Even modern science now believes that disease, decay and degeneration are due to the presence of free radicals in the body. But how are the free radicals created?
Free radicals develop due to the accumulation of toxins in the body. Toxins, themselves, are a product of our lifestyle, our diet, the environment and our emotional patterns.With our unregulated and undisciplined lifestyle, the kind of food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and our emotional pulls and pressures, certain hormones are secreted that have a tendency to leave behind toxins.The accumulation of toxins in our body is, therefore, natural. We CANNOT escape from this.Yoga has a two pronged approach. In the long term it aims at developing attitudinal changes that prevent the build up of toxins through various practices and meditative techniques
However, Yoga has very practical purification practices that aim at the detoxification of the body and mind. These detoxification techniques are a sort of cleansing that help the body rid itself of toxins.
These techniques, called Shatkarmas or Shatkriyas are extremely powerful in that they work on specific areas of the body that have the maximum impact upon our health.
Benefits of Cleansing :
1) Helps to develop immunity by eliminating the toxins.
2) Stimulates the mind and aids in removing lethargy (tamas).
3) Washes the colon, sinus tracts, the stomach etc.
4) Provides a massaging effect to the areas applied thereby stimulating the effective working of the Organs.
5) Stimulates vitality and helps in retardation of ageing.
6) One's capacity to think, digest, taste , feel express etc. increases and a greater awareness develops.
Importance of detoxification:
Modern science now believes that the cause of degeneration, decay and premature ageing lies in free radicals in the body. This overrules the earlier concept of germ theory.According to this theory, accumulation of toxins in our bodies creates free radicals. Free radicals are dysfunctional molecules (they have a missing electron). These are highly unstable molecules and in an attempt to regain stability they devour electrons from surrounding molecules. This creates more damaged molecules and in a cascading effect, this leads to damaged cells and this causes degeneration. How free radicals are created Free radicals are created as a result of accumulation of toxins in the body. Toxins, themselves, are a result of our living style, environment and emotional patterns.With the kind of food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and our emotional pulls and pressures, certain hormones are secreted that have a tendency to leave behind toxins. The accumulation of toxins in our body is, therefore, natural. We CANNOT escape from this. These toxins gradually form layers around the lysosomes inside the cells. Lysosomes are structures inside the cells that flush out the waste products from the cells. When toxins form coats around these structures, they block the membrane of the lysosomes from performing their natural function. This leads to the build up of toxins and the creation of free radicals. Detoxification with the accumulation of toxins taking place all the time, it is necessary to find a way to rid the body of these toxins and restore the cells to their normal functioning. It is necessary to reverse this cascading effect of damaged molecules. Otherwise, this can result in various health disorders and life threatening diseases. In fact, most of the degenerative diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, immunity disorders, strokes, arteriosclerosis and heart ailments can be traced to this one reason.
Modern medicine has devised a therapy called 'Chelation' to detoxify the body. It is performed by injecting the body with a chemical that isolates the free radicals in the body to prevent them from causing further damage to other cells. It also restores the free radicals to their normal form. Elimination of toxins is aided through the urinary system. Detoxifying naturallyOur bodies carry out this 'Chelation' naturally. In fact, Chelation is a process of nature. Tears, sneezing, mucus, sweat, menstrual blood, urine and faeces are all nature's way of detoxification.
The basic actions of our bodies such as breathing, digesting, circulation and excretion are forms of Chelation and our lymphatic system is an excellent Chelating agent just like the chemical that is injected in to our bodies.If we can find a way to have these working in an optimum manner, we should be able to free our body of the accumulation of toxins and thereby disease.Yoga and detoxificationYoga methods and techniques offer precisely these effects. It is surprising that ancient yogis knew of these effects thousands of years ago and have practiced methods that help to keep optimum health.
Hatha Yoga fulfils detoxification through the practices of Asanas (Yoga poses), Pranayamas (Breathing techniques), Mudras and Bandhas. While Pranayamas create the right vibration in the cells by working on energy flows, Asanas free up blocks and obstacles in the flow of this energy.
Yoga has powerful detoxification techniques of nasal irrigation (Jala Neti), enema (Basti), and the Stomach wash (Kunjal). These are some of the most effective techniques to prevent disease and ageing.
In fact, while techniques of Chelation therapy work at a physical level only, yoga has techniques which help in detoxification at all levels including mental and spiritual. Techniques such as 'Kapalbhati' help in increased oxygenated blood flow to the brain and help in 'purifying' the mind.
In this Information Age, it is important that man realizes the wonders behind his own body. He should use this knowledge to develop a faith in the natural processes of the body and assist it naturally, because the body has a way to respond better to natural therapies.
Neti (Jalaneti) or Nasal Irrigation
One of the simplest yet a very powerful technique, Neti works wonders for chronic sinusitis, allergies and in several cases for Asthma.
It has a remarkable effect on upper respiratory tract infections, especially hay fever.
In fact, so beneficial is this method that responses change from "YUK, no way am I ever going to try that" ... to .. "WOW. That's fantastic. I am hooked for life" after just one trial.
What Neti can do !
Over 40 Million people in the US alone suffer from sinusitis and are growing resistant to antibiotics. Several experience some sort of side effects. Neti or Jalaneti is the best way of treating your sinuses naturally.
The Methodology of Neti
A special "Neti Pot" is filled with warm, slightly salted water and the spout of the pot is inserted into one nostril. The position of the head and pot are adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril.
The technique is not as hard or uncomfortable as one may think at first. You will be pleasantly surprised at this simple and effective method of health maintenance.
Once learnt, the practice can be done in about 3 minutes and is easily integrated into a daily routine of body cleansing such as showering or cleaning of the teeth.
Abdomen & Colon Cleansing
Curing Constipation, Indigestion, Acidity, Stomach pains and bloating, Sexual Disorders.
The yoga techniques for abdomen cleansing are those which MUST be learnt under expert guidance. Needless to say, these techniques if learnt well are the single most important way to manage your own health and keep diseases and health disorders at bay.
Some of these yogic techniques are briefly described below for general awareness. But for those seeking immediate relief without the inclination to seek out more permanent and 'liberating' steps, there is a way through Ayurveda…
Yogic Techniques for Abdominal Cleansing
Kunjal (Stomach Wash)
A very simple technique once learnt, kunjal involves the drinking of several glasses of saline water on an empty stomach, the first thing in the morning. Immediately thereafter the vomiting reflex is induced so as to throw out the ingested water.Not as yuk, as it seems (because the water thrown out is quite clear, unlike the case where gunk comes out when you vomit due to eating something non-agreeable), this technique is very effective for stomach health. Besides, it is very beneficial for respiratory disorders, thyroid disorders (as it helps to balance the thyroid gland) and several other health issues
This is a method of controlling and toning all your internal organs. it involves churning or contracting different abdominal muscles through breath and muscles control. This is like sucking in your abdomen and moving the muscles in and out by pushing forwards. But without breathing. Nauli is believed to increase the flow of life force in the body so that the mind remains clear. The muscle movements and breath control generate heat in the body, stimulate and improve the functioning of the digestive system. It is believed to increase the blood flow to the digestive system and build up the heat, which is responsible for maintaining digestive health.
Abdomen churning helps treat constipation, indigestion, acidity, nervous diarrhea, hormonal imbalances, flatulence, and sexual and urinary disorders. It also energizes and calms you during emotional disturbances. It improves your posture and also relieves menstrual problems. Ideally, do this exercise early in the morning on an empty stomach or wait for at least five to six hours after meals.
This cleansing method stimulates the digestive system and helps alleviate the symptoms of Asthma.
Colon Cleansing
It is only cleanliness that heals.
Toxins are the only cause of disease. Accumulated toxins (e.g. excessive faucal matter in the large intestine) create conditions for germs to breed and allow blood to get poisoned. It is crucial to undergo body detoxification periodically so that these cannot accumulate.On the positive side, a clean and flushed colon makes a person feel extremely energetic and positive. Also, the absence of a breeding ground to germs results in a dramatic increase in immunity from any kind of infection.
Why do colon cleansing naturally ??
"Enema is better than any purgative / laxative medicine" Hippo crates, the father of modern medicine
Modern medicine has devised several ways to "easily" cleanse the colon. However, in many cases, these "constipation remedies" are habit forming and are not very effective. In fact, funny as it may seem, they in fact add to the toxin level by inducing chemical reactions.Although yogic practices of nauli and basti are very good tools, they require considerable skill. Enema is by far the best way to cleanse the colon effectively and easily.Moreover, enema is proven to be extremely effective for hemorrhoid treatment, ulcerative colitis treatment and for just constipation remedies
Yoga Management of Acidity
Have you experienced belching of a sour and sometimes bitter taste or a burning sensation in the throat, chest or stomach? Well, what you're suffering from is Acidity.
Acidity is caused by the excessive secretion of Hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Prolonged acidity can cause chronic indigestion, arthritis, gout, IBS, ulcers and even false angina pains.There are a number of mind and body specific reasons why acidity may occur.
How through Yoga,we can manage acidic disorders,we discuss in next post.Till then.........Good bye !!
No comments:
Post a Comment