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There are so many publications and web sites addressing the "how to give up smoking" subject that one may ask, what is the need to write something else? There are two reasons why I decided to write this article. Firstly, despite all what has been written, many of us don’t really know what effects smoking has on our health. Secondly, methods used to stop smoking are in many cases expensive and mostly not very effective. Here we will suggest another method which is easy, completely natural, costs nothing and which really helps one to stop smoking. But first, for those who still don’t want to stop smoking, let us give a few scaring facts. I, of course, don’t want to frighten anybody, this is just another attempt to raise more awareness about this subject.
Many of us heard this example in college that a drop of nicotine can kill a horse. And many also heard a typical answer that "in that case the horse should not smoke". That is, this argument does not sound very convincing. What else should we know then about the effect of nicotine? Most of us know that nicotine is very harmful for the lungs, it can cause lung cancer and other kinds of cancer. But nicotine also changes the chemical functions in the brain. That is why it creates addiction like all other drugs. Researches done in the US have shown that teen smokers are more likely to have panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and depression. Each year, nearly half a million Americans die from tobacco use. One of every six deaths in the United States is a result of smoking tobacco, making tobacco more lethal than all other addictive drugs combined.
But tobacco (nicotine) is not the only harmful substance in the cigarettes. Most of us don’t know that, when smoking, we inhale thousands of chemicals with the cigarette smoke:
In 1936 there were 120 additives used in cigarettes,
in 1959 their number increased to 450,
in 1968 there were 950 kinds of additives,
in 1982, 3875,
and today their number exceeds 4000!
So, what people smoke now is not just tobacco, it is a complex mixture of various chemical components. They are added for various purposes. Some give flavors to the cigarettes, some work as preservatives, but many additives are used in fact to increase one’s addiction so that it becomes much more difficult to stop smoking than it used to be, say, 50 years ago. Most of these substances have, of course, a negative effect on the human health.
Light cigarettes. This is another myth created by the tobacco industries. When they first came on the market in 1970, it was believed that light cigarettes are less harmful. However later researches have shown that light cigarettes result in the same risk of illness and death as a result of smoking.
So, smoking has a very diverse negative effect on the human health, and there is no way out like light cigarettes or anything. But how to stop smoking? Most common methods used are: nicotine replacement treatments, acupuncture, injections, medication. However none of these methods gives statistically proven strong effect. Besides, some of them are rather costly and some produce side effects. Thus we suggest you try Sahaja Yoga which will help you to give up smoking in an easy and natural way.
Sahaja Yoga is a method of awakening the Kundalini energy discovered in 1970 by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi from India. According to the Indian tradition, Kundalini is a spiritual power that lies dormant in the Sacrum bone and has to be awakened by yoga practices. Once awakened, it rises through the central energy channel in the spine and opens and enlightens the seven energy centers called chakras. When Kundalini opens the seventh chakra located in the limbic area, yoga (i.e. the inner and outer integration of our being) is said to take place. To achieve Kundalini awakening is the ultimate goal of every yoga system, however only due to Shri Mataji’s discovery this process became effortless and can now be achieved by all. Kundalini balances our inner energy system consisting basically of 7 energy centers (chakras) and 3 energy channels. Once the balance is established, the body naturally does not want to take anything that is harmful and disturbs this balance. Thus all bad habits, like drinking, smoking, drug addiction drop out automatically without the need to do anything special about that. This sounds like a very strong statement but it is so. Sociological study done on 320 Sahaja Yoga practitioners showed that just after the first year of practice about 75% stop drinking, smoking and using drugs. After 5 years of practicing Sahaja Yoga less than 10% of practitioners still have some of those bad habits.
One of the reasons why Sahaja Yoga is so effective against smoking is that the Kundalini energy works in the 7th chakra, that is in the limbic area. It is the limbic area that is affected by nicotine and other drugs thus giving one a sense of pleasure. But much stronger pleasure can be achieved in the state of meditation on the 7th chakra and that without any side effects. As a result, one just does not feel any desire to continue smoking or taking drugs.
So, although the aim of Sahaja Yoga is much beyond just getting rid of bad habits, we invite all those who want to stop smoking, drinking or taking drugs to try Sahaja Yoga meditation and to see the benefits for themselves.
Leonid Sinichkin studied yoga in India and has been giving yoga classes since over 15 years. He himself has experienced a lot of benefits of Sahaja Yoga practice. Here you can find closest to you free Sahaja Yoga classes. Our Turkish readers can visit Sahaja Yoga Turkey web site.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/how-sahaja-yoga-helps-one-to-stop-smoking-1373657.html
In simple words, the yoga postures are various positions of our body. But these postures or Yoga Asanas are not merely the position given to our body. In addition of provide good exercise to our physical self, the body, yoga postures provide us with opportunities to create or it is an attempt synthesizing our mind and body. It is just like a fusion of human mind and human physical strength.
The regular practice of doing the yoga postures could render us with more awareness towards the exact relationship between our mind and body. After ding this exercises for a period, one might start feeling that his or her body moves with balance and grace, her or his mind functions with mental and physical balance. Thus the yoga asanas are not merely a collection of exercises or the sets of physical activities, but it is the system that is developed and time to time refined over the ages.
If ware to look at a few yoga schools teaching the yoga in the various ways, the first we would remember the Ashtanga Yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga: This system of yoga asanas is devised by Patanjali. It is believed to be as old as 5000 years. Perhaps the most beneficial of all other yoga system, ashtanga yoga comprises eight-fold path for those who want to practice it. These eight aspects through which a yogi, a desirous person to walk on the path of yoga, travel is like this: Yama , Niyama, Asana, (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing technique), Prayahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana, Dhyan (meditation), and Samadhi (salvation).
For reading related and interesting Articles about Yoga postures visit these links.
YOGA FOR FITNESS
YOGA FOR WOMEN
I write short stories and articles about the paintings.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/ashtanga-yoga-various-schools-teaching-yoga-1376896.html
merry parker asked:
Ancient practitioners have likened yoga to a living tree with six branches coming from the trunk, with each branch having its own unique function relating to a particular lifestyle. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the six darshanas of Hindu or Vedic schools and, alongside the Bhagvada Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, is a milestone in the history of Yoga. Though brief, the Yoga Sutras are an enormously influential work, just as relevant for yoga philosophy and practice today, as when written many thousands of years ago.
The six branches of Yoga tend to have some aspects in common and familiarizing oneself with all six will certainly help in the selection of your own yoga programme that incorporates routines that appeal from any of the six branches. Asanas or postures, Pranayama or breath control, these two disciplines along with meditation and a strict moral code are the fundamentals of the practice of yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Introduced in the 15th century by an Indian sage as a preparatory stage of physical purification to enable the body to be fit for the practice of higher meditation as in Raja Yoga, Ha means sun and tha means moon, a reference to the energy channels of the body. Fully opened energy channels allow the body to become supple enough to attain the mental disciplines of Raja Yoga. In practice, both Hatha and Raja Yoga are inter-related and dependant upon each other. Western practitioners associate yoga with the hatha branch to attain mental and physical wellbeing.
Raja Yoga
Raja translates as ‘royal’ and meditation is central to this branch of yoga, which has eight side branches or limbs in an order that must be strictly followed. We start with Yama meaning ethical standards, Niyama – self discipline, asana – posture, pranayama – breathing control, pratyahara – sensory withdrawal, dharana – meditation, samadhi – ecstasy or final liberation. Those inclined to introspection or meditation are best suited to Raja yoga.
Though members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote themselves to this yoga branch, one does not have to embrace a monastic lifestyle to gain from the benefits of practicing Raja Yoga.
Karma Yoga
The fundamental principle of Karma Yoga is that what we experience now is created by our past actions, whether in this life or a previous one. Once we understand this principal, then we can ensure all our present actions help create a future free of negativity and selfishness. To practice Karma Yoga is to lead a life of selfless service to others.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is yoga of the heart, a branch of devotion Bhakti is the Sanskrit term for selfless love of God and mankind. Bhakti principles are universal and common to many world religions. By following the path of bhakti we learn to channel our emotions, accept and have tolerance for all those that cross our path.
Jnana Yoga
This is the branch of knowledge, the yoga of the mind and is both the most difficult and the most direct of the six branches. It is yoga of the mind, of wisdom, the path of the sage or scholar. The practitioners of Jnana Yoga develop their intellects by intensive study, particularly but not confined to, the yoga tradition and other spiritual teachings. This is the path that most appeals to the intellectuals pursuing the practice of yoga. Within the context of our Western religious traditions, Kabalistic scholars, Jesuit priests, and Benedictine monks epitomise Jnana Yogis.
Tantra Yoga
Tantra, from the Sanskrit ‘to weave’ or ‘loom’, is the branch of yoga that practices ritual as a means of experiencing the divine in all our activities. Probably, the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yogas, tantra, the sixth branch, is the pathway of ritual, an in tantric practice; we experience the Divine in everything we do. A reverential attitude is, therefore cultivated, encouraging a ritualistic approach to life. In essence, tantra is the most esoteric of the six major branches and appeals to those yogis who enjoy ceremony and relate to the feminine principle of the cosmos, which they call Shakti.
In the West, the tantric path of yoga has become associated almost entirely with sexual activity. It is because of this emphasis on only one aspect of this branch that it has become misinterpreted and misunderstood by so many. It is amusing to note that, although tantra has become associated exclusively with sexual ritual, most tantric schools actually recommend a celibate lifestyle. The ‘Kama Sutra’ an ancient Hindu book of sexual techniques is the best known example of the lack of understanding of the true objectives of tantra yoga.
A discipline that leads to a reverential attitude to even the most every day celebrations of giving and receiving, of birth and death, of achievements and of failure, and of relationships and understanding, this is a path that will appeal to westerners who enjoy being actively involved in celebrations, church going, clubs and associations and other types of ceremonies.
Combining the Paths
You do not have to limit yourself to one expression, but can practice hatha yoga, taking care of your physical body, while simultaneously cultivating the lifestyle of a Bhakti Yogi, expressing compassion for everyone you meet. Whichever, avenue of yogic expression draws your interest; it will probably be the right yoga path for you.
Smith Bob asked:
There are many benefits of yoga training. Yoga training is one of the most popular forms of exercise and staying fit techniques practiced all over the world today. The benefits of yoga are endless. What is so great about yoga training is that can benefit your life not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. The benefits of yoga on each of these three areas add and enrich your life in many ways. Yoga training is a great way to get adds balance to your life, physically, mentally and spiritually.
The benefits of yoga training in the physical aspect are first it improves your balance. Yoga training, depending on the type you are practicing, is a series of different poses and postures. Utilizing and practicing these poses and postures during your yoga training allow you to increase your level of balance. Balance it said to be a good indicator of health. Some of the other physical benefits of yoga are that it helps you to keep a balanced metabolism as well as a strong, toned and flexible body. Yoga training deeply enhances your flexibility. You may walk into a yoga class not being able to touch your toes, and after attending a series of classes you will see a noticeable difference in your level of flexibility. Some other benefits of yoga in the physical aspect are it helps increase your circulation and cardio health. Yoga training also helps you to feel and look younger.
There are also many mental benefits of yoga training. One of the most important mental benefits of yoga is that it helps you to relax. Many individuals have high stress levels and find it hard to relax because of the stress in their lives. Yoga training, can seriously deplete the level of stress you experience because of the nature yoga training is practiced. Yoga training is all about focusing your energy on the present and where ever else you want it to go. Which is another of the mental benefits of yoga? Yoga training focuses on breathing; the focus on breathing allows you to put aside any feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact you can even use the breathing techniques you have learned in yoga training in other areas of your life. For example if you are having a stressful day at the office utilize your yoga breathing techniques to release some of the tension you are experiencing. One of the most vital benefits of yoga on a mental level is that it helps with self acceptance.
There are many spiritual benefits of yoga as well. On a spiritual level yoga training allows you to become one with yourself. Through out life we can become detached from certain areas of ourselves; yoga training allows you to reconnect with yourself. Being able to do this is perhaps the greatest of the spiritual benefits of yoga. Another of spiritual benefits of yoga is that helps you to gain awareness of your body and your feelings. Theses and so much more are the benefits of yoga training.
David Stevens asked:
Yoga is a system of physical and mental practices that originates in India more than 5000 years ago. What is the purpose of yoga? The purpose of yoga is to help yourself and other people to achieve your highest potential and to experience a healthy and happy life. By using the practice of yoga you can extends your healthy and happy life for far beyond the accepted known. And more importantly improve the quality of your life.
There are different kinds yoga. The main focus of yoga is to benefit your physical and mental health. Yoga is a practice that will focus on the harmony between mind and body. Even though the philosophy of yoga comes from India, now it is practiced all the over the world.
The actual word yoga is a Sanskrit word. That means union or merger and the ultimate goal of the practice of yoga is to strike a balance between the mind and body. In order to achieve this balance between the mind and the body the practice of yoga will use movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation in order to establish this balance. This in order to live a healthy, lively and balanced life.
There are many types of yoga, one of the most popular forms of yoga is called Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga deals mainly with physical postures and breathing exercises. Another form of yoga is Karma Yoga which emphasizes the spiritual practices to help you unify your body mind and daily life through certain practices. The other form of yoga is called Bhakthi Yoga. Bhakti Yoga is a devotional form of yoga and generally includes chanting, reading scriptures and doing worship.
Most people have heard of the word yoga as yoga is a very popular practice that is practiced all over the world. The ancient yogis had the believe that in order for somebody to be in harmony with themselves and his environment he have to find a balance between the mind that the body and the spirit with in. Yoga was used to find a balance between those three. The yogis formulated the way to achieve this balance. And this is done through breathing techniques and meditation.
Lets look at the 5 different kinds of yoga.
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is a yoga of postures. Probably when you think of yoga you will be thinking of Hatha yoga. Hatha Yoga is the most popular form of yoga in the west. Hatha yoga uses physical postures or Asana and different breathing techniques and meditation. All of this is combined to achieve a better health as well as in understanding of spirituality.
Bhakthi Yoga
Bhakthi yoga is the yoga of devotion. It is yoga for the heart and devotion of the people. The practice over Bhakthi Yoga teaches a person to have devotion for his spiritual being or God and to develop this love and acceptance for all living things.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is the yoga of self control. The word Raja actually means Royal. By using the practice of Raja Yoga one sees oneself as central. It means to respect oneself. To achieve this kind of self respect one has to gain control over oneself and the senses.
Jnana Yoga.
Jnana Yoga is the yoga of the mind. Jana yoga is a kind of yoga that will deal with the mind. It will focus on the persons wisdom and intellect with the aim to unify these two to surpasses limitations in life.
Karma Yoga
Karma yoga is the yoga of service. Karma yoga mainly uses the Law of Karma meaning that the present situation is based on your past actions. So by doing selfless service now you are choosing a future that is free from negativity.
The Keys To Yoga Pranayama Yoga Pranayama or yoga breathing is the art of mastering the breath. As Paramahansa Yogananda a great reformer and yogi described, Kriyas or Yoga Pranayama when done through the guidance of self realized instruction is the airplane route to self realization and witnessing God. Yoga Pranayama or specialized breathing when done through the support of guru or self realized instruction brings about changes in the mental, physical, vital, intellectual and even spiritual energies which support the mind, body, constitution, thoughts, and Soul.
By practicing 10-15 minutes of yoga pranayama most every day you will advance the mind, body, constitution, thoughts, and Soul towards opening the chakras, releasing Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence self, awaken godliness, wealth, and power unheard of. There are four main things which yoga pranayama affords to those who practice regularly. Yoga Pranayama affords:
1. Deeper levels of meditation and possibility of Samadhi (divine union with Soul and God)
2. Slowing of the breath 3. Decreases in aging, heart rate, blood pressure and equilibrium of mental and physical stresses
4. Powers, longevity, siddhis (like levitation, achieving any desire, or even spontaneous abilities like advanced healing, immortality, and even deathlessness) Some of the ways in which you can advance through using yoga pranayama is first by awakening the Soul. This can be done by practicing yoga pranayama in the early morning and late evening. By beginning with 14-16 cycles in the morning and 14-16 cycles in the late evening you will take the required steps to open up energies, consciousness and desires to realize God. A cycle of yoga pranayama is a focused inbreath and focused outbreath. Quality yoga pranayama has three keys or supports. 1. Breathing with mental activity2. Breathing which opens the spiritual energy and nadi systems 3. Focused activity which has the ability to calm the mind, and allow Samadhi (divine union with Soul and God) One simple yoga pranayama is the mastery of mental counting while breathing in and out. A good rule of thumb is to count up during inhalation as high as you can count. On expiration count out and the expiration should be twice that of the inbreath. For example if you were able to count up to 12 during your inhalation, then the exhalation should be trained to be a 24 count. If the inbreath was 5 the exhalation would be a count of 10. Something which needs to be kept in mind is that the levels of yoga pranayama should be monitored by three things. 1. Do not do yoga pranayama less than 1 hour after eating or drinking lots of fluids. 2. Do not begin too early to add additional yoga pranayama (i.e. only do 14-16 cycles in the morning and evening). And add small amounts or yoga pranayama (cycles) every few months 3. Do not retain or hold the breath. Likely the most powerful yoga pranayama is something which helps with abundance.
This yoga pranayama like the counting method is something which incorporates both mental activity with physical breathing. In this yoga pranayama the key mental activity is to focus on the third eye. The third eye or sixth chakra is found at the root of the nose, where the nose meets the forehead. By focusing at this area and asking God for a raise, bonus, higher paying job, more sales, donations, or even wining in gambling/lottery, or dice, the mind will form the required steps needed to fulfill this manifestation or desire. Something else which you could do, is by actively using this yoga pranayama to instil habits like waking up early (see yourself get up at 5 or 6am), stop smoking, exercising or having a smaller leaner muscular frame, you will instil this yoga pranayama mind body connection (metaphysical process) and the mind will begin to instil this into the body. The possibilities and power of yoga pranayama are infinite. To awaken all sources of abundance, powers, longevity, immortality and even deathlessness take the steps to learn the major yoga pranayama. To master the teaching of the gurus of yoga pranayama go to www.avatarbabaji.com for yoga pranayama instruction, ebooks, seminars, and powerful insights on how to create wealth, immortality, deathlessness, and followings or fame which is unparalleled.
Dr. Andrew Greszczyszyn, master of Yoga Pranayama. Unlocked immortality, abundance, metaphysics, and the wisdom of how to master longevity, wealth, powers, and even deathlessness.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/meditation-articles/the-keys-to-yoga-pranayama-1352999.html
