Author Archives: rebekah

Acupuncture compliments Yoga

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Acupuncture complimenting yogaB
When comparing yoga and acupuncture, there are quite a few comparisons between yoga and acupuncture.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioners (Acupuncturists) work to ensure the smooth flow of Qi around the body.Some people think of Qi as ‘life force’.

In Ayuverdic medicine, yoga practitioners refer to ‘Qi’ as Prana.TCM and Yoga activates the smooth flow of Qi/Prana in a different way but both are based on Eastern Philosophy and has similar ideas. Both Yoga and TCM are used to create free flowing energy whether it is Qi or Prana.

In TCM there are pathways in the body.
These pathways are called Meridians. Acupuncturists strive to remove any blockages within these pathways to create free flowing Qi within the meridians and to balance the body.

Likewise in Ayuverdic Medicine, there are pathways in the body known as Nadis. The intersections of these nadi are known as Chakras. Chakras are gathered energy points within the body. Some of the nadis and meridians are on the same pathway whereas others lay side by side or intersect each other.

Each Meridian/ Nadi correspond to certain organs, organ systems, elements, and emotions. Blocked energy within one of the pathways is considered to be the cause of illness. Acupuncture used on a certain meridian will have a positive effect on the related Nadi and also vice versa. Both Ayuverdic practitioners and TCM practitioners looks holistically at the patient, taking into account the physical, emotional, historical, and spiritual aspects of the person.

An example of this is thyroid conditions. A yoga practitioner will work on the 5th chakra (throat chakra) with poses such as shoulder stand. Shoulder stands are beneficial for; balancing hormones and dealing with emotional strain. In shoulder stand, TCM meridians running along the back of neck, shoulders are stretched which helps to release Qi or Prana that has become blocked.

A TCM Practitioner will treat thyroid conditions by treating the ears (an area which is associated with the 5th chakra). A TCM practitioner will also use acupuncture to enhance immunity, balance hormones, regulating emotions, and energy levels. All of these things play a role in thyroid function.

Acupuncture and yoga complement each other by further improving the smooth flow of energy in the body, removing blockages, cultivating wellbeing, accelerating the healing process, and used as a preventative to poor health. After all, the best cure is prevention. By using acupuncture and yoga
you can experience positive changes in your life.

Acupuncture enhances your awareness, boosts your energy and helps the muscles to relax faster after a yoga session. Yoga has it’s own diagnostic system. It uses your ability/ inability to do certain asanas (yoga poses) to identify physical and emotional issues. Some of these physical and emotional issues can be further released through acupuncture.

Acupuncture has its own diagnostic system which can illustrate which yoga poses are most beneficial to enhance you overall treatment. Acupuncture has the ability to complement your yoga work and vice versa. It helps to further open up pathways allowing your work more deeply into your yoga poses. You can experience these positive benefits by trying a combination of yoga & acupuncture.

There are many types of yoga. Some yoga styles use the philosophical basis of Chinese Medicine. It does this by identifying the TCM meridians(pathways) on the body and which poses activate these meridians.A persons ability or inability to do these poses identifies the persons constitutional organ
strengths & weaknesses. The poses that are difficult to do are considered weaknesses within the body.These are the poses that a person should concentrate on strengthening to become more healthy overall. Often one yoga pose contains multiple organ pathways and so you can still treat and
balance your body with yoga.

An example of combining Chinese Medicine with Chinese Medicine yoga is Bladder incontinence. You can use acupuncture and herbs to treat the bladder and kidney while doing bladder and kidney yoga poses to enhance the healing process. The Bladder and Kidney meridians are activated and strengthened by these yoga poses. An example of this is wide leg sit ups which from a western perspective strongly strenghtens the pelvic floor.

You can learn about which yoga poses are best suited to you by attending a yoga class based on Chinese Medicine and further enhance it by seeing your local TCM Practitioner. Some TCM Practitioners practice both TCM & TCM Yoga.

7 ways to improve your vision naturally B

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Blurred VisionThere is a strong increase in people with impaired vision, needing glasses, and corrective surgery. This could be due to a variety of factors; Australian aging population, increased use of technology and a possible increase in stress.

You may be happy to know that you can improve your eye sight naturally through some simple exercise & lifestyle adjustments. However, if you have major eye problems, always consult your optometrist.

You may have noticed that recently your vision is blurry, fuzzy, un-focussed or feeling weak, or you may get sick of wearing glasses, or maybe you are looking to an alternative to expensive surgery. This article will provide you with some natural alternatives to enhance eyesight naturally.

 

Number 1: Eyestrain is a pain

Eye strain is commonly caused by staring at the computer or television for endless hours at a time. Take periodical breaks and allows your eyes ample rest. Instead of giving their eyes ample rest, some people tend to just slap glasses leading to further deterioration as the eyes still need a rest.

Number 2: Sleep

You recommended average time for sleeping is 8 hours daily. Depriving your eyes of rest is a major cause of eyestrain and can decrease your quality of vision over time.

Number 3: Anxiety

Anxiety and stress often leads to muscle tension in the back of the head which can squeeze on the optic nerve. This can be relaxed by addressing the causes or learning how to manage with the emotional strain, getting regular massages, acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and other relevant health treatments.

Number 4: Yoga

In Yoga, there is a variety of yoga poses that enhance eyesight and vision. Especially in Japanese style Chinese Medicine Yoga. Yoga poses that are good for the ‘Chinese Medicine’ Liver are especially good for your eyesight.

Number 5: Dietary Benefits

Diet affects all aspects of your health including your vision. It is important to have a healthy and balanced diet. Foods that are beneficial for your eyesight are rich in beta carotenes, fiber, vitamin C, and Vitamin D.

Some examples of foods that can help your eye sight include:

  • Eggs
  • Garlic
  • Berries
  • Kale
  • Sardines
  • Tuna
  • Salmon

Number 6: Herbs

Some herbs that naturally improve vision (including your night vision) include:

  • Passionflower
  • Bilberry
  • Gingkobiloba

Of course, always consult with your GP or relevant health practitioner prior to taking herbs to see if they are appropriate for you.

Number 7: Eye Exercises/ Eye Work outs

There are a variety of ways to exercise the eyes. Just like other muscles, if you don’t use it, you loose it. The first basic exercise is to blink. Long at a point in the distance and start blinking quickly then shut your eyes till your eyes start to moisten then open your eyes and repeat the process. Remember to breath while doing the process. Do this around 4-6 times per a day periodically or when your eyes are starting to feel strained.

Another eye exercise is called ‘Palming’. While sitting with good posture, cover your eyes carefully with your palms. Do not put any stress on your eyes. Try to cover your eyes so that it is dark as possible. Leave your hands there for around 10 seconds and then slowly open your eyes and ease yourself out of this position. To achieve the best results, do this daily.

By making some of these simple lifestyle modification you too could find your vision naturally improved.