Spa Cucina Food & Body Therapies

Spa Cucina Mobile Body Therapies
We'll help you feel good...inside & out! TM

Post Office Box 456
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
858/523-1SPA (1772)

Taking Care of Yourself Hints

Avian Flu and Neti (excerpt)

Recently, a fear psychosis has been gripping the world regarding a possible flu pandemic arising out of Avian Flu.

Scientists have gone so far as to resurrect the deadly flu virus of the 1918 world epidemic that claimed close to 50 million lives. Though of clearly different strains, due to some similarity of symptoms, these scientists have concluded - and quite alarmingly - that the present virus can mutate into a deadly one. Moreover, there is no available vaccination (external help) to guard us from a possibly impending calamity.

All of this has served to further the paranoia and people are clearly worried.

How do we tackle this?

As yoga students and enthusiasts, we should be able to use this as an opportunity to become more aware and take charge of our own lives. This is a time to remind ourselves that over 90% of disorders are psychosomatic in nature. We should remember that fear / anxiety lowers our immunity and provides a fertile ground for disease. According to yoga philosophy, our entire being is organized into sheaths or layers. Disease arises in the Manomaya Kosha (mind sheath); this disturbs the energy balance in the Pranamaya kosha (energy sheath). This disturbance percolates down and causes subsequent malfunction in the organs, nerves and bodily systems - the Annamaya Kosha. The task before us is to 'reverse' this vicious cycle of fear (negative thinking) resulting in the lowering of immunity, which in turn leads to disease.

Specifics

Besides the usual precautions of keeping your hands clean and body hydrated, it has been found that the nasal irrigation practice of Neti can be very effective in the prevention and treatment of Flu symptoms. One of the primary causes of Flu and colds is the Rhinovirus and about 80% of all virus enters through the nasal passages. The sinuses offer the first line of defense and it follows that healthy sinuses can nip the problem in the bud.

What does Neti (nasal cleansing) do?

Neti keeps the first line of defense clean and fit enough to kill the virus at the first instance of its growth cycle when it is relatively at its weakest. Neti keeps the sinuses humid and the mucus thin. This helps drain out the viruses and inhibits them from getting a hold onto the membranes.Neti is especially effective against the rhinovirus, which is a major contributor to the flu.

The subsequent drying action after Neti is a very effective yoga practice for the oxygenation of the brain and keeping the mind relaxed. But, more importantly, from a flu perspective, it increases the temperature within the sinuses greatly. An increase in the temperature by even a few degrees dramatically increases the body's ability to kill these viruses, by increasing the activity of immune system cells in the nose.

With these practical benefits, Neti not only boosts the physical immunity, but also provides a boost to your psychological defense by helping you know that you are one up in the battle. In fact coupled with other internal detox techniques such as stomach cleansing (kunjal) & colon cleansing (enema), you can lend your natural defense mechanism a BIG helping hand - both physical and psychological. This will automatically & dramatically reduce the risk of contracting disease.

We can't guarantee ourselves freedom from disease, but by taking charge of our own health, we can ensure that we are on the right side of Darwin's theory in the various battles that lie ahead.

Simple Solutions To Boost Your Immune System

Can’t get a flu shot? Don’t make matters worse be throwing yourself into a panic, getting stressed out, and convincing yourself that you will definitely have the flu! Instead, relax and use this as an opportunity to take simple, natural and important steps to boosting your immune system. A strong immune system will help protect you from everything from colds to cancer. The following suggestions can be implemented TODAY.

1. Start immediately thinking about being healthy. Wear a rubber band on your wrist, and as soon as you find yourself visualizing having the flu, colds or illness, snap the rubber band to get your thinking back on track. Try to avoid people who are constantly talking about the possibilities of getting the flu, or anything else. Whether we like to admit it or not, what we think about and continuously talk about, we experience. Negative thoughts deplete you of energy, create stress and weaken your immune system.

2. Make sure that you get sufficient sleep. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, then it’s even more important that you work to control this problem. There are many natural sleep supplements and other helpful tools to encourage a good night’s sleep. Look into now. It’s time to take control of your insomnia. You might want to read “Sleep – The Ultimate Secret to Ageless Achievement.” This is a small book, with big benefits.

3. Concentrate on fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure the colors are strong, as in orange and dark green vegetables. Also eat wild salmon and tuna on a regular basis – at least several times per week. Make sure your bread and cereals are whole grain, not made with white processed grains and flours. Remember, the whiter the bread, the sooner you’re dead.

4. Avoid negative foods. Studies show that the fats present in junk foods, such as French fries can inhibit immunologic reactions. Sweets and other junk foods deplete your body of important B Vitamins, add empty calories, and offer zero health benefits.

5. Drink copious amounts of pure, fresh water on an empty stomach. Do not drink a lot of water with your food, or shortly after eating. This interferes with your digestive enzymes and does not allow your body to digest and use your food properly. The best time to drink water is when you first get up in the morning, or 10-15 minutes prior to a meal.

6. Moderate exercise stimulates the immune system. The benefits for regular, moderate exercise are known to almost everyone on the planet. However, this season it’s getting a little additional attention. Scientists at the University of Illinois say exercise could be the flu remedy you’re looking for. In a recent lab test, researchers designed workout programs for mice exposed to the flu virus. The mice that stopped exercising when the flu appeared were less likely to survive. They are now conducting a large clinical trial with older adults.

Provided by Spa Cucina Food & Body Therapies
We’ll help you feel good…inside & out!
www.SpaCucina.com
858/523-1SPA (1772)

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