Believe it or not, this simple yoga pose has major benefits for your body. Something that’s easy to do, yet good for you?…..that’s something we can all be on board with.
To do a leg drain, also known in yoga as viparita karani (inverted action), simply find a wall, lay on your back and rest your legs straight up against the wall. You can use a folded blanket or towel under your lower back to take strain off of your lower back area. Stay in the position as long as is comfortable to you.
Lymph and other fluids flow away from the legs and into the lower belly. It provides a gentle stretch to the calves, back and neck. According to the Yoga Journal, the pose also gives blood circulation a gentle boost toward the upper body and head, which creates re-balancing after standing for a long time.
This move is ultra-relaxing to the central nervous system and completely clears your mind, calms the body, and improves your flexibility. It’s a perfect move to get your day started, or after a long day or work.
Maybe. That’s why the FDA is considering banning Triclosan, a bacteria-killing chemical used in hand sanitizers and liquid soaps. Some experts think that it alters hormones and helps to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Further studies are needed to determine if the additive is dangerous. The reality is, we really don’t know yet. The jury is still out on this one. It’s best just to go old school and use regular soap and water to clean your hands until we know more.
Posted 2 weeks, 1 day ago. Add a comment
Phthalates are used to enhance fragrance or make it last longer. They are commonly found in perfumes, fragrance, hair products, deodorants, body lotions and nail polish. Unfortunately they are NOT required to be listed on labels as they are classified as proprietary. This is a cause for concern as consumers have no real way of knowing which products contain them. In order to be a savvy consumer avoid products that claim an ingredient as ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’. They are believed to cause cancer, disrupt DNA and have been linked to birth defects. Always read your labels and use products that are phthalate-free.
Posted 2 weeks, 5 days ago. Add a comment
Your body benefits greatly just by the simple act of deep breathing. A slow, controlled breath will not only soothe the central nervous system to make you more relaxed, but also helps your body in these ways:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relaxes muscles
- Helps weight loss
- Increases energy
- Calms the mind
- Aids sleep
- Fights wrinkles
- Slows heart rate
- Aids in digestion
- Boosts the lymphatic system (which carries toxins away from the cells)
Posted 3 weeks, 2 days ago. Add a comment
Plastic bags are not biodegradable. Even if they say they are, they do not decompose fully. Also the ink is made up of cadmium, and is highly toxic when it is released. Whereas paper bags are reusable and biodegradable. If your purchase is small don’t take any bag, this alone could save hundreds of millions of bags. Bring a cloth bag when you shop, or use string bags.
Posted 3 weeks, 3 days ago. Add a comment
If you exchange bleu cheese for feta in your salad, and skip the dried cranberries and candied walnuts altogether, you’ll save 275 calories! Simple changes on your plate can mean huge changes to your abs!
Posted 3 weeks, 5 days ago. Add a comment
Researchers at Tufts University found that even a 1% to 2% dip in hydration, the point at which you feel thirsty, can make you sluggish. Your cells rely on water to make and use energy. It is recommended to drink at least half a cup every hour, or 8 cups throughout the day.
Enjoy the summer while you can. We are 2/3 of the way through the summer 2010…already! Don’t forget to explore the luscious elements of summer while they are still here. Green grass, trees in full bloom, flowers fading into their late-summer coloring. Soak every bit of it up and enjoy each second of it. Love your life! You’ll never have a summer of 2010 again, so do it right.
Make your own all-purpose eco household cleanser. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water, and add a couple drops of an essential oil (lemon and lavender are exceptional) to scent the mixture. As effective as supermarket brand cleansers, and eco-friendly! We love that!
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago. Add a comment
A morning bath can make you feel revitalized. Use a stimulating essential oil such as rosemary or grapefruit.
Don’t stay in the tub too long, as an ultra-long bath strains your circulation and hot water dissolves your skin’s natural lipids. There is a definite correlation between bath temperatures, duration of soak and the mood your bath leaves you in.
REFRESHING
77 degrees F to 86 degrees F – Duration 10 minutes
RELAXING
98 degrees F to 102 degrees F – Duration 15-20 minutes
THERAPEUTIC
102 degrees F to 104 degrees F – Duration 10-30 minutes. To treat a cold or induce sweating.
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago. 1 comment
