Change Your Breathing Change Your Life

April 24, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

Breathing is something so simple and yet so powerful. It allows our body to function, and yet we don’t often put much thought into its rhythm or pattern. Think of when you become very nervous or anxious, your breaths become heavy and laborious. When you’re calm and even drowsy, you’re breathing becomes deep and slow. Your breathing is a reflection of your state of mind and therefore, changing your breathing and the monitoring of your breathing can change your life.

If you currently practice meditation, you know the incredible affects that it has on your wellbeing. So much, in fact, that a 2005 Harvard study concluded that controlled breathing could actually increase the size of one’s brain. Focusing your breathing can be more powerful than you think! Meditation also has the power to reduce your stress levels. Shallow breathing suggests that your body is in, or is preparing to be in, fight-or-flight mode. Setting aside a moment to sit down, be still and actually focus on your breathing will significantly help your body to achieve a state of calm. In addition, channeling and controlling your breathing has the ability to reduce anxiety levels. A 2007 study found that students who practiced deep-breathing meditation reported having less anxiety and self-doubt and more concentration than those who did not practice deep breathing beforehand!

Not only great for your brain, breathing can also be incredibly beneficial for your heart rate. Your heart, like your breathing, is a reflection of your current mood and situational factors. Therefore, by practicing non-yogic deep breathing, a study suggests that you can actually improve heart rate variability.

Do you have meditation or breathing techniques that have benefitted your life? Share them with us on Facebook! Supplement your breathing exercises with the beauty of a QRay bracelet.

Bracelets

5 Yoga Poses for a Better Sleep

April 21, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

So often we find it difficult to leave the worries and stress of the day behind us. Even after we’ve decompressed at home, had family time and crawled into bed, it can be truly a daunting task to calm the mind. This can result in sleepless nights that only lead to grumpy mornings and unproductive days. Ease your mind and have a better, more refreshing sleep with 5 easy yoga poses.

1. Bridge Pose

Bridge pose creates an inversion of the body, and can often produce stress relief and improve circulation. This pose opens the chest and will give your chest muscles a nice stretch.

2. Half Lotus Forward Fold

This position will stretch out your outer hips as well as your glutes. When folding forward, really try to melt into the pose and allow your mind to become quiet.

3. Spine Twist

This will provide a gentle twist felt throughout the back and can be incredibly relaxing. Do your best to keep your mind quiet and calm.

4. Standing Forward Bend

Not only is this position excellent for receiving headaches and lowering stress levels, but many yogis also claim that it is powerful in reducing insomnia.

5. Savasana

This is the ultimate pose to get your body ready for sleep mode. Focus your attention on your body and your breathing. At this point, you should be able to let your worries of the day go!

Namaste.

What are your favourite yoga positions before bed? Share them with us on Twitter!

Health

Acupressure Techniques To Try

April 15, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

Many of us feel that painkillers like Advil or Aspirin can feel like unnatural cures that are foreign to the body. Acupressure can be a great alternative to pills, and may be useful in treating an array of maladies.

Nausea: If you’re experiencing nausea, take your wrist in between your thumb and your index and middle fingers. Place your thumb on the inside of your wrist approximately two finger-widths down from the top crease. Make sure your middle and index fingers are on the opposite side of your wrist. Firmly press together.

Stiff Neck: Gently place your fingers behind your ears and move down and inwards until you find the indention at the top of your jaw. Use your middle and index fingers to press firmly on these pressure points on both sides of your neck. Slowly close your eyes and tilt your head back until the pain starts to subside.

Sinus Pressure: Place your index fingers on either side of your nose. Gently press on the creases where your nose and cheek meet, just outside of your nostrils. Hold this for up to 3 minutes.

Grogginess: Use your middle and index fingers to firmly press against the back of your knees for a quick energy boost. For a real jolt of energy, lightly tap the top of your head, directly in the centre. Then, use your thumb and index finger to massage the same spot behind your knees, followed by the middle of your foot.

Are you familiar with acupressure and have some techniques you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them on our Facebook page!

Health

A Brief History Of The Development Of Yoga

April 8, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

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.

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!

Bracelets

How To Detox Your Home

March 26, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

You know what they say: your home is your castle. So why allow bad energy to cluster and crowd in your sacred space? Chemicals can be found in air freshener, plastics, furniture and other foreign substances that pollute the air in our homes. Though air purifiers are an effective option, sometimes the best route is a holistic one. Here are some options to help naturally detoxify your home:

Bamboo

When bamboo is baked at very high temperatures, it transforms into a charcoal-like substance. Charcoal is excellent at absorbing not only odours, but also potentially hazardous chemicals like ammonia. These are called ‘bamboo briquettes’ and are an excellent environmentally friendly option that has been used throughout Asia for hundreds of years.

Plants

In addition to adding a lovely burst of green to your home, plants also help to clean the air in your house – sometimes in as little as a day! Houseplants are capable of removing tricky toxins such as cigarette smoke and even carbon monoxide. In fact, NASA scientists conducted a study to demonstrate the incredible power of plants in the detoxification of air. Wondering what the top three plants were? English ivy, golden pothos and boston fern!

Beeswax

100% real beeswax candles clean the air while they burn. As the candles burn, they create negative ions, which neutralize positive ions (allergens and airborne toxins) and produce a similar cleansing effect to houseplants. Remember, only 100% beeswax candles will work (most candles actually add to the toxicity of the air in your home).

Himalayan Salt Lamp

These lamps are exactly what they sound like – large chunks of Himalayan salt with a small light bulb placed inside. As the light bulb heats up the salt and gently releases salt particles, the salt particles neutralize toxins in the air and eliminate unpleasant odours. Additionally, many find the warm, glowing light of the salt lamp to be very therapeutic.

Preventative Measures

Remove shoes when entering the home
Use green/eco-friendly cleaners
Filter your water
Be conscious of purchasing synthetic materials throughout the home

Do you have helpful tips for detoxifying the home? Feel free to share them with us on our Facebook page!

Inspiration

5 Tranquil Places To Inspire Zen

March 17, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes a picture is also enough to inspire none. Sometimes the mere glance at a tranquil space, a calm pond, or a lush forest is enough to quiet the mind. In saying that, we’d like to share 5 tranquil places that we feel will inspire an inner state of Zen.

The sun setting on a beachy paradise

Mossy rocks embedded in a beautiful glassy ocean

A cotton candy sky nirvana

A sleepy mountain in the background of a lake of glass

A sailboat slowly adrift into the setting sun

Do you have a favorite tranquil image? Share it with us! To learn more about the benefits of QRay on your well-being, click here.

Inspiration

How To Balance Your Chakras

March 11, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

According to ancient Buddhist beliefs, chakras are considered to be energy sources within the body. The word ‘chakra’is Sanskrit and literally means‘wheel’or ‘disk’. Chakras are said to be centres in our body through which energy flow. They are located at the base of the spine and go all the way up to the crown of the head. Each chakra is a motor and relates to a different area of our life, personality and wellbeing. For each of the 7 chakras, there is a delicate balance to maintain in order to ensure both happiness and satisfaction. Should you find any one of these chakras imbalanced, try these rebalancing techniques:

Root Chakra

Located in the base of your spine, the root chakra is associated with the feeling of comfort. It encompasses the first three vertebrae as well as the bladder and the colon. When this chakra is open, you feel safe and calm. If you find this chakra imbalanced, surround yourself with the color red to rebalance it. Try the stones of garnet and hematite or the aromas of cinnamon, patchouli, nutmeg and ginger.

Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is located below the navel and above the pubic bone. This chakra correlates with feelings and intimacy. If you find yourself hypersensitive or overemotional, this may mean your chakra is overactive. Conversely, if you have issues with attachment, intimacy and expressing emotion, it may be underactive. Under activity may also be expressed through depression, eating disorders and asthma. If you find this chakra to be imbalanced, surround yourself with the color orange. Try the stones carnelian and orange calcite and the aromas of sandalwood, orange and geranium.

Naval Chakra

The naval chakra is located just above the belly button at the lower abdomen. This chakra corresponds to self-confidence and ego. If you find yourself to be an aggressive and rather domineering personality type, it is likely that your naval chakra is overactive. Ulcers, extreme anxiety, as well as digestive issues are all indicators of an imbalanced naval chakra. Should you find this chakra to be imbalanced, try the following: surround yourself with the colour yellow with the stones of yellow jasper and citrine and the aromas of myrrh, frankincense and lemon.

Heart Chakra

The heart chakra is located exactly where you’d imagine – in the center of one’s chest. This chakra pertains kindness, affection and love. When open, you are compassionate and effective at creating and maintaining relationships. When closed, one tends to be distant and cold. If you believe this chakra to be imbalanced, surround yourself with the following with the colour green, such as the stones of rose quartz and jade as well as the aromas of rosemary, peppermint and tea tree.

Throat Chakra

The throat chakra, located in the throat, deals with communication and self-expression. When open, you have no issues with self-expression and effectively communicate and listen with peers. If closed, you may have issues expressing yourself and opening up. Should you find this chakra to become imbalanced, surround yourself with the following: the colour blue, such as the stones of turquoise and blue calcite as well as the aromas of lavender, geranium and chamomile.

Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows, deals with inner wisdom, insight and the ability to connect with the outer universe. While open you are able to connect with your intuition and imagination. When your third eye chakra is closed, you may rely heavily on others and suffer from great confusion. If you believe this chakra has become imbalanced, surround yourself with shades of indigo, the stone azurite and the aromas of vanilla, orange or lemon.

Crown Chakra

The seventh and final chakra, the crown chakra, also known as the ‘thousand petal lotus’, is located at the very top of the head. This chakra regards enlightenment and connection with our higher self as well as the divine. If this chakra has become imbalanced, surround yourself with the colour violet, the stones of amethyst or white topaz and the scents of ylang-ylang and jasmine.

Do you have your own remedies to balance your chakras? Share them with us on our Facebook page!

Inspiration

5 Calming Guided Meditations

March 3, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

The stress of the day can sometimes overwhelm and cloud the mind. In order to declutter our thoughts, it is sometimes in our best interest to take a moment to decompress. Many have found guided meditation to be a useful tool to help quiet the mind and achieve renewed calm. Here are 5 guided meditations to help you restore calmness, relax, and find your center. Click the images to link to the mediations.

Breathing Guided Imagery Meditation

OmHarmonics – Balance

3. Chakra Meditations: Guided by Deepak Chopra

4. Guided Meditation For Anxiety & Stress

5. 10 Minute Guided Meditation to ease Anxiety, Worry, and Urgency

Do you have a favorite guided meditation? Be sure to share it with us on our Facebook page!

Healthy Eating

10 Foods That Make You Happy

February 26, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

We all know that food has the power to improve our day – whether it is a special treat or a warm, home cooked meal. But did you know that certain foods are scientifically proven to boost your mood? Here are 10 of them:

Chocolate

You’re probably thinking, “Duh, who doesn’t take a bite out of a chocolate bar and feel an instant dose of happiness?” According to science, eating just over 1oz for 2-weeks everyday can actually help to reduce stress hormones!

Oranges

Even thinking about oranges just makes you feel happy! These tangy treats are chalk full of B6 and folic acids, vitamins which have shown to be lacking in people who suffer from depression.

Tea

Like a warm hug in a mug, there are few things as soothing as a cup of your favorite tea. To help clear your head, it is suggested that 5-6 daily cups of either oolong, green or black tea will help to improve your alertness and attention!

Saffron

Now this may surprise you, but some researchers believe that this special spice has the same mood-lifting effects as Prozac! Most notably, saffron has been known to reduce symptoms of PMS, depression and mood swings.

Honey

Well, it certainly makes everything sweeter! It is suggested that depression is a symptom of low-grade inflammation. Luckily, honey is packed full of compounds to help reduce inflammation.

Avocado

We all know avocado is brimming with deliciousness, but it is also full of serotonin which is a neurotransmitter associated with happiness!

Chia Seeds

Many of us add a spoonful or so to smoothies to pack an extra punch, but did you know they’re filled with omega-3s? If you’re not into fatty fish, stock up on chia seeds!

Greek Yogurt

Disturbances in your body’s calcium levels can actually have a negative impact on your mood and contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability and slow thinking. Fortunately, Greek yogurt has a huge amount of calcium and digestion boosting probiotics!

Coconut

With such a tropical scent, even just the smell of it can be uplifting! We’re not joking – simply the smell of coconut can reduce anxiety induced ‘fight or flight’ responses in times of stress.

10. Carbs

Its no surprise that your favourite comfort food may provide some instant gratification, but healthy carbs can actually help in producing serotonin!

What foods make you happy? Share them with us on Facebook!

Inspiration

12 Pictures That Epitomize ‘Warm and Cozy’

February 19, 2015 Q-Ray Leave a comment

Sometimes simply looking a photo of a roaring fire, a wool blanket, or fuzzy slippers can make you instantly feel a little warmer – and a little cozier! To help you beat the winter blues, we’ve shared 12 photos that epitomize that warm, cozy feeling!