We also treat all diseases by natural yoga.

DEFINATION OF YOGA
Yoga is a discipline to improve or develop one’s inherent powers in a balanced manner. It offers the means to reach complete self-realization. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is ‘Yoke’. Accordingly, yoga can be defined as a means for uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit of God. According to Maharishi Patanjali Yoga is the suppression of modifications of the mind.

SALIENT FEATURES OF YOGA
1. Yoga, a universal practical discipline : Yoga is universal in character for practice and application irrespective of culture, nationality, race, caste of creed, sex, age and physical condition. It is a practical discipline. Neither by reading the texts nor talking about it, nor by wearing the grab of a ascetic one can become an accomplished Yogi. Without practice there is no experience of the utility of Yogic techniques nor realization of their inherent potential. Only, regular practice (sadhana) creates a pattern in the body and mind to uplift them. It requires keen desire on the part of the practitioner to experience the higher states of consciousness through mind training and refining the gross consciousness.
            Literally “Sadhana” or Sadhan is the form of discipline by the regular practice of whose techniques something is accomplished or more precisely “means to an end”. It is sadhana which make, the realization of the self or the spiritual experience possible.
2. Yoga as evolutionary process : Yoga is an evolutionary process, a process in the development of human consciousness. Flowering of total conscious evolution does not necessarily begin in any particular man rather it begins only if one chooses it to begin. The vices like use of alcohol and drugs, working exhaustively, indulging too much in sex and other stimulation is to seek oblivion, a return to unconsciousness. Indian yogis begin from the point where western psychology of enlightenment. In Yoga it is not a question of psychology of man rather, it is a question of higher consciousness. It is not also the question of mental health, rather, it is question of spiritual growth.
            Man has to be accepted in his totality. He needs to be simultaneously trained in reasoning, emotions, doubt and faith also. Yogic practices are an attempt to push an individual towards his own inner evolution, the ultimate realization of his potential.
3. Yoga as soul therapy : All paths of yoga (jnana, karma, bhakti etc.) have healing potential to shelter out the effects of the pains which come in life. However, one essentially needs roper guidance from an accomplished exponent who has already treaded the same track to reach the ultimate goal. The particular path is to be chosen very cautiously in view of his aptitude and potential either with the help of a competent counselor or consulting an accomplished yogi.

TYPES OF YOGA
Japa Yoga : To concentrate one’s mind on divine name or holy syllable, mantra etc. like ‘OM’, ‘Rama’, ‘Allah’, ‘God’, ‘Vahe Guru’ etc through repeated recitation on rememberence.
Karma Yoga : Teaches us to perform all actions without having any desire for their fruit. In this sadhana a Yogi considers his duty as divine action, perform it with whole hearted dedication but shuns away from all desires.
Gyana Yoga : Teaches us to discriminate between the self and non-self and to acquire the knowledge of one’s spiritual entity through the study of scriptures, company of Saints and practice of meditation.
Bhakti Yoga : Bhakti Yoga is a system of intense devotion with emphasis on complete surrender to divine will. The true follower of Bhakti Yoga is free egoism, humble and unaffected by the dualities of the world.
Raja Yoga : Raja Yoga popularly known as “Ashtanga Yoga”, is for all-round development of human personality. These are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

YOGIC PRACTICES
            Yogic practices have been practiced for thousand of years mainly for the sake of the final goal of liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the pain associated with it. These practices were intended to influence the mind more than the body. Hathayogins, who flourished during 15th century AD, gave more emphasis on the body. Their ultimate aim was also the same, namely attainment of the state of Samadhi. But their means were more suited to the abilities of the common man.
            A healthy individual must have all tissues and organs of the body developed properly. The ancient masters of yoga were fully aware of maxim ‘healthy mind in a healthy body’ and hence they developed unique system of practices which takes care of all the tissues of the body and their functions in a holistic manner.
            Maintenance of bodily health depends on two factors namely, supply of nourishment in adequate amount and quick removal of waste materials which are produced in the tissues as a result of metabolic activity. A tissue cannot get proper nourishment if it remains inactive and waste materials are also not removed from it capillaries are pressed, and the tissues get increased supply of blood, oxygen, and he nutrients.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTCS OF YOGIC PRACTICES
1. The yogic system of health involves the exercise of skeletal as well as the deep-seated smooth muscles of the body.
2. The internal pressure changes (e.g. the intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure) may be mentioned as special characteristics of the yoga system of health.
3. Very little expenditure in terms of energy and money is involved in the hathayoga practices.
4. The rich as well as poor and men and women of all ages can practice yogic practices.
5. Every school of yoga emphasized specific practices, but their aim always remained the same; the highest level of integration through the control of the modification of mind.
6. The nature of yogic practices is psychoneurophysical.
 7. All yogic practices are complementary to each other.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF PRACTICES
            People generally ignore Yamas and Niyamnas in practice considering them to be part of conduct but it is not desirable. They should also be practiced. Taking into account Ashtang Yoga the yogic practices may be classified as (i) Yamas (ii) Niyamas (iii) Asanas (iv) Pranayamas (v) bandhas and Mudras (vi) Kriyas (vii) meditation and (viii) Attitude training practices. Each one of these classifications consists of a group of several practices. These practices are briefly discussed here and details are mentioned at the Appendix.

YAMAS
            Practice of yamas pave way to increasing the power of concentration, mental purity and steadiness.
The following are the Yamas :
Ahimsa (not to harm others)
Satya (to be truthful)
Asteya (not to steal)
Brahmacharya (celibacy)
Aparigraha (not to possess beyond actual needs).

NIYAMAS
            There are five Niyamas :
Shauch (external and internal purification)
Santosh (contentment)
Tapa (to make right efforts to achieve goals)
Swadhaya (to study authentic texts and religious scriptures to acquire correct knowledge of self and the supreme divinity)
Ishwar Pranidhan (complete surrender to the divine will).
            A set of Asanas, Mudras and Pranayamas practices with faith, perseverance and insight rejuvenates the brain, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney, bowels, all nerves, muscles, tissues and glands of the body by ensuring oxygenated and balanced blood supply, kindles up the appetite, bestows control over seminal fluid, senses and mind and imparts increased vitality, vigour and longevity to the practitioner.

SURYA NAMASKAR
            Surya namaskar is the most useful and popular mode of Yogic exercises which briefly bestows the benefits of Asanas, pranaama and Mudras altogether. It consists of a series of 12 postures which are performed early in the morning facing the rising Sun. Surya Namaskar energises the entire neuro-glandular and neuro-muscular system of the body and its regular practice ensures a balanced supply of oxygenated blood and perfect harmony to all the body, thus invigorating the entire psychosomatic system of human constitution.

ASANAS
            These are special patterns of postures that stabilize the mind and the body through static stretching. Their aim is to establish proper system in the neuromuscular tonic impulses and improve the general muscle tone. Two basic principles governing the performance of Asanas are stability and comfort. This suggest that the nature of Asanas is psychoneurophysical and not physical. Every Asana should be performed effortlessly and maintained for a comfortable time. There should be no jerks and the performance of asana should not lead to undue fatigue.
            Asanas may be classified as 1) Meditative; 2) Cultural and 3) Relaxative.
1. Meditative Asanas are sitting postures, which maintain the body in a steady and comfortable condition. By various arrgements of the legs and hands different meditative Asanas are per formed. The characteristic feature of the Meditative Asana is, however, keeping the head, neck and trunk erect.
2. Cultural Asanas involve static stretching which brings about proper tone of muscles. They contribute to the flexibility of the spine and render the back and spinal muscles stronger. They also stimulate proper working of the vital organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. There are innumerable varieties of cultural Asanas, which are performed in sitting, lying and standing position.
3. Relaxative Asanas are few in numbers. They are performed in the lying position and are meant for giving rest to the body and mind.

PRANAYAMA
            These practices bring control over the respiratory impulses, which form one of the channels of the flow of autonomic nerve impulses. Holding of the breath for a prolonged and comfortable time is an essential technique of Pranayama. However, in the initial practice the breath holding phase is completely avoided and emphasis is put on the controlled inspiration and expiration with a time ratio of 1:2 between them. The expiratory phase is so controlled that the following inspiratory phase is not affected in its slow and controlled inspiration. The main purpose of pranayama is to gain control over the autonomic nervous system and through its influence the mental function as also controlled and regulated. It is useful in higher yogic practices like meditation.

BANDHAS AND MUDRAS
            These are locks and holds of the semivoluntary and involuntary muscles in the body. They decongest the vital organs, improve circulation and nutrition by pressure manipulations and contribute to general health and emotional stability. A difference is made between the Bandhas and Mudras on the basis of their use in Pranayama. Mudras that are used in Pranayama are usually called bandhas because they bind and channelise a particular nervous activity in a particular place or direction. Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Mula are importqunt Bandhas. Some asanas are called mudras because of their specific effects and channels through which the effects are brought about.

KRIYAS
            These are purificatory processes usually classified into six divisions and therefore they are often called Shatkriyas. These are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalbhati, each one of which consists of many subsections. They increase the range of adaptability of the tissues forming various organs and systems and raise the threshold of their reactivity. Kriyas bring control on different reflexes and establish psychophysiological balance. The modes of purification in the kriyas are air, water, friction and manipulating movements. The regions of cleaning involved in various kriyas are Nasopharayngeal, otocranial, gestroaesophegeal, anorectal and intestinal.

MEDITATION
            This is the practice involving control of the mental functions, which start from the initial withdrawal of the senses from external objects to the complete oblivion of the external environment. There are Seueral techniques of meditation. It is a process of absorption in which the individual tries to turn his attention to dwell upon a single object, sound, concept or experience. It is not always safer to start one’s practice in meditation without preparing adequately through Asanas and Prarayama. The baic principal of Meditation is to develop internal awareness.

ATTITUDE TRAINING PRACTICE
            These are yamas and Niyamas. These are self-imposes restrictions of governing one’s behavior to form a particular attitude pattern. These practices have already been discussed earlier.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF YOGIC PRACTICES
1. Yogic practices are not ‘exercise’ as understood. The word exercise is generally applied to vigorous physical movements. Since yogic practices do not involve vigorous movements, any kind of violent action should be avoided during yoga practice.
2. The nature of Yogic practices is varied and involves different mechanisms through which the results of particular yogic practices are obtained.
3. Asanas – one of the most important and best known of the yogic practices is static stretching procedures. They should be performed slowly and smoothly in order to influence the tonic system rather than the physical one.
4. the position in a particular asana should be comfortably maintained for some time with least effort. Effortless performance and relaxing as much as possible during the final position are the chief characteristics of the techniques of Asanas.
5. Pranayamic practices are very different in purpose and technique from the “Breathing exercises”. They are supposed to increase oxygen uptake. However, they are considered of little value in the literature of physical education.
6. Yogic practices should not lead to undue fatigue. If there is fatigue, it should be overcome by the practice of relaxation in shavasana.
7. All yogic practices should be performed according to one’s own capacity and without competition with others.
8. All yogic practices should lead to peace of mind.
9. Any yogic routine should begin with psycho-physical relaxation centering one’s attention as one would in prayer or actual recitation of some prayer.
10. It would be better to learn the yogic practices while one is having normal health. An imprudent way of practicing the yoga practices is sometimes found to lead to impairment of the health of an individual instead of making healthier. Person who are very weak, or those who have recovered from illness, should be careful in this respect. It is true that many ailments can be cured by nicely administering the yoga techniques, but for that, one has to take the help of an expert.
11. Age and sex do not offer any bar as the yogic practices are concerned. This does not, of course, mean that every yoga technique may suit every individual. For example, women should abandon some practices during menstruation and during advanced stages of pregnancy. But there are some practices, which can be continued even during those conditions. Children may start practicing the yoga techniques ate about eight years of age. There is no upper age limit as far as the yogic practices are concerned.
12. The place for practicing the yogic practices should be well protected from the menace of animals, rodents and insects. If it is done indoors, it should be well ventilated and having sufficient light. The surroundings should not be noisy. The ground should be plain and flat, not sloping in one direction.
13. Morning time is considered better from the point of view of regularity, while it is the experience of some people, especially the beginners, that the yoga, practices can be done with ease and comfort in the evening as well.
14. Yogic practices should not be done with a loaded stomach. After a full meal, nearly five hours should be allowed to pass and nearly two hours after a snack so that the exercise does not interfere in any way with the process of digestion and absorption of food.
15. Both men and women should, while practicing the yoga techniques, wear as less number of clothes as permitted by the climate and their social customs. In sum, the dress should be clean, simple and least cumbersome.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
            Systematic research with proper controls have been carried out in India and abroad to evaluate the prophylactic, promotive and curative potentials of Yoga. In India, reputed institutions such as Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Vivekananda yoga Kendra (VYK) and Kaivalyadhma, Lonavla have conducted extensive research using physiological and clinical variables. Earlier research at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (IIMS) have focused on physiological potentials of Yogins who developed extraordinary power of staying in the air tight compartment or underground by lowering the metabolism as well as slowing down their heart rate under voluntary contro. These studies indicated that long term yogic practice helps to develop voluntary control over the autonomic nervous system.
            Studies conducted revealed that six months of yogic practice leads to enhancement of parasympathetic activities, provides stability of autonomic balance during stress, produces a relative hypermetabolic state, improves thermoregulation efficiency, body flexibility, physical efficiency at sub-maximal level or work, improves adaptability to environmental stress and cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, learning, efficiency and vigilance. Therapeutic potentials of selected yogic practices in the control and management of essential hypertension and the underlying physiological mechanism were also demonstrated.
            Clinical Studies have lucidly demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of yogic practices in treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as Bronchitis and asthma, Similar effects have brought out on the therapeutic potentials of Yoga for the treatment of diabetes, low back pain and stress related psychosomatic disorders, Currently research program is in progress at DIPAS with regard to the Coronary Artery Disease regression by life style intervention which includes Raj Yoga meditation low fat high fibre diet and aerobic exercise and the results are quite encouraging in terms of the risk management.

AFFLICTIONS AND DISEASES WHICH ARE AMENABLE THROUGH YOGA THERAPY
Yoga is effective in the management of following disorders/indications :
Amoebiasis, Anxiety Neurosis, Depression, Arthritis, Allergic Skin Diseases, Bronchial Asthma, Constipation, Cervical Spondylosis, Diabetes, Gastritis, Hemiplegia, Hypertension, Irritable Bowel syndrome, Obesity, Peptic Ulcer, Respiratory Tract Infections, Back pain, Sciatica, Insomnia Flatulence, Postura, defects, Epilepsy, Anemia.