Thursday, May 1, 2008

Benefit of Yoga Part I

The practice of Yoga brings with it many physical and emotional benefits that the majority of people are unaware of. This article is quite long, so we have broken it up into two parts. The first part is an introduction to Yoga and a overview of the major physical and psychological benefits of Yoga, while the second part shows how practicing yoga daily can have a profound effect on your ability to create a healthy lifestyle for yourself.

Yoga is a science; and indeed, in many places in the world (such as India), it is referred to as a science. This is not merely playing with words; it truly is approached as a science, which means that it is understood in terms of scientific methods.

Yogic science seeks to verify cause and effect, and build principles based upon objective observations. Indeed, in many places in the world, to be a yogic master of any credibility, one must be highly educated in the sciences, including physics and the biological sciences.

This discussion on yoga as science is important for us to include because it allows us to sensibly ask the question: what are the benefits of yoga? After all, if yoga is a faith or a belief, then asking this question isn't fair; because it's one that yoga cannot answer in terms that we can objectively understand.

Yoga is a science; as empirical and pragmatic as kinesiology, or exercise science, which seeks to understand how the body acts and reacts to changes in the internal physical environment. And even more simply than any of this: each of us has a right to ask the basic question, "why should I bother practicing yoga and what experience or benefits can I expect?"

Indeed, while the experience of yoga cannot be reduced to words – just as reading a book on preparing for a marathon isn't going to actually physically prepare you to run a marathon – the goals and principles of yoga can easily be discussed.

Here's the Mayo Clinic's take on the benefits of meditation:

"Meditation is used by people who are perfectly healthy as a means of stress reduction. But if you have a medical condition that's worsened by stress, you might find the practice valuable in reducing the stress-related effects of allergies, asthma, chronic pain and arthritis, among others."

Yoga involves a series of postures, during which you pay special attention to your breathing — exhaling during certain movements and inhaling with others. You can approach yoga as a way to promote physical flexibility, strength and endurance or as a way to enhance your spirituality.

The Mind-Body Connection

Yoga is centered on the mind-body connection. This mind-body harmony is achieved through three things:

- postures (asanas)

- proper breathing (pranayama)

- meditation

Mind and body draw inspiration and guidance from the combined practices of asanas, breathing, and meditation. As people age (to yogis, ageing is an artificial condition), our bodies become susceptible to toxins and poisons (caused by environmental and poor dietary factors).

Yoga helps us through a cleaning process, turning our bodies into a well synchronized and well-oiled piece of machinery.

Physical Benefits

By harmonizing these three principles, the benefits of yoga are attained. And just what are these benefits?

- equilibrium in the body’s central nervous system

- decrease in pulse

- respiratory and blood pressure rates

- cardiovascular efficiency

- gastrointestinal system stabilization

- increased breath-holding time

- improved dexterity skills.

- Improved balance

- Improved depth perception

- Improved memory


Psychological Benefits

As noted above, Yoga also delivers an array of psychological benefits; and in fact, this is a very common reason why people begin practicing it in the first place. Perhaps the most frequently mentioned psychological benefit of yoga is an improved ability to manage stress. Yoga diminishes an individual’s levels of anxiety, depression, and lethargy; thus enabling him/her to focus on what’s spiritual and important: achieving balance and happiness.

In part II of the Benefit of Yoga we'll reveal how yoga can help deal with stress, unhealthy habits and pain management. The benefits of Yoga go far beyond meditation and stretching, it is a way to release those toxic emotions that tend to stand in the way of living a healthy life.

Visit My Yoga for Life to continue reading Benefit of Yoga Part II at My Yoga for Life or visit our blog at Yoga for Life Blog.

Yoga and Health: An Alternative Form of Exercise

Yoga has long been used as an alternative form of healthy exercise. Today, a variety of yoga schools have become popular, so if you want to try this technique of healing and preventative health, research them all before signing up for a class. Yoga can be very helpful if you are suffering from pain or disease, but, as always, discuss this change in your exercise regimen with your doctor before you begin so that you can be sure yoga will work for you.

Iyengar is the yoga of props and slow pose progression. Correct form is important, and so your instructor will stress this. It is an extremely useful kind of yoga for beginners to try, and people with disabilities or physical restrictions can also use Iyengar yoga. Props that are used help people overcome back and joint problems. Iyengar yoga, in short, teaches the fundamentals, and so this is an important kind of yoga to use if you are new to yoga.

Power yoga, or Ashtanga yoga, is the most athletic form of yoga and used by those who want a difficult work out. Flexibility, stamina, and strength are all heavily stressed with this form of yoga, and meditation is not as important and usually not taught at all. A warm temperature is beneficial to this style to lessen muscle strain, so power yoga can also be combined with hot yoga, which is a highly physical workout done in temperatures of 100 degrees or even more in some cases. Breath control is important here, and the progression is swift to maximize athletic benefit. Ashtanga yoga is not as beneficial for beginners and can be especially difficult for those who are not accustomed to exercising. Hatha yoga can be viewed as the opposite of this, and is a more relaxing kind of workout that is concerned not only with physical well being, but also with mental and spiritual healthiness. Most types of yoga include aspects of Hatha yoga, and these techniques are important for beginners to learn.

Kundalini is a more spiritual type of yoga exercise, and includes chanting, guided relaxation and meditations, and visualizations. It can be done by anyone of any religious practice, although yoga first began with Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Kundalini heals the body, emotions, and mind. Posture and breathing is important in this type of yoga, and those overcoming addiction have found Kundalini especially helpful.

Other kinds of yoga may also be beneficial to you and your health. Be sure to choose a routine that is not too easy or, on the other hand, too difficult. Talk with your doctor or a yoga instructor for more information.

Is Your Doctor's Hair Removal Laser Safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medical devices in the U.S. The FDA keeps extensive databases on these devices containing lists of the devices, their safety records, pre-market notifications, and pre-market approval notices, to name a few.

Section 510(k) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires regulated medical device manufacturers to notify the FDA at least 90 days in advance of their intent to market a medical device. This is known as Premarket Notification -- also called PMN or 510(k). It allows FDA to determine whether the device is equivalent to a device already placed into one of the three classification categories.

This allows "new" (unclassified) devices (those not in commercial distribution prior to May 28, 1976) to be properly identified. Specifically, medical device manufacturers are required to submit a premarket notification if they intend to introduce a device into commercial distribution for the first time.

The 501(k) notification must also be submitted when reintroducing a device that has been significantly changed or modified to the extent that its safety or effectiveness could be affected. These changes or modifications might relate to the design, material, chemical composition, energy source, manufacturing process, or intended use of the device.

The FDA has established classifications for approximately 1,700 different generic types of devices. These devices are grouped them into 16 medical specialties referred to as panels. Each of these generic types of devices is assigned to one of three regulatory classes (Class I, II or III) based on the level of control necessary to assure the safety and effectiveness of the device.

This 510(K) database can be searched by 510(k) number, applicant, device name or FDA product code. The database is updated monthly and is found online at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMN/pmn.cfm

Call your laser hair removal clinic or doctor, and ask for the manufacturer, model, and 510(K) number of the medical device to be used in your cosmetic surgery procedure. The 510(K) number always starts with a "K" and is the preferred item. Enter the 510(k) number into the appropriate field in the database search form.

An example of a 510(K) number is K002890. An example of a trade name or device name for that 510(K) number is "IntraLase 600C Laser Keratome." The intended use for this particular medical laser is eye surgery.

When the search results are returned, click on the link to the right of the "Summary" line. The summary lists the characteristics of the laser device and when it was cleared for use. An approval letter should also be listed in the summary.

You may also wish to examine the FDA MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database. This database contains reports of adverse events involving medical devices. The link to this database is http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/search.cfm

To Search the MAUDE listings by Brand Name, Manufacturer, Event Type, 510K Number, PMA Number, Product Code, or date, select use the Advanced Search button. No results were returned for the 510(K) number K002890, indicating that no adverse events were reported for that medical laser device during the reporting period.

The chances are very high that a licensed doctor will be using a licensed and approved laser device for your laser hair removal or other cosmetic surgery. However, with the quantity of online data available to the public, it doesn't hurt to check.

Remember that the FDA keeps safety records of many medical devices, not just those that use lasers. It is better to learn about possible complaints or problems with the medical device about to be used on you before the cosmetic surgery procedure, rather than afterwards.

Learn more about medical laser applications, especially laser hair removal, at the resources below.

Get Free Hair Removal Answers and Laser Hair Removal Facts
at these other free info sites by Doug Smith.

Your Facial Plastic Surgery Checklist

Is It A Nose Or Face Lift? Cheek Or Chin Implants?

Whatever type of plastic surgery procedure you think you need (or want); there are things to consider so that you get the best results not only for your appearance, but more importantly, your health and your self-esteem.

1. Who’s Your Doctor?

This is the most important decision you will make; even above the issue of how expensive your face-lift will be. Plastic surgery is still surgery, which means certain things will be done to your body – which is something you should never take lightly.

Take the time to look for a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon that has performed, many times, the procedure you choose to undergo. You wouldn’t want to settle for a liposuction expert to work on your nose, right?

Also, make sure the person you are considering is a licensed doctor – because that’s what plastic surgeons are – doctors. They are not cosmeticians or aestheticians that took a 3-month course in some vocational school. For surgery, it’s a medical degree and nothing less.

2. Know What You Want (But Be Ready To Listen And Follow Your Doctor’s Advice).

Although they hold a medical degree, your doctor is not a psychic who can read your mind. You need to tell him / her what you want to achieve from the procedure. Bring pictures to give your doctor an idea of what you have in mind. You doctor may even have a computer program for this very purpose.

However, listen to your doctor if they give you advice (because that’s what you pay them for!). If, for example, your doctor tells you that the cheek implant you want still won’t make you look like Jennifer Lopez listen and adjust your expectations accordingly.

3. This Is Going To Hurt…

… at least for a while, immediately after the procedure. But don’t be scared, the swelling and discomfort are indicators your body is reacting to the surgery by healing itself. In 7 to 10 days, the pain and swelling should subside substantially. But even then, give yourself enough time to fully recover (about a month or so) before taking up activities that can strain your body.

Finally, make sure you really, REALLY want the procedure (and not just because someone made a wise crack at how you look or told you that you should have plastic surgery). Plastic surgery exists to enhance the appearance you’ve already have – not to fix something that’s wrong with you, because there isn’t. And that’s something you don’t need a medical degree to know for certain.

So You’re Thinking About Facial Implants

Well, you’re not alone. An average of 350,000 men and women in the United States get facial implants annually. Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) was the most used; but other facial implant procedures target the chin, jaw and the cheeks.

Facial implants can bring a more harmonious balance to a face. Whether it is to create a stronger more sculpted jaw line or to raise cheekbones, facial implants can be the answer to enhance your appearance.

So what do you need to know about getting facial implants?

First, look for a plastic surgeon that you trust. The basis for your trust has to be more than just thinking the doctor “seems okay.” You may feel embarrassed to ask, but it is well within your rights to inquire about the doctor’s credentials.

It is also perfectly acceptable to ask how many procedures (like the one you intend to have done), has the doctor previously performed. Getting recommendations from friends and acquaintances you trust is a good place to start.

(As a side note, do not be misled into thinking that a plastic surgeon and a cosmetician / aesthetician are the same. THEY ARE NOT. A plastic surgeon has gone through medical school and is licensed to perform surgery. Cosmeticians and aestheticians don’t have such training and are not allowed to carry out procedures like facial implants.)

Once you’ve decided which doctor to use, share what you want to achieve with the procedure with him: don’t expect the doctor to read your mind. If you find describing your desired look difficult, try taking some pictures to him as examples of the type of chin, jaw, or nose you desire to have following the surgery. Some doctor’s clinics have computer programs that can simulate an implant’s effect on the face to help with your decision of what you really want.

Next, be honest with your doctor regarding your lifestyle. Don’t start lying about your smoking habits just because it’s a doctor who’s asking you. Details like those are important for your plastic surgeon. It will help him / her address possibilities for infection and so that you can take steps toward a swifter recovery.

Finally, prepare yourself for the immediate effects of the procedure. Your body will react with a lot of swelling and discomfort, but this is natural as it is the body’s way of healing itself. Give it 7-10 days to relieve the swelling and a few more weeks before you participating in rigorous activities like sports.

Your new facial implant will greatly enhance your appearance. Just take the time to do your homework right.