The Health Benefits of Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)

We at CNY Healing Arts are big fans of and true believers in the range of benefits offered by Ardha Matsyendrasana. In Sanskrit, “ardha” means half, “matsya” means fish, “indra” means ruler, and “asana” means pose. Translate that to English and it reads: Half Lord of the Fishes Pose.

It is helpful to warm up your hips for this most freeing, balancing, and energizing of seated twists. Try some hip openers like Baddha Konasana (Cobbler’s Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), or Ustrasana (Camel Pose) before practicing this posture. If you have a spine or back injury, do not perform this pose unless under the supervision of an experienced yoga practitioner.

Check out our yoga class schedule by location – Syracuse, Rochester, Albany – and plan your next visit to CNY Healing Arts. 

Getting Into Half Lord of the Fishes Pose: 

            Start in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Bend your right knee and place the foot flat on the floor. Cross your right leg over your left and position the sole of your right foot on the floor outside your left thigh. Bend your left knee and tuck the foot in near your right buttock. Lay the outside of the left leg on the floor.

            Now, inhale and bring your upper left arm to rest on your right thigh. Exhale and twist at the waist, rotating towards the inside of your right thigh until it snugly meets your front torso. Place the palm of your right hand against the floor just behind your right buttock and press it firmly into the floor. Hint: your spine should stay straight in this posture.

            Look out over your right shoulder, but don’t overturn the neck. Try to draw your spine longer and longer with each inhale, and deepen the twist a little more with each exhale. The twist should be distributed evenly throughout the entire length of your spine, so avoid concentrating it in any specific area like the neck or lower back. Be sure to keep your right foot flat on the floor. Hint: the twist should be in the waist, not the neck.

            Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute. End on an exhale and take a slight counter twist in the opposite direction. Now, release your legs, rest for several moments, and practice Ardha Matsyendrasana when twisting to the left. Hint: don’t always start by twisting to the right first, then the left – switch it up to keep balance in your routine.           

Benefits of Half Lord of the Fishes Pose: 

• Tones and strengthens abs and obliques
• Stretches and energizes the spine
• Open the shoulders, neck, and hips
• Increases flexibility, especially in hips and spine
• Cleanses the internal organs
• Improves digestion and elimination of wastes
• Relieves symptoms of backache, fatigue, menstrual discomfort and sciatica
• Stimulates liver, heart, lungs, kidneys and spleen
• Releases excess heat and toxins from organs and tissues

Acupuncture for the Immune System

The oldest known medical book to date was written around 4000 years ago in China. This book describes the use of acupuncture to treat a wide range of medical issues. From there, knowledge of the treatment’s benefits spread across Asia – reaching Europe by the 1700s. Only in the last 200 years has acupuncture been medically prevalent in the United States.

Despite this short period of relevance, we have a good understanding of what happens when a person undergoes acupuncture. In a nutshell, treatment may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can then cause the body to release hormones, brain chemicals, and proteins that collectively govern a number of its functions: balancing blood pressure and body temperature, strengthening the immune system, and relieving pain.

These advantages of acupuncture are much of the reason why the treatment is often recommended to those fighting cancer. Moreover, we can all benefit from a natural immune boost, cancer or not. You see, when we build up the body’s natural defenses, it is significantly less likely that hostile organisms (like viruses or bacteria) will be able to take over. If our bodies fail to protect us, we get sick.

Acupuncture cannot cure a weak immune system; only you can take control of your health by choosing to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and be emotionally healthy. Acupuncture can complement and support your body when restoring it to good health. Treatment works to revitalize you – down to the very cells that make up your body.

To make an appointment for either consultation or treatment, contact us.

Developing a Yogic Lifestyle

Written by Kim Fischer, below is a recent article taken from her blog, Lotus Life Yoga. Kim is a certified yoga instructor at our Syracuse CNY Healing Arts Center. Class schedule here.

It’s fantastic when we can get to a studio, unroll our mat, and begin our practice. There is nothing like being surrounded by like-minded individuals to set our heart and mind straight. The physical postures (asanas) bring an exercise for the body. They help to tone, lengthen, and improve the function of various muscles and organs within the body. Asanas also bring us a great sense of peace and surrender, unlike anything we have experienced before. I personally have trouble describing the affects in words. But what most people don’t realize is that there is more to yoga than just the asanas, there is yoga to be done, off of our mats.

Yoga can be practiced anywhere. And the skills that we learn while on the mat, can be adapted to every day situations. We no longer need to limit our practice to the four walls in our community studio. If yoga isn’t just physical postures, then what is it?  Quite simply, yoga can be everything we do. Meaning, it is the words we speak, the food we choose to eat, the thoughts we think, the actions we display. Everything we do, can become an act of yoga. It is almost our duty as yogis to bring this light and love into our communities. Yoga is such a gift, to not share it with others should be a crime. Live your yoga through your everyday actions and responsibilities.

Try these exercises to develop a yogic lifestyle, off the mat.  Be present for others; The next time you are in line at the super market or cafe, get off the cell phone. Be totally available and present to the store associate that is serving you. Ask them how they are, and connect for a few seconds. You’ll immediately life their spirits, and make them feel appreciated. Adopt a vegetarian diet; Practicing vegetarianism has a strong impact on the environment, the animals of this planet, and your body. You are also observing Ahimsa (simply meaning to do no harm), one of the yamas. There are plenty of cookbooks and information nowadays to guide you on a safe and healthy path to clean eating. Speak no gossip; Try to go a day without talking negatively about others. Notice if it is hard or easy to do. Too many people spend too much time socializing about others. That energy and time could be spent in a positive and uplifting way. In this exercise we practice right speech, loving speech. Listen, listen, listen; Many times we are too busy thinking of our tasks to accomplish or what we want to say, rather than listening to people. The next time someone speaks to you, practice active listening. You can do this by pretending that once the person is done talking, your task will be to repeat everything they just said to you. This is quite a challenge, but very necessary if we truly wish to hear another, completely. There are hundreds of additional ways to practice yoga within your life. Can you think of more examples? Most of all, when in doubt or at a cross road, turn to the Yamas and Niyamas. Also ask yourself, “what’s the loving thing to do?”

Love,
Kim

Egg Donor Open House & Informational Evening

WHEN: Tuesday, May 10th, 2011, 6:00-8:00pm
WHERE: CNY Healing Arts, 191 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY

Join us for an Egg Donor Open House and Informational Evening. Light refreshments will be offered, we are also raffling off door prizes. *RSVP to Kari Gardner, Donor Coordinator by May 4th. 315-671-3079 or kgardner@cnyfertility.com

CNY Fertility, one of the region’s most respected and successful fertility centers, is currently interviewing young women ages 21-32 to anonymously donate their extra eggs, giving infertile couples and women a chance to have children. The procedure does not involve surrogacy and no medical expenses are incurred. There is no waiting list for recipients. Donors will be compensated $4000 at the end of their egg donation cycle.

Syracuse • Albany • Rochester
www.cnyfertility.com • www.cnyhealingarts.com

25% Off Herb Sale Extends Through the Month of May

CNY Healing Arts Centers in Syracuse, Albany, and Rochester NY are pleased to share that we are extending our herb discount sale through the month of May, 2011. It’s a great time to stock up your wellness cabinet and enjoy savings of 25% off all herbs. Please inquire with the acupuncturists on staff at the center nearest you. For locations, directions and hours of operation – click here.

The Health Benefits of Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose)

This is a great pose for athletes. It treats the typical sources of lower-body soreness, especially in runners: tight quads, hamstrings, and hips. Low Lunge may seem simple at first, but there are a plethora of benefits to this posture.

If you are having trouble balancing, try practicing this pose facing a wall. Press the big toe of the front foot against the wall and stretch your arms up, fingertips to the wall if necessary. 

Getting Into Low Lunge Pose: 

Start in Downward-Facing Dog. From there, exhale and step your right foot forward between your hands. If you have trouble reaching, use your hand to move your foot up, aligning knee over heel. Then lower your left knee to the floor, placing the top of that foot on the floor.

Slide the left leg back until you feel a comfortable stretch in the front thigh and groin. Make sure to keep your right knee fixed in place as you do this. As you exhale, gradually take the lunge deeper by allowing the right knee to move slightly in front of the ankle.

Now, inhale and lift your torso upright while sweeping your arms out to your sides and up overhead. Your arms should be straight and perpendicular to the floor. Remember to avoid slouching! Engage your core and grow taller from your pelvis through the crown of your head. Keep your chin lifted slightly, but not so much that it compresses your neck.

Hold for 1 minute then exhale your torso down so you can place your hands on the floor on each side of your right foot. Turn your toes back under and, with another exhale, lift your left knee off of the floor and step back to Downward-Facing Dog. Repeat Anjaneyasana for the same amount of time with your left foot forward. 

Benefits of Low Lunge Pose: 

• Releases tension in your hips
• Stretches your hamstrings, quads, and groin
• Strengthens your knees
• Helps build mental focus

Acupuncture for Allergies

Each year, almost $6 billion are spent on medications for the treatment of allergies, with another $300 million spent on office visits. In America, an estimated 50 million people suffer from a variety of allergies. In each case, a person’s allergies are specific to certain allergens. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction, where the body may identify it as foreign or dangerous.

So, what is an allergy you ask? An allergy is defined as your immune system’s exaggerated reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Your immune system is usually pretty good at distinguishing between the good stuff and bad stuff in your body, but in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals to fight it off. This is what causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, swelling, hives, rashes, mucus production, muscles spasms, and more.

Acupuncture is an incredibly helpful treatment for allergies, sometimes curing it altogether. In Chinese medicine, allergies are said to be caused by an “invasion of wind cold.” Treatment is aimed at dispersing “wind” and nourishing the immune system. In western medicine, acupuncture is known to balance the unconscious responses of the nervous system, thereby decreasing the body’s reactivity to allergens. In effect, acupuncture improves the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

After treatment, patients often feel calmer, can sleep better, and withstand illness more easily. This is probably due to the fact that acupuncture significantly decreases stress levels. Furthermore, the ancient Chinese thought that acupuncture could improve life span. Since we know that stress increases cell deterioration, it is possible that acupuncture does fight aging and help us live longer.

If you’re interested in acupuncture to treat your allergies, please call the location nearest you.

Syracuse – 315.671.6755
Rochester – 585.244.1280 ext.2
Latham – 518.724.5750

Refreshing Spring Drink: Iced Green Tea Latte

Written by Kim Fischer, below is a recent article taken from her blog, Lotus Life Yoga. Kim is a certified yoga instructor at our Syracuse CNY Healing Arts Center.

Iced Green Tea Latte Recipe

Spring is here and it has inspired me to make my favorite green tea drink. Its easy and fun to make. The recipe is below, enjoy!
 
Matcha Powder – Found in most Asian markets

Ingredients: Matcha (green tea powder), Agave Nectar, Soy Milk (vanilla) and Ice

Mix a spoonful of the Matcha, ice and 8-12 oz of soy milk together in a sports drink bottle (something you can shake and not make a mess), add the Agave to taste (a little does a lot). Shake it vigorously to mix all of the powder, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (16 fl oz) Calories 260 Calories From Fat 35

% DailyValue
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 0.5g 2%
Trans Fat 0g
 
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 105mg 5%
TotalCarbohydrate 48g 17%
DietaryFiber 2g 8%
Sugars 44g
 
Protein 7g

Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 15%
Calcium 35%
Iron 8% 
Caffeine 80mg
PercentDailyValsBasedOn2KcalDiet (Nutrition info. from Starbucks website/varies according to your taste)
Cheers,
Kim Fischer

The Health Benefits of Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)

Purvottanasana means intense eastward facing stretch. As the sun “rises in the east and sets in the west,” the east is known as the direction of new beginnings and budding potential. In Upward Plank Pose, we draw on the strength of the core and leg muscles, as well as the support of the shoulders beneath the heart.

Note: if you are a beginner struggling with Purvottanasana, practice your posture with the support of a chair. Sit near the front edge of the seat and wrap your hands around the back edge. Inhale as you lift your pelvis, then straighten each leg with an inhale. 

Getting Into Upward Plank Pose: 

Start in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Place your hands behind your hips with the tips of your fingers right behind your buttocks. Either point your fingers towards your body, which is more common, or away from your body. If you point them towards your body, your shoulders will be less open, but it’s a great stretch for your wrist flexors. If you have limited range of motion of the wrist, this posture may hurt and is not recommended.

If you point your fingers away from your body, your shoulders will be more open and will allow a greater stretch in your chest, but it is more likely for your elbow to hyperextend. If you have trouble with hyperextension in your elbows, this posture may be uncomfortable for you. As you move into Purvottanasana, you could have someone press the outside of your arms inward to stabilize your elbows.

Now, keep your legs extended along the mat, or, if you need to modify, bend your knees and place your feet on the floor. Exhale and lift your bottom off the floor, pressing your hips upward. As you come into position, push through your thumbs and big toes. Straighten your legs one at a time and avoid hardening your buttocks. Ideally, your torso should be parallel to the floor, but it can take some time. Support the lift of your chest by firming your shoulder blades against your back.

As you move into posture, you will want to keep your neck elongated (you will be fighting gravity from pulling your head down). When you’re comfortable in Purvottanasana, you will want to keep a slight chin tuck as you lower the crown of your head towards the floor. You don’t want to feel any compression in your spine as you do this. Relax and breathe steadily, holding posture for 30 seconds. As you exhale, sit back down in Dandasana. 

Benefits of Upward Plank Pose: 

• Strengthens your triceps, wrists, back, and legs
• Stretches your shoulders, chest, and front ankles
• Frees your mind
• Helps keep you open to new possibilities

The Health Benefits of Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose)

In Sanskrit, “paripurna” means entire, full, or complete, “nava” means boat, and “asana” means pose; hence, the English name: Full Boat Pose. Despite the effort and many actions involved, finding stability in this posture can help calm and align your body, mind, and emotions.

To practice Full Boat Pose with a licensed yoga practitioner, check out our yoga class schedules by location (Syracuse, Rochester, Albany).

Getting Into Full Boat Pose:

Sit on the floor with knees bent, feet flat, and legs together. Slide your hands a little behind your hips, fingers pointing toward your feet and elbows bent away from you. Lean back slightly and lift your heels an inch or two off the floor. Make sure your back does not round, but stays straight throughout this pose.

Draw your shoulder blades together momentarily to lift and open your chest. Slowly begin to straighten your legs through the heels. Ideally, when your legs are fully straightened, your thighs should be angled about 45 degrees to the floor and the tips of your toes should be slightly above the level of your eyes. If you are unable to straighten your legs while raising them, try keeping your knees bent (shins parallel to the floor).

Now, stretch your arms forward alongside your legs, palms facing down. Spread your shoulder blades across your back and reach strongly out through your fingers (while maintaining a straight back and long torso). Your arms should be parallel to each other as well as to the floor. If you are unable to raise your arms while in Paripurna Navasana, either grip the back of your thighs or keep your hands behind your hips where they were.

Open your chest and relax your shoulders down your back. Put as much effort into lifting your chest as you are in lifting your legs. Breathe steadily and hold for 2-6 breaths. Gradually increase your endurance until you can hold the posture for a full minute. To release: bring the legs in as you exhale and sit upright as you inhale.        

Benefits of Full Boat Pose: 

• Tones and strengthens your abdominal muscles
• Improves balance and digestion
• Stretches your hamstrings
• Strengthens your spine and hip flexors
• Stimulates the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines
• Aids in stress relief
• Improves confidence