THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF YOGA

The Ultimate Goal of Yoga

On the mat, the serious yoga practitioner is the embodiment of focus, discipline, and unwavering concentration. He or she is devoted to the perfection of the asana (poses) and he or she challenges mind and body to achieve a ‘higher state of being’.

On the mat, the serious yoga practitioner is the embodiment of focus, discipline, and unwavering concentration. He or she is devoted to the perfection of the asana (poses) and he or she challenges mind and body to achieve a ‘higher state of being’. Sure, this sounds legitimate and rather impressive, but what does it really mean? What is the ultimate goal of yoga?

This is a complicated question. Arguably, each practitioner has a goal (or goals) individual to him or her. However, yoga has been practiced in various forms for hundreds of years all over the world. There must be a grand design, an ultimate goal…There is. It is called: Moksha.

Moksha is the liberation from worldly suffering and samsara (the cycle of birth and death through reincarnation). This release from sequential lives on earth leads to an enlightened relationship with a creator. Different schools of yoga have differing beliefs about this enlightened relationship.

For example, according to Hindu monist schools (such as Shaivism and Jainism), at the point of moksha, there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Brahman. For bhakti schools of Vaishnavism, the realization of identity is made with Vishnu.

However, in all schools of yoga, the goal of the practitioner is the attainment of perfect tranquility and spiritual insight while meditating on Brahman (the Hindu concept of divinity). It is this state that will lead to moksha and eternal peace.

For serious practitioners of yoga, moksha is worth more than just sweat on the mat and a few classes every week. It requires an austere, self-disciplined life based around the Five Principles of Yoga (proper relaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation). The rules and guidelines of this self-disciplined life are called yama and niyama. Yama (social ethics) and niyama (personal practices) are the first steps to building a conscious relationship with the world and with yourself. They are considered the first part of the Eightfold Yoga Path of Patanjali (individual development of the body, mind, and soul). Many contemporary yogis and yoga instructors simply refer to them as the " do's and don't's " of being human.

The disciplined life is guided by the understanding that many of life’s problems are self-imposed limitations. Poor habits, frivolous living, and unfounded beliefs all contribute to a confusing, murky world. Yama and niyama help practitioners prioritize their inner and outer worlds so that balance and proportion are restored to all aspects of life.

Some yoga masters have described the ultimate goal of yoga as being ‘consciously conscious’—meaning that the sense of a ‘personal self’ and the sense of ‘unlimited spirit and consciousness’ are united. They consider the union between the practitioners’ various parts into a whole as the most important aspect of yoga. It is reflected in the asana where all the ‘parts’ of the practitioner’s body are in sync with one another. They are all situated in the most effective way for maximum circulation and meditation. Every part has a place in the whole.

Moksha is a noble ambition that has been shared by billions of people throughout history and the yama and niyama still guide the lives of thousands of yoga practitioners today. Although this is historically considered yoga’s ultimate goal, yoga is a highly personal endeavor with many rewards. So, perhaps the question needs re-phrasing: What is YOUR ultimate goal of yoga?

COMMON RUNNING INJURIES LIKE Runner's knee,Achilles tendinitis, Plantar fasciitis,Shin splints,Iliotibial band syndrome, Stress fracture,Patellar tendinitis,Ankle sprain,Pulled muscles,Blisters,Chafing and Side stitches

COMMON RUNNING INJURIES

Make no bones (or muscles or tendons) about it: Start running, and there’s a good chance injury may follow. Some estimate that nearly 80 percent of runners are injured each year. (They don’t tell you that before joining the track team.) Most injuries are caused by overuse—applying repeated force over a prolonged period of time. Sudden changes in training volume, whether a newbie or a vet, can also do some damage. Here are 12 of the most common ailments that plague those who hit the pavement, along with a few ways to stop the pain Injuries.

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1. Runner's knee

Experiencing a tender pain around or behind the kneecap is usually a sure sign of patellofemoral pain syndrome, a fancy term for runner’s knee. (And yep, this ailment is so common among runners it was named after them.) The repetitive force of pounding on the pavement, downhill running, muscle imbalances, and weak hips can put extra stress on the kneecap, so stick to flat or uphill terrain, and opt for softer running surfaces whenever possible. To treat the pain, experts suggest taping your knee or using a knee brace, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and cutting back on mileage

2. Achilles tendinitis

The swelling of the Achilles, the tissues that connect your heel to your lower-leg muscles, can be caused by many finicky factors: rapid mileage increase, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, or even having a naturally flat foot . To help sidestep pesky pain, make sure to always stretch the calf muscles post-workout and wear supportive shoes. Also, chill out on all the hill climbing, which puts extra stress on tendons. Anti-inflammatories, stretching, and the ol’ R.I.C.Estrategy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) are the best ways to get back on the path to recovery.

3. Plantar fasciitis

This tricky-to-pronounce pain is due to inflammation, irritation, or tearing of the plantar fascia—doctor speak for the tissue on the bottom of the foot . Excess pounding on the road or strapping on unsupportive footwear (read: flip-flops) can be the culprits here. This leads to extreme stiffness or a stabbing pain in the arch of the foot (sounds like fun right?). To soothe your sole, wear shoes with extra cushion, stretch your heels (rolling a tennis ball works great), and get ample rest to help dull the pain. If the problem persists, doctors recommend wearing custom-made orthotics, a night splint, or in some cases, getting a steroid shot into the heel (ouch!) to speed up recovery and keep on rolling (er, running).

4. Shin splints
If you’re a runner who’s never experienced that aching, stabbing sensation in your shins, please tell us your secret! Among the most nagging of injuries, shin splints occur when the muscles and tendons covering the shinbone become inflamed. To stop the stabbing, trying the shins for 15-20 minutes and keeping them elevated at night to reduce swelling. Prevention is a little trickier, but researchers have found shock-absorbing insoles that support the arch do help . Also make sure those sneakers are the right fit for the foot, and stick to running on softer grounds whenever possible. Avoid hills too, which put extra force on the shin’s tibialis muscle.
5. Iliotibial band syndrome

Distance runners take note: This injury is not your friend. ITBStriggers pain on the outside of the knee, due to the inflammation of the Iliotibial band, a thick tendon that stretches from the pelvic bone all the way down your thight. Common culprits include increased mileage (half-marathon training, anyone?), downhill running, or weak hips . To ease the ache, give those muscles some love. Specific stretches, along with foam rolling, may decrease inflammation and help reduce pain.

6. Stress fracture

Non-contact sports can lead to broken bones too. Stress fractures aretiny cracks in the bone caused by repeatedly pounding greater amounts of force than the leg bones can bear. If this happens to you, taking some time off is a must and usually involves crutches with a side of physical therapy. And in some cases, an x-ray may reveal it’s time to go under the knife. To avoid the sidelines, make cross-training your BFF to avoid overuse, wear proper shoes, and get enough calcium to keep bones strong.

7. Patellar tendinitis

It’s often referred to as “jumper’s knee,” but this injury is also common among distance runners . Patellar tendinitis strikes when overuse (sensing a pattern here?) leads to tiny tears in the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Overpronation, over-training, and too many hill repeats are likely causes. To reduce the risk of patellar tendinitis, strengthen the hamstrings and quads (at the gym or at home), and ice the knee at the onset of pain. Doctors also recommend physical therapy to help soothe and strengthen the tendon.

8. Ankle sprain

A sprain occurs when the ankle rolls in or outward, stretching the ligament (and causing some serious pain). Curbs, potholes, tree branches, or just an unfortunate landing are just a few of the culprits. Recovery may be a little shaky at first, but many experts suggest doing balance exercises (like single-legged squats) to strengthen the muscles around the ankle . Stick to some solid rest after the sprain occurs—how long depends on the sprain’s severity, so see a doc for a more specific game plan. They might also recommend an ankle brace or air cast, and taping it up when you’re ready to get back out there to prevent re-twisting.

9. Pulled muscles

When a muscle is overstretched, fibers and tendons can tear and cause a pulled muscle. (The calf and hamstring are common muscle pulls among runners .) Overuse, inflexibility, and forgetting to warm-up are a few possible causes. To prevent a pull, make sure you do a proper warm-up, cool-down, and dynamic stretching pre-workout. While the pain persists, lay off running (up to five days!), and stick to gentle stretching and icing the muscle.

10. Blisters

More annoying than a younger brother, blisters can pop up when we least expect it. As the heel rubs against the shoe, the top layer of skin can tear, leaving a bubble between the layers of skin. The best way to beat ‘em is prevention: Make sure the shoe (literally) fits and wear a good pair of synthetic socks . If a blister still appears, cover it up with special Band-Aids, moleskins, or gels.

11. Chafing

For most, there’s no escaping it. When skin rubs against skin (we’re looking at you, thighs), the skin can become angry and irritated. To stop the sting, throw on a pair of longer running shorts or capris to avoid that skin-on-skin action. When in doubt, there are also products like body-glide to keep things moving.

12. Side stitches

Ever get that awful pain on the side of the stomach? Formally called exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), side stitches can really creep up—affecting nearly 70 percent of runners. Many experts believe the pain is caused by the diaphragm beginning to spasm from being overworked and suggest poor running posture could be to blame. If it strikes, try bending forward and tightening the core, or breathing with pursed lips to help ease pain .

Just Beat It

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Still hell-bent on racking up the miles? (Yeah, most runners are.) Remember there’s a fine line between pushing through and pushing your luck—and only you (and your doctor) will know what’s best when the running gets rough. To minimize the aches and pains, consider these general tips to stay on the safe side:

1. Stick to the 10 percent rule.

Don't increase mileage by more than 10 percent each week. Upping those miles unexpectedly is a major reason overuse injuries occur!

2. Warm up and cool down.

Heading for an intense run? Remember to warm up and cool down to ease your body in and out of a workout. This will help keep injuries at bay .

3. Fix your form.

Smooth and efficient is the key. Not only will poor form hinder performance, it could lead to unnecessary pain. Make sure to use correct running technique to prevent injuries, especially shin splints and back aches. Imbalances can also lead to problems down the road, and it never hurts to visit a skilled physical therapist who can help identify and address any biomechanical issues.

4. Replace your sneakers.

Keep track of how many miles those shoes have logged, and replace them every 600 miles—if not sooner! It’s also worth swinging by a specialty running shoe store, where the staff can help you figure out which shoe is the perfect fit.

5. Keep it even.

Avoid running on uneven surfaces that put unnecessary stress on ligaments. While off-roading is a fun change of pace, rough terrain may make it easier to twist an ankle—so be extra careful on the trails.

6. Add in strength training.

Don’t disregard those dumbbells, even if running is your main gig. Lifting can increase structural fitness, which helps bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles endure all that pounding. Pay special attention to strengthening hips, too, since weak hips are linked to higher rates of injury .

7. Know your limits.

Shocker: Overtraining can cause overuse injuries. Make sure to take at least one day off per week, and mix up those fartleks and hill-repeats with some easier recovery runs. Don’t forget to pencil in regular rest days, too. You (and your body) deserve it!

Remember that none of this information should substitute professional medical advice. Definitely check with a doctor or physical therapist first once those aches and pains arise!

The Importance of Stress Management and Relaxation

The Importance of Stress Management and Relaxation

No matter what career path you have chosen, knowing the importance of stress management and relaxation is key. Being able to maintain your stress level not only will improve the quality of your work, but also will improve the quality of your life. Consider the following points, and learn to de-stress your life.

Stress Management Techniques

Learning stress management and relaxation techniques is important for anyone, but it is especially important for those who work from home. Working from home means combining work stress and family stress under the same roof. This can make common stressers like work deadlines and household duties doubly frustrating. Some of the best stress management techniques include the following:

Know Your Triggers: Be aware of what situations make you the most stressed, and try to avoid them if you can. When stressful situations occur, try to put them into perspective. Acknowledging that a certain situation is a trigger for you, is the first step in learning how to manage your stress.
Exercise: Find time in your schedule for 15 to 30 minutes of exercise each day. Exercising will help you focus your energy and work out your frustration.
Meditate: Whether you meditate at the beginning or end of your day, it is important to take a few moments for reflection. Setting aside five minutes to sit quietly and think about your goals will make you more relaxed.
Organize: To put it simply, organize your life in a realistic way. Making lists and de-cluttering your space is the perfect way to remove clutter from your life.

Health Benefits

Proper stress management and relaxation can lead to numerous health benefits. Reducing stress, by learning to think clearly and focus on your goals, leads to increased energy to do other things that you want to do, and even leads to better sleep.

Other health benefits from stress management can include:

weight loss
an improved immune system
better blood pressure
overall heart health
better memory

All of these benefits are great individually, but when combined, they form the best health benefit of all - a longer life.

Improved Relationships

In addition to the health benefits of stress management and relaxation, you can also enjoy the benefits of improved relationships. When you are stressed, your family feels the effects of that stress, and it is common to take out some of your anger and frustration on your family. Your family can feel like they are walking through a mine field, never knowing when your stress level will trigger an explosion of frustration. If you reduce stress and relax more, you will be happier, and in turn, your family will be happier.

Stress management and relaxation should be practiced by everyone, especially those who work from home. Reducing stress can lead to many benefits including improved health and improved relationships. Using stress management techniques like knowing your triggers, exercising, meditating, organizing and taking vacations are essential ways to de-stress and learn how to relax.

Relaxation and Meditation Techniques

A variety of stress management techniques are available that involve learning how to control your body's responses to stress or anxiety. These techniques involve learning to consciously relax your body through a variety of techniques, such as meditation or guided imagery. As with any new skill you are trying to learn, daily practice is important to acquiring mastery of these techniques.

Meditation
The beauty of practicing meditation is that it allows you to "let go" of every day worries and literally "live in the moment." People who meditate regularly report improvements physically, mentally, and spiritually. To begin a meditation practice, you will need to find a quiet spot, away from the phone, television, friends, family, and other distractions. There are several different ways to meditate. Meditation practices often involve learning chanting, breathing, or mantra techniques. Initially, your mind may wander when you first start meditating. by training your mind to focus on the moment, you will eventually find yourself transformed and feel very peaceful and content. Most experts recommend mediating for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Beginners may find it difficult to meditate for this length at first, but don't despair. It will become easier once you are meditating regularly.

Yoga
Yoga combines meditation and physical exercise to achieve improved health and sense of well-being. Yoga has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. Yoga involves repeating movements that can help improve strength and flexibility as well as promote mental and physical health and greater self-understanding. The movements are very graceful and have spiritual significance. Paying careful attention to breathing is also part of practicing yoga.

TETANY OR TETANY SEIZURE is a medical sign consisting of the involuntary contraction of muscles

Tetany or tetany seizure is a medical sign consisting of the involuntary contraction of muscles, which may be caused by disease or other conditions that increase the action potential frequency of muscle cells or the nerves that innervate them. Muscle cramps that are caused by the disease tetanus are not classified as tetany; rather, they are due to a blocking of the inhibition to the neurons that supply muscles.
• Hypocalcemia: It is the primary cause of tetany. Low calcium levels in the extracellular fluid increase the permeability of neuronal membranes to sodium ions, causing a progressive depolarization, which increases the possibility of action potentials. This occurs because calcium ions interact with the exterior surface of sodium channels in the plasma membrane of nerve cells. When calcium ions are absent the voltage level required to open voltage gated sodium channels is significantly altered (less excitation is required). If the plasma Ca2+ decreases to less than 50% of the normal value of 9.4 mg/dl, action potentials may be spontaneously generated, causing contraction of peripheral skeletal muscles. Hypocalcemia is not a term for tetany but is rather a cause of tetany.
• The usual cause of tetany is lack of calcium. An excess of phosphate (high phosphate-to-calcium ratio) can also trigger the spasms.
• Underfunction of the parathyroid gland can lead to tetany.
• Low levels of carbon dioxide cause tetany by altering the albumin binding of calcium such that the ionized (physiologically influencing) fraction of calcium is reduced; one common reason for low carbon dioxide levels is hyperventilation.
• Low levels of magnesium can lead to tetany.
• Clostridium tetani toxin, via inhibition of glycine-mediated and GABA-ergic neurotransmission, may lead to tetany
An excess of potassium in grass hay or pasture c

an trigger winter tetany, or grass tetany, in ruminants.

SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY (SMT) ON SPINAL STIFFNESS......

SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY(SMT)

The effect of application site of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) on spinal stiffness.....
Like other factors that can affect the effectiveness of treatment (eg, dosage, frequency, time of day), the site of treatment application is known to affect various physical interventions such as topical anesthetics and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Like these examples, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a physical intervention that may show maximal benefit when directed to a specific site. Whereas numerous studies of SMT efficacy have produced mixed results, few studies have taken into account the site of SMT application. This study sought to determine if the site of SMT application modulates the effect of SMT in an anesthetized feline model. Simulated SMT was delivered by a validated mechanical apparatus to the intact lumbar spine of eight anesthetized felines at four unique sites: L6 spinous process, left L6 lamina, left L6 mammillary process, and L7 spinous process. To measure spinal stiffness, a separate indentation load was applied mechanically to the L6 spinous process before and after each SMT application. Spinal stiffness was calculated from the resulting force-displacement curve as the average stiffness (k) and terminal instantaneous stiffness (TIS). Relative to the no-SMT control, significant decreases in spinal stiffness followed the SMT when L6 spinous and L6 lamina were used as the contact site. Terminal instantaneous stiffness significantly decreased -0.48 N/mm (upper, lower 95% confidence interval [-0.86, -0.09]) with L6 spinous as the contact site and decreased -0.44 N/mm (-0.82, -0.05), with the L6 lamina as the contact site. k increased 0.44 N/mm (-0.01, 088), using L6 spinous as the contact site. Reductions in terminal spinal stiffness were seen following SMT administered at some application sites but not the others. The results suggest that SMT contact site modulates SMT’s effect on spinal stiffness in a feline model. Changes in spinal terminal instantaneous spinal stiffness were similar in magnitude and direction to those observed in symptomatic human subjects who report benefits after SMT.