This last decade has seen a rise in holistic healthcare. While some swear by this method, others are skeptical as to what this ‘alternative’ medicine can accomplish. Basmati.com is bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern science, with weekly case studies that provide an overview on the recent accomplishments of traditional, holistic practices.

This article explores the profound effects that integrative health like yoga, massage, and Reiki, can have on cancer.

Many people are outstanding athletes in their twenties and then lack the competitive fire in their forties. They have ceased competitive accolades and put on more weight as a result of inactivity. Fizzle…and Float!

When you fall down, you are getting somewhere!

Twice in one week I witnessed two complete strangers lose their footing, stumble, and fall. Both falls occurred within two or three feet of me in public places, so I was the first person to help these people who had fallen get back on their feet. Luckily, neither person experienced any injuries, and it was heart warming to see how many other complete strangers came to their assistance.

I want to feel special, chosen, exalted. Unfortunately, I’ve been operating under the misconception that it’s other people’s responsibility to do that for me. I’ve been relying on other people to make me feel special, and guess what? It’s not working.

My family and ancestors are from the tropics. The seasons they experienced were the harmattan and rain.  Even though I find comfort and ease in warm weather, I acknowledge that I was raised in New England. I’ve faced many climates growing up on the east coast. I must say, navigating the winters of my life have always been the hardest. The sunlight left too soon and the darkness would stay too long.  The snow could be unbearable. When another six feet of snow came down, I would throw my hands up in exasperation, believing the storms would never end.

Vision boards were big in 2009 - partly due to Tyra Banks’ adoration of the idea, and partly due to lingering effects of “The Secret,” the idea to put your hopes and dreams into the universe was big business. Regardless of your own ideas about positive thought, it’s certainly better than being a pessimist. Creating a visual representation of your goals is a fun way to help you visualize success and can still be a great practice today.

Life is often hectic, and that can affect the way people meditate. If you are focusing on other things, you’re not really getting the most out of your meditation. When preparing for your daily routine of reflection, it is helpful to get yourself into the right mindset so that you can have a relaxing session that is free of stress and worry. As stated by Zen Master So Sahn, “The point of practicing is simply to cut off worldly thought.” So, by really focusing on your meditation, you are helping yourself cut off worldly thoughts, and truly relax.

The argument surrounding alternatives to over-the-counter medicines has waged for years, and with the prices surrounding prescription drugs today, some have simply turned their attention to things ranging from herbs to extensive exercise to spiritualism to aid them in their quest towards self-healing.

It’s almost like a cliché at this point:  you quit drinking (or drugs or gambling or any addiction) and take up yoga. Yoga becomes your new addiction, your lifesaver, your replacement. Instead of reaching for a drink when you’re sad, stressed, or angry, you reach for your yoga mat. Instead of losing yourself under the waves of alcohol, you lose yourself to movement and breath. Both are a kind of escape, a reprieve from over-thinking. But while drinking enables the drinker to escape from her feelings, yoga enables the drinker to really feel his feelings.

This time of year, there is nothing better than a refreshing smoothie to start your day off right! Smoothies are an excellent opportunity to pack in a variety of nutrients and protein that you normally may not be the hugest fan of. Luckily, a balance of our favorite, delicious and seasonal fruits are enough to mask the flavors our taste buds may not love but our bodies absolutely benefit from consuming.