Therapeuatic Application of Yoga Teachniques

Author(s): M V Bhole
Publisher: Z_Umravkunvarji_Diksha_Swarna_Jayanti_Smruti_Granth_012035.pdf

Page 4

पंचम खण्ड | २९४
Cleansing Processes (Kriyas)
6. Cleansing processes (Kriyas) are very important in the treatment of many functional disorders. It should be remembered that these kriyas have direct influence on the autonomic nervous system and attitude and value system of the patient. The effect of these techniques could be slow in onset in many cases but when it starts, the results are marvellous. Kriyas are expected to influence endocrines and metabolic pathways in a subtler manner.
अर्चनार्चन
Pranayama
7. Pranayama is very useful tool in yogic therapy provided one can
really go to the level of pranic activity in the body. Otherwise, most of us remain on the level of learning to manipulate breathing only. Even this has tremendous benefits as the whole function of the brain (both voluntary and involuntary) gets modified. Regularised systematic breathing helps one to regularise various physiolo
gical and psychological functions in due course of time.
As referred above, individual considerations become important even though one can easily start with Anuloma-Viloma and Ujjayi Pranayama with advantage and without the fear of any unwanted side reactions. Other types of pranayamas can also be learned and utilised according to individual reactions, responses and feelings.
It is advisable and rewarding to refrain from breath-bolding (technically called as Kumbhaka) in the initial period. In the light of inner feelings one can gradually progress with Antar-Kumbhaka or Bahya-Kumbhaka as the case may be.
Individuals with agitated nervous system or weak nerves will get benefited by "Rechaka Pranayama' while those with inhibitions will be helped through 'Antar-Kumbhaka' in Pranayama.
A session of suitable cleansing processes (Kriyas) before pranayama has been seen to give better results.
In the same way a session of asanas ending in a good practice of Shavasana (i. e. relaxation after release of tensions) will prove of immense help before switching over to pranayama.
Dietary Moderations and Modifications
8. Dietary moderations and modifications are useful and essential in
most of the conditions. Ayurveda mentions that with proper diet, no disease will arise and without the observation of dietary conside