Saving Our Planet-It’s Up to All of Us
Technology and innovation are constantly changing. The opportunities to make important and positive changes to our planet are everywhere. Just in the last week, Starbucks announced that they will be discontinuing plastic straws. Within a few days, Disney confirmed that same policy is in the works. Just today I was out and heard a woman tell her husband, she hadn’t wanted a stray. Straws are considered the number one pollutant found on our beaches. Plastic bags are number two. With so many caring, intelligent humans on this planet, the global warming crisis is reversable. Of course, we need to act now!
The new and very timely book titled, “Drawdown, The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming”, was compiled by Paul Hawken. The book highlights the 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming, based on meticulous research by leading scientists and policymakers around the world. I want to share an easy one that experts say is incredibly beneficial. Just one small, positive step makes a huge impact on the reduction of the greenhouse gas methane. It is over thirty-five times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
Composting is the easiest and cheapest way for us all to participate in a solution. Currently the U.S. composts about 38% of its food waste. It is mandatory in San Francisco where compost is sent to the vineyards of Napa Valley to fertilize the soil without using chemical fertilizers. Denmark has not sent organic waste to landfills in twenty-five years. I have been composting for several years and can’t believe how much food waste I am recycling. My plants love it too
Help for Leg and Foot Cramps
The photo above is for a product that relieves leg or foot cramps. This remedy was shared by one of my students. Caleb Treeze Organic Farm has created this drink. It is sold at local health food stores. A key ingredient is apple cider vinegar. Keep this on hand if you have issues with occasional leg cramps. Thanks Nikki.
The Science of Self Care
Boost Immunity with breathwork. A control group that practiced yogic breathing for 10 minutes a day showed a reduced level of three pro-inflammatory molecules called interleukins and higher levels of antibodies called immunoglobulins, which are key to fighting germs.
Yogic breathing exercises (“pranayama,” in Sanskrit) are one of the most important parts of a well-rounded yoga practice. The ancient yoga text known as the Yoga Sutras, compiled by the sage Patanjali in 150 BCE, considers pranayama as one of the eight major limbs of yoga. Adding pranayama to your regular practice of yoga poses (asanas) and meditation will benefit your mind, body, and spirit.
Alternate Nostril Breathing — Nadi Shodhana (NAH-dee shoh-DAH-nuh) — is a purifying pranayama that alternates the blockage of each nostril, channeling the air throughout your body in a concentrated flow. It balances the nadis, or channels of energy throughout the body, and harmonizes the left and right hemispheres of the brain, easing stress and anxiety. Its name comes from two Sanskrit words:
- “Nadi” — meaning “channel”
- “Shodhana” — meaning “cleansing” or “purifying”
In yoga, it is believed that practicing Nadi Shodhana will cleanse and purify the nadis, which will allow for a smoother flow of “prana,” (meaning, “life force energy”) throughout the body, mind, and spirit. When pranabecomes unbalanced, due to mental and physical stress, the nadis become blocked, which can lead to illness and disease. Keeping the nadis cleansed will lead to overall wellness and peace in all areas of life.
Benefits of Nadi Shodhana
Practicing Nadi Shodhana balances and harmonizes your nadis and both hemispheres of your brain. This balance helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It lowers your heart rate and helps to relieve mental tension. As you practice Nadi Shodhana, shifting your awareness between your left and right nostrils, your mind naturally becomes more centered and focused. With regular practice, your attention span and ability to focus for long periods may be positively affected.
- Begin in a comfortable, cross-legged position, such as Easy Pose. You may choose to sit on a folded blanket, bolster, or blockto elevate your hips and reduce knee pressure. Sit up straight, but relax your body. Soften your jaw and breathe naturally.
- With your right hand, bend your index and middle fingers, keeping your ring finger, pinkie finger, and thumb extended. This hand position, or mudra, is called Mrigi Mudra.
- Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
- Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
- At the top of your inhalation, close your left nostril with the ring finger of your right hand as you release the right nostril.
- Exhale through your right nostril.
- Keeping the left nostril closed, inhale deeply through your right nostril.
- Seal your right nostril again with your thumb, then release your left nostril.
- Exhale out of your left nostril. You should now be in the original position, with your thumb sealing your right nostril. This is one cycle.
- Balance your inhalations and exhalations so they are the same length through both nostrils.
- Repeat up to 10 full cycles, gradually increasing the number of repetitions as you gain experience.
Modifications & Variations
If you have a shoulder or neck injury, or have not built up enough strength, it might be difficult to keep your right arm raised throughout the exercise. To remedy this, prop your right elbow up on a bolster, or rest it on the seat of a chair placed next to you.
The right hand is traditionally used for the seal. However, those who are left-handed might find it more comfortable to perform the exercise with their left hand.
Tips
When practiced correctly, Nadi Shodhana will balance and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. Keep your breath steady, rhythmic, and smooth throughout the practice. As you gain experience, you will be able to balance your inhalations and exhalations so they each last for a count of eight.
Remember not to push it, though. If your breath becomes strained or if you start feeling anxious, stop the exercise and return to your normal breathing pattern before attempting it again.
Why Older Women Need Their Vegetables
An Australian study of 954 women aged 70 and older has found that the more vegetables older women eat, the less likely they are to develop plaque accumulation in their arteries. Lauren Blekkenhorst, a nutrition researcher at the University of Western Australia and lead author of the study, found that study participants averaged 2.7 servings of vegetables per day. Using a food questionnaire to categorize responses, researchers determined that women who consumed three servings of vegetables per day had artery walls that were about 5 percent less thick than women who ate less than two servings. One of the most beneficial types of vegetables for artery health was found to be the crucifer family — cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. For each third of an ounce more cruciferous vegetables participants ate, they had a corresponding 0.8 percent less artery wall thickness. This means even a small increase in vegetable consumption can have big benefits for vascular health. Blekkenhorst hypothesizes that eating vegetables may make arteries healthier because it leaves less room for junk food. In addition, the vitamins and minerals present in vegetables have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to better cardiovascular health. Although the study was not meant to predict long-term cardiovascular health, it does show how easily your diet impacts vascular health. Adding just a serving or two of vegetables to your diet each day can make help you stay healthier, longer.
Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: Journal of the American Heart Association, online April 4, 2018.
Green Savory Soup
An alkaline diet has proven to be a healthy way to live. Foods include fruits, vegetables and seeds. They help support digestion and flushes toxins. An acidic diet is one we should try to minimize. Things that are acidic are grains, sugars, dairy and processed foods.
Below is a recipe for a delicious and refreshing green gazpacho from Kay Miller of Radiant Body Yoga.
5 Cups Spinach
2 Peeled Cucumbers
1 Avocado
2/3 Cup Parsley, chopped
1 Lemon Peeled
¼ tsp Salt
2 tbsp Olive Oil
In a blender, process spinach, cucumber, avocado, parsley, lemon, salt, oil and 2 cups water until evenly combined.
(can be crunchy). 1 minutes. Split among bowls or cups and enjoy!
