Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

Ancient Concepts, Sciences & Systems

for yoga views life and death in a totally new and revolutionary light. Yoga teaches that we must learn to use and value our spiri- tual evolution. Formal training in asanas, pranayama, cleansing techniques, meditation and yoganidra forms the basic therapeutic program : Equally benefical is the informal exposure to the practices of stas- ang, Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga. The natural, relaxed atmosphere of ashram life provides an ideal setting for emotional and physical renewal. (Y.R.S.) NATURE CURE Human life is dependent on nature. A human being is an intrinsic part of nature. Nature is like the Trinity in Hindu mythol- ogy. It creates, preserves and destroys. The human body, like nature, cannot tolerate undue external interference. In fact, the primary cause of all diseases is “the violation of nature’s laws, “ that is violation of rules of diet, exercises, food habits, sleep etc. Naturopathy is a method by which this imbalance in a human body can be corrected. It attempts to bring the human body close to nature and yoga tries to maintain it. Disease as such is the self purifying effort of nature, according to Naturopathy. All diseases, from a simple cold to skin eruptions etc; represent nature’s effort to cleanse the human system. Drugging is like whipping an already exhausted horse. This is the basic premise of Naturopathy. In fact the primary cause of all diseases is “the violation of nature’s laws,” that is, violation of rules of diet, exercises, food habits, sleep etc. According to the basic concept of Naturopathy, there are self- curative forces which are inherent in the human body working towards health and healing. Naturopathy simply piovides guid- ance, diet control, exercises and self-control to be adopted by the patient, play major roles in the healing process. Naturopathy is a wonderful drugless process of healing, which works wonders on many, but not on all the acute and chronic diseases. It cures many diseases and provides control of incurable ones and aiso helps one lead a healthy and disease-free life even during old age. Yoga when combined with Naturopathy gives wonderful re- sults. Yoga is a complete science of life and although an ancient one, it is a scientific method for exercises and relaxing to ease the stress of modern day living. Thus Naturopathy heals the body while yoga maintains it thereafter. Naturopathy- starts at the root of the disease and treats the disease with cold water treatments like hip bath, mud pack, stom- ach pack, enema and gastro-hepatic pack. With the help of the above treatments, the parasite growth is stopped. Thereafter, the patient is gradually brought to normal diet. Certain people adopt an intermediate route — taking mild herbs and at the same time practising Nature Cure and yoga. This is a wise way of keeping oneself free of diseases. Nature Cure is a sure cure for a majority of the diseases and though inexpensive, it is very effective. Nature Cure is curative, preventive and also educative. It is also very soothing and harmless, although it demands a little sacrifice and patience.

them twelve are the most important ones :

-Maha Mudra

6. Vijroli

1 .

7. Sakticalani

(Royal gesture)

Maha Bandha

8. Khecari Mudra

2.

Maha Vedha

9. Yoni Mudra

3.

Yoga Mudra

10. Uddiyana Bandha

4.

11. Jalandhara Bandha

(Yoga gesture)

Viparitakarani

12. Mula Bandha

5.

RULES AND ADVICE Yoga can be beneficial if performed in the proper manner. Certain precautions must be taken :- 1. Emptying the bowels before starting any asana. 2. Empty stomach-Asanas must be performed without filling one's stomach. 3. Sun bathing. 4. Breathing is very useful. 6. Place of practice well ventilated room, calm and quiet or outdoors in a garden. 7. Strain-never exert undue strain or force while doing asanas. 8. There is no age limitation. 9. Restrictions - One should consult a yoga teacher for learning. People with fractured bones or chronic diseases and also preg- nant ladies should seek expert advice. 10. Time of practice — Asanas can be practised any time of the day, except after meals. Best time to practise is between 4.00 am and 6.00 am. 11. Sequence - Asanas should be done first, followed by pranayama and finally meditation. 12. Awareness of the body. 13. Clothes must be loose, light and comfortable. 14. Bathing - cold shower before starting improves effect of the asanas. 15. Relaxation - Do savasana before, during and after asana ses- sions. 16. Diet - No special dietary rules though better to eat natural food in reasonable moderation. A yoga practitioner is advised to fill half his stomach with food, one quarter with water and to leave the remaining quarter empty. 17. If one experiences excessive pains, asanas must be termi- nated. YOGA AND MEDICINE Yogasanas can relieve people from ailments such as constipa- tion, rheumatism, stiffness, frustration and tension. It is essential that before undertaking yoga therapy a full medi- cal examination should be performed by a qualified practitioner. Anyone who has experience in yoga therapy will concur on the necessity of a guru or qualified guide. For example, it is often necessary to continue medical treatment for some time before the yogic practices are started. Though yoga and medicine work hand in hand to safely re-establish health, yoga can truly maintain health 5. Use of blanket for your practices.