Goodnight! It’s sleep time. Are you taking more time to fall asleep? And do you feel frustrated over being sleep-deprived? Roughly about 60% of adults don’t sleep when they go to bed. The resulting shortened sleep cycle can lead to obesity and fatigue. A common unaddressed issue! There can be many factors that lead to sleeplessness; these could be physical or medical conditions, but the most common factors are: Stressful day at work; Late night heavy meal containing high levels of glucose, caffeine, fat or alcohol; Watching disturbing movies and videos; Prolonged use of mobile phones and other gadgets. Sleep...

Breath is an integral part of our life, the catalyst for our body’s metabolism. The word Prana in Sanskrit means life force and ayama means extending or stretching. Pranayama, the Yogic technique of breath control, therefore, helps in extending and strengthening one’s breath. One can control the rhythms of Pranic energy with Pranayama and achieve a healthy body and mind. Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras has described Pranayama as a means of attaining higher states of awareness. According to Patanjali, holding the breath is an important practice towards reaching Samadhi (a state of intense concentration). Pranayama practices are known to...

Without breath we are nothing. It is what stands between our life and death. We inhale oxygen that is vital for our metabolic function, and exhale carbon dioxide. The respiratory process nourishes us with every inhalation and removes toxins with every exhalation. Given how important our breath is, wouldn’t you like to get the best out of every breath you take. This is where a consistent routine of breathing exercises matters. Let’s take a look at what Breathing Exercise does for us. Boosts immunity Regular breathing exercises increase the amount of oxygen flowing into the body and helps in the...

Corona viruses are a class of respiratory viruses known to cause respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The temperature and the type of surface determine the lifespan of the virus. The Corona virus can survive from 2 hours to 9 days. At higher temperatures, such as 30 to 40°C, its viability decreases considerably, whereas a  temperature of 4°C can keep the virus alive for up to 28 days. Covid-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus strain, can cause lung complications...

As we face down a pandemic, we are constantly challenged on how to be disciplined, motivated and consistent in all aspects of our life. Most of the external structures we relied on to establish a daily routine — office, school, gym, Yoga studio etc — have faced huge disruptions. Nowhere has this lack of consistency been felt more acutely than in our exercise regimens. And this goes for Yoga class as well. But remember that old proverb: ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’? So if you are determined to be regular with your Yoga practice there is...

For most of us, a diagnosis of cancer is like being handed a death warrant. As we face a long-drawn out and rigorous treatment plan we are likely to brush aside the palliative benefits of Yoga. So let’s take a closer look at how Yoga practices can help increase the life expectancy of cancer survivors and those still battling the disease. Yoga therapy includes various asanas (poses), meditation and breathing techniques that go a long way towards reducing pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression, thus improving the quality of life. Yoga practices are intended to stimulate glands and organs to function...

Research and studies have revealed the benefits of Yoga Therapy for those suffering from cancer to help reduce fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and mood swings and improve flexibility, breathing and a much-needed sense of wellbeing. What is Yoga? Yoga originated in ancient Indian and provides a holistic approach of tending to yourself by connecting the physical, mental and emotional states of an individual. Ancient Yoga acharyas practiced Yoga to attain a deeper spiritual awareness and connection with the divine. Yoga itself has many branches that include asanas or the physical posture, breathing exercises that harness the power of the...

Your diet matters! It may help you fight against cancer or it may lead to cancer. So it’s your choice. Beware of cancer! Its appearance is, at times, a cautionary note to nudge you into following a healthier diet and lifestyle. There are many factors that contribute to the mutation of cancerous cells including genetical, environmental, and lifestyle ones. Research reveals that certain nutrients and foods can actually reduce cancer risks. We can take care of our lifestyle and diet, but genetical and environmental factors are beyond our control. Harvard Health studies suggest that less than 30% of a person’s...

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and research has shown that our modern-day lifestyle has contributed to these alarming statistics. Cancer is the uncontrolled division and multiplication of cells and often its spreads into surrounding tissues. Although some forms of cancer are more common, no organ is immune to this kind of unexpected and uncontrolled cell division. According to health experts, both endogenous and exogenous factors can lead to cancer. We might have very little control over endogenous factors such as age and genetics. However, there is much we can do about exogenous factors that include environmental and...

We all know that what we eat directly affects our health. But a fact that isn’t given as much importance is where and how we prepare our food. Surprisingly, and maybe even shockingly, good hygiene practices are not as prevalent as we all assume. So let’s take a look at areas that deserve our attention that leads to various health issues. Inappropriate Food Handling Food handling ranges from choosing clean and healthy food produce to using the appropriate cooking process. If you neglect these areas you might inadvertently be hosting a feast for germs and bacteria, causing foodborne illnesses that...

The kitchen often serves as the headquarters of a home. It’s where your family comes together to break bread every day. It’s where you will probably sit in the early hours of the day sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee while you scan the news. It’s where you and your family store your food, snacks and where you cook day in and day out. So when it comes to hygiene, the kitchen deserves your special attention. However, the very familiarity of the room often causes you to overlook many areas. And this could be an invitation to disease...