Don’t Reach for Those Pills Use These Natural Anxiety Cures

Anxiety is an emotion that we all experience on occasion. However if a person experiences it too frequently then it is a sign that a problem is on the horizon and needs to be addressed.

An overabundance of anxiety is a concern that cannot be swept under the carpet. But there are natural methods for coping with the prevalence of this emotion. Here we explore the most effective natural cures for anxiety.

Too Much Anxiety:

Anxiety is something we all suffer from from time to time. It is a normal response to a situation that is stressful and difficult to cope with. However if you experience it on a regular basis and your worries threaten to assail you then it is possible that you have developed generalized anxiety disorder.

If you are experiencing irritability, restlessness, poor concentration or find yourself growing impatient very easily then you should be evaluated by a medical professional. It helps to also become familiar with the most effective natural cures for anxiety.

Bodywork for Relief:

Bodywork is an excellent natural way of releasing tension and anxiety in the body and the mind. To help you to relieve stress, let go of muscle tension, sleep better and to feel more relaxed try massage therapy or shiatsu. You can also explore other methods of bodywork to reduce the level of anxiety you feel.

Mind and Body Techniques for Relief:

Techniques that engage both your mind and body can also provide an effective cure for anxiety in a natural way. Examples of those include meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback, yoga and tai chi. There are also mind/body exercises that you can do. Getting plenty of physical activity is also a natural anxiety cure as it reduces stress, gives you more energy and provides relaxation. What you might want to do is to try a variety of mind/body techniques and then choose the ones that are most fitting to your lifestyle and schedule.

The Herb Valerian:

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb that is often used to treat those who suffer from insomnia as it can provide a restful night’s sleep. This is also an herb that has shown success in patients who suffer from a mild form of anxiety. Be aware however that the research done on Valerian and anxiety shows promise but is limited at the present time.

This herb should be taken once a day. The best time is approximately one hour before you go to bed. You should continue to take it for a period of two to three weeks at a time. You should not take it for more than three months. Valerian should not be taken with other types of medication. In particular it should not be taken if you are also taking antihistamines or sedatives.

Other Natural Anxiety Remedies:

Other natural remedies for anxiety that you may wish to explore include the herbs passionflower and kava as well as aromatherapy. Chamomile is also good for anxiety as are the B vitamins and the minerals calcium and magnesium.

Becca

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How to Lower Your High Blood Pressure Naturally

You have high blood pressure and your doctor wants to put you on medication to bring it down. You hesitate because you know that you will end up taking this medication for the rest of your life. What are your other options?

If you suffer from high blood pressure, also sometimes referred to as hypertension, then finding ways to reduce it naturally can do your body a world of good. It helps to know that high blood pressure (HBP) is a medical condition that can be prevented if you take the proper steps to control it. Finding natural ways to lower your blood pressure is important because when it remains elevated for long periods at a time it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, aneurysms and a decline in cognitive function.

Shed Pounds:

The first thing you must do to lower your high blood pressure naturally is to lose weight if you’re obese or carrying in excess of 50 pounds. Weighing too much is not good for your blood pressure in any way! Eat less, eat healthier and start a regular exercise program.

Patients who suffer from hypertension who start walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably at least five times a week (and more if possible) help their heart to work more effectively. This is because the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood through the body and it uses its oxygen supply more efficiently. Challenge your heart a bit every day and this will help to strengthen it. Of course before starting any exercise program talk to your primary care physician. For a gentle program consider Dr Al Sears PACE Exercise Program – more here.

Natural Health Practices:

Practice deep breathing, yoga, tai chi or meditation. These natural health practices are remedies for high blood pressure because they reduce the level of stress hormones in the body which in turn makes it easier for you to relax. It also helps to learn to breathe from your diaphragm instead of your chest. Inhale as deeply as you can to allow your belly to expand a ball and then let it out. Just feel the tension leave your body. Your blood pressure will thank you for it!

Healthy Diet:

A lower blood pressure diet should include foods that contain plenty of the mineral potassium. As a natural way to lower blood pressure potassium-rich foods such as bananas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, orange juice, cantaloupe, peas, kidney beans and honeydew melons win top marks.

Potassium can also be found in dried fruits. Examples of these include prunes and raisins. To naturally lower blood pressure you should try to keep your potassium levels around the 2,000 to 4,000 mg mark.

Here is an enjoyable way in which to improve your blood pressure; health- indulge in delectable dark chocolate. Chocolate of the dark variety (not milk chocolate) is composed of a healthy substance called flavanols that keeps the blood vessels strong and elastic. Eat no more than ½ ounce at a time as chocolate is high in saturated fat. Choose a variety that contains approximately 70 percent cocoa or more. This will help lower your blood pressure naturally.

Becca

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Are You Well Versed on Your Yoga Etiquette?

Yoga etiquette are rules that govern what is socially acceptable and considered to be good manners when you attend a class.

If you are planning to start a yoga class soon then it helps to remind yourself of what good form is and what it entails. When you attend a yoga class it is important that you are polite and courteous to the other attendees and the instructor. You must not be loud or disruptive to the class. Remember that everyone is there to learn and wants to get their money’s worth just like you do!

Showing common sense is as important in a yoga class as it is to every other type of class. You are there to have fun and to learn something valuable to your life. Yoga etiquette and common sense work in conjunction with one another.

What else does yoga etiquette involve? These are things you probably already know but if you need a refresher course then read on for some pointers …

Punctuality is important when you sign up for a yoga class. If at all possible it is best if you arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. If you show up any later than 10 or 15 minutes then do not interrupt the class. If you can go to the next class then do so, or go to the same class the next time it is in session.

Shoes are supposed to be removed for a yoga class. Most yoga studios or gyms will have a designated area for shoes. Some students may decide to attend the class in socks while others may choose to go barefoot. Taking off your shoes can pave the way to a more relaxed atmosphere. Just try doing yoga wearing shoes and then trying doing it without shoes and you will see that there is a very real difference!

Turn your cell phone off when the yoga class begins. If you forget to do so and your phone rings, then issue an apology to the class and either leave the vicinity for a few minutes to take the call or turn your phone off and call the person back following the class.

Speaking of common sense and yoga etiquette, choose the type of class that is appropriate for you. A beginner class will start with the basics and teach the most simple of poses whereas an advanced yoga class will be exactly as it states- more advanced. Start with the basics and work your way up to the more advanced level. Like everything else in life you start small and work toward bigger and better. It is all about baby steps!

Samantha

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A Brief Overview of the Ancient Practice of Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga has been around for a long time because it is an effective alternative discipline.

The birthplace of yoga is ancient India where the word means union in the Indian language of Sanskrit. Yoga means “asana” in Sanskrit which in turn is about a variety of physical postures.

What do yoga and union have in common you wonder? Yoga unites the body, mind and spirit and is concerned with all aspects of health and well-being. The ancient practice of yoga has been practiced for many centuries and involves a variety of poses. The poses are not that difficult to do once you get the hang of them!

The main goal of all who practice yoga is that of creating balance in the body. Once that has been obtained, the goal then becomes to maintain the balance. If you think yoga is just about stretching then you are partially right- stretching is a part of yoga but it is only one part of the greater whole!

The ancient practice of yoga has become a part of western culture because it is so life affirming. Yoga helps to develop and improve a person’s level of flexibility and strength. Every pose that makes up yoga is geared towards improving either strength or flexibility.

The poses are done in a swift manner and occur one right after the other. The heat that this conjures up in the body helps to improve stamina and makes the coordination and alignment for each pose even better. To become familiar with some of yoga’s most basis poses, visit http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/yogabasicsession.asp

Most yoga classes are generally from 30 to 45 minutes a day. One of the greatest aspects of yoga is it can be learned by anyone, regardless of their age, fitness level or how strong or flexible they are. Don’t worry- if strength and flexibility is not your forte then yoga will get you there!

Yoga classes generally also touch on other spiritual elements such as meditation, deep breathing and sometimes inspirational readings and chants. There are different types of yoga so you can try each one out and then decide which one suits you the best.

As you become familiar and comfortable with the ancient practice of yoga you will start to notice small but significant changes in yourself that is sure to keep you going back for more!

Samantha

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