Category Archives: Health

A Brief History Of The Development Of Yoga

Though yoga has become a household word with millions across the world practicing and swearing by its positive benefits, how much do we really know? Yoga has a long and rich history dating back to approximately 5000 years ago. Despite many attempts to grasp the roots of yoga, much of its beginnings are shrouded in mystery. What is known; however, is that it originated in India. Formerly, it was believed that yoga was developed around 500BC, during the time when Buddha would have lived. Experts now believe that it is likely yoga has been around for around 5000 years on account of an archaeological dig in the 1920s where they found remains of the Indus civilization, and in uncovering many precious relics, stumbled upon soapstone seals that very much resemble yogi-like figures.

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There are 4 categories that the history of yoga can be divided up into:

Vedic Yoga: Vedic is a combination of the Sanskrit words ‘veda’ which means knowledge, and ‘rig’ (from ric) which means praise. This is the oldest concept of yoga and is sometimes referred to as ‘archaic yoga.’ We know that this form of yoga was deeply imbedded in the lives of Indians. Its purpose revolved around the practice of joining the material world with that of the spirit world. In order to achieve this, those practicing had to focus their minds for extended periods of time so that they could transcend the limitations of the ordinary mind. If the person practicing was successful, they would be blessed with a vision or some sort of transcendental episode.

Preclassical: Still closely associated with the concept of Vedic yoga, this period saw the development of many texts describing and outlining the beliefs and nature of yoga and yogic living. The two most prominent being Brâhmanas and Âranyakas. The Brâhmanas are Sanskrit texts explaining the Vedic hymns and the rituals behind them. The Âranyakas are ritual texts specific to those who chose to live in seclusion in a forest hermitage.This period also saw the development of preclassical schools that created many techniques for achieving deep meditation through which yogis can transcend the body.

Classical Yoga: Classical yoga is the eightfold yoga, also known as Râja-Yoga, which was taught by Patanjali, whom many incorrectly referred to as the father of yoga. This is not to diminish his role in the development and spreading of yoga, as he was a revered teacher and believed that everyone is comprised of both matter and spirit.

Postclassical Yoga: This category is incredibly expansive on account of it encompassing all of the types of yoga that have developed since Patanjali. Postclassical yoga, unlike classical yoga, affirms the ultimate unification of everything. This means that in postclassical yogic thinking, you, we, and everyone or everything else is an aspect or expression of one and the same reality. A very interesting fact that many may be surprised to learn is that previous forms of yoga paid almost no attention to the body, but rather solely focused on the mind. The goal before was to leave the world behind and merge with the spirit. This new, postclassical yoga was created in order to rejuvenate the body and prolong ones life.

The most recent developments in yoga were thought to occur in 1893, when a renowned Indian Swami made a profound impact on the American public. He travelled throughout the U.S., and in doing so, attracted many people to the benefits of yoga. From then on, many more came to the U.S. and spread the word of yoga, in addition to publishing many works that were easily digestible for Westerners. It was then in the early 1900s that medical research began on yoga, and yoga studios and worship centres began to pop up all over the place!

Do you have any interesting facts on the history of yoga? We’d love to learn more! Share them with us on Facebook! In addition to practicing yoga, contribute to your overall wellness with a QRay bracelet!

The Right Tea for Every Condition

Looking for more natural cures and remedies to everyday problems and conditions? Tea has been viewed as a longstanding key to good health, happiness and wisdom! Take a look at some of the health benefits specific teas can provide for you:

 

For your upset stomach? Peppermint

mint tea

For your headache? Cinnamon

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For nausea? Ginger

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For your anxiety? Lemon balm

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For your sleeplessness? Chamomile

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For your allergies? Stinging nettle leaf

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For your headache? Green tea

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For your runny nose? Elderflower

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For high cholesterol? Dandelion root

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Did we miss any? Share the health benefits you look for in your teas!

Oil Pulling

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What is it? Oil pulling is the ancient practice of swishing oil (typically coconut, sesame or sunflower) around your mouth for approximately 20 minutes and then spitting it out. Make sure whichever oil you choose is cold-pressed and not in warm liquid form! It’s best to practice oil pulling first thing in the morning before you drink anything, eat anything or brush your teeth. Make sure the oil touches every part of your mouth, but try to keep it away from your throat. If you swallow the oil, your body will reabsorb the toxins that were just pulled from your body.

What are the benefits?Studies have suggested that oil pulling is beneficial in fighting gingivitis, plaque and even bad breath. Other non-teeth related benefits include healthier skin and hair, relief of headaches, insomnia and some even suggest depression.

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Are there negative aspects? Essentially the only negative of oil pulling is the unusual taste and feel.

 

Have you tried oil pulling? Let us know your thoughts!

Your 2015 Guide to Unplugging

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Often times we’re so plugged into what’s going on with our Smartphone, tablet, laptop (or all of the above) that we miss out on what’s going on in our actual lives. Make 2015 a year where you don’t care how many likes your Instagram posts receive, how many people retweeted your dinner last night, or just the general noise and constant bombardment that the Internet endlessly supplies. Here is your guide to unplugging in 2015:

Why You Should Unplug

You might be asking yourself, do I really need to unplug this year? Or better yet, do I really want to? We’re here to tell you yes! Give your mind a break. Do you really need to see Becky’s brunch photos? Do you really need to know the top 5 cats doing crazy things underwater (or something equally as ridiculous)? No, you don’t. Your mind is being swamped with continual, useless information. Unplugging from this seemingly endless stream of nonsense will enable your mind to be quiet. It’s important to be alone with your thoughts and in turn, get to know yourself better. Whether you realize it or not, your phone can be an unwelcome third wheel when spending time with friends, family and other loved ones. By putting the Internet away in all forms, you can encourage stronger and overall more fulfilling relationships. Lastly, setting a ‘tech-curfew’ will enable you to get a better and more satisfying sleep. Staring at bright screens tricks your brain into thinking that it’s not actually night time, and will keep you up later, producing a cranky version of yourself come the morning!

How To Unplug

So now you’re thinking, “Being available and easy to reach is an integral part of my livelihood, I can’t just shut off technology.” The answer to this is prioritizing, and here’s how to do it:

  • Email: It’s all about organizing. All of the spammy, fluffy restaurant deals, clothing sales and whatnot – shuffle them into your spam folder or create a separate folder that is not feeding into your main inbox. If you’re going on vacation, take a vacation from e-mails as well. It’s fairly simple to add an automatic vacation / out-of-office response. Add the date you will be coming back and someone else that they can reach should their matter be time sensitive. This way you can have a streamlined inbox of what matters and also actually enjoy your vacation!
  • Phone: Simplicity is key. How often are you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media sites when you’re on your tablet, laptop or desktop? Probably a lot. Do you really need all of these apps on your phone as well? If you find yourself constantly using an app that’s really not providing any use, just delete it! If you’re going to be checking it on your laptop later in the day or after work or school, wait until then! Also, did you know that most smartphones have a ‘do not disturb’ option? This handy little feature will silence all incoming calls and alerts while the feature is turned on!

Now that you’ve been enlightened with all of this useful information, it’s time to set some ground-rules. Here are some tips we encourage to ensure you’re just the right amount unplugged to start living in the real world again:

  • No phones in bed! Leave it to charge somewhere other than the bedroom
  • Set a firm tech curfew – (no cheating!)
  • Focus on who is in front of you – set simple rules when with family or friends such as ‘no phones at the table’
  • Take a break – if you’re going for a walk, to the gym, or to meet a friend for coffee, leave your phone!
  • Out of sight, out of mind. Put your phone or tablet in a drawer, cupboard or some other place out of eyesight.

It’s so important to connect with the world around us, and not just through a screen. When we are able to successfully disconnect, we are able to better appreciate the people in our lives, the world around us, and in turn feel a more genuine sense of content and calm. What’s your excuse for not disconnecting in 2015?

How Yoga Can Help Anxiety

Sweaty palms, churning stomach, racing heart… does it all seem too familiar? Anxiety can have many negative effects on one’s day-to-day life, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Many people have found that practicing simple yoga poses can actually help to alleviate the anxiety they face regularly. Here are three aspects to incorporate into your life.

Pranayama (Breathing)

The simple act of mindful breathing can be extremely helpful in the reduction of anxiety. Deep breathing increases oxygen levels in the blood supply which in turn reduces toxins in the body.

Here are some tips to find and improve your yogic breath.

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Asanas

Though the practice of yoga initially described asanas as a sitting pose, it eventually came to refer to any posture restoring and maintaining the practitioner’s well-being. Asanas physically release the tensions that anxiety creates and helps to take your mind off of worries and fears. Additionally, asanas can help you to let go of things. Once you fall out of the position, you are forced to accept imperfection and reattempt.

If you apply yoga philosophy in your life; stay happy and enjoy every moment, this is a secret to happy and healthy living!

Yoga Poses for Simple Stress Relief

1)     Cat Pose

As depicted, place wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. This pose will gently massage the spine as well as your belly organs, therefore acting as a powerful stress reliever.

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2)     Standing Forward Bend

Although this position is usually used to transition between poses, it also stretches out your hips, thighs and hamstrings. Additionally, it is said to relieve stress, fatigue, and mild depression.

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3)     Savasana

This pose is easily considered the most calming part of most one’s yoga experience. The body and mind become totally at ease.

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4)     Legs-Up-Wall Pose

This pose is traditionally thought to slow the aging process as well as relieve stress.

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5)     Seated Forward Bend

This position can help you alleviate a distracted mind and help you to unwind. In addition to stretching the hamstrings, spine and lower back, it will also aid in stress and anxiety relief.

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6)     Child’s Pose

By resting your head on the ground this pose will allow you to lower your anxiety. This pose can be done with arms stretched out in front of you or against your sides.

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7)     Mountain Pose

This pose will help keep you in focus and feel a sense of grounding. This will strengthen your whole body and give you peace of mind

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8)     Cobra

The opening of your chest while in cobra position will bring about almost instant stress relief. This pose will help you to feel centered and lighter.

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Do you have any yoga poses that help you keep positive and stress-free? Feel free to share them with us on Facebook!

10 Ways to Get More Out of your Workout with Less Daylight

Struggling to get in a good workout now that there are less hours of daylight in a day? Take a look at our 10 quick tips to get more out of your workout this winter:

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  1. Warm up! Jog on the spot for a few minutes before heading out, and for the first 10 minutes or so slow down and allow your body to adjust to the cold.
  2. Tone it Down: We have less energy in the cold, dark months, so scale back your workout to something light. Short is sweet and it will still keep you in the game!
  3. Stay Hydrated: When it’s chilly outside you won’t notice your sweat as much (but you are sweating!) so make sure you drink up!
  4. Don’t Be Rigid: You may be exclusively a morning or night person, but allow flexibility in regards to the weather conditions. It’s in your best health!
  5. Sign up! Often times marathons and other races will have advanced sign up, so stay motivated and sign up early to keep your stamina going through the winter! It’s great to set goals!
  6. New Gear: Noting gets you more amped up for a workout than new swag! Go out and buy some winter friendly clothing to get you in the spirit!
  7. Pump It Up! Another great motivator is music! Haven’t updated your playlists since the spring? Time to spice it up with some new beats!
  8. Phone a Friend: The best motivation is peer motivation. Call up a buddy that you know will hold you to your word and embrace the cold together!
  9. Food for Thought: You can’t out-train a bad diet, so even though you’ll be tempted to each rich, hearty meals don’t forget that your health is still important!
  10. Spice It Up! Variety is the spice of life, so why not apply that to your workouts? Whether it’s a new running route or even just a new class, adding variety to your routine will keep you motivated and inspired to trek on!

 

Do you have any tips we’re missing? Feel free to share them with us on Facebook or Twitter!

The Key to Quick Arthritis Relief

Do you suffer from arthritis? It’s one of the most common sources of pain in the world and can be an extremely uncomfortable nuisance. If you’re dreaming of the days when you could do whatever you wanted without having to worry about joint pain and all of the other complications associated with arthritis then you’re not alone. Relief is possible though! There are many natural ways that you can reduce your discomfort from arthritis and recapture those carefree moments that you thought were out of your grasp.

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Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is always the first step in feeling better, regardless of the case. If you’re giving your body the nutrition and activity that it needs to function properly, it will reward you by being able to better manage your pain. Eat healthy and exercise!

Be More Mindful

Think about how daily activities can impact the health of your joints. Be more careful when lifting objects – don’t put too much pressure on your joints and make sure that weight is as evenly distributed throughout your body as possible. Plan out your day so that you know exactly what to be ready for.

Relax and Stretch

Stretching out your body can be a great way to take pressure off your joints and help you feel more comfortable. Have you tried yoga? It can be a fantastic option for relaxing your body and helping calm down any pain you might be experiencing from your arthritis. Also try taking hot showers and naps – your body will thank you.

Quit Smoking

As if you needed one more reason to quit: smoking has not only been linked to causing arthritis, but quitting smoking can actually decrease the activity of your arthritis!

Are you looking for more ways to feel better on a regular basis? Check out what we have to offer.

The Health Benefits of Your Morning Coffee

Everyone loves starting their day off with a nice cup of coffee, but did you know that it could also improve your health? Coffee has a number of healthy benefits that may help you feel better and it could even prevent some serious illnesses. Check out all of the amazing ways that coffee could help to make you feel healthier!

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Wake Up Call

Obvious, right? Well, actually: it turns out that coffee can wake you up before you even drink it. Recent studies have proven that coffee can make you feel less sleepy just by smelling it! Not only is this an amazing discovery, but it also explains why the smell of a fresh brewed pot can get you out of bed even on the hardest days.

Athletic Performance

We all know that coffee can wake you up and keep you up for long periods of time. Even at the gym, coffee can help stave off the effects of exhaustion, allowing some athletes to give their workouts an extra boost.

Eyesight

Talk about a morning eye opener! Studies have shown that coffee may prevent retinal degeneration which means that it could keep your eyes healthy and in tip-top shape for longer. The world is a better place with coffee – you’ll see!

Focus!

This time we aren’t talking about your eyes, but your mind! Coffee can make you more productive and more efficient by improving your ability to focus. No wonder you need a cup before starting work for the day!

Possible Help with Parkinson’s Disease

Some people with Parkinson’s disease have reported that coffee helped them with better controlling their movement.

Healthy Mind

A number of studies suggest that moderate coffee drinking may reduce the possibility or delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Live Longer

Recent studies have found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from many different causes including: heart disease, stroke, injuries, accidents, diabetes, and infections.

Have any more questions about how you can lead a healthier life? Contact us!

How to Relieve Headache Pain Naturally

Do you suffer from headaches? These annoying pains are not only painful, but can also get in between you and a great day! Thankfully, there are actually a variety of ways that you can work to relieve headaches naturally and get on with enjoying your life. Don’t let headaches throw you off balance, read on and find out how you can clear your mind and feel better!

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Common Types of Headaches

Before you find out how you can relieve your achy brain, you should figure out which kind of headache you are suffering from. These are the three types of headaches that people experience most commonly (although there are other types out there):

-        Cluster Headaches: These are one of the most painful types of headaches and are usually distinguished by a pattern of sharp pain. Cluster headaches can sometimes manifest for long periods of time, but are not life threatening despite the severe pain that they cause.

-        Migraine: You’ve probably heard the name of this type of headache before, but you may not know exactly what it means. Migraines are extremely intense and can last for hours at time – severe migraines can even cause vomiting and sensitivity to light. During a migraine, a sufferer typically experiences a painful pulsating sensation on one side of their head, however in some cases the sensation is experienced all over. Migraines are very powerful and can leave you unable to perform regular tasks.

-        Tension Headaches: These headaches are much less painful when compared to cluster headaches or migraines and they are also the most common type. Tension headaches normally involve a constant dull pain and a feeling of pressure around the head.

Causes

Headaches can happen due to a wide variety of influences, but there are some factors which have been known to cause them more frequently, including:

-        Dehydration

-        Anxiety

-        Stress

-        Fatigue

-        Food and drink sensitivities

-        Strong smells

-        Illness

Treatment

So how do you treat your headaches and prevent them from coming back naturally? It’s easy! Just follow these simple steps:

-        Get More Rest: This one is huge. Since fatigue is a common cause of headaches, getting to sleep earlier or even just taking a nap can work wonders to relieve that gnawing pain.

-        Don’t Skip Meals: No one wants to feel hungry and feeling hungry with a headache is even worse. Try to eat several smaller meals throughout the day or take a midday snack with you to work or school to avoid that afternoon pain.

-        Relax: Headaches are often a symptom of working too hard or overexerting yourself. Have a warm bath or a hot shower – just take it easy! Pushing yourself even harder will just leave you frustrated and in even more pain than you were before. Stress is a huge factor when it comes to causing headaches as well, so take your mind off of work and find time to center yourself.

-        Drink More Water: Hydration is key to staying headache-free. Although it can be tough to remember to drink water all day, bringing a water bottle with you everywhere is a great way to remind yourself. Try drinking a full glass before every meal as well to make sure you’re always getting the hydration that your body needs.

-        Stay Healthy: Living a healthy lifestyle should always be your goal, but here’s one more thing to motivate you on your journey: headache relief. Keeping fit and maintaining a healthy diet is great for preventing headaches from coming back.

-        Don’t Overdo Screen Time: Have you heard of eyestrain? It’s a common problem that can occur when using computers or smartphones for elongated periods of times. And guess what: one of its main side effects is headaches! Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away from your computer screen for 20 seconds. It will definitely help!

-        Pay Attention to What You’re Eating: Believe it or not, but what you eat can have a huge impact on head pain. If you notice that you get achy after eating certain foods then try to avoid that food as much as possible.

-        Drink Coffee: Even though withdrawal from caffeine dependency can often result in headaches, drinking a cup of coffee when you feel a headache coming on can actually reduce the pain that you’re experiencing.

Looking for more ways to bring positivity back to your life? Check out our fabulous bracelet selection.