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Yoga and Health / 273
Inverted positions like Shirsh asana and Sarvangasana have been found successful to treat pre-menstrual tension, migraine by influencing, through gravity effects, the lungs, brain, heart, intestines and uterus and the movement of body fluids such as blood, lymph and cerebrospinal fluid.
Pranayama or yogic breathing practices also have favourable effects on the cardio-vascular system. Breathing against resistance in pranayama helps to dilate blood vessels of the brain, skin and coronary system. Inverted positions along with the practice of pranayama done under supervision can be useful in the treatment of angina pectoris (heart pain) because they reduce the work load of the heart. Tulpule (1973, 1980) has shown the utility of yogic exercises in the management and rehabilitation of the patients of heart diseases.
Respiratory Disorders
Equally important is the contribution of Yogic exercises towards resppiratory troubles. One of the troublesome respiratory disorders is Asthma. The reports of Asthma research projects conducted in Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla (Bhole 1975, 1965) and studies by other investigators (Rajalakshmi 1980; Nagaratna and Nagendra 1985; Goyeche et al. 1982; Erskin and Schonnel, 1979: Honsberger and Wilson 1973; Murthy et al. 1983) show efficacy of Yoga in the management of bronchial asthma.
Metabolic Disorders
Among the metabolic disorders frequently encountered disease is diabetes. This disease has also been subjected to yogic treatments and several investigators have reported favourable influence of the treatment in reducing the blood sugar levels (Divekar, 1978; Koshti et al. 1971, 1972; Rugmini and Sinha 1975; Singh et al. 1982; Udupa et al. 1975; Varandani et al. 1973; Rao 1976; Shembekar et al, 1980; Tulpule et al. 1977; Karambeilkar 1976).
Obesity is another condition which can be managed to a great extent through the yogic treatment. Reports by Gharote (1977), Divekar (1978) show beneficial effects of Yogic treatment on obesity.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Among these are included conditions related to digestion and elimination. Some clinical reports and experiences of individuals suggest how yogic exercises can help to alleviate conditions of hyperacidity, dyspepsia, indigestion, gas troubles and piles.
Musculo-skeletal Disorders
The practice of Yogic exercises undoubtedly helps to preserve and
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