Archive for November, 2009

By Dr. Rita Khanna

Addiction is a habit, for which we have no control, and become its slave. Addiction is a chronic but treatable brain disorder. Repeated use of drugs leads to addiction, which disrupts the well-balanced neuro-chemical systems in the brain, and severely alters the areas of the brain, which are critical to decision making, learning, memory, and behavioral control. 

INTOXICANTS and THEIR EFFECTS

• Barbiturates, methaqualone, glutethimide, chloral hydrate, and tranquilizers act to depress the nervous system; and therefore, affect our breathing and heart rate, as well as our thoughts and emotions.

• Amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, and tobacco are stimulants. They suppress sleep and appetite and generally interfere with body rhythms.

• LSD, mushrooms, mescaline, marijuana, and other chemicals consist of synthetic and natural substances. Marijuana has hallucinogenic effects and can cause a psychotic break in predisposed individuals.

• Opium, heroin, morphine, codeine, and methadone come under the category of narcotics and opiates, and produce both psychological and physical addiction.

There is no end to this list. When the addict is not satisfied by all of these addictions, he goes on adding more and stronger items – ultimately getting scorpions and serpents giving stings on his tongue.

SYMPTOMS

• Changes in school performance – falling grades, skipping school, etc.

• Changes in peer group – hanging out with drug-using, antisocial friends

• Breaking rules at home, school, and society

• Extreme mood swings, depression, irritability, anger and negative attitude, sudden increase or decrease in activity level, withdrawal from family and keeping secrets

• Changes in physical appearance – weight loss, lack of cleanliness, strange smells, etc.

• Stammering, red, watery, glossy eyes or running nose (which are not due to allergies or cold), changes in eating and sleeping habits

• Lack of motivation or interest in activities, which teenagers usually enjoy (that is – sports, hobbies, etc)

• Lying, stealing, and hiding things, using street or drug languages, or possession of drug paraphernalia or items, cigarette smoking

• Spend thrift in money matters.

• In the surroundings of his residence, you will find empty bottles, aluminum foils, small pieces of cardboards, or metal tubes, empty match boxes, and injection syringes, etc.

CAUSES

• A weakening of willpower

• A lack of external, social and family support, love, affection, and not having an aim in life

• The curiosity to experiment with something new

• Bad company of friends who have wrong habits

• Illiterate people residing in cold regions

PSYCHIC ENERGY CENTERS

Ancient Indian Yogic texts describe Psychic energy centers (Chakras). This Psychic energy is translated into hormonal, physiologic, and ultimately, cellular changes throughout the body. Each major Chakra is associated with a major nerve plexus and a major endocrine gland. In a drug user, Prana (Life Force) is likely to be crystallized in Mooladhara and Swadhisthana Chakras. All the passions, complexes, anguish, and desires have their roots there. The ensuing Pranic imbalance creates energy fluctuations in the nervous system, which may be the cause of the visual and auditory hallucinations. If the energy of these two Chakras is not purified, freed and transformed by passage to the higher Chakras, the impulses and experiences, which guide a human being, will be influenced by the qualities of these two chakras.

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM

To treat dependency and addictions, the following program is recommended. It progresses from drug detox, to postures, to breath work, and to meditation.

DRUG DETOX

Detoxification is a necessary part of overcoming drug abuse. It is vital in the recovery process because it helps the body break its addiction to the substance the person has been abusing. If an individual does not go through drug detox, he will continue to have a strong, physical craving for drugs; and the withdrawal symptoms will make it very difficult to stay away. Methods used in detoxification are: Yoga Asanas (postures), Sukshma Vyayam (gentle exercises), Pranayama, Bandhas, Mudras, Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Naturopathic Diet, Massage, Steam Bath, Jalneti, Enema, Wet and Mud Packs, Hip Bath, Spinal Bath, Hot Foot Bath, Full Body Dry Friction, Chest Pack, and Chromo Therapy (healing by using color and light). Individuals, who abuse drugs, will need to go through medically-supervised detoxification.

SHAVASANA FOR FIVE MINUTES

Lie down on the floor, with your legs comfortably apart, arms limp by your side. First, relax the entire physical body, part by part, mentally – then bring the awareness of the breath in the abdominal region -, expand the abdomen with each inhalation – and relax the abdomen with each exhalation. While doing these movements of the stomach, feel the body relaxing and the body becoming free from any kind of tension. Then, just observe the whole body, mentally, and feel if there is still any tensions in any part of the body… release it. By observing your breath, your thoughts are directed towards detecting and discarding any remnants of tension. Thoughts are regarded and then released. This is the birth of mindfulness.

ASANAS

In the early stages, do simple legs and arms exercises; shoulder rotations are also excellent. As the practitioner increases his energy levels, and physical strength, he can start with Kati- Chakrasana, Chakrasana, Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana, Nauka Sanchalanasana, Vajrasana, Shashankasana, Ushtrasana (camel), Marjarisana (cat stretch), Tadasana, Trikonasana, and Surya Namaskara. The various movements loosen up the joints and give flexibility, balance, and strength to the body – thus aiding the detoxification process.

PRANAYAMA

Pranayama is a panacea for the health of the mind and the heart. Bhramari (humming bee breath), Sheetali, Ujjayi, Kapalbhati, Bhastrika, Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), and abdominal breathing are all good in a progressive way.

• Bhramari (humming bee breath) is useful for mental stress. It increases inner calmness and can sooth the turbulent mind. A few rounds of Bhramari are good for those who have trouble going to sleep. This is very useful at the time of detoxification – when many addicts cannot sleep, due to withdrawal.

• Sheetali cools the mind and helps in preventing and reducing the intensity of panic attacks.

• Ujjayi balances the endocrine system and is very good for relaxation.

• Kapalbhati is useful in reducing the quantity of recurrent obsessive thoughts.

• Bhastrika removes the toxins.

• Nadi shodhana Pranayama is a crucial practice for mental clarity, alertness, balance, and purification of the Nadis.

While doing Pranayama, breathe in peacefully, and breathe out peacefully. With each inhalation, feel as if you are inhaling new power, light, knowledge, brightness, and there is development inside you. With each exhalation, feel as you are distributing happiness, composure, and divinity to the universe. Fill the universe with composed, healthy thoughts, health and composure will return to you thousand-fold. Even if one continues a routine of Pranayama, two to three times a day, for ten to fifteen minutes, for one continuous month, one can feel tremendous improvement in health.

BANDHAS

Once the energy and physical strength start increasing, Bandhas can be started. These are energy block removers. They compress organs and endocrine glands, affecting secretion and direction of flow. Bandhas increase stamina, strengthen the abdominal and lumbar muscles, and massage the abdominal organs, increasing circulation to these areas. This massage works well on the liver, an important major organ for detoxification.

YOGA NIDRA

The practice of Yoga Nidra, which is a simple and indirect method to contact the pre-conscious and unconscious mind, is a practical and easily applicable technique. It allows the body to heal and to rest completely. Yoga Nidra gives time to step back and gain a wider picture of what is going on. Proceed systematically and very gradually; initially start with breath awareness, breath counting, and rotation of consciousness around the body. To see one’s condition, introduce positive visualizations, but keep them simple, realistic, practical, and grounded – which contain self-recovery images which are linked with a Sankalpa (resolve). Sankalpa is the most useful and important part of the practice, which is directed towards an improvement in physical balance. Always discover your own Sankalpa. Experience that you are fully composed and healthy. After a few practices, one will feel better; have more physical energy with improved digestion and sleep, and a reduced level of anxiety.

DO’S & DON’T’S OF VISUALIZATION

• Choose those which relate to reality and are linked with everyday life. One can use visualizations, connected with the sequence of Asanas performed, or which were likely to improve the functioning of the physiological systems and organs; i.e., those directed towards the attainment of a definite practical objective. In general, keep the visualizations very simple.

• Avoid suggesting any visualization that causes the practitioner to `fly away’ and stimulate vivid memories. Avoid visualizations, like walking on rainbows, sitting by crystal lakes, etc. However, under the influence of certain drugs, you actually visualize certain things like that, so the association with that type of visualization would be drugs, a drug-induced experience. We want to avoid any association between Yoga and taking drugs, therefore, we try to keep the visualizations very grounded and practical.

A SMALL VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUE

For example, first go back through the day – from the morning up to the present. Then go back another day. When you have the confidence of the practitioner, you can go further back, like one week, one month, one year, and so on. It is quite important to go back to childhood. Recall is a useful technique for showing that there was a time before drugs were used, that the stage of using was just a middle stage, a period in their life, and did not last forever. It is quite useful for bringing up memories which people, who have been using drugs, didn’t recall before – just to acknowledge “Yes, I did this.” -without guilt. It is very beneficial to clear out these mental images. If a cloud moves in, the sun gets covered. There is no reason to think that the brightness of the sun has reduced. Try this method two to three times in a day; you will surely attain complete composure and health.

JAPA SADHANA

Remember the name of any God in which you have complete faith, while you move about, walk, sit, and get up. God means peace, composure, beauty, and happiness. Peace and happiness are your aims in life. Remember that name which would fill you with peace and composure in your internal consciousness. Forget the past. Do not worry about the future. Observe God every¬where in the planes with green grass extending on long distances in green fields, in the high trees reaching the skies, beautiful streams, open sky, sunrise, sunset, the chirping of the birds – your sickness will run away. Open your heart before God. Oh God, I belong to you, you are mine, let anything that is good for me happen. Remember God in your quiet and peaceful mind. God is inside you. You are also pure; you are intelligence incarnate. Feel this and you will inhabit new life.

AJAPA JAPA PRACTICE FOR 30 MINUTES

Sit in a meditative posture, keeping the eyes closed. If you feel you can’t keep the eyes closed, wear eye patches so that you can stay in that relaxed state of mind only. Any visual stimulation affects the state of relaxation in the brain. Ajapa Japa is a practice in which the deepening of concentration, and internalization of awareness, takes place. Begin by witnessing the flow of the natural breathing of the nasal passage. Be aware of the cool sensation within the nostrils at the time of inhalation, and the warm sensation within the nostrils at the time of exhalation. Concentration on the temperature of the air going in and out of the nostrils helps to balance the activities of the two brain hemispheres.

The flow in the right nostril stimulates the left hemisphere, and the flow in the left nostril stimulates the right hemisphere. The right nostril is the location of Pingala Nadi, the source of heat and vitality, and the left nostril is the location of Ida Nadi, the source of coolness and tranquility. Therefore, if we were able to merge the mind with the experience of breathing, and the temperature of the breath, it would be possible to induce changes in the patterns of the brain waves. This can be achieved through concentration, and awareness of the fact, that one is breathing in and out, and observing the temperature of the breath.

After observing the breath in the nostrils, become aware of the movement of the breath in the frontal passage between the nose and the navel.

Normally, when we breathe in, the air goes down into the lungs and when we breathe out, the air comes up out of the lungs. However, in the practice of Ajapa Japa, we reverse the awareness factor, so at the time of inhalation, imagine the breath was ascending from the navel to the nostrils, and at the time of exhalation, that the breath was descending from the nostrils to the navel.

This practice internalizes your attention and awareness so deeply – that there would come a time when you would stop hearing the noises outside – though ears are not blocked. By keeping the eyes closed, or by wearing eye patches, there would be visual deprivation, and by observing the flow of the breath, there would be auditory deprivation.

Then start repeating the mantra So Ham with the breath. So represents the sound of inhalation and Ham represents the sound of exhalation. The mantra has the effect of making the mind more focused, tranquil, and peaceful. After practicing mantra repetition with the breath, for five to seven minutes, the practice of Ajapa Japa ends. Then chant Om verbally for five minutes, still keeping your eyes closed. This ends the thirty minute practice of Ajapa Japa. Now, you can very slowly open the eyes.

HOW THESE TECHNIQUES HELP

Apart from damaging the central nervous system, drugs also suppress the immune response because of the hyper stimulation of the glands of the adrenal cortex. Situations of stress and continuous reactions, of the fight or flight mechanism, bring about excessive production of adrenalin and noradrenalin hormones and reduced production of corticosteroid hormones. The immune system can be re-conditioned by relaxation techniques, which help in stimulating the thymus gland. Just one session of relaxation, combined with regular physical exercise, can increase the production of killer cells and of endogenous opioides.

CONCLUSION

Yoga is undoubtedly one of the best methods of inner awakening – being relatively safe and well charted. It generates willpower and vitality, which can alter the mental state of desiring and craving. All the Yoga techniques work on self-acceptance. It is quite necessary to shower love, goodwill, and patience – until the addict does not make conscious efforts to do so. Yoga might represent the possibility of tripping the switch in the right direction. As spring follows the winter slowly and adorns the whole world, same way, Yogic treatment instills new consciousness, new enthusiasm, fullness, will power, and creates an irrepressible desire to live life fully.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh(India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

By Karen Scully

I began my yoga practice about 10 years ago with an incredible teacher, Julie Wright. I was in my early 40’s, and had been a runner for many years. I developed calcium deposits on my left thigh which caused great pain after my runs, to the point of crying while trying to go to sleep. When my doctor informed me that I had to stop running, I spent the next year looking for some form of exercise that I could do the rest of my life and would give me the “highs” of running along with the benefits – mainly weight loss. That was also when my doctor informed me I was in my early 40’s and should find a form of exercise I could do for a lifetime.

So I practiced yoga almost daily for about two years. I took mainly power yoga classes, some Bikram, some meditative. I was amazed at how strong and limber a 43 year old could be. Through different injuries that were a result of my job as a personal trainer, I turned to yoga to cure my aches, pains and depression at no longer being the young thing I thought I was. So my yoga experience grew out of a need to find health through exercise and that is what my focus is on – health for all through yoga, but specifically for the “mature adult.”

The one thing I have run into with active older adults is the need for yoga for therapeutic reasons, be it physical or mental. One of the incredible things about practicing yoga is that yoga strengthens all different areas of the body: heart, lungs, muscles, cardiovascular and nervous system. Yoga can also improve our digestive systems, send oxygen to all our different systems to bring them to a healthier state, and helps our psychological well-being. All of these are a like a jewel found in one place for a person needing to remain healthy for life. Another thing I find with active older adults is stress caused by either injury or physical conditions plaguing them, such as diabetes, etc., and the stress leads to depression. It is like a vicious cycle: injury or poor health leads to stress leads to depression leads to stress leads to poor health and so on.

Studies have shown that people who practice yoga recover from surgery faster, reduce symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, just to name a few. Why is that? Is it that yoga helps to reduce stress? Is it because the breathing sends healing energy through the body? Is it because their muscles and bones move more easily because of the asanas? Is it because you become more toxin free because of the twisting poses? Does meditation play a part? It’s because of all of these things, which is why yoga is perfect for anyone but specifically for the active older adult. And since no two people are alike – everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and different degrees of health, we have different types of yoga available for everyone.

Let’s begin with breathing, the most important part of ayoga practice. We are taught different types of breathing in yoga to help us in our asana practice and in our meditation. But anyone knows just from having to go in for, say, a big test and slowing their heart by taking deep, slow breaths that you can indeed rule your heartbeats and in turn, rule your blood pressure by slow, deep breathing. We take oxygen into our lungs that is transmitted into our bloodstream and carried to our muscles to increase our ability to exercise and stretch without muscle fatigue. Proper breathing techniques can relax a person immediately and anywhere and we know that because of studies done regarding shifting the balance of the nervous system to the parasympathetic side causing the relaxing to begin almost immediately. We know that relaxing muscles can help chronic pain, most commonly found in older adults from either physical illness or treatments used to help with their illness. So breathing is an essential part of anyone’s yoga practice, and it will be discussed again.

Yoga is a great stress reducer. Stress can come from lots of different things: daily work, issues with income/health, poor muscle alignment, chronic pain. As a matter of fact, arthritis and back pain are the two most common forms of pain, exacerbated by stress, found in older adults. Stress makes our muscles more likely to go into spasm, causing more pain/more stress. Stress can interfere with our deep sleep, essential for health, and common older adults. Lack of sleep increases pain. It is another vicious cycle. A regular yoga practice can help relax muscles, relieve stress and relieve pain.

Older adults also tend to slump, especially in their upper spines, causing muscle fatigue around their upper back and necks, ultimately causing pain. If continued, either due to sitting for hours watching TV or on their computers, or by the beginnings of arthritis or bone loss, their bones can slowly start to fuse in this manner so they can no longer stand straight. That’s why you see lots of older people stooped over from the middle of the back up. That is what happened to my father. Regular use of different asanas to strengthen our upper backs, using something like locust pose or cobra pose, can help strengthen these muscles and relieve the stress in the upper back, in turn relieving the pain.

Yoga also helps a person differentiate between whether they are feeling pain or are suffering. Pain can cause suffering but it is important for a person to know the difference and the difference is mostly a matter of the mind. This is where meditation comes in. Generally an active older adult cannot avoid pain, but they can control how much the “suffer” from pain. Studies have been done to show that long-term meditation can change the “wiring” of the brain in beneficial ways. Meditation activates the left prefrontal cortex which has been associated with greater levels of happiness. Personal happiness has a great deal to do with a person’s pain and suffering from the pain. Also, studies have shown that meditation can help reduce the pain signals from the thalamus to the higher brain centers where our brain interprets pain. Meditation is a huge part of biofeedback which has been shown to greatly help with a person’s pain. And where does our meditation always begin – proper breathing.

Studies have also shown that the vibrations we use, the Oms or the chanting (here we are back to breathing properly) helps to regulate the inhalations and exhalations we do. Regulating our inhalations/exhalations will regulate our involuntary muscle control, such as our heartbeats and blood pressure. Also, chanting helps us to redirect our thinking away from the pain we feel, giving a release, even for a short time, to our brain interpretation of pain, and we can learn to lengthen these periods of not necessarily removal of pain but ceasing to think out pain, thus teaching our bodies to do/think what we wish instead of the other way around. This has been found to be really helpful in older adults dealing with things such as fibromyalgia or even chemotherapy.

Older adults also seem to become depressed more easily than younger adults. Maybe our kids are grown and gone, we are unable to participate in golf or tennis the way we did due to illness or injury, whatever – depression is a huge problem in older adults. Many doctors want to treat depression with anti-anxiety drugs but yoga really leans toward a loftier goal. Yoga wants to quiet a restless mind, put us in touch with our deeper purpose in life, give us an inner source of calm and joy. Does this mean that older adults should not follow their doctor’s instructions and just do yoga? No. But it does mean we can incorporate the two to help a person to become well again, both in body and in spirit. And as we get older, we are less worried about our bodies than we are about our spirit.

If a person is physically able to do the sun salutations, these truly do bring energy into our bodies. Deep inhalations breathe energy into our bodies, and vigorous poses, such as the sun salutations or balance poses actually keep us from thinking about what may be our problems because we are too busy just trying to do the poses. The most important thing for people we work with who we know are suffering from depression is to not worry too much about their alignment (as long as we know they are not hurting themselves) but to just focus on their movement and breath. This keeps their mind focused. While they are focusing on the various movements and breathing, their body is taking in essential energy, stress relief, relaxation to help them combat depression. It works for everyone, no matter what their age but is particularly useful in older adults. Good poses for them are, along with the sun salutations are back bends because sending blood to their brains helps. It is always better to get quickly into the poses with persons who are depressed instead of focusing too much on relaxation or meditation because sometimes they can sink deeper into their depression and dark thoughts. It is also important to remember when you are doing their relaxation or savasana to keep their eyes open because closing their eyes causes them to focus inward and can lead to dark thoughts which are counterproductive to our practice.

We also understand that chanting and other devotional practices associated with yoga can help because they go directly to our emotions, again stimulating the left prefrontal cortex that is associated with calmness, happiness and emotional resiliency. Learning to bypass our bad thoughts and emotions through these practices can help us better deal with the emotional ups and downs of our lives.

Yoga also stresses a mind/body connection that some people think is elusive but yogis believe is essential. A good example of mind/body connection is does our mouth water when we think of apple pie? Does it elicit a good mood – a mood of contentment? On another level, are we so caught up in thinking of our problems that we cannot sleep? Are we so stressed about the difficulties we face as older adults that we develop an ulcer? Our physical bodies can affect our state of mind. We can’t walk as well as we used to so we become depressed. We take a hot bath to relax and relieve stress. Certain backbend poses can elicit a state of happiness in us. We can use different poses in yoga to make ourselves feel a certain way, and we can direct those poses specific to the older adult.

We need to remember to work on proper alignment, being careful to avoid poses that could cause problems with people with osteoporosis such as twists, lateral flexion and spinal flexion. We move gently through our poses incorporating spinal stabilization poses in every class, we feature poses that are comfortable and steady and encourage rest whenever necessary, we are cognizant of problems associated with older adults such as heart or blood pressure problems, and we urge the use of props, including chairs or walls for balance.

I have talked about asanas but I haven’t really covered the benefits of practicing yoga poses. Let’s take Big Toe pose – just a simple folding over of the body and holding your big toes. It, of course, benefits the low back. It also calms our brain to help relieve stress and anxiety, stimulates our liver and kidneys, stretches our hamstrings and calves, strengthens our thighs, improves digestion and helps relieve symptoms of menopause, headaches and insomnia. Next let’s take a look at a high lunge. It focuses on our ankles, calves, thighs, groin, abdomen, chest, shoulders, armpits and neck. It also helps with sciatica, heart problems and blood pressure problems. Warrior I focuses on the same as a high lunge, but also incorporates the lungs. It also strengthens the shoulders, arms and muscles of the back along with strengthening the thighs, calves and ankles. So even though I glossed over the poses a little, it would be exhaustive and take up the whole essay to discuss the benefits of each pose. Every pose strengthens, stretches and relaxes.

The purification we achieve from our twisting asanas help keep our systems working as God intended. As we wring our out visceral organs and the toxins are released into our bloodstreams, we flush them with water. Any twisting asana helps our bodies purify themselves.

Lastly, yoga also teaches us that the more we think something, the more likely we are to do it again. Our habits become deeper with more repetition. So our negative thinking or our self-flagellating inner dialogue may fuel depression. And the more an active older person sits alone or is inactive, the more they fuel their depression. So if we’re going to have a habit in our old age, let it be yoga. Let it be breathing properly, strength through asanas, meditation and purification through yoga. Let it be health in our mature years through yoga.

Karen Scully teaches Power and Hatha Yoga classes in Dallas, Texas.

By Nighean Hardie

Yoga is one of India’s wonderful gifts to mankind and although its origins are ancient, its methods and purposes are still relevant today, relying not on cultural background, faith or deity, but simply of the individual and the benefits each person receives from practising. Yoga has become important in the lives of many contemporary Westerners, sometimes as a way of improving the health and fitness of the body and Hatha yoga, a limb of yoga that emphasises strenuous and persistent effort, encourages awareness of the body. Coming back to the body draws the mind back to the present. Then, the worries drop away and there are no more “shoulds’ or “musts”. One of the reasons yoga is so refreshing is that, even if only for an instant, there is only the reality of the present moment. Each time you come to the present moment, you drop a certain amount of baggage. You may pick it up again thereafter, but the point is that you have practiced letting it go. Eventually you will be able to reduce the stress more often and for longer periods of time. In this respect, yoga is like life training. Its practice is a fabulous tool for transformation.

Yoga is an extremely powerful way of strengthening the body. One of its many valuable qualities is that it builds up a store of physical health through the practice of asanas, keeping the body cleansed and fit; exercise is essential for the speedy removal of toxins and for keeping blood circulation and all internal processes functioning smoothly. Hatha yoga in particular, is ideally suited to modern Westerners. Its structure is such that it starts with the very basics of how we experience existence – the physical body – and works inward. Increasingly, we fail to use our bodies enough or we have lifestyles that abuse them. Most of us suffer from back or joint pain at some stage, and many aspects of modern life – for example, sitting down for long periods of time to drive, watch television or work at a computer – place strains upon the body for which it is ill-prepared. We use medication to mask pain without bothering to establish its underlying cause. The flexibility and sensitivity that we had as children is lost as we gradually shut down our innate awareness of our bodies.

The physical benefits of yoga include increased strength, suppleness and stamina. Unlike many sports and fitness routines, yoga works on all the body’s muscles – this avoids overtraining specific muscle groups, a practice which can lead to injuries. Yoga enhances your balance, posture, agility and grace. It also cleanses and conditions internal systems and enhances bodily processes, such as digestion. Standing poses increase metabolism and also strengthen and tone the muscles, build endurance and warm the body. The exercises not only boost the body’s metabolism but also normalise the hormonal imbalances in the body to ensure good health and a glowing skin. The malfunctioning of the endocrine glands that regulate your metabolism could lead to stress, premature aging and other diseases and whilst this continues to affect many people throughout the world – especially in western countries – a healthy metabolism keeps the body and mind in perfect balance. The twisting and compressing of the yoga postures massage the endocrine and abdominal organs, regulating their function, improving local circulation and cleansing them of old stagnant toxins.

Yoga can help to alleviate or eliminate specific physical symptoms or ailments, such as PMS, headache, back ache, stress, insomnia, asthma and irritable bowl syndrome. Under the guidance of a specialist teacher, yoga can aid the management of or recovery from more serious conditions, such as cancer, HIV, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases.

It must always be remembered it does not matter what kind of shape your body is in when you start your practice: just having a body – being alive – is sufficient qualifications for doing yoga.

The ancient yogic philosophy states that there are physical, mental and spiritual sheaths of existence. The body tends to develop certain illnesses and disorders due to the imbalance in these sheaths. Yoga practice is associated with physical, emotional and ultimately, spiritual benefits. You may notice some benefits, such as increased flexibility and calm, early on in your practice, while others may appear more slowly as you cultivate a new awareness of your body and mind.

Having dealt with the physical side of life, yoga turns to the mental. Here different breathing exercises or techniques quieten the mind and brain, offering inner peace and an ability to face upheavals and deal with problems. An emphasis on breathing techniques helps you to breathe better – deeper and more fully – even when you are not practising yoga. This leads to clarity and stillness of mind, which in turn leads to improved concentration. You may also find that yoga helps to reduce anxiety, emotional tension and mood swings. One of the most profound benefits of yoga is stress management. Studies have shown that anxiety and stress levels can be reduced effectively through meditation, which also has a remarkable healing effect on the physical body. Imagine a stressful day at work or at home. The fast-paced environment requires you to be constantly worrying about the next thing. With yoga, you can benefit from relaxed breathing with a reasonable degree of control. Such activity allows your body and muscles to relax and think about peaceful thoughts, diverting your focus on stress. Even flexing activities could help a stressed person by loosening the tight muscles. Often when someone is stressed, the muscles are as well.

Practicing asana provides a way of physically and mentally unwinding to help focus the mind in preparation for meditation. Some people benefit greatly from this kind of preparation, while others may find that a moving meditation suits them best – some styles such as Astanga Vinyasa incorporate meditation into posture practice. The movement of the body provides a tool for concentrating the mind.

Throughout history and in all cultures, people have sought ways to go beyond the limitations of habitual living and discover more about themselves and the nature of reality. Meditation means “to become familiar with” and is a way of exploring the inner self. In our busy lives where the senses tend to be drawn outward, meditation is a good opportunity to turn inward on a journey of discovery. Meditation can be used to help us relax and cope with stress. It slows down the mind and balances the emotions. People use meditation for healing. It can also assist in problem solving by leading us to insights, which may range from the spiritually significant to the mundane. It can take us to higher states of awareness, peace and clarity. Sometimes people experience visions or feelings of bliss, vitality and an increased sensory awareness. Some have a sense of connecting with a higher aspect of themselves or with the divine. Ultimately, mediation is a personal pursuit and once a regular practice has been established many find the benefits are far beyond those they expected.

In terms of “specialist” yoga; prenatal yoga can help lower a mother’s anxiety, increase oxygen, improve circulation and create a bonding experience with the baby prior to birth. Many prenatal yoga classes incorporate chanting into their sessions: sound is powerful and studies have shown that babies learn to recognize and respond to voices in the womb with many pregnancy experts advising talking to your baby daily to increase early bonding for both mother and child. Studies on prenatal yoga have shown it improves birth weight, decreases preterm labour, and decreases IUGR (isolated intrauterine growth retardation) either in isolation or associated with PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension).

In India itself, the home of yoga, some children begin yoga from the age of five. The benefits of improved health, fitness and concentration are well documented, and now many forward-thinking schools in the West are beginning to teach yoga to children. This practice has been shown to enhance self-confidence, self-reliance, self-discipline, academic performance and the ability to cope with stressful situations, such as exams. By teaching self awareness, self control, and concentration, yoga can also help to manage children who have been diagnosed with ADHD – attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. It has also been used with some success to help children with Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.

Finally, yoga is a personal path of discovery for each of us. Its particular and unique relevance to each person will become apparent as you begin your practice. On the physical level, as in life, being off balance doesn’t feel good. Feeling as though you might topple over at any time is neither safe nor comfortable. One of the reasons yoga has grown dramatically in popularity is that it helps people feel harmonious, integrated and complete. As you learn about your centre in a yoga pose, you practice finding your centre in other areas of your life. In fact, dealing with a posture can train you to better deal with life events. The strengthening, purifying and energizing practices of yoga can lead you back to a more complete awareness of your self and can be practiced by everyone in order to stay healthy, calm and disease free.

Nighean Hardie is a Certified Yoga Teacher. She teaches Yoga classes in Barnet, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Traditional Yoga teacher training requires years of direct face-to-face study with a competent Guru. An essential part of learning how to teach Yoga is to maintain a bond with one’s Guru for life. Within many Yoga schools, the Guru has the final say in most matters. He or she decides when a student is ready to ascend to Yoga teacher.

The Guru’s competence level is never in question, because it is accepted that he or she is always right. If one seeks to become a Yoga teacher, by studying under the most accomplished Guru, this process could take years to be recognized as a formal student.

This step of formal Yoga study is taken, before consideration is given to any aspirations of teaching, on the part of the student. Due to the many social changes around the world, and within India, the traditional process of teacher training has evolved over time.

In fact, what we westerners might label “traditional” today did not exist 60 years ago. One did not study a form of Yoga for a month, with a Guru we never met before, learn a few dozen postures (asanas), become a certified Yoga instructor, get back on a jet, and open a teaching practice at home.

The study of Yoga is a much deeper process. A teacher of Yoga is a student for life. Some of us spend hours studying, practicing, and networking with other Yoga teachers – every day – for life. To safely teach students with different health profiles is not accomplished, unless we see the value of continuing education.

There is nothing wrong with the evolution of teacher training, but the traditional form of training took many years and is much less common today. There are many reasons for this. Family, work, and financial obligations, often top the list. Travel to India, to live in an ashram, may also tax one’s pocketbook and time.

With a variety of Web 2.0 tools, applications, and technologies, the ability to enhance one’s education has expanded opportunities for Yoga enthusiasts, students, and teachers – worldwide. No matter how far you live from the nearest town, you can find high-speed Internet access via satellite.

While some may criticize online Yoga training, it should be noted that many respected institutions and colleges have Internet-based education programs. To spread education worldwide, can only help humanity. People are learning more about languages, history, science, and many other subjects.

Therefore, the volume of Yoga education, training, and information will continue to grow in the future. It is almost a magical experience to see the present and future opportunities available for the education of humanity.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many Yoga instructors have years of teaching experience; but no matter how many years of training we have, there will always be a unique ailment that we are not so familiar with. Not every Yoga teacher is familiar with creating a modified lesson plan for a student with Scoliosis, Multiple Sclerosis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

You could take a specialized Yoga teacher training intensive for each ailment, a group of ailments, or take an online course. If you have the time to leave work for a specialized continuing education course, you have no worries, but what if your employer is not very understanding about taking time off?

Should you tell a cover story to receive time off? After all, how many employers will endorse your continuing education in a field that has nothing to do with your job? This is just one of many reasons why Yoga teachers from around the world are taking Yoga courses online.

Even if you teach Yoga full-time, you may not currently have the flexibility in your schedule to take off a week, or a month, to attend an intensive. You could read books and watch DVDs at home, but an online Yoga teacher course will guide you toward key points in your training.

Online Yoga teacher courses tend to operate in a number of different ways. Some of them use the Internet to send you all of the materials, and then you send your assignments back by Email. Practical exam videos can be sent back by streaming video.

Some online Yoga courses will send you a combination of books, DVDs, CDs, and e-Books. They might also have online videos, podcasts, and resources, which you can research any time of the day or night. The main purpose of online Yoga courses is to make learning a stimulating experience.

The rewards of online Yoga teacher training are convenience, significant savings, and the ability to apply newfound knowledge to a constructive purpose. When you have students who need help, they could possibly hang for your next Yoga vacation, but online courses allow you to assimilate knowledge, as quickly as possible. Technology enables Yoga instructors to help students in need, when they need help.

Knowledge gathered from online training courses will allow Yoga teachers to enrich all of their classes. This ultimately helps each student, who attends classes – from the young athlete to a senior who may be in a wheelchair.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Why would someone choose to teach Yoga classes? There are many events in life, which just seem to happen, but deciding to go through Yoga teacher training is not one of them. Whether you choose to teach, or your teacher suggests it, there are many different factors to consider if one decides to become a Yoga teacher. The following are thoughts to consider when Yoga students become teachers.

Teaching others to improve their lives is sharing the gift of Yogic knowledge. All practitioners reap the reward of steady practice. Imparting this knowledge, to a group of students, improves their lives and the lives of everyone they know. Inner peace is like a candle in the darkness. Each candle lights up a corner of the earth. Yoga enlightens humanity in the same way.

Showing people of all ages, to have fun and enjoy their lives, is part of teaching any form of Yoga. Through Yoga practice, children learn skills that will last a lifetime. Teens build self-esteem and learn how to prioritize peer pressure. Adults learn to relax and practice Yogic stress management techniques during their working years. Seniors socialize with their peers in chair Yoga classes, and learn how to maintain health on all levels.

There are many choices for becoming a Yoga specialist. Some instructors prefer to teach prenatal, mommy and me, or chair Yoga classes. It’s really a matter of where each of us feels we are needed. Some of us may only be interested in training athletes, while some of us may choose to help students who seek Yoga to reduce pain. When you consider the needs of groups, within your area, there are unlimited possibilities.

Teaching Yoga allows each of us to make a positive difference in our communities. How many people do you know who are making a difference in your community? There are always a few, but most people are struggling financially in a good economy or a bad one. Their life priorities are to pay the bills and put food on the table.

There is nothing wrong with surviving for a better day. Many of us have some experience at surviving a few storms. Yoga is valuable for the survivalist, and it gives us direction in the worst of times. To maintain one’s sanity, during life’s ups and downs, is no accident. Counselors of all kinds know the value of applying Yoga, relaxation, and meditation, to daily life. Our sanity is a priceless gift, and Yoga allows us to keep it at all times.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

By Roberta Bryant

We live in a time where beauty is big business. We are bombarded with superficial images, products and services that promote a distorted concept of real feminine beauty. Western society defines beauty by youth and outer appearance. Consequently, many women believe that they’re just not “enough;” not thin enough, young enough or pretty enough. The pursuit to “be attractive”—whether buying make-up, undergoing cosmetic procedures or talking to a therapist—keeps women uncertain and insecure.

Our culture has become increasingly more superficial. We are constantly being bombarded with images that entice us to abandon our true nature. Through daily sadhana of Yoga, meditation and relaxing, the Yoginis are able to stay connected to their true being. Practicing Yoga helps maintain and sustain not only the body, but one’s true identity as well. The daily sadhana, combined with gratefulness, helps Yoginis maintain a more spiritual view of the body. This helps fight the temptation to view one’s body in both advertising and media terms and helps the Yogini to stay strong in her natural, spiritual image.

In my recent studies and practice of Yoga, I have come to realize a different kind of beauty—natural beauty attained through Yoga practice. This beauty is neither artificial nor temporary. Not driven by the media, not based on superficial ideals; the beauty achieved through Yoga is incomparable.

True, natural beauty is one of the unexpected benefits of Yoga practice. Both natural, captivating and full of grace, this authentic beauty results when the radiance of the soul permeates the outer physical appearance. This is beauty born from a balanced state within. This is the beauty of Yoga.

Yoga Instills Confidence

There is nothing more attractive than a woman with self confidence. Her stature as she enters the room commands attention. Her self-assured smile brightens the room. This confidence is a natural by-product of the Yoga asanas. Tadasana is a perfect example of a posture for learning to stand strong, to feel grounded and to improve posture. In this pose, the body is steady, the weight is evenly distributed and the arms are at the sides. The spine is straightened and the back of the neck is straight. By practicing this pose, one begins to unconsciously stand with a confident posture.

Doing the asanas regularly invokes an inner sense of pride and accomplishment. For example, when one begins Yoga, perhaps they can’t touch their forehead to the floor during Salaam Posture. With consistent practice, the student begins to notice that they can stretch a bit closer to the floor each day, week, or month. Until one day, their forehead makes contact. This gesture promotes a strong sense of a personal achievement. Personal achievement builds confidence. Self confidence, infused with Yogic understanding of ego, is magnetic and attractive.

Yoga Promotes Positive Body Image

One aspect of yoga is that almost anyone can do it. Young, old, fit or out of shape—there are plenty of classes that offer modified poses. Yoga can be intimidating for those who have seen pictures of Yogis doing difficult poses. These photos alone are enough to prevent many from even attempting Yoga. Also, women who are out of shape or overweight have no desire to even step into a Yoga studio. They think they can’t start until they lose weight, not realizing that Yoga is a key way to get the body in shape and to slow the appetite. In fact, people with food issues often find that after a few sessions of yoga, their craving for fatty and other unhealthy food is replaced by the desire to eat fruits and vegetables.

Yoga helps attain ideal body weight and gives way to a proportionate body. Through postures, the body is encouraged to change naturally. Yoga helps remove flab in the right manner to the right extent. Yoga also removes excess fat that surrounds body organs. The abdomen tones with postures such as Urdhva Prasarita Padasana, Ubhaya Padangusthasana and Halasana. The legs are firmed and strengthened with asanas such as Padahastasana and Vrkasana. Each posture trims, tones and massages different areas of the body.

Yoga has a normalizing effect on all systems of the body. Digestion improves from internal massage produced by postures such as Pavanmuktasana and Salaam. The nervous system is toned with postures such as Cat and Salaam. As one continues with regular Yoga practice, the entire body begins to firm, tone and run smoothly.

People who take up Yogic breathing may be surprised to notice excessive fat melting away from the waistline, hips, and other places where it is prone to gather. Pranayama improves metabolic efficiency. The postures break up any fatty deposits and streamline the body.

Yoga Reduces Stress and Calms Emotions

In Western society, everyday life can be challenging. People are pulled in many directions—multitasking, thinking about errands during conversations—distracted and not paying much attention to any one thing. Consequently, women begin to feel fragmented, unfocused and stressed. Hormones fluctuate, often out of balance, causing overreactions and emotional upsets. Women can prevent or overturn out of control emotions and stress overload with breathing exercises taught in Yoga.

Moving through a series of asanas and/or meditation can bring calmness and serenity. Body, mind and breath in rhythmic alignment can dissolve intense stress and calm unrestrained emotions. Less stress leads to better sleeping patterns. Better sleeping patterns leads to waking up filled with energy. Waking up to greet the sun with Surya Namaskars is a fresh and invigorating way to begin the day.

Regular Yoga practice brings a deep connection to self. One begins to find new perspectives when regularly sitting in meditation. Self knowledge becomes self love. Self love brings contentment. This contentment becomes evident on the face as a natural and radiant beauty that is unparalleled.

All Yogic practice counters stress. So, for example, Savasana is specifically intended for relaxation. Usually included at the end of asana practice, this deep relaxation asana should be done every day.

In the United States, stress is considered to be a major killer—being related to many diseases including heart problems, cancer and immunity issues. Yoga can diffuse stress through asanas and pranayama. Even in a moment of high stress, taking a moment to do some deep breathing can redirect the stressful energy. The more relaxed one is the less stress can demand on the body.

Yoga and Anti-Aging

Yoga meditation promotes emotional-physical poise and a quiet mind. Thus, it protects against the pressures of daily living. Our ever increasing daily stress destroys health and happiness. The regular yoga practitioner remains young and active longer than those who don’t practice Yoga. There are many asanas that uses anti-gravity postures to reverse the effect of gravity and use it to our advantage.

For example, padhastasana, not only increases suppleness, tones the nervous system, stretches the spine, massages the abdominal muscles and keeps the legs firm and toned; it also add an additional supply of blood to the facial tissues and scalp, nourishing them both. The results include firmer facial muscles. This leads to reduction of wrinkles and gives a natural face-lift. Savangasana enables the venous blood to flow to the heart without battling gravity. Blood flows to the brain, the scalp and the facial tissues. It also is considered to be a rejuvenator.

Uttanasana brings fresh blood to the brain; oxygenating and rejuvenating the mind. It also revitalizes the facial tissue, is excellent for anti-aging and brings harmony and balance to the entire system. By having one’s head lowered and torso tilted, any stress on the musculature and organs of the torso is reduced. This brings balance and efficient functioning of all the bodily systems, creating inner radiance.

The authors of “A Woman’s Book of Yoga” offer the following suggestions to help a woman experience her inner radiance and natural beauty.

1) Begin a daily sadhana. Daily attention to body, mind and spirit helps develop a positive self-image.

2) Begin a practice of daily self-massage. Use oil scented to uplift the spirit. Self massage is healthy for the body, relaxes the mind and helps create acceptance for the natural changes in a woman’s body. A sense of beauty begins with self-acceptance.

3) Sit in front of a mirror and meditate on your own image. When you see yourself as an elevated soul, you can strengthen your resolve in achieving your dreams and be content in the present moment.

4) Create time in your day to enjoy an invigorating shower followed by asanas. Create space in your home to meditate, relax and unwind. Dedicating time and space for yourself helps create a more positive relationship with your body and self-image.

5) Practice smiling. Say less and smile more. Your stress level will lower, and you will receive smiles from others. Smiling brings radiance and beauty.

Regular practice of a variety of asanas and pranayama keeps one feeling well and gives the body an over-all glow. This inner glow has more to do with beauty than being pretty, handsome or young. Classic beauty may lack kindness or vitality. Good looks can hide a selfish or mean-spirited personality. An unhappy person is rarely as attractive as someone who is happy regardless of looks. While outer beauty may initially attract, what ultimately keeps us interested in a woman is her inner beauty. What we see in her eyes. What we feel from her spirit.

The goal of yoga is not to achieve physical beauty, but to realize inner contentment and a deep connection of one’s Atman with the Brahman (or higher power.) This union shines through the eyes, the expressions and the attitude toward others; it’s what makes a woman truly attractive.

______________________________________________

1 Yoga For Weight Loss—Losing Weight With Yoga; Yoga and Beauty Tips; Julie Denham; www.theyogasanctuary.com.

2 Yoga The Way to Natural Beauty; www.yoga.iloveindia.co.

3 Yoga For Weight Loss—Losing Weight With Yoga; Yoga and Beauty Tips; Julie Denham; www.theyogasanctuary.com.

4 Feeling Good Is Looking Good; Yoga and Beauty Tips; Cathy Keenan; www.theyogasanctuary.com.

5 The Woman’s Book Of Yoga; Seibel, Michelle M. MD and Khalsa, Hari Kaur; Avery Books, 2002

6 Inner Beauty Shines Through; Healthy Lifestyle Tips at Wai Lana Yoga; www.wailana.com

Roberta Bryant is a published author from Santa Rosa, California.  She is training to become a Yoga teacher.

Dr. Rita Khanna

INTRODUCTION

The special gesture of the fingers and hands, in relation to the body, is called a Mudra. These Mudras generate, redirect, and recharge the hidden energies of Panch Mahapranas; i.e., the immediate force which governs the physical body. The attitudes and postures, adopted during Mudra practices, establish a direct link between Annamaya Kosha (the physical body), Pranamaya Kosha (the pranic body), and Manomaya Kosha (the mental body).

After establishing the Pranic balance within the Koshas, the practitioner gradually enables the redirection of subtle energy to the upper chakras, inducing higher states of consciousness. There are 25 mudras in Hatha Yoga, which can be categorized into five groups. They are Mana (Head Mudras), Kaya (Postures Mudras), Bandha (lock Mudras), Adhara (Perineal Mudras), and Hasta (Hand Mudras).

To make it simple, these can be categorized into two groups:

1. Mudras involving the whole body in a combination of Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, and visualization techniques. These types of Mudras lead to awaking of Pranas, Chakras, and Kundalini.

2. Simple hand Mudras for balancing the five elements.

FIVE GROUPS OF YOGA MUDRA

1. Mana / Head Mudras

Mana Mudras involve the engagement of subtle skeletal muscles, mostly in the areas of the pelvis, and centralize the Prana in the body. These are useful in stimulating the Kundalini powers. They are called Shambhavi, Nasikagra Drishti, Khechari, Kaki, Bhujangini, Bhoochari, Akashi, Shanmukhi, and Unmani Mudras. Mana Mudras need concentration and focus on internal consciousness whilst elevating the cognizance. The positions of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and lips play a key role in these Mudras.

2. Kaya / Postures Mudras

These practices utilize physical postures, combined with breathing and concentration. They are called Prana, Vipreetakarni, Yoga, Pashinee, Manduki, and Tadagi Mudras. Kaya Mudras reinvigorates the Prana in the body and directs the Prana into specific Chakras, which are energy channels.

3. Bandha / Lock Mudras

These practices combine Mudra and Bandha, which give rise to special kinds of nerve impulses, which are sent to the brain centers and translated as new sensation; e.g. vibration, throbbing, creeping sensation, feeling of ecstasy, bliss, extreme joy, etc. They are called Maha Mudra, Maha Bheda Mudra, and Maha Vedha Mudra.

4. Adhara /Perineal Mudras

These techniques redirect Prana, from the lower centers, to the brain. These Mudras control the sexual capacity. They are called Ashwini Mudra, and Vajroli/Sahajoli Mudra.

5. Hasta / Hand Mudras

Hand Mudras are all meditative Mudras. They redirect the Prana, being emitted by the hands, back into the body. They are called Jnana /Gyan, Chin, Yoni, Bhairava, and Hridaya Mudras.

NOTE

The above Mudras should be learned under the instructions of Yoga Mudra experts in order to get wonderful results.

MUDRA AND HEALTH

THE PHYSICAL BODY

The physical body is composed of five elements, which are fused with each other in different proportions, to form each human body. These five elements are fire, air, space (ether), earth, and water. The thumb represents fire, the index finger represents air, the middle finger represents space, the ring finger represents earth, and the little finger represents water. When these five elements are present in fixed proportion, the body remains healthy; but if there is the slightest imbalance in these elements, it can upset our immune system and cause various ailments. The ancient Yogis explained how, with bringing together the fingers in various permutations and combinations, the elements could be manipulated in the physical body. This balancing of the tension and redirection of the internal energy affects the changes in veins, tendons, glands, and sensory organs to bring the body back to a healthy state.

MUDRA SCIENCE

• Mudra science is an independent Yoga that brings quick and effective changes.

• Mudras are easy to practice and can be practiced by sitting, standing, or lying on a bed – whenever and wherever you have time; but these are most effective when we perform in Vajrasana, Padmasana, or Sukhasana, and on an empty stomach.

• While performing Mudras, try to keep the rest of the fingers straight. It is always a better option to do these Mudras with both hands, palms facing the sky – although it is not a rule.

• The left hand Mudras are beneficial for the right side of the body and vice versa.

• Mudras can be practiced for a minimum of 30 seconds and up to 45 minutes daily. The practice can be spread out over three times a day for convenience or depending on your capacity.

• Mudras can be practiced both by the healthy and the non-healthy. In the former case, they are preventive measures, which preserve your health.

• Continuous practice of the Mudra will create minute changes in your body. There is perhaps nothing better in the world than the practice of Mudras for success and well-being.

• So try it, it really helps.

Following are a few very powerful Mudras for the wonderful health benefits…

 1. Mudra of Knowledge (Gyan Mudra)

Sit in any comfortable meditation posture. Touch the tip of the thumb, to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out. Place the hands on the knees. Keep the spine straight and the eyes closed. As it is a Mudra of knowledge, it enhances the knowledge. The tip of the thumb has centers of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centers, by the index finger, the two glands work actively.

Benefits

Increases memory power and sharpens the brain, enhances concentration, and prevents insomnia. If we practice it regularly, it will cure all psychological disorders, such as mental, hysteria, anger, and depression. For insomnia problems, after this Mudra, perform Pran Mudra.

2. Mudra of Life (Prana Mudra)

Bend the ring finger and the little finger, and touch the tip of the thumb, with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched. As it is the Mudra of life, it improves the vitality of the body, as Prana Mudra activates the Root Chakra. In Root Chakra, the elemental force of human entity resides. The fingers positioned in the Mudra, provokes the nourishing energy in the pelvic floor. If we practice it regularly, we will become active and strong.

Benefits

It improves immunity, improves the vitality of the body, improves eyesight, helps in the proper functioning of the lungs, energizes the heart, and removes vitamin deficiency and fatigue.

3. Mudra of Earth ( Prithvi Mudra)

Touch the tip of the thumb and the tip of the ring finger together, keeping the other three fingers straight. Since this Mudra is an association of the earth element with the powerful Sun, it brings solidity to the body.

Benefits

Regular practice of this Mudra assists in weight gain, if the body is underweight, helps restore the balance and equilibrium of the body, wards off weakness, fatigue, dullness, and increases Prana in the body. The position of the fingers intensifies the sense of smell and is also effective for nail, skin, hair, and bones. It brightens the aura, activates the thinking power, and helps to broaden the orthodox / conservative thinking pattern; it compensates for lack of Rajasic Guna (passion).

4. Mudra of Water (Varun Mudra)

Join the little fingertip with the tip of the thumb, keeping the rest of the fingers stretched out. As the name suggests, this Mudra is associated with the water element (Varun is a name for the water God), so it balances the water element in the body. It retains clarity in the blood and prevents all diseases which come, due to lack of water.

Precaution

Do not press the tip of the little finger near the nail, as it causes dehydration, rather than hydrating the system. Those having respiratory problems, should not do this Mudra.

Benefits

Excellent for skin disorders, such as wrinkles, skin infections, and dryness, it purifies the blood and heals many blood disorders; brings luster and glow to the body; especially, the face; compensates for the shortage of water in the body, and cures constipation. Since it moisturizes the body, it is also a thirst-quenching Mudra, which activates the salivary glands to secrete saliva, relieves dehydration, and stomach infection, relieves kidney malfunctioning and promotes urination, activates the circulation of fluids in the body, prevents the pains of gastroenteritis, and muscle shrinkage.

5. Mudra of Air (Vayu Mudra)

Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb, and press the back of the second phalange with the thumb, by keeping the other three fingers straight. It prevents all the diseases that occur, due to the imbalance of the air. The practice of this Mudra, for 45 minutes, reduces the severity of the disease in 12 to 24 hours. For better results, practice it for two months.

Benefits

This Mudra helps with rheumatic pains, arthritis, gout, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, chest pain, back pain, neck pain, any pain associated with excess wind in the body. It releases aches and pains and acts as first aid.

6. Mudra of Emptiness (Shunya Mudra)

Bend the middle finger and place it at the ball of the thumb – then press it with the thumb. The rest of the fingers are left extended. For optimum results, this Mudra is performed for 45 minutes at a stretch. It reduces the dullness in our body. Shunya Mudra is a connotation of Sky, which is colligated with the highest forces.

Precaution

Do not do this Mudra while having food or walking.

Benefits

It relieves an earache within 4 or 5 minutes, useful for the deaf and mentally challenged, reduces the dullness in our body, beneficial for heart patients, strengthens the gums, improves the voice of those who are dumb since birth, and is good with thyroid problems. It brings relaxation to sudden senselessness of body, due to sudden shock.

7. Mudra of Sun (Surya / Agni Mudra)

Bend the ring finger and press it with the thumb. It sharpens the center in the thyroid gland. Practice it daily, twice, for 5 to 15 minutes.

Precaution

Weak persons should not apply this Mudra, since it produces heat in the body; one should not do this in very hot weather.

Benefits

It balances the body, reduces cholesterol in the body, helps in reducing weight, reduces anxiety, and corrects indigestion problems. Good for diabetes and liver problems.

8. Mudra of Digestion (Apan Mudra)

The tips of middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of the thumb, while the other two fingers are stretched out. Apan Mudra is called energy Mudra. This Mudra stimulates the wood element, which is associated with the energy of the liver and gallbladder. It gives patience, serenity, confidence, inner balance, and harmony. It plays an important role in our health, as it regulates the excretory system.

Benefits

Purifies the whole body, removes toxemia from the body, cures vomiting, and regularizes the urine flow and perspiration. It regulates diabetes, cures constipation, and piles. For healthy teeth, use this Mudra, along with Akash Mudra. For eyes, ears, and mouth related problems -use this Mudra with Pran Mudra. Cures menstruation related problems, burning sensation of the hand, heart, leg, and urine.

9. Mudra of Osteoporosis (Aakash Mudra)

Join the tip of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb, keeping the rest of the three fingers straight. This Mudra is a combination of the ether element, with the sun, and pertains to any ailment involving sound.

Benefits

This Mudra is excellent for increasing the sensitivity to hear sounds, activates the calcium and phosphorus absorption from the diet, and also their formation, which makes it a very good Mudra for those having weakness of bones, such as osteoporosis. Due to its inherent quality to release tension, it keeps the mind calm and serene and can be used during meditation, successful in releasing lockjaw experienced through yawning, mental tension, or over-exertion. Regular practice calms and clarifies the thought process.

10. Mudra of Heat (Ling Mudra)

Interlock the fingers of both hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically straight; encircle it with the thumb and the index finger of the right hand. Linga Mudra is the booster of the body’s immune system and helps to relieve other problems related to human anatomy.

Precaution

Practice it any time you want; but don’t practice it a lot, as it produces heat in the body. It can cause sweating, even in winter, if you practice it longer. In addition to practice of this Mudra, follow a balanced and healthy diet. Drink lots of water, juices, and eat more fruit.

Benefits

It stops the production of phlegm and gives power to the lungs, cures severe cold and bronchial infection, invigorates the body, and is good in low BP. If Ling Mudra is practiced daily, along with proper performance of Kapalbhati Pranayam, then various complicated diseases of the chest can be healed. Regular practicing of this Mudra is effective for those who are overweight.

11. Mudra of Heart (Apan Vayu Mudra)

The tips of the middle finger and the ring finger touch the tip of the thumb, while the index finger touches the base of thumb and the little finger is stretched out. Apan Vayu Mudra is a combination of two Mudras – Apan Mudra and Vayu Mudra. This Mudra benefits the heart. It works like an injection for the reduction of a heart attack. It is as powerful as a sorbitate tablet. Within the first two seconds, this Mudra proves to be an instant reliever. This Mudra is also called, Hridaymudra or Mrit Sanjeevani Mudra. Practice it as many times as you can. Heart patients and BP patients can practice it for 15 minutes daily, twice, for better results.

Benefits

It strengthens the heart and regularizes palpitation, regulates the excretory system, cures gastric trouble, is helpful to cure acidity and headache – also regulates bowel movements; it is effective on a toothache, balances body temperature, and disposes toxic things from the body.

SOME MORE HEALTHY TIPS FOR THE HEART

• While taking a walk, apply Apan Vayu Mudra. This will not only help your heart, it will prepare you for the day by charging up your circulation and your metabolism.

• Do Yoga and Dhyan for at least 30 minutes, three or more times per week. It helps strengthen the heart.

• Nadi Sodhana Paranayam is the best exercise for heart patients and can be done virtually anywhere, anyplace. For this, inhale through the left nostril, exhale through the right, then again inhale through the right, and exhale through the left.

• Increase fiber and reduce fat intake in your diet, as this helps lower blood cholesterol. Fiber is found only in plants – fruits, vegetables, and grains.

• In case you are a heart patient and want to climb stairs, then 5-7 minutes before that, do Apan Vayu Mudra. It’ll give you relaxation.

• Learn to stay calm, so that you don’t lose your temper and increase your blood pressure. Deep breathing is a good way to control anger and to relax.

• Make yourself happy and feel free, keep smiling always. Even five minutes of laughter keeps our stress at the lowest possible level.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows:

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph: 91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh(India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).