Every Body Yoga

Take a Hot Soak: Epsom Salt Baths

Phyllis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:11:50 +0000

Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:

Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
Improved oxygen use.
Improved absorption of nutrients.
Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

All this from a bath? Hurray! While there are many different brands of Epsom salt, they are all the same product chemically, and can be found at most drug stores. Add two cups of Epsom salt and soak for at least 12 minutes. Do this three times weekly.

Read more about the health benefits of epsom salt baths.

Practice Mindful Breathing Each Day

Phyllis — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:57:25 +0000

Practice mindful breathing for 3 minutes 3 times each day to create positive change in your life. Consistent practice is what creates change. Mindful breathing releases dopamine and serotonin and its effects are cumulative and lasting. We are building healthier habits of thinking and feeling which will become regular behaviors. We will become more reflective and less reactive. More self-aware with emotional control and greater attention.

Pick 3 times during your day to add 3 minutes of mindful breathing. Some suggestions: waiting at a red light, while on hold, sitting at your desk, before beginning your meals. Feel the lasting effects these 3 minutes have on you.

All that is needed to create change is three minutes of mindful breathing each day according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Do you have trouble sleeping?

Phyllis — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:53:12 +0000

Unplug electronic devices at least 2 hours before bed. If you have trouble sleeping, do not go on facebook, Twitter, the internet, etc. Instead, practice your breathing or use other techniques for relaxing and quieting your mind.

For optimum physical, emotional and mental health adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Increase the Amount of Water You Drink

Phyllis — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:15:56 +0000

Increase the amount of water you drink by decreasing the amount of other beverages you drink. Before drinking another beverage, drink at least a small glass of water. This will cut down on your thirst, help fill you up and decrease the amount of other liquids you are drinking.

This is especially important if you are a soda drinker. Begin to cut the amount of soda you drink in half by having a glass of water containing one half the amount of soda you usually drink prior to drinking the soda. If you drink diet soda, you must break this addiction. That’s right, addiction. Use the same formula to begin cutting it in half each week until you are no longer drinking diet soda.

The artificial sweeteners are carcinogens and also change the chemical make up of your brain making them highly addictive. You can do this and you will feel so much better: better energy, better elimination, less toxins, clearer thinking, less headaches, clearer skin.

Try it!

Good Posture Reduces Pain

Phyllis — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:09:39 +0000

Did you know that research shows that good posture reduces pain? Here’s a simple yoga tip to help you maintain good posture whether sitting or standing. Bring your shoulders over your hips and your ears over your shoulders. Now bring your fingers to your collar bones. Trace your collar bones with your fingers. You will feel your shoulders move back and your shoulder blades slide down your back. This will improve your posture which will eliminate neck and back pain and promote healthier breathing. Do this several times through out your day, especially when using the computer.

Join me for the “Free From Back Pain” Workshop on Monday, January 23 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Have a healthy, happy 2012. Namaste.

Phyllis Johnston, M.Ed. E-RYT
Every Body Yoga and Wellness