Health
History of Yoga – It’s more than just exercise…

History of Yoga
B.K.S Iyengar, the great Yoga teacher, once quoted: “Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one’s being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union – the union of the body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
If this quote is a bit difficult to comprehend, all the Yoga teacher is trying to say is that it isn’t just another form of physical exercise but actually a way of life.
Yoga – It’s more of a Philosophy, really
Perhaps the most controversial person in Yoga today is Bikram Chowdhury, who rather cheekily calls himself the Beverly Hills Yogi, thanks to his much-criticized actions of patenting his style of yoga in the United States.
And even though he is cashing in on his ability to help people lead healthier lives through Bikram Yoga, he openly admits that Americans (and, in fact, several people worldwide) are only acquainted with its physical form, known as ‘hatha yoga.’
So, if you really want to understand yoga for what it truly is, you’ll have to delve into how it’s actually practiced in its birthplace… India. Simply put, this type of exercise is only a part of the Hindu philosophy governing their daily lives.
While not everyone in India does not practice yoga (since it only covers the physical aspect of becoming a yogi/ yogini), a majority of them practice Hinduism and which should tell you that the goal of any Hindu (and yogi/ yogini) is to attain “samadhi” – the highest level of concentrated meditation towards the “truth”.
And perhaps it’s no surprise that Arnie also believed that the body and mind have to work together if you want to achieve a higher fitness level like no other. In fact, he takes another level further by saying that to be at his best, he has to cut off all emotion that might distract him from the final goal he has set for himself.
Of course, studying the history of yoga (or for that matter anything that you would like to understand well) is also an excellent way to understand it better because it provides you with the all-important context that is so needed to gain a fuller understanding… be it a country’s fiscal state or even gauge the state of cinema in today’s world.
The History of Yoga
Chandragupta Maurya. The student of Chanakya, otherwise known as the Indian Machiavelli. It was during his reign that India flourished, and until this day is remembered as “the Golden Age” between the years of 321 to 185 BC.
During this time of prosperity, Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras, which is what the yoga of today is based on, using one of the oldest Indian schools of philosophy known as Samkhya.
Many scholars consider this school of philosophy to be the basis for yoga in its earliest form since it draws the routines of meditation and exercises from this philosophy.
In his book, the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali described the eight steps to attaining bliss as an individual as a way of Life. Of course, the obvious reason for these steps is that it is considered to be extremely difficult to reach this point, as the struggles of daily living are obstacles that one has to overcome.
With physical exercise only being one step of Ashtanga Yoga, i.e., the Asana, it’s no surprise that the yoga classes that are taught the world over are incomplete by Yoga purists, such as Bikram Chowdhury himself.
In Closing
In conclusion, exercise works best (with fitness being its results) only when the mind is at complete rest, and vice-versa…
Health
Comprehensive Guide to Mimosa Hostilis: Unlocking Nature’s Healing Secrets

Introduction
The Mimosa Hostilis plant is a powerful and diverse healer, and we’re happy to provide you with this comprehensive guide. This essay will explore Mimosa Hostilis, discussing its history, customary use, medical properties, and increasing therapeutic interest. If you’re looking for an exhaustive study of this remarkable plant, you’ve found it.
What is Mimosa Hostilis?
The northeastern parts of Brazil are home to the perennial tree Mimosa Hostilis. Mimosa tenuiflora is its scientific name, and a member of the Fabaceae family of plants. There are a number of names for this plant, including “Jurema,” “Jurema Preta,” and “Tepezcohuite.” Mimosa Hostilis is highly prized for its medicinal bark due to its wide range of potential uses.
Traditional Uses
For thousands of years, indigenous peoples across Brazil and the rest of South America have relied on Mimosa Hostilis. Recognizing the plant’s special curative properties, these communities have venerated it for ages. In its traditional forms, Mimosa Hostilis uses are:
1. Medicinal Purposes
Mimosa Hostilis has been used for its curative powers to cure a wide range of illnesses. It helps heal and calm cuts, scrapes, and burns when applied topically. There’s also speculation that it can aid tissue regeneration and general skin health.
2. Natural Dye
Mimosa Hostilis is a highly prized natural dye known for its brilliant reddish-brown inner root bark. It has been used as a natural dye by indigenous people.
Medicinal Benefits
Mimosa Hostilis, for its therapeutic potential, has received a lot of attention in recent years. Traditional applications have been supported by recent scientific investigations into its health advantages. Some of the most important therapeutic benefits include:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Mimosa Hostilis tree has strong anti-inflammatory chemicals that can lessen inflammation and the pain it causes.
2. Antioxidant Activity
The antioxidant properties of Mimosa Hostilis make it effective against oxidative stress, preventing damage to cells caused by free radicals and boosting health.
3. Wound Healing
There is evidence to suggest that Mimosa Hostilis can aid in the healing of skin wounds like cuts and scrapes.
4. Analgesic Effects
Certain parts of the plant have analgesic qualities and are used to treat pain and other unpleasant sensations.
5. Antimicrobial Action
Mimosa hostilis demonstrated antibacterial activity, suggesting it could be used as a natural treatment for a range of diseases.
Modern Applications
Mimosa Hostilis’s fame has grown rapidly outside its usual contexts in recent years. Herbalists, advocates of complementary and alternative medicine, and those in search of non-invasive treatments have all taken an interest in this plant. Some current uses of Mimosa Hostilis are:
1. Skincare Products
Mimosa Hostilis has been used in numerous creams, lotions, and serums due to its calming effects on the skin.
2. Natural Cosmetics
Natural cosmetics that utilize Mimosa Hostilis for its superior dyeing properties are a more sustainable alternative to their synthetically produced counterparts.
3. Ethnobotanical Research
Researchers in pharmacology, ethnobotany, and biochemistry are all looking into Mimosa Hostilis to better understand its many benefits.
Cultivation and Sustainability
The importance of sustainable farming procedures for Mimosa Hostilis grows as demand rises. The plant’s abundance and ecological balance rely on careful harvesting and protection during its life cycle.
Conclusion
Mimosa Hostilis is a miraculous natural gift with numerous potential medicinal applications. Many people find it fascinating because of its long history, various traditional uses, and several contemporary applications. Mimosa hostilis is a shining example of the potential of natural treatments, connecting old knowledge with cutting-edge science.
Health
Healthcare Reform Bill: And justice for all?

Introduction
Ever so often, there comes a movie that slips across that fine line from fantasy into reality (typo intended!) with an ensemble of stars known for their acting prowess. Of course, the critics still have to nitpick, but we would always find it engaging and interesting enough to talk about at the water cooler for the common moviegoer.
And I’m talking about ‘Lions for Lambs,’ which had Meryl Streep (journalist), Robert Redford (Professor in Political Science), and Tom Cruise (U.S. Senator) with the theme of a movie about the war in Afghanistan.
Watching Tom and Meryl go at it for about an hour filled with dramatic monologues from the former and snappy comebacks from the latter was a treat to watch, while Robert’s performance also reminded me that there are three professionals you just cannot trust these days… politicians, car salesmen, and lawyers. And some have engaged in the other two professions before taking office (and that public oath they seem to take for granted).
Political Parties, Bills, and an apparent lack of interest in Patriotism
What struck me the most was the apparent lack of interest in making a change, where some who are motivated enough do what they have to do, whereas others just passively sit on the sidelines and ‘blame it all on someone else.’
And of late, we have the Democrats and the Republicans playing these roles with the buildup to the healthcare bill (Obama’s Universal Healthcare Plan) released on March 21, 2010, with absolutely no support from the Republicans. So much for bipartisanship… huh?
Sad but true, really.
The BBC referred to this victory as the most ‘crucial’ since Obama has been in power, and you can be sure that the ‘change’ has just begun… a change in healthcare reform that will cover 95% of Americans as opposed to the 83% today, specifically to uninsured Americans. An important element of the bill will ban insurance companies from denying coverage for ongoing medical problems.
But apart from all this hue and cry about it being a historic landmark in healthcare reform, one might wonder what this bill can do for him/ her. So, here are a couple of pointers that might help…
Healthcare Reform Bill: And justice for all?
What surprises me is that ‘universal healthcare’ wasn’t even an option in the United States until now, which has been an important part of the healthcare system in several countries for so long now!
Anyways, now that the bill has been passed and made a law, some of the changes will take effect immediately, while others will take place between now and 2014.
1. Cost – An expenditure of $ 940 billion over 10 years
2. Coverage – 32 million uninsured Americans will be covered
3. Medicare – The prescription drug coverage gap is closed, while people over 65 will receive discounts and rebates on brand-name drugs.
4. Medicaid – Expanded to include families under 65 with low gross incomes
5. Insurance Reform – The ability to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions has been taken away.
6. Insurance Exchanges – Thanks to state-based exchanges, self-employed and uninsured citizens can now buy insurance.
7. Subsidies – Low-income families and individuals are NOW eligible to purchase insurance.
8. Individual Mandate: Everyone should be covered by Medicaid or Medicare, or they will be fined.
9. High-cost insurance – Employers who make their workers take costlier plans are subject to further taxation on excess premiums.
In Closing
And somewhere, Karl Marx will be turning in his grave while perhaps the resounding argument of the Political Science professor in ‘Lions for Lambs’ about making a change is finally here…
Health
Veggie experiment over already?! – Workout Recap (April 19-26, 2009)

You can follow my weekly recaps here every Sunday, but you can follow me every day as I post daily updates of my journey from GeekLand to FreakVille at Geek2Freak.com.
Current Stats and Measurements (April 26, 2009)
- Height – 6’3″
- Weight – 189.6 lb.
- Bodyfat – 9.94% (Skinfolds in mm – Chest:6, Abs:16, Thigh:13)
- Biceps – 14″
- Calves – 14.8″
- Thighs – 24.1″
- Waist – 33.1″
- Chest – 42.3″
“How to Get Abs” Progress Pics (April 26, 2009)
Today’s Diet Log
For up-to-the-minute coverage of my world-famous digestive system, check out my very cool and overly-detailed Diet Log.
Current Supplements
- 100% Whey Protein – Gold Standard
- Life Extension Multivitamins
- NOW Foods, Super EPA Double strength – 60 Softgels (Fish Oil Capsules)
- Optimum Nutrition Flaxseed Oil Softgels
- Greens+, 9.4 oz powder
Weekly Recap (April 19-26, 2009)
I’ve been 100% clean and meatless for 11 straight days, meaning absolutely no junk or processed food, only natural, whole, and mostly organic goodness.
On top of that, it was all raw up until 2 days ago as well.
I went back to cooking veggies because they were seriously messing with my “plumbing.” This was likely just my system getting used to them, but I was starting to dislike eating them at all.
It wasn’t even necessarily the taste, but something else. I’m not even sure what, maybe just the sheer amount that I had to crunch through at one time to get enough protein from the broccoli and spinach, but I got to the point after a little over a week where I was dreading mealtime.
That’s NEVER a good thing because even at 100% clean, I’ve still found my old diet very satisfying.
As far as the measurements, they were about as consistent as they could be, almost identical to last week, which normally wouldn’t be so bad, but this is the longest I’ve gone being 100% clean in a long time, so I was expecting a little better, especially a drop back into the 32’s in my waist.
My theory is that the enormous amounts of fruit I’m eating (12 servings/day) are just too many carbs, but I still need those calories.
I can’t turn many other places for calories on a meatless diet because I’m already consuming 12 servings of vegetables per day, too, along with 6-8 servings of nuts, plus a protein shake.
I could always turn to beans, quinoa, etc., for the extra protein and calories to replace the fruit. Still, my number one reason for trying this veggie experiment in the first place was the quickness and ease of eating without having to cook anything at all.
So, given the mounting difficulties for little to no improvement, I’m going to go back to my regular diet this week to compare the results.
My “regular” includes pretty much the exact same foods, but chicken and fish will now replace about 9 servings of fruit per day, bringing me down to only three: 1 apple, 1 orange, and 1 banana.
If I all of a sudden explode from meat reintroduction, then I’ll reexamine the veggie thing, but for right now, it just doesn’t “feel” right, and I never had any issue with meat, to begin with. I was just thinking how convenient it would be not always to have to be around a freezer or oven to store and cook meat.
I am cutting the veggie experiment short (11 days instead of 30), but I’m going with my “gut”.
It comes down to, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’ve had excellent results on my previous diet when I stick to it 100%, so I’m returning to the tried-and-true to prepare for summer!
That about wraps it up for this week. See you next Sunday, and don’t forget you can follow my daily updates at Geek2Freak.com.
Are there any other vegetarians/fitness enthusiasts out there? If so, let me know what the transition was like for you…
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