Keep Your Hair Long, Lustrous And Shiny

Every shaft of hair is constituted of three layers. The outermost layer or the cuticle is responsible for protecting the two more delicate inner layers from damage. A healthy cuticle ensures bright and shiny hair. This in turn is proof that the two inner layers are well protected and healthy.

A person's hair type may be oily, dry or normal. People with normal hair are blessed. They do not need to take any additional care of their hair. A regular wash, clean and moisturize routine should take care of their hair.

Causes and care of dry hair:

It is important to remember that heat is probably the worst enemy for dry hair. Heat causes the natural moisture content in the hair to evaporate, leaving it rough.

So, rule number one is- protect your hair from heat. When going out into the bright sunshine on a hot day, cover your head with a dupatta or a scarf.  Other options are to wear a hat or carry an umbrella.

Avoid washing your hair too often. This will show almost immediate results.

Use shampoos and conditioners that contain humectants. These attract moisture and help to contain it as well. Choose a shampoo that contains protein. This will strengthen your hair. Low ph shampoos are better for dry hair as they don't lift the cuticles.

Avoid chemical hair treatments like perming and straightening. These are not favourable for the humectants that are so necessary for dry hair. However, once you have nursed your hair back to health you can go ahead with these treatments.

Drink a lot of water. Make sure that your diet contains enough essential fatty acids. Sometimes malnutrition or not enough of the right kind of food can be the biggest cause of drying out of hair.

Causes and care of oily hair:

A common misconception about oily hair is that it is caused by an oily scalp. While the exact opposite is what causes it- a dry scalp.

Choose a shampoo that is very mild. Normally shampoos for dry scalps, oily hair and baby shampoos work well for oily hair.

Oily hair needs to be washed daily. However, remember to keep the shampoo away from the scalp.

Wash the shampoo away thoroughly. Soap residue on the hair makes the problem of oily hair worse.

Hot oil treatment works wonders. The oil should be rubbed on the scalp and then thoroughly washed away.

Rinsing oily hair with diluted lemon juice or vinegar gives the hair a shine.

For very oily hair avoid using conditioners. If you really have to use a conditioner restrict its use to the ends of your hair.
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

For The Perfect Leather Handbag

Leather is the preferred choice of many, for many reasons. The most important being its durability factor. Other reasons could be that leather defines your status in life. Opting for designer leather bag could also be making a fashion statement. The brand could be stating your personality.

Whatever be the reason, your bag should ultimately fulfill your requirements. Like for instance, if you are somebody who carries almost all in your handbag - you obviously need a big bag that has many compartments; preferably a shoulder bag with zipper to secure your items safely. Having side pockets could prove advantageous, especially to keep loose change or ready cash. A convenient mobile holder attaché is also imperative.
Zips instead of buttons or magnetic strips that are easier to open and close should also be considered. If you are going to carry your laptop in your bag, then obviously, you will have to choose one with a padding and big enough to cart.

The next best thing to the LBD (Little Black Dress) is having a BLB (black leather bag). Your wardrobe is not complete if you don’t possess even one mandatory BLB. It could be a clutch purse or small carry bag or it could be tote bag – but the prerequisite is that it should be black and made of leather. 

Style is important while choosing a leather bag. However, style must not compromise the utility value of a bag. Choose a bag that suits your style while serving its purpose. Owning a neutral colour bag will save you from having to buy more bags. More importantly, it would suit all occasions. If your bag is going to be roughing it out, choosing a darker colour like brown or black will be sensible, since dark colours camouflage dirt and stains.

You can either choose a small handbag to carry essential items or chose a tote bag. A tote bag is convenient to carry and goes well with most outfits. But, if your requirement is only for a leather purse, it makes sense to opt for a small bag or a clutch.

Whatever be the size of the bag, the finish of the product should be fine. For quality to be visible, choose leather that is soft and where the whole piece is sewn together. Glued ones make for shabby looks and gives away at the slightest weight. Sewn bags might be slightly expensive but durable in the long run. Besides, aesthetically, they look pleasing than the glued ones.

Price is one final consideration to any purchase. Leather bags cost more than any other material. But, when looked in perspective of durability and style, their utility is unmatched.

-Sandya Dev

Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Beauty Tips for the Bride-To-Be

Bridal nerves - 'Do I look good?' or 'is my hair style complementing my features?' are not just last minute palpitations, they can be quite stressful and cause anxious moments. So telling you not to worry would be futile. I would rather say, make your worries work for you. What you could probably do for a start is – back up ammunition.

For starters I would recommend the 'CTMP Regimen'. That would be the cleansing, toning, moisturizing and protection routine.

With pollution on the rise, it is only natural that our skin gets a sallow look and is prone to clogged pores and acne. Not to forget the blackheads and also excessively dry or oily skin.  So, daily cleansing is mandatory. It helps to remove the dirt and grime of every day busy life. Once this is done, the pores are opened up allowing the skin to breathe.

If you have oily skin, it is prudent to use an astringent to remove the excess oil from the skin. A toner for normal to dry skin will help to even out the pores. All types of skin need moisturizing, even oily ones. Moisturizing rejuvenates the skin and keeps it fresh, preventing dryness to settle in. An oily skin can use a gel/water based moisturizer to keep that dewy look without getting the excessive shine as a result of over active sebaceous glands.

Using a moisturizing lotion on damp skin helps absorb the conditioner faster. Also, it is important to use a separate moisturizing lotion for body and face, since the skin texture is different.

The last part is 'protection', often neglected but vital to maintain a healthy complexion.

The sun beats mercilessly on our skin and a protective sunblock helps to prevent the sunburn that can be caused due to constant exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. It is imperative that a minimum SPF30 be used for the sun block to be truly effective. Anything less would not serve the purpose.

Never attempt anything on the face just before the wedding. Even a facial has to be done at least two weeks in advance to avoid breaking into rashes or pimples.

Cardinal Rule One: What goes for the face goes for the neck too, after all neck is an extension of the face.

So please do not neglect the neck while doing the CTMP regimen. In fact, neck shows the sign of ageing first and you must pamper and nurture it with great care as you would do the face.

The hands and legs come next. They are the much abused parts of the body. Constant washing of hands can cause dryness. Some people are prone to excessively dry hands. You get exclusive hand creams with intense moisturizing effect for those who have extreme dryness. Dry hands can cause brittle nails and also can be 'social gaffe' especially when one has to shake hands. Also, by moisturizing you get supple hands and the skin's elasticity is maintained.

Cardinal Rule Two: A manicure helps to keep our hands supple and clean, at the same time prevents our nails being chipped. Over all it looks a pretty picture when your hands are well kept.

The same goes for the feet too. Besides bearing our weight, the feet undergo wear and tear when exposed to the pollution from the ground. This is why you would notice that most often the feet look ragged and worn out (just like our foot wear)! One way to combat this is to soak the feet in warm water with a few drops of oil and a little salt for ten minutes before going to bed. Following which you pat it dry (not rubbing them) and apply a special foot cream to prevent cracked heels.

Cracks in heels are more a result of constant pressure of weight on the skin. Picture this like a tomato being squashed with a hand and what do you get – crack in the tomato skin. Our feet are undergoing a similar trial. So, a leave-in foot cream would help retain the moisture and prevent dryness, thereby reducing the probability of cracks appearing on the skin.

Cardinal Rule Three: Pedicure helps to remove the dry skin and also in growth in nails. It also helps to keep the nails trim and prevent cracks. The foot massage helps in improving the blood circulation and gives an overall feeling of well being.

While we are through with the upper and lower part of the body, we have this huge yawning gap in the middle called torso.

A back massage will help to alleviate the strain and stress that we often put on our unsuspecting shoulders, thanks to endless hours spent in front of the computer. The bunch of muscles threaded together at the top corner of your shoulder can actually make you wince with pain. A massage will de-stress your corded muscles leaving in you a state of bliss – a kind of floating feeling where there are no limbs.

Besides, a massage can tone the flabby skin and make it firm while improving blood circulation and make you skin glow.

Cardinal Rule Four: An 'abhyang' (whole body) massage helps to completely de-stress and tone up the body. It also helps keep the skin firm.

A traditional oil bath from head to toe should be a once a week compulsory ritual for the general well being of the body.

Besides conditioning, it is good for relaxing the mind, body and spirit.

Finally the crowning glory – the Shiras (head). The hair, like the rest of the body takes it toll due to the climate and pollution. It can become brittle and dry and result in chronic hair fall if left untreated.

We often punish our hair unwittingly by frequently using straightening irons, curlers and dryers which can cause drying and result in dandruff. A simple oil massage and leaving it in for twenty minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo could do the trick. But, if the hair has been subjected to frequent coloring and highlighting – the chemicals can dehydrate the hair follicle causing it serum loss. Also, with dryness comes itching and flaking. In such cases intense conditioning would be needed to repair the damage. Also, applying a hair masque will help lock moisture into the hair roots making it soft and manageable.

It is advisable to experiment with different brands of shampoos before zeroing on the one that would suit your hair. It is a must to apply a conditioner after shampooing.

Cardinal Rule Five: Never experiment with hair styling just before the d-day. Use the brand that you are comfortable with. It wouldn't do good to try out something at the last moment that can jeopardize the texture and quality of your hair.

Relax, take a deep breath and calm down. It is your wedding and it is up to you to decide how you want to look best. These are just pointers to guide you through the beauty regimentation. After all, no bride would want to be seen with blotches on her skin. At the same time, the moon still looks good despite its blemish. Therefore, rest assured no matter what, you will still be the best looking girl on your wedding.

Why should you go for a professional?

Well for starters, the deed is done for a fee and hence the accountability is more. More importantly, they know their job. These professionals know to address the problem and treat them accordingly.
Spa is all about being pampered and getting the much deserved break from stress. As the bride to be you deserve it. So go for it, treat yourself to some 'spa-licous' wonder and see the difference. In a spa, they aim to give total 'primping and pruning', buffing and polishing to give an overall sheen and glow to the body.

Sheela Sreenivasan of Bubbles Spa, Chennai, says, “There is a specific treatment for each requirement.”

Most Spas have a range of services from aromatherapy facials to AHA peels (for skin lightening) to chocolate therapy to oxygen masks. Depending on your skin's needs, the methodology is suggested. Then there is foot reflexology like the Thai or Chinese treatments which address the nerves of the feet. By addressing the nerves of the feet which are connected to the whole nervous system, there is total body rejuvenation.

Dr. Balambal of Ayush Therapy Centre, Besant Nagar, says, “Ideally any treatment should happen for two to three weeks to see results. More so in the case of Ayurvedic treatments.” She also adds that most brides come for treatments of premature graying of hair, skin lightening and cellulite reduction.

Since the Ayurvedic treatment is about balancing the humors of the body – like vata, pitta, kapha etc. and the skin is the seventh layer of the body, “it will take minimum seven days for detoxification of the body and only then the nourishment begins.” explains the ayurveda doctor, Balambal. Besides, the doctor also recommends that the abhyangam (body massage ritual) should be followed at home diligently to maximize results.

For scar removal, Ayush has a treatment – where navarai (red rice) is boiled in a kashaym (medicine decoction) and made into a pudding and applied on the face as a mask. Besides, a bottle of saffron oil is also given for application in the night. Dr. Bala elaborates, “Since each sitting is only for twenty minutes we insist that the client should come for minimum a week for the results to show.”

Skin lightening is another popular treatment at the centre. Dr. Bala describes, “The navarai is made into a scrub and applied to the face to help remove the tan. We also do pizhichal to improve the skin luster and also udhvartanam to remove skin flabbiness.”

Another treatment is that for cellulite reduction wherein a podi khizhi (powder mixture tied in a cloth) and dipped in medicated oil is applied to the affected part in upward movement (since the cellulite is beneath the hair follicle and hence needs to be rubbed in the opposite direction) and then a steam bath for detoxification is recommended. Besides, there is a diet regimen which is also prescribed to be followed at home.

Most of the treatments cost Rs.1200/- onwards per session.
When asked about when the bride should start her beauty regimen, Dr. Bala suggested, “For optimum results it should be two to three weeks prior to the event if visible results are expected. Also, during treatment schedule the person has to restrict from going outdoors in the sun.”

Kaya Skin clinic offers a whole range of packages exclusively formulated by the in-house dermatologists. These are custom made to suit the individual skin types. 
Dr. Snehal Sriram, Medical Advisor, Kaya Skin Clinic recommends, “Ideally brides should start their beauty and skin care regiment at least two months prior to the wedding date.” She adds, “Our exclusive bridal package spans over two months and there will be a gap of 7 to 10 days per session to tone and condition the skin.”

Special Bridal Packages in Kaya include –
Private consultation with the dermatologist to customize skin-care plan.
Kaya Glow - To remove dead cells and re-hydrate and moisturize the skin.
Kaya Back Shine - Cleanse the stubborn dust, grime and sun-tan remnants as well as remove traces of acne scars and pigmentation for a soft and smooth skin.
Kaya Face Rejuvenator- For a quick, effective way to refresh and revitalize the face.

Besides there are two most sought services from Kaya which are inclusive of the bridal package:
Kaya Skin Lightening –Kaya Skin Lightening which includes skin exfoliation and quick regeneration of skin by using 5 specially derived skin whitening agents to give a radiant, glowing and visibly lighter skin in just 30 days
Kaya Hair Free- The Kaya Permanent Hair Reduction- (Laser Epilating) treatment is the ideal way to get rid of unwanted hair FOREVER! This method prevents the hair regeneration process and renders ineffective the ability of hair follicles to produce new hair.
Dr. Sriram reiterates that each one has to take care of their skin by understanding what suits them and plan accordingly to avail the most of the treatment.
Finally just a word – go indulge and enjoy. Splurge! After all it is supposed to be the most joyous moment of your life – your wedding day.

-Sandya Dev
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Make Up For Brides

* Rubbing ice on the skin would help even out the pores and prevent clogging. It also helps control oil while locking in the moisture.

* Use a moisturizer depending on your skin type to make your skin soft and pliant. In case of very oily skin a toner would be beneficial.

* Then use a good branded concealer as a base coat. It helps to give a smooth look to the skin.

Concealer is integral part of the make-up.
To choose the right concealer, always use a shade lighter than your skin tone. This will help to highlight your face better.
Concealers are also available in different forms and choose the suitable one depending on your skin type.

* Apply the foundation only on top of the concealer. The foundation helps to provide a texture to the skin. This helps for application of the blusher and the eye shadow later.

Even the foundation is available in different forms. Choose the one that will suit your skin.
Select the foundation one shade lighter than your skin color of the face. It will be best if one or two color tones are blended and applied. This will look more natural and settle better on the skin.
Avoid foundations that are thick since it will cake up on your face making it look like a ghastly mask. If there is no choice, then mix a little water or moisturizer to reduce the thickness and then use it.
Blend well into the hairline, between nose ends, close to the ears and jaw line to even out the tone.
Incase of spot touch apply on the spot and even it out to blend with the rest of the color.
Both the neck and the chin should look even toned. There should not be variation of color between neck and chin.

* Use a translucent face powder - lighter than the skin tone to give a matt effect. Dust it lightly with a powder applicator brush.

* Next work on the eyes.

Use an eye shadow base – apply on the eyelid with your finger or a soft shadow brush. This will prevent the shadow from creasing.
Use three shades of shadow in similar hues – one for the brow bone, one for the lid and close to the lid like an eye liner. This will give a layered effect without looking dramatic.
Use the lightest shade on the brow and the darkest close to the eyelid, near the lashes.
 Finally use a brush to gently blend them to get an overall smooth finish.

* Use the eyeliner after you have made up the face.

Apply the liner as close to the lashes as possible.
Smudge to give a natural look and this will also balance the shape of the eye.
If you want a dramatic look, then opt of a thicker and darker line.

* Next comes the blusher.

Select a blush color that resembles the natural glow of your cheeks especially after you exercise.
Use a lighter color for the day and a darker tone for the evening.
Use the blush in the same color tone as your lipstick.

Use blush form depending on your skin type – creme for dry and powder finish for oily skin.
In case of a full face try using blush near the hairline rather than near the cheek. For high cheekbones apply in the centre to accentuate the bones.
Apply blush in the end after applying the foundation and the eye shadow.

* Use lip balm before applying the lip stick.

->Refrigerate the lip balm since it will remain firm and not smear while applying.
->Use matt or frost - finish lipsticks with vitamin E for nourishment.
->Browns or maroons are most suited for Indian skin.
->Do not use orange tone as it will make your teeth look yellow.

* Use a lip liner to define your lips.

Depending on the shape of your lips use the liner to give you a desired effect.
Lip liner can prove tricky to maneuver hence always begin from the middle of the lips and work your way to the outside.
Always try to follow the natural line of the lips.
Always use liner a shade darker than the lipstick to be used.

Must haves:
Keep tissues handy to pat dry the sweat.
Use only branded products with SPF factor and vitamin enrichments.
In case of sensitive skin using sterilized cotton balls would be prudent instead of make-up brushes.
Compact (powder) for last minute touch up.
Lip gloss/balm to get that wet look
Lipstick for last minute blip.

Looking good is not just about make-up. It is about how well it is deployed to highlight your strong points. Also, being your wedding day what ever may be your comfort levels on make up, your natural luster will shine through all those layers of pancake. So forge ahead and indulge. Let your make-up make a statement of who you are. Let it be a reflection of your personality. At the same time, let it make room for you inner glow to radiate from within and reveal the real you.

Ms. Swathi Rekha, Senior Partner, Naturals Unisex Salon reveals all about bridal make-up.

"Earlier, brides used to wear make-up only for the reception. Now it is not so. Brides are particular about each part of their make up right from engagement to muhurtham to oonjal to reception – they want the perfect look."

Today bridal make-up is all about draping of saree, jewelry co-ordinates, matching accessories and appropriate hair dressing.

Ideally, Swathi recommends a trial make-up for the bride to know what would suit and what would be the look. So in case of any changes they can be planned accordingly to avoid nasty surprises.

Also, a trial of head gear and hair styling will prepare the bride for the actual event.

-Sandya Dev
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Jewelry For Brides

It is your wedding and you are going to buy your jewels. Wonder what to do with your mother's jewelery, an heirloom passed on for generations? Or your granny's diamond studs - blue jacquer – which she insists you must wear your wedding day because it's a family tradition? Worry not. Antique jewelry is the `hot item' of the season.

"Some things never go out of fashion. Plain gold jewelry is part of the wedding tradition. The kaasu maalai is one such. " says Mr. Anadapadmanabhan, Managing Director, NAC jewelers, Mylapore. The long chain with Goddess Lakshmi figurehead coins strung together is still a favorite. (You can make it like a choker to give a contemporary look. Or better still just have a couple of them in a thin chain if you want to keep it simple.)

"Brides today are more open- minded. They want contemporary designs" quips Mr. Jitherndra Vummudi, Partner, VBC Jewellry.

Mr. Joseph Prince, Director, Prince Jewellery exclaims, "Gold is an investment. Traditionally bridal jewelry used to be heavy, but brides today prefer bridal jewelry that is light weight. They want elegance in their designs. Though, the `vangi' and `oddiyanam' are part of the wedding tradition, brides prefer to have it in light weight.'

So the oddiyanam has been morphed to suit contemporary tastes. "The front part is made in a traditional manner and conjoined with a chain at the back." recounts Joseph.

Jithendra reiterates the same. "Brides are very sure that the jewelry has to be light weight and complementing their attire."

Light weight jewelry is transcending age and economic criteria and becoming the most favorite among consumers.

As far as stones studded jewelry is concerned, all three unanimously agree that diamonds are still the preferred choice.

"The best thing about diamonds is that it looks good on every body. All brides want at least one piece of diamond jewelry. While rubies and emeralds are also bought, they are more for extended wardrobes. The mainstay is still gold and diamonds." enumerates Jithendra.

Ananthapadmanabhan, validates, "Diamonds rule the roost. Every bride-to-be wants diamonds as part of her wedding trousseau. On a more practical note, the resale value for diamonds is higher than any other precious stone. White gold is not even considered while Platinum is for a niche market."

Joseph elaborates, "Best diamonds are sold in the South. But, people here prefer only the cut diamonds for their sparkle and brilliance. Uncut diamonds are cheaper and very popular in the North. In fact most of the antique diamond jewelry will have uncut diamonds."

The interesting part of uncut diamond is the sparkle comes out best when worn in the sunlight."

Ananthapadmanabhan tells, "While the rubies and emeralds are worn to complement the saree, it is the gold which still dominates the wedding."

Hence, you have the bride wearing predominantly gold interspersed with a few stone studded jewelry for color coordination.

Can you keep a secret – diamonds are considered a woman's best friend. But the verdict is out – diamonds are a woman's best friend only next to gold. It is the glitter of the yellow metals that still accelerates a woman's heart beat.

It is still the preferred choice.
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

The Ring

Talking of toe ring, adorning the most unthinkable body part with rings is the latest and the hottest trend. But the most popular and traditional forms of rings are the toe ring, finger rings, earrings and the nose ring. Let’s peek through the rings and learn more about the species.

Toe Ring: A toe ring is a ring worn on any of the toes. It is almost exclusively worn by women. Toe ring is a customary piece of jewellery worn by the married Hindu women in India. Like sindoor (vermillion) and mangalsutra (the pure thread), it signifies her married status. It is called bichiya in Hindi. They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. Today it is a fashion symbol and made out of various metals and non-metals and are also worn singly or in unmatched pairs. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being made. Gold is a respected metal among Hindus and is traditionally not worn below the waist, hence, toe rings are not made of gold. But now a days even this is not followed very strictly and an array of gold and diamond toe rings are available in the markets. In the west, they are a relatively new fashion accesory. They are fast gaining popularity because they are as funky as  a nose ring or earrings or any other ring, but do not require body piercing.

Finger Ring: A finger ring is a metal band worn as an ornament around a finger. The band could be studded with stones and precious or semi precious gems or could have a design carved out of the metal itself. Finger rings are worn by both men and women. Rings can be made of metal, plastic, wood, bone, glass, and other materials. Though usually worn as a piece of jewellery, specially by women, some of the most common finger rings types are as listed.

Engagement ring: A traditional ring worn by a woman to indicate her engagement to be married.

Wedding ring: A ring presented in many marriage ceremonies to signify marital commitment. Originally worn only by the woman, it is now common for both spouses to wear such a ring. The traditional “ring finger” for the wearing of an engagement or wedding ring is the third finger of the left hand due to the belief of the ancients that a vein of that finger ran directly to the heart, and that the nuptial sign was thus joined to the seat of life.

Championship ring: A ring presented to members of winning teams in professional sports leagues as well as college tournaments in North America.

Class ring: Worn by students and alumni in commemoration of their graduation.

Dinner ring: An oversized ring, set with precious or semiprecious stones.

Magic ring: Appears frequently in fantasy stories and fairy tales.

Mood ring: A novelty ring which changes color in response to body temperature, using a thermochromic liquid crystal.

Posies ring: A ring with a short inscription on its outer surface.

Promise ring: A small, inexpensive ring given to a boyfriend or girlfriend, to promise not to court a rival.

Purity ring: A symbol of virginity in religious cultures.

Puzzle ring: Interlocking rings forming a single band; difficult to reassemble if removed from the finger.

Signet ring: A familial ring, often bearing a coat of arms, sometimes used as to imprint a wax seal on documents

Ear Rings: Earring is a personal adornment, sometimes an amulet, worn attached to the ear lobe. Since prehistoric times the ear has been pierced for the insertion of the earring. Certain primitive tribes distort the lobe with plugs several inches in diameter or with heavy stones. Egyptians first wore large gold hoops, which eventually became smaller and supported pendants. In Babylonia and later in Assyria where the earring was worn by men to denote rank, the earring evolved into an exquisite work of the goldsmith. In Greece gold earrings often had tinkling pendants. The Romans were first to popularize earrings set with precious stones. In India too, earrings had been worn commonly by both men and women since prehistoric times. The loops were soon replaced with studs with screws and artistically designed earrings, and soon gold too lost its exclusivity to other metals, plastic, wood, bone, glass and other materials.

Nose ring: A nose ring is a small loop or ring made of metal, usually gold and or on either of the nostril lobes exclusively by women. Among some tribal groups, it is also worn on the central lobe. Originated in India, it’s a traditional piece of jewellery worn by Indian women of all ages. It was originally meant to distinguish a girl child from a boy in ancient times. The rings were soon replaced with nose pins made of metal, usually gold and sometimes studded with a precious or semi precious stone. In the very recent past, nose ring has become an almost a must fashion accessory in the west. Back home, its chic and stylish to wear a nose ring, more than being traditional.

- Jyoti Roy

Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

The Medicinal Facet Of Mudras

Very simply defined, a "mudra" is a certain position that you put your body into. And this position can influence the energies that flow through your body. Which in turn influences your physical and mental well being. A mudra can be as simple as the Indian greeting - Namaste. And it can go on to be more complex involving the use of several body parts.

Practitioners of yoga and meditation strongly recommend the practice of mudras as a fairly simple way of achieving control over the body and the mind. In fact, in a way it is a holistic approach to health care.

How to get optimum benefits from the practice of mudras?

- Practice the mudras regularly.

- Allocate a time duration of fifteen to twenty minutes for the practice of each mudra

- When making a mudra use both your hands

- Do not worry about the place and time when practicing a mudra. Don't let these factors come in the way of your practicing mudras. This can be done anytime, anywhere and the impact will be the same. In fact some mudras are so simple that they can be practiced with one's hands in one's pocket in a crowded mall!!

Here are some simple mudras that you could practice to gain body-mind balance.

The purna-gyana mudra - This mudra was propagated and practiced by the Buddha. It helps improve memory, gives clarity of thought and calms down the mind. To practice this, sit cross legged. Then put the tip of your forefinger against the tip of your thumb. Now put your left hand near your knee and right hand near your chest. Gently press them together. Remain in this position for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Gyana mudra- Practice of this mudra helps to create a state of joyfullness and calm. It also increases one's thinking capacity. It also helps to get rid of addictive habits.The tips of the thumb and index finger touch, other fingers are straight but relaxed. Hold the finger positions with both hands, for at least a couple of minutes.

Prana mudra- Prana refers to breath, which according to ancient philosophy is the life force. To practice this mudra take the little finger and the fore part of the ring finger and touch it to the tip of your thumb. This helps to rejuvenate the body, improve blood circulation and enhance eyesight.

Mritasanjeevani mudra - Regular practice of this mudra helps to strengthen the heart muscles and lower blood pressure. Fold your fore finger and touch it to the base of your thumb while touching the fore area of your thumb with your ring finger.

Prithvi mudra- Practice of this mudra helps you to be more patient and also improves overall equilibrium. Touch the fore part of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb.

Abhay mudra- looking for courage? Well then, this is for you. Put  your hands vertically up by the side of your head and position your fingers in the same way as you did for the gyan mudra.

There are several other mudras which will help  in sorting out several health issues without having any side effects and also without one having to go under the knife. But, it is advisable to consult an expert and train under him or her for a while before you go solo.

-Sangita Kanjilal
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com