Yoga an overview

Vasudev Katara gives you a brief idea on how Yoga can change your physical and mental frame

The Yoga comes from the Sanskirt root ‘Yuj’ meaning to join. It is the highest goal to be attained and is a process by which the identity of the Jivatma and Parmatama is realised – that is, the human soul is brought into conscious communion with God. While all the religions of the world promise salvation after death and hereafter, it is only Yoga which gives salvation, infinite bliss and supreme peace during this life and here. It is the method of joining the human spirit with God.

To attain the above goal, you have to perfect your body, mind, psyche and soul. In this, one concentrates on physical vitality and mental perfection through yogic asanas (exercises) and pranayams (breath control).

The brain is responsible for about one fifth basal metabolism (400 gm of brain receives 750 ml of blood per minute, that is one seventh of total cardiatic output) and cerebrovascular circulation in the human body is maintained against gravity in preference of other vital organs. This is the cause of coronary heart diseases. Cerebrovascular diseases are generally not common up to the age of 65.

Asanas like Viparitakarani, where an upside down posture is maintained, boosts cerebral circulation using the aid of gravity resulting in indirect help to heart muscles. Kapalbati (rapid expulsion of air at the rate of one expulsion per second without pause) increases oxygen retention in the capillary beds of lungs and skull aiding the removal of all metabolic waste products, free radicals, cellular debris and other morbid materials; removing stasis and restoring homeostasis thus eliminating the chances of cerebrovascular and upper respiratory tract diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, stroke, senile dementia etc.

Neti (nasal wash) cleans and sterilises the mucous membranes of ear, nose and throat thus removing the breeding ground of pathogenic microorganisms.

Dhauti (stomach wash) cleans the gastric tract and cures indigestion, peptic ulcers, etc. Basti (enema) cleans the colon of all toxins and incarcerated faeces, cures constipation without irritating the colon wall or disturbing the local beneficial bacteria. Nauli (movement of abdominal viscera in clockwise and anti-clockwise semicircular motion) invigorates and tones all abdominal organs. Tratak (central fixation) aids the concentration of mind and cures diseases of the eye. Bhastrika pranayam, a more vigorous form of Kapalbati, also increase oxygen retention in the whole body and reduces carbon dioxide.

Mahamudra with Jalandhar Bandh and Sarvangasana are reputed to even reverse the ageing process by supplying increased blood to the thyroid (the gland responsible for youthful vigour) and rejuvenating the thymus gland (responsible for immunity which undergoes involution after puberty) by slowing down its rate of involution. Asanas like the Matsya, Hala, Bhujang, Mayur, Shalabha, Matsyendra, Paschimottan, Vajra, Padma, invigorate, rejuvenate and stimulate and even sedate if overactive all the endocrine glands and thus endocrine equilibrium is maintained resulting in perfect health.

Meditation and Shavasana relaxes the whole human organism and removes modern day strain and stress.

The Yogic way of life means following yamas and niyamas (eternal principles of peaceful coexistence of all living beings). Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-hoarding of essential commodities are the five yamas. Niyamas lead to mental and physical purity. Austerity, contentment, a learning attitude and faith in divine power enables one to be free from anxiety, fear or worry (which are responsible for stimulating the ageing process) and enables one to have a positive and cheerful attitude towards life which is responsible for slowing down the ageing process.

If all essential minerals and trace elements are taken in triturated form and a light, easily absorbable well balanced nutritious diet of about 1500 calories per day comprising of one gm protein of high biological value per kg of body weight, low- fat cholesterol-free high-fibre foods such as cereals, whole grain, fruits and vegetables with moderate dose of vitamin A,C and E (antioxidants) are taken and magnets of medium power are applied to palms and soles (for proper peripheral circulation and homeostasis) and the above mentioned purifactory (yogic) pranayams and asanas are performed daily, the ageing process can be slowed down and even reversed in many cases. Perfect health and happiness can be enjoyed, even by the elderly and rejuvenation is possible.

(The author is a spiritual and health consultant and has been researching Yoga for the past 25 years)