Therapies & Articles

Power Yoga

DEFINATION OF POWER YOGA Yoga is a discipline to improve or develop one’s inherent powers in a balanced manner. It offers the means to reach complete self-realization. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is ‘Yoke’. Accordingly, Yoga can be defined as a means for uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit of God. According to Maharishi Patanjali Yoga is the suppression of modifications of the mind. SALIENT FEATURES OF YOGA 1. Yoga, a universal practical discipline: Yoga is universal in character for practice and application irrespective of culture, nationality, race, caste of creed, sex, age and physical condition. It is a practical discipline. Neither by reading the texts nor talking about it, nor by wearing the grab of ascetic one can become an accomplished Yogi. Without practice there is neither experience of the utility of Yogic techniques nor realization of their inherent potential. Only, regular practice (sadhana) creates a pattern in the body and mind to uplift them. It requires keen desire on the part of the practitioner to experience the higher states of consciousness through mind training and refining the gross consciousness. Literally “sadhana” or sadhan is the form of discipline by the regular practice of whose techniques something is accomplished or more precisely ‘means to an end”.It is sadhana which make the realizationof the self or the spiritual experience possible. 2. Yoga as evolutionary process: Yoga is an evolutionary process, a process in the development of human consciousness. Flowering of total conscious evolution does not necessarily begin in any particular man rather it begins only if one chooses it to begin. The vices like use of alcohol and drugs, working exhaustively, indulging too much in sex and other stimulation is to seek oblivion, a return to unconsciousness. Indian yogis begin from the point where western psychology ends If the Fraud’s Psychology is psychology of enlightenment. In it is not a question of psychology of man; rather, it is question of spiritual growth. Man has to be accepted in his totality. He needs to simultaneously trained in reasoning, emotions, doubt and faith also. Yogic practices are an attempt to push an individual towards his own inner evolution, the ultimate realization of his potential. 3. Yoga as soul therapy: All paths of yoga (jnana , karma , bhakti etc.) have healing potential to shelter out the effects of the pains which come in life. However. One essentially needs proper guidance from an accomplished exponent who has already treaded the same track to reach the ultimate goal. The particular path is to be chosen very cautiously in view of his aptitude and potential either with the help of a competent counselor or consulting an accomplished Yogi. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF PRACTICES People generally ignore yamas and Niyamas in practice considering them to be part of conduct but it is not desirable. They should also be practiced. Taking into account Ashtange Yoga the Yogic practices may be classified as (i) Yamas (ii) Niyamas (iii) Asanas (iv) Pranayamas (v) Bandhas and Mudras (vi) Kriyas (vii) Meditation and (viii) Attitude training practices. Each one of these classification consists of a group of several practices. These practices are briefly discussed here and details are mentioned at the Appendix:- YAMAS Practice of Yamas has way to increasing the power of concentration, mental purity and steadiness. The following are the Yamas: •    Ahimsa                  (not to harm others) •    Satya                     (to be truthful) •    Asteya                   (not to steal) •   Brahmacharya     (calibecy) •   Aparigraha           (not to possess beyond actual needs) NIYAMAS               There are five Niyamas: •   Shauch            (external and internal purification) •   Santosh           (contentment) •   Tapa                 (to make right efforts to achieve goals) •  Swadhyaya      (to study authentic texts and religious sculptures to acquire  correct  knowledge of  self                                and supreme divinity) •  Ishwar Pranidhan (complete surrender to the divine will) A set of Asanas, Mudras and Pranayamas practiced with faith , perseverance and insight rejuvenates the brain, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney bowels, all nerves, muscles, tissues and glands of the body by ensuring oxygenated and balanced blood supply, kindles up the appetite, bestows control over seminal fluid, senses and mind and imparts increased vitality, vigour and longevity to the practitioner. SURYA NAMASKAR Surya Namaskar is the most useful and popular mode of Yogic exercises which briefly bestows the benefits of Asanas, Pranayamas and Mudras altogether. It consists of a series of 12 postures which are performed early in the morning facing the rising Sun. Surya Namskar energizes the entire neuro-grandular and neuro-mascular system of the body and its regular practice ensures a balanced supply of oxygenated bloodand perfect harmony to all the systems of the body, thus invigorating the entire psychosomatic system of human constitution. ASANAS These are special patterns of postures that stabilize the mindand the body through static stretching. Their aim is to establish proper system in the neuromascular tonic impulses and improve the general muscle tone. Two basic principles governing the performance of Asanas are stability and comfort. This suggests that the nature of Asanas is psycho-neurophysical and not only physical. Every Asana should be performed effortlessly and maintained for a comfortable time. There should be no jerks and the performance of Asana should not lead to undue fatigue Asanas may be classified as (1) Meditative (2) Cultural, and (3) Relaxative:- 1. Meditative Asanas   are sitting postures, which maintain the body in asteady and comfortable conditions. By various arrangements of the legs and hands different Meditative Asanas are performed. The characteristic feature of the Meditative Asana is, however, keeping the head, neck and trunk erect. 2. Cultural Asanas involve static stretching which brings about proper tone of muscles. They contribute to the flexibility of the spine and render the back and spinal muscles stronger. They also stimulate proper working of the vital organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. There are innumerable varieties of Cultural Asanas, which are performed in sitting, lying and standing position. 3. Relaxative Asanas are few in numbers. They are performed in the lying position and are meant for giving rest to the body and mind. PRANAYAMA These practices bring control over the respiratory impulses, which from one of the channels of the flow of autonomic nerve impulses. Holding of the breath for a prolonged and comfortable time is an essential technique of Pranayama. However, in the initial practice the breath holding phase is completely avoided and emphasis is put on the controlled inspiration and expiration with a time ration of 1:2 between them. The expiratory phase is so controlled that the following inspiratory phase is not affected in its slow and controlled inspiration. The main purpose of Pranayama is to gain control over the autonomic nervous system and through its influence the mental function is also controlled and regulated. It is useful in higher Yogic practices like meditation. BANDHAS AND MUDRAS These are locks and holds of the semi voluntary and involuntary muscles in the body. They decongest the vita organs, improve circulation and nutrition by pressure manipulations and contribute to general health and emotional stability. A difference is made between the Bandhas and Mudras on the bases of their use in Pranayama. Mudras that are used in pranayama are usually called Bandhas because they bind and channelise a particular nervous activity in a particular place or direction. Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Moola are important Bandhas. Some Asanas are called Mudras because of their specific effects and channels through which the effects are brought about. KRIYAS These are purificatory processes usually classified into six divisions and therefore they are often called Shatkriyas. These are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalbhati, each one of which consists of many subsections. They increase the range of adaptability of the tissues forming various organs and systems and raise the threshold of their reactivity. Kriyas bring control on different reflexes and establish psycho-physiological balance. The modes of purification in the Kriyas are air, water, friction and manipulating movement. The regions of cleanining involved in various Kriyas are Naso-pharyngeal, Otocranial, Gestro-oesophageal, ano-rectal and intestinal. MEDITATION This is the practice involving control of the mental functions, which start from the initial withdrawal of the senses from external objects to the complete oblivion of the external environment. There are several techniques of meditation. It is a process of absorption in which the individual tries to turn his attention to dwell upon a single object, sound, concept or experience. It is not always safer to start one’s practice in meditatation without preparing adequately through Asanas and Pranayama. The basic principle of Meditation is to develop internal awareness. AFFLICTIONS AND DISEASES WHICH ARE AMENABLE THROIGH YOGA THERAPY •   Amoebiasis •   Anxiety Neurosis •   Depression •   Arthritis •   Allergic Skin Diseases •   Bronchial Asthama •   Irritable Bowel Syndrome •   Obesity •   Peptic Ulcer •   Back pain •   Respiratory TractInfections •   Sciatica •   Constipation •   Cervical spondylosis •   Diabetes •   Gastritis •   Hamiplegia •   Hypertension •   Insomnia •   Flatulence •   Postural Defects •   Epilepsy •   Epilepsy

Acupressure Treatment What is acupressure? Acupressure is a form of massage that is based on the principles of acupuncture. But it is different from acupuncture because it does not require needles. Instead it actually involves the use of finger pressure (rather than needles) at specific points along the body to treat ailments such as obesity, arthritis, tension and stress, aches and pains and menstrual cramps.   Advantage of Acupressure Acupressure can be used by a massage therapist or an acupuncturist or you can treat yourself. The therapy consists of pressing the acupuncture points to try to help the free flow of energy in the channel. Most importantly, acupressure’s healing touch is entirely safe to do on yourselfand others – even if you’ve never done it before – so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs. And the only equipment needed is your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.   Acupressure Techniques to Treat Obesity There are several techniques to administer acupressure. But two easy methods are specially recommended by experts since those are effective for various health problems. For your convenience, these two important techniques are discussed below.   According to Chinese doctors, the first and foremost technique of acupressure is to use it on the points of liver and large intestine. For using this technique, you need to consult with a physician and learn about the exact points where you should apply acupressure. Working these points with acupressure will enhance relaxation and help relieve pain, nervousness, anxiety, and sleeplessness. The another simple but effective technique is applying acupressure to gallbladder on the right and left sides. This is used to release the neck and shoulder muscles. Apply threshold pressure to Gallbladder on the right and left sides, until you feel the muscle relax. But for this also, you need to see an expert who can teach you about the techniques as well as the pressure points. Naturopathy Treatment
Naturopathy is an art and science of healthy living and a drugless system of healing based on well founded philosophy. It has its own concept of health and disease and also principles of treatment. Naturopathy is a very old science. We can find a number of references in our Vedas and other ancient texts. The morbid matter theory, concept of vital force and other concepts upon which Naturopathy is based are already available in old texts which indicate that these modalities were widely practiced in ancient India.
The fundamental difference of Naturopathy with other systems is that its theory and practice are based on holistic view point where as the liters approach is specific. Naturopathy does  not believe in the specific cause of disease and its specific treatment but takes into account the totality of factors responsible for disease such as ones unnatural habits in living ,thinking ,working ,sleeping ,relaxing ,sexual indulgence etc.and also considers the environmental  factors involved which on the whole disturb the normal functioning of the body and lead it to a morbid, weak and toxic state. For treatment, it primarily stresses to correct all the factors involved and allows the body to recover itself. The Naturopath helps in Natures effort to overcome diseases by applying correct natural modalities and controlling natural forces to work with in safe limits.
Gandhiji was influenced by the book “return to nature” written by Adolf just and become a firm believer of Naturopathy. He not only wrote several articles in favorer of Naturopathy in his newspaper “Harijan” but did its several experiment too on himself, on his family members and on the members of his Ashram. It may be noted here that Gandhiji used to stay at the “Nature Cure Clinic” of Dr. Dinshaw Mehta situated in Pune during 1934 to 1944. In his memory the government of India established ‘national Institute of Naturopathy’ in 1986 at that place. Gandhiji included Naturopathy in his constructive programmes. Due to influence ofGandhiji several National leaders joined this minority health movement. The names of Ex-prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai, Ex-Governor of Gujrat Shri  Shrimannarayanji, Ex-president Shri V.V.Giri, Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Shri Balkova Bhave need special mention in this regard.
DEFINATION OF NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy is asystem of man building in harmony with constructive principles of Nature on physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living. It has great health promotive, disease preventive and curative as well as restorative potential
PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHY
The main principles of Naturopathy are as under: 1. All disease, their cause and their treatment are one. Except for traumatic and environmental conditions, the cause of all diseases is one that is accumulation of morbid matter in the body and their elimination from the body is treatment. 2.  The primary cause of disease is not bacteria or virus. Bacteria and virus enter and survive in the body only after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favourable atmosphere for their growth is established in body. Hence, the basic cause is morbid matter, not the bacteria. They are secondary cause. 3. Acute diseases are self healing effort of the body. Hence they are our friends, not the enemy. Chronic diseases are outcome of wrong treatment and suppression of the acute diseases. 4. Nature is the greatest healer. Body has a capacity to prevent itself from disease and regain health if unhealthy. 5. In Naturopathy patient is treated and not the disease. 6. Patients suffering form chronic ailments are also treated successfully in comparatively less time in Naturopathy. 7. After emerging suppressed diseases can be cured by Naturopathy. 8. Naturopathy treats physical, mental, social (moral) and spiritual all four aspects at the same time. 9. Naturopathy treats body as  a whole instead of giving treatment to each organ separately. 10. Naturopathy does not use medicines. According to Naturopathy “Food is Medicine”. 11. According to Gandhiji “Rama Nama is the best Natural Treatment”, means doing prayer according to one’s spiritual faith is an important part of treatment.
DIFFERENT MODALITIES OF NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy is a science of healthy living. It teaches us how we should live? What we should eat? And how our daily routine should be? Naturopathy not only help us in attaining freedom from disease but also help in acquiring positive and vigorous health.
It’s main object is to change the living habits of people and to teach them the healthy life style. Different modalities of Naturopathy are very helpful in the fulfillment of this pursuit.
The human body has got remarkable recuperative power. It is composed of five great elements (Panoha Maha Bhutas), imbalance of these, creates disease. Treatment of the diseases by these elements i.e Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether is known as Naturopathy. The general treatment modalities and diagnostic methods employed in Naturopathy are as stated below:
DIET THERAPY
According to this therapy the food must be taken in natural or maximum natural form. Fresh seasonal fruits, fresh green leafy vegetables and sprouts are excellent from this point of view.
These diets are broadly classified into three types which are as follows:
Eliminative Diet
Liquid-Lemon Citric juices, Tender coconut water, Vegetables soup, Buttermilk etc
Soothing Diet
Fruit, Salad, Boiled/steamed vegetable, Sprouts, vegetable chutney etc.
Constructive Diet
Wholesome flour, Unpolished rice, little pulses, Sprouts, Curd etc.
Being alkaline these diets help in improving health, purifying the body and rendering it immune to disease. To this end a proper combination of food is necessary. Our Diet should consist of 20% acidic and 80% alkaline food for preserving health. A balanced food is a must for any individual seeking good health. Food is regarded as Medicine in Naturopathy
Fasting Therapy
Fasting is an important modality in the natural methods of health preservation. In fasting, mental preparedness is an essential precondition. After that fasting for one or two days can be administered to any individual. Prolonged fasting should be done only under supervision of competent Naturopath.
Naturopathy believes that fasting is a process of complete physical and mental rest. The digestive system is in rest during this process. Therefore the vital energy which digests the food is saved and diverted for utilization in the eliminative process. This is the object of fasting too. Fasting is an excellent treatment for removing the disorders of mind and body. Fasting is advised in treating the disorders like indigestion, Constipation, Gas, Digestive disorders, Bronchial Asthma, Obesity, High Blood Pressure and Gout etc.
Steam Bath	Hot Foot Bath	Hip Bath
Thermolium ( colour Sun ) Bath	Under water Massage	Mud Bath