A Yoga Prescription for Good Health and Longevity

  

Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga

           International Yoga Day is June 21^st to promote physical and mental well-being.  On this International Yoga Day please take a stand to be healthy if you are not already. Various factors contribute to good health. These include mental health, physical fitness, heathy food, quality of air you breathe, etc. Some of these are within your control and some are not.  Yoga is one such activity you can do within your control with minimal investment with great benefit. I thought this is a good opportunity to explain some of the benefits of yoga in our health for those who are still sitting on the sidelines.

           Yoga is India's timeless gift to humanity. A healthy body, a calm mind, and a compassionate heart can help create better person, strong family, compassionate communities, and a better world. Most people assume yoga means a bunch of physical exercise and helps you to keep fit. Yes, yoga is that and more. 

           Let’s look at some of the definitions of yoga in ancient texts.  In Bhagavat Gita Krishna says that balance of body and mind is yoga (Bhagavat Gita 2:48).

             sidhyasidho samobhootva samathvm yoga uchyate (Gita 2:48)

           The definition of yoga according to Pathanjali Maharishi in ‘Yoga sutra’, over 2000 years ago, is control of mind.

                yogas chitta vritti nirodhah (Yoga sutra 1.2)

           So, lot of importance is given to mind over matter in yoga.  In fact, Vagbhata Acharyan in his classic Ayuvedic text ‘Ashtanga Hridayam’ indicated that 'ragas' are responsible for majority of our 'rogas' or ailments (Ashtanga Hridayam, Suthrasthanam 1.1). 'Ragas' are psychological feelings, probably unique to humans, caused by the dualities in mind such as love & hate, attachment & detachment, generosity & greed, pride & envy, etc. Yoga sutra mentions eight limbs or steps in achieving the desired goals by yoga.

     1.     Yama – morality, and social ethics

2.     Niyama – personal disciplines

3.     Asana – physical exercises

4.     Pranayama – breath exercises

5.     Pratyahara – withdrawal of all senses from external objects

6.     Dharana – concentration or mind fullness

7.     Dhyana – meditation or internal awareness

8.     Samadhi – attaining bliss

           Doing Asanas or physical exercises alone without following Yama and Niyama may not be as effective.  Similarly, one may be missing out on full benefits of yoga if you are not practicing Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana. There are numerous scientific studies that support yoga’s health benefits. You can test the benefits of some of these techniques yourself at home with a simple Oximeter available at local store immediately (read my other articles on how to do this). 

 Some of these benefits include:

• ·       Mental health
• ·       Weight loss
• ·       Lower heart rate
• ·       Lower blood pressure
• ·       Reduce fats and cholesterol
• ·       Improved immune function

           Now the question arises, if you follow these, does it guarantee good health and longevity?  This works for most diseases’ states.  Diseases can be largely classified into four categories. 1. Psychological, 2. Infectious, 3. Metabolic, and 4. Genetic. These recommended practices will help with the first 3 categories. A good part of the first 3 categories is in your control. Most genetic diseases are introduced in your genetic makeup before your birth or by foreign chemicals or viruses such as cancer. Focus on those that are in your control.

           In conclusion, Yoga is not just one thing, there is something for everyone. And this is about your health. Everyone should identify their starting point, just practicing few asanas daily may be a good place to start. 20 minutes a day will give you lifelong benefits. Important thing to be consistent, persuasive and honest to yourself. This is Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga signing off. Thank you for reading this article. My other articles can be found on my blog: the ‘prayagaprinciples.blogspot.com’.