What is Yoga?
Yoga is a complete system of mental and physical training developed over 5000 years ago by sages in
India. It is an integral part of Ayurveda which is one of the traditional systems of Medicine practiced in India.
Disease is seen to arise due to imbalance of mind and body. Yoga in its purest form, prescribes ethical
guidelines including healthy eating habits which ultimately lead to physical, mental and spiritual
enlightenment.
Practice of Yoga has three components – Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation.
Asanas relax and tone the muscles, improve flexibility of joints and massage the internal organs. Asanas
can improve the overall well being.
Pranayama is breath control and is linked to oxygenation of blood. Thus it helps improve functions of all
organs down to the cellular level.
Meditation is a mental discipline included in the practice of many world religions. It helps to calm the
constant thoughts arising in the mind, thus leading to peace and tranquility. Meditation produces high
intensity alpha waves in the brain indicating a state of deep relaxation.
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy is the use of Yoga for general well being and disease management. Yoga therapy can play
an important role in prevention and cure of several diseases. It can help alleviate distress associated with
several chronic or incurable diseases and give the inner strength to cope with the illness. Regular practice
of Yoga helps to reduce stress and calm the mind. It can improve muscle tone and flexibility, increase
energy, strength and circulation. It can reduce pain and improve function.
Conditions that can be treated with Yoga
Most importantly regular practice of Yoga helps to reduce or eliminate stress and promotes a sense of
well being. Stress is considered not only to be an important cause of several illnesses but also aggravates
an existing disease. Yoga therapy, though cannot cure cancer is useful as adjunct to surgery, chemotherapy
and radiotherapy. It can help reduce the side effects of treatment and help patients face the emotional and
physical strain with a positive attitude. Patients with Aids can similarly benefit from Yoga therapy.
Some of the illnesses will need medications and or interventions, but yoga practice will assist the healing
process.
How does Yoga therapy work?
Yoga therapy utilizes stretches, postures and breathing exercises that helps the body get rid of old “bad
habits” and bad postures. It helps to realign the body so that the circulatory and respiratory systems can
function more smoothly and efficiently. Muscles and bones get stronger and joints become more flexible with
relief of pain. Mind becomes calmer, getting rid of stress. Since stress is responsible for majority of the
diseases including high blood pressure and heart disease, getting rid of stress reduces the stress hormones
in the body. This helps to reduce high blood pressure, control blood sugar in diabetics, reduce severity or
even eliminate attacks of asthma. The person experiences overall good health.
Is it difficult to practice Yoga?
No. Any one can practice yoga. After a thorough physical examination, Dr.
Parameswaran can prescribe a level of yoga that suits your particular physiology
and does not exceed your capabilities. If done appropriately, yoga is for people of
all ages and of all shapes and sizes. It will leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
Can pregnant women do Yoga?
Yes. Pregnant women can certainly practise Yoga. Women undergo major
hormonal shifts in the body during pregnancy and have to make physical, emotional
and mental adjustments. Regular practice of the Asanas and Pranayama during
pregnancy alleviates and dispels some of the discomforts and assists in the baby's
safe delivery by reducing much of the fear and tension.
Dr. Parameswaran will prescribe the appropriate Asanas depending upon the trimester.
Can Yoga cause injury?
When properly done under guidance, yoga does not cause any injuries. Lack of proper warm up,
overextending, trying to compete with a neighbor - all can result in pain or sprain. All poses should be
followed by counter poses. One should allow adequate rest between Asanas.
Essentials of Yoga Practice
Therapeutic yoga might involve only asanas or a combination of asanas, pranayama, meditation and
other yoga techniques depending on the disease and the patient's condition. Regular Yoga practice helps
the patient become self reliant and not depend on medications.
Time of practice: Yoga is best practised in the morning before breakfast. It can be done any other time
but has to be done in an empty stomach or after only three to four hours after a meal.
Place of practice: Select a quiet part in the house with a comfortable room temperature, where you are
least likely to be disturbed. Yoga is done on the floor using a carpet, blanket or mat.
Dress: Clothes should be minimum and loose fitting
Method of Practice: it is important to learn the correct technique and practise fully focused and with
concentration. One should do only within the limits of the body and not try to overdo or compete with
someone else who does advanced postures.
How much Yoga?: One should try to limit the practice to thirty to forty five minutes once a day. One
should allow ten to fifteen seconds rest between two Asanas. At the end of all Asanas a longer period of
rest is done in Shava Asana. This should be roughly for one fourth of the practising time.
Diet: The kind, quality and quantity of the food one consumes affects the physical and mental status of
the individual. Hence it is important to eat a balanced meal consisting of whole grains, fresh vegetables
(steamed, boiled or salad) fruits and nuts. Avoid sugar, milk and dairy products, oil, meat and spices. Never
overeat or even to your full capacity. One should eat slowly and swallow the food only after chewing
thoroughly.
Alcoholic drinks and beverages containing caffeine should be avoided or kept to the minimum. Yogic
literature recommends drinking plenty of water ( eight to ten glasses a day).
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