NATURAL HEALTH & BEAUTY

Everyone is apprehensive about contracting the H1N1 virus!

Result:

-Long line-ups at clinics for vaccinations to protect themselves and their families.

-Rumours floating around about a shortage of vaccines.

-Heated arguments over whether the vaccine is effective or not.

This morning I was reading an article in the Toronto Star by Judy Gerstel on the H1N1 virus. And she mentions that the virus enters the body through the nose, and then spreads into the lower airways. After that, the strength of your immune system determines whether you get infected.

It was then that an idea struck me that I felt impelled to share with you. The idea: Keep your nose clean to stave off H1N1.

Whether or not you plan on taking the vaccination when it becomes available, this preventive measure will help you to keep it at bay.

In India, people are fastidious about the cleanliness of their nasal passages. This is one reason the streets are not always clean (if you get my drift!). The frequent honking heard is not always from cars!

The populations’ morning ablutions generally include inhaling water up their nostrils, and then expelling the water, together with the contents. Including germs!

This practice is advocated in Yoga too.

So try this to fight off H1N1:

Method 1 - Inhale a palmful of comfortably hot water into your nostrils. Inhale just high enough up your airway passage so you don’t choke, and then forcefully exhale the water. Repeat three times. Inhale up both nostrils simultaneously, so that it won’t matter if one is blocked.

Method 2 - Take a mouthful of the hot water, and tilt your head back. Begin to gargle deep in your throat, and then expell the water through your nose. You may find this difficult to do at first, but it becomes easy with practice. I can vouch for that!

Make a practice of doing this (either method) every morning. You’ll feel good, and breathe easier knowing you’re flushing away nasty germs.

I’d be very surprised if you reported getting any flu, while awaiting vaccination or not, if you do this daily.

In any case, always follow your doctor’s advice.

And, thank you, Ms Gerstel, for giving me this brainwave!

To your good health,

Roshmi & Jay

Under-eye circles and puffiness look ugly and can mar even the most youthful and perfect face. Unfortunately, the under eye area is very vulnerable to aging as the skin under the eyes is thin and delicate.

As you age, the fat pad under the eyes thins out causing the skin to bag and the under-eye blood vessels to become more noticeable. Factors such as lack of sleep (or too much), dehydration (or fluid retention), poor diet, hay fever and allergies, certain medications (and certain medical conditions) - or even your genetics - can cause the problem.

The following steps could help reduce these dark patches.

Sleep is a must - 7/8 hours are essential. Drink enough water and make sure your diet includes generous helpings of green vegetables.

A yoga asana - ‘the inversion pose’ can be extremely helpful if you’re supple enough or a yoga practitioner. Alternatively, try lying down on the floor and raising your legs at right angles to your body. It’s okay to use the wall or any vertical support to prop your legs up at right angles. Hold this pose for a few minutes, breathing normally. Start with half a minute and build up to three.

There are also some commercial formulas that are known to be effective. Moisturizing emollients and natural ingredients help counter moisture loss and the appearance of skin pigmentation -the characteristics of dark under-eye circles.

Direct application of cucumber juice can also work in the long term. Grate raw cucumber without peeling and apply the extracted juice on the dark or puffy under-eye area. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Here’s to a pair of sparkling eyes, unmarred by unsightly dark rings,

Jay & Roshmi

In the course of our on-going search to help people feel healthier and look younger – without drugs or surgery - we recently came across a program which could be the answer for those showing the ravages of time and lifestyle on their faces.

If you would love to look younger and have chiseled facial features, the program promises to transform a plump or sagging face into a firm, youthful one within four weeks.

These miraculous results are brought about - naturally - through diet and exercise. And it’s not just for aspiring models, it’s a program for the average person, male or female, who wants to look younger and flaunt the sculpted face that draws everyone’s admiration.

I’m sorry I can’t give you the details on this blog - read here how to get a sculpted face

If the program appeals to you, you can download it and start the exercises immediately, in time to look your best for the holiday season!

Roshmi & Jay