Mudras - Healing Through Your Fingers

Vighnesh Astrologer / Priest / Yoga Teacher contact for appointment: +1 (425) 358-6565 or +1 (716) 777-3857 India: +91 9445548316 or +919382633377 www.astrovighnesh.com  // www.astrovighnesh.in Most people associate yoga with a person sitting in the lotus position, hands on their knees with their forefinger and thumb touching. This positioning of the fingers is called “Mudra” and just pressure points, this technique can affect our physical and emotional states.

Mudras have been known in the East for thousands of years, not only in meditation or yoga, but also as part of the treatment for various physical and mental ailments. At times, people put their fingers in the mudra position without even knowing it. There are hundreds of mudra variations, which include your head, hands and body, each one helping with different ailments. This list will show you the 10 easiest mudras that you can perform everywhere and at any time - simply choose the one that corresponds to your problem and stick to it for a few days, until you feel better. Please note that there is no need to apply pressure on your fingers. Perform these exercises with both hands simultaneously, preferably while sitting down. 1. Gyan Mudra (Knowledge)

The tip of your forefinger touches the tip of the thumb while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: This mudra stimulates the pituitary gland, which controls your metabolism, as well as your sleep cycles. Gyan helps improve your memory, prevents insomnia, provides clarity of mind and can help in preventing dementia. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. 2. Prithvi Mudra (Earth)

The tip of the thumb touches the tip of your ring finger while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: Prithvi helps you with physical and mental weaknesses, prevents chronic lethargy, provides an energy boost and reduces the symptoms of osteoporosis. Other benefits include prevention of dryness of the skin, rashes, aging, hair loss, and even stomach ulcers. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. 3. Varuna Mudra (Water)

The tip of the pinky touches the tip of the thumb while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: Varuna helps balance your mental state, as well as your bodily fluids (it prevents dryness of the eyes, mouth, digestive system and skin). This mudra also aids in stopping cramps and constipation, as well as regulates the menstrual cycle and other hormonal irregularities in women. On top of all of these benefits, it can prevent joint degradation, anemia, and even may improve your sense of taste. Perform for 45 minutes every day, or for 15 minutes 3 times a day. Avoid if you’re dealing with excess water retention.

4. Vayu Mudra (Air)

The thumb holds the forefinger down while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: Vayu helps reduce stress and anxiety, as well as the intensity of your voice. It aids in decision making and impatience, shyness, unease, the hiccups, cramps, dizziness, and even Parkinson’s symptoms. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. 5. Shunya Mudra (Emptiness)

The thumb holds the middle finger down while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: Shunya is effective in cases of earaches and serves as a confidence booster. This position also prevents a feeling of emptiness, tinnitus, and even vertigo. In cases of severe earaches, vertigo or numbness of a limb, perform this mudra until the problem is solved. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. Note that experts recommend stopping once the problem is over. 6. Surya Mudra (Sun)

The thumb holds the ring finger down while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: This mudra helps reactivate the thyroid, lose weight and revitalize the digestive system. It also aids in reducing stress and anxiety while keeping you focused on your goals. Another benefit of the Surya is in keeping you warm if you’re suffering from chills. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. Pay attention to your body temperature while in this position, and stop once your body starts to get too warm. 7. Prana Mudra (Life)

The tips of the ring finger and pinky touch your thumb while the rest of the fingers remain straight. Targets: Prana helps strengthen your mind and can boost your motivation. It also improves your eyesight, reduces tiredness and depression, and boosts the immune system. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. 8. Apana Mudra (Digestion)

The middle and ring fingers are held by the thumb. Targets: Apana helps regulate your kidneys and intestines, thus aiding in cleaning your body from toxins and preventing constipation. Other benefits are the prevention of nausea and vomiting, as well as a burning sensation while urinating. This position is particularly useful for diabetics as it regulates blood glucose levels. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. 9. Apana Vayu Mudra (Heart)

The forefinger touches the base of the thumb while the middle and ring fingers are held by the thumb. The pinky remains straight. Targets: Apana Vayu helps prevent heart diseases and other heart-related problems. In addition, it prevents gases and heartburn. Perform for 30-45 minutes every day, or for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. If you’ve experienced heart problems in the past, it is particularly recommended to practice this position daily. 10. Linga Mudra (Heat)

Interlock your fingers while keeping the left thumb straight. Wrap the left thumb with your forefinger and right thumb, both of which should touch. Targets: Linga helps increase body temperature and reduces phlegm and congestion. It strengthens the lungs and is particularly effective in cases of a cold, flu, sinus infections and asthma. It is also known to aid in men’s sexual virility. It is recommended that you do not practice this mudra regularly, but rather only when you’re sick. Once the symptoms are gone, stop practicing it.

Read More

18 Artery Cleansing Foods

Astrologer Vighnesh -Ph:+91 94445548316/+1(425) 358-6565 More people die of heart disease than any other cause of death. A lot of these deaths are caused by what they’re putting on their plates. This is because certain foods lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, blocking blood flow and increasing your chance for a heart attack, aneurysm or stroke. However, certain foods are actually artery-friendly and can prevent plaque from forming and causing blockage.

Avocados - A well-known food for its healthy fats is the avocado. This fruit can reduce bad cholesterol by as much as 17% and also increasing your good cholesterol. Avocados make delicious guacamole, go well in salads and on sandwiches and can even be added to warm vegetable side dishes. Olive oil - Olive oil is a healthy oil that is good for the well being of your heart. Firstly it provides your body with healthy fats and secondly it works to reduce your bad cholesterol. It can be eaten daily: Add it to pasta, salads or just about any vegetable. Regular olive oil consumption has been shown to reduce your risk of a stroke by 41 percent. Plant sterols - These can be found in fortified margarine or butter, milk, and orange juice. These compounds reduce cholesterol-filled oils because like cholesterol they travel to the digestive track, and their presence prevents cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Check the labels of yogurts, salad dressings, and snack bars because plant sterols are often added to these.

Nuts - Nuts can help your heart be in optimal health because of their good fats. They contain monosaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and alpha-linoleic acid, all substances that lower bad cholesterol levels. Just a handful of walnuts, cashews or almonds can provide adequate nutrition. Eat them as a snack between meals or give your salad a crunchy element. Asparagus - Asparagus is a green vegetable that removes clots and decreases inflammation, helping to keep your arteries unclogged. Asparagus adds a lovely flavor to soups, salads or pasta, and can also be eaten by itself. Broccoli – Broccoli is a great source of vitamin K, which prevents calcium from damaging the arteries. This vegetable lowers bad cholesterol levels and helps with the regulation of healthy blood pressure. Eat a cup of broccoli with your lunch or add it to salads or soup.

Persimmons – This yellow fruit is a rich source of fiber, polyphenols and antioxidants. Together these three substances help prevent cholesterol buildup, reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and fight free radicals, respectively. This makes persimmons somewhat of a super-fruit. Enjoy it as a snack, add it to fruit or vegetable salads, or make a marmalade or jam with it. Salmon - Like nuts, this freshwater fish boasts a large array of healthy fats. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce triglyceride levels, decreases inflammation and increases good cholesterol levels. While salmon makes a delicious lunch or dinner option, fish like mackerel, tuna and herring also offer similar health benefits.

Turmeric – This yellow-colored spice contains curcumin, which works to eliminate fatty deposits and decrease inflammation, all beneficial for the health of your arteries. Add this bright-hued spice to couscous, rice or meat dishes. You can also drink some turmeric tea to reap its many benefits. Cinnamon – This delicious spice can add flavor to a piece of toast, sweet potatoes or even drunk as a tea. While it offers flavor, it also has health benefits, mainly by preventing plaque from building up on artery walls, reducing bad cholesterol levels by as much as 26 percent. You can start feeling the benefits by adding a few teaspoons a day to your diet. Orange juice – A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is filled with nutrients and high amounts of antioxidants, which improve blood vessel function. The juice has also been found to reduce diastolic (resting) blood pressure. It’s recommended that you drink two cups a day. Drink it between meals with a snack, or first thing in the morning with your breakfast.

Spirulina - Spirulina is an algae rich in minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants and proteins. It can be bought in powder form and added to a smoothie, or dried flakes can be added to salads. This superfood helps regulate healthy blood pressure and relaxes your artery walls. Regular consumption can help bad cholesterol drop by 10 percent and good cholesterol levels can go up by 15 percent. Cranberries – A holiday favorite, cranberries are a fantastic source of potassium. These berries have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. Regular drinking of cranberry juice has reduced the risk of heart disease by 40 percent. Cranberries taste delicious in pies, in salads or as a snack and their juice makes for a welcome morning drink. Green tea – This hot drink contains the antioxidant cetachin, which gives the drinker various health benefits. It stops cholesterol from being absorbed by the body and fights off obesity. Enjoy a cup or two any time of the day.

Watermelon - Watermelon is a refreshing summer fruit, consumed on its own, as well as in fruit salads or as a beverage.  This fruit contains much L-Citrulline, an antioxidant that stimulates nitric oxide production, which helps widen the blood vessels and generally promotes good health heart.   Whole grains - When you eat whole grains you can lower your bad cholesterol levels. This is because of the high amounts of soluble fiber found in the grains. These fibers attach themselves to the bad cholesterols and prevent it from building up in the arteries. You can get plenty of whole grains in whole wheat bread, or in oatmeal (a delicious breakfast choice), or in cereals. You can also find it in brown rice.

Spinach – This leafy green vegetable is rich in potassium and folate, which reduce the risk of developing heart disease by as much as 11 percent. Eating this vegetable fresh daily helps unclog the arteries and lowers high blood pressure rates. It adds flavor to salads and sandwiches, and is an easy-to-prepare side dish. Pomegranates - This fruit adds a rich flavor to fruit salads and smoothies. It is also rich in phytochemicals, which encourage nitric oxide production, helping to prevent your arteries from getting clogged up. Phytochemicals also regulate blood flow.

Read More

The Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Strokes are more common than you think, and just as serious. It is one of the leading causes of disability and death. It is important to know the warning signs and body language that may suggest someone is experiencing a stroke.

A stroke is the rapid loss of brain function due to a disturbance in blood supply to the brain. A stroke is a serious medical emergency that can cause permanent neurological damage and even death. The risk factors for stroke include old age, high blood pressure, previous strokes, diabetes, high cholesterol and tobacco smoking. Strokes are currently the second leading cause of death worldwide.

So what are the warning signs?
It is crucial to know the warning signs for strokes because the sooner they are treated and addressed, the lesser the chance that there will be serious damage to the brain. Stroke symptoms can develop gradually, but usually appear rather suddenly and without warning.
Stroke symptoms include:
~ Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, leg and especially on one side of the body
~ Sudden confusion or trouble understanding other people
~ Trouble speaking or a sudden slurring of words when an individual typically does not have difficulty with speech
~ Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
~ Trouble walking, staying balanced or coordinated. This, together with the sudden pain, are usually why some people affected by stroke will suddenly fall down
~ Dizziness or light-headedness
~ Severe headaches that come on for no apparent reason

There are also various kinds of strokes that you should be aware of:
Ischemic Stroke: This kind of stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked for a variety of reasons, most common being a sudden blood clot.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: This is a very serious form of stroke because it occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): This is considered a 'mini stroke', usually from a temporary blockage. TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain, but it may cause some of the stroke warning signs listed above, some of which may last anywhere from minutes to hours. These are warning signs that you should not ignore.

What should you do if you or a loved one has symptoms?
-Don't ignore the warning signs: even if you have only one of the warning signs consult a doctor or hospital immediately.

-Don't wait because every minute counts!

-Call emergency services if you or a loved one experiences one or more of the symptoms within a few minutes.

-Check the time when the symptoms begin so that you can share this information when you arrive at the hospital.

Read More

10 Ways Beets Are Good for Your Health!

Astrologer Vighnesh India:+91 9445548316 US:+1 (425) 358-6565

Not only are they delicious, but beets are also packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Their rich nutritional content turns them into a powerful medicinal food with various beneficial properties. As early as the Middle Ages, they were used for treatment of digestion and circulatory issues. Beets are rich in antioxidants, fungicidal and anti-inflammatory agents. They are also well-known as a treatment for gall bladder stones and gout, and are even great for reducing cholesterol levels.

The 10 major medical conditions beets can help treat are:

1. Arthritis – In moderation, beets help prevent arthritis by dissolving deposits that accumulate around the joints thanks to their high alkaline content.

2. Anemia – The high levels of phosphorous, zinc, iodine, copper, calcium and potassium, combined with fat, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, P and niacin) help keep hemoglobin levels high.

3. Inflammation – Thanks to a moderate amount of choline, beets help maintain your muscles, memory and cognitive functions. Additionally, beets can help fight insomnia. Choline also helps sustain the structure of the cellular membranes and assists with impulse transmissions. Combine it with its ability to absorb fat, and beets become an effective anti-inflammatory.

4. Heart disease – Rich in nitric acid, beets help your blood vessels relax and remain dilated, which prevents heart diseases caused by insufficient blood flow.

5. Dementia – A recent study performed at Wake Forest University confirmed that raw beet juice helps the transfer of oxygen to the brain. This helps maintain the brain in a healthy state, preventing the onset of dementia.

6. High blood pressure – The nitrate in beets gets converted into nitric oxide – a key compound for relaxation and widening blood vessels. This process is highly beneficial to blood flow and circulation.

7. Arteriosclerosis – Nitric oxide’s benefits also help prevent and reduce the risk of arterial diseases like Arteriosclerosis.

8. Diabetes – Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that lowers glucose levels, is abundant in beets. It is also effective at reducing stress-induced changes in diabetics.

9. Anti-carcinogenic – The beet’s distinct color comes from phytonutrients. These nutrients combat and help prevent the onset of cancer. Research has shown that in some cases, beet extract was effective in reducing multi-organ tumors. It is believed to be effective in treating breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

10. Low stamina – Raw beet juice helps the muscles oxygenate, helping to improve exercise tolerance. A regular intake of raw beet will help those with metabolic, respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Two beet juice recipes that aid in weight loss

1. Powerful detox juice
Ingredients
•    1 beet - cubed
•    5-6 celery stalks
•    1 cup chopped spinach
•    1 handful cilantro
•    1 tsp. salt
Preparation
•    Blend all the ingredients until they have a smooth consistency, and add some lemon juice.
 
2. System booster, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene
Ingredients
•    1 beet – cubed
•    2-3 large carrots – chopped
•    1 celery stalk
Preparation
•    Blend all the ingredients until they have a smooth consistency and add a pinch of salt.

Read More