Wellness and Relaxation Techniques

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Yoga is the best method to make relation with the nature by connecting the mind and the body. It is an act which is performed through a balanced body. One needs to have control over one's diet, breathing, and physical postures, if one wants real benefits from yoga. Meditation is the most important aspect of yoga. Mind is relaxed by meditation. Yoga has proven to be useful in controlling mind and body. It regulates health and mind by reducing the stress and anxiety. If one wants to be energetic in his routine then one must practise yoga. It helps in dealing with the hardships of life and pressures of school, friends, family. It makes it easy to create a link between body, mind and the precious nature.

What need(s) to be controlled to practise yoga?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Yoga is the best method to make relation with the nature by connecting the mind and the body. It is an act which is performed through a balanced body. One needs to have control over one's diet, breathing, and physical postures, if one wants real benefits from yoga. Meditation is the most important aspect of yoga. Mind is relaxed by meditation. Yoga has proven to be useful in controlling mind and body. It regulates health and mind by reducing the stress and anxiety. If one wants to be energetic in his routine then one must practise yoga. It helps in dealing with the hardships of life and pressures of school, friends, family. It makes it easy to create a link between body, mind and the precious nature.

According to the passage, the most important feature of yoga is

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Yoga is the best method to make relation with the nature by connecting the mind and the body. It is an act which is performed through a balanced body.One needs to have control over one's diet, breathing, and physical postures, if one wants real benefits from yoga. Meditation is the most important aspect of yoga. Mind is relaxed by meditation. Yoga has proven to be useful in controlling mind and body. It regulates health and mind by reducing the stress and anxiety. If one wants to be energetic in his routine then one must practise yoga. It helps in dealing with the hardships of life and pressures of school, friends, family. It makes it easy to create a link between body, mind and the precious nature.

According to the passage, why should yoga be practised?

Directions: Choose the appropriate option from (1 - 4) according to the information given in the reading passage.

Why should base and essential oils always be kept separate?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Among all other forms of medical practices, massage is perhaps one of the most fascinating as well as rewarding of all. This is so because of its being such a simple and direct form in which individuals contact, thus, satisfying the basic human desire for touch. In other words, there can be hardly anything so rewarding as having the skill to massage since it can strengthen one’s contact with friends, family or the loved ones as you help them relieve their bodily stress, muscular pain, backache and so on. It is understood that massage is a fundamental skill which each one of us should possess. It requires some basic techniques and strokes. At the same time other essentials requirements to be a practitioner include generosity, warmth and time. Besides, one needs to be well aquainted with the basics of anatomy and physiology to have an exact idea of where to place the hands. Along with theoretical and practical knowledge, it is necessary to have a fair knowledge of various oils and aromatherapy that helps in enhancing the massage. In practice, the first step involves deciding the place of massage for example-if it is a quick neck and shoulder or hand massage, the patient must be made to sit with a supported back, be it on floor or chair. However, a full body massage may ideally be given in a place where there is enough space for the patient to lie down comfortably. Further come the oils used in the treatment. Some of the commonly used oils are sweet almond, grape seed, avocado, carrot, jojoba and apricot. The essential oils include chamomile, basil, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and bergamot. It is recommended that the commonly used oils (also called base oils) must be kept separate from the essential oils. Although the oils used in massage are mostly a mix of base and essential oils but their appropriate measure is important to achieve various effects on the body. To make an ideal mix of oil generally 25 drops of essential oil are mixed into 50 ml of base oil. After the mixing of oils, it is warmed before application.

Directions: Choose the appropriate option from (1 - 4) according to the information given in the reading passage.

Which areas of knowledge help one understand where to massage on human body?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Among all other forms of medical practices, massage is perhaps one of the most fascinating as well as rewarding of all. This is so because of its being such a simple and direct form in which individuals contact, thus, satisfying the basic human desire for touch. In other words, there can be hardly anything so rewarding as having the skill to massage since it can strengthen one’s contact with friends, family or the loved ones as you help them relieve their bodily stress, muscular pain, backache and so on. It is understood that massage is a fundamental skill which each one of us should possess. It requires some basic techniques and strokes. At the same time other essentials requirements to be a practitioner include generosity, warmth and time. Besides, one needs to be well aquainted with the basics of anatomy and physiology to have an exact idea of where to place the hands. Along with theoretical and practical knowledge, it is necessary to have a fair knowledge of various oils and aromatherapy that helps in enhancing the massage. In practice, the first step involves deciding the place of massage for example-if it is a quick neck and shoulder or hand massage, the patient must be made to sit with a supported back, be it on floor or chair. However, a full body massage may ideally be given in a place where there is enough space for the patient to lie down comfortably. Further come the oils used in the treatment. Some of the commonly used oils are sweet almond, grape seed, avocado, carrot, jojoba and apricot. The essential oils include chamomile, basil, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and bergamot. It is recommended that the commonly used oils (also called base oils) must be kept separate from the essential oils. Although the oils used in massage are mostly a mix of base and essential oils but their appropriate measure is important to achieve various effects on the body. To make an ideal mix of oil generally 25 drops of essential oil are mixed into 50 ml of base oil. After the mixing of oils, it is warmed before application.

Directions: Fill in the blank from the choices given below.

One of the greatest Reiki healing health benefits is stress reduction and relaxation, which triggers the body’s natural healing ability, and improves and maintains health. Reiki healing started as a natural therapy that ______ to give life energies. Reiki is a specific type of subtle energy work in which healing is performed by the touch of a hammer allowing the flow of the energy from a limitless source (God force) to the patient via Reiki practice. It is extremely powerful, yet gentle energy that can be easily channelled to yourself and the others, just by intention.

Directions: The short passage below is followed by a question based on its content. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

You can use the breath to send you attention to certain parts of your body. This is a good way to energize your self, to increase awareness of your body, and to promote inner calmness by being present in the moment. With every in-breath bring your awareness down to your spine and with every out breath let it rise up again. It is very helpful to visualize a ball of energy traveling down your spine on the inhalation, and climbing up your spine till the top of the head on the exhalation. After a while you can feel burning heat in the lower belly; you will feel every part of your body and the increased energy can give a tingling sensation. It is a simple way to fell a strong connection between heaven and earth; with the in-breath you sink into the body (God meets you), while on the out-breath your consciousness leaves the body (you meet God). Regular practice can lead to bliss. Breathing deeply helps to get in contact with deep seated emotions, the fears, pains and anger.

Which of the following options best represents the theme of the passage?

How does yoga rejuvenate a mind in this fast paced life? (Passage 2)

Answer the question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            The west has a new initiative for the fitness freaks - Power
            Yoga remodeled from the Ashtanga Yoga. Power Yoga
            does not restrict the set of postures. They vary from session
            to session. But Power Yoga stresses upon muscle strength
(5)        and stretching. Power yoga has been the precursor of
            yoga’s existent prominence. People consider it to be a
            relaxing work out. The U.S. gyms got their first intro to yoga
            through power yoga.
            Power Yoga does not bewitch the physically unfit or obese
(10)      alone; it has an enticing effect on health freaks who enjoy
            exercising just for the heck of it. Power yoga is a modified
            western version of Indian Ashtanga yoga which is based on
            self-control, discipline and self denial of luxuries. It not only
            inculcates a regular physical work–out, it also upgrades
(15)      mental ability and concentration, though, to start with, it may
            cause a little uneasiness in muscles.
            A reputed Sanskrit scholar Shri K.Pattabhi Jois enlightened
            the western masses about yoga as a style of workout. He
            also introduced the yogic philosophies to them. Power yoga
(20)      is an abridged form of Ashtanga yoga. In Power Yoga the
            yogi needs only to perform the basic postures like Bikram
            yoga, which is an energy booster. It can easily be performed
            by newcomers in the field also. It enhances the body
            language, improves stamina and even flexibility level if one
(25)       can hold the postures longer. Power yoga involves yogic
            postures with synchronized breathing styles. Every action
            involves abundant elegance and dignity of postures. The
            fixation of concentration helps one to focus.
            An irregular Power Yoga may have free flowing dance like
(30)      movements. While a regular power yogi is able to contour
            his every limb impeccably and elegantly with profound
            peace and concentration in his eyes, the perfection in
            power yoga is a slow and tedious process. A few postures
            cannot be held by the uninitiated even for five breaths.
(35)      The session begins with a warm up, stretching muscles as
            a follow up. Its unusual aspect is that it is done in a heated
            room to achieve maximum muscle flexibility. The
            newcomers can feel the stretch hard for a few days. So,
            a few body-conditioning sessions are given before
(40)      initiation.

Passage 2

            Yoga has taken the limelight and many people have learnt
            the advantages of indulgence in it. In India since primeval
            times yoga has yielded health to yogis. People have
            inculcated regular yoga regime in their lives. It has since
(5)        enriched the lives of people on other lands also. Being an
            eastern concept, it took time before enveloping the western
            people in its stride.
            It helps cope with common ailments like bronchitis,
            constipation, stress and mental imbalance; even fatal
(10)      diseases like cancer can be cured. It revitalizes the lost
            immunity. The splendid news is that yoga today needs no
            long hours training. It only needs a consistent routine of
            forty five minutes daily. These forty five minutes if spent
            regularly can work wonders with your health. Yoga can
(15)      have a profound effect on our life style. In this chaotic
            materialistic world where tension surrounds everyone
            everywhere, a session of yoga can be a stress buster. It
            enhances concentration and helps those out of shape or
            obese. It briskly burns the calorie count and sheds the extra
(20)      flab from the body. No doubt it has gained ever- increasing
            popularity.
            Though yoga is said to have existed since commencement
            of the civilization, no potent proof supports this claim. The
            ancient seals show yogic postures taking yoga’s infancy to
(25)      around 3000 B.C. It has commendable mention in Upanishads,
            Vedas and the Gita. The Gita propagates Bhakti Yoga,
            Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga. So we can attribute yoga to
            be the oldest practice of self enhancement. The classic
            version includes postures, meditation and breathing controls.
(30)      Meditation has been a unified part of yogic philosophy.
            Through it a mortal can have spiritual awakening. It relaxes
            us and awakens our consciousness. This simplistic technique
            has allured many in this fast paced world to rejuvenate their
           lives.

What are the aspects of power yoga common with its original form? (Passages 1 and 2) (i) A regular regime yields assured benefits. (ii) It helps cure both chronic and common ailments. (iii) One needs consistent performance to derive results. (iv) It lends a meditative mind to a body (v) It only requires a forty five minute regular session.

Answer the question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            The west has a new initiative for the fitness freaks - Power
            Yoga remodeled from the Ashtanga Yoga. Power Yoga
            does not restrict the set of postures. They vary from session
            to session. But Power Yoga stresses upon muscle strength
(5)        and stretching. Power yoga has been the precursor of
            yoga’s existent prominence. People consider it to be a
            relaxing work out. The U.S. gyms got their first intro to yoga
            through power yoga.
            Power Yoga does not bewitch the physically unfit or obese
(10)      alone; it has an enticing effect on health freaks who enjoy
            exercising just for the heck of it. Power yoga is a modified
            western version of Indian Ashtanga yoga which is based on
            self-control, discipline and self denial of luxuries. It not only
            inculcates a regular physical work–out, it also upgrades
(15)      mental ability and concentration, though, to start with, it may
            cause a little uneasiness in muscles.
            A reputed Sanskrit scholar Shri K.Pattabhi Jois enlightened
            the western masses about yoga as a style of workout. He
            also introduced the yogic philosophies to them. Power yoga
(20)      is an abridged form of Ashtanga yoga. In Power Yoga the
            yogi needs only to perform the basic postures like Bikram
            yoga, which is an energy booster. It can easily be performed
            by newcomers in the field also. It enhances the body
            language, improves stamina and even flexibility level if one
(25)       can hold the postures longer. Power yoga involves yogic
            postures with synchronized breathing styles. Every action
            involves abundant elegance and dignity of postures. The
            fixation of concentration helps one to focus.
            An irregular Power Yoga may have free flowing dance like
(30)      movements. While a regular power yogi is able to contour
            his every limb impeccably and elegantly with profound
            peace and concentration in his eyes, the perfection in
            power yoga is a slow and tedious process. A few postures
            cannot be held by the uninitiated even for five breaths.
(35)      The session begins with a warm up, stretching muscles as
            a follow up. Its unusual aspect is that it is done in a heated
            room to achieve maximum muscle flexibility. The
            newcomers can feel the stretch hard for a few days. So,
            a few body-conditioning sessions are given before
(40)      initiation.

Passage 2

            Yoga has taken the limelight and many people have learnt
            the advantages of indulgence in it. In India since primeval
            times yoga has yielded health to yogis. People have
            inculcated regular yoga regime in their lives. It has since
(5)        enriched the lives of people on other lands also. Being an
            eastern concept, it took time before enveloping the western
            people in its stride.
            It helps cope with common ailments like bronchitis,
            constipation, stress and mental imbalance; even fatal
(10)      diseases like cancer can be cured. It revitalizes the lost
            immunity. The splendid news is that yoga today needs no
            long hours training. It only needs a consistent routine of
            forty five minutes daily. These forty five minutes if spent
            regularly can work wonders with your health. Yoga can
(15)      have a profound effect on our life style. In this chaotic
            materialistic world where tension surrounds everyone
            everywhere, a session of yoga can be a stress buster. It
            enhances concentration and helps those out of shape or
            obese. It briskly burns the calorie count and sheds the extra
(20)      flab from the body. No doubt it has gained ever- increasing
            popularity.
            Though yoga is said to have existed since commencement
            of the civilization, no potent proof supports this claim. The
            ancient seals show yogic postures taking yoga’s infancy to
(25)      around 3000 B.C. It has commendable mention in Upanishads,
            Vedas and the Gita. The Gita propagates Bhakti Yoga,
            Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga. So we can attribute yoga to
            be the oldest practice of self enhancement. The classic
            version includes postures, meditation and breathing controls.
(30)      Meditation has been a unified part of yogic philosophy.
            Through it a mortal can have spiritual awakening. It relaxes
            us and awakens our consciousness. This simplistic technique
            has allured many in this fast paced world to rejuvenate their
           lives.