YOGA THERAPY BOOKS BY GURUJI

Yoga is basically a Darshan, not a therapy as such. Although many Yogic processes are used for therapeutic purposesbecause of their proven remedial effects it would be erroneous to say that Yoga is a comprehensive therapy for all conditions. As lovers of Yoga we must accept that like any of the many other therapies that exist, Yoga also has its limitations. We must realize those limitations and accept them positively so that we can remain realistic and successful in our treatment methods. This will ensure a positive experience for both the patient and the practitioner.

The first limitation is that Yogic Therapy is not all embracing and that not all persons or all diseases are not cured by Yoga. This is a limitation of all other therapies as well. Yoga cannot treat patients with physical ailments like fractures.But the benefits of Yoga as a supportive/complementary instrument have been observed in patients while they being treated for incurable diseases like AIDS and late stage cancer.

Yoga cannot be an option for situations where surgery is the only option, for instance in cases of Appendicitis. However, Yoga is not totally ineffectual in such cases as it can reduce the intensity of the trouble so long as the patient is capable of performing Yoga in that stage. Moreover, Yoga increases the physical and mental strength of the patient and hence they are better equipped to face the disease firmly. As such, Yoga is in some way helpful in these cases.

Amongst some of the more frequently asked questions is whether or not baldness can be reversed with Yoga. Also frequently asked is if Yoga can change grey hair to its original color. The straightforward answer to these questions is “No.”

Some conditions, some persons, and some diseases cannot be cured by Yoga yet all patients can benefit in the building of strength and the improvement of attitudes through Yoga. Take the example of Diabetes, which in some instances can be cured by Yoga and in others cannot. The limitation comes into effect with regard to patients whose pancreasis not in working condition or where the Beta cells in the pancreas that generate insulin for the body are completely dead. Juvenile Diabetes, for example, is incurable by Yoga.

The stage to which a disease has progressed in the patient’s body is an equally important factor in Yoga’s ability to cure. Yogic therapy cannot be a remedy at all the stages of a particular disease. It may be useful in the initial stages but treatment would be impossible in the later more severe stages. Spondylitis is a good example of this statement. Yoga is very beneficial in the initial stages of Spondylitis but not so once the trouble has progresses to where the patient can no longer move their neck or back at all. Attempts to practice physical forms of Yoga may have adverse effects on such a disease, although if the condition has been alleviated with other forms of treatment or therapies such that an individual has regained the ability to move the neck or back with ease, at such a time, the patient can be taught Yoga and can use the practice of Yoga to help return to the normal condition of well being.

This is true for all diseases. A disease that is weak is more easily curable, but as the power of a disease intensifies, the body becomes feeble and it becomes harder and harder to cure the disease.

In spite of consideration of the limitations of the disease, its state and its phase, none can predict the exact period of treatment for the disease. The period differs case by case. Hence no one can assure that a patient’s adult onset diabetes will be cured within a certain period of time or that backache will be cured after a particular amount of practice of Yoga for a particular duration of time. The duration for liberation from disease depends upon many factors.

1. The nature of the disease

If the disease is minor it will undoubtedly get cured rapidly. However, if the disease takes a major form it will require a prolonged practice of Yoga. If a patient suffering from Spondylitis has a minor problem of neck pain and suffers from neck pain only if he works for three to four hours in a leaning condition such Spondylitis can be cured merely within four to six days. If the patient suffers from terrible pains in the neck making neck movement impossible it will take several months for relief from the disease.

2. Life of the Disease

Once a disease enters the body it does not leave the body quickly. Just as patient ages, so does the disease, which acquires its own age measureable in months and years. The longer the existence of the disease in the body, the longer will be the period for emancipation from the disease. This is so because as time passes the disease enroots itself more strongly in the body. Hence it requires heavier efforts and a longer time to eradicate the disease from the body. We can conclude that the period for suppression of the disease is directly proportionate to the length of time of existence of the disease in the body.

3. Intensity of the Disease

If the intensity of the disease is greater than its life, treatment will take a long time for cure. For instance, if the first heart attack itself is very severe, the patient will need a fairly long time to recover from it. If the attack is not so severe, the period of treatment will be less. While estimating the period for recovery from a disease, the intensity of that disease is one of the prime factors to be taken into consideration.

4. The Constitution of the Patient

Another factor essential in the process of liberation from the disease is the original constitution of the patient. The actual efforts for recovering from the disease are made by the body itself. The therapies are a helping hand to the bodily efforts. Hence if the patient is originally weak, the period of treatment will be greater. Most diseases cannot cling to persons with strong constitutions for long and their bodies are able to rid themselves of disease rather quickly. Acquiring a sound physical condition is immensely useful in all efforts to treat disease. We know that many times a doctor’s treatment also includes energy tonics in addition to remedial medication. The purpose is the same.

5. The mindset of the patient

Another factor that is very effective in the process of remedial treatment is the mental state or the outlook of the patient. At times this factor may even preside over all other factors. If a patient is in tender state of mind they will not be able to recover quickly. If a patient believes s/he is not going to recover from this disease, chances are that they will not. The mind’s power governs the body. Hence the first step in the process of freedom from the disease is often to change the mindset of the patient. Providing a positive outlook towards their case and a sense of confidence in treating them will improve the odds of success. Without this confidence the patient’s body will not respond to treatment. This change in perception may again take a short or long tie according to the patient’spredisposition and nature.

With so many variables we can see that it is not possible to confirm that a particular disease can be cured within a particular period of time. One can predict only an approximate duration after taking into consideration all the above factors that contribute to the success of therapeutic treatment. The disposition of each and every patient is different and as such the effects of Yogic therapy will differ patient by patient.

Many a disease can be cured with appropriate practice of Yoga so long as the Yogic processes supporting the treatment have been prescribed. Certain Yogic processes have to be avoided in particular diseases to avoid greater trouble. The regular course of Yoga is also helpful in curing some of these diseases without the need for a specific prescription of Yogic processes and without contraindications. They need not avoid any Yogic processes in their practice and such individuals need not be treated as patients. They can join the regular practice of Yoga along with the other students. Basic courses like Yoga Sopan, Yoga Pravesh, and Yoga Parichay are useful for troubles like indigestion, constipation and diabetes in the primary stage.

Some diseases get cured automatically without any treatment and also without the practice of Yoga. In such instances general yoga courses can be taught so that the patient can acquire sound health. Such students initially approach Yoga for the purpose of treatment and after feeling the positive results they continue to practice and may even go on to teach Yoga in general society.