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Today
most of the normal ailments of human beings are recognized as psychosomatic,
that is, lack of integration between the mind and body, and poor interaction
between them leads to bodily ailments.
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It
is true that ailments in human being can be due to external attacks
by bacteria, viruses, etc. It can also be due to poison or injection
of substances not suitable for the body. Ailments can also be due
to environmental conditions and violent changes in environment. Some
of the ailments are caused by pollution (air pollution, water pollution,
soil pollution, etc.) It is also known that many diseases are related
to genetic disorders. The list is long.
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However,
why is it that when the same viruses and bacteria are present all
around, only some get affected and some do not? The answer lies in
the ability of the body to adapt to changes in the environment.
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It
is recognized that our body has been designed as a flexible / adaptive
instrument, which can quickly adapt to changes in various conditions.
Yoga is a tool, which enables quick body adaptation to challenging
conditions and constant renewal of the body being subjected to severe
external attacks.
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Practice
of Yoga enables the mind to be prepared to face serious negative situations
and makes the body flexible to go through tough conditions with ease.
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The
term yoga means integration. The integration is mainly of the mind
and body, but also of the multiple bodies that the human being possesses,
as per Vedic thinking.
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Vedic
thought recognizes not just one single human body - that is, the physical
body, but a set of bodies that work together and enable the physical
body to function properly. The other bodies which are holding the
various biological systems and the various cells of the body together
are -
- Physical body (Annamaya kosam)
- Pranic body (Pranamaya kosam)
- Mind (Manamaya kosam)
- The programmed model of the body (which is used as the benchmark
as per which the restoration of the body takes place
after any problems that change the body shape, condition
etc. are overcome) - What is today known as genetic programme of the
human body. (Vignanamaya kosam) this is recognized
as body in itself and acts as the benchmark for
growth of various organs and body shape and size from the womb to
post teen age long after birth.
- Bodily radiance (Anandamaya kosam) - it can also be considered as
the set of 'satisfiers' that drive all human beings and
their bodily functions. The variations in this body are reflected
as variations in personality traits and drivers of individuals.
- Soul (Atma)
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The
soul is said to drive each one of the lower levels through various
stages right up to the physical body.
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Yoga
aims to integrate the physical body with the mind and the pranic bodies.
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Yoga
can be practised in three forms
- Physical Yoga (Yogasanas)
- Pranic Yoga consisting of Pranayama, Mudra (body postures) and Bandha
(holding certain organs tight).
- Mind level yoga consisting of various kinds of meditation, yogic
sleep (yoga nidra), visual imagery (chidakasa dharana)
etc.
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Out
of these, in the high speed modern days, yoga nidra is found to be
highly effective, along with different yogasanas.
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For
patients practicing yoga, the body and soul get ready and well prepared
to receive the medical treatment - modern medicine or any other alternative
or complementary therapies.
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With
practice of yoga, the speed of recovery of patients would be much
higher.
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Depending
upon the type of disease and the strength of the body, different practices
can be recommended.
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For
people, who are in good health, a combination of physical yogasanas
- carefully chosen as per the specific needs of the patient - , pranayama
and meditation to get the best benefits is recommended. If the work
atmosphere is highly stressful, he or she should practice daily yoga-nidra.
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It
is known that migraine, constant pain and low level of bodily immunity,
external attack of viruses, bacteria, etc. can be controlled with
the practice of yogasanas combined with pranayama and meditation.
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I
would like to highlight one particular form of yogic practice, which
increases the immunity level of both patients and non-patients, which
is called yoga Nidra. Yogic sleep can be termed in clinical terminology
as Psycho-neuro-immuno-therapy. In this patient need not have to do
any special exercise. His body is at deep rest as if he is in deep
sleep. The mind and the brain are not at sleep and are fully awake.
The brain waves of very low stress are released - that is, predominantly
deep sleep type of brain waves are released (low frequency alpha rays??
- to be rechecked)
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While
doing Yoga Nidra the mind is fully awake while the body is in deep
sleep. Attention is rotated around various organs of body, joints
and the neural and blood flows, etc. Depending upon the need of the
patient, or the healthy individual, the organ/s, which are affected
are paid special attention to and softly yellow glowing prana or red
glowing prana is allowed to caress around the organ. The message for
the ailment is given softly to release the body from the problem.
This is found to be very effective. At the end of the so called "Tour
of the Mind", the mind is taken outside the body and beyond to
rest in very satisfying and happy environmental conditions like moonlight,
lakes, forests, sunrise, places of worship that gives satisfaction
to the person concerned.
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At
the end of the yoga Nidra session, the mind is brought back into the
body and the normal behaviour is resumed.
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As
part of the yoga Nidra, often the practice of Chidakasa Dharana (yogic
visualization) is recommended. In yogic visualization, the mind is
made to visualize extremely positive situations in respect of the
afflicted part of the body. For example, in case of lung cancer, we
can visualise the lungs to be in good condition and fully recovered
and performing well.. As part of the Chidakasa Dharana the pranic
power in bright yellow / red colours is allowed to be used. Surprisingly
its practice reduces the problem with the organ concerned. Even though
the relief may be marginal in some cases, because there are no negative
effects, it should be practiced. Over time it improves the quality
of life substantially.
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Today
practice of yoga is being accepted worldwide particularly in western
countries. To include it as adjuvant to conventional therapy, would
speed up the recovery, reduce possibility of unrest and definitely
improve the quality of life. Brief notes on Yoga Nidra and Chidakasa
Dharana are enclosed.
