Monday, September 3, 2012


Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow the ten tips to avoid them
Studies have shown that stress, active nightlife and above all, the fact that most of us spend maximum time in front of the computer lead to dark circles, puffed and tired eyes. Timely treatment is essential for such difficulties.
Specifically with computer users, physical and visual discomfort is experienced by many after just a few hours in front of computers. It appears that PC users suffer from repetitive stress of their eyes and want an immediate solution to revive the tired eyes.
Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes. With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder pains. Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day.

Tips to reduce eyestrain
  • -Modify your workstation. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height.
  • Use proper lighting.
  • -Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment. The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high.
  • -Minimise the glare. Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block excessive sunlight or install an anti-glare screen to minimise reflections.
  • -Take frequent breaks. Full-time computer users should take a 10 minute break every hour.
  • -Blink more often. Tears in the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes.
  • -Get an eye examination done.
  • -Re-focus your eyes. Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object.
  • -Exercise even when sitting. Move about or exercise frequently.
  • -Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Top hair care tips with ayurveda



Today, people are aware of the deadly side effects of allopathic drugs, and are turning towards Ayurveda. Ayurveda not only provides long term solutions but also prevents recurrence of the disease. Here, we focus on the Ayurvedic treatment of hair problems.
Hair is a filamentous outgrowth of protein, found only on mammals. The average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles. Everyday, we lose around 70-100 hairs and new hair replaces the old. Any disturbance in this gives rise to baldness.
Hair loss is the most common problem of today`s youth. Faulty eating habits, stress, lack of sleep, overuse of chemicals, etc, are to be blamed.
Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affect the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning hair, balding, premature graying, etc, spoil the hair.

In an individual, the condition of the hair is a reflection of his complete constitution. If the person is not healthy then the health of the hair will be deplorable.

For example, if a person has vata constitution, the hairs are dark, dry, coarse, wiry or frizzy and tend to tangle easily; are prone to dullness, split ends and dandruff. Those comprising Pitta constitution have hair that is light brown, blonde or red and tends to grow gray or thin prematurely and is fine and silky with a tendency to become oily. Hair are thick, wavy and shiny if the composition is of kapha.
Regular cleaning and brushing of hair is very important. When the hair is brushed, oil-producing glands in the scalp get stimulated. This natural oil makes the hair glossy and healthy. To give extra shine to the hair, after washing, rinse the hair with some lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water.

Aloe vera: For glowing, supple and spotless skin!


What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera, (pronounced alo vera) which is said to have originated from Africa, is a stem-less or very short-stemmed succulent plant with fleshy green leaves.

Aloe vera, which is also called the ‘burnt plant’ with its anti-inflammatory, anti-healing, healing and cooling properties, is the main ingredient in several skin care products. In addition, aloe vera is rich in amino acids, vitamins A, F, C and B.


For years researchers have been conducting studies to learn the benefits of aloe vera and have found that the plant does have properties that can be effective in treating several skin conditions, minor skin infections and also burns and wounds.

Aloe vera gel is the transparent, juicy substance found in the long thick-skinned leaves of the plant. This gel is suitable for all skin types. Even people with sensitive skin can use the aloe vera gel.

Various uses of aloe vera

Anti-aging agent: Aloe vera protects, nourishes and moisturizes your skin. According to a study published in the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry magazine, aloe vera, when applied topically, improves the levels of collagen. Aloe vera also protects your face from developing fine lines.

Before going to bed, gently massage a thin layer of fresh aloe vera on your face, around the eyes and the corners of your mouth. This will keep your skin younger looking.

Aloe vera as moisturiser: Apply aloe vera on the skin before the application of make-up. This will prevent your skin from drying. Even men can use the aloe vera gel like an aftershave. The healing properties will help in treating the minor nicks and cuts caused while shaving. During winter your skin tends to dry more often. To keep your skin hydrated, make a mask by mixing equal parts of honey and aloe vera gel (pure extract from the plant) and apply on your face. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes for a glowing, soft skin.

Aloe vera for treating acne: For those suffering from acne, aloe vera with its anti-inflammatory properties is a blessing. According to a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, aloe vera gel has more anti-inflammatory properties than one percent of cortisone cream. It also has strong antibacterial properties, which will heal the skin quickly and naturally with very little scarring.

Aloe vera to reduce stretch marks: Want to get rid of those ugly stretch marks you gained due to weight gain or pregnancy? Hundreds of women try scores of cosmetics to hide these scars, but in vain. Stretch marks are nothing but tiny tears in the skin caused due to sudden and excessive stretching. Aloe vera gel can help you with that. Regular application of aloe vera gel helps in hiding these marks by healing the wounds.

Aloe vera for sunburns: Application of aloe vera gel on sun burns will reduce the pain as well as the swelling and keep your skin moisturised. Recovery will be quicker if your skin retains its moisture.

In addition, aloe vera also acts as a brightening gel by removing dead cells and keeps oiliness under check.

So go ahead and make aloe vera a part of your daily beauty regime for a glowing, supple and spotless skin!