One of the five principals of yoga is called Pranayama, or breathing exercise. The word "prana" translates to mean “life force”. Proper breathing deals with the need of our brain and vital organs to receive the oxygen they require. As breathing is the only way to supply our bodies this oxygen, the importance of proper breathing techniques becomes obvious. What may not be so obvious, however, is the fact that Hindu or Vedic philosophy regarding the science of breathing dates back thousands of years. It was first referenced in Upanishads around 400 BC.

Sivananda Hatha yoga is a traditional style yoga that was created by a man born in India. Swami Sivananda, who practiced gymnastics as a boy, also studied the Vedantas (sacred scriptures) and became a doctor.  Having cured a wandering monk who spiritually influenced him, he then sought his Guru in the 'Land of the Sages', in Rishikesh, India. Having created a Raja-based yoga style (physical and mental control), which includes Karma yoga (unselfish acts), Bhakti yoga (devotional practices), and Jnana (knowledge), he felt compelled to send his beloved disciple Vishnudevananda to the West to spread this teaching. It was in the 1960’s that Vishnu shared his Sri Guru’s yoga and also founded the first Yoga Teachers Training in North America!

The language of YOGA is very straightforward. It can, in fact, be expressed without using words. Yoga is movement! While yoga has been practiced for centuries, it has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its well-known beneficial aspects, as well as the relief yoga provides for many ailments. Practicing yoga has been proven to give children living with autism and spectrum disorders significant relief. More commonly, the practice of yoga has shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as increase balance and strength! Many of the poses and breathing practices associated with yoga give kids a sense of calm, strength, clarity, and, even, improved self-esteem! According to Inga Balciuniene, Owner and Instructor at Cape Coral's Yoga and Massage Studio;

"Practicing yoga improves a person's quality of life. Not surprisingly, yoga's therapeutic effects on autistic and special needs children can be life changing!" 

Having to make choices about the types of food we consume is something that we all face. Increased concern for personal health has fueled interest in organic foods  Organic varieties of many types of produce and grocery items have become available as alternatives to those items produced or grown and sold en mass at most grocery stores. While some consumers have opted to make organic food a vital part of their lives, the vast majority of Americans have yet to do so. Reasons why so many have chosen to avoid organic foods are numerous! One of the most popular arguments against buying organic is the increased cost. Still, others believe that organic foods are not healthier than non-organic. Strangely, the most commonly heard justification people express for not choosing organic is that they just cant see any reason to buy it! The existence of irrefutable proof aside, the benefits are not necessarily visible!

Whether it is caused by working late, handling extra responsibility, or simply our regular workload, one unfortunate reality of the modern world is stress. Because nearly everyone faces challenges that can make us feel run down, or even ill, it is important to adopt a lifestyle that allows us to push our limits, without breaking our backs! Most people are aware that exercise is something that can be beneficial to our well-being, but it may be the specifics of exactly how where there is confusion. A respected group of physicians recently published a simple, but definitive report about the benefits of regular physical activity. While none of their findings were an epiphany, their seven facts regarding the clear and unequivocal benefits associated with exercise are undeniable.

New Year, New You!

Discover Primary and Secondary Foods as well as Your Circle of Life. 

Learn how your primary foods affect your secondary foods all encompassed in your personal circle of life!

‛GMO is an acronym for genetically modified organism. *A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Many persons have little knowledge of either what they are or why they should be concerned. There are some facts regarding GMOs and, also, some harsh realities that should be seen as a great cause for concern. While many people are aware of the fact that many of the foods we eat contain elements that have been genetically engineered, it is mainly the extent and quantities about which little is publicly known.

Sugar is something that can be found in almost every kitchen. For those persons who are diabetic, the intake of sugar is something that must be closely monitored. However, most Americans consume sugar in excessive quantities. So many of the foods we consume have huge amounts of sugar. From breakfast cereals to snack foods to drinks and especially sodas, an overwhelming majority of foods produced today have a lot of added sugar. While our bodies do require sugar, they are also capable of producing those sugars through conversion of carbohydrates which are present in many foods. Most of us have no need for the amount of added sugar we consume daily. If we take into consideration how sugar is produced, we quickly discover that the potential damage to our bodies is only part of the problem.

While many people are not aware, the practice of meditation dates back to around 500-600 B.C. During that time period, Taoists in China and Buddhists in India began to develop meditative practices. The English word; ''meditation'' has come to mean think, ponder, contemplate or devise and is derived from the Latin verb; 'meditari'. Because the history of meditation is closely tied to the religious context within which it''s practiced, Western Christian meditation differs from other forms in that it doesn't include the repetition of any action or phrasing, and also wasn't posture specific. In the 1950''s, secular or non-religious forms of meditation were evolving in India. A Westernized form of Hindu meditative techniques first arrived in Europe and the United States in the 1960''s, emphasizing self improvement, as well as stress reduction and relaxation.

Due to the explosion of popularity that meditation has experienced since the 1970''s, thousands of research studies have been conducted on the topic. Strangely, despite the wealth of research, the knowledge of exactly what mechanism is providing the numerous beneficial aspects associated with meditation still remains a mystery.

Local, organic and conventional are just some of the words associated with produce. Because produce is the topic of interest to almost everyone, we should also be aware of risks associated with it's consumption. Growing concern over the widespread use and prevalence of pesticides by large, commercial produce farmers around the world has prompted regulatory agencies and consumer awareness groups to inform consumers about the potential dangers posed to their health. However, with such a variety of produce to consider, the information can be confusing.