Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

7 Animal-Inspired Yoga Poses And How They Affect Your Health

(Credit-Canva)

Yoga is one of the most inclusive exercises one can try. Whether you are a professional athlete or a beginner, yoga can accommodate all levels and <span>help people lead a healthier life</span>. One unique thing about yoga is that it draws from everything around us. It is adaptable and helps you in various ways. For example, despite originating hundreds of years ago, yoga, when desks jobs were not even a concept, today we have desktop yoga poses that help people who spend prolonged hours sitting.

Yoga draws from nature and helps us stay connected to all the living beings. <span>Drawing inspirations from animals</span> and their way of living, there are many <span>animal-inspired yoga poses</span> that help us a great deal. Not only do these poses help us heal our body, but it also allows us certain moments in the animal’s state of being. Here are some animal-inspired yoga poses you can try. Make sure you do them very carefully and cease any more exercising in case you are feeling any discomfort or pain. Following a professionals guide as to what breathing pattern you should follow and how to execute the yoga pose can really help. 

<h2>Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) </h2>

This seated pose gently opens the inner thighs, hips, and groin, boosting flexibility. It can also tone the lower body, improve digestion, and alleviate back pain by stretching and engaging lower back muscles. This pose is particularly beneficial for women's reproductive health.

<h2>Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)</h2>

This <span>dynamic flow warms up the spine</span>, releasing tension in the back and neck, and enhancing posture and balance. It increases spinal flexibility and strengthens surrounding muscles. Additionally, it massages and stimulates abdominal organs, and provides relief from back pain.

This rejuvenating backbend opens the chest, shoulder blades, neck, and collarbones. It improves spinal posture and reduces stress. By enhancing blood circulation, it can also alleviate back pain and inflammation related to chronic conditions. Furthermore, it can contribute to a better sleep cycle.

This pose offers both physical and mental benefits. It opens the chest, shoulders, and throat, counteracting the effects of prolonged sitting. It stretches chest muscles, improving lung capacity and oxygen intake. It also relieves tension in the neck and shoulders.

<h2>Downward Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)</h2>

A staple in many yoga sequences, this pose builds core strength and provides a full-body stretch, strengthening muscles in the arms and legs. It's excellent for bone strengthening, spinal tension relief, and overall flexibility improvement.

This backbend stretches the entire front of the body, including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps, while improving spinal flexibility. It stimulates abdominal and neck organs and aids digestion. It also strengthens quadriceps and tones glutes, but those with sensitive knees should exercise caution.

This pose enhances balance, coordination, and concentration by engaging multiple muscle groups. It stretches the shoulders, upper back, and thighs, promoting flexibility and mobility. It also fosters calmness and focus, reducing stress and anxiety while improving mind-body awareness.

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Yoga & Asanas

Animal-Inspired Yoga Poses

Yoga poses And How They Affect Your Health

Drawing inspirations from animals

help people lead a healthier life

dynamic flow warms up the spine

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Yoga is one of the most inclusive exercises one can try. Whether you are a professional athlete or a beginner, yoga can accommodate all levels and help people lead a healthier life. One unique thing about yoga is that it draws from everything around us. It is adaptable and helps you in various ways. For example, despite originating hundreds of years ago, yoga, when desks jobs were not even a concept, today we have desktop yoga poses that help people who spend prolonged hours sitting.Yoga draws from nature and helps us stay connected to all the living beings. Drawing inspirations from animals and their way of living, there are many animal-inspired yoga poses that help us a great deal. Not only do these poses help us heal our body, but it also allows us certain moments in the animal’s state of being. Here are some animal-inspired yoga poses you can try. Make sure you do them very carefully and cease any more exercising in case you are feeling any discomfort or pain. Following a professionals guide as to what breathing pattern you should follow and how to execute the yoga pose can really help. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) This seated pose gently opens the inner thighs, hips, and groin, boosting flexibility. It can also tone the lower body, improve digestion, and alleviate back pain by stretching and engaging lower back muscles. This pose is particularly beneficial for women's reproductive health.Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)This dynamic flow warms up the spine, releasing tension in the back and neck, and enhancing posture and balance. It increases spinal flexibility and strengthens surrounding muscles. Additionally, it massages and stimulates abdominal organs, and provides relief from back pain.Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)This rejuvenating backbend opens the chest, shoulder blades, neck, and collarbones. It improves spinal posture and reduces stress. By enhancing blood circulation, it can also alleviate back pain and inflammation related to chronic conditions. Furthermore, it can contribute to a better sleep cycle.Fish Pose (Matsyasana)This pose offers both physical and mental benefits. It opens the chest, shoulders, and throat, counteracting the effects of prolonged sitting. It stretches chest muscles, improving lung capacity and oxygen intake. It also relieves tension in the neck and shoulders.Downward Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)A staple in many yoga sequences, this pose builds core strength and provides a full-body stretch, strengthening muscles in the arms and legs. It's excellent for bone strengthening, spinal tension relief, and overall flexibility improvement.Camel Pose (Ustrasana)This backbend stretches the entire front of the body, including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps, while improving spinal flexibility. It stimulates abdominal and neck organs and aids digestion. It also strengthens quadriceps and tones glutes, but those with sensitive knees should exercise caution.Eagle Pose (Garudasana)This pose enhances balance, coordination, and concentration by engaging multiple muscle groups. It stretches the shoulders, upper back, and thighs, promoting flexibility and mobility. It also fosters calmness and focus, reducing stress and anxiety while improving mind-body awareness.

7 animal-inspired yoga poses and how they affect your health

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Yoga is a great exercise known for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. But can it also help with <span>thyroid</span> problems? The thyroid is a small gland in your throat that makes hormones vital for your metabolism, body temperature, growth, and even brain development in children. When your thyroid isn't working right, it can affect both your physical and mental health. This article explores how yoga can be a helpful addition to traditional thyroid treatments. 

While yoga generally promotes overall health, some poses specifically target the neck and throat area, where the thyroid is located. Stretching and strengthening this region might improve blood flow, though there's no definite proof that these specific poses benefit the thyroid more than others. 

It's important to only hold poses as long as you feel comfortable. Many of the poses described below are for those with some yoga experience. You can make them easier with props or by practicing under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. You can try each of these poses at home with a yoga mat. 

<h4>Supported Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) </h4>

This advanced pose puts you upside down. Avoid it if you are new to yoga, have high blood pressure, heart issues, glaucoma, or are pregnant. Lie on your back, lift your legs straight up, and push onto your shoulders, supporting your hips with your hands. Keep your body straight and core strong. 

This advanced pose builds core and arm strength, plus spine flexibility. Start like the shoulder stand. Bring your legs over your head to rest your toes on the floor behind you, keeping your lower back supported. If breathing gets hard, slowly stop. A prop under shoulders can make it safer.

This advanced pose stretches your body in the opposite direction after other poses. Don't do it if you have high blood pressure, neck injuries, or glaucoma. Sit, place hands under buttocks, lean back on elbows, and gently drop your head back, lifting your chest. 

<h4>Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) </h4>

This pose is great for strengthening your back. Lie on your back, bring feet close to hips. Press palms into the floor and lift your hips toward the ceiling. You can use your hands on your lower back for support if needed. 

This pose helps make your back and neck more flexible. Lie on your stomach with palms under shoulders. Press into your palms and lift your head and chest off the mat, arching your back. Drop your head back if comfortable. 

Sit with legs out. Lean back slowly, keeping your core strong and back straight. Lift your bent knees, then straighten legs to form a V-shape. Raise arms in line with shoulders. Hold, breathing deeply. Slowly lower arms and legs. 

<h4>Upward Bow Pose / Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) </h4>

This pose deeply stretches your chest, back, and neck. Lie on your back, bend knees, and place hands by your head. Press feet and hands, lifting hips and then your head until arms are straight. Hold and breathe. 

<h4>Supported Headstand Pose (Sirshasana) </h4>

This is a very advanced pose for experienced yoga practitioners, always do it with a teacher at first. Kneel, interlace fingers, and place head on mat. Lift knees, walk feet closer, then slowly lift both feet up, balancing on forearms. 

yoga & Asanas

Can Yoga Help Your Thyroid Issues

Yoga for thyroid issues

thyroid issues

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Thyroid Disease

Yoga is a great exercise known for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. But can it also help with thyroid problems? The thyroid is a small gland in your throat that makes hormones vital for your metabolism, body temperature, growth, and even brain development in children. When your thyroid isn't working right, it can affect both your physical and mental health. This article explores how yoga can be a helpful addition to traditional thyroid treatments. Poses You Can Do While yoga generally promotes overall health, some poses specifically target the neck and throat area, where the thyroid is located. Stretching and strengthening this region might improve blood flow, though there's no definite proof that these specific poses benefit the thyroid more than others. It's important to only hold poses as long as you feel comfortable. Many of the poses described below are for those with some yoga experience. You can make them easier with props or by practicing under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. You can try each of these poses at home with a yoga mat. Supported Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) This advanced pose puts you upside down. Avoid it if you are new to yoga, have high blood pressure, heart issues, glaucoma, or are pregnant. Lie on your back, lift your legs straight up, and push onto your shoulders, supporting your hips with your hands. Keep your body straight and core strong. Plow Pose (Halasana) This advanced pose builds core and arm strength, plus spine flexibility. Start like the shoulder stand. Bring your legs over your head to rest your toes on the floor behind you, keeping your lower back supported. If breathing gets hard, slowly stop. A prop under shoulders can make it safer. Fish Pose (Matsyasana) This advanced pose stretches your body in the opposite direction after other poses. Don't do it if you have high blood pressure, neck injuries, or glaucoma. Sit, place hands under buttocks, lean back on elbows, and gently drop your head back, lifting your chest. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) This pose is great for strengthening your back. Lie on your back, bring feet close to hips. Press palms into the floor and lift your hips toward the ceiling. You can use your hands on your lower back for support if needed. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) This pose helps make your back and neck more flexible. Lie on your stomach with palms under shoulders. Press into your palms and lift your head and chest off the mat, arching your back. Drop your head back if comfortable. Boat Pose (Navasana) Sit with legs out. Lean back slowly, keeping your core strong and back straight. Lift your bent knees, then straighten legs to form a V-shape. Raise arms in line with shoulders. Hold, breathing deeply. Slowly lower arms and legs. Upward Bow Pose / Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) This pose deeply stretches your chest, back, and neck. Lie on your back, bend knees, and place hands by your head. Press feet and hands, lifting hips and then your head until arms are straight. Hold and breathe. Supported Headstand Pose (Sirshasana) This is a very advanced pose for experienced yoga practitioners, always do it with a teacher at first. Kneel, interlace fingers, and place head on mat. Lift knees, walk feet closer, then slowly lift both feet up, balancing on forearms. 

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Biking Can Help Your Brain Stay Young - Study Finds Biking To Reduce Risk Of Dementia

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Memory loss is an issue many people believe they will only have to face when they are older. However, diseases like <span>dementia</span> can happen to anyone, while it happens very rarely to people at a young age, the choices you make at these formative years have a great impact on your mind. Studies have shown how people who eat too much processed foods, do not engage in social activities and many other unhealthy habits, increase their chances of dementia and other cognitive degenerative diseases. 

Just as some choices can increase the chances, there are also habits that can decrease the chances of you getting these diseases. 

One of the best ways to decrease your chances of cognitive decline at an early age is by incorporating healthy habits into your life, like eating more plant-based and unprocessed foods, fixing your sleeping habits as well as exercising 

A new study published in the JAMA Network Open suggests that regularly riding a bicycle could be a key factor. Research published recently indicates that using a bike for getting around might reduce the risk of dementia by 19% and Alzheimer's disease by 22%. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">How Cycling Helps Your Brain</span> </h2>

The study also hinted that cycling might even help increase the size of a brain area crucial for memory. Experts explain that cycling is a moderately intense workout that also requires balance. This need for more complex brain activity, compared to simply walking, might be why it's more effective in lowering dementia risk. It's not just about adding exercise to your routine; it's about making active travel part of your daily life. Choosing to bike instead of drive for short trips can significantly contribute to your well-being. 

To reach these conclusions, researchers analyzed health data from almost 480,000 people in a long-term health study in the UK. Participants shared how they most often traveled, excluding commutes to and from work. Over an average of 13 years, more than 8,800 participants developed dementia, and nearly 4,000 developed Alzheimer’s. 

The findings showed a lower risk for both dementia and Alzheimer’s among those who cycled or who combined cycling with other forms of travel like walking, driving, or public transportation. The research team noted that promoting active travel, especially cycling, could significantly benefit public health by offering an accessible and sustainable way to maintain brain health in middle-aged and older adults. 

<h2>Cycling's Impact on Brain Structure and Genetics </h2>

Brain scans (MRIs) further supported the findings, showing that cycling was linked to a larger hippocampus, which is a part of the brain important for forming memories and learning. 

However, the benefits of cycling seemed to be strongest for people without a specific genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's (the APOE E4 genetic variant). For these individuals, cycling was associated with a 26% lower risk of dementia and a 25% lower risk of Alzheimer's. The protective effect of cycling was less clear for those with the APOE E4 gene. 

Interestingly, the study also hinted that driving a car offered some protection against dementia when compared to using public transportation like buses or subways. This suggests that even less active forms of travel might have some brain health benefits over passive modes. 

<h2>Important Considerations and Future Advice </h2>

It's important to remember that this study observed a connection, but it doesn't directly prove that cycling causes healthy brain aging. Still, the message is clear: anything that gets you outdoors and active is beneficial for your brain. It's not just the physical movement, but also the balance and the way it engages different parts of your brain. If you're able to ride a bike, it's recommended. If not, walking is still highly encouraged. The key takeaway is to choose an active way to move your body whenever possible. 

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Memory loss is an issue many people believe they will only have to face when they are older. However, diseases like dementia can happen to anyone, while it happens very rarely to people at a young age, the choices you make at these formative years have a great impact on your mind. Studies have shown how people who eat too much processed foods, do not engage in social activities and many other unhealthy habits, increase their chances of dementia and other cognitive degenerative diseases. Just as some choices can increase the chances, there are also habits that can decrease the chances of you getting these diseases. One of the best ways to decrease your chances of cognitive decline at an early age is by incorporating healthy habits into your life, like eating more plant-based and unprocessed foods, fixing your sleeping habits as well as exercising A new study published in the JAMA Network Open suggests that regularly riding a bicycle could be a key factor. Research published recently indicates that using a bike for getting around might reduce the risk of dementia by 19% and Alzheimer's disease by 22%. How Cycling Helps Your Brain The study also hinted that cycling might even help increase the size of a brain area crucial for memory. Experts explain that cycling is a moderately intense workout that also requires balance. This need for more complex brain activity, compared to simply walking, might be why it's more effective in lowering dementia risk. It's not just about adding exercise to your routine; it's about making active travel part of your daily life. Choosing to bike instead of drive for short trips can significantly contribute to your well-being. Large Study Shows the Link To reach these conclusions, researchers analyzed health data from almost 480,000 people in a long-term health study in the UK. Participants shared how they most often traveled, excluding commutes to and from work. Over an average of 13 years, more than 8,800 participants developed dementia, and nearly 4,000 developed Alzheimer’s. The findings showed a lower risk for both dementia and Alzheimer’s among those who cycled or who combined cycling with other forms of travel like walking, driving, or public transportation. The research team noted that promoting active travel, especially cycling, could significantly benefit public health by offering an accessible and sustainable way to maintain brain health in middle-aged and older adults. Cycling's Impact on Brain Structure and Genetics Brain scans (MRIs) further supported the findings, showing that cycling was linked to a larger hippocampus, which is a part of the brain important for forming memories and learning. However, the benefits of cycling seemed to be strongest for people without a specific genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's (the APOE E4 genetic variant). For these individuals, cycling was associated with a 26% lower risk of dementia and a 25% lower risk of Alzheimer's. The protective effect of cycling was less clear for those with the APOE E4 gene. Interestingly, the study also hinted that driving a car offered some protection against dementia when compared to using public transportation like buses or subways. This suggests that even less active forms of travel might have some brain health benefits over passive modes. Important Considerations and Future Advice It's important to remember that this study observed a connection, but it doesn't directly prove that cycling causes healthy brain aging. Still, the message is clear: anything that gets you outdoors and active is beneficial for your brain. It's not just the physical movement, but also the balance and the way it engages different parts of your brain. If you're able to ride a bike, it's recommended. If not, walking is still highly encouraged. The key takeaway is to choose an active way to move your body whenever possible. 

biking can help your brain stay young - study finds biking to reduce risk of dementia

Yoga Poses That Can Help Strengthen Your Ankle

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Do you often worry about twisting your ankle? Are you experiencing foot pain, balance issues, or decreased mobility as you get older? These could all be signs that your ankles are weak. While you may not notice it as much, ankles are a big part of our balance and strength foundation. They support our movements, whether it is walking, running, stretching, or even simple flexing. 

When our ankles grow weak, things and situations start changing, however you may not realize it may be due to your weak ankles. You may be getting into situations like twisting your ankles more often, experiencing pain during normal movements, etc. The Cleveland Clinic explains that weak ankles have a great effect on your knees and hips. They explained that deficient ankles cause more strain on your knees as well as the internal rotation of your hips, ultimately making it difficult to walk. However, it can be improved. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Yoga</span> Poses for Strong Ankles </h2>

The good news is that you can actively work to strengthen these crucial ankle muscles and the connective tissues around them. This effort will not only help prevent injuries but also significantly improve your balance and overall movement. Here are some yoga poses you can do to improve your ankle health. 

This pose involves kneeling and arching your back, reaching for your heels. It strengthens the front of the ankles and feet while also improving overall stability and flexibility in the lower body. As you press your shins and tops of your feet into the ground, your ankles engage to support the pose. 

Imagine sitting in an invisible chair. This pose deeply engages the muscles in your calves and ankles as you lower your hips. It builds strength in the entire foot and ankle complex, improving stability and endurance, which are crucial for preventing ankle rolling during daily activities or sports. 

While primarily a resting pose, Child's Pose can gently stretch the top of your feet and ankles, especially if you sit back on your heels. It helps to release tension and improve flexibility in the ankle joint, which is important for overall ankle health and reducing stiffness. 

This seated pose involves stacking your knees. While the main focus is on the hips, the feet and ankles are gently stretched and aligned. It encourages external rotation in the ankles and can help release tension, improving overall ankle mobility and preventing common stiffness that can lead to injury. 

Standing on one leg while wrapping the other around it, Eagle Pose is a powerful balance pose that significantly challenges and strengthens the stabilizing muscles around your standing ankle. It builds incredible ankle stability, proprioception (your body's awareness in space), and improves overall balance, making your ankles more resilient against twists and sprains. 

A simple cross-legged seated pose, Easy Pose might seem basic, but it's foundational for ankle flexibility. It gently stretches the ankles and feet, improving comfort in seated positions and maintaining mobility in the joint. This consistent gentle stretching helps prevent stiffness that can contribute to weak ankles.

<h2>Eight-Angle Pose (Astavakrasana) </h2>

This advanced arm balance requires significant core and arm strength, but it also heavily relies on strong and flexible ankles to hook around the arm and support the body's weight. It dramatically builds strength and control in the entire ankle joint, demanding high levels of stability and engagement. 

<h2>Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana) </h2>

This standing balance pose involves extending one leg forward or to the side. It greatly challenges the stabilizing muscles of your standing ankle. Holding this pose strengthens the ankle's ability to maintain balance and withstand shifts in weight, crucial for preventing common ankle injuries during movement. 

Yoga for Strong Ankles

Yoga

Yoga Asanas

Yoga Poses to Strengthen Your Ankle

Strengthen Your Ankle

Exercising for ankle strength

Yoga and health

Do you often worry about twisting your ankle? Are you experiencing foot pain, balance issues, or decreased mobility as you get older? These could all be signs that your ankles are weak. While you may not notice it as much, ankles are a big part of our balance and strength foundation. They support our movements, whether it is walking, running, stretching, or even simple flexing. When our ankles grow weak, things and situations start changing, however you may not realize it may be due to your weak ankles. You may be getting into situations like twisting your ankles more often, experiencing pain during normal movements, etc. The Cleveland Clinic explains that weak ankles have a great effect on your knees and hips. They explained that deficient ankles cause more strain on your knees as well as the internal rotation of your hips, ultimately making it difficult to walk. However, it can be improved. Yoga Poses for Strong Ankles The good news is that you can actively work to strengthen these crucial ankle muscles and the connective tissues around them. This effort will not only help prevent injuries but also significantly improve your balance and overall movement. Here are some yoga poses you can do to improve your ankle health. Camel Pose (Ustrasana) This pose involves kneeling and arching your back, reaching for your heels. It strengthens the front of the ankles and feet while also improving overall stability and flexibility in the lower body. As you press your shins and tops of your feet into the ground, your ankles engage to support the pose. Chair Pose (Utkatasana) Imagine sitting in an invisible chair. This pose deeply engages the muscles in your calves and ankles as you lower your hips. It builds strength in the entire foot and ankle complex, improving stability and endurance, which are crucial for preventing ankle rolling during daily activities or sports. Child's Pose (Balasana) While primarily a resting pose, Child's Pose can gently stretch the top of your feet and ankles, especially if you sit back on your heels. It helps to release tension and improve flexibility in the ankle joint, which is important for overall ankle health and reducing stiffness. Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana) This seated pose involves stacking your knees. While the main focus is on the hips, the feet and ankles are gently stretched and aligned. It encourages external rotation in the ankles and can help release tension, improving overall ankle mobility and preventing common stiffness that can lead to injury. Eagle Pose (Garudasana) Standing on one leg while wrapping the other around it, Eagle Pose is a powerful balance pose that significantly challenges and strengthens the stabilizing muscles around your standing ankle. It builds incredible ankle stability, proprioception (your body's awareness in space), and improves overall balance, making your ankles more resilient against twists and sprains. Easy Pose (Sukhasana) A simple cross-legged seated pose, Easy Pose might seem basic, but it's foundational for ankle flexibility. It gently stretches the ankles and feet, improving comfort in seated positions and maintaining mobility in the joint. This consistent gentle stretching helps prevent stiffness that can contribute to weak ankles. Eight-Angle Pose (Astavakrasana) This advanced arm balance requires significant core and arm strength, but it also heavily relies on strong and flexible ankles to hook around the arm and support the body's weight. It dramatically builds strength and control in the entire ankle joint, demanding high levels of stability and engagement. Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana) This standing balance pose involves extending one leg forward or to the side. It greatly challenges the stabilizing muscles of your standing ankle. Holding this pose strengthens the ankle's ability to maintain balance and withstand shifts in weight, crucial for preventing common ankle injuries during movement. 

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