To stay healthy is our birth-right. To obtain this right it is not necessary to take help of medicines, but to stay healthy is in our own hands. As explained earlier the structure of human body is so made that it functions like administrative system of a country. Various parts of the body perform different functions. One of the systems of the body performs functions of defending the body from disease by keeping immune system functioning properly. Just like external aggression is blocked by defence forces and rest of the national life is directed to support the defensive efforts. In the similar manner, any infection or toxin getting in the body is repulsed by immune system activating the blood cells and other toxin expelling mechanisms to get rid of the infection or disease bearing bacteria.
For example in a fever blook-pumping is increased by higher pulse-rate, body gives a feeling of fatigue and requires rest and there is loss of appetite.Body needs rest and noise of T.V. & family irritates. In case we help the body by resting, reducing intake of food, by restricting to water&lime in couple of days fever can be got rid of. Similarly various fundamentals about curing the diseases need to be understood and followed to stay healthy.
Meaning of Good Health:
To stay healthy we have to direct our energy inwards rather than wasting it on external comforts and enjoyment. We are looking for cures etc..from outside the body and in today's polluted environment it is becoming more difficult. Swasthya means available within our body and yoga teaches us to activate such mechanisms located inside the body. Nature has made the human body so complete that it is possible to stay healthy by keeping the internal systems working properly and in co-ordinated manner.
The body falls ill due to many reasons, main reason, as per modern science, is harmful bacteria causing infection or a disorder. But ailments caused by mental stress etc..have no physical basis and are caused by mental stress etc. All functions of the body are controlled by brain through complete nervous system. With mental stress function of all systems is impaired and ailments start attacking the body and vicious circle of medicines and re-actions starts.
Ill Health is Caused by Carelessness:
The main reason for bad health is incorrect food and over-eating. To give energy to body, keeping the blood stream clean, and all organs to function in alert manner depends on our food habits. Incorrect food, imbalanced food, over-eating irregularly and being a compulsive eater cause diseases to creep in the body.
Yoga experts and naturopaths believe that accumulation of toxins in the body causes various ailments. Bacteria germinate where toxin or unclean areas are located causing diseases. In case we pay attention to this fact, before disease attacks, we can achieve good results.
It is not possible to achieve good health by any medicine invented or likely to be invented. The method to stay healthy is within reach of every human by activating internal organism. Regular use of a medicine can reduce the activity of internal organism to the extent of being ineffective and result in complex diseases. Medicine, therefore, when taken should be minimum & for minimum period to cure an ailment and then aim should be to improve immune system by controlled diet, exercise and cleaning process. The medicine can act to augment internal system only when the systems are working properly. If it is possible to be healthy by consuming drugs and chemicals, then no one will fall sick, so long as he can buy the medicine. But this is not possible. We have to practice and find our own method to stay healthy by balance of type of food, rest & exercise.
There is slight misconception about achieving good health through yoga. Widely published and therefore believed concept is that an ailment or a disease can be cured by one particular yogic posture or a combination of postures. It must be understood that yogic postures have not been disigned keeping any disease in mind, but make internal organism to function properly, removing toxins and achieving good health. It is a step to have good immune system and robust constitution. By regular practice of yogic posture body stays healthy because human structure is designed in such a manner that tends to stay healthy naturally and yoga keeps this process active.
It has not been possible, even by latest research, to identify exact cause of sudden bouts of ill health, like loose motions, acidity, running nose, cough, skin diseases etc. Presently the causes of diseases are said to be infection, allergy, bacteria and virus. But it is strange that affect of these causes is not the same on all human beings. A person with low immune system is likely to fall ill earlier. Excess use of medicines also results in low immunity level. It is therefore, essential to improve immune system so that, an organism in the body function at their optimum level. Regular practice of yogic postures, cleaning processes, pranayama and meditation makes the body supple, mind calm and defense mechanism of various systems active. The yogic method is therefore, best way to stay healthy.
Cure or Giving Rest to Body:
The main aim of any therapy is to give rest to the body and calm the mind and the methods used may be naturopathy, or by changing the diet pattern. This will help the inbuilt defensive system to fight the disease.
Most of the ailments or ailment generating elements get eliminated by fasting and one feels well. The fasting can be by use of water-honey-lime, warm water, fruits/vegetables, juices. Boiled vegetables and salads can sustain a man for weeks. Milk and curd can be added as well as juices of vegetables & fruits. Some cereal may be included after some time, but with brawn i.e. roughage. Green leafy vegetables may be mixed in flour for chapatis. Carrots, bottlegourd, white gourd, cucumber & citrus fruit, juice with lime & honey is very useful and its consumption for 3/4 months cures even chronic diseases.
Grapes, raisins, big raisins and honey combination is very good for lung infections like T.B. & asthma. Cough & cold gets cured by the juice of ginger and amla mixed with honey & hot vegetable soup. For dysentery & diarrhoea apple/pomegranate juice & ripened banana are very good. For relieving joint pain take soaked garlic, ginger and raisins, carrot-ginger and vegetable-juice and soup.
Classification of diseases:
It is the law of nature that toxins are expelled from body by oxygenisation in lungs, perspiration and calls of nature i.e., urinary & excreta tract. Whenever the natural toxin throwing passages don't work properly various ailment start appearing. Largely the diseases can be in three categories.
1. Acute Diseases.
2. Chronic Diseases.
3. Degenerative Diseases.
Acute Diseases:As the name indicates such ailments are with acute discomfort/pain e.g. high fever, loose motion, dysentery, cold, cough, skin diseases, smallpox, cholera, etc. Such diseases occur in children and adults with low resistance capabilities. They occur to throw toxins from body and last for 3-4 days and some for one to two weeks and as soon as toxins are expelled the ailment subsides. Even if no medicine is taken and food consumption is restricted and regulated, the disease subsides.
In food carbohydrates and proteins should be avoided. Consumption of proteins and carbohydrates initiate digestive cycle and interrupts cleansing process. The medicine can suppress the disease, but there can be relapse as soon as as effect of medicine wears out.
In acute diseases consume only water for 3-4 days and then add sweet fruit juices and vegetable juice/soup. Patient should take complete rest. Do not exercise or perform any yogic postures. As the disease subsides, appetite improves and body is cleaned. A little weakness follows, which improves slowly.
Chronic Diseases: Such diseases continue for long periods, although patient continues to live & work but is in very great pain and suffers continuously. Pain in joints, gout, asthma, diabetes, stone in kidney/gal bladder, urinary infections etc., are included in the list of chronic diseases.
To cure such diseases a patient should fast for a week, consuming only water with lemon and honey and juices of fruits & vegetables. For next three weeks, only fruit & vegetables juices & raw salads be consumed. The vegetables like cucumber, bottle gourd, spinach, carrots and white pumpkin be used for juices. A cup of milk and cheese may be added. After about two months boiled vegetable and about two chapatis can be consumed for one meal and the remaining meals should include only juices, cup of milk. The sequence may be repeated tii the disease subsides.
While curing the chronic diseases the target is not the disease but improvement of body resistance systems. Exercise recommended postures, cleansing process & pranayama be performed regularly. This routine will improve the resistance power and immune system. Patients should be advised to relax & stay cheerful.
Degenerative Diseases: When chronic diseases are not cured properly or are suppressed by medication then degenerative diseases may appear. Such disease start eroding the body e.g.cancer, heart ailments, T.B. etc.
Degenerative diseases should also be treated by consuming minimum and easily digestible food, like recommend for chronic diseases, but for longer duration. The starting by complete fasting, however, is not necessary, and treatment can start with juices and small quantity of milk.
It must be remembered disease is indication that body is trying to expel toxins from the body. Acute diseases when suppressed by medication cause avoid chronic ailments. In case of chronic diseases strength of the defensive systems in body should be improved by using five basic elements earth, water, air, fire and space.
All efforts should be directed to avoid ill health and in case of one falls ill, cleansing process should be initiated. It is better to follow yogic life of exercises, food, cleansing process, clean air & sunlight, rest and stay tension-free & cheerful.
Cure of Ailments by Yoga:
The practice & yogic posture is not aimed at cure of any specific disease, but suggests comprehensive way of life to stay healthy. However attempt is being made to list out common ailments & recommended postures to cure them. Along with exercise & cleansing processes suggested foods for specific ailments are also listed in this chapter.
Constipation:When suffering from constipation one should avoid food prepared with fine flour as base and all dishes which involve deep or shallow frying. Consume food having roughage like Atta with brawn, whole pulse (not washed), leafy vegetable, salad, guava, papaya, pears, wood apple (Bel) & Citrus fruits. Consuming water, kept over night in a copper container, first thing in the morning is specially recommended.
Among exercises, Suryanamaskar, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Makarasana and Pawanamuktasana are very useful.
In cleaning processes Kunjal (self induced vomit) and enema may also undertaken.
Piles:A patient with piles should consume food suggested for constipation, concentrating on vegetable juice and restraining completely food which can irritate the piles. Apply oil on piles with help of finger inserted inside the rectum.
Paschimottanasana, Yog Mudra, Gorakshasana, Makarasana, Sarvangasana and Agnisar Pranayama can be very useful.
Gastric Trouble: Eat easily digestible food by chewing each mouthful properly. Leafy vegetables like Palak, Bathua and Methi be made in to paste and added to dough for chapati and kept for 8-10 hours before cooking. Eat dry chapatis without consuming any water with it. Take warm water after about half an hour. At night take only milk and fruits.
Paschimottanasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Vajrasana, Suptavajrasana, Makarasana, Pawanamuktasana, Halasana, Uddiyanabandh and Agnisar Pranayama are very useful postures. Nauli and Kunjal performed at regular interval can also be useful.
Obesity:While bathing scurb the body for 10-5 mins with smaill and slightly rough towel. At night patting with palm, closed fist and dry massage will activate the fat cells. In the food reduce quantity of Carbohydrates & proteins and fruits, vegetables, juices, and fat free milk/curd.
Suryanamaskar, Naoasana, Suptavajrasana, Sarpasana, Mayurasana, Uttanpadasana, Paschimottanasana, Makarasana, Halasana, Uddiyanabandh and Agnisar Pranayama are useful postures.
Seminal Disorders:Massage, sun-bath, scrubbing the body while bathing. Eat light and limited food and add milk, curd, cheese and fruits. Milk should be sweetened with dates in place of sugar.
Paschimottanasana, Gorakshasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Suptavajrasana, Dhanurasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana and Uddiyanabandh. Nadishodhan Pranayama and retention of the breath after inhaling are recommended exercises.
Diabetes:Brawn added atta for Chapatis, Methi, Karela and Palak, vegetable salad, jamun and fruit juices can control the diabetes. Two-three flowers of Sadabahar is useful preventive method.
Paschimottanasana, Makarasana, Uddiyanabandh, Yogmudra, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Suptavajrasana, Uttanpadasana, Mayurasana and Nadishodhan Pranayama are helpful postures. Ear, Nose & Throat: Lime and honey in warm water. Tea made of ginger, green cardamom & pepper and light food is suggested.
Ushtrasana, Bhujangasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Jalneti, Sutraneti and Kunjal followed by Bhastrika, Bhramari & Ujjai Pranayama will give good results.
Liver Diseases: Food should be without any fat and have vegetable & fruit juices, with honey & lime juice with honey will also be helpful.
Kamarchakrasana, Paschimottanasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Yogmudra & Halasana among yogic postures, kunjal as clearing process and Sheetli as well as Uddiyanabandh as breathing exercise will be helpful. Perform Yogmudra 8-10 times daily.
Asthma & Lungs Diseases: It is common belief that asthma is a lifelong disease. A strict vigilance of diet is very necessary for an asthmic to lead normal life.
One or two chapatis having brawn and leafy vegetable, boiled vegetables and salad should form the meal. Take lime warm water with honey, soaked raisins or Munakka. Tea of cardamom, ginger & pepper or Peepali, tulsi leaves and Mulatti may also replace tea etc.
Among asanas perform Suptavajrasana, Ushtrasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Makarasana, Jalneti, Sutraneti & Kunjal should be done every day. Kapalbhati & Bhastrika are recommond Pranayamas.
High Blood Pressure: Salt and spicy especially chilly based food is to be completely stopped. Patient should try to stay on juices, soups and fruits, fat free milk, curd & cheese. Food should by light minimun possible.
Kamarchakrasana, Vajrasana, Suptavajrasana, Sarpasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Uttanpadasana, Makarasana & Pawanamuktasana, should be performed and when proficiency is reached add Sarvangasana as well. Kapalbhati, Nadisodhan (without retention) Pranayamas will be useful. Practice Shavasana for 10 minutes couple of times everyday.
Low Blood Pressure: Warm lime water & honey, soaked almonds & raisins, milk, cheese, fruits, salad should form part of light food.
In addition to Suryanamaskar (Karnapithasan) all asanas, mentioned for high blood pressure, should be performed.
Headache:To clean the internal passages perform Kunjal and fast by consuming small quantities of fruits & milk.
Paschimottanasana, Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana, Shavasana, Kapalbhati & Nadishodhan Pranayama will be helpful.
Dislodged Navel: Dry chapati, curd, boiled vegetable, khichari, apple & banana should be consumed.
Tadasana, Vajrasana, Suptavajrasana, Ushtrasana, Uttanpadasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyasana followed by Uddiyanabandh will be very useful.
Cervical Spondylitis: Take light food, avoid gaseous food and include fruits in diet. Suptavajrasana, Ushtrasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Uttanpadasana, Tadasana, Makarasana & Matsyasana followed by Shavasana, Nadishodhan Kapalbhati Pranayama is recommended. Perform Bhujangasana 8-10 times daily.
Hernia: Never overeat. Constipation condition should be avoided. eep the bowels clean. Food should include vegetables, fruits, but avoid gas producing food.
Paschimottanasana, Yogmudra, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Suptavajrasana, ttanpadasana, Pawanamuktasana, Halasana & Sarvangasana to be performed, avoid other postures.
Heart Diseases: Take vegetable & fruit juice, lime juice and honey in fresh or warm water. Try to sustain on vegetable/gram soup & skimmed milk for as many days as possible. Take light food and in small quantities every 3-4 hours. Chapati with brawn and leafy vegetables and vegetables can be added after sometimes.
Start with light exercise like walk at slow pace and short duration. Add Kamarchakrasana, Vajrasana, hujangasana, Shalabhasana, Uttanpadasana, Makarasana and Pawanamuktasana. Keep your capacity in mind. Take rest after the asanas by staying in Shavasana for 5 minutes. Nadishodhan pranayama should be done, without retention, and as per individual capacity.
Rheumatic Diseases or Gout: Food for patients is similar to that given for asthmatic patients.
Yogmudra, Vajrasana, Suptavajrasana, Uttanpad-asana, Bhujangasana, Makarasana, Pawanamuktasana, Sarvangasana Matsyasana should be performed upto individual capacity Bhastrika Pranayama. Sunbath and massage followed by warm water bath will be very useful.
Sleeplessness & Other Nervous Disorder: Keep bowls clean. Increase intake of fruit, fruit juice & milk.
Among the asanas, perform Suryanamaskar, Paschimottanasana, Ushtrasana, Makarasana, Dhanurasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana and in pranayamas Sheetli, Kapalbhati and Nadishodhan followed by Yognidra for half an hour. Avoid sleeping in the afternoon and practice early rising.
Kidney Trouble: Consume liquids which are non-toxic and non gas forming. Lime water with option of honey, vegetables&fruit juice. (citrus&pomegranate). Ginger & Cardamom tea for few days. After a while have good food once a day and remaining time non-toxic liquids.
Practice Yogamudra, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Uttanpadasana, Suptavajrasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Makarasana, Pawanamuktasana, Mtsyasana, Uddiyanabandh, Bhastrika Pranayama & Kunjal
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