Yoga Therapy - Top 7 Actions for Daily Rejuvenation Based on Ayurveda

Even if this is the first time you have heard of Ayurveda, here's how to take your normal daily routines and rejuvenate yourself. Ayurveda, means science of life. It is a sister science of yoga, and included in yoga therapy. This top 10 list comes with a very brief explanation of why these daily routines will help you stay youthful.

A daily routine stabilizes at times of transition and stress.

1. Start your day slowly, with some quiet time.

Wean yourself off an external alarm. Your body will go into wake-up mode naturally when it is fully rejuvenated. Tell your body what time you want to wake up before you go to sleep. It will begin to follow your instructions. Avoid sleep deprivation.

2. Eat a diet according to your Ayurvedic constitution.

Which 1 of these 3 tendencies describes you? Do you have a tendency to:

(i) Get cold? If so, avoid eating cold foods. Eat warm foods instead and drink warm teas and fluids.

(ii) Put on weight easily and have a hard time losing it? If so, eat foods that are: bitter, astringent, pungent; and foods that are light, dry and hot.

(iii) Get hot? Avoid stimulating foods and skipping meals. Eat when hungry.

3. Daily self-massage

Massage head, neck, shoulders, face, temples and feet. If you massage your whole body with oil a few times a week before your bath, this will provide lubrication and stimulation.

4. Rest when you feel overloaded, emotionally or mentally

Is it really a sign of weakness to rest? Give yourself permission to withdraw in order to regroup and focus. Walk away. Breathe consciously and recharge.

5. Develop a non-judgmental attitude.

Practice accepting things just as they are. Two key points for self talk are: What are the facts? Maybe someone has a better idea? A non-judgmental attitude brings inner peace.

6. Engage in activities according to your age, condition and constitution.

The season of your life, and the season of year must be considered when you engage in activities. Are you reluctant or resisting this idea?

9. Create a regular sleeping schedule.

Avoid sleeping pills. The systems of the body function better with regular and natural patterns. Avoid stimulation like T.V. Instead prepare your body and mind to retire and rejuvenate.

These lifestyle and daily routines from Ayurveda rejuvenate the body mind and are the building blocks of life. In yoga therapy, your Ayurvedic body mind constitution is considered. Yoga therapy is more than a yoga prescription of yoga exercises for the body. Yoga therapy is useful in life transitions.

Now I'd like to invite you to claim your free download of a "Ayurveda Mind Body Constitution Test" when you visit http://www.yogatogo.com . Search the blog. From Heather Greaves - Self Care Mentor and Body Therapies Yoga Training.

Meditate to Relax

The few times in my life when I actually took the time to mediate or do deep breathing exercises, I experienced a profound change in my level of stress. I'm going to pen this in my calendar and start again!

DEEP RELAXING BREATHING
Doing deep breathing exercises has been scientifically proven to change blood chemistry. Google "deep breathing exercises" on google to find out how. Basically, it is actually yogic breathing you are aiming for. Fill your abdomen with oxygen instead of simply stopping the breath at the lungs. Breathe in (expanding your stomach) for a count of 4, hold your breath for 4 and exhale for a count of 8. The exhalation is always double the inhalation. Practise this for a few minutes each day and within 3 weeks you will notice a difference in your stress levels.

MEDITATE FOR A CALM MIND
http://www.how-to-meditate.org/breathing-meditations.htm/

The above link will take you to an informative website on meditation. Practise this for 15 minutes a day and you will become a much calmer happier person! Guaranteed!

Tip:
Choose one of the above to start. When time allows, introduce the remaining technique. The deep breathing can be done anywhere and anytime so it may be the easier one to start with.

10 Steps to Insomnia Cure

1. If you haven't fallen asleep within 10-15 minutes, go to another room and do something relaxing such as reading or writing in your journal. Go back to sleep when your eyes are starting to feel heavy and tired. Continue doing this routine until you are sleeping peacefully.
2. Keep your feet warm. Put on comfy socks. Cold feet can keep you awake.
3. Write down whatever is on your mind. Sometimes the next day's to do's are keeping you awake. If you write them down, you are literally taking it off your mind.
4. If insomnia is persistent, check to see if there is a physical problem. i.e thyroid condition
5. Buy a Warm Buddy (see product listings). I cuddle up to one and it comforts me to the point of quicker and deeper sleep. I LOVE these products. Make sure all family members get their own because they will try to steal yours!
6. Invest in a weekly massage or reflexology session until insomnia improves.
7. Keep your room dark and quiet.
8. Try a relaxation tape. This has literally saved me so many times.
9. Sprinkle lavender oil on your pillow or on a kleenex. This scent is very soothing and can help you sleep.
10. Don't sweat it. You WILL eventually get back into a good sleep/wake cycle.

Relief for Foot Pain

The secret to easing foot pain is lengthening cramped muscles and boosting circulation. This brings nutrients to injured tissue and helps it heal. Here are two easy stretches. Run your feet over a golf ball to massage the bottoms of your feet. To loosen muscles, sit on the floor with legs extended. Loop a towel under your toes and gently pull the towel toward you so your toes bend toward your body.

Memories . . .

When receiving any kind of bodywork therapy, some people will experience strong emotions when certain areas are worked on. If this should happen to you, just relax with it and let the emotions run their course. This is very healing and will release emotional blockages.
Your therapist will understand as he/she has most likely experienced this kind of reaction before. If the feeling is overwhelming, the therapist may ask you if you would like to stop the therapy or may simply leave the room to allow you some privacy.
A personal experience of mine was when I was doing reflexology on a couple of ladies who were preparing for a singing competition and they came for a session to relax. Both felt anxiety in their chest about half way through the session. Usually during a session only relaxation is experienced so a feeling of anxiety is quite unusual. They went onto compete and felt very relaxed and confident on stage and got great reviews! Perhaps releasing the anxiety they were feeling during reflexology helped them to go on with a more positive way!