The science of yoga provides physical, mental and spiritual health of mankind. Awakening the inherent potentials, it can make one to experience harmony, equilibrium and a feeling of optimum health. One can achieve the state of true and complete relaxation. Sensory perceptions as well as awareness of the worldly sense objects become introverted. This is the aim of yoga which helps us to become aware of our internal experiences and understand our capacities, limitations and potentials. Having definite and specific roles for each condition and stage of life yoga maintains the health of body, well-being of mind and harmony of the emotions. Finally, yoga culminates in the awakening of the supreme energy and expansion of the human consciousness.
The modern society and man’s day to day life have compelled him to think more about what is happening outside rather than what is happening inside. At the same time, he neglects the fundamental rules and signs of physical and mental health. The natural harmony of his total existence breaks due to the attraction of the sense perceptions towards their respective sense objects. This creates an imbalance as well as reflects in the thought, word and deed. In this twenty first century the modern man has become more aware of attaining good health, tranquility and inner harmony. Regulation of lifestyle is the key word for the total well-being. The lifestyle can be regulated by the application of the basic principles of yoga practice.
One of the most important points for learning yogic principles is that the actual time of practice has a profound influence on the nervous system, endocrine glands and mind. One can carry this effect for the day ahead. Again practicing these techniques twice per day, effects can be enhanced. Regular practice of Asanas like Surya Namaskara stretch and massage the body organs, develop the flexibility and helps for the channelization of vital energy throughout the body. Sitting in Vajrasana after taking the food aids digestion and lying in Savasana with breath awareness releases the tiredness. According to Hatha Yoga Satkarma should be practiced which includes Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Nauli, Tratak and Kapalabhati. Then the practice of pranayama improves the quality of both our activity and our rest. It enhances and regulates the flow of pranic energy throughout the system. The quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency. Rhythmic and relaxed breathing induces relaxation and enhances the quality of life.
Practice of Mantra chanting and Ajapa Japa play important role to uproot the deeper subconscious disturbances. The application of body and breath awareness to everyday life has a soothing effect on the existing tensions and prevent from building up. Meditation is an attempt to isolate ourselves from the flow of external reality. It has the power to unfold the latent potential in every human being. The meditator is discovering that the inner world is the source of sublime happiness and security. They report increased health and well-being on both the physical and mental levels of existence. Yoga Nidra induces complete mental, physical and emotional relaxation. It is a scientific technique to establish harmony and well-being throughout the entire system. Rejuvenating the nervous system and awakening Prana it provides great healing power.
World Health Organization defines, health is the well-being of physical, mental, emotional, social, moral and spiritual aspect of personality. From the yogic perspective health does not just mean a disease-free body. It believes in a holistic approach to health of which the body, mind and spirit are integral and interdependent parts. Yoga introduces awareness, relaxation, visualization and observation techniques to harmonize body and the mind. This quietens the activity of mind and cerebral cortex of the brain. Then intuitive understanding arises spontaneously and whole attitude towards life changes. This is how the yogic lifestyle reorients the art of right living for health and wellbeing.
Author
Dr. Dinesh Prasad Swain, Assistant Professor (Senior)
Faculty of Health and Wellness, Dept. of Yogic Science
Sri Sri University, Odisha
