Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Three Extremely Healthy Herbs That You Must Start Consume Right Now

Sesame, The Best Plant That Protects Against Cancer & 
High Blood Pressure


  Sesame is an old plant that almost 5000 years is grown and used as food.

 Previously it was thought that there is no special healthy effect, but today, scientists increasingly refute this opinion.


sesame,healthy plant



  Sesame is an herb that grows up to 2 meters. The flowers of sesame can be colored differently, and seeds can be white, brown and black. People often use sesame as a spice because it gives a special and distinctive flavor to the food.

  In the last two decades, sesame oil and sesame made a real boom because they were made and cited a number of useful research on it. In addition, we present some of them.

Sesame against high blood pressure


  According to scientists the sesame oil is great for fighting high blood pressure, lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and reduces fat in the blood.

With sesame to a reduced risk of cancer

  According to recent research sesame has excellent elements fighting against the occurrence of malignant tissue and is efficient in fighting cancer on:

- Prostate

- Breast

- Lungs

- Pancreas

- Bones

With sesame to healthy skin

  Scientists have repeatedly stated that sesame has a significant amount of vitamin E, so the sesame oil is great against stretch marks and keeps the skin healthy and glowing.


Basil, TastyAndHealthyCure

  Forthousands ofyears, people are usingthe healing properties ofbasil. Besidesthe pleasanttaste, magical aromaandgood looks, which provides hima secure place inthe kitchen, basil(Ocimum basilicum)hascharacteristics for whichis recommended from doctorsandnutritionists.It is believedto have originatedin India, and itwas known to Egyptians5000yearsago.
  According to the writtendata, this plantwas brought in Europearoundthe 12thcenturybymonks. Aromaticbasilfromtime immemorialis usedforreligiousceremonies, as a spice, butalso asa greatallyin the recoveryofill health. Because ofthe beneficialingredientsare usedhis twigs, leaves andflowers.

  It is known also as “King OfThe Garden” andisrich inmedicinalingredientsandsubstancessuch asfiber, glycosides, essential oils, camphor, methylchavicol,mineralsalts, saponins, cineole.

basil,healthy spice

  Usedas a spice, basilgivestasteand improvesdigestion ofheavyfoodsandkeep her fromspoiling. Chefsrecommendit in additionto foodfrom potato, corn, cauliflowerandeggplant. InevitableinMediterranean cuisineforpreparingdressings, andisbestcombinedwithtomatoes.

  Healingproperties ofbasilparticularlyapparent inthe fightagainstacne, treatment ofanxiety, asthma, diseases of the bladderandurinarytract, liver, muscle pain, migraines, ulcers, abdominal pain, depression, diarrhea, eczema, menstrual problems, coldsand flu, circulation problems, various infections.
  Mostly is useda teafrom basil(do not leave leaveslong toremaininhotwater), butyou should notforgetbasiloilremindexpertsaseffectivein solvingproblemswith the skin.

  Basilis actingalso as a sedative, can reducepainanda goodagainst cramps.  Becausethe sedativeeffects it is notrecommendedfor pregnantwomenin the firsthalfof pregnancyor forbabies.

The PowerfulMaca

  Macaisa plantthat originated intheAndeanregionandgrowsto a heightof 2400to4400metersabove sea level. AncientIncawere used powder from the rootofthis plantbeforetheir long marchestoincreasethe resilience ofthe body.
  Because ofthe largebenefitstothe human body, Macaislocatedinthe categoryofsuper food.She isa naturaladaptogen,meaning thatitsconsumptionincreasesbodyenduranceandresistanceagainststress, anxiety, exhaustion.
The rootofMacacontainsalkaloids, amino acids, dietary fiber, essential fattyacids, microandmacro nutrients, vitaminC, B2, B3, B6, minerals likecalcium, iron, zinc, potassium-minded, manganese.

the powerfull maca

  MacacontainsuniquealkaloidsMacamides and Macaenes which can not be foundin any otherherb.Thosealkaloidshelps the bodyto useallthe nutrientsthat Maca contains.Healthybenefits of usingMacaare asbig asfor thewomenandmen.

  Macaimproves the functionof the endocrinesystemwhich isresponsible for the operationofhormones, and establisheshormonalbalancein the body.Shealso alleviatesmenstrualpain, contributes toa regular monthlycycle, relievessymptomsofmenopause(changeofmood, insomnia, heat waves, osteoporosis).

  Macastrengthens thelibidoandpotencyin men, helpswithinfertility(positiveaffectsperm productionand increases thevolumeofseed)forwhich some arecallednaturalviagra.Shepositivelyaffects theimmunesystem, improves the functionof the brain (improvesmemory and concentration), itslows downthe aging processofthe body, increasesenergy levels, positivelyaffect thehealthof the heartand bloodvessels, helps with anemia.

Extra: NaturalPrescription FromParsleyAndHoneyFor Healthy Heart

  The recipeismore than 800years old, and because successfullyhelps withheart problems, doctorsstillrecommendit.
  The recipecomes from thenunHildegard von Bingen, who lived 800 years ago, andto this dayis transferredfrom many famousdoctors.
  Thisnatural remedyforheartprovedto be successfulforheart disease. It is usedwhen youexperience anyproblemswiththe heart, such asstabbing, vibrations, skipping because ofstress. It is also useful and with people who have anginapectoris.
Ingredients:
-10stalksfreshparsley(no root)
-A liter ofhomemaderedorwhitewine
-Twotablespoonswinevinegar
-300grams of naturalhoney.

drink for healthy heart

  Preparation: Tenfreshstalksofparsleyalongwiththe leaves put intooneliter ofpure naturalwineandadd1-2tablespoonspurewinevinegar.
Cook10minutesover low heat(be careful, it can begin to foam). Afteraddition of300grams of realhoneybeecookover low heat foranother 4minutes.
  Strain the hotwineand while is stillhotputinbottles, previously washedwithstrongalcohol. Close. The precipitatethat formsis not harmfulandcan besafelyconsumed.
Use:
The drinkis useddaily, one tablespoonuntilthe symptomsstop. Formore serious illness needtobeused for a longer period of time.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

On Practice and Achieving

"Yoga has always been hard for me - I get SO frustrated in some classes."
"I hate that I can't touch my toes."
"So, how long do I have to practice before I'll be able to (do some posture)?"
"What level is this class because I have been taking beginner classes for a while and I want to make sure that I'm improving so I want to get to more advanced classes."

Any of those sound like you? Or someone close to you? Or overheard in class? Yeah, probably. The thing is, we may just be "condemned" to wanting to constantly improve, hone, and perfect things we do. You may call that ego, but in some cases (like, running from predators or enhancing job skills for better wages) it may just be a function of biology, or financial survival (sociological impacts).

Regardless, trying to turn that off can be difficult, even seemingly impossible. We are raised on superlatives (big-bigger-biggest, bendy-bendier-bendiest) and comparisons (grade point averages, SAT scores, sports team stats, MPG) so it seems almost unnatural to decouple "working hard" from "working harder than I did before or someone else so I can be better and then be the best." How can you put in effort but not make it a fight? How can you be focused but not obsessed, and balance intensity with compassion?

In Yoga this is called the balance between Sukha/Sthira - effort and ease. No easy task, and it has many parallels in asana and in meditation, In poses we ground down (into the earth through whatever is making contact) while reaching up and creating space in the body. We engage agonist muscles but relax antagonist muscles. In medtiation we focus and clear the mind at the same time. We work hard but still allow the body to tell us when we need to pull back. We breathe deeply, but softly; we have thought but try not to judge or label them as they pass through our conscious mind.

We are taught to (try to) use the breath to help us do these things. Inhales call our nervous systems to action, exhales calm them down. Each breath cycle is a chance to find balance. Inhale too much and exhale too little, you are taking in too much (energy) and not releasing/relaxing enough. Inhale too shallow and exhale too much and you may be giving away to much energy, lose your stamina (and also get a little lightheaded).

A yogi friend said today "Yoga always frustrated me. But you help remind me of how to focus on what's important and I really start to enjoy my practice." The thing is, yoga frustrates me too when I practice, and a reminder from the teacher that this is not DOGMATIC practice, with information on how to change the position of my body, to help teach me how to not get frustrated and enjoy trying to find the balance of effort and ease...THAT is what makes me continue to do yoga (and revisit that teacher).

Every student is told "remember it's not about perfecting a pose." But, honestly, teachers and students alike.... do we really buy into that or do we just say it? Because (as a teachers), if it's just lip service, people know. What information do we give them to help them truly live that mantra? Do we instruct on use of props, detailed body alignment, personalized hands-on adjustments, and/or hold back from offering the hardest version, to help students unlearn the "overachieving" instinct? Do we all practice what we preach?

Do we - all of us yoga practitioners - all allow ourselves to experience a practice rather than trying to "get better" at a posture? Do we remember to breathe and integrate the breathe with your movements? Do we remember the subtleties of those fundamental poses, breathing techniques, and meditative styles that are the foundation of an honest yoga practice?

Some yogis and yoga styles are so focused on physical improvements in asana that not pushing to the limits can seem like underachieving. But consider that just showing up to the mat is an achievement of large magnitude in and of itself. Consider that staying in the room for a whole class that you didn't like to be a profound achievement in patience, respect and integrity (plus you don't have to go back). Consider not pushing yourself to fainting in a hot yoga class, and taking water and cool air breaks to be achievements in being in touch with your body. Consider just trying (and quite possibly failing) to do a difficult pose (and laughing about) it an achievement. Consider resisting the temptation to overpractice when injured an achievement. You can't achieve if you've pushed yourself to the point of dysfunction, because pushing is different from encouraging. The former creates stress. The latter comes from a place of compassion.

We all react to stress differently. Some grit their teeth and dig in. Some cry. Some get angry. Some give up. The sympathetic nervous system and one of its well known agents adrenalin create different responses in every one of us, but "less functional" responses don't make a person weak. If anything those responses are an opportunity to learn about how to engage yourself more productively, so to speak. If your practice overstimulates your sympathetic nervous system, then consider that you need to scale back to truly "get better." If your practice doesn't engage you (enough), then consider that you may need to change how and/or what you practice (or even what) to get better.

Be careful to not judge yourself or anyone else by the depth of their postures or the ease with which they performs (any asana or even meditation). Some have a natural affinity for strength, or flexibility or deep contemplation. But that doesn't make those of us who have to hone our practice more in any one area "less than" or "worse" than others. We are just different, and all practicing. Try not to perpetuate the myth that improvement is in the performance, not in the honest experience of being on the mat.

So, taking this full circle, when I practice yoga, I try very hard to be patient. To scale back a posture so that I can breathe and NOT kick my nervous system into overdrive. To remind myself that only way I can allow things to happen is if I make space for them. To (try to ) be calm, and focused, and breathing, to move intentionally and with body awareness, and not to push myself (or allow someone elses's teaching or practice to push me to). If I practice these things, then I am balancing effort and ease, and gain by letting go. In short, achieving yoga. And that is a damn good practice.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

On Loneliness

it occurs to me that the world "lonely" though has roots to indicate singularity, it really has very little to do with not having company (or a relationship). Of course, if you are in the wilderness lost by yourself you are quite alone and quite possibly lonely as well. But for the most part, the times in my life I've been the "loneliest" have been more about me not being happy with myself, and therefore craving company of another person to distract me/validate me. You can be alone and happy and content, or in one more relationships and still feel lonely. Learning to be content by myself was a HUGE lesson that required professional therapy, personal therapy, yoga (and yes, some medication), and a willingness to go past the quick and easy solution. I now CRAVE alone time, and if I'm lonely then I enrich myself with a movie, a walk, a yoga class, a museum visit or something that feeds that yen in the most positive way! 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Free and Donation Classes around town, January 2015

I just wanted to share the love by helping to promote these free, donation,and special deal yoga classes going on around town this month. As always check the actual studio websites for details or to validate class times (schedules subject to change). HAVE FUN - DO MORE YOGA!

Note: As someone who tries to make a living doing what I love, but also is well aware that good yoga comes at a price, I need to acknowledge that when you find a studio that you like, it's important to continue to patronize their business(es) to help them continue to provide good yoga, and be part of the community!


at Niantic Court in Mission Beach, on the sand (in front of Edgewater)

HAPA Yoga

4242 Camino Del Rio North #10 | San Diego | CA | 92108
  • Donation Class Friday 1/23/15 @5:30PM with Lindsey (her last class) 
  • Donation Class Saturday 1/31 @Noon with Angelica (her last class) 
  • Free Class every Friday @10am Yoga and Alignment (suitable for beginners and those looking to deepen their practice. 

A Gentle Way Yoga and Joyful Movement Center

8274 Parkway Dr. #101, La Mesa, CA 91942
  • Free Classes until January 31 for AGW members or $5 each for non-members (with coupon below only). Terms and conditions apply - read coupon for details.
1150 7th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Free Flow Level 1/2 Classes taught by YTT graduates (donations optional) Tuesdays @9am

Core Power Yoga Free Classes

  • North Park: Monday January 19 @3:30pm - Illuminations Hot Power Fusion
  • Mission Valley: Monday January 19 5:45pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
  • Del Mar: Tuesday January 20 @7:30pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
  • Encinitas: Tuesday January 20 @5:30pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
  • Pacific Beach: Wednesday January 21 @6:15pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
  • North Park: Saturday January 24 @10:30am - Boot Camp
  • La Mesa: Sunday January 25 @ 9:30am - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
  • North Park: Sunday January 25 @2pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
  • Pacific Beach: Sunday January 25 @2;15pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
  • Clairemont Mesa: Monday January 26 @ 7:15pm Boot Camp
  • Poway: Sunday February 1 @ 1:15pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
  • Point Loma: Sunday February 1 @2pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
  • Pacific Beach: Sunday February 1 @2;15pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)