युज्यते अनेन इति योग |
EVIDENCE BASED APPLICATION OF YOGA IN CLINCAL PRACTICE
The meaning of YOGA is ‘union’,’ to join’. It is a way of joining or uniting one’s body, mind and soul to a higher consciousness. Since the origin of yoga, which dates back to Vedic age 3000 to 5000 B.C. yogic practices have evolved into many branches. The initial yogic practices were of extreme discipline and were only within the reach of sanyasis, yogis or hermits. Maharishi Patanjali innovated the discipline of Astanga Yoga (the eight-fold Astanga Yoga) which covers and explains all the aspects of the Yoga in a way that is comprehensive, practical an adoptable by any social, duty bound individual or a sanyasi). Due to the virtues and health benefits of Astanga yoga, it has been adopted by various disciplines of medicines.
At CHHC Yoga therapies have specialized accreditation in metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal, ante natal (during pregnancy), mental health, yogic psychology, stress, anxiety, sleep problems, cardiac care and palliative care and many more health problems.
The main :- 1. Asana, 2. Pranayama, 3. Meditation, 4. Hasta Mudra and 5. Stress management or yogic life style interventions in a clinical setting with the aim of facilitating a positive health related outcome.
1.Asana
Asana is the pivotal third aspect of Ashtanga yoga. They are yogic postures meant to give body flexibility, open the subtle energy channels, maintain body polarities and awaken higher centres. After years of clinical data and research at the Centre, the individuals are prescribed specific set of asana and yogic kriyas for desired effect in their their ailments. Evidence based on medical research about the effect of various asanas on a particular disease is repeatedly done world over and has been well documented.
The most confirmed and frequently suggested and practiced are :-
- 1. Mandukasana for diabetes 2. Marjari asana for low back pain 3. Vajrasana for digestive and reproductive disorders 4. Sarvangasana for thyroid disorder 5. Ardhkatichakrasana for liver disorders and so on.
2. Pranayama
“Pranayama” comprises of root words: Prana and Ayam. “Prana” is the vital force that permeates all life forms. Pranayama is not a simple breathing exercise. Pranayama is a specialised breath holding and breath technique with simultaneously observation of the yogic orientation, attitude and posture. It activates and regularizes the flow of dynamic life force in the various channels and centers of the body by which one attains higher state of healthy body, mind and spirit.
So the trick of successful Astanga yoga is that while practicing any one aspect of the total eight aspects, you remain well oriented and observe all the other seven aspects of Astanga yoga simultaneously.
Benefits of Pranayama :-
- Regular practice of pranayama increases vital capacity of lungs (of air exchange)
- It increases the quality and span of life
- It improves blood circulation and oxygenation foremost parts of the body and thus improves and maintains function of hearing, vision, memory, gait upto late age.
- It controls the autonomic nervous system and regulates respiration and heart beats, and general metabolism.
- By way of neuroendocrine system it improves the functioning of brain and endocrine glands of the body to help in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, migraine, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and many other diseases.
Note: As Pranayama controls metabolism it is one of the main tools in treating obesity and maintaining weight. Hundreds of patients have benefited by special set of breathing techniques.
At CHHC, Pranayamas are prescribed after complete clinical examination and in accordance with mental and physical state of the individual.
3. Meditation
It is a harmonious, calm and composed state of body, mind, and soul with a unique impartial objective awareness of one’s holistic being and the cosmos around, which helps one to go deeper into the process of self-realization.
In general sense it is totally a conscious, alert, thought-free, clutter-free, absolutely silent, open and focused state of mind and body.
The most effective and meditative modalities practiced at CHHC are:
Omkar meditation, Mantra meditation, Vipasana, Kundalini meditation, Yog Nidra, Visualization meditation, Mindful Dynamic form of meditation, Zen meditation, Tai Chi meditation and so on.
As a therapy in the centre, modes of meditation are selected and taught in a precise method by taking into account individual’s age, sensitivity, ailments, and aspired goals.
Its common benefits and subtle results are innumerable.
1.Common benefits –
A. A well functioning healthy body and mind.
B. A prompt and long lasting recovery or total freedom from and prevention of physical and mental illnesses.
Physical :- it is more effective in the following diseases: –
Endocrinal diseases-thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, menstrual disorders, migraine, chronic headaches, hypertension, chronic pains and aches, allergic diseases-chronic cold, sinusitis, asthma, autoimmune diseases-rheumatic arthritis, psoriasis.
Mental – Along with concentration it initiates and improves creative, performing and learning abilities.
It has a major role to play in the treatment of anxiety, stress, depression, phobias, lack of courage, stage and exam fear and low self-esteem.
- As a subtle or higher result it initiates intuitive power and spiritual awareness.
Hasta Mudra
The meaning of mudra is “seal” or “closure” in Sanskrit. Mudras are one of the important parts of ritual practiced in Hath Yoga and Tantra. Our five fingers represent 5 basic elements (panchmahabhootas)of the universe and of our body – fire, air, ether, earth, water .The different regions of our hands represents the specific organ and part of the body.
By interlocking the fingers and performing particular gestures by hands one attains a particular hand mudra. This directs the flow of energy into the body through various channels. As per tantra, mudra brings desired changes in the body and attracts the aspired results from the universal energy which is very well represented in mythological iconography of tantra.
Altogether there are more than 108 mudras. Among them 5-10 are the mostly known and practiced mudras.
In CHHC, mudras are prescribed on the basis of Nadi’s (energy channels) Tridosha, Pancha Vayu and patient’s condition and diseases.
It is also prescribed on the basis of aura and chakra analysis and energy analysis by dowsing and on Vedic sciences as per one’s birth chart too.
All in all it is a well confirmed science which has benefited hundreds of patients at CHHC of all age groups with different culture, origin and ailments.
Note – Yoga and Meditation are being taught in the general batch in the morning between 6 to 8 am. They are also taught as one on one attention treatment to the patient during clinic hours.