Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) in Yoga for relief from Asthma and other benefits

This yoga posture has been named because of its shape like that of a bow. Bow pose are designed to cultivate the root of our tree of life which is the spinal column. The focal point of concentration in this asana should be the spinal column. With full awareness and concentration, feel the pull exerted in the spine and back muscles.

Steps to do Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

• Lie on your stomach with your hands by your torso and side of your body, palms up and feet hip width apart.
• Exhale and bend both legs, bringing your feet as close as you can to your buttocks and grab the ankles with your hands.
• Exhale and while inhaling press the pubic bone down and push the ankles against the hands as you pull with the arms. Lift the thighs and the chest, allowing the whole body to be stretched in a curve.
• Raise the neck to gaze towards the ceiling, then breathe normally.
• Keep the pose stable while paying attention to your breath. Your body is now taut as a bow. Stay here for a few breaths.
• After 15 -20 seconds, on an exhale release your arms, core engaged and come gently lying in a prone position. Lie quietly for a few normal breaths.

Benefits of Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

• Strengthens the back and abdominal muscles
• Opens up the chest, neck and shoulders
• Stimulates the leg and arm muscles
• Gives flexibility to the back
• Helps to ease stress
• Helps to treat menstrual disorders, incontinence and constipation.
• Helpful for reliefs from asthma
• Helpful for the people with kidney disorders

Contraindications of the Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Do not practice Bow Pose if you have high or low blood pressure, hernia, ulcer, neck injury, pain in the lower back, headache, migraine or a recent abdominal surgery.
Ladies should avoid practicing this yoga pose during pregnancy or menstruation.

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Eiffel Tower of Paris

Today Eiffel Tower of Paris is considered an architectural wonder and attracts more visitors than any other paid tourist attraction in the world.

History

In 1889, Paris hosted aWorld Fair to mark the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. More than 100 artists submitted competing plans for a monument to be built on the Champ-de-Mars, located in central Paris, and serve as the exposition’s entrance. The commission was granted to Eiffel et Compagnie, a consulting and construction firm owned by the acclaimed bridge builder, architect and metals expert Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. While Eiffel himself often receives full credit for the monument that bears his name, it was one of his employee, a structural engineer named Maurice Koechlin, who came up with and fine-tuned concept.

Construction

Several hundred workers spent two years assembling the framework of the iconic lattice tower, which at its
inauguration in March 1889 stood nearly 1,000 feet high and was the tallest structure in the world.

Tourist attractions

About 7 million people annually visit the Eiffel Tower. Some 500 employees are responsible for its daily
operations, working in its restaurants, manning its elevators, ensuring its security and directing the eager
crowds flocking the tower’s platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the City of Lights. The beauty and harmony of the Eiffel Tower can be felt best at night. In the 19th century it was lit with 10,000 gas lanterns which illuminated the steel structure. They were completed with both the projector and lights of
blue, white and red colors to symbolize the national flag of France. According to some studies, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous and photographed landmark on the ground.

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Great wall of China

Extends over approximately 21,196 km in length Great Wall of China becomes one of the greatest construction and architectural achievements of mankind. It is listed as one of the great wonders of the world as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. This achievement of the Chinese empire extends from west to east: from Liaoning Province through Hebei province, municipality of Tyandzhin Beijing, the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi province, Autonomous Region Ningxia and up to Gansu Province within the Republic. The wall crosses mountains, plateaus, grasslands and deserts.

History

Its construction began more than 2300 years before. The initial purpose was to create a protection against barbarian invasions from the north. It is still one of  the most appealing attractions all around the world
because of its architectural wonders and historical significance.

Construction

A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people.

Tour Tips

There are many places where the Great Wall of China can be visited by the travellers. Around Beijing the closest are Badaling, Mutianyu and Juyongguan, which are the most popular and lively plots.

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Alhambra Palace in Granada

Alhambra is one of the oldest palace in Spain in Granada. It is located on the top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left side of River Darro. From Alhambra view of the whole city and the meadow is possible. The whole complex is surrounded by ramparts and has an irregular shape. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle".

Alhambra represents a supreme architecture of the Moorish culture. Different parts of the Alhambra castle were built during different centuries, and most of them are preserved today, date from and after the 14th century. The big horseshoe arch is one of the main building blocks of the tower. The irregular quadrilateral is made up from hand carved marble. According to some researchers, its use is associated with local superstitions, to protect the fortress from the bad spirits and evil eyes.

The founder of the dynasty, Muhammed Al-Ahmar, began with the restoration of the old fortress. His work was completed by his son Muhammed II, whose immediate successors continued with the repairs. The construction of the palaces (called Casa Real Vieja, "old Royal House or Palace") dates back to the 14th century and is the work of two great kings: Yusuf I and Muhammed V.

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Stonehenge of Salisbury, England - A mystery still unknown

Stonehenge, located on a chalky plain north of the Salisbury, England is a missive stone monument made of stone. Researches are giving a picture that the site has continuously evolved over a period of around 10000 years. It was actually built between 5000 and 4000 years ago that is a part of a larger and highly complex sacred landscape.

The biggest among stones of Stonehenge is known as sarsens which were brought from Marlborough Downs and small stones of this monument came from several different sites in western Wales, having been transported as far as 140 miles. It is unknown to the present world how people of that period moved those giant stones that far.

The new researches are using an array of technologies including ground penetrating radar and magnetometers to map Stonehenge and to find out the story behind its construction. Recent discoveries are however indicate that landscape of Stonehenge was a sacred area that underwent constant changes.

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Napa and Sanoma Vacation - Activities at Wine Country

There are over total of 600 wineries in Napa and Sonoma Counties in the most famous wine country of California. It is their quality of wine that takes them into its top.

Activities

• Rent a bicycle and take a farm tour.
• Taste Fine Wine - Rutherford Cabernets, Carneros Chardonnays, Russian River Pinots.
• Spectacular Food Marquee Napa chefs, farmers' markets, Sonoma cheese shops.
• Spas, Mud baths, herbal wraps, couples' massages, and more in soothing settings.
• Calistoga is famous for its mud baths. Long before the first European settlers, the local Wappo Indians used this area as a place of healing
• Outdoor Funs - Biking past bright-green vineyards, hot-air balloon ride over golden hills.           

Napa

• Explore the hidden enclave of art galleries
• Take a wine-tasting class
• Tour a contemporary art museum
• Picnic on the patio under 100-year-old olive trees

SONOMA

• Spend an afternoon by picking delicious Fuji apples
• Feel the tides at pools
• Eat and drink with the locals
• Boat cruise at Lake Sonoma
• Bordeaux-style winemaking
• Learn to make cheese at Achadinha Cheese Company
• Visit tulip and daffodil gardens in spring
• Wildlife with cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes
• Close look at seals, otters, and sea lions

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Tower of London

The massive White Tower is a typical example of Norman military architecture, whose influence was felt throughout the kingdom. It was built on the Thames by William the Conqueror to protect London and assert his power.

The Tower of London is an internationally famous monument and one of England’s most iconic structures. The Tower of London was built as a demonstration and symbol of Norman power.

The first foundations were laid in 1078 and the castle has been constantly improved and extended. The addition of other smaller towers, extra buildings, walls and walkways, gradually transformed the original building into the splendid example of castle, fortress, prison, palace and finally museum that we enjoy today.

This was where two kings and three queens met their death and countless others were imprisoned. Come here to see the colourful Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters), the spectacular Crown Jewels, the soothsaying ravens and armour fit for a very large king.

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Fiordland National Park of New Zealand

Established in 1952, Fiordland National Park is the Largest National Park in New Zealand covering 1.2million hectares. It includes mountains, lakes, fiords and rainforests. The beautiful lakeside township of Lake Te Anau provides a perfect base to explore the area and provides a full range of services to visitors. The Milford Road is a spectacular alpine journey and is one of the world’s finest drives. Te Anau and Manapouri are the main towns for the Fiordland region.  Lake Manapouri is located 20kms from Te Anau and provides services such as cafe, restaurant, small shops and service station.

Breath taking view point

 Standing top of the mountains, we can see vast landscape of snow capped peaks, fiords, icy lakes in tussock and sheer, ice-carved valleys with rivers winding through the native forest.

Marvellous marine views

Due to freshwater layer of Fiordland, we can see the beauty of Black coral in underwater at shallower depths.

Experience world famous great walk

Fiordland National Park offers three world class Great Walk tracks with stunning scenery - Kepler Track, Milford Track and Routeburn Track.

Wildlife

Fiordland is the home of unique and endangered wildlife.

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Palace of Versailles - Glory of French Monarchy

Palace of Versailles, the royal residence show us the glory of French monarchy. It was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. The original residence was at first a hunting lodge which was built on 1624. It was then transformed into  an immense and extravagant complex surrounded by stylized English and French gardens on 1669. Every detail of its construction glorified the king. This palace is now a national museum.

The famous Hall of Mirrors is where courtiers waited for an audience with the king. This dazzling hall sparkles with sunlight that enters through the windows and is reflected off massive ornamental mirrors.

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Niagara Falls - Natural wonder of North America

Niagara Falls is the natural wonder of North America. It is the most attractive tourist destination for many years, which is between New York and Ontario, Canada. It is made up of three waterfalls — American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and they are combined to become the highest flow rate in the world of waterfalls.

Water at Niagara originally comes from Great Lakes. Some of the water that flows down is diverted to provide power for the United States and Canada making Niagara Falls the largest source of electric power in the world.

There are other entertainments nearby like wax museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

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Ocean Park - Major attraction of Hong Kong

Ocean Park of Hong Kong is a marine life theme park featuring animal exhibits, thrill, rides and shows. The park is located on the southern end of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 170 acres. It is one of the largest ocean park in the world. The Waterfront and The Summit areas are connected by the Cable Car and Ocean Express funicular train. The city's mild climate and coastal scenery, attracts thousands of visitors annually from all over world.

The 3 storey Grand Aquarium in this area features various aquatic animals, especially over 5,000 precious fish of 400 different species. The Lagoon district has amazing fountain show every night. Hilarious clowns, daring acrobats and delightful jugglers awaits you to the Skyfair Celebrations with a happy carnival settings.

Animals

Here you can also come upon the Amazing Asian Animals. Hong Kong Jockey Giant Panda Habitat, home to two lovely panda bears, Anan the male, and Jiajia the female. Both are very popular and appear contented in their lush green environments. Around the Waterfront Plaza, there are also additional wildlife exhibits on the lowland section including the Amazing Bird Theater Emerald Trail, Goldfish Theater, as well as Sea Life Carouse which is just close to the cable station to the summit.

Underwater

A journey deep underwater to meet over a hundred sharks and rays that shatters the myths surrounding them, including the sawfish with a saw like rostrum, and the zebra shark with leopard like spots.

Polar Adventure

Polar Adventure lets you explore the North and South poles, from the exhilaration of a bobsled ride to the wonders of meeting king penguins very closely. You’ll also see long-tusked Pacific walruses, spotted seals, arctic foxes, snowy owls and other extraordinary animals. And when you need a break, Tuxedos Restaurant serves refreshments with a view of more than 70 penguins frolicking on the ice.

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Victoria Peak - View world's most spectacular cityscapes

Victoria Peak is the highest Peak on Hong Kong Island and is considered as the landmark of Hong Kong. Being the best view point to have a bird's eye view of Victoria Harbor and the whole island, and its natural cool air attracts more than 7  million visitors each year.

At the Peak Tower is the city's most unusual building and icon - the unique "wok" shaped tower sits at an elevation of 396 metres.

Madame Tussauds

In level 2 of the Peak Tower is Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, there we can see about 100 wax figures of celebrities all over the world that look exactly like the real person.

Peak Trams

To reach Victoria Peak, Peak Trams are available. It started its service in 1888, and is the most enjoyable and spectacular way to reach Victoria Peak. Riding in it is an unforgettable experience.

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