No matter how dearly we love ourselves there are few things that will always rob us off our confidence. From belly fat, love handles to saggy arms and double chin - these are the problem areas that are hard to hide and instantly begin to show if we put on the slightest weight. Work your way through hiding that winter weight gain but one thing that will always be right out in the open is double chin. Excess weight is one of the biggest perpetrators of that extra facial mass, whereas age-related collagen loss also causes our skin to lose its elasticity and become saggy. If double chin has been your cause of concern then fret not! We bring you the natural way to achieve that enviable look all over again.Yoga has answers to some of our most common, everyday woes. Can the age-old practice help beat double chin? "Of course, you can try facial yoga. Other than that, all postures that come under 'the heart opener' are effective in reducing double chin. These include all such asanas that require you to extend your hands back, like the camel pose," says Manisha Kohli, co-founder of Yoga Chakra, GK II, Delhi.

Easy yogic tricks to reduce double chin with double chin exercises can be The Chub Blaster, The Giraffe, The Fish Expression, and The Dumbbell Technique.

1. The Chub Blaster
This will give a your jaw and neck and nice stretch and work on toning the muscles. Follow the steps given below.

- Stand or sit in a comfortable position - padmasana or sukhasana.

- Keep your head in a normal position.

- Now, lift your lower lip as much as possible and push your lower jaw out.

- You can feel the tension in your chin and jaw muscles.

- Stay for 10-15 seconds and relax.

2. The Giraffe

This one is the easiest of the lot and works magic on toning up that double chin when double chin workouts are done regularly.

- Sit comfortably and look ahead.

- Place your fingers at the end of your neck and stroke your skin downward.

- Simultaneously, tilt your head backwards.

- Now bend your neck to touch your chest with your chin.

- Repeat the entire process two times.

Try neck rotations, neck bends and several other neck exercises to get better results.

3. The Fish Expression

Another effective way to tighten your facial muscles is by doing the fish expression. Suck your lips and cheeks in till your mouth starts resembling a fish. Now look right and left, then up and hold the pose for 10-15 seconds. Repeat thrice.

4. The Dumbbell Technique

You can also try the dumbbell technique wherein you lift your chin up and repeatedly open and close your mouth for -10-15 seconds; repeat thrice.

Get in touch with a certified yoga practitioner to learn more double chin workouts and exercises to reduce double chin

Flax seeds are one of the world’s oldest super foods. They can improve your skin and hair health, keep your heart healthy, fight cancer, lower cholesterol and help you lose weight. Yet, they hardly look impressive. Small and brown with no smell, nobody can guess that they are such reservoirs of nutrients invaluable for our health and well-being.

Nutrient profile

Flax seeds are the richest source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids in the world!
They are the number one source of lignans in our diets.
They are also storehouse of minerals like manganese, magnesium as well as fibre, protein and vitamin B1.
Health benefits of flax seeds

Heart healthy: Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known as 'good' fats that have been shown to have a number of heart healthy effects. Flax seeds can naturally reduce cholesterol levels. This happens because the high fibre content in flax traps cholesterol in the digestive tract so it doesn’t get absorbed. They also prevent hardening of arteries due to deposition of plaque and treat heart arrhythmias.

Super digestive aids: Fibre in flax seeds helps delay the passage of food through the GI tract. This increases nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Fibre also supports colon detoxification, fat loss and reduces sugar cravings.

Natural hormones: Lignans are very important plant hormones as well as antioxidants. The lignans in flax have estrogenic properties. After menopause, estrogen levels in women drop to abysmal levels. Use of flax seeds can shore–up estrogen levels and provide protection for bones, heart and other organs. These provide benefits like anti-ageing, hormone balancing and health of body cells. Studies also show that flax can reduce hot flashes experienced during menopause by half. Lignans are also known for their anti-viral and antibacterial properties.

Flaxseeds are Gluten-free: Most grains we consume are rich in gluten, like wheat. Flax, on the other hand, is low in gluten. This means that flax is anti- inflammatory and reduces inflammation in any part of our body. People suffering from celiac disease and auto-immune diseases can thus include flax in their diet without a problem.

Most Magnesium-rich food in the world: Magnesium helps in keeping our muscles healthy and its deficiency is the biggest reason for sore muscles, fatigue and cramps.

Cancer fighter extraordinaire: As per studies, the plant Omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, called ALA, has been shown to inhibit tumour incidence and growth. Flax seeds are also very effective against breast cancer.

Flax seeds by no means are a magic bullet against every disease known to man, but it comes close to being one. If you are thinking of reaping its benefits, use flax seeds as much possible and add them to your curries, soups, smoothies or just roast and eat to experience the flax miracle. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an Ayurveda.

Sexual dysfunction is a disorder that is characterized by problems in your sexual life. It can cause you to lose interest and hence, not engage in any sexual activity. This disorder can affect people of all ages, however, the risk of sexual dysfunction increases with age. The usual symptoms of sexual dysfunction are low libido levels and erectile dysfunction.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women:

Low Libido- Low levels of estrogen hormone in your body can lead to low libido. Other causes of low libido are anxiety, fatigue and depression.

Dryness of the Vagina- Vaginal dryness occurs due to hormonal changes that occur in the body once menopause sets in. This leads to pain during sexual intercourse and impaired sexual arousal. Certain psychological issues such as anticipation or fear of painful sex and anxiety can also cause vaginal dryness.

Pain During Sex- Women may experience pain during sexual intercourse which may be caused by dryness in the vagina or endometriosis (growth of uterus lining tissues out of the uterus). Pain during sex can also be accompanied by a burning sensation in the genitals.

Orgasm Concerns- Certain antidepressant medications can lead to an inability to orgasm. It can also have psychological causes such as anxiety and depression.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men:

Low Libido- In men, a dip in the levels of testosterone in the body can lead to a dip in libido levels. If you are suffering from higher stress levels, it can lead to lack of sexual desire.

Erectile Dysfunction- This is characterized by an inability to get or maintain an erection long enough for unhindered sexual intercourse. This disorder is most likely caused by medical disorders such diabetes and hypertension. It can also be caused by stress and depression.

Ejaculation Problems- Ejaculation problems include both inability to ejaculate and premature ejaculation. Sexual trauma, certain medications and sexual anxiety contribute to this disorder.

Ayurvedic Remedies for ED

ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called as “ Vajikarana therapy” in ayurveda. As this natural herbal erectile dysfunction remedy, increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called 'Vaajikarana'. ( ' Vaaji'=Horse.)

Vaajikarana therapy or herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction leads to

Happiness.

Good strength.

Potency to produce healthy offspring.

Increased span of erection.

Eligibility for Vajikarana Therapy

The vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.

These therapies should be administered only to a self-controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self-control, he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.

Drug Therapy

Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge, who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigor, stamina and strength. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for the production of semen.

Ayurveda Tips to Overcome ED

Consuming herbal preparations to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.

Massaging the body with herbal oil which gives a relief from physical exertion and also acts as aphrodisiac.

Practicing Yoga and Meditation to overcome mental exertion and to cope up with stress.

Sleep at least for 8 hours a day.

Avoiding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, heroin etc.

Exercise regularly.

Avoid hot, spicy and bitter foods.

Favor sweets, milk products, nuts and urad dal.

Add little ghee in your diet.

Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses

We celebrate International Yoga Day, commonly known as Yoga Day, on 21 June every year, since its inception in the year 2015. A combination of physical, mental and spiritual practice, yoga has been attributed mostly to India. The asanas, or poses, that yoga includes aim at attaining overall body strength and keeping it healthy and sound. On the other hand, the mental techniques include breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) to discipline the mind. Yoga preaches 'a healthy mind in a healthy body' and we couldn't agree more. This Yoga Day, let us look at what's the best way to keep fit through yoga along with the diet in order to lose weight. If you practice yoga regularly, you'd know that you need more body strength than anything in order to get your asanas right. To ensure you build a good stamina teamed with body strength, then you must allow proteins into your diet. Generally speaking, one should eat a meal that comprises good fats, proteins and carbohydrates, plus should be dense in nutrients, both before and after yoga session.Most people don't really like stuffing themselves with during yoga, as it can turn out to be rather uncomfortable trying to move through asanas after a meal, especially the ones that involve twists, backward bends and inversions. One should ideally eat a meal at least two to three hours before yoga practice, or you can have a small snack an hour before to give your body some time to digest.

This International Yoga Day, let's look at what's the best you can eat before and after your yoga session to make it more effective and sustainable.

What To Eat Before Yoga Session
Those who are looking to practice yoga in the morning, it is better to eat bananas and other fruits like berries, at least 45 minutes prior to your session. Start your day with protein-rich foods like yogurt and dried fruits, oatmeal, fruit smoothies, eggs, homemade protein bars and protein shakes to kick-start your morning filled with energy.

For those looking at practising yoga in the evening can have light snacks an hour before beginning to exercise. You can add a bowlful of steamed vegetables, salads, or even nuts and seeds in your diet to ensure you are energised well enough to exercise.

What To Eat After Yoga Session
You should drink water 30 minutes after you have exercised. The idea is to regain the electrolytes that you may have lost during yoga, which can cause cramps in the body. Eat a super nutritious meal after your yoga session. Indulge in a bowlful of fresh seasonal fruits or vegetable salads. You can also have hard-boiled eggs, a light sandwich, yogurt with nuts and seeds and cereals.

What You Shouldn't Eat Before And After Yoga?

Don't eat a large meal prior to yoga class or dishes that are rich in oil, spices and fried items. You shouldn't have foods that are rich in fat content that substantially slows down your digestion. Whether you are practising yoga in the morning or evening, ensure that you are well-hydrated, even if it means drinking water, coconut water or lemon water. Your ability to move and maintain focus is compromised with even mild dehydration.

Happy International Yoga Day!

This International Yoga Day 2018, let's pledge to stay healthy and engage in more yoga practice sessions along with a healthy diet to maintain a fit and happy body!

The popularity of prenatal yoga has grown because of the great benefits that it has to offer for pregnant women and the baby. The benefits they pose are toning of muscles, balancing of blood circulation, regulation of metabolism and are a great way to relax. It is the ideal way of not only staying in shape but learning to hold your nerve throughout the journey.

Prenatal Yoga Tip: Ujjayi Breathing

1.Inhale and exhale through your mouth a few times. While exhaling, tone the back of the throat to constrict the passage of some air.
2. Feel as though you were fogging glasses
After you are comfortable with toning the throat with exhales, try doing it with inhales too. That will create a distinct sound. Practice and master toning of throats with both inhales and exhales.

3.If you are able to control both the inhales and exhales, the next step is to do the same while breathing through nose and the mouth close. There will still be the distinct sound, although a little muffled due to the closed mouth.

4.Learn to inhale completely to fill the lungs and exhale till the stomach cramps a bit.This is one of the first yogic techniques that you learn in Yoga classes for Pregnancy fitness.

5. Breathing fully is directly linked to deep relaxation and furthers the cause of well-being. This is essential when it comes to meeting the physical demands of labour and delivery.

6.Emotional balance can also be achieved with this breathing practice.

Prenatal Yoga Tips

Even if you are in the first trimester, drink a lot of water when performing yoga poses. This need to be done before, after and during the performance of yogic poses. This is important to keep the body hydrated

Do not take any pain or discomfort lightly while performing the yogic poses. Make slight modifications or ask your instructor to recommend a different pose.

In the second trimester, do not perform the poses that strain your joints for long. You can gradually reduce the time for holding the pose as now your joints are loosening up
Take care to be gentle when performing the yoga poses in the second trimester and use props and other supports to help you in performing the different poses.

When in third trimester, your belly is so grown that it is advisable to stick to only Ujjayi or other gentle breathing practices. Yogic poses can also be performed with caution. You can rest yourself to the wall or use a chair for support when performing the poses