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Yoga and Ayurveda / 307
Treatment and cure
The aim of both the sciences is a Mukti (complete freedom) from Adbi (mental disorder) and Vyâdhi (physical disoder), According to Yoga, the surest way of preventing such disorders lies in the observance of Yama and Niyama (the rules of moral behaviour and discipline). This leads to the path of Rajayoga which would keep the mind tranquil and healthy. As this path is not easy for the common man, Hathayoga comes to our help in the form of various Asanās, different types of prānāyama, Mudras and Bandhas, and six type of sudbikriyās, viz. Kapalbhāti, Dhauti, Nauli, Neti, Basti, and Trătaka. They help to keep the body and mind steady, tranquil and healthy. Hathoyogapradipika states ;
वपुः कृशत्वं वदने प्रसन्नता नाद स्फुटत्वं नयने सुनिर्मले । प्ररोगता बिन्दुजयोऽग्निदीपनं
नाडीविशुद्धिर्हठयोगलक्षणम् ॥ The signs of perfection in Hathayoga are, slimness of body, brightness in the face, manifestation of inner sound (nāda). very clear eyes, freedom from disease, control over the seminal fuid, stimulation of the (metabolic or digestive) fire, and complete purification of the pädis,' Is there anything better that one desires to achieve than these signs of a good physical and mental health ?
How Asanās help to cure various disorders can be seen from this stanza :
हरति सकलरोगानाशु गुल्मोदरादीन भिभवति च दोषानासनं श्रीमयूरम् । बहुकदशन भुक्तं भस्मकुर्यादशेषम्
जनयति जठराग्नि जारयेत् कानकूटम् ॥ *The Mayurāsana cures quickly all diseases like enlarged glands, gastro-intestinal disorders, etc, and overcomes the imbalance of humours. It reduces to ashes (e.i. enables digestion of) all foods indiscriminately taken, stimulates the gastric fire and can help to digest even kālakuta (the most terrible poison.)'
Regarding prāņāyāma, it is stated.
प्राणायामेन युक्तेन सर्वरोगक्षयो भवेत । A proper practice of prānāyāma can control all the diseases.'
Referring to the Sudbikriya (cleansing procedure) Dhauti, it is mentioned.
आसमस्थ तम 3VTCAP A तब हो सके आश्वस्त जन
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