Increase Prana Through the Elements
Article by Swami Sitaramananda
Many of us are leading chaotic stressful lives that do not support our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. We do not eat well, exercise correctly, maintain a positive state of mind, or take the time to get the rest and relaxation we need. It is critical that we pause for a moment in our busy lives and understand how we need to heal ourselves from the inside out.
Using ancient yoga practices, we can incorporate simple and easy-to-do activities and routines in our daily life that increase our prana, that reinvigorate our energy and achieve greater vitality, health and tranquility – amid the hustle of the modern day demands.
What is Prana? Prana is the Sanskrit word for “life force” or vital principle. Prana is the force behind life itself. It is everywhere. It is that which gives life. In Yoga philosophy, the term refers collectively to all cosmic energies, permeating the Universe on all levels. It is the sum total of all energy that is manifest. When prana departs from the physical body, there is no life. It is abundant and all pervading. It is energy and where there is energy, there is life.
In living beings, the universal principle of energy or force of prana, is considered responsible for the body’s life, heat, health and maintenance. One may question, if prana is abundant, then why do we lack it? If we do not know how to get prana, to spend it wisely (i.e. we waste it), we will not know how to recharge ourselves.
Prana comes through the five elements of nature, which are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
We can increase prana through the Earth element by living in nature (for example, camping), walking on earth barefoot, touching the earth (gardening), hugging trees, looking at mountains, eating fresh picked fruits and vegetables, living in natural houses; and above all respecting nature.
By drinking clean pure water that is free of chemicals and toxins, we increase our prana through the Water element. Swimming in oceans, rivers, streams also increases prana.
Spending some time daily outdoors in the sunshine, or even opening windows and doors to let the sunshine in increases prana through the Fire element. It is also important to drink warm water and eat warm food; and cook food in flame stoves if possible.
The main source of prana is through breathing (the Air element). Having a consistent pranayama (breathing exercises) practice, inhaling pure fresh air, living in fresh air, airing out rooms, and staying away from polluted environments are some ways we can increase prana.
The Ether element is associated with thoughts. We are all living in an ocean of thoughts. Chanting mantras, being in a positive atmosphere (for example, places of worship) and keeping good company (satsanga) increases prana and helps us connect to a higher vibration of thinking.
A healthy yogi always knows or has a pulse on his/her level of prana and chooses a lifestyle that is balanced and wholesome. We need to make wise choices in our daily activities that will make our lives more vibrant and alive. Sometimes, a little shift such as this goes a long way in reshaping our lives, giving us endless abundant energy, and allowing us to regain the quality of life that we were meant to live.
Pose of the Month – Janu Sirsasana
Relax into a Forward Fold
Janu Sirsasana (Head-of-the-Knee Pose) is a gentle way to stretch the lower back, open the hips and groin, and release the hamstrings. Because it lets you stretch one leg at a time, it’s easier than folding forward with two straight legs. For this reason, it’s an excellent pose for beginners or those who are less flexible in their hamstrings or lower back.
Here’s how to try it: Sit with your legs straight in front of you and your spine tall. Then bend one knee and place the heel on the inside of your thigh as close to your pubic bone as possible. Exhale and let your bent leg drop toward the floor. Release your “sit bones” into the earth and lengthen your spine, extending up through the crown of your head.
Exhale and turn your body slightly toward the extended leg, then inhale and lift the front torso. Keep breathing and lengthening as you hinge forward from the hips, folding your torso over your extended leg. If you can’t reach your foot, use a strap-but don’t pull yourself into the forward bend. Allow your body to lengthen forward comfortably, with the lower belly touching the thighs first and the head touching last. Stay for at least five to 10 breaths, than switch sides.
Beginners Tip
Make sure the bent-leg foot doesn’t slide under the straight leg. You should be able to look down and see the sole of the foot. Keep the bent-leg foot active too. Broaden the top of the foot on the floor and press the heel toward the inner groin of the straight leg.
Benefits
- Calms the brain and helps relieve mild depression
- Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, and groins
- Stimulates the liver and kidneys
- Improves digestion
- Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
- Relieves anxiety, fatigue, headache, menstrual discomfort
- Therapeutic for high blood pressure, insomnia, and sinusitisStrengthens the back muscles during pregnancy (up to second trimester), done without coming forward, keeping your back spine concave and front torso long.
Painkillers Like Ibuprofen Increase Risk for Stroke and Heart Attack
Studies have shown that over-the-counter NSAID pain killers like Ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, and naproxen can potentially cause users to have a heart attack or a stroke. New labeling being required by the US Food and Drug Administration on the packaging of NSAIDS will warn users of these possible side effects, along with advising them that their risk of heart failure is increased if they take these drugs. The new labels will include the fact that these heart problems can occur as soon as the initial weeks of use of the NSAIDS. They will also say that heart failure, heart attack, and stroke can affect people using NSAIDS who have no history of heart issues, and no genetic predisposition toward heart disease. People who already have heart issues or who have certain risk factors for heart disease have a higher probability of suffering heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes with NSAID usage, though. Studies seem to show that higher doses of NSAIDS increase possible heart failure or damage. NSAIDS have been used for years to treat fever as well as the pain from arthritis, headaches, abdominal cramping, and the discomfort from viral diseases.
Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: FDA.gov, online July 9, 2015
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2015
Tips for Eating After Yoga
It’s not uncommon for a yoga practice to take us into a different state of being. The physical asana, along with things like pranayama and meditation, can bring us into awareness of our bodies and minds with a sense of clarity and presence that we want to sustain as long as possible after class ends. One way of prolonging the benefits of yoga is through good diet choices after practice. Whether you think of yoga as a holistic system of spiritual and physical growth or as a tool to relieve stress and increase flexibility and toning, what you eat after your practice can have a big impact on the benefits you’ll reap. Just as eating before yoga requires some thought and awareness, deciding what to eat after asana can be just as important.
As we creep into high summer, it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated. While it can be tempting to reward yourself with a beer after yoga, drinking water—and lots of it—is the best thing you can do for your body. Hot yoga classes can be even more popular during the summer, and it’s imperative that you replenish what you sweated off after a particularly intense session. If you want to add some pizazz to your hydration, throw some fruit slices into your water. Citrus fruits, cucumbers, peaches or even whole berries can add fun and flavor while allowing you to reap summer’s bounty.
Getting some carbohydrates in after practice is great for energy, proper metabolism and digestion. Sweet potatoes, rice and vegetables are fantastic after any workout and are easy to prepare. Choose steamed or sautéed dishes rather than fried for a healthy, lighter meal. Fruit is a fantastic option for dessert. Take advantage of what’s in season by making a colorful fruit salad that allows you to taste a little bit of everything.
Your muscles want protein after practice. Protein promotes muscle growth and healing, and increases energy overall. You can choose your protein sources wisely using common sense or some basic guidelines from ayurvedic wisdom. Lean proteins, like chicken, turkey and fish are healthy choices that won’t leave you feeling as heavy (and tamasic) as a giant burger. You can also get lots of protein from non-meat sources, like eggs, nuts, tofu and yogurt.
Even more important than what you eat, is an awareness of how you feel after you’ve eaten it. Knowledge of ayurvedic diet can help hone this intuitive awareness while helping you maintain healthful eating habits that will sustain the benefits of the physical practice. Sattvic foods are thought to be most beneficial for diet and richest in prana, the energy of life itself. They are easily light and digested, fresh, and are free from preservatives, chemicals and large amounts of spice or fats. Practicing mindfulness around eating is a way to maintain the meditative effects of yoga, and eating more sattvic foods can contribute directly to the quality of both sitting meditation and asana practice. According to Gary Gran, “The true test of foods comes when we meditate. All meditators know there are two main problems. One is falling asleep—the tamasic effect. The other is an over-active mind—the rajasic effect. If we want to be able to quiet the mind and maintain our alertness . . . we need to follow the sattvic diet.” Yoga practice, as a moving meditation, increases body awareness and clarifies the mind, and pairing it with eating mindfully can be a path to evolution across every aspect of your life.
Article from Yogabasics.com by Ali McGhee June 26, 2015
That’s Life
Mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment to moment.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
