Yoga - The Ancient Art Of Fitness

Yoga uses specific body postures known as "asanas" and breathing techniques known as "pranayamas" to achieve harmonious balance between the body, mind and soul. In fact, it would probably not be a mistake to call it a call it a holistic approach to health care.
The various "asanas" or body postures focus on various body parts. There are thousands of yoga asanas. Each of these poses comprises kriyas or actions, mudras or seals, and bandhas or locks.
A kriya focuses on the effort necessary to circulate energy throughout the body;  the yoga mudra is a gesture that focuses on  holding the energy or at a particular point; and a bandha uses the technique of holding muscular contractions to create awareness of the energy being generated.

Focusing on a certain part of the body at any one time helps to train the mind. This builds awareness about the mind-body connection. It does not allow one to focus on the external chatter. Instead, it guides the focus  inwards. For instance, the savasana (the corpse pose), which is practiced at the end of the exercise session, during which one has to lie on one's back and keep the eyes closed while giving up any control over your body and letting it sink into the floor. The idea is to allow thoughts to come and go freely and not resist them. The result is that gradually one will naturally drift into a calm, peaceful and relaxing state.

Yogis throughout the ages have considered regulating the breathe or the "prana" (life force) as they call it, as a simple and never failing way of connecting the mind, body and spirit. The breathing techniques are called pranayamas; prana means energy or life force, and yama means social ethics. It is believed that the controlled breathing of pranayamas will control the energy flow in your body. It is my experience that controlled breathing helps me focus on muscles that are working, and during savasana, it slows down my heart rate, calms my mind, and leads to a deep, inner calm and sense of relaxation.

Regular practice of yogic exercises can help you keep fit and healthy physically, mentally and uplift you spiritually as well. Yoga can help cure insomnia, as regular yoga practice leads to  the development of better and deeper sleep patterns.

Starting the day with "surya namaskar" is good enough to provide exercise for the whole body. In fact, practitioners have claimed that it also helps weight loss and keeps the body toned and in perfect shape.

Yoga is an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases. This is because practice of yoga can reduce the symptoms these diseases which often result in stiffness, malaise, fatigue, and weakness.

Here is something that is popularly known as "chair yoga". It is a rather simple version of yoga that is ideal to suit a busy lifestyle. Most of the exercises are done while either sitting on a chair or using it for support. The chair yoga programme consists of yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ways of relaxation

-Sangita Kanjilal
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Mane Matters

Mane - be it long or short, straight, silky, curly or wavy - the cardinal rule is to keep them clean.

While you would be tempted to ape the hairstyle of the season, it is imperative that common sense rules your fate!

Mirror would be of good use here. It is your BFF (best friend forever) that will tell you in no nonsensical terms what cut would suit your face and what would not. The best haircut is that which flatters your face by highlighting your best points.

Pull back your hair tightly to reveal your skull structure. The outline of the face would indicate you jaw indentation including your forehead size, the shape and extent of your cheeks and chin.

Round faces have soft, non-angular structures. Long layers beyond the chin level will look good on a round face. Wavy hair is best for people with round faces. The waves take away the roundness of the face. If you have a round face and your hair is wavy, thank your lucky stars and try to retain the natural waviness. Avoid straightening your hair.

Tip: Wind up your hair with a towel after a head bath. This way the curls will last for a long time.

Those with oval faces are a hairstylist's delight for they allow for experimentation. Almost any hairstyle would suit an oval face. But it is a strict no-no for spikes, blunts and crops.

Tip: A simple straight cut would accentuate your features. Best example would be Kareena Kapoor and her straight below shoulder length hairstyle that she has not changed for years.

Oh! Ye of square face - be proud of your strong angular jaw line. 

Think square jaw line, think Angelina Jolie. Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith. She looked hot in that movie and probably she knows that she couldn’t have looked better than that. Remember that was the movie that got her Brad Pitt. The rest is history.

The point is to observe her hairstyle.

Tip: To make your face appealing, it would be wise to style with a side parting with hair longer than your jaw line.

If you have a heart shaped face – bless your soul and go for bangs or fringes and a short crop of hair. Blunt cuts with bangs would look good; but beware that you don’t stop your hair at the nape.

Tip: Go for a style that curls at your jaw, above the nape.

Faces come in different shapes and sizes – round, oval, square jawed, heart shaped – the bottom line is to sport a cut that suits your face, which looks stylish and easy to maintain. Both at the same time and therein lies the trick!!

-Sandya Dev

Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Impact Of Diabetes On Your Marriage

Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia have an impact on the energy levels and moods of the person. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause a person to be cranky and irritable and in certain cases abusive and violent. If not checked these behavior patterns continue to persist, causing a strain in the couple's relationship.

Long term diabetics can suffer from some amount of damage to the nervous system which has direct connection with male erection. Hence with diabetes men may suffer from erectile dysfunction. According to Dr. P. Satya murthi, "a number of men actually discover that they are diabetic when they come to the doctor seeking treatment of erectile dysfunction."

In the case of women, those who suffer from diabetes have low arousal. They also tend to have recurring vaginal inflammation. Most people suffering from hyperglycemia need to urinate frequently during the night. This disturbs the sleep pattern and contributes to irritability. Besides, this constant movement in the room while one is asleep can cause disturbance to your partners sleep as well.

Most people suffering from type 2 diabetes suffer from sleep apnea This causes a person to snore. This again can become a bone of contention between the partners.

Fluctuation of blood sugar levels during moments of intimacy may cause undue emotional strain and stress. Sometimes due to lack of energy levels induced by diabetes, people feel very lethargic. This "clinical condition" is often misinterpreted as lack of love and appreciation by one's partner. As Prabhu says, "My wife says she feels abandoned when I feel lethargic due to a fall in sugar level. (this was before we knew what was causing it) And it became an issue that almost drove our relationship to the brink of separation."

Though one needs to be a little careful, it is not impossible for a diabetic to lead a perfectly happy and blissful married life. Just follow some of these simple rules-

-Include a moderate amount of exercise in your everyday schedule.

-Keep a check on the  kind of food you eat ( a little bit of sugar and sweets is o.k  but largely avoid sweet and oily food)

-Consult your doctor regularly

-Sangita Kanjilal
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Happily Ever After

Reality bites

It was a dream come true for Amit and Sumitha. In a classic case of love at first sight, the two software professionals tied the knot in a fairy tale wedding, promising to be devoted to each other for the rest of their lives. But soon reality set in. Working in shifts, they hardly found time for each other. Sumitha, a socially active person, found it embarrassing when Amit failed to turn up at parties and social events. On the other hand, Amit who was beginning to see less and less of his wife, found solace from a female colleague. One thing lead to another. Resentments grew, insults were hurled and what began as 'happily ever after' ended bitterly at the court halls.

What the statistics say

A survey has revealed that divorce rates have soared in country, especially among young software professionals in the growing metropolises. Studies conducted among Bangalores software professionals showed that in a single unit of 100 employees, nine divorce cases were filed during the three months of the investigation. Lawyers say software professionals or those married to them file the maximum number of cases for divorce. A chat with Dr. RaviShankar Rao, a practicing psychologist from Bangalore reveals some problems that young urban couples confront. In the ‘honeymoon’ period, couples tend to camouflage any feeling of unease or discomfort with one another. Says Dr. Rao, 'Marital discords surface when personalities and attitudes mismatch which leads the partner to be vulnerable to pressures at work and develop close relationships outside marriage'.

Wo(men)

“Urban marriages are quite unique”, says Dr. Rao. Women are more empowered and financially secure than their traditional counterparts. They have begun to assert their social independence and question the expectations that come with traditional marriages. “Economic independence has changed the psychological make-up and psycho-sexual relationship among partners.”

Attitudes and values regarding gender roles have changed. Greater value is placed on women’s economic achievements and men’s involvement with children. Does that mean the working-woman is materialistic? According to Dr. Rao, the woman is still a traditional person at heart. However, the rules are spread out between the couple. Men are as involved with the children as women are and the necessities of sharing work is increasing considerably.

Having fought at workplace for survival, growth and identity, women have higher expectations from both their partners and themselves.

Till the job do us part

As the service sector booms, a new breed of couples has entered the marital world: those who work shifts. Less time spent with your spouse, absence from social and family events are some of the drawbacks that couples like Rohan and Soumya have to face. "He works crazy hours and sometimes I do not see him for three or four days at a stretch," complains Soumya, a P.R officer.

There are couples who meet on weekends, says Dr. Rao. It is the same case with long-distance relationships. With each partner chasing their career, it is only natural that such spouses get frustrated by the lack of normal, active companionship. The solution is to make the best of a bad situation.

Late Marriges

Another factor affecting marital success is the growing occurrence of late marriages. Many men and women prefer to settle down in their careers before getting married or postpone their marriage due to financial predicaments. When they do get married they are well into their thirties when it is not medically advisable to have a child in the late years. This leads to further misunderstandings between the couple.

Honey, I am sorry

Anger destroys relationships. When frustrated and angry, most couples have trouble restraining their ire. Insults are hurled leading to hurt and bitterness. Dr. Rao’s advise to couples is to approach the issue with a calm and composed mind. Tell yourself that you are going to sleep on it. And if not able to avoid a confrontation, sit down and settle the issue giving no room for egoistic feelings. It is better to forgive and apologise than build resentment and destroy the relationship. This method has worked with 99% of the couples who come for advise, he says.

It takes Two to Tango

Dr. Rao opines that a relationship is built brick-by-brick. He advises young couples to respect differences and develop understanding. When you get into a relationship, enjoy the richness that it offers. A relationship can only be sustained with love and affection, sharing and caring. Trust makes it stronger and more mature.

 

Dr. Ravishankar Rao completed his MBBS from Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore, India, in 1976 and his MD in Psychological Medicine from the National Institute of Mental Health Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore in 1980. His areas of interest are General Psychiatry and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry.

Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Mother, Man and Wife

To sum up, a married woman's life is synonymous to sacrifices. At least that is what has always been perceived and so melodramatically depicted in our television serials and family films. Women, women everywhere and then they say it's a man's world! But on a serious note what about the married men? If life is bitter for a woman, it's no better for a man. On second thoughts, it's tougher for him. After all it is he who has to balance the two strong forces, the two most important women in his life. He is the peacemaker between his mother and wife. Now that makes for a perfect sandwich.

One wrong move or one incorrect statement can be a grudge for a lifetime. The guilt that torments him every time he sides with one, its hard for him to make anyone understand and even harder to endure it all silently. A feeling that after a hard day's work he is back home to sort problems that are practically not his can be depressing.

Cut throat competition at work place, the pressure of staying ahead, the financial strain, the exhaustion for commuting and the collective exertion all these factors together cause, are inexplicable. The domestic conflict only adds to it. A wife, who can be set grumbling and cursing the entire day, sometimes for days to come at the mere mention of his mother. A mother who has never had enough time to ask about his well-being but has all the time in the world to tell him how incapable and obstinate his wife is and how lucky her relatives and neighbours are to be blessed with a good daughter-in-law. Any effort to defend any one of them makes things worse. The degree could vary from person to person, but the situation does exist in almost every married man's life.

Even the distinguished names that recur on the journals and television channels endorse the thought. News anchor Ajay Kumar exclaimed, "Thank God somebody thought of it!" Laughs. "Actually men have this psyche that if they side with their wives, it will not be well taken by his family. Especially his mother and sister, no matter who is at fault. He is afraid of being perceived as henpecked. It's a tough situation," says the anchor thoughtfully. Quizzed if diplomacy should be put to use, news anchor Ajay Kumar replied good humouredly, "Diplomacy and tact are a woman's forte. Men are simple and straightforward beings. Besides it is such a tricky situation where both are as important and the phenomenon is continuous, so diplomacy does not always work". So that would mean that a man has little option but to face it bravely. Be a martyr to a cause that has nothing to offer to anyone concerned. Will any one of the two women in his life ever understand his dilemma, evaluate his situation? Will a man ever see a day when he does not have to make that difficult choice between his two leading ladies?

Let's see what actor Irfan Khan has to say to this. "It depends on the equation a man shares with his mother or wife. Anyone of them getting too possessive could mean trouble. It is indeed a difficult situation. It just reflects the unfulfilling life they have had and so they are always up to making other's unhappy, other's life miserable. Such people are best ignored. But they being the mother and the wife are also difficult to ignore. But then that again depends on the equation of the man with the two women in question," says the ace actor. So, not a good equation with any one of them would mean it would be easy to ignore her. A bad equation with both would mean all that a man could ask for. But on the other side, an empathy with any one of the two would imply understanding, a soul mate, a confidant, and a friend. And what would a good equation with both the women lead to? That would mean eternal bliss. Simple, a friend's friend is a friend. But the most important question is that is there any man born with that kind of luck?
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

Ice Carvings, Sculptures And Gold Pillars: A Fad In Today's Wedding

These decorations are not restricted only to the venue, rather they run throughout the wedding schedule starting from the invitation cards, the entrance of the marriage halls to the actual interiors where the wedding will take place, the dining hall, even to the food choice and the thamboolam and return gifts to the invitees. Even the choice of gifts (seeru varisai) is influenced by the theme!

While the basic setting is one of auspiciousness with intrinsic colours of gold and maroon running as a recurrent theme with lots of flowers added contributing to this feel, people are going beyond these traditional colours to evoke a mood of festivity, looking out for options to make this occasion memorable.

One such theme is the Radha-Krishna motif with the peacock feathers' colours running concurrently throughout the mandap. The basic colours of blue and green and their hues are used to decorate the marriage hall, with the background colour being blue and gold added for symbolizing auspiciousness and prosperity.

If you want a royal look then the props have to befit royalty. Primary colours would be red and gold and both the bride and the groom will sit on thrones set up on a raised dais. The ambience would be one of a durbar of a king.

Another common theme is having a red or maroon backdrop with flower decorations to augment that rich look. Besides exuding freshness, these flowers emanate a pleasant fragrance keeping the hall sweet-smelling. Nothing like fresh flowers to keep a room fragrant.

Planning a spring theme - use lots of flowers. Flowers symbolize prosperity and bountifulness. They give a spring feel and exude warmth. Also, they are readily available and can be used innovatively. There could be flower curtains, bouquets fixed to walls, pillars - the options are immense.

For that ethereal look, erect temporary gold pillars, drape net and gauze meshes and transparent veils for a surreal atmosphere. After all, it is said that marriages are made in heaven!

If you want it hassle free, then hire out colour shamianas - there are plenty of mirror worked, zardosi embossed, and bhandini printed tents in different textures available to give a mela look.

Ice carvings and sculptures are quite common in most weddings. So are vegetable carvings and designs. Besides being eco-friendly, these methods also provide an outlet for creativity and imagination and also sending a social message.

Decor and theme based decorations are a fad in today's society due to various influences. These can be done in any budget and the expanse is defined by the availability of funds. But the most important thing is that marriage by itself is a happy occasion. Nothing can detract the joy out of it. The frills are just tools to magnify the happiness - measures employed to augment the wedding bliss.

So, the importance of decoration is that besides giving a look of prosperity and auspiciousness, it also makes the guests feel welcome and hospitable. This feeling of happiness creates an aura of goodwill and good luck to the couple which is essential for them who are entering a new phase of their lives for posterity.

How To Plan Your Wardrobe For Your Wedding Day

Since this occurs in the early evening you can afford to be semi-formal even in your accessories. Matching bangles, head gear (nethi chutti), jhumkis ((ear-rings) complementing your saree will give you that chic and casual look. On the make-up front it is ideal to go light since for the reception you would be `on stage' with full make-up.

However, the trend is not to look overly made up. The style is to underplay your make-up and go for that natural look.

For the reception try out sarees with zardosi work or use swaroski crystals making a pattern to give a rich contemporary look. The evening colours are dark – royal blue or deep pink or stunning green – you name it you flaunt it. The style can be casual and daring. So, even your cholis can be innovative. Instead of plain gold jewellery, go for stone studded pieces that will enhance the beauty of your saree. The overall effect should be contrasting to make you look outstanding.

The muhurtham saree has to be silk and preferably in a traditional colour (maroon/red/green). Go for the traditional look with rich zari however if you insist on looking trendy, you could wear your blouse with gold thread lining on the sleeves and a motif at the back complementing your saree.

It is not just during your wedding but even after that you would be socializing. It is not mandatory to wear silk sarees so you could try out crepes, chiffons and georgettes in variety of hues. Also it can be either a saree or a salwar. With designers getting innovative on style and cut, you can have the formal look and yet be trendy. The patialas and afghans compete with the mundane salwars and churidhars. Even kurtis with matching stoles and scarves with thread work will complement your attire giving you a semi-formal look.

Go for simple lines in accessories. So it could be a chain with a matching pendant and drop earrings. Also thin metal bangles would look ethnic.

For your honeymoon have a combination of casual and semi-casuals for both day and evening wear. Decision on clothes depends on where you are going for your honeymoon. Wherever the destination it is important to travel light. Hence you pack a couple of jeans and trousers and different tops to match them. Or take a couple of capris to go with your kurtis. If it is somewhere along the coastline go for shorts and skorts with spaghetti tops and short tops for the `bum' look.  But make sure to pack sunscreen to avoid getting burnt. The accessories must include a straw hat as a precautionary measure against the sun. Also go for flats and flops. Jewellery can be oxidized silver ware or it can also be beads – anything funky and casual. Add a gloss or balm to your lips for that natural look! A blusher would add luster to your pallor. However keep the make-up to the minimum.

Whatever be the occasion, it is important to dress in something that suits you and what you are comfortable with. So go for it intuitively and more importantly enjoy it.
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com