Once the clubbing teenage years are over, younger men and women are

becoming more eager to adopt a healthier lifestyle. And to use natural ways to treat conditions such as stress, depression, premenstrual tension and acne.

These are common conditions in the younger people.

Regular coverage in popular national magazines has made young women in particular more aware of taking preventative measures such as good nutrition and natural remedies.

But premenstrual tension remains the most common cause for suffering in women of child-bearing age from 16 to 40.

While there are several theories about the cause of premenstrual tension, hormonal imbalances are the obvious cause.

Distressing symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, bloatedness, headaches, lack of concentration, tearfulness, weight gain and breast tenderness make many women suffer every month.

Stress, anxiety, depression, emotional issues and fatigue all aggravate the symptoms.

Adopting a number of natural methods to restore a happy balance of mind, body and spirit seems to help enormously.

Yoga has a proven track record for preventing many illnesses and promoting well-being.

Thevarious yoga exercises stretch the different parts of the body relieving tension and mobilising water congestion.

They stimulate the endocrine organs such as the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and ovaries to produce the right balance of hormones for your body.

While you are performing yoga, your mind is also focussed on the movements of your own body and the good feeling, so it feels tranquil and stops worrying for that period of time.

A regular daily routine, such as eating wholesome, preferably vegetarian, food at regular times every day, doing regular breathing exercises and meditation, will help ease the symptoms.

This does not take a lot of time as many people believe. All it takes is a bit of discipline, resolve and organisation.

Traditional wisdom and recent research show herbal preparations such as agnus castus, liquorice, saraca indica (Ashoka), assparagus root (satavari) and sage help with the hormonal balance. St Johns wort, valerian, withania somnifera (ashwagandha), camomile, passiflora and lemon balm sooth nervousness, depression, irritability, sleep and anxiety.

Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper tea help with water congestion, bloatedness, headaches and aching body.

Evening primrose oil, multivitamins, zinc , magnesium, iron, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids (EFA) in star flower oil help many of the other symptoms.

We are running daily yoga and ayurveda sessions with national yoga instructor Ruth White at Roedean School this week until Sunday, July 22. Call Asmita Jani on the number below.