Abstract

     In 21^st century, many of us are suffering from psycho-somatic diseases. This is because of cut throat competition, very high intense responsibility and time bound target to achieve the goal. Different yogic concepts including Pranayama and Meditation helps to minimize or eliminate the day to day tension generated while achieving the goal.

UNO in its mission defined health as moral, physical, mental and spiritual well-being of an individual. Holistic health (Purn Swasth) is obtained when four stages of physical and mental upliftment are harmoniously balanced. With the help of these 3 means (breath through left & right hole of the nostril & breath rate per minute), we can understand body, mind & prana (utilizing them as diagnostic tools).

To achieve peace of mind we need at least alpha phase of the brain. If breath rate is 20 cycle per minute or more; our Prana is leading to chronic disease. Alpha wave could be achieved by means of Pranayama and also mainly by Meditation. Utility of air flow from left & right holes of the nostril is analyzed for house holder (family members), marketing manager, finance manager and also for day to day management of life.

As a thumb rule, we can say that while listening the people (at the family, at field of work & as friends & relatives), the air flow through the left nostril should be higher otherwise, we are not a good listener (a good listener is a good manager). Likewise, to give the better output (at family, at field of work, and at friends & relatives), we need more energy. Hence, air flow from right nostril should be larger.  The description shows “How to compensate the energy requirement (breath flow in both the nostrils)”.  In nutshell, the analysis describes “How and when yoga works” and the same is given in an image.

1. Introduction

Holistic health (Purn Swasth) is obtained when four stages of physical and mental upliftment are harmoniously balanced.UNO in its mission defined health as moral, physical, mental and spiritual well-being of an individual.  In fact, they have endorsed the concept of eight – fold Astang Yoga described by Maharishi Patanjali. Likewise, Tulsi Das prayed to lord Sri Hanuman Ji as his Guru to get four qualities (Bal, Klesh Vikar, Buddhi & Vidya) in life to have holistic health (Moral, Physical, Mental & Spiritual). This is the gist of Hanuman Chalisa. Similarly, Astang yoga also provides the clarity for holistic health. Maharishi Patanjali states that the Yama and Niyama of eight – fold concept deals with moral aspect; Asana & Pranayama represent the physical aspect; Pratyahara and Dharna signifies the mental aspect and Dhyna & Samadhi qualify for spiritual well being of individual. The image compares the approaches in brief.

In 21^st century, Yoga is very popular as it makes us doctors without any expense. Yoga makes us to learn about body & mind with the help of breath. We all have three instruments namely Head, Heart, and Hands to measure health. They need Prana (energy) to get diagnosed for the healthiness.

2. How to diagnose disease?

Let us keep our palm below nostril. Exhale forcibly & experience the flow of air coming out from both holes of the nostril. If flow of exhaust from left hole is more, it indicates our mind is restless. If flow is more through right nostril, our body is restless. If the amount of air coming out from both the holes of the nostril is nearly equal, we are in better phase of health (body & mind both are not restless). The less difference of air coming out from each hole of the nostril indicates that nature is helping us to compensate the difference between two forces (Ida & Pingla).In case of blockage of one of the holes of the nostril, there will be greater difference of air flow from opened hole. This indicates that the path related to larger air flow is under stress. The image describes How to diagnose the disease by Head (Mansa), Heart (Vacha) & Hand (Karmana).

With the help of these 3 means (breath through left & right hole of the nostril & breath rate per minute), we can understand body, mind & prana (utilizing them as diagnostic tools). But to have successful interaction with the people, place, object & situation, we need either left or right nostril air flow (breathing) more balanced depending on the scenario of interaction.

The functional arrangement of all cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body is done by Prana (energy). To find the healthiness of it, we should count the total breath cycle taking place in one minute. For example, if breath rate is more than 15 cycle per minute, we are in beta phase of the brain; If count is less up to 10 cycle per min, our brain is in Alpha phase. Similarly, if breathing rate is about 5 cycles per minute, we are in Theta & Delta phase of the brain. To achieve peace of mind we need at least alpha phase of the brain. If breath rate is 20 cycle per minute or more; our Prana is leading to chronic disease. Breath cycle is not exactly equivalent to frequency of Pranic energy (Hz), but more or less it resembles. Alpha wave could be achieved by means of Pranayama and also mainly by Meditation. The advantage of alpha wave has been observed by scientist too. The image briefly describes how alpha wave cures modern diseases.

3. Utility of air flow from left & right holes of the nostril

To get better result, either we use energy (Pingla path) or we need calmness with the help of mind (Ida path) depending upon the situation. For example, when we have to convince other people as Marketing Manager, we need more energy. Hence, right nostril air flow should be more. Otherwise, it will not be a successful effort. Likewise, a Doctor should have left nostril air flow more while listening to patient; but should have right nostril air flow more during convincing process. As a thumb rule, we can say that while listening the people (at the family, at field of work & as friends & relatives), the air flow through the left nostril should be higher otherwise, we are not a good listener (a good listener is a good manager). Likewise, to give the better output (at family, at field of work, and at friends & relatives), we need more energy. Hence, air flow from right nostril should be larger.

4. How to compensate?

When we use more Pingla path (right nostril air flow), we get exhausted. At that moment, nature forces us to go to deep sleep or deep nap. To compensate the difference, deep sleep occurs automatically. At that time, Ida path (left nostril breathing) is more. Similarly, when we are over relaxed or become lethargic (procrastination stage), we lose effective digestive system and we are forced by the nature to have dynamic exercise or walk for compensation. If flow of Ida & Pingla is not compensated, we become sick. Another way to compensate the difference is to have stronger prana (balanced Prana) which works as a hub for body and mind.

4.1 Technological aspects of Yoga

The utility path of Yoga has been developed by spiritual masters.  This (process) serves as therapeutic approach for many ailments. For instance, i)pranic healing (using main Prana as curing means)  ii) Mudra chikitsa (Using particular type of Prana by adopting certain posture of hands & fingers)  iii) Bandha therapy (using Prana in between particular chakras  so that pattern of energy flow gets changed)  iv) Colour therapy (where Prana & imagination are used to cure the disease)  v) sound therapy (when Prana is used at certain frequency of the sound to cure the ailments)  vi) Acupressure & Acupuncture (where blockage of nadis is removed to have adequate flow of Prana).

In all aspects, Prana is the main element used in different therapeutic approach. They are available at many Yogic institutions like S-VYASA (www.svyasa.org) Bengaluru, BSY (Munger), Kaivalya Dham (Lonavla), Patanjali yoga peeth (Haridwar), Osho and other institutions.

5. How yoga works?

It is but natural to have many questions like i) whether yoga works? ii) If yes, when it works? iii) Even it works, what is the force behind? Etc. The answer of these questions could be understood by analyzing “Force distribution at 3H (head, heart, hands)”. The analysis shows the relation of pranic force with Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), Para Sympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) and Central Nervous System (CNS). The analysis also explains the relation of Ida and Pingla path with the Pranic current. The image describes these functions in brief.

In physiology, CNS (consisting SNS & PSNS) balances force in body & mind. If SNS dominates, heart beat gets speeded up, blood vessels become dilated; respiration increases and better sense efficiency (extrovert) happens. During PSNS disturbance, the function of heart etc will be reversed. To control SNS and PSNS, yoga helps.

Prana is involuntary and unconscious for most of us though, it works as a hub between body and mind. Hence the same does not flow through Ida & Pingla to balance them. Yoga manipulates and makes it voluntary & conscious to compensate the requirement of Ida & Pingla. When Ida dominates, mind is restless; Pingla dominates then body is restless. During medical treatment, body gets energy through medicine and restlessness of mind gets compensated by Ida (when prana adequately functions in this path). Nadi Shodhana helps to balance the both (Ida and Pingla).

5.1 Perfection in Pranayama

Perfection in Pranayama will help to cure all kinds of mental and physical diseases including psycho-somatic. In 21^st century, many of us are suffering from psycho-somatic diseases. This is because of cut throat competition, very high intense responsibility and time bound target to achieve the goal. Different yogic concepts including Pranayama and Meditation helps to minimize or eliminate the day to day tension generated while achieving the goal. The image describes in brief about perfection in Pranayama.

6. Which Yoga for whom?

Astang yoga is the best solution for holistic health, no doubt. But modern time, everyone is deprived of sufficient time because of busy schedule. Hence it is suggested that minimum few steps of Astang yoga should be performed to lead hale and healthy life. They are:-

i) Students – They need to perform minimum seven postures of Yogasana and if possible, Pranayama too.

ii) Youth – Busy youth should do few dynamic exercises or asanas but, for them Pranayama is must. To save time, they should learn “Pranayama in Action” from Yogic institution.

iii) Senior citizen – They must do complete Pranayama and advanced yogic practices.

iv) Management people – They should practice Pranayama and technique of “time & mind management”.

v) Farmers – They can practice some of the postures of Asana while doing their normal agricultural work. They should also practice Pranayama either in the morning or in the evening to maintain the healthy life.

vi) For all – Any age group of people can practice Vajrasana while taking tea, reading news paper, seeing T.V and if possible while taking food.