Science of Yoga and Its Therapeutic Use!!!!!

The science of Yoga has a tradition of more than five thousand years in the Indian sub-continent, from where it has originated. Roots of Yoga can be traced back to pre-Vedic period. Yogasadhana was practiced by a few selected 'healthy' people to achieve Salvation or Self-enlightenment.

Yogic concept of disease: In Yogic language, disease can be explained as disturbance of flow of 'pranic' energy. The 'Pranic' energy instead of pervading throughout the whole body equally and steadily, flows at an unequal rate. There is either irregular flow of energy, diminished flow of energy or excess flow of energy-this causes disease. In today's stressful life, the incidence of stress-related diseases is increasing everyday. There are no pills or vaccines available for treating these stress related diseases. This is where Yoga comes into picture-it works as a master key for physical, mental and emotional well being.

Salient features of Yoga therapy:Upanishads have described five layers of existence of human being called 'panchakoshas'. They are 'annamaya kosha',' pranamaya kosha', 'manomaya kosha', 'vidynanmaya kosha' and 'anandmaya kosha'. It is believed that diseases arise in 'manomaya kosha' (mind) and percolate to 'annamayakosha' (physical body) because of disturbance in 'pranamaya kosha' (Pranic energy channels-'nadi's). To counter this one needs to regularly practice Yogic practices like:

*Dehasadhana (Physical practices like Yogasanas, Kriyas, Yog Mudras)

*Pranasadhanas (Pranayama)

*Bhavasadhanas (Prayers, chanting of Hymns, listening to devotional songs)

*Divyasadhana ( Change of diet, meditation, listening to a discourse by a spiritual and or Yoga teacher)

These Yogic practices teach us to train our minds and Yogic way of living and thinking help us to cope up with stress in a much better way. Though situations will not change, but we learn to adapt with it in better way. Yoga therapy also helps in enhancing and supporting modern medicine to improve the outcome of the treatment.