Heal With Yoga Practice

By Dr. Rita Khanna

How does one heal with Yoga? In ancient times, Yoga was considered a pathway to achieve sublime happiness and enlightenment. Nowadays, it is mainly linked to self-actualization, body enhancement, and healing. The healing effects of Yogic practices have been used for healing disorders – ranging from constipation, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, backache, asthma, and bronchitis to cancer.

 

Yoga’s Healing Power

Yoga has also been an adjunct therapy for heart disorders, hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, menstrual disorders, obesity, sinus, and several other diseases. Yoga’s healing power is so incredible and unique that it is being seriously considered for treating serious infirmities such as sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and osteoporosis.

Controlling the Body

Another advantage of learning how to heal with Yoga is that it lets people control various body functions. These include blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and metabolic functions.

Skeletal, muscular, endocrinal, and nervous systems then respond compassionately to ensure proper function and maintain health. For example – when you practice Sarvangasana, the thyroid is stimulated, or when you practice Sirshasana, the pituitary is stimulated; or when you practice Paschimottanasana, the pancreas is stimulated.

Research has shown that people who regularly practice Yoga have lower anxiety, are more stress resistant, have normal blood pressure, excellent heart function, and overall enhanced physical fitness.

 

How Does Disease Originate?

The body is maintained by life force, and the mind is maintained by mental force; this means this organism has two forms of energy. One form of energy is responsible for the maintenance of the gross organs of the body, and the other force is responsible for mental activities. The imbalance of this energy quantum in the body causes the disease.

About Chakras

When you practice Yoga postures, particularly the major ones, they exert mild pressure on the six crucial junctions in the spinal passage. Of these six, four distribute life force and mental force, which are situated in the spinal axis, at the sacral, solar plexus, cardiac, and cervical areas. These junctions are known as Chakras or psychic centers. For proper health, these four energy centers must maintain balance. If the balance is lost, then the disease of the particular system originates.

 

The Psychic or Physical Disorders

A disease does not merely originate in the gross (physical) body. Even if a disease does appear to originate in the body, it travels straight to the mind and, from there, back to the body again. Such diseases are known as ‘soma-to-psychic’ diseases. Therefore, whatever the origin of a disease, man’s body and mind both suffer simultaneously.

Physical and Energy Bodies

These two forces function just like material forces; you can say, for now, ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ forces. The opposing force controls the mind and its functions, while the positive force controls the body, temperature, mobility, etc. Since the physical and energy bodies are closely linked, cleansing and energizing the energy body speed up the rate of biochemical reactions and promotes a faster rate of healing in the physical body.

 

Pranic Force

I’ll explain this a little more. In life, there should be harmony between the Pranic and mental forces; this usually doesn’t happen. Mental illnesses occur if the Pranic force predominates and the mental force becomes subservient. When the mental force becomes predominant and the Pranic force becomes subservient, then physical illnesses originate.

Nervous Systems

This is what we study in the modern medical sciences, as well. When the parasympathetic nervous system is predominant and the sympathetic nervous system is subservient, or vice versa, we have either psychic disorders or physical disorders. The body would have perfect harmony if harmony could be struck between these two forces, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

 

Endocrine System

When there is total harmony between these systems, body/mind and life force/mental force, there are also perfectly balanced secretions in the endocrine glands. These glands are critical, and the energy systems directly or indirectly control each. If disharmony occurs in one of these systems, it directly or indirectly affects that particular gland.

How to Heal with Yoga

Within this physical body, there are also rich sources of life-giving chemicals: antibodies, adrenaline, etc. When we need one, we are given it from outside through pills, serums, or injections. However, if we can revitalize the particular system that produces these chemicals, we make them ourselves. This is what we can accomplish through Yoga.

 

Diabetes

For instance, in the case of diabetes, the pancreas ceases to function, insulin is not produced, and thus, glucose is not controlled. It means that the nervous system has gone into a state of dysfunction due to stress and strain. If proper relaxation can be given to the nervous system, it will recommence functioning. Consequently, the pancreas will start working, and that has a positive impact on diabetes.

Yoga Therapy and Cancer

Cancer can be successfully treated by Yoga therapy. Ujjayi Pranayama, or psychic breathing, is beneficial. Just fold back the tongue and touch the upper palate with it (Khechari Mudra), then practice Ujjayi Pranayama fifty, a hundred, or a hundred and fifty times, with opened or closed eyes, but practice it with complete inspiration and enthusiasm.

 

Asthma

Someone suffering from asthma can produce his adrenalin – simply by practicing one posture, known as Shashankasana, which increases the secretion of adrenaline. In Shashankasana, the adrenal glands reactivate, secrete more adrenaline, and pass the attack. Every person with asthma knows that if he has an asthma attack and goes to the doctor, the doctor gives him adrenaline. However, with Shashankasana, he makes it naturally for himself.

This is especially effective if it is practiced early in an asthmatic attack, as soon as the person knows that respiratory congestion is beginning to take place. An asthmatic patient can tell very well when he will get an attack. The condition begins to accumulate from the morning, and he begins to feel heaviness in the chest; if he practices this posture, he starts to feel better very quickly.

 

Shashankasana

In Shashankasana, the person sits on his feet, bends forward, places his forehead and arms on the floor ,and relaxes in this position for ten or fifteen minutes. This is also the way the Muslims sit during their prayers.

Heart Health

For heart patients, before a medical expert is called for a heart problem, the patient is made to lie down on the floor with his legs raised. When legs are raised on a pillow, the blood goes back to the heart, and the pressure and strain on the heart is relieved, no matter what complaint it is. Then the heart can function until the medical expert arrives.

(To heal with Yoga – This is a straightforward thing, which can be taught to everybody; especially those who are following the modern way of life – sitting in a room all day, and not going out; suffering from anxiety, insecurity, stress, and strain, etc.)

Siddhasana

There is one posture called Siddhasana, where we sit for Meditation. If this is practiced over some time, say about half an hour each day, it will help give you complete control over the secretion of testosterone, a primary cause of heart attack (if they are secreted now and then, consciously and unconsciously, in excess) and in the treatment of abnormal blood pressure, too. Any time one suffers from high or low blood pressure, if he sits in this posture for half an hour, or if possible, one hour, the blood pressure will move towards normal. This is because the pressure exerted on the perineum and the viscera is transmitted to the brain centers, which control blood pressure.

In Siddhasana posture, the left foot is placed beneath the scrotum, with the right over the genital organ.

Many ladies suffer from prolapse of the uterus, where its supports become weak, and it comes down. Of course, we have a surgery system for this; but to heal with Yoga, we can use Naukasana (the boat poses) and the Uddiyana Bandha with Jalandhara Bandha.

Naukasana

In Naukasana posture, lie down, raise both legs and stiffen them, then raise the upper part of the body and stiffen it. Then stretch the arms toward the feet and make them stiff. It has been seen that during this posture, the uterus drops back. It may not happen in a few days and may take time, but this posture helps in prolapsed.

Bandhas

In Uddiyana Bandha, exhale the breath through the mouth, empty the lungs, and contract the abdomen upward and backward. At the same time, the kidneys, the bladder, and the uterus follow the same contraction. The entire genitourinary and digestive tracts are contracted. At the same time, you block the throat by extending the arms and pressing the knees in Jalandhara Bandha, the blood circulation is concentrated in the navel region; and we know that wherever the blood concentrates, repair work takes place very fast.

Asanas

There are two Asanas named Uttanapadasana and Paschimothanasana to maintain the balance of the navel. Just as a misalignment occurs within the spinal cord, a misalignment of the navel and stomach muscles (rectus abdominus) also occurs. In Northern India, navel displacement is called Nabhi Chadna / Tharan Chadna.

Uttanapadasana

In Uttanapadasana, lie on your back, keeping your hands on the sides of the ground, palms facing upwards. Breathe in normally, and then keeping your legs straight, lift them about 8 inches from the ground and hold. Now, swing them upwards and downwards, between 6 to 12 inches, above the ground (e.g., left leg up 12 inches – right leg down 6 inches – then reverse). Movements should be controlled, slow, and without jerks. Do this for a few seconds. Do not exert yourself. Exhale and come back to normal position and relax.

Paschimothanasana

In Paschimothanasana, lie on your back and inhale deeply. Now, sit up with your legs straight in front, with your toes pointing towards the ceiling. Stretch your arms above you. Keep your back straight as you exhale and bend forward from the pelvis. Only bend down as much as your body permits.

Stretch out your arms and reach to your feet – or whatever part of the leg you can comfortably reach. As you bend down, keep the heels, calves, and thighs touching the floor – the spine straight. Then, rest your forehead on the knees (as far as possible), and continue normal breathing. Try to rest your elbows on the floor. Hold the position for a few seconds. As you inhale, raise your head, return to your normal position, and relax.

 

Positive Effects

The positive effects of Yoga during a healing process are undeniable. By practicing the specific Yoga postures, the different endocrine glands are stimulated. The endocrine glands then, in their turn, influence not only the body but also the emotions, such as anxiety, fear, and anger, which the Yoga practices can also control.

Conclusion

Several investigations are underway in clinical settings, medical schools, and ashrams worldwide. Yoga is a compelling approach that can be successfully applied, even in chronic and incurable cases.

However, these techniques should only be used as support, and one should not rely solely on them. The best results are achieved by combining Yoga with traditional and modern medicine, and by addressing a problem, both from a mental and physical point of view.

 

Aum Shanti

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: –

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Also conducts online Yoga Courses & Naturopathy Guidance.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

About the Author

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by the world-famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

Dr. Rita Khanna firmly believes that learning to heal with Yoga is a scientific process that helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has successfully practiced these therapies and provided succor to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet, and Naturopathy.

Dr. Rita Khanna runs a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

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How to Heal With Yoga Practice

By Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 1000 and Jenny Park

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Do you ever wish for a natural and effective way to ease tension and improve overall well-being? Look no further than yoga practice! This ancient tradition has been used for centuries to heal the mind, body, and spirit. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of yoga practice and how it can help you achieve optimal health and happiness. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, read on to discover why incorporating this powerful practice into your daily routine could be just what the doctor ordered.

Yoga for Back Pain

Yoga is a great way to ease back pain. Many different yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back. Yoga can also help improve your posture and increase your flexibility.

Talking to your doctor before starting a yoga practice is essential if you have back pain. Once you have the green light from your doctor, there are a few things to keep in mind as you start your practice. First, be sure to warm up before doing any yoga poses. A simple way to do this is to take a few minutes to walk around the room or do some gentle stretches.

Once you’re warmed up, start with some basic yoga poses that will help stretch and lengthen the muscles in your back. Try the plank pose, child’s, cat-cow, and downward-facing dog pose. As you become more comfortable with these poses, you can move on to more challenging poses that will help strengthen your back muscles.

Remember to listen to your body as you practice yoga. If a specific pose is causing you pain, stop doing it and try something else. With regular practice, you’ll find the right combination of poses that work for you and help ease your back pain.

 

Yoga for Anxiety

Yoga is an effective way to deal with anxiety. It helps to focus on the breath and brings the body into a state of relaxation. There are many different types of yoga, but they can all help reduce anxiety. Within yoga are many healing modalities such as asana, pranayama, mantra, meditation, yoga nidra, and more. All of these threads make the tapestry of yoga and help the practitioner reduce anxiety in life.

 

Yoga for Arthritis

If you suffer from arthritis, you know how debilitating the condition can be. The pain and inflammation can make moving difficult and often lead to a sedentary lifestyle. But did you know that yoga practice can help ease the symptoms of arthritis?

Yoga is an excellent way to stretch gently and strengthens the muscles around the joints affected by arthritis. It also helps improve circulation and promote relaxation. And because it’s low-impact, it’s easy on the joints.

Many different yoga poses can be beneficial for people with arthritis. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose poses that are suitable for your level of flexibility and strength. Here are a few beginner-friendly poses to get you started:

Cat-Cow Pose: This pose helps stretch the spine and warm up the body. Start on all fours with your hands and knees shoulder-width apart. As you inhale, arch your back and look up toward the ceiling. Then, as you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin toward your chest. Repeat this sequence 10 times.

Mountain Pose: This pose strengthens the legs and improves balance. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Press down into your feet as you lengthen your spine and raise your arms overhead. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute then release back down to the start position.

 

Yoga for Migraines

Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for migraines. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people who practiced yoga had fewer migraines than those who didn’t.

Yoga can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by:

1. Reducing stress and tension

2. Increasing blood flow and circulation

3. Strengthening the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders

4. Stretching and opening up the chest, neck, and shoulders

If you’re interested in trying yoga for your migraines, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to find a class tailored specifically for people with migraines. Second, be sure to let your teacher know about your condition so they can give you modifications or adjustments as needed. Finally, start slowly and gently – too much activity can trigger a migraine.

Why Choose Yoga for Healing?

Yoga is an effective form of healing because it addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

The physical benefits of yoga are well-documented. Yoga can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also help ease body pain and promote healing from injuries.

The mental and emotional benefits of yoga are just as crucial for healing. Yoga can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also promote self-awareness and provide a sense of calmness and peace.

Finally, the spiritual benefits of yoga can also contribute to healing. Yoga can help you connect with your innermost self and find a more profound meaning and purpose in life. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook on life and improve your well-being.

 

The Healing Benefits of Yoga

When you think of yoga, you may think of some people contorting their bodies into pretzel-like shapes. However, yoga is so much more than that! Yoga can provide many healing benefits for the mind and body.

Yoga can help to improve your flexibility and range of motion. It can also help to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. In addition, yoga can help to improve your balance and coordination. These physical benefits can help you move more quickly and prevent injuries.

Yoga can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help to improve sleep quality. Yoga may even help to reduce chronic pain. The breathing exercises that are a part of yoga can also help to improve lung function.

These benefits make yoga an excellent way to promote healing in the mind and body. If you want to start or enhance your healing journey, consider adding yoga to your wellness routine.

 

Asanas for Healing

When we think of yoga, we often think of the physical postures or asanas. Yet, yoga is so much more than that! Yoga is a holistic practice that can help to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

There are many different types of asanas or poses, each with its benefits. Here are some asanas that are particularly helpful for healing:

1. Child’s Pose: This pose is very calming and grounding. It helps to ease stress and anxiety and can be helpful for headaches and fatigue.

2. Cat-Cow Pose: This combination of two poses is good for the spine and the digestive system. It helps to improve flexibility and increase blood flow to the organs.

3. Cobra Pose: Cobra pose helps to open up the chest and lungs and is suitable for respiratory problems such as asthma. It also strengthens the back muscles.

4. Triangle Pose: The Triangle posture improves balance and flexibility and strengthens the legs and hips. It can also help to relieve pain in the lower back and shoulders.

 

Pranayama for Healing

Pranayama, or breath work, is a powerful tool for healing the body and mind. When stressed, our breathing becomes shallow, and we breathe less oxygen. This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and even depression. Pranayama helps alleviate these symptoms by promoting deep breathing and increasing oxygen flow to the brain. Additionally, pranayama helps to calm the nervous system and ease tension in the body.

Time to Practice Yoga for Healing

If you want to heal your body, mind, and spirit, there’s no better way to do it than through yoga. Yoga benefits both physical and mental health and can help you find a sense of inner peace.

There are many different styles of yoga, so it’s crucial to find one that’s right for you. If you’re new to yoga, starting with a beginner’s class is a good idea. Once you’ve mastered the basic poses, you can move on to more advanced classes.

Yoga is more than exercise; it’s a lifestyle. It would help if you committed to a regular practice to benefit from yoga. Set aside time each day for your yoga practice, and stick to it as much as possible. The more you practice, the greater the benefits will be.

 

Meditation for Healing

Meditation is a powerful tool that can help to heal the mind, body, and spirit. When you meditate, you focus on your breath and allow your thoughts to flow in and out without judgment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote peace and calm. Meditation can also improve physical health, as it can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

If you are interested in using meditation for healing, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down is essential. Second, you will need to focus on your breath and allow yourself to relax. Third, using a mantra or affirmation during your meditation may be helpful. Fourth, it is essential to be patient with yourself and allow the healing process to unfold in its own time.

 

Tips for a Successful Yoga Practice

1. Choose a quiet, comfortable place to practice yoga. It would help if you also wear comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement.

2. it’s essential to start slowly and listen to your body. Stop and modify the pose if you feel any pain or discomfort.

3. Don’t worry about doing the poses perfectly. Just focus on your breath and being present in the moment.

4. Remember that yoga is a journey, not a destination. Don’t compare yourself to others, and focus on your practice.

Conclusion

Yoga has been used for centuries to promote both physical and mental health. Its ability to heal the body, mind, and spirit is unparalleled, as it helps reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Regular yoga poses and breathing techniques allow you to experience a deep sense of peace within yourself that will help open your heart and build strength from within. So make sure to check out some beginner’s classes near you today and start improving your life with the healing power of yoga!