Creaky Joints, Zesty Soul

Roll out your yoga mat, toss some turmeric in your tea, and boost flexibility and vitality. Because while arthritis may make your joints creak, your spirit doesn't have to.

Osteoarthritis is a major global health issue, and growing in tandem with our ageing population, obesity, and limited access to health care.

If you suffer from arthritis, you will feel pain, stiffness, immobility and disability – particularly in the knees and hips. And your joints may suffer, yoga and nutrition (my favourite topics) can help so much.

“Everyone with arthritis can exercise safely. Studies show that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can benefit from weight-bearing exercises. People with osteoarthritis (OA) can reduce symptoms, improve joint movement, and increase coordination with strengthening and stretching exercises,” notes the American College of Rheumatology.

Try flexibility exercises to improve joint movement and reduce injury. Strength to build muscle and bone strength. Aerobic exercises for heart and lung function and weight control.

“Mindful movement exercises improve posture, balance, and movement quality reducing the risk of falls. Tai Chi and yoga are good examples,” ACR notes.

Osteoarthritis one of the most common joint disorders worldwide. There has been an increase in the prevalence, annual incidence, and years lived with disability, particularly in developed and developing countries.

Research shows osteoarthritis commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine.

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Inner Peace, Outer Radiance

Is it the glow of physical practice or something deeper that creates this yogic radiance?

Is there really something radiant about yogis?

Some say it’s the glow from hours of physical practice, while others wonder if there really is something else going on.

“Yogic exercises, since they are non-violent and non-fatiguing, are particularly suited to a woman and make her more beautiful,” according to yoga teacher Sita Devi Yogendra.

The truth is classical yoga, which originated in India at least 2,500 years back, was created for men by men. Classical yoga, as described in early texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali or the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, was largely developed in male-dominated monastic or ascetic contexts.

Historically, female yogis were rare, and little is known about them.

Practitioners were primarily male Brahmins or sadhus, and the practice was part of broader spiritual discipline aimed at liberation (moksha), not wellness or fitness.

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How to beat fatigue in body and mind

How to beat fatigue and realign body and mind

By Jules -- We've all felt it.  Stress can boost performance, but often times, if prolonged, it can lead to chronic conditions such as fatigue and depression.  

A recent study by The Regus Group across 15 countries found that the levels of workplace stress have risen over the last two years, with six of 10 workers suffering increased stress.

Aside from work stress, many of us stress while in traffic, queues or even dealing with loved ones.  One of the keys to reducing stress is shifting from the sympathetic, or flight or fight, nervous system to the parasympathetic system, which calms the heart.  Here is a wonderful yoga routine that you can do when super stressed - or when you just need an extra good mood boost!

The following sequence for fatigue based on Mira Mehta’s, The Iyengar Way and it supports the teaching focus (of fatigue):

Viparitakarani -  Because this is calming and neutralising

SuptaBaddhaKonasana - A key restorative pose; opens the chest, abdomen and pelvis, which are often restricted by how we stand and sit. Psychologically allows for deep opening with safety and support.

SuptaVirasana - Releases thighs and groins, extends the body , calms mind

AdhoMukhaSvanasana - Most versatile yoga pose, calms mind as is a forward bend, also releases spine and letting go helps lower back pain

Sirsasana - King of Asana; heats the body; stimulates nervous system prepares body for calming shoulder stands

Sarvangasana on a chair- Gives way to soothing and calming feeling because of inversion of body.  Flexing of neck enhances relaxation.

ArdhaHalasana - Sedates and neutralises nervous system, produces profound sense of calm and ease. Improves circulation.

Setubhandasanasarvangasana (on bolsters) - Itquiets the mind,  relieves discomfort of sitting with shoulders rounded (seems many do this 90% of time); helps with overwork, mental agitation and headache.

Standing Marichyasana - Accessible to beginners, releases deep held tension, rotating to the wall for introspection

Bharadvajasana on a chair - Accessible, gentle soothing posture for body and mind; ideal for beginners, turns attention inward

Savasana -  Here we learn to enter a state of profound relaxation