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From times immemorial the Indian method of Yogic exercises has been known and practiced. Yoga has been
practiced for thousands of years for keeping the human body free from
diseases. Yoga, in fact, is a scientific system of physiotherapy. Today,
Yoga is practiced not only in order to keep the body free from diseases
but also as a remedy for diseases. Recently, several institutes in the
international field have been established to diagnose diseases through
Yoga. One such Yoga institute is run at Washington (D.C.) in the U.S.A.
In India, too, several such institutes have been established:
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Kaivalyadham,
Lonavala, Pune
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Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz,
Mumbai
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Yoga For Life and
Living,
Vishvayatana Yogashram, Delhi
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Bharatiya Yoga
Sansthan, Patna, Bihar and Several others.
At Lonavala, extensive research work on Yoga is
being carried out. Today, many incurable and long-standing diseases can
be cured through Yoga.
The yoga treatment is perfectly scientific. It
is an auto treatment method. Yoga therapy includes nutritious food,
restraint and a code of conduct to be followed by the diseased. The
treatment for diseases through Yoga is itself a vast and deep study. |
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Much importance has been attached to
Pranayama in Yogashastras. According to Vyasabhashya, there is no 'tapa'
(penance), greater than Pranayama. It cleanses the body and knowledge is
manifested. Manu says, 'Just as gold and other metals melted infer become pure so also the sense organs of the body get rid of impurities
by Pranayama.' Pranayama is the fourth and very important stage of
Ashtanga Yoga shown by Patanjali. Yoga without Pranayama is not Yoga at
all. That is why Pranayama is called the soul of Yoga. Bathing is
necessary for purifying the body. Similarly, Pranayama is essential for
purifying the mind. |
