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Meaning :  Shav is corpse; asana is posture. The name reflects the posture of a dead body. Benefits of Shavasana 1. This practice is for complete physical and mental relaxation. 2. It brings great psycho-physiological coordination. 3. Releases stiffness and fatigue, enhancing relaxation of the body. 4. Helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression, confusion, insomnia, dementia, etc. 5. Improves breathing and awareness, both internally and externally. 6. Good for all disorders related to stress…

About 35% of the Asian adult population suffers from hypertension or High Blood Pressure.  Hypertension raises risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. However, simple dietary awareness and measures, like following the DASH diet, can help control as well as prevent its risks. By Ujjwala Baxi, dietitian and diabetes educator DASH diet, i.e. Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, comprises foods that are higher on nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium…

Nadishodhan  (Alternate Nostril breathing) Meaning Nadi refers to invisible energy tubes in the body. Shodhan means to purify. This Pranayama purifies the network of the psyche, according to Yogic philosophy. Benefits of Nadishodhan Pranayama 1. It is a very effective pranayama (breathing technique) for managing hypertension, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, insomnia, etc. 2. It calms the mind / thoughts and brings tranquillity. 3. Cleans the blockages in…

Fareed speaks with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta about recent research on the risks of high sugar consumption.  "I think there's two issues here. One is that fat doesn't get a free pass here. There's still some problems with it. It still raises cholesterol levels. That is associated with heart disease. The problem is that what we replaced fat with was sugar. And sugar may be more problematic, in some ways, for someone who's worried about heart disease than fat." See the full…

Meaning Ushtra is camel, asana means posture. The name reflects the spinal curvature of a camel. Benefits of Ushtrasana 1. Ushtrasana opens the chest and is good for toning organs in this region. 2. Very helpful for asthmatic patients as it makes breathing easier. Improves the capacity of the lungs. 3. Good for heart patients as the pose strengthens the heart muscles. 4. Good practice for spinal flexibility. It loosens up the vertebrae and stimulates the spinal nerves. 5. Relieves back…

Beverages and food with added sugar usually provide empty calories. Added sugar refers to sugar that is added to food or drinks during manufacturing, cooking or at the table. Excess sugar consumption is linked to weight gain, heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancer and cavities. Excessive consumption of beverages and food high in added sugar can contribute considerably to energy intake. In addition, these items may displace other more nutritious food…

Dr Gita Mathai , a paediatrician and family practitioner, tells us what may be lurking in fruits and vegetables and how to minimise the risk. Green, red, yellow, purple... the vegetable and fruits section of your supermarket beckons with its shiny products promising health and wellbeing. But could you be taking in more than vitamins and micronutrients with your four to six servings of fruits and vegetables a day? Here’s what you could be eating as well: Pesticides Why is…

Dr Menka Gupta, Nutritional therapist (PG Dip Nutritional Therapy, MBBS) shares a couple of simple recipes. Broccoli Raita • 100gm of grated broccoli (steamed optional) • 500ml of whipped yoghurt (homemade or Greek) • 1 tsp of ground roasted cumin  • Sea salt to taste Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and put it in the fridge. Take it out just before serving. Enjoy as a side dish.  Stir-fried broccoli with chilli and garlic • 800g broccoli • 3 garlic cloves, sliced • 3…

Urdhwahastottansana opens up the chest, improves blood circulation around the thoracic area and the heart and is beneficial for respiratory disorders, hypertension and heart problems Meaning Urdhwa means upward, hasta is hands, uttana is stretching and asana is posture. Benefits of Urdhwahastottansana 1. This asana stretches both sides of the body, so it massages, loosens and exercises the sides of the ribcage and the waist 2. Opens up the chest 3. Improves blood circulation around the…

Meaning Breath regulation (Pranayama) with the humming sound of the bee (Bhramara means bee, thus the sound created by the bee is bhramari). Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama 1. Bhramari is a stress-buster, helping in alleviating stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, anger etc. The practice is helpful in tackling all psychosomatic disorders. 2. One immediately experiences tranquillity and peace of mind after performing this Pranayama. 3. It relieves cerebral tension and has a…