Preksha Dhyana Self Awareness by Relaxation

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

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We have a voluntary nervous system and an autonomic nervous system. First we inactivate the voluntary nervous system and stop all voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles. As the practice continues and the muscles begin to relax and drain out the tension, turmoil dies down and in due course is completely gone. When the control on the voluntary nerves is firmly established, the autonomic nerves also calm down. The vital activities of the body are the province of autonomic nervous system and are not generally under voluntary control. But as the relaxation progresses, these activities also calm down. Breathing slows down and the number of breaths per minute is considerably reduced. The heart-beat and the circulation of blood also slow down. Rate of energy-metabolism is reduced and the need of oxygen is drastically cut down. All the needs and necessities of the organism are reduced to a minimum and an unprecedented peacefulness prevails in the absence of turmoil. Revitalization of the Organism
On the physical level, benefits of relaxation are obvious and measurable. The sensory nerves are always loaded with the continuous task of collecting and despatching information. Motor nerves are similarly engaged in transmitting messages from the brain to the muscles, glands and other tissues and producing action. The work is tiring and there is no respite. Relaxation provide much needed rest to the nerves and neurons. They are free from the load of their onerous duties. The rest gives them a chance of recuperating. The flow of vital energy saved from being wasted in producing tension now revitalizes and rejuvenates every tissue and cell. There is no wonder, therefore, that relaxation can relieve fatigue more effectively in a few minutes than hours of indifferent sleep. It will also be clear from the above that sleep, during exercise of relaxation, is considered a distraction. However, relaxation may be performed just before retiring for the night to get a more restful sleep.
Those who risk heart diseases because of high blood pressue can strenthen their resistance capacity by practising
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