The Many Benefits of Yoga

I once read that yoga was developed through the observation of animal behavior.  If you've ever had a dog or cat, you've noticed that they do stretch regularly.  In contrast, aside from those that exercise, most people never stretch.  There are many forms of stretching for humans, but yoga is the oldest and most popular system, involving stretches, poses, simple meditation, and breathing techniques, to reconnect your mind and body.  In recent years, this practice has become more mainstream, as more and more studies are revealing that yoga is not only good for keeping you supple, but also helps you to function better.  The health benefits seem to be endless, as recent studies have shown that yoga can help to control depression, normalize blood pressure, reduce inflammation, relieve arthritis, and even to lose weight.  There are many places where you can learn from qualified instructors, including most gyms, but there are also numerous websites, videos, and books available if you prefer to learn on your own.  Regardless of where you learn and what you call it, you should at least develop a daily stretching routine that suits you.  It's important to make sure your spine is in sync first, as long-standing subluxations might worsen without proper care first.  The goals of chiropractic and yoga are similar and just another very important ingredient to add to your wellness lifestyle.

For more information:
http://yogacenturion.co.za/
http://yogaconnection.co.za/
http://www.naturalnews.com/yoga.html
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1634

A Walk in the Park to Cheer You Up

As the rate of depression seems to be increasing in the developed world, more and more people are turning to recreational and prescription drugs.  While these may help temporarily, they certainly don't solve the problem and often lead to more problems later on.  In my opinion, one of the main reasons for the rapid rise in depression is urbanization.  As we get further and further away from nature, people seem to have a more difficult time coping with life's challenges.  Many scientists are now verifying this.  One study showed that people are less depressed and less tense after spending time walking in a park rather than a shopping mall.  Another study showed that people are more altruistic, less materialistic, and kinder to their fellow humans when shown nature pictures, rather urban pictures.  So spend more time in your garden, take walks in our many local parks, and enjoy feeling more connected to the power that heals you.  You'll see, life will get much easier as result.

For more information:
http://www.naturalnews.com/037693_nature_deficiency_mental_health_benefits.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/12/us-antidepressants-idUSTRE7BB0MT20111212
http://www.naturalnews.com/034447_antidepressant_drugs_depression_symptoms.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/036482_prescription_drugs_side_effects_elderly.html
http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/Nature%20Conservation/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312583-Activities-c45-Pretoria_Gauteng.html

Healthy Exercise: Interval Training

Being physically active is what we are designed for.  Unfortunately, as modern life becomes more mechanized and computerized, more people are leading sedentary lives.  I recently read a book from the 1860's where the author was already lamenting the fact that people are sitting too much.  I'm sure he would cringe if he saw how things have turned out.  On the bright side, there are ways to exercise in short periods while also maximizing the benefits.  One example is interval training, which has been an essential part of training for elite athletes for decades.  In fact, even during my rowing days over 20 years ago, this was a key part of our strengthening and conditioning.  The principle is quite simple:  short bursts of intensive exercise, mixed with longer periods of moderate exercise.  By increasing the intensity in short intervals, this allows you to also shorten the total time that you are exercising.  The type of exercise depends on your preference and your fitness level, but it could be as simple as alternating between brisk walking and sprinting.    Interval training is a great way to get the most out of limited time, burns fat faster, gets your spine in motion, and makes exercising more interesting.  So stay active and enjoy the benefits.

For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/interval-training/SM00110
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070627140103.htm