as you inhale: your abdomen expands, pulling down the diaphragm and allowing your lungs to expand and fill up with life-giving oxygen. As you exhale, imagine a balloon deflating: let your belly collapse as you breathe out. Practice this purposefully until it becomes natural and automatic. Diaphragmatic breathing will increase your oxygen intake up to ten times more efficiently, enabling you to breathe more slowly and more deeply, because more oxygen is getting into your system. More oxygen in the blood means more energy, more efficient organ function and less stress. Your body secretes less stress-producing cortisol — too much of this hormone can lead to anxiety, depression, hypertension and other stress-related diseases. Here are some great Breathing exercises and Meditations: Lungs Qigong - Lungs and Heaven connection Controlled Breathing and Five-Finger Exercise Qigong Breathing and Qigong for Relaxation Breathing Meditation to Balance your Emotions My favorite Meditation for Self-Healing by Yogi Bhajan Breathing exercise to overcome all of your physical shortcomings Also try Bliss Meditation Meditation to receive Universal Love Chinese Exercises and Herbs to ease Depression That's it — fresh air, negative ions and yogic breathing to promote increased oxygen intake. It’s been found that up to 90% of people with clinical high blood pressure or heart disease actually breathe opposite to the recommended deep abdominal breath method. This ‘reverse’ breathing can put strain on your system and cause constriction of the blood vessels, so it’s a good idea to develop the habit of abdominal breathing, instead. Stagnant Energy Melting Meditation The following qigong meditation is easy to do and is quite effective at calming your nervous system and helping to lower your blood pressure. Sit in a relaxed posture, with your spine aligned and elongated. Imagine the feeling of warm water or slightly cool water pouring down over your head, upper torso, arms, mid and lower torso, legs, and feet. As the water flows down, feel that it takes with it all the tension and excess heat from your body. When the water reaches your feet, let it continue downward, flowing into the earth. You can do this exercise a few times throughout the day, for 36 breaths each session. Stimulating the Bubbling Well Point The next exercise is also easy. It has the effect of bringing upward-rising energy down, as well as tonifying the meridian that is in charge of your life energy. In a seated position, repeatedly rub the sole of each foot, specifically the area between the arch and the ball of your foot aka Kidney 1 or The Bubbling Well Point. Rub towards the toes. Do about 100 to 400 vigorous rubs per foot. This may sound like a lot of repetitions, but once you’re in the habit of doing this wonderful exercise you won’t ever regret the time taken. The Key to Longevity - The kidneys And don’t forget to walk. Walking has the ability to lower your blood pressure if done consistently. You can try QIGONG WALK to increase Qi (vital energy) quickly There is a very effective meridian point to regulate blood pressure, called Nei Guan. The point is on the inside of the forearm near the wrist. You can find this point by holding the first three fingers of your opposite hand against the crease where the wrist bends. The width of these three fingers away from where the wrist bends is where the point lies in the center of the inside of the arm. The point is on the same place on both arms and you can use either side. Hold the point gently as you breathe slowly and evenly. You may recognize this as the same point that helps with nausea. The point works by improving energy circulation around the heart area. Use this point several times throughout the day, always using a very light touch on the point. Massage Technique: • Use your left thumb to press on the right Nei Guan acupoint, with the thumbnail placed laterally to the two tendons, press 20 times. Then, knead in circular motion for 2 minutes. Repeat with the right thumb in the left Nei Guan acupoint, 2 times daily. • You can also wear a wristband with a bump that will press into Nei Guan acupoint when positioned properly. You should feel soreness, numbness or expanded stimulated feeling towards the middle finger or to the elbow when stimulating the Nei Guan acupoint. Acupressure Points and Home remedies for Health: Acupressure Points on your Feet for Headaches and Migraines Combat Stress and Food Cravings with Qi Massage Energy Medicine and Home remedies for Dry Eyes Acupressure and Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids Energy Medicine for Seasonal Allergies Chinese Exercises and Herbs to ease Depression The following foods help eliminate cardiovascular problems like hypertension by removing mucus and stagnant Qi and blood, directing cooling yin fluids to the liver, and detoxifying the system. Add moderate and satisfying amounts of any of the foods listed below into your diet. You may mix them together or alternate between items, eating them 4-6 times per week. Legumes: Mung beans and their sprouts, aduki bean, tempeh, and most other legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils. Buckwheat (not if wind problems). Rutin in buckwheat strengthens arterial walls. Vegetables and fruits: Pungent foods - radish, horseradish, hot peppers, and the onion family (garlic, onion, leek, scallion, shallot, chive), leafy greens, cabbage, spinach, carrot greens, mint leaf, nasturtium leaf, dandelion greens, kale, wheat and barley greens, broccoli, kohlrabi, parsley, asparagus, bell pepper, rose hip, tomato, citrus, celery, banana, persimmon, seaweeds (esp. Arame, Kombu/Kelp, Nori, Irish Moss), chlorella, cucumber, and mushrooms. Other foods that disperse stagnation: Turmeric, vinegar (do not use if you have deficient digestive fire: watery stools, pale, swollen, wet tongue, and feeling cold), basil, rosemary, nutmeg, sweet rice (not if deficient digestive fire), spearmint, peach seed, eggplant, white pepper. Try In-bed Health-preserving Morning Massage More Exercises and Tips for Energy Flow(Qi) Cultivation: The Key to Longevity - The kidneys Eight Exercises for Fitness, Healing, and Longevity QIGONG WALK to increase Qi (vital energy) quickly How to build up Chi (Qi) to fight off Illness Standing Qigong produced superior results What is stronger Qigong or Coffee for an instant “hit”? Heal With Qigong! Resources: Longevity Blood Pressure Formula - Clinically proven - With Hawthorn and 15+ top quality all natural herbs Bob's Red Mill Organic Buckwheat (Pack of 4) Health King Blood Pressure Herb Tea (Pack of 4) Jiva USDA Organic Whole Moong (Mung) Beans 2 Pound Frontier Herb Organic Ground Turmeric Root, 1 Pound "Better Me" Positive Mood Formula - Natural Anti Depression Pills Mood Boost Natural Stress and Anxiety Relief (60 Vegetarian Capsules with 5-HTP, Passion Flower, L-Tyrosine, Suntheanine, Ashwagandha and GABA) Nuphorin™ Fast-Acting Anxiety Relief ✭ Pharmaceutical Grade Anti-Anxiety Formula Worlds Most Extraordinary Qigong Techniques - Ebook Qigong For Happiness, Health And Vitality - Ebook Set Of Videos Teaching Qi Gong for Health Binaural Beats For Meditation, Weight Loss, Healing and more - Free Sample Get Your "Black Belt" In Taboo Physics - Plus - Free Energy Secrets, Renewable Qigong, The Secret of Youth: Da Mo's Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Classics Frontier Thyme Leaf Certified Organic, 16 Ounce Bag Foundational Practices to Awaken Chi Energy Chinese Esoteric Art of Health and Longevity Taoist Meditation and Longevity Techniques A Taoist Guide to Longevity The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity Tips for healthy Digestion: Ancient Health Tips to Manage your Acid Reflux, Bloating, Heart Burn and Indigestion Yoga practice to increase Abdominal Fire, Reduce Fat and Purify the entire system of Toxins Books: Against All Grain: Recipes to Eat Well and Feel Great The Paleo Kitchen: Finding Primal Joy in Modern Cooking Books and DVDs on Qigong: Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation Livelight ~ Yoga and Meditation Music Wuji Qigong Meditation Spring Forest Qigong - Small Universe - Meditation Three Treasures Qigong Healing Meditation Qigong Meditation: Embryonic Breathing Neigong - Martial Qigong for Internal Power 2-DVD set by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming INSIDE ZHAN ZHUANG - Standing Meditation for Beginners and Seniors Shop KEYLIME Yoga Wear References American Cancer Society: Qigong"International Journal of Neuroscience"; Effects of Qigong on Blood Pressure, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Other Lipid Levels in Essential Hypertension Patients; MS Lee et al.; July 2004 Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity: A Practical Guide for Women Forty and Older 1. Larkey L, Jahnke R, Etnier J, Gonzalez J. Meditative movement as a category of exercise: Implications for research. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2009;6:230–238. [PubMed] 2. The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi 3. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E. Qigong for hypertension: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Hypertension. 2007;25:1525–32. [PubMed] 4. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Taylor-Piliae RE, Ernst E. Tai chi for cardiovascular disease and its risk factors: A systematic review. Journal of Hypertension. 2007;25:1974–5. [PubMed] 5. Cheng T. Tai chi: The Chinese ancient wisdom of an ideal exercise for cardiac patients. International Journal of Cardiology. 2006;117:293–295. [PubMed] 6. Lee MS, Chen KW, Sancier KM, Ernst E. Qigong for cancer treatment: A systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Acta Oncol. 2007;46:717–22. [PubMed] 7. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Is tai chi an effective adjunct in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2007;15:597–601. [PubMed] 8. Mansky P, Sannes T, Wallerstedt D, et al. Tai chi chuan: Mind-body practice or exercise intervention? studying the benefit for cancer survivors. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2006;5:192–201.[PubMed] 9. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Tai chi for rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic review. Rheumatology.2007;46:1648–51. [PubMed] 10. Taylor-Piliae RE, Haskell WL. Tai chi exercise and stroke rehabilitation. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation. 2007;14:9–22. [PubMed]

Melt away stubborn belly fat with these calming poses.

In this Ayurvedic fitness guide, you'll learn key workout tips for Vata dosha, so you can get fit without aggravating your constitution.

Ayurvedic treatment for Ovarian cyst provides permanent relief from cysts on the ovaries. Naturally dissolve ovary cyst with herbs, foods, yoga.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Varicose Veins. Diet, lifestyle, and herbs to treat the root cause of varicose veins. Prevent & Cure varicosity

Feeling nervous, anxious, or spacey? Learn about the Vata Dosha and get easy diet and lifestyle tips for balancing and nourishing excess vata.

A soothing, one pot kitchari recipe for detox, cleansing and/or general healthy living and gut healing.

Hormone-Balancing foods + recipes to eat to support unique nutrient needs during each phase of your menstrual cycle.

Take the short ayurveda dosha test to find out wich dosha you are. Read then the characteristics of each dosha.

Relieve achy shoulders with these easy moves to fix bad posture.

Dosha Test Take the “Dosha Test” and learn what kind of foods and exercises that are best suited for you, in order to stay healthy. Are you Vata, Pitta or Kapha? In Ayurveda, there are three Doshas…

Learning how to increase GABA naturally can help with anxiety and stress. These 7 tips and GABA can boost this neurotransmitter without drugs.

A basic introduction to the three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha are reviewed in this article. Each dosha is outlined and explained briefly. The historical relationship between yoga and ayurveda is addressed. Finally, there are a few charts to aid the reader in his/her understanding of the doshas and their impact on one's self.

Falun Dafa's principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance are life-changing. Read one NYer's reasons for practicing the ancient meditation discipline.

Acid can cause heartburn and you may have sleepless nights. Practicing these yoga poses to treat acid reflux in natural way at home

Is your libido lagging? You’re in good company. Fortunately, there are a number of nutrients and supplements that can help you get your mojo back.

Kapha Imbalance leads to weight gain, lethargy, excess mucus and heaviness. Learn kapha pacifying diet, yoga, and pranayama.

A high vibrational diet consists of foods that are ALIVE. High vibration means having more light. Here are some tips for a high-vibe diet…

Tough day? Try this calming, restorative yoga routine to naturally lower your cortisol levels and fight the aging effects of stress.

Read on for information about breatharianism, living on light or prana alone.