Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Taking the 'Boring' Out of Stretching
Stretching alone is excellent exercise, especially as we get older. If more seniors simply stretched each day, I believe we would see a dramatic decrease in health care costs and osteoporosis. ka
About the Author:
We've heard it again and again: stretch before doing sports or before you go jogging. Ever since first year gym class, we have been taught that stretching before doing physically demanding work is key if we want to prevent getting serious injured. Never mind that all the top athletes do it - there is just not enough motivated for us to do it on a daily basis.
So what is the point? Why stretch? There are actually many benefits of stretching. The obvious reason - the one we've all been lectured about - is that stretching reduces the risk of injury during sports, and decreases pain after exercise. But do we actually know why that is? When we stretch, we circulate fresh oxygenated blood throughout the body and to your brain, which not only improves how we are capable of functioning physically and mentally, but it flushes out the unnecessary toxins in our body. As we get older, our muscles, joints, and tendons lose much of their elasticity and flexibility, so the more we stretch in our youth, the longer we can remain mobile when we age.
Stretching is also an effective stress-reliever. Your muscles store excess tensions when you are under physical or emotional stress. Stretching the stress-targeted areas serves to dispel these tensions. However, the most important reason for stretching, from an osteopath's perspective, is to maintain your back. The back can get stiff easily because it can only move in three directions, so as the back makes up the basis our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep in as fluid and flexible as possible.
It is best to stretch at least three times a week, preferably in the mornings after a hot shower has warmed up your muscles, or at the end of the day, when your muscles have been warmed naturally.
Despite what professionals say, it is not easy to maintain a stretching routine - for the simple reason that they are tedious. It is easy to set up a stretch routine, but following it is a different story. The best way to make yourself stick to a routine is by making the exercises fun. Instead of doing your stretches by yourself, for example, do them with a friend or relative - mundane things are much more interesting with company around. Or if there is a news or television program you watch regularly, do you stretches in front of the telly. This way, you get your stretches done and no one can call you a couch-potato.
There has been much controversy recently over the effectiveness of static stretching (stretching while stationary): some experts are now arguing that static stretching makes your muscles weaker. There is no substantial evidence to support this theory yet, however, so the best thing to do is just to find the right balance between the stretches you do. Do not stay in one stretch position for too long, for instance, and try to include as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Additionally, try to have shorter stretch periods throughout the day -avoid the long sessions.
We are often being bombarded with new tips and approaches of how to do things, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only do what works for you. If a stretch is not working for you, do something else! Regardless of whether you are a fitness guru or not, making sure you stretch regularly is vital for preventing problems in the future
So what is the point? Why stretch? There are actually many benefits of stretching. The obvious reason - the one we've all been lectured about - is that stretching reduces the risk of injury during sports, and decreases pain after exercise. But do we actually know why that is? When we stretch, we circulate fresh oxygenated blood throughout the body and to your brain, which not only improves how we are capable of functioning physically and mentally, but it flushes out the unnecessary toxins in our body. As we get older, our muscles, joints, and tendons lose much of their elasticity and flexibility, so the more we stretch in our youth, the longer we can remain mobile when we age.
Stretching is also an effective stress-reliever. Your muscles store excess tensions when you are under physical or emotional stress. Stretching the stress-targeted areas serves to dispel these tensions. However, the most important reason for stretching, from an osteopath's perspective, is to maintain your back. The back can get stiff easily because it can only move in three directions, so as the back makes up the basis our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep in as fluid and flexible as possible.
It is best to stretch at least three times a week, preferably in the mornings after a hot shower has warmed up your muscles, or at the end of the day, when your muscles have been warmed naturally.
Despite what professionals say, it is not easy to maintain a stretching routine - for the simple reason that they are tedious. It is easy to set up a stretch routine, but following it is a different story. The best way to make yourself stick to a routine is by making the exercises fun. Instead of doing your stretches by yourself, for example, do them with a friend or relative - mundane things are much more interesting with company around. Or if there is a news or television program you watch regularly, do you stretches in front of the telly. This way, you get your stretches done and no one can call you a couch-potato.
There has been much controversy recently over the effectiveness of static stretching (stretching while stationary): some experts are now arguing that static stretching makes your muscles weaker. There is no substantial evidence to support this theory yet, however, so the best thing to do is just to find the right balance between the stretches you do. Do not stay in one stretch position for too long, for instance, and try to include as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Additionally, try to have shorter stretch periods throughout the day -avoid the long sessions.
We are often being bombarded with new tips and approaches of how to do things, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only do what works for you. If a stretch is not working for you, do something else! Regardless of whether you are a fitness guru or not, making sure you stretch regularly is vital for preventing problems in the future
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about cranial osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Leeds osteopath or for an osteopath in the UK please visit his website.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Herniated Disc, Could It Be Causing Your Pain?
As someone whose MRI recently showed herniated discs L4-L5 and L5-S1, I was particularly interested in this article. I have taken the cortisone shot in the SI joint. The jury's still out on how successful that course turns out to be. ka
About the Author:
It is possible to walk around with a herniated disc and not feel pain. It is even more common to suffer relentlessly with back or neck pain that can only be relieved with spinal decompression.
Phoenix doctors will be able to examine you, look at your medical history, and perhaps take x-rays and run other tests, and determine whether a herniated disc might be the cause of your back pain.
The treatment of herniated or bulging discs in Phoenix, Arizona is very common. The fact is disc related problems are the primary reasons for back pain in our society.
If you are in need of treatment in Arizona and feel you may have a herniated disc you may never know for sure unless you are evaluated by a proper health care provider. If you pay attention closely, however there are are some ways to feel more confident that a disc problem is to blame. For example if certain movements aggravate your pain while other relieve it, a bulging disc may be the cause. If you get shooting or stabbing pain when you cough or sneeze, then a herniated disc is much more likely.
Looking into a treatment like spinal decompression like other back pain patients in Arizona may be a good idea. The DRX9000 protocol is gaining much more acceptance and is becoming a favorite treatment for many Phoenix Physicians.
In Arizona a lot of medical providers are beginning to sing the praises of the DRX9000 and spinal decompression as a viable alternative to back and neck pain in many chronic cases. In the past the problem diagnosing a herniated disc is the lack of common lack of external signs.
An MRI can often reveal the problem, though. When one or more of your discs has a bulge in it where the inside has pushed through the outer lining, that's when you can benefit from a herniated disc treatments in Arizona, like the DRX9000.
Phoenix doctors will be able to examine you, look at your medical history, and perhaps take x-rays and run other tests, and determine whether a herniated disc might be the cause of your back pain.
The treatment of herniated or bulging discs in Phoenix, Arizona is very common. The fact is disc related problems are the primary reasons for back pain in our society.
If you are in need of treatment in Arizona and feel you may have a herniated disc you may never know for sure unless you are evaluated by a proper health care provider. If you pay attention closely, however there are are some ways to feel more confident that a disc problem is to blame. For example if certain movements aggravate your pain while other relieve it, a bulging disc may be the cause. If you get shooting or stabbing pain when you cough or sneeze, then a herniated disc is much more likely.
Looking into a treatment like spinal decompression like other back pain patients in Arizona may be a good idea. The DRX9000 protocol is gaining much more acceptance and is becoming a favorite treatment for many Phoenix Physicians.
In Arizona a lot of medical providers are beginning to sing the praises of the DRX9000 and spinal decompression as a viable alternative to back and neck pain in many chronic cases. In the past the problem diagnosing a herniated disc is the lack of common lack of external signs.
An MRI can often reveal the problem, though. When one or more of your discs has a bulge in it where the inside has pushed through the outer lining, that's when you can benefit from a herniated disc treatments in Arizona, like the DRX9000.
About the Author:
Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC, CES-NASM is a chiropractic neurologist in Phoenix, AZ. Click here to learn more about Herniated Disc Treatments In Arizona. You can also click here for a copy of Dr. Pruitt's Herniated Disc Guide.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Reaching Your Fitness Goals
My husband asked for a kettlebell video for Christmas. I still maintain, that tae kwon do is all the exercise you need. If you give 100% effort to your entire class from the warm ups through the cool down, you will find yourself in absolutely amazing shape. Weightlifting and gym visits will be a thing of the past. Trust me. ka
About the Author:
Have you ever really thought about what it will take to reach your fitness goals? You might be trying to lose weight, build muscle, increase endurance; but what does it really take?
When I set my fitness goals, or help my trainees to do so, I try to focus on what will really help me achieve: hard work. No magic pill, super-duper training video, nor infomercial piece of equipment can replace that.
When you add intensity to your efforts towards meeting your fitness goals, you are much more likely to achieve them. Once you set your fitness goal, visualize yourself reaching it, then push it every time your workout to make it there.
Taking it easy when you do your workout will not help you reach your fitness goals. You need to train hard every single time! If the workout seems easy (meaning that you are not breathing hard or sweating) you're not going to reach your fitness goals.
Most people don't train hard enough to see real results. You have to push yourself to a place you've never been if you want to see results you've never seen. When you do the same thing over and over again and you can expect the same mediocre results. What you should do is run that extra mile, sprint that extra hill, tack on some more weight on that bar or pick a heavier kettlebell.
Whatever it is, push yourself harder, heavier and more efficiently and you will see results, guaranteed. There is no magic pill, nutritional supplement or super food that can do that for you. My unfortunate dose of reality is that changing your body is a grind where mental and physical weakness must be conquered and the result is a body you can be proud of.
When I set my fitness goals, or help my trainees to do so, I try to focus on what will really help me achieve: hard work. No magic pill, super-duper training video, nor infomercial piece of equipment can replace that.
When you add intensity to your efforts towards meeting your fitness goals, you are much more likely to achieve them. Once you set your fitness goal, visualize yourself reaching it, then push it every time your workout to make it there.
Taking it easy when you do your workout will not help you reach your fitness goals. You need to train hard every single time! If the workout seems easy (meaning that you are not breathing hard or sweating) you're not going to reach your fitness goals.
Most people don't train hard enough to see real results. You have to push yourself to a place you've never been if you want to see results you've never seen. When you do the same thing over and over again and you can expect the same mediocre results. What you should do is run that extra mile, sprint that extra hill, tack on some more weight on that bar or pick a heavier kettlebell.
Whatever it is, push yourself harder, heavier and more efficiently and you will see results, guaranteed. There is no magic pill, nutritional supplement or super food that can do that for you. My unfortunate dose of reality is that changing your body is a grind where mental and physical weakness must be conquered and the result is a body you can be proud of.
About the Author:
Author Marcus Martinez can help you reach your fitness objectives. For fitness tips see his free fitness programs concerning health & fitness.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Here Is A Rapid And Healthy Body
While it is painfully obvious that English is not this author's first language, I decided that in the spirit of the season, I would not throw their article out with the discarded wrapping papers. Their point is decipherable, eat healthy, think clearly about the resolutions you want to make to improve the coming year, and make sure exercise is among them.
I wish everyone a joyous and peaceful Christmas. I am hoping you are fortunate enough to spend this day with family and friends. Know that I am thinking of you and wishing you the best of everything. ka
About the Author:
I wish everyone a joyous and peaceful Christmas. I am hoping you are fortunate enough to spend this day with family and friends. Know that I am thinking of you and wishing you the best of everything. ka
We all know the feeling. The sluggishness in our libs to Christmas is coming, complicated by a diet rich in the sweet delight of the festive season. But the winter months for my back needs to spell doom and sadness is not. New year looking like Santa, you do not have to face. The fitness and nutritional advice to follow, and soon you well enough that Rudolph blush to be a body will be on our way!
First, Christmas, like the time where we all go out, meet friends, and our health away from the finger food - foods parties. That you are hungry cravings is to avoid unnecessary out a full meal before you go. Do you think finger food of 1000 calories a night, or over can be about 1 / 2 of your recommended daily allowance knew?
Conversely, try to make sure your meal-times are regular. The festive season offers all sorts of opportunities to snack on what scientists call "calorie-dense, nutritionally depleted foods." That means sweets to you and me, and they neither satisfy appetites nor provide any nutritional value. Try carrying fruit with you to snack on if you get hungry, and eating three large meals a day, instead of several smaller, bite-sized ones.
Start your New Year's resolution early and get exercising! Go jogging for 20-30 minutes every day. This will speed up your metabolism, and enable you to enjoy an extra bite of Christmas treats guilt-free. Weight training is also recommended; try lifting household objects such as tin cans. Remember: 20 sit-ups and 20 press-ups a day can go a long way...
Laugh. No, this really does help. Research has shown that happy, positive people, have faster metabolisms than their counterparts. Laughing also exercises the stomach muscles, which is important for that six pack. Always a reason for festive cheer. Ho ho ho!
To find a training partner. Often motivated stuck in your own, you can enjoy the experience at the same time, to be with. Try to run three times a week. Team sports such as tennis or football is also recommended. You will see it in order to more easily with someone to assist you.
Finally, listen to your body. Science shows us that the concentrations of hormones in the body fluctuate according to Circadian rhythms. Some times of the month, this will leave us feeling with boundless energy. Be active during these so you can give yourself a break during the times when you are feeling lower.
Above all, have fun! Christmas is a time for giving, and what better gift could you offer yourself than a new, healthy lifestyle. Your friends and family members will soon notice the healthy glow that comes with an active lifestyle, and put it on their list for next year!
First, Christmas, like the time where we all go out, meet friends, and our health away from the finger food - foods parties. That you are hungry cravings is to avoid unnecessary out a full meal before you go. Do you think finger food of 1000 calories a night, or over can be about 1 / 2 of your recommended daily allowance knew?
Conversely, try to make sure your meal-times are regular. The festive season offers all sorts of opportunities to snack on what scientists call "calorie-dense, nutritionally depleted foods." That means sweets to you and me, and they neither satisfy appetites nor provide any nutritional value. Try carrying fruit with you to snack on if you get hungry, and eating three large meals a day, instead of several smaller, bite-sized ones.
Start your New Year's resolution early and get exercising! Go jogging for 20-30 minutes every day. This will speed up your metabolism, and enable you to enjoy an extra bite of Christmas treats guilt-free. Weight training is also recommended; try lifting household objects such as tin cans. Remember: 20 sit-ups and 20 press-ups a day can go a long way...
Laugh. No, this really does help. Research has shown that happy, positive people, have faster metabolisms than their counterparts. Laughing also exercises the stomach muscles, which is important for that six pack. Always a reason for festive cheer. Ho ho ho!
To find a training partner. Often motivated stuck in your own, you can enjoy the experience at the same time, to be with. Try to run three times a week. Team sports such as tennis or football is also recommended. You will see it in order to more easily with someone to assist you.
Finally, listen to your body. Science shows us that the concentrations of hormones in the body fluctuate according to Circadian rhythms. Some times of the month, this will leave us feeling with boundless energy. Be active during these so you can give yourself a break during the times when you are feeling lower.
Above all, have fun! Christmas is a time for giving, and what better gift could you offer yourself than a new, healthy lifestyle. Your friends and family members will soon notice the healthy glow that comes with an active lifestyle, and put it on their list for next year!
About the Author:
Before you start looking at cardio fitness equipment go and read real people objective reviews ,tips, advice and ratings about gym equipment to help you choose the best services.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
E.M.S. And Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
About the Author:
It has long been known that electronic muscle stimulators are effective in rehab environments. When a person has a muscle tear or other muscle injury, the low-level electrical current of electronic muscle stimulators stimulates the muscle. This stimulation is just enough to initiate repair of the muscle. It is very important for those tears to heal so that the muscle becomes stronger. In a rehab environment, the therapist is counting on that repair to occur so that they can move on to the next phase of the rehabilitation process. If the therapist is unable to repair those muscles, then they cannot work on strengthening them.
Without electronic muscle stimulation, the repair process would move much slower. In other words, it has revolutionized physical therapy and helps get athletes back on the playing field in no time. Here is what electronic muscle stimulation can do for athletes who have been injured:
The nerves and the muscles are able to recover faster after an injury. Electronic muscle stimulators stimulate any damaged muscle tissue that may not be heavily influenced by therapy alone. EMS devices help stimulate muscle tissue that may not be affected by exercise. Electronic muscle stimulation speeds up the rehabilitation process, which decreases the overall cost of physical therapy.
Nowadays, most rehabilitation clinics use EMS devices because of their healing properties. After a person undergoes therapy, the therapist may have the patient sit down with the electrodes of an electronic muscle stimulator connected to the affected muscles. This can also be very relaxing because much of the pain is relieved during this period. Furthermore, the effects continue for a while after the session is completed. So not only is the healing process sped up, there is also a certain degree of pain relief that would not be achieved otherwise.
A healthier you
Basically, the use of EMS devices during therapy improves the quality of life in a lot of ways. A person does not have to go through rehabilitation as long as they used to. The athlete can be back on the playing field a lot quicker than in previous times. There is also the fact that the process is a lot less painful. So many athletes who have had to go through the traditional therapy methods find themselves becoming depressed because they long to be back in the game. Instead, they have to focus just on healing.
When the process takes longer than expected, the athlete can begin to feel hopeless. Electronic muscle stimulation has improved that significantly and gives a lot more hope to athletes. It lets them know that it is possible they will be playing again in no time. This is especially important for high school athletes looking to get into the best colleges. It is also important for college athletes wanting to go pro. An injury at the wrong time can ruin potential careers. If treated the right way through EMS devices, losing those opportunities does not have to become a reality. Long gone are the days that sports injuries ruin futures.
Without electronic muscle stimulation, the repair process would move much slower. In other words, it has revolutionized physical therapy and helps get athletes back on the playing field in no time. Here is what electronic muscle stimulation can do for athletes who have been injured:
The nerves and the muscles are able to recover faster after an injury. Electronic muscle stimulators stimulate any damaged muscle tissue that may not be heavily influenced by therapy alone. EMS devices help stimulate muscle tissue that may not be affected by exercise. Electronic muscle stimulation speeds up the rehabilitation process, which decreases the overall cost of physical therapy.
Nowadays, most rehabilitation clinics use EMS devices because of their healing properties. After a person undergoes therapy, the therapist may have the patient sit down with the electrodes of an electronic muscle stimulator connected to the affected muscles. This can also be very relaxing because much of the pain is relieved during this period. Furthermore, the effects continue for a while after the session is completed. So not only is the healing process sped up, there is also a certain degree of pain relief that would not be achieved otherwise.
A healthier you
Basically, the use of EMS devices during therapy improves the quality of life in a lot of ways. A person does not have to go through rehabilitation as long as they used to. The athlete can be back on the playing field a lot quicker than in previous times. There is also the fact that the process is a lot less painful. So many athletes who have had to go through the traditional therapy methods find themselves becoming depressed because they long to be back in the game. Instead, they have to focus just on healing.
When the process takes longer than expected, the athlete can begin to feel hopeless. Electronic muscle stimulation has improved that significantly and gives a lot more hope to athletes. It lets them know that it is possible they will be playing again in no time. This is especially important for high school athletes looking to get into the best colleges. It is also important for college athletes wanting to go pro. An injury at the wrong time can ruin potential careers. If treated the right way through EMS devices, losing those opportunities does not have to become a reality. Long gone are the days that sports injuries ruin futures.
About the Author:
Tone-A-Matic offers top quality electronic muscle stimulation devices and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to supplement your regular workout program without putting stress on your joints, lower back or neck and shoulders.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Brazilian Jujitsu's Primary Categories of Attack
I readily admit, Taekwondo is not the only martial art out there. Brazilian Jujitsu is very popular, especially with the Grace family dynamic in the early years of the MMA. ka
About the Author:
Brazilian Jujitsu, commonly referred to as BJJ, is attracting more and more practitioners around the world as both an effective self-defense martial art and a sport. This rapid increase in popularity is thanks to many factors, but the the reason most often cited is because it was, and continues to be used with excellent success rates in mixed martial arts (MMA) and no-holds-barred fighting.
BJJ is unique in the martial arts realm in that practitioners can attack from what would normally be considered a defensive position and vice versa. This leads many spectators to assume that a BJJ practitioner is in danger when he's actually on the attack.
The underlying principles of BJJ enable a small practitioner to successfully attack a much larger practitioner by applying leverage, and using his stronger muscles to attack his opponent's joints, neck, or weaker muscles. Early vale tudo videos (Brazilian for "anything goes") show these principles in action.
BJJ fighters can also end a fight with strikes, but these attacks are often opened as a result of traditional BJJ attacks, leaving himself vulnerable in the process; or directly through the use of BJJ attack techniques. BJJ attack techniques are designed to render an opponent unable to continue a fight, either by inflicting damage to a joint or limb, or rendering him immobile or unconscious.
The three primary categories of attack are:
1) Joint Locks: a practitioner will attempt to isolate one of his opponent's joints or limbs and use leverage to move the joint beyond its intended range of motion. Some examples are arm bars, knee bars, Americana, Kimura.
2) Chokes: the word "chokes" is sometimes mistakenly used for "strangles," but the two are represent completely different types of attack, thought they both focus on the neck. A choke occurs when a fighters attacks the windpipe of his opponent in an effort to restrict air.
3) Strangles: with a strangle, a practitioner attempts to cut off the blood supply to the brain by constricting the carotid arteries. Strangles are most common when fighters are wearing gis (rear naked choke being a large exception), which are the traditional training and sparring uniform. You can view BJJ gi videos to see these tactics in action.
BJJ is a fascinating martial art. It takes years or even decades to rank, but even inexperienced BJJ practitioners fare very well against expert practitioners from other arts like karate or tae kwon do. There are many vs videos available which demonstrate one art vs another. These videos will provide a glimpse into why BJJ is so effective for self defense.
BJJ is unique in the martial arts realm in that practitioners can attack from what would normally be considered a defensive position and vice versa. This leads many spectators to assume that a BJJ practitioner is in danger when he's actually on the attack.
The underlying principles of BJJ enable a small practitioner to successfully attack a much larger practitioner by applying leverage, and using his stronger muscles to attack his opponent's joints, neck, or weaker muscles. Early vale tudo videos (Brazilian for "anything goes") show these principles in action.
BJJ fighters can also end a fight with strikes, but these attacks are often opened as a result of traditional BJJ attacks, leaving himself vulnerable in the process; or directly through the use of BJJ attack techniques. BJJ attack techniques are designed to render an opponent unable to continue a fight, either by inflicting damage to a joint or limb, or rendering him immobile or unconscious.
The three primary categories of attack are:
1) Joint Locks: a practitioner will attempt to isolate one of his opponent's joints or limbs and use leverage to move the joint beyond its intended range of motion. Some examples are arm bars, knee bars, Americana, Kimura.
2) Chokes: the word "chokes" is sometimes mistakenly used for "strangles," but the two are represent completely different types of attack, thought they both focus on the neck. A choke occurs when a fighters attacks the windpipe of his opponent in an effort to restrict air.
3) Strangles: with a strangle, a practitioner attempts to cut off the blood supply to the brain by constricting the carotid arteries. Strangles are most common when fighters are wearing gis (rear naked choke being a large exception), which are the traditional training and sparring uniform. You can view BJJ gi videos to see these tactics in action.
BJJ is a fascinating martial art. It takes years or even decades to rank, but even inexperienced BJJ practitioners fare very well against expert practitioners from other arts like karate or tae kwon do. There are many vs videos available which demonstrate one art vs another. These videos will provide a glimpse into why BJJ is so effective for self defense.
About the Author:
Chad has been training in submission grappling and BJJ for four years, and has competed in both sport jiu-jitsu and MMA. He enjoys watching bjj videos and vs videos to see how others are using or evolving the sport.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Lose Weight While Eating Healthy Chocolate?
I love dark chocolate. This time of year, it's impossible to avoid so I particularly liked this article telling me it's A-Okay to indulge. But really, dark chocolate has many good antioxidant properties and let's face it, it tastes awesome. Enjoy! ka
About the Author:
It doesn't seem possible that the words chocolate and weight loss could be used in the same sentence. However, with a new product, it just might be possible.
We have recently been hearing about the benefits of dark chocolate and what positive effects it can have on your body. While dark chocolate is healthy, the majority of the chocolate sold in stores today is very unhealthy. The reason for this is that these chocolates are chocked full of sugars, fats, and preservatives. None of which have any positive benefits to your overall health and wellness.
One of the biggest problems with many traditional chocolates is that the heating during the manufacturing of the product destroys the majority of the chocolate's healthy benefits. In fact, about 80% of the positive antioxidants are lost during this harmful process.
There is a company that has come out with an alternative to these unhealthy, poorly manufactured dark chocolates. Xocai is a division of MXI Corp. and is based in Reno, Nevada. They have brought to market an all natural, pure form of cacao that maintains its nutritional value through the manufacturing process. Rather than heat the cacao, it is cold pressed. This allows the dark chocolate to maintain its healthful properties.
The company Xocai has brought to market 6 products. They are the X Powerhouse Cookie, X Power Squares, Omega Bars, Activ, a Protein Bar, and Nuggets. These products are made with unprocessed cacao powder and combined with the acai berry and blueberry for added taste. The products are full of healthful benefits such as flavonoids, antioxidants, high ORAC value, high fiber, and low sugars. They are safe for diabetics as well as vegetarians and vegans.
You might be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with me losing weight?" Studies are on the rise, including one from Japan, that conclude that the intake of cocoa may combat weight gain. Although there are several factors leading to this, two of the most helpful for weight loss are gene regulation and the potential mood elevating effects of cocoa. The helpful chemicals from these studies suggest that because you may feel more energetic, it will lead to increased exercise, and result in weight loss.
Not only might there be a biochemical response, but you are eating a more organic, healthy product. Just think, if you grab a piece of healthy dark chocolate versus a Snickers bar, what do you think that the benefits will be? The healthy dark chocolate is low in sugar, high in fiber, antioxidants, ORAC value, flavonoids, and low in fat and calories. A vast contrast from the Snickers bar.
Thankfully, you don't have to give up great taste either. Xocai has gone out of its way to formulate a healthy dark chocolate line of products that tastes great. Testimonials are flooding the internet from people who have seen great results from the healthy chocolate. For this reason, I believe that it is worth your time to investigate the products and see what they could possibly do for you.
We have recently been hearing about the benefits of dark chocolate and what positive effects it can have on your body. While dark chocolate is healthy, the majority of the chocolate sold in stores today is very unhealthy. The reason for this is that these chocolates are chocked full of sugars, fats, and preservatives. None of which have any positive benefits to your overall health and wellness.
One of the biggest problems with many traditional chocolates is that the heating during the manufacturing of the product destroys the majority of the chocolate's healthy benefits. In fact, about 80% of the positive antioxidants are lost during this harmful process.
There is a company that has come out with an alternative to these unhealthy, poorly manufactured dark chocolates. Xocai is a division of MXI Corp. and is based in Reno, Nevada. They have brought to market an all natural, pure form of cacao that maintains its nutritional value through the manufacturing process. Rather than heat the cacao, it is cold pressed. This allows the dark chocolate to maintain its healthful properties.
The company Xocai has brought to market 6 products. They are the X Powerhouse Cookie, X Power Squares, Omega Bars, Activ, a Protein Bar, and Nuggets. These products are made with unprocessed cacao powder and combined with the acai berry and blueberry for added taste. The products are full of healthful benefits such as flavonoids, antioxidants, high ORAC value, high fiber, and low sugars. They are safe for diabetics as well as vegetarians and vegans.
You might be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with me losing weight?" Studies are on the rise, including one from Japan, that conclude that the intake of cocoa may combat weight gain. Although there are several factors leading to this, two of the most helpful for weight loss are gene regulation and the potential mood elevating effects of cocoa. The helpful chemicals from these studies suggest that because you may feel more energetic, it will lead to increased exercise, and result in weight loss.
Not only might there be a biochemical response, but you are eating a more organic, healthy product. Just think, if you grab a piece of healthy dark chocolate versus a Snickers bar, what do you think that the benefits will be? The healthy dark chocolate is low in sugar, high in fiber, antioxidants, ORAC value, flavonoids, and low in fat and calories. A vast contrast from the Snickers bar.
Thankfully, you don't have to give up great taste either. Xocai has gone out of its way to formulate a healthy dark chocolate line of products that tastes great. Testimonials are flooding the internet from people who have seen great results from the healthy chocolate. For this reason, I believe that it is worth your time to investigate the products and see what they could possibly do for you.
About the Author:
Author: Brian McCoy is a 6 figure earner and one of the top income earners in the home based business industry. Brian is passionate about sharing health and wellness with others. He also devotes the time, energy, and effort into his team and works with them to ensure their success. To find out more about Chocolate And Weight Loss, visit his Xocai Healthy Chocolate site.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Easiest Way To Reduce Stress
This is once again a good argument for meditation. My 13 year old son has just started meditation. It is a great stress reducer as is exercise. When you combine the two together in a healthy lifestyle, you are well on your way to a successful life. Martial Artists have been using these techniques for centuries. ka
About the Author:
Yes, I know exercise is not the an exciting subject to talk about. But it will help you reduce stress, which will improve your sense of well being and lead to a more enjoyable life. If you have avoided exercising, just getting started is the most difficult part.
Stress reduction is a great reason to get the exercise ball rolling. How often have you heard someone you know say about an ailment, "it's just stress related"? Most folks have a tendency to make light of stress, but it's a fact that too much stress in your life can eventually lead to illness and even serious health problems. So starting an exercise regimen to reduce stress in your life could be one of THE most important decisions you make.
Exercise will help strengthen your immune system and bring your stress level down. Even simple activities like stretching, walking, jogging or hiking will strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles and increase your endurance.
Walking might be easiest exercise choice for most of us. You don't need a membership and you can do it in a short period of time. Walking can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a partner to go on walks with you. You can enjoy some good conversation while you walk. Doing it with a friend will make walking something you'll look forward to doing.
Increase the intensity of your walks to enhance the health benefits. Walk a little faster and increase the distance each week. Walking is the best activity for your health if you do it the right way. So make sure you push yourself and maintain your target heart rate for at least 20 minutes. If you don't have a clue what your target heart rate is, you can easily find out online. Purchase a heart rate monitor if you don't have already own one.
Before you start your daily walk, make sure to do some basic stretching to loosen up the muscles in your shoulders, neck and legs. This will get your blood flowing help you avoid injuries.
There are a variety of activities that you could choose that will help reduce stress in your life. But walking is easy and inexpensive. It's an activity that allows you to get your workout in fast, and that's important if you are on a tight schedule. You can do your stretches and your walk, in as little as 30-35 minutes. Surely you can find a half an hour a day for something that will make you healthier.
Even if you have to settle for a short walk occasionally, the exercise and socializing will definitely reduce stress over time. So grab a pair of comfy shoes and a heart rate monitor, and walk as often as you can. It will reduce stress levels, and it will make you feel wonderful.
Stress reduction is a great reason to get the exercise ball rolling. How often have you heard someone you know say about an ailment, "it's just stress related"? Most folks have a tendency to make light of stress, but it's a fact that too much stress in your life can eventually lead to illness and even serious health problems. So starting an exercise regimen to reduce stress in your life could be one of THE most important decisions you make.
Exercise will help strengthen your immune system and bring your stress level down. Even simple activities like stretching, walking, jogging or hiking will strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles and increase your endurance.
Walking might be easiest exercise choice for most of us. You don't need a membership and you can do it in a short period of time. Walking can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a partner to go on walks with you. You can enjoy some good conversation while you walk. Doing it with a friend will make walking something you'll look forward to doing.
Increase the intensity of your walks to enhance the health benefits. Walk a little faster and increase the distance each week. Walking is the best activity for your health if you do it the right way. So make sure you push yourself and maintain your target heart rate for at least 20 minutes. If you don't have a clue what your target heart rate is, you can easily find out online. Purchase a heart rate monitor if you don't have already own one.
Before you start your daily walk, make sure to do some basic stretching to loosen up the muscles in your shoulders, neck and legs. This will get your blood flowing help you avoid injuries.
There are a variety of activities that you could choose that will help reduce stress in your life. But walking is easy and inexpensive. It's an activity that allows you to get your workout in fast, and that's important if you are on a tight schedule. You can do your stretches and your walk, in as little as 30-35 minutes. Surely you can find a half an hour a day for something that will make you healthier.
Even if you have to settle for a short walk occasionally, the exercise and socializing will definitely reduce stress over time. So grab a pair of comfy shoes and a heart rate monitor, and walk as often as you can. It will reduce stress levels, and it will make you feel wonderful.
About the Author:
Tired of trying to lose weight without making any headway? That is because most fast weight loss programs get it wrong! Visit Lose Weight Help and discover what is keeping you from the body you deserve.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Is Acupuncture Right For Me?
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
Visit our sister website, Alternatively-Healthier.com for great information on homeopathy and alternative medicine.
About the Author:
Visit our sister website, Alternatively-Healthier.com for great information on homeopathy and alternative medicine.
Traditional Chinese and Indian medicines such as ayurveda, homeopathy, and acupuncture have been relied upon for centuries to preserve good health. In recent years, people who haven't been able to find relief elsewhere have been turning to acupuncture in particular to address their problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses acupuncture as a treatment for many diseases.
There are over 40 ailments for which the WHO recommends acupuncture treatment. Many people think of acupuncture only as a cure for pain. While acupuncture has proven effective in this area, as a successful treatment for back pain, shingles pain, carpal tunnel, migraines, etc., its applications are much more extensive.
Among the ailments that acupuncture is recommended for are a variety of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux. Acupuncture offers help for everyone from asthmatics to people with kidney stones. Women especially may benefit from acupuncture in cases of morning sickness and PMS.
Those suffering from very common disorders like asthma, sinus problems, depression, anxiety, or insomnia may find acupuncture beneficial. More and more acupuncture schools have been opening in the west and continue to turn out doctors who can successfully apply acupuncture to treat almost any disease.
The answer to "What can Acupuncture Treat?" cannot be summed up into a small article as the treatment which acupuncture can offer is endless. One can log-on to the internet to find out the various cures which acupuncture offers. It can be used to cure almost all digestive, Neurological Upper Respiratory, Urinary and Reproductive, Immune Function, Musculoskeletal Emotional and Psychological Circulatory Disorders Eye and Ear Disorders and other addictions
Many people choose acupuncture as a preventive medicine or because their illness is too small for other Western medicines to cure. This proves extremely beneficial when one wants to get rid of a small nagging pain or wants to get refreshed and rejuvenated
A big reason that acupuncture seems to be taking hold in the west is that more and more people are looking for solutions to their reproductive problems. Many couples have turned to acupuncture to address sexual dysfunction and both male and female infertility.
With such an exhaustive list of treatments offered by acupuncture, I don't think so that anyone can challenge acupuncture by asking "what can acupuncture treat?" Therefore we can see that traditional Chinese forms of cure are valid and beneficial even today
There are over 40 ailments for which the WHO recommends acupuncture treatment. Many people think of acupuncture only as a cure for pain. While acupuncture has proven effective in this area, as a successful treatment for back pain, shingles pain, carpal tunnel, migraines, etc., its applications are much more extensive.
Among the ailments that acupuncture is recommended for are a variety of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux. Acupuncture offers help for everyone from asthmatics to people with kidney stones. Women especially may benefit from acupuncture in cases of morning sickness and PMS.
Those suffering from very common disorders like asthma, sinus problems, depression, anxiety, or insomnia may find acupuncture beneficial. More and more acupuncture schools have been opening in the west and continue to turn out doctors who can successfully apply acupuncture to treat almost any disease.
The answer to "What can Acupuncture Treat?" cannot be summed up into a small article as the treatment which acupuncture can offer is endless. One can log-on to the internet to find out the various cures which acupuncture offers. It can be used to cure almost all digestive, Neurological Upper Respiratory, Urinary and Reproductive, Immune Function, Musculoskeletal Emotional and Psychological Circulatory Disorders Eye and Ear Disorders and other addictions
Many people choose acupuncture as a preventive medicine or because their illness is too small for other Western medicines to cure. This proves extremely beneficial when one wants to get rid of a small nagging pain or wants to get refreshed and rejuvenated
A big reason that acupuncture seems to be taking hold in the west is that more and more people are looking for solutions to their reproductive problems. Many couples have turned to acupuncture to address sexual dysfunction and both male and female infertility.
With such an exhaustive list of treatments offered by acupuncture, I don't think so that anyone can challenge acupuncture by asking "what can acupuncture treat?" Therefore we can see that traditional Chinese forms of cure are valid and beneficial even today
About the Author:
To discover the ultimate acupuncture resource, visit my website at acupuncture and ivf.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sinner or Saint: Are You Taking Time for Yourself?
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
My master tells us that we must take care of ourselves first in order to take care of our families. Although it sounds selfish, it is really true. The more you tend to your needs, the happier you become and the more joy you are able to spread through your sphere of influence.
About the Author:
My master tells us that we must take care of ourselves first in order to take care of our families. Although it sounds selfish, it is really true. The more you tend to your needs, the happier you become and the more joy you are able to spread through your sphere of influence.
You may think it's more important to tend constantly to the needs of other people rather than yourself. This appears at first glance to be the selfless, even saintly, way to behave. Aren't mothers supposed to put the needs of their family first?
You may hold up in your short-term and even medium range duties if you are continually tending to other people's needs at the expense of your own. But nobody can keep that up forever, not even you. Providing a tiny bit of regular space to allow yourself to recharge will help maintain your ability to respond, to be "response-able" to the needs of your loved ones.
If taking care of yourself seems foreign, think about this for a moment. You are a primary role model for your children's lives. They will copy your actions more often than follow your advice. Many a mom has shed tears after becoming aware of the lack of self care they modeled during their children's formative years. You love your children and want to do right by them. Therefore, you need to show them how to take care of themselves by taking care of you! This will increase their capacity to be healthy, well balanced adults.
While meditation can be extremely helpful, you don't need to sit down and meditate to take 10 minutes for yourself. You can go for a short walk, just sit in a quiet spot inside, outside, or even in the car (while you're not driving). Sometimes I actually have to lock myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes to get the time and space I need, but it is worth it.
If you are with your children 24/7, please consider creative ways to take an hour or so each week away from your family. The "Mommy Brain" is constantly on duty, even when we're not next to our children, but a little distance can open up space in our minds and decompress our bodies in a very healing way. Oddly, having time away can open up our hearts to our loved ones and help us appreciate the most important people in our lives even more.
You may find unexpected benefits from following through with this self care technique. Certainly you will realize temporary benefits from having a few daily moments to breathe, but will be creating long term benefits as well. When your inner self begins to trust that you are going to continue taking time and space for yourself, your mood and even body image will improve. You are, in effect, saying that it is all right for you to be in the world! This will translate into healthier self-talk, wiser choices, and a more grace-filled, response-able presence as a partner, wife and mother.
You may hold up in your short-term and even medium range duties if you are continually tending to other people's needs at the expense of your own. But nobody can keep that up forever, not even you. Providing a tiny bit of regular space to allow yourself to recharge will help maintain your ability to respond, to be "response-able" to the needs of your loved ones.
If taking care of yourself seems foreign, think about this for a moment. You are a primary role model for your children's lives. They will copy your actions more often than follow your advice. Many a mom has shed tears after becoming aware of the lack of self care they modeled during their children's formative years. You love your children and want to do right by them. Therefore, you need to show them how to take care of themselves by taking care of you! This will increase their capacity to be healthy, well balanced adults.
While meditation can be extremely helpful, you don't need to sit down and meditate to take 10 minutes for yourself. You can go for a short walk, just sit in a quiet spot inside, outside, or even in the car (while you're not driving). Sometimes I actually have to lock myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes to get the time and space I need, but it is worth it.
If you are with your children 24/7, please consider creative ways to take an hour or so each week away from your family. The "Mommy Brain" is constantly on duty, even when we're not next to our children, but a little distance can open up space in our minds and decompress our bodies in a very healing way. Oddly, having time away can open up our hearts to our loved ones and help us appreciate the most important people in our lives even more.
You may find unexpected benefits from following through with this self care technique. Certainly you will realize temporary benefits from having a few daily moments to breathe, but will be creating long term benefits as well. When your inner self begins to trust that you are going to continue taking time and space for yourself, your mood and even body image will improve. You are, in effect, saying that it is all right for you to be in the world! This will translate into healthier self-talk, wiser choices, and a more grace-filled, response-able presence as a partner, wife and mother.
About the Author:
Christy Cuellar-Wentz, M.A. is a mental health professional and author providing specialized support for the unique challenges of new motherhood. Sign up for free weekly MP3 downloads and empowering information on postpartum depression, postpartum stress and baby blues.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Why Your Body Needs Fuel and Calories Loss for Weight Loss
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
Exercise is always part of a healthy lifestyle and weight loss program.
About the Author:
Exercise is always part of a healthy lifestyle and weight loss program.
You have probably heard that if you use a smaller number of calories than your body needs for fuel through a calories loss eating program and if you exercise then you will lose weight. It is true, and this is the only way that you will ever successfully enjoy a healthy weight loss and keep this weight off.
Adult eaters eat on average something like 2,000 calories in the course of a day and this is what our body needs as energy to carry out our daily activities. We need to create a deficit in the calories equation through a calories loss food plan and allow our body to use the energy stored in the excess fat we carry around. An achievable goal would be the reduction of our calorie intake to 1,500 calories and the use of the equivalent energy found in 500 calories from our fat supply.
A calories loss diet together with exercise is a certain way to lose weight. Losing as an example, 5 pounds, will require you to reduce you calories by 17,500 as there around 3,500 calories in each pound of fat. Even when they promise this and more without effort, the latest quick result diet, diet powder or diet pill can not provide the weight loss results you want in the long term.
Medication can not burn the extra calories that you can through what you eat and how you exercise. We know that fat burning does come through calories loss but losing weight is more than just watching your calorie intake. For all aspects of your body's health you need to balance what you eat by making sure that your menu includes foods from each of the different food groups.
An unbalanced diet consisting of only salad and diet soda will not help you lose weight as this is not enough for your body to operate in a healthy way. Your body needs more than this because it needs to be fueled by food. A healthy food program should provide this fuel and reward your body for the work it does instead of punishing it.
Common sense tells you that there is no getting around what you need to do to alter the fuel to best feed your body. The fuel you need is found in a range of different kinds of foods and these include healthy fats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. You would probably agree that including these in our menus for some of the time is a good idea but how can we replace the calorie laden foods that we love with such 'healthy' food on a regular basis?
It is not always easy to only give your body what it needs when you are craving a juicy, cheesy, greasy burger, but if you want to be healthy, you will choose to skip that burger and replace it with a turkey and salad wholemeal roll. Changes like this are not really about going 'on' a diet in the traditional sense. They are about a lifestyle change and creating a calories loss and this is just a tool to help lose unwanted weight and keep it off.
Losing weight should not be your only priority as developing a healthy body is the best direction in which to be traveling and the best reason to be counting calories. If you uphold your body by feeding it healthy wholesome foods and not denigrate and if you add regular exercise to your schedule, you will discover that your weight loss will begin and continue. Foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lean meat will provide the fuel your body needs, allow it to function in all the ways it should and provide the opportunity for your excess fat to be used as energy.
The difference in your healthy eating and exercise program will take some adjusting to, because it is different and takes some accepting on your part. If you persist with this, especially as you adjust to your calories loss menus, your new lifestyle patterns will begin to feel NORMAL. As this sense of normality begins to take effect your weight loss will be underway and you will find it difficult to recall why you had not lived like this earlier.
Adult eaters eat on average something like 2,000 calories in the course of a day and this is what our body needs as energy to carry out our daily activities. We need to create a deficit in the calories equation through a calories loss food plan and allow our body to use the energy stored in the excess fat we carry around. An achievable goal would be the reduction of our calorie intake to 1,500 calories and the use of the equivalent energy found in 500 calories from our fat supply.
A calories loss diet together with exercise is a certain way to lose weight. Losing as an example, 5 pounds, will require you to reduce you calories by 17,500 as there around 3,500 calories in each pound of fat. Even when they promise this and more without effort, the latest quick result diet, diet powder or diet pill can not provide the weight loss results you want in the long term.
Medication can not burn the extra calories that you can through what you eat and how you exercise. We know that fat burning does come through calories loss but losing weight is more than just watching your calorie intake. For all aspects of your body's health you need to balance what you eat by making sure that your menu includes foods from each of the different food groups.
An unbalanced diet consisting of only salad and diet soda will not help you lose weight as this is not enough for your body to operate in a healthy way. Your body needs more than this because it needs to be fueled by food. A healthy food program should provide this fuel and reward your body for the work it does instead of punishing it.
Common sense tells you that there is no getting around what you need to do to alter the fuel to best feed your body. The fuel you need is found in a range of different kinds of foods and these include healthy fats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. You would probably agree that including these in our menus for some of the time is a good idea but how can we replace the calorie laden foods that we love with such 'healthy' food on a regular basis?
It is not always easy to only give your body what it needs when you are craving a juicy, cheesy, greasy burger, but if you want to be healthy, you will choose to skip that burger and replace it with a turkey and salad wholemeal roll. Changes like this are not really about going 'on' a diet in the traditional sense. They are about a lifestyle change and creating a calories loss and this is just a tool to help lose unwanted weight and keep it off.
Losing weight should not be your only priority as developing a healthy body is the best direction in which to be traveling and the best reason to be counting calories. If you uphold your body by feeding it healthy wholesome foods and not denigrate and if you add regular exercise to your schedule, you will discover that your weight loss will begin and continue. Foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lean meat will provide the fuel your body needs, allow it to function in all the ways it should and provide the opportunity for your excess fat to be used as energy.
The difference in your healthy eating and exercise program will take some adjusting to, because it is different and takes some accepting on your part. If you persist with this, especially as you adjust to your calories loss menus, your new lifestyle patterns will begin to feel NORMAL. As this sense of normality begins to take effect your weight loss will be underway and you will find it difficult to recall why you had not lived like this earlier.
About the Author:
Rowena French is certain that the way to a healthy life is through weight loss and exercise. Want to reshape your body and enjoy long term weight loss ? My free gifts explan how through calories loss . Read my common sense guide, hear my audio book! Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Bujinkan
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
About the Author:
The Bujinkan Dojo is a new martial arts organization, having been established by Hatsumi Soke (Founder) in the last 30 years. The literal translation of Bujinkan is "Hall of the Divine Warrior." Hatsumi Soke gave his organization this name to honour his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu, the first person to receive the title Soke in all of the nine Ryu of which the Bujinkan is composed and which have histories dating from the eighth century onwards. The teachings of these schools have been handed down in direct teacher/disciple relationships throughout a lineage of some two hundred and one Soke and thousands of warriors under their tutelage.
The Bujinkan teaches sections of all the nine ryu. For example, Ninjutsu is a section within Bujutsu. So to think of the Bujinkan only teaching Ninjutsu would be totally wrong.
Masaaki Hatsumi received the teachings of the nine schools of the Bujinkan from Takamatsu Toshitsugu. Takamatsu Sensei received these teachings from three sources: Toda Shinryuken, Ishitani Matsutaro, and Mizuta Yoshitaro. A brief description of each school is essential to an understanding of the Bujinkan as a whole.
What seperates the Bujinkan from other forms of martial training, such as Karate, Judo, Kendo, Aikido, etc., is the fact that the techniques studied today are the same as those formed on the Japanese battlefields in 1603. During the 250 years of peace that followed, as their skills were no longer needed, the warrior class began to undertake more humanitarian pursuits. The skills developed during that time of peace held perfection of character more important that actual combative effectiveness.
However in the Bujinkan, combat effectiveness was still held as the highest priority and it's techniques were not diluted to comply to safety. The techniques in the Bujinkan are studied for real life situations - there is no tournament competition. Training is usually carried out with a partner. Each taking turns of the role of uke (the receiver). Once the instructor has demonstrated a basic technique, the students pair up and attempt the technique. The students will then be shown numerious variations (henka) of the basic technique.
Bujinkan training is made for real life situations. With the Bujinkan the student learns to instantly produce a technique from nothing. As we all know a real life situation very rarely plays out like a kata practised in the class.
Hatsumi sensei was told by Takamatsu, shortly before his death, that training with a happy heart is very important for the Bujinkan:
The way to experience happiness is to let go of all worries and regrets and know that being happy is the most satisfying of life's feelings. Reflect back on all the progress in your life and allow the positive, creative, and joyous thoughts to outshine and overwhelm any sorrow or grief. Happiness is waiting there in front of you. Only you can decide whether or not you choose to experience it.
The Bujinkan teaches sections of all the nine ryu. For example, Ninjutsu is a section within Bujutsu. So to think of the Bujinkan only teaching Ninjutsu would be totally wrong.
Masaaki Hatsumi received the teachings of the nine schools of the Bujinkan from Takamatsu Toshitsugu. Takamatsu Sensei received these teachings from three sources: Toda Shinryuken, Ishitani Matsutaro, and Mizuta Yoshitaro. A brief description of each school is essential to an understanding of the Bujinkan as a whole.
What seperates the Bujinkan from other forms of martial training, such as Karate, Judo, Kendo, Aikido, etc., is the fact that the techniques studied today are the same as those formed on the Japanese battlefields in 1603. During the 250 years of peace that followed, as their skills were no longer needed, the warrior class began to undertake more humanitarian pursuits. The skills developed during that time of peace held perfection of character more important that actual combative effectiveness.
However in the Bujinkan, combat effectiveness was still held as the highest priority and it's techniques were not diluted to comply to safety. The techniques in the Bujinkan are studied for real life situations - there is no tournament competition. Training is usually carried out with a partner. Each taking turns of the role of uke (the receiver). Once the instructor has demonstrated a basic technique, the students pair up and attempt the technique. The students will then be shown numerious variations (henka) of the basic technique.
Bujinkan training is made for real life situations. With the Bujinkan the student learns to instantly produce a technique from nothing. As we all know a real life situation very rarely plays out like a kata practised in the class.
Hatsumi sensei was told by Takamatsu, shortly before his death, that training with a happy heart is very important for the Bujinkan:
The way to experience happiness is to let go of all worries and regrets and know that being happy is the most satisfying of life's feelings. Reflect back on all the progress in your life and allow the positive, creative, and joyous thoughts to outshine and overwhelm any sorrow or grief. Happiness is waiting there in front of you. Only you can decide whether or not you choose to experience it.
About the Author:
If you wish to find out more about the Bujinkan then check out bujinkan-online.com There is also a sister site the Bujinkan storewhich specializes in Bujinkan products: books, dvds, t-shirts and much more
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Basics Of Meditation
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
The holidays can be a very stressful time for most. Learning methods to relieve that stress will make your holiday brighter and more healthy.
About the Author:
The holidays can be a very stressful time for most. Learning methods to relieve that stress will make your holiday brighter and more healthy.
One of the latest and fastest growing trends is meditation. Meditation helps to relieve stress and gain balance. Meditation is often mistaken as solely a spiritual exercise. Spiritual inclinations are a prerequisite to benefiting from meditation.
Doctors around the globe are acknowledging the benefits of this exercise with enthusiasm. Meditation is vital in maintaining your body and soul. It help you maintain good blood flow and oxygen usage as well as keeping you centered and calm.
When you meditate you can realize some very positive changes. This beneficial vitality that you gain gives you power and impetus to de-clutter your life. In this fashion you can make room for the realization of your dreams.
As you are channeling this added energy, it will seem that success will be attracted to you as if you are a magnet and it was iron. Fresh and original thoughts will come as if unbidden to your mind, and you will reap the benefits as if by a miracle.
All of this might happen only because you have learned the art of focusing your energies for your benefit. Yet, considering meditation to be a panacea for all your problems is a wrong way to look at things. You cannot surely turn towards meditation to end all those pressing problems that seek your attention.
What you can do instead is to get rid of the negative vibes that cloud your mind. Your psyche forms a few barriers between your will and your dream because of the pessimism that enters your thoughts. Such hindrances affect the physical functioning of your body as well, making you weak in certain circumstances.
Available are an assortment of meditative styles for your to use. You should take in to consideration when choosing, the type of help you need and the quantity of time you can spend on meditation.
When using transcendental meditation a person will clear his mind of specific thought with his eyes closed for twenty minutes. This technique helps you have ease of mind. During mindful meditation a greater awareness is achieved while being mindful of your own pattern of breathing.
If you are a novice you may benefit from the more simple requirements of the Buddhist meditation. This requires you to sit vertically with your head vertical also, then you count to 10 letting out your breath with each count. Do this for 15 minutes.
These forms of meditation might be against your spiritual stand- you could use the prayers of your religion to meditate instead. Philokalia is an ancient documentation of spiritual texts that details how Christian prayers could be used for meditative purposes. Such a form of meditation serves your religious purposes as well.
Meditation can play a vital part in our life by boosting our emotion and physical selves and clearing our minds to make way for the insights that can help us through our lives. Meditation can give to us the strength necessary to handle the vicissitudes of daily life, and peace of mind we need to achieve.
Doctors around the globe are acknowledging the benefits of this exercise with enthusiasm. Meditation is vital in maintaining your body and soul. It help you maintain good blood flow and oxygen usage as well as keeping you centered and calm.
When you meditate you can realize some very positive changes. This beneficial vitality that you gain gives you power and impetus to de-clutter your life. In this fashion you can make room for the realization of your dreams.
As you are channeling this added energy, it will seem that success will be attracted to you as if you are a magnet and it was iron. Fresh and original thoughts will come as if unbidden to your mind, and you will reap the benefits as if by a miracle.
All of this might happen only because you have learned the art of focusing your energies for your benefit. Yet, considering meditation to be a panacea for all your problems is a wrong way to look at things. You cannot surely turn towards meditation to end all those pressing problems that seek your attention.
What you can do instead is to get rid of the negative vibes that cloud your mind. Your psyche forms a few barriers between your will and your dream because of the pessimism that enters your thoughts. Such hindrances affect the physical functioning of your body as well, making you weak in certain circumstances.
Available are an assortment of meditative styles for your to use. You should take in to consideration when choosing, the type of help you need and the quantity of time you can spend on meditation.
When using transcendental meditation a person will clear his mind of specific thought with his eyes closed for twenty minutes. This technique helps you have ease of mind. During mindful meditation a greater awareness is achieved while being mindful of your own pattern of breathing.
If you are a novice you may benefit from the more simple requirements of the Buddhist meditation. This requires you to sit vertically with your head vertical also, then you count to 10 letting out your breath with each count. Do this for 15 minutes.
These forms of meditation might be against your spiritual stand- you could use the prayers of your religion to meditate instead. Philokalia is an ancient documentation of spiritual texts that details how Christian prayers could be used for meditative purposes. Such a form of meditation serves your religious purposes as well.
Meditation can play a vital part in our life by boosting our emotion and physical selves and clearing our minds to make way for the insights that can help us through our lives. Meditation can give to us the strength necessary to handle the vicissitudes of daily life, and peace of mind we need to achieve.
About the Author:
Go Visit Bill Bodri's Meditation Website to Learn everything about Meditation Find non-denominational information on a variety of guided meditation methods!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Chakra Healing A Non-Invasive and Natural Healing Process
Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network
About the Author:
Understanding Chakra
A chakra is the human bodys energy axis that receives, interacts with and conveys life force between an individual and his/her environment. Its direct English translation means a spinning wheel. Furthermore, ancient Hindu writings reveal that of the body's 88,000 chakra points, there are seven which are considered of primary importance.
Although there is no common denominator between the ancient Hindu and Chinese cultures, they are very similar in their interpretation and explanation about the role of these energy points in our health and lives in general. Both the Hindus and the Chinese look at the body's major energy points as playing important roles in our conscious and subconscious experiences. And that these seven energy points are the keys to a healthy and successful life.
Chakras are defined in various ways but there is one common thread among all of the definitions and explanations whether from the Chinese medicine point of view, the Hindus mystical understanding of an individuals internal and external experience or modern psychology's explanation of human our consciousness and thought processes.
The continuous contact of energy points with its host (our body) and the environment regardless of whether we are awake or not, gives them a special power over the our physical appearance and bodily functions, including our health and emotions. A malfunction of one of the seven major energy points results in our feeling ill and weak, both physically and mentally.
The reason for this is because each of the seven major chakras is linked to a corresponding endocrine gland in our body. Any imbalance in the function of a chakra affects our physical and emotional processes and manifests a disturbance in the usual pattern of activity or behavior through the endocrine gland linked to it.
Taking Proper Care of our Chakras From the preceding point of view promoted by the ancient Hindus and Chinese traditional medicine practitioners alike, we can conclude that a good number of our illnesses are in one way or another related to a malfunctioning chakra. Although physical symptoms may be absent or minimal at the very least, they are signs that something is wrong with us physically, spiritually or emotionally.
Since not all of our illnesses may be physical, they can also be on the emotional level brought on by repressed incidents that brought us undue pain or disappointment during our lifetime to eating the wrong types of foods and being obese for example. Lack of self confidence and self esteem can also be considered an illness in the broadest term. Certainly, there is only one way to combat these illnesses and that is to remove their physical or emotional triggers from our system.
Chakra Healing is Good for Our Body We can directly influence our chakras and their functions and through them our health and lives by employing techniques such as Reiki healing, aromatherapy, color therapy, chakra balancing with the aid of a pendulum, crystals or gemstones.
Some people prefer to attend yoga exercise classes as the breathing and physical exercises used in the practice of yoga are beneficial to maintain chakra balance in the body.
One commonly used chakra healing method is through yogic meditation which enhances the ability of a person to relax his mind and body at will. Meditation is one highly proven method that promotes natural healing and relaxation techniques.
Another important factor to consider is that although our chakras can not be seen nor touched, they work on their own to support our body. We have to keep them healthy too.
Since our diet affects our body and our system, they also affect the stability and synchronization of our major energy points. The food we eat can either make them work better, slowly or not at all!
Our root chakra thrives on root-type vegetables and protein-rich foods. Sweet fruits, nuts directly affect our navel chakra while our solar plexus chakra is enhanced by a healthy diet of breads, dairy product and cereals.
Our energy points that affect the heart and throat are sustained when we eat green, leafy vegetables, drink plenty of liquid, green tea and fruit juices.
By eating blueberries, grapes and drinking wine or grape juice, we help nourish our brow/third eye chakra which is responsible for making our third eye senses sharper and more attuned to our psychical abilities.
Our crown chakra, the center of our spiritual and emotional center needs detoxification through fasting and/or ritual inhalation of incense and herbs.
These everyday methods, which admittedly are vey simple since they are an extension of what we already perform daily are some of the basic ways we can heal our energy points so that we can reap the benefits of possessing a healthy functioning chakra for a more productive and healthier life.
A chakra is the human bodys energy axis that receives, interacts with and conveys life force between an individual and his/her environment. Its direct English translation means a spinning wheel. Furthermore, ancient Hindu writings reveal that of the body's 88,000 chakra points, there are seven which are considered of primary importance.
Although there is no common denominator between the ancient Hindu and Chinese cultures, they are very similar in their interpretation and explanation about the role of these energy points in our health and lives in general. Both the Hindus and the Chinese look at the body's major energy points as playing important roles in our conscious and subconscious experiences. And that these seven energy points are the keys to a healthy and successful life.
Chakras are defined in various ways but there is one common thread among all of the definitions and explanations whether from the Chinese medicine point of view, the Hindus mystical understanding of an individuals internal and external experience or modern psychology's explanation of human our consciousness and thought processes.
The continuous contact of energy points with its host (our body) and the environment regardless of whether we are awake or not, gives them a special power over the our physical appearance and bodily functions, including our health and emotions. A malfunction of one of the seven major energy points results in our feeling ill and weak, both physically and mentally.
The reason for this is because each of the seven major chakras is linked to a corresponding endocrine gland in our body. Any imbalance in the function of a chakra affects our physical and emotional processes and manifests a disturbance in the usual pattern of activity or behavior through the endocrine gland linked to it.
Taking Proper Care of our Chakras From the preceding point of view promoted by the ancient Hindus and Chinese traditional medicine practitioners alike, we can conclude that a good number of our illnesses are in one way or another related to a malfunctioning chakra. Although physical symptoms may be absent or minimal at the very least, they are signs that something is wrong with us physically, spiritually or emotionally.
Since not all of our illnesses may be physical, they can also be on the emotional level brought on by repressed incidents that brought us undue pain or disappointment during our lifetime to eating the wrong types of foods and being obese for example. Lack of self confidence and self esteem can also be considered an illness in the broadest term. Certainly, there is only one way to combat these illnesses and that is to remove their physical or emotional triggers from our system.
Chakra Healing is Good for Our Body We can directly influence our chakras and their functions and through them our health and lives by employing techniques such as Reiki healing, aromatherapy, color therapy, chakra balancing with the aid of a pendulum, crystals or gemstones.
Some people prefer to attend yoga exercise classes as the breathing and physical exercises used in the practice of yoga are beneficial to maintain chakra balance in the body.
One commonly used chakra healing method is through yogic meditation which enhances the ability of a person to relax his mind and body at will. Meditation is one highly proven method that promotes natural healing and relaxation techniques.
Another important factor to consider is that although our chakras can not be seen nor touched, they work on their own to support our body. We have to keep them healthy too.
Since our diet affects our body and our system, they also affect the stability and synchronization of our major energy points. The food we eat can either make them work better, slowly or not at all!
Our root chakra thrives on root-type vegetables and protein-rich foods. Sweet fruits, nuts directly affect our navel chakra while our solar plexus chakra is enhanced by a healthy diet of breads, dairy product and cereals.
Our energy points that affect the heart and throat are sustained when we eat green, leafy vegetables, drink plenty of liquid, green tea and fruit juices.
By eating blueberries, grapes and drinking wine or grape juice, we help nourish our brow/third eye chakra which is responsible for making our third eye senses sharper and more attuned to our psychical abilities.
Our crown chakra, the center of our spiritual and emotional center needs detoxification through fasting and/or ritual inhalation of incense and herbs.
These everyday methods, which admittedly are vey simple since they are an extension of what we already perform daily are some of the basic ways we can heal our energy points so that we can reap the benefits of possessing a healthy functioning chakra for a more productive and healthier life.
About the Author:
The author Anne-Marie Laureaut is one of the team of experts who contribute to the popular chakra-balance.com site. Visit here to understand how chakra healing can drastically improve your life and receive twenty nine Free chakra healing Audios.
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