Vartulasana

This asana is a variation of Halasana. One should perform it only when one masters Halasana. In this asana, the body takes the shape of a circle and so it is called Vartulasana.

Technique of Vartulasana :

• Lie on the back and first practice Halasana.
• Then slowly raise the arms and hold the toes with the hands.
• Do not give a jerk to the body while doing this exercise.
• Hold this position for eight to ten seconds.
• Then slowly raise the legs up and without giving the body a jerk bring them back to the ground in the original position.
• Then place the arms straight by the sides of the hips.

Benefits of Vartulasana :

• It reduces fat around the loins.
• It enhances the benefits acquired by Sarvangasana.
• It gives enough exercise to the blades of the shoulders.
• It has all the benefits of Halasana.

Contraindication : Neck and back problems, high blood pressure, pregnancy, diarrhea, asthma, heavy menstruation, eye & ear infection.

Akarna Dhanurasana

This asana involves another system of pulling the leg which gives the impression of a bow with an arrow to be shot. So it is called Akarna Dhanurasana.

Holding the toes (alternately) with hands, pulling them (the toes) up to the (corresponding or opposite) ears, (and thus) assuming the shape of a stretched bow. There are two methods of practicing this asana.

Technique-1 of Akarna Dhanurasana :

• Sit on the ground. Stretch the legs in front.
• Hold the toe of the right foot with the left hand.
• Hold the left leg with the right hand and try to stretch the right elbow backwards as far as possible.
• Now bend the left leg slowly. Bring the left foot to the chin and the left knee to the left armpit.
• This position will bring the thigh close to the abdomen.
• Hold the breath and then exhale slowly.
• Repeat the pose on the other leg.
• Gradually, increase the time duration of holding the posture maximum to 5 minutes.
• Inhale, and exhaling bring the left leg on the thigh of the right leg.
• Restore both the hands to their place.
• Straighten the left leg and take the sitting position.

Technique-2 of Akarna Dhanurasana :

• Sit on the floor with the legs stretched in front.
• Lift the left leg up and hold it with the left hand behind the neck in such a way that the thumb remains forward near the ankle and the fingers behind the thumb.
• The weight of the leg falls on the palm. Then with the right hand hold the upper part of the left foot with its heel.
• Place the shin on the neck. Turn the neck towards the right side.
• Stretch the left arm and hold the right toes.
• At the same time, lift the right arm up and hold the left toes.
• Look to the right side. Then release the legs slowly.
• Repeat this asana with the other leg.
• Gradually, increase the time of holding the posture maximum to 5 minutes.

Benefits of this asana :

• The practice of this asana gives full exercise to the joints of the hands and the legs, the joints and the muscles of the neck and the spine. It revitalizes them.
• This asana alleviates women's complaints of irregular menstruation, the disorders of ovary and pain in the lower part of the abdomen.
• It tones up the chest and the abdominal organs.
• This asana cures the pain in the loins, tonsillitis, indigestion, constipation, the tumor in the armpit, gout, pain in the legs, etc.
• Those who suffer from asthma,tuberculosis and cough get relief if they practice this asana.
• As this asana strengthens the lungs, the chest is expanded and it gets the capacity to hold air.

Remember :

• Bend forward to hold the big toes of legs while practicing this asana.
• Keep your legs comfortably. When the right leg is pulled up to the ear, you can fold it a little at the knee.

 Contraindication : Persons with weak waist joints should not do this asana.

Urticaria

Urticaria is a skin disease in which pale red swellings in groups on the surface of the skin are observed mainly on the trunk along with itching. Urticaria is a case of hypersensitivity reaction of the skin to allergens. Urticaria develops around loose tissues of the eyes or lips, the affected area may swell excessively causing pain and discomfort, although scary in appearance, the swelling goes away in 12 to 24 hours with right treatment.

This disease is also known as "Nettle rash"or "Hives" as the rash of urticaria resembles the sting of a nattle. It is also known as "Sheeta pitta" in Ayurveda.

Symptoms of Urticaria :

• Red or white patches on the skin with burning, itching, stinging. The eruption may be as small as pin heads or as large as a rupee.
• Fever, digestive disturbance, prostration.
• The eruption may be rounded or irregular and often surrounded by a reddened zone.
• The disease may affect either part of the whole body.

Causes of Urticaria : (1) Digestive disorders- It may result from digestive disorders like mechanical irritation in the digestive tract or toxemia. (2) Drugs like aspirin, penicillin, quinine. (3) Certain food often cause urticaria in susceptible individuals. These include strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, oatmeal, wheat, nuts, fish, eggs, chocolate, cheeze, butter. (4) Bites of bedbugs, wasps, bees, mosquitoes, flies. (5) Emotional excitement. (6) Viral infection. (7) Vaccines and blood transfusions. (8) Synthetic products such as deodorant, perfume and talcum powder, cosmetic products, animal derivatives, and similar synthetic substances may cause Urticaria.

Types of Urticaria :

1. Acute Urticaria : It last for 6 weeks or less.
2. Chronic Urticaria : It last more than 6 weeks.

Home remedies for Urticaria :

• Salt : About 12 grams of salt should be dissolved in water and taken by patient. The throat should be tickled to induce vomiting. This will help in curing eruption.
• Rose water and vinegar : When there is a severe itching on the eruption, abut 35 ml rose water mix with 25 ml of vinegar and applied locally to the affected area. This will give immediate relief.
• Mint : 7 gm of mint and 25 gm of brown sugar should be boiled together in about 175 ml of water and drunk. This will relieve the itching.
• Turmeric : Patient should take 2 tsp of turmeric powder mixed with a cup of water daily.
• Rauwolfia : 1 gm of powdered root can be taken with a cup of water daily.
• 3 gm of root powder of Arni should be taken with 12 gm of pure ghee twice daily.
• For local application, prepare a paste from turmeric, seeds of chakramarda and sesame, kooth and massage over the affected portions. Once or twice a day.
• Application of calamine lotion is workable up to certain extend in Urticaria.
• Take a tub, filled 1/2 with luke warm water and add 1/2 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of backing soda. A person suffering from urticaria will have to soak the body in to this at least once a day.
• Use the pulp of Aloe or a cream containing Aloe on the affected area.
• One can have nattle tea. Add honey or lemon for flavor. Nattle are considered having property to heal urticaria.

Other treatment for Urticaria :

• Warm water enema.
• Exposure to fresh air and sunlight.
• Avoid exposure to cold and cold water.
• Hot epsom salts bath : This bath is prepared by dissolving 1 kg of commercial epsom salts in an ordinary bath of hot water,taken three times a week, at least for 10-20 min.

Diet for Urticaria :

• All fruits diet : The patient should take three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as oranges, apples, pineapples, grapes, pears, peaches, papayas.
• Well balanced food consisting of nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables and fruits. The emphasis should be on fresh fruits and raw vegetables salads.
• Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, all fresh foods, refined food which are difficult to digest.
• Water and lemon intake : A glass of water containing the juice of half a lemon may be taken one hour before each meal and also between meals.

Raktmokshan (blood-letting) : Raktmokshan is an Ayurveda method used to draw out a certain amount of toxic blood from the body. This helps in detoxifying the blood, thus helping mainly in various chronic skin disease. Often leech is used to suck out the impure blood from the affected area.

Ayurvedic medicines :

• Haridra khanda - thrice daily with water
• Rasa sindur -  thrice daily with water
• Gairic (Red ochre) - 5 grains, thrice daily with water/ honey
• Arogyavardhini rasa - thrice daily with honey
• Sut shekhar rasa - thrice daily with honey
• Urtiplex (charak) - 1 tab, 3-4 times a day
• Kaishore guggulu - 2 tab, twice daily
• Khadirarishta - 3 tsp, twice daily

Parvatasana

Parvata means a mountain. This asana is also known as "Viyogasana", because it involves a special technique of yoga. Only healthy persons should practice this asana. The reference of this asana is not found in any traditional text so far, but has been practiced since a very long time.

Technique of Parvatasana :

• Sit erect in Padmasana.
• Form a firm finger lock.
• Inhaling, stretch the arms with the finger lock vertically above the head without raising the seat and knees.
• Exhale.
• Inhaling again, stretch your arms upwards from the shoulder blades and stretch the trunk to the maximum without moving from your seat.
• Maintain this posture, holding your breath.
• Exhaling, resume the starting position.

Benefits of this asana :

• As both the arms are kept vertically up in this asana, the "Prana" is sublimated.
• This makes spine flexible.
• Visceroptosis and pain in backbone is removed.
• This asana gives sufficient exercise to the muscles of the arms.
• It is beneficial in constipation and removes seminal weakness.
• If Suryabheda pranayama or Anuloma-Viloma pranayama is practiced for fifteen minutes before performing this asana, the lungs, the abdomen and the spine become strong and healthy.

Precautions :

• Those, who cannot practice Padmasana, can practice it in standing, stretched legs or Vajrasana.
• Those having complaints of reeling sensation should not practice it.

Garudasana

When Garudasana is performed, the pose of the body appears to be that of an eagle. So this asana is called Garudasana. The asana invokes the majestic bird that it resembles. In Garudasana you need strength, flexibility and endurance. But this asana also blesses one with unwavering concentration that actually calms the fluctuations of mind. Although these qualities apply to all the yoga poses, its somewhat specific for this eagle like pose.

Technique of Garudasana :

• Stand erect in Tadasana.
• Keep the right leg straight on the ground and bring the left leg over the right thigh above the right knee.
• The left leg should be entwined around the right leg in the same way as a creeper encircles the trunk of a tree and sticks to it.
• The left thigh should be entwined around the right thigh.
• Interlock the arms in the same manner. The palms should touch each other.
• Arrange the fingers in such way that they look like the beak of an eagle.
• Keep the arms in front of the face. Breathe in the normal way.
• Hold this position for 8-10 seconds.
• Unwind the legs and arms and stand in Tadasana again. Repeat for the same length of time with the arms and legs reversed.

Benefits of Garudasana :

• This asana strengthens the legs. One can balance the body on one leg.
• Stretches shoulders arms and upper back.
• In this asana, the blood vessels are stretched. So they become strong.
• Develops focus and concentration.
• Improves balance and coordination.
• It removes the swelling of cells of the testicles.
• It cures rheumatism of the arms and the legs.
• It alleviates pain in the thighs and the calf muscles.
• This asana is helpful for restraining the mind.

Contraindications :

• People with knee injuries should avoid this pose.
• Late term pregnancy and obesity.
• Headache.
• Low blood pressure.
• Medical conditions that affect balance.

Beginner's tips :

• If you have trouble with the balance, rest your backside on a wall.
• If you can't hook the left foot around the right calf, put a block under the left foot instead.
• For deeper version, slowly bend forward resting right elbow on right knee.

Edema

Edema also known as oedema means swelling of body parts due to fluid retention . It is the accumulation of excessive serous fluids in cells or cavities of the body. It mainly affects lower body parts, mostly foot and ankles. It can slow down the healing process,increase the chances of developing skin infection, affect blood circulation and can be painful. Edema is not a disease, it only indicates that something is wrong in the body. Edema is due to an underlying in the body.

Symptoms of Edema :

• Swelling in the legs, arms, calves, ankles, feet etc.
• Slight color changes on the skin.
• Skin on the affected area stretch and shine.
• Cramps, pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Puffiness

Causes of Edema : Heart failure,anemia, kidney disease, low protein level in the blood, liver disease, malnutrition, starvation for long time,thyroid disease,weak veins, medication, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, immobility, heat and hot weather, diabetes, vena cava syndrome, prolonged bed rest, allergies.

Types of Edema :

1. According to Allopathy :  (1) Pitting edema (2) Non pitting edema
2. According to Ayurvedic : (1) Vataj edema (2) Pittaj edema (3) Kaphaj edema

Home remedies :

• Mustard oil : warm a little of mustard oil in a pan and apply on the affected part. Soak 2-3 tsp mustard seed in water and apply this solution on that area.
• Apple cider vinegar : It can removes excess fluid from our body can treat edema.
• Neem and Tea tree oil : Make a mixture  by blending some amount of tea tree oil and neem oil. The mixture can neutralize the toxicity of insect venom and can reduce edema.
• Alfalfa is a good source of important minerals, take 2000-3000 milligrams daily, in divided dose.
• Consume small amounts of buttermilk, cottage cheese and low fat yogurt.
• Flax seed oil : sprinkle this oil on your food before eating it. Very effective in facial edema.
• Keep cucumber slice on the swelling of the foot and then keep potato slice on the cucumber slice and tie the foot with a cloth. This will reduce the swelling.
• "Punarnava" ayurvedic drug which has good diuretic property that also helps reducing the edema.
• Coriander seeds : boil few tsp of coriander seeds in 2 cups of water on medium heat. Continue this on fire till it becomes half in quantity. consume the whole at a time. 
• In pregnancy related edema, you can keep your feet under the running cold water for 15 min before resting.

Do's and Don't :

• Avoid salt intake. Avoid eating packaged food.
• Carbohydrate intake per day should also be bought in control.
• Include protein rich and fat rich food in your diet.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.
• Avoid vegetables and fruits : They are rich in water content, so reduce the intake of it.
• Take fiber rich food more.

  Exercising : Make exercising apart of your daily routine. The morning walks are also effective as it will give you fresh air.

Some Ayurvedic Preparations :

• Punarnavasava                                
• Kumariasava
• Dashmoola kwatha
• Prisniparanyadi kashaya
• Navyasa choorna
• Punarnavadi choorna
• Sunthi ghrita
• Punarnavadi ghrita
• Chitraka ghrita
• Punarnava mandoor
• Gokshuradi guggulu
• Liv-52

Chakrasana

Chakra means "Wheel" in Sanskrit. In practicing this asana, the spine is twisted in such a way that the body forms a semicircular shape, hence this asana is called ' Chakrasana'. It resembles a rainbow. This asana is very similar to the same, except while doing a back bend, the person is standing and keeps banding further back till his palms rest on the floor while in the Chakrasana, the person is lying down and slowly lifts his body up.

Technique - 1:

• Lie flat on the back. Draw the legs in till the heels are close to the hips and the soles touch the ground. 
• The gap between the legs should be of 4 to 6 inches.
• Bend the arms at the elbows and place them on the ground on either side of the head.
• Raise the body from the waist to the hind part of the head and breathe in the normal way.
• Tilt the head backwards as far as possible. Keep the hands straight.
• Keep the body steady. Do not shift either the arms or the legs from their positions.
• Raise the back as far as it allows it to do.
• Remain in this position for about a minutes.
• To release, inhale and slowly bend the elbows to lower the head, neck and then shoulders to the floor. Bend the knees to slowly roll the spine and hips back to the floor and bring it to the original position. Then breathe normally.

Technique - 2 :

• Stand erect with legs together, toes together, hands by the side of the thighs, gaze in front.
• Now raise both hands from in front towards the sky, palms facing in front.
• Keeping full weight of your body on ankles and thighs, bend backwards till you touch the ground with your hands.
• After maintaining  it or sometime, slowly return to the original position.
• Abdomen will be towards sky and the whole body will take the form of a bow.

Benefits of Chakrasana :

• Through this asana, an aspirant can make his spine quite elastic. Elasticity of the spine preserves youth for a very long time.
• This asana is an adjunct to Sarvangasana. When a long turn of Sarvangasana gives one a cramped neck or pain in the shoulders, a turn of Chakrasana helps to remove it. The reason is that the twist is on the backside.
• It minimizes the stiffness of spine and connected nerves are made strong.
• This strengthens the abdominal muscles and digestive system is regularized.
• This asana removes pain in waist and spine is made flexible.
• Excellent for the heart, as it causes the aorta to stretch. 
• It is very useful in treating diabetes, asthma, constipation and obesity.
• This asana has all the benefits of Dhanurasana, Shalabhasana and Bhujangasana.

Contraindications :

• People with recent or chronic injury to the legs, arms, hips, shoulders or back should avoid this asana.
• Those suffering from unmedicated high blood pressure, spondilitis, having been warned against backward bending, duodenal ulcer, hernia should not practice it.

Beginner's tips : While bending backward balance yourself on ankles and thighs, so that you do not fall on your backside.

Nausea

Nausea is a sensation of the stomach that leads to the urge to vomit. This is our body's basic reaction when something is not right. Thus, nausea is considered a symptom and not a sickness itself. If you are not suffering from upset stomach there are other illness that can cause this problem. Nausea is basically a reaction, the body has, due to the presence of some illness in your body.

Symptoms of Nausea : Stomach pain, dizziness, sweating

Causes of Nausea :

Indigestion, Morning sickness, Motion and sea sickness, Stress, Very frequent occurrence during chemotherapy and while taking medicines, Drugs  and alcohol, Consuming food more than your required, Dairy products , yeast and wheat products as well as sugar products may cause nausea, Nausea is a  sign of illnesses like diarrhea, weakness, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, headache, gallstones, cancer, depression, diabetes, pancreatitis and many more, Pregnancy nausea is very common.

Home remedies for Nausea :

• Ginger is a very good remedy, mix with your tea and get relief to your dizziness.
• Ginger root : 2 caps of ginger root provide instant relief.
• By consuming 1 to 2 tsp of any non carbonated syrup would help to bring relief to your system. These syrup formulas contain carbohydrates which help to cool down the stomach.
• Grind cucumber with some sugar and water, strain and drink.
• Tea, some teas like peppermint or chamomile have the soothing effect in our body. This is one of good treatment.
• Cumin seeds : 1/2 tsp grounded cumin seed help relieve vomiting ans nausea.
• Rice water : boil 1/2 cup of rice in 1 cup water, for 10 to 20 min, drain it and drink it.
• Wheat germ : mix few tsp of wheatgerm with milk, consume this mixture every hour will help diminish the sickness.
• Cider vinegar : mix 1 tsp cider vinegar and 1 tsp honey to a glass of cold water and consume it every bedtime. It will help to get rid of morning sickness especially for pregnant women.
• Simply remedy that has been used since years is. don't let the vomitus inside your stomach. you can put your washed fingers deep into the mouth and vomit the stomach content once.
• Put a little piece of lemon with little rock salt added to it. This will cease your feeling of nausea.

Other treatments :

• Acupressure is a good Nausea remedy. This is done by applying pressure between your fore finger and thumb. When you know where the right pressure points are and when acupressure is done right, the queasiness will slowly go away.
• Yoga produce very beneficial effects on Nausea.

Do's and Don't :

• Don't sleep immediately after having meals.
• Sleep on right side. This will prevent the stomach content coming in to mouth.
• Avoid oily food, too much spicy food, heavy and indigestible food.
• Drink plain water. Carbonated water, cold drinks, soft drinks, coffee, tea etc are best to be avoided.
• It is better to consume smaller amounts of food. fiber rich foods like banana, rice, applesauce and toast are good for you once you feel your body is going back to normal.

Purna Matsyendrasana

This asana is easy for those who have practiced Ardha Matsyendrasana for some time. Purna Matsyendrasana is a bit difficult to perform in the beginning.

Technique of this asana :

• Sit on the floor with the legs stretched straight in front. Keep the trunk and the head in a vertically straight line.
• Place the right foot at the root of the left thigh. Place the right heel pressing against the navel.
• Keep the left foot on the floor behind the right knee.
• Take the right hand out from under the left knee and with the help of its thumb and first finger hold the toe of the left foot.
• Keep the left foot firm in this position.
• Take your left hand behind the back and keep the head and the body turned to the left side.
• Twist the waist slightly. Look at the tip of the nose. Breathe in slowly.
• Retain this position for twenty seconds. The position can be retained for two to three minutes after sufficient practice.
• This asana gives the maximum benefits when practiced on the right and left sides alternately.

Benefits of Purna Matsyendrasana :

• It alleviates rheumatism.
• This asana makes the spine flexible and one experiences vigour and vitality of youth.
• It stimulates the life energy and cures many diseases.
• This asana is very beneficial to persons suffering from diabetes.
• It supplies fresh blood to the Prananadi. This awakens the Kundalini and the aspirant experiences mental peace and calmness.
• This asana has all the advantages of Ardha Matsyendrasana.

Contraindication : People who have stiffness in spine should not practice it.

Ardha Matsyendrasana

"Ardha" means half. This asana is named after yogi Matsyendranath who first taught it to the aspirant of Hatha Yoga. It is said that Matsyendranath was the disciple of lord Shiva.

Technique of Ardha Matsyendrasana :

• Sit extending both the legs together in front, hands by the side, palms resting on the ground , fingers should remains together pointing forward.
• Place the right heel near the buttock. Do not move the heel from this position.
• Bend the left knee and put the left ankle on the outer side of the right knee.
• Let the right armpit rest on the outer side of the left thigh.
• Now push the knee backwards so that it touches the back part of the armpit.
• Then hold the toe of the left foot with the right hand.
• Twist the spine slowly exerting force on the joint of the left shoulder.
• Let the spine be twisted to the left side as far as possible.
• Turn the head to the left side as far as it can go. Bring it to the line of the left shoulder.
• Take the left hand backwards and try to hold the right thigh with it. Keep the spine erect.
• Remain in this position for 5-15 seconds.
• Repeat the same in reverse by twisting the spine to the right side.

Benefits of this asana :

• This asana stimulates appetite.
• It is very much useful in constipation and dyspepsia.
• It awakens Kundalini and stabilizes Chandranadi.
• This asana improves liver efficiency and removes debility of kidney.
• It makes the spine elastic. It massages the abdominal muscles and organs.
• It is very beneficial for the muscle of back and shoulder.
• It adjusts and corrects the displacement of the vertebrae, rejuvenating the blood circulation in that part of the body.
• Therapeutic for asthma and infertility.
• It helps one in practicing Pashchimottanasana.

Remember :

• Some persons may experience difficulty in practicing it. if they can not hold the left by right hand they should hold the ankle.
• While twisting backward twist the backbone turning well.
• before resorting to the practice of this asana practice Vakrasana.

Contraindication : People who have stiffness in spine should avoid it.

Immunisation

Immunisation : Don't take disease for granted prevent them with Vaccines.

The previous year, the health ministry recorded many cases of measles and diphtheria. Hepatitis B is spreading like an epidemic, the disease is chronic in millions of people who have been infected with it worldwide. Millions of people suffer from various diseases, and some even die of them because of factors ranging from poor care to lack of awareness about diseases and their prevention.

An important mode of prevention is "Vaccination".

Prevention is better than cure :

Vaccines are the cheapest, effective and most most people friendly way of preventions, In the battle against infectious disease, the victory may be on mankind's side, but what if the disease goes undetected for long? Tuberculosis is instance curable. So is hepatitis, a viral infection that affects the liver. These and many more infections are curable if diagnosed early. There are umpteen number of cases of delayed and wrong diagnoses, and expenses mount with costs of tackling there ifs and buts is prevention through vaccination.

The need for taking vaccines is all the more important because of the principle of community immunisation; that is if 66%of the population is immunised, the remaining 34% automatically gets the protection against the disease. Immunising the larger population helps control the spread of the disease.

Understanding a vaccine :

"Vaccine" originates from the latin word vaca, meaning cow. The first scientific vaccination-by producing cowpox pus in to an eight year old boy's bloodstream. The experiment was a success and the boy did not get smallpox even on direct exposure. At the third World Health Assembly, smallpox was declared eradicated from the world.

An antigen is introduced in to the body in its weakest form, which teaches the body how to defend itself against pathogen by creating an immune response. The immune system produces an immune response to the pathogen by making antibodies, killer cells or both. The immune system has memory B cells (producing antibodies) and memory T cell(helping the production of antibodies or killer T cells). When the B cells next encounter the real pathogen, the immune system remembers it and responds faster than it would have if the person had never received the vaccine. This is called :immune memory".

A preventing vaccine is meant for those who have not been infected with the pathogen that the vaccine is designed to protect against. According to IAVI ( International AIDS vaccine Institute), a vaccine may work in the following ways :

• By stopping replication of the pathogen, so that it can not infect more cells.
• By producing antibodies that attach to the pathogen, rendering it harmless. (antibody response)
• By producing immune cells that kill cells that have been infected with the pathogen (killer cel response).
• Some vaccines also work if given immediately after exposure, (such as a rabies vaccine given right after a dog bite provided the patient has been vaccinated before and has immune memory) besides, there are therapeutic vaccines that can start an immune response after a person has been infected.

Vaccines for Adults :

1. Flu : Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization for cardio vascular diseases by 19% and in diabetics by 56%. In the elderly, it reduces by 39% the chances of hospitalization due to pneumonia and by 32% the chances of hospitalization for respiratory conditions.
2. Shingles : zoster vaccine : Those who have already had an episode of shingles can take it. Side effects could be rashes at the injection site, headache.
3. Hepatitis A &B : one in 20 people in India is a carrier of hepatitis B virus which causes 80%of all liver cancer and about 1% of all adult death. The hepatitis A vaccine is administered in two doses while hepatitis B is generally given in three doses.
4. MMR : Advised especially for women of child bearing age. A rubella infection in a pregnant women can affect her unborn child, too. An attack of mumps can lead to orchitis, causing infertility in male. A combo MMRV ( MMR with varicella) vaccine is available.
5. Varicella : The varicella vaccine can prevent complications if the person has not had chickenpox in childhood. This two dose vaccination is recommended for those who have reduced immunity.
6. Tetanus : one vaccine provides immunization for 10 years from this deadly disease.
7. Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever : vaccines for these diseases are recommended for frequent traveller.

Combination vaccines : combination vaccines or "super" vaccines combine many vaccines in to a single shot some of them are ;

• DPT with hepatitis B and inactivated polio (IPV)
• MMR with chickenpox
• Hepatitis A and B
• Hib (influenza B ) and DPT

Side effects, just like those in separate vaccinations include fever and irritability.

Vaccines for children :

• BCG
• Diphtheria (DPT)
• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• MMR ( mumps, measles, rubella)
• Chickenpox (varicella)- Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B)

Bhoo-Namana-Vajrasana

This is one of the variations of Vajrasana. This is to be performed in the direction opposite to that of Supta vajrasana. Some consider this asana to be one kind of yoga mudra. Bhoo-namana-vajrasana is the fifth step which allows normal breathing and resumption of the breath to its normal pace.

Technique of Bhoo-namana-vajrasana :

• Sit on the floor and attain the pose of Vajrasana.
• Slowly and cautiously bend the trunk forward.
• Take the arms to the back. Hold the right forearm with the left hand and the left forearm with the right hand.
• Fill the air in the lungs. Slowly exhale and stretch the neck downward so that the nose touches the ground.
• Remain in this pose for 3 to 4 seconds initially.
• Gradually, increase the time to the limit of 10 seconds.

Benefits of this asana :

• This asana eliminates the weakness of the intestines and the stomach. It also removes disorders of the liver and the laxity of the pancreas.
• It stimulates gastric fire.
• Regular practice of this asana strengthens all the leg joints, muscles tendons and ligaments.
• It cures diseases such as diabetes, abdominal disorders, cold, gas-trouble, loss of appetite, nocturnal discharge, insomnia, asthma, dysentry and indigestion.
• It increases the elasticity of the spine and also strengthens the muscles of the abdomen and the chest.
• It cures constipation.

Contraindication :

• The people having piles, ankle problems, knee injuries, dislocation or injuries of disc should not practice it.
• Pregnant women should avoid it.

Makarasana

"Makara" means a crocodile. This asana is a type of cultural asana. In this asana, the body assumes the shape of a crocodile floating in water. So, this asana is called Makarasana. This asana increases the heat of the body.

Technique of Makarasana :

• Lie on the ground face down, the chest touching the ground and both legs stretched out.
• Let the upper parts of the feet touch the ground. Keep the heels upwards.
• Raise the arms and put them in front of the head and hold the middle part of the left upper arm with the right hand and the middle part of the right upper arm with the left hand.
• Keep the head downwards and close the eyes.
• The head will rest on the abdomen, the thighs and the upper parts of the feet will touch the ground in a straight line.
• Relax the body while practicing this asana. Breathe deeply and meditate on God.
• This asana should be maintained for 2-3 minutes.
• Release the pose when you start feeling tension in the shoulders or neck muscles.
• Lie on your back and resume.

Benefits of Makarasana :

• Though the process of practicing this asana is inverse to that of practicing Shavasana, the aim of both the asanas is the same : to give relaxation and compete rest to the body.
• This is beneficial in Asthma.
• It eradicates the fatigue and gives relaxation to all the parts of the body and mind.
• Abdominal muscles get automatic massage.
• It helps to reduce high blood pressure.
• It prevents scoliosis and flatulence.
• Genito-urinary disorders are cured.
• This asana is ideal after any strenuous work or asana.
• this asana is useful to those whose spine or back is injured.
• It maintains the flexibility of these areas and is beneficial for those with sciatica, slipped disc, backache and spondylitis in the lumber region.

Remember :

• If it is difficult to place one elbow on the other place both elbows slightly apart.
• Head should remain inside elbow.

Contra indications :

• People having heart problem, gas, high blood pressure, obesity should not practice it.
• As the body is relaxed one is inclined to sleep which one should strictly avoid.
• Pregnant women should not practice it.

Tonsillitis

Tonsils play an important role in our body by preventing infection to enter our body. Tonsillitis is a name for the inflammation of the tonsils which are present at the rear end of the mouth.

This inflammation can occur as red marks on the area,or even white colored upraised spots or patches that can not be scraped off the mouth. This minor infection then stimulates your body's immune system to form antibodies against future infection. When tonsils overwhelmed by a bacterial or viral infection, and they swell and become inflamed. The result is tonsillitis. A contagious disease by nature, tonsillitis can spread very quickly from one person to another. Tonsillitis problem can lead to ear infection which can lead to a serious problem.

A child suffering from tonsillitis needs plenty of care and rest. If your child finds difficulty in swallowing , try serving liquids and soft foods, like nutrition soups, milk shakes, smoothies or ice-cream.

Causes of Tonsillitis :

• The main cause is a gram positive bacteria known as streptococcus bacteria.
• most common in spring and winter season.
• viral infection.
• some of the viruses causing tonsillitis are : Adenoviruses, Influenza virus, Epstein-barr virus, Para- influenza viruses, Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex virus.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis :

Difficulty during swallowing, fever, headache, tiredness, weird voice, chills, bad breath, swollen glands in the neck, abnormal redness of tonsils, a yellow or white coating on the tonsils, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing.

Home remedies for Tonsillitis :

• A glass of hot water mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice and some honey is very good for curing tonsillitis.
• Take a glass of boiled milk and mix in it a pinch of turmeric powder (haldi) and pepper powder and drink every night.
• Garlic : Eat lot of garlic containing foods as it acts as a antiseptic and helps to cure fast.
• Banafsa flower (sweet violet) : Take about 12 gm of these flowers and boil them in 50 ml of milk, drink hot after being filtered.
• Eat Betel leaves with Mulathi , 2-3 times a day.
• Gargling 2 tsp of onion juice mixed with luke warm is used to gargle which helps to cure tonsillitis.
• 1 tsp of fresh ginger juice, 1 tsp of honey with 2 tsp of warm water to be gargled for the treat it.
• Drink this mixture , 300 ml of carrot juice, 100 ml of beet juice, 100 ml of cucumber juice, once a day .
• In half a litre of water with 2 tsp of fenugreek seeds and simmer it for half an hour. strain the water and gargle with it, twice a day.
• Soak the roots of white pea in water. grind them after a few minutes, drink this water every morning.
• Put some portion of the bark of the babul tree in to water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for over twenty minutes, use it for gargling.
• Take 4 ml of the liquid extract of the madhuka tree bark, mix this with 300 ml of water and warm it slightly, but do not boil. This solution is to be used as a mouthwash.
• fine powder of purified sphatika was used for local application and fauces thrice daily before food. 1 gm of sphatika dissolved in half cup lukewarm water taken internally.

Do's and Don't :

• Avoid all sour foods, including butter milk and pickles.
• Do not eat any spicy or hot foods.
• Avoid all acidic drinks and beverages such as tea and coffee.
• Try not to talk much.
• Increase your liquid intake and make sure your house is humidified properly.
• You should keep good hygiene.
• Patient should avoid spices and condiments as they tend to irritate the throat.

Other treatment for tonsillitis :

• Warm water enema : The bowel should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema during the period of fasting.
• Cold pack : should be applied to the throat at hourly intervals during a day.
• Hot epsom salt bath taken every day is beneficial.
• Exercise : daily dry friction and a hip bath and breathing and other exercise should all form part of the daily health regimen.

Ayurvedic medicines :

1. Khadiradi vati
2. Agastya rasa
3. Pushkarmool choorna
4. Sitopaladi choorna
5. Kantakari avleha
6. Talisadi choorna
7. Eladi vati
8. Kanchanara guggulu
9. Septillin
10. Tundikeri rasa

Shavasana

Shavasana is also called "Mrutasana". This asana is very useful for meditation, pranayama, japa, etc. It should be performed at intervals and also at the end. This asana relaxes the muscles and the blood vessels. Simply let the muscles relax, feel the circulation the system and be attuned to cosmic energies. The practice of this asana aims at releasing the mind from the body. This asana is yogic relaxation in the shortest possible time.Shavasana has been accepted as a remedy for psychosomatic diseases caused on account of competitive and tumultuous life. It has been seen that most of the people drift off to sleep while doing shavasana and fail to attain the "conscious" part of the posture.

Technique :

• Lie flat on the back. Place the hands a little away from the thighs with the palms up.
• Keep the eyes and the fists slightly closed.
• Stretch the legs out. Keep the heels together and the toes apart.
• Now close the eyes and breathe very slowly.
• Begin by consciously and gradually relaxing each part and each muscle of the body : feet, calves, knees, thighs, abdomen and hips.
• Then relax the muscles of the back, chest, arms, fingers, neck, head and face in that order.
• Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Relax the brain during exhalation.
• Retain the meditation for ten to fifteen minutes. In this posture one finds true relaxation and experiences rest, peace and plenitude.
• Those who suffer from excessive mental stress or heart disease must practice only shavasana regularly every day.
• Slowly bring yourself back up in to a sitting position.

Benefits of Shavasana :

• Posture and meditation are co-ordinated in shavasana. Shavasana pacifies the body and the mind.
• The constant practice of this asana helps one to control anger.
• It gives prompt relief to those who suffer from heart trouble and mental stress and strain.
• In Shavasana, all parts of the body- skin, muscles and nerves-are relaxed.
• It stimulates the circulation of blood in the entire body and one feels refreshing.
• The muscles after strenuous exercise need relaxation and rest. This asana gives certain prompt and complete relaxation and rest to the muscles.
• This asana helps to cure the diseases such as insomnia, high or low blood pressure and indigestion, asthma, constipation, diabetes, lumbago.
• It helps the body and the mind to recuperate after a long and serious illness. Shavasana is invigorating and refreshing.
• All those who are prone to anxiety will find the asana to be quite beneficial.
• Improve his focus and concentration power.

Cautions :

• Never ever perform this asana under glaring light.
• Make sure the surface , on which you are lying down is firm and flat.
• Resist the urge to yawn at any stage of the asana.
• At any point of time while performing the asana, do not keep your hands under your head or on your chest.

Jaundice

Jaundice, also known as icterus is a disease caused due to the dysfunction of the liver. It is the most common of all liver disorders that results from an obstruction in the bile duct or the loss of the bile producing liver cells. Jaundice refers to the yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes caused by the high level of pigment billirubin in the body. Bile is a vital digestive fluid that is essential for proper nutrition. It is unable to function properly and filtering and elimination of toxins from your system is affected.

Causes of Jaundice : Hemolytic anemia, blockage in the bile duct, acute hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, alcoholic liver disease, thyroid, malaria, yellow fever, tuberculosis.

Symptoms of Jaundice : Extreme weakness, headache, fever, dull pain in the liver region, yellow discoloration of the eyes ,tongue, skin and urine, loss of appetite, severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching occur all over the body, bad taste in mouth and bad breath.

Home remedies for Jaundice :

• One tsp of honey with one tsp of papaya leaves paste. Take this regularly for 1-2 week.
  
• Barley water is very effective in treating jaundice.
• Drink lemon juice regularly.
• Patient of jaundice should drink one glass of sugarcane juice 2-3 times a day.
• take 7-10 dry leaves of snake gourd and boil in a cup of water. Keep the solution a side, next boil 10-15 coriander seeds in half liter water , give the mixture of snake gourd along with coriander solution 3 times a day.
• Prepare a juice of leaves of radish. drink half glass of this juice daily.
• Make a cupful of juice of beetroot and lemon in equal part, take for 3-4 weeks.
• Boil one cup of water and then put 8-10 leaves of lemon plant. Cover the vessel and leave it for 5 min, drink this solution 4-5 times a day.
• A glass of fresh tomato juice with a pinch of salt and black pepper is useful for jaundice, take early in the morning, empty stomach.
• Drink carrot juice regularly after meals at least for a month.
• Consume minerals like iron and calcium during the attack of jaundice.
• Combination of ginger juice, mint and lime juice is effective.
• roast a bottle gourd in embers and mash it. squeeze the juice out of it and add little sugar for taste, drink it at a time.
• Daily intake of pinch of roasted alum with buttermilk, 2-3 times a day.
• Have a glass of bitter gourd juice (karela)every morning for short shot cure.
• The green leaves of pigeon pea, a leguminous plant the beans of which are used for dals are useful. The juice extracted from these leaves should be taken in dose of 60 ml daily.
• A mixture of almonds, dried dates and cardamoms is regarded effective . 8 kernels of almonds, 2 dried dates and 5 small cardamoms should be soaked overnight in water. Outer coating of almonds and inner seeds of dried dates should be removed and whole material should be rubbed in fine paste and 50 grams of sugar and equal amount of butter mix with this and lick this mixture.

Herbal remedies for jaundice :

• Take 10-15 basil leaves (tulsi) and make its paste, add half glass of freshly made radish juice to it, take every day for 2-3 weeks.
• Goose berry (amla) is very beneficial in curing jaundice.
• You can give warm water containing turmeric to the patient suffering from jaundice, take one glass of warm water and mix a pinch of turmeric in it, stir well and drink this safe drink 3-4 times a day.
• Take bark of a banyan tree ( ficus religiosa) , grind it to a powder of a fine consistency, put one gram of this powder in buttermilk, drink 1-2 glass daily.
• Take a single leaf of the Indian aloe ( aloe barbadensis), grind it to a pulp, mix with some black salt and ginger to this leaf , take once a day for 10 days.
• Picorrhiza kurroa and Operculina turpenthum are very effective. The powders of any one of these herbs taken in dosages of 1-2 tsp per day with hot water.
• Indian sorrel is also used in liver problems the pulp of one of its leaves is to be taken with black salt and ginger every morningfor 10 days.

Do's and Don't for jaundice :

• Avoid non vegetarian foods at least till the effects of the jaundice last on the skin.
• Do not take even heavy vegetarian foods.
• Restrict your intake of junk food as chocolate, cakes, potato chips, ice-cream, colas and drinks etc.
• Do not drink raw milk, always drink filtred and boiled water.
• Do not eat sea foods.
• Do not give cereals and pulses to the patient. Grapes, black soya beans, nuts, sweet potatoes are the fruits that are beneficial.
• Take proper rest.
• Alcohol is very harmful to the jaundice patient. Avoid the alcohol.
• Take moderates exercise, fresh air baths.
  
• Take a simple light carbohydrate diet with exclusive on fats.

Ayurvedic medicines :

1. Rohitakarishta
2. Kumaryasava
3. Trikatu choorna
4. Kalmegha powder
5. Cardimap tab
6. Liv-52 syrup
   

Purna Vakrasana

In this asana, the upper part of the body is completely turned and twisted. The spine, the muscles of the hands, the legs and the back are stretched.

Technique :

• Sit on the ground with the legs stretched out.
  
• Place the left leg near the right knee, stretching out the left hand behind the back, with the palm of the hand flat resting on the ground.
  
• Then press the left knee with the right arm and put the palm on the ground.
• Keep the waist erect and look as far backward as possible.
• Practice this asana four to six times a day turning to the left side and to the right side alternately.
• Gradually, increase the time. The limit is five minutes.

Benefits of Purna Vakrasana :

• This asana strengthens the spine and activates the nerves.
• This asana invigorates the muscles of the loins.
• This mouth of the Sushumna opens and Kundalini Shakti is sublimated.
• Purna Vakrasana bestows all the benefits gained by performing Ardha Vakrasana.

Ardha Vakrasana

"Vakra" means "twisted". In this asana, the upper part of the body is twisted and the spine and the back muscles are stretched.

Technique :

• Sit on the floor with the legs stretched in front, keep the legs parallel to each other.
• Bend the right leg and place it behind the kneeof the left leg. Place the left hand on the left knee. Place the right hand on the waist.
• Keep the trunk straight. Turn backwards on the waist.
• Remain in this position for six to eight seconds. Inhale slowly.
• Revert back to the original position.
• Practice this asana with the other leg stretched, turning thetrunk on the other side.
• Repeat this asana four to five times daily.

Benefits of Ardha Vakrasana :

• This asna effecs chiefly the waist and the abdominal organs.
• It gives the spine a nice lateral stretch, increasing spinal elasticity.
• It stimulates the spermatozoa glands of men and the uterinal organs of women.
• It helps to contracts and tones liver, spleen and intestines.
• This asana helps in reducing pain in the abdomen and the waist.
• It reduce abdominal size.
• It cures constipation and other abdominal ailments.

Depression

Depression is an illness that involves body, mind and thoughts. It is not a physical weakness that will vanish within days but it's the state that interferes with the daily chores of life resulting in poor performance or output. It gives rise to a negative feeling for each and every thing. It may also be defined as allergy, which triggers and unhappy reaction.
Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with one another . Depression also seems to be genetic (to run families). The major risk in extreme cases of Depression is suicide.

Causes :
Early life experiences, environmental factors, deficiency of vita-B complex, genetic causes, biochemical causes, hormonal changes, trauma and stress, other physiological disorders like anxiety disorders and eating disorders.

Symptoms :
Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, irritability, low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

Home remedies for Depression :

• Take 20-30 rose petals and put them in a glass of water and boil it for 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to stand and cool. Take this mixture 2-3 times a day.
• Shatavari (asparagus) root is very commonly used in it. Grind its root into the poweder form and give it to the patient 1-2 times a day.
• Take 25-30grams of lemon herbs and put it in to cold water. Allow it to stand for 12-14 hours. This ointment can be used 2-3 times a day.
• Natural fruits have significant role in keeping us fit and strong. Apple helps in reducing depression. Add pieces of apple in milk with 1-2 tsp of honey and give it to the patient of depression.
• Enjoy a favourite recreation.
• Call up your friend or make a surprise visit at his place.
• Lying down in a dark room , may be getting a 1/2 hour of sleep, will always make you feel better.
• Tea made of Indian basil (Tulsi) and Sage. Use 1/4 tsp Tulsi ans 1/2 tsp of Sage per cup of hot water, drink twice a day.
• Drink fresh orange juice in the morning time with breakfast.
• 10 to 12 Almonds should be immersed in water overnight and taken outer skins removed.
• A neutral immersion bath for one hour daily is also helpful.
• Mix 1/8 tsp of nutmeg powder with 1 tsp of freshly extracted amla juice. Consume this thrice a day.
• In 1 cup of rice milk or soya milk, cook 3-4 tsp of oatmeal. Add nuts, almonds, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey to it.

Herbal remedies :

• Brahmi is a nervine tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and also calms restlessness in children and is used in several mental disorders.
• Ashwagandha is very effective herb in reducing stress and depression. It has the requisite properties to remove negative thoughts from the mind.
• Cardamom is also used in relieving stres and depression. It has a very pleasing odor which can soothe the nerves. You can prepare a tea by putting it.
• Turmeric has very curative property.
• Guggul improves the nervous coordination and hence is useful. It is more effective in depression caused due to seasonal affective disorder.
• Jatamansi helps in bringing calm effect on the mind and removes the depression thoughts.

Exercise :

• Exercise also plays an important role in this treatment. It provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilliser.
• Various yogic asanas such as Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Sarvangasana, Shavasana, Vakrasana, Bhujangasana and pranayams like kapalbhati, bhastrika are highly beneficial.

Relaxation and Meditation :

• Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system. This will enabla the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and there by over come the feeling of depression.

Do's and Don't :

• Take light foods that are easy to digest.
• Avoid hot, oily, spicy foods and pulses like Bengal gram.
• Restrict your intake of meats and milk products.
• Avoid too much intake of caffeine, chocolates, junk and fried foods.
• Vita-C is anti depressant so include lots of vita-C in your diet.
• Take balanced diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, grams , brown rice, wheat flour, fresh juice, etc.
• Don't believe all of your negative thinking.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Avoid making big life decisions when you are depressed.

Purna Shalabhasana

When Shalabhasana is practiced with both the legs raised together, it is called "Purna Shalabhasana". There are two variations of this asana. Below both the variations are explained.

Technique :
1.) First variation:

• Lie on the stomach with the forehead touching the ground.
• Stretch the arms beside the body.
• Keep the thumbs and the index fingers on the ground and clench the fists. Stiffen the body and raise the legs as high as possible.
• Stretch the soles of the feet. Pull the legs, the thighs and the lower part of the abdomen up.
• Hold this position for five to thirty seconds and rest the breath.
• Bring the legs down slowly and then exhale smoothly.

2.)Second variation :

• Resume the position of the first variation of Shalabhasana.
• Then raise the head. Place the arms on the floor by the side of the chest, the palms facing the floor.

Benefits of Purna Shalabhasana :

• This asana tones up the abdominal organs such as the gall bladder, the stomach, the spleen ad the bladder , and cures abdominal disorders.
• It cures dropsy for ever and has a beneficial effect on the fistula in its initial stages.
• this asana brings pressure on the abdomen and strengthens the muscles of the abdomen, thighs and legs.
• It cures the diseases of the lungs.
• It increases gastric fire and improve digestion.
• The practice of this asana remove the pain in the ovary which women experience during menstruation.
• It cures oedema.
• It cures tumour.
• It gives new energy to the throat.
• It cures strangury , diabetes and other disorder of the kidney.

Cautions :

• Do not clench your fists too tight or too loose.
• Persons with hernia, pregnant women, weak lungs and cardiac complaints should avoid this asana.

Migraine

Migraine is an intense, throbbing and recurrent headache. It is a hereditary condition and the inheritance is passed down through the females rather than the males. It generally affects one side of the head and often behind one eye and temple but sometimes affects both sides of head accompanied by nausea or vomiting and is particularly sensitive to bright light, loud noises, and smell. This can be cause by the contraction or dilatation of blood vessels in the brain and the irregular nerve activity mainly in the meninges.
Migraine is caused by the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, which release a substance inducing inflammation and also send messages to pain receptors in the meninges.
Migraine gives a fair warning before striking the patient sees flashes of light or black spots or only parts of the objects in front of him.

Causes : Low blood sugar, allergy infection, excessive intake of certain drugs, nutritional deficiency, consistent over work, improper sleep and rest, excessive smoking , drinking, sexual indulgence, women get migraine around the time of menstruation, after menopause, tension, indigestion, constipation, acidity, stress.

Symptoms : Throbbing pain on one side of the head, A short period of depression, irritability and loss of appetite, pounding pain, nausea, vomiting, numbness, weakness in an arm or leg, laziness, stiff neck, photo phobia, burning & red eyes.

Home remedies for Migraine :

• Migraine relief can be obtained from the juice of ripe grapes. Grind fresh ripe grapes and drink without adding any water.
• Niacin is very useful in reliving pain. Valuable sources of this vitamin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver and fish.
• Grind lemon crust and apply on the fore head as a paste this remedy has been found very effective.
• Carrot juice combined with spinach, beet and cucumber juices are very good for migraine treatment.
• Eat 10-12 almonds for a migraine headache.
• Nasyam : Make a solution by adding half a teaspoon mustard seeds powder and three teaspoons water, put in the nostrills. It helps to decrease the migraine headache.
• Take few leaves of the cabbage crush them, and place in a cloth and bound on the forehead at bed time or convenient during day time. The compress should be renewed when the leaves dry out.
• Primrose oil is considered to be one of the best home made for treating migraine.
• Garlic is detoxifier and also best for this. You can go for taking raw garlic and can also go for cooked garlic in various forms.
• Drink chamomile tea everyday as this will reduce migraine.
• Luke warm water enema cleans up the bowels and hence removes the toxins.
• Make a paste of freshly ground sandalwood and apply to the fore head, let it dry and rub off it by hand and wash it.
• Aromatherapy : Take some aromas that stand out of rest of all these include peppermint , sandalwood, lavender and eucalyptus. These all herbs as essential oils are best for migraine put them in cloth, dip it into the solution and then place it at affected area head.
• Acupressure : study some acupressure points and then try it on yourself.
• Massage : Massage your head in a particular way with certain Ayurvedic massage oils. This will not only give you relief from the migraine but will also nourish all of your senses.
• Meditation : Meditation plays an important role in treating any kind of "head" disorders like anxiety, tension, depression, proper meditation will not only cure the migraine but will also reduce the chances of recurring.
• Breathing exercise : some breathing exercise can help in enhancing the oxygen supply to the body. Proper breathing exercise relax a person and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, helping in getting rid of severe migraine.

Advice for Migraine :

• Do not take heavy and spicy food stuff.
• Avoid unwanted stress.
• Tie a tight cloth around the head.
• Avoid chocolate, aged cheese, red wine, citrus fruits. These foods all contain tyramine or other histamines which have been shown to begin migraine.
• Try to avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight irritates the eyes and so worsens the case of migraine.

Ardha Shalabhasana

'Shalabha ' is the Sanskrit word for locust. 'Shalabhasana 'is so called because,while performing it, the body assumes a posture which resembles a locust.A practitioner of this asana will have to imitate a locust as it prepares to have its meal by lowering its head and raising its tail. When this asana is practiced with one leg, it is called 'Ardha shalabhasana'.

Technique :

• Lie on the stomach with the face down on the ground.
• Stretch both the arms beside the body and clench the fists lightly. The hands can also be placed under the thighs.
• Inhale and retain the breath till the completion of the asana.
• Pull the body and raise the either of the legs by about 30 cms off the ground. Raise the legs as high as possible.
• Stretch the soles of the feet.
• Hold this position for five to thirty seconds. Then slowly bring the leg down on the ground. Exhale very slowly.
• Repeat this exercise with the other leg. This asana can be repeated six to seven times.

Cautions  :

• do not clench your fists too tight or too loose.
• Persons with hernia, weak lungs and cardiac complaints should not practice this asana.
• Pregnant women should also not practice this  asana.

Benefits of this asana : 

• As far as the spinal bend is concerned, this asana is inverse to Pashchimottasana. This asana gives twist backwards to the spine.
• Bhujangasana develops the half upper part of the trunk, while shalabhasana develops the remaining lower part of the trunk.
• It is very useful in extricating waste matter accumulated in the intestines.
• It gives good exercise to the abdomen. The kidney, the liver etc. become active. 
• It cures constipation, gas troubles, indigestion, dysentery, acidity and other abdominal disorders.
• The practice of this asana counters tendencies to piles. It removes the arches of the soles of the feet and cures the disease of the appendix.
• It improves blood circulation.
• It dissolves excess fat from the thighs, hips, waist, abdomen and the posterior.
• Diabetic patient may practice this asana to control the disease.
• This yoga pose benefits women through its effect on the overies, uterus, helping to correct disorders of these organs.
• Various organs and glands like the reproductive organa as well as the adrenal and prostrate glands are activated.

Baddha padmasana

Baddha padmasana means locked or bound in Sanskrit. This pose is called locked lotus pose, because the limbs of the body, while in padmasana posture, are firmly locked up and immobilized to enhance its steadiness. This asana is not meant for meditation. This is chiefly meant for health- improvement and for making the body strong. This asana is difficult to perform. Those who are unable to practice this asana should not be disappointed. They should patiently try to accomplish the final position.

Technique :

• Sit in padmasana with legs crossed. The heels should touch the lower part of the abdomen.
• Swing the right arm behind the back of the shoulder and bring the hand near the left hip.
• Sit erect and hold the position for a few seconds.
• Similarly,swing the left arm and hold the right big toe.
• If you experience difficulty in holding the toes, bend slightly forward and make it convenient to hold the big toes.
• After catching the toes, sit erect as before and breath normally.
• Stay in this position for one or two minutes in the initial stage.
• Gradually, increase the time till you can stay in the position for ten minutes.
• release the hands and unlock the foot lock.
• Strech out the legs again and assume the normal sitting position.

Benefits of asana :

• In this asana, the weight of the body is borne by the knees and the ankle-joints, so the joints of the legs becomestrong.
• This asana increases the range of the shoulder movements.
• Both the heels of the legs get sufficient exercise.
• This asana helps to cure ailments like indigestion, flatulence, stomachache etc.
• The continuous practice of this asana helps the person to gradually overcome the weakness of the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the liver and the spine.
  
• It reduce the pain in the knees and the ankle-joints.
• This asana stimulates the endocrine glands.
• This asana is useful to cure diseases like asthma, insomnia and hysteria.
• This asana relieves the body of its excessive fat and it increases the vitality.

Precautions :

• Practice this asana only after mastering Padmasana as it demands a high degree of skill.
• Pregnant women must not practice this asana.
  
• Those feeling discomfort should not force themselves.
  

Wrinkles

Growing age is the nightmare that frightens everyone. Wrinkles refer to the loosening of the skin with the age the skin looses its elasticity and moisture as a result wrinkles appear on all over the face. Wrinkles are delicate creases caused by thin, sagging skin.

Symptoms : Some creases are temporary, lined and wrinkly skin, drooping skin, sagging skin.

Causes : Over exposure to sun, smoking, pollution, repeated motion such as squinting, drug use, stress, weight loss, loss of vita-E.

Home remedies :

• Lemon juice is an effective remedy in reducing fine lines under eyes, neck and hands.
• Massage your skin using flax seeds oil.
• Apply a juice of fresh pineapples and apples daily on the skin for 10-15 min and then, rinse your with lukewarm water.
• Apply pure Castor oil on the wrinkles every night before going to bed.
• Massage coconut oil gently on the wrinkles, every night at bed time at least for 15-30 days.
• A paste of turmeric made with sugarcane juice is another good remedy.
• Application of white matter of eggs under your eye shows better results in prevention of wrinkles.
• Cut a green seedless grape in half and crush it on the affected area. Leave this crushed grape there for about 1/2 hours and rinse it with luke warm water.
• Try to avoid sunlight on your face. Protect your skin from burning sun rays.
• Avoid using chemical soaps and face packs. One should use the herbal cosmetics instead.
• Do not let you sweat stay for longer time on your face. Wipe if out gently with cotton cloth piece.
• Wash your face regularly with mild herbal face wash/ soap wash containing some blood purifiers like neem and turmeric.
• Make a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream and apply on the face.
• Soft massaging of the face in the upward direction with any cream gives the skin firmness and prevents wrinkles.
• apply mixture of cream of milk and 4 drops of lemon on your face in the night. Apply this mixture till it is completely absorbed in to your skin. Wash with water after half an hour. Do it for 15-20 days, and you will find no wrinkles.
• Drink 1/2 gram of carrot juice daily for 2 weeks.
• Place a piece of cucumber around your eyes and also on your forehead. Lie down relaxed.
• Leave metal spoons overnight in the freezer. In the morning when you first wake up, apply the backs of spoons under the eye to reduce under eye wrinkles.
• More smiling, less squinting and frowning are ways to keep your face young.
• Consume at least 4-6 liters of water everyday.
• Eat a spoonful of shredded ginger with some honey every morning.
• Lemon and Indian goose berry (amalaki) both are rich in vitamin -c .Rub these on the wrinkles several times a day.
• make a paste of ginger and honey. Take this every morning before brushing your teeth continuous intake of this mixture will prevent wrinkles for as long as it is possible.

Do's and don't :

• Do a face scrub using various natural home available products like turmeric, rose water, honey once or twice a week to keep it soft and clean this.
• Do not sleep on the side or the belly. If the face is in touch with the pillow, chances are that it will develop wrinkles.
• Maintain the proper moisture balance of your skin. Drink plenty of water.
• Eat only natural foods with minimal oil and spices you must have a good amount of fruits in daily consumption.
• Do not expose your self too much to the sun.
• Live a stress free life.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.
• While washing your face, never rub too hard.
• Do not wash your face with warm water.
• A good facial massage improves blood circulation reduses wrinkles, tones your skin, and gives a new life.