The Significance of Yoga in the implementation of Naturopathy

Yog = union, addition, coordination, unity or emotional unity, etc are the meanings of Yog. In context of literal meaning Yog has come from the Sanskrit word Yuja. Yog asanas are the important aspect for getting health benefits which gives protection of health and longevity to us. Yog is not a religion or tradition; this is the invaluable asset for the longevity of human life. It is the paternal property of each individual of whatever religion, caste, creed or sex they are. One has just to try to achieve this and to do regular practice. The patience of mind and character foundation through its medium for the union of soul with the supreme soul is its result. Sage Patanjali says that Chitta Vriti Nirodha Yog which means in Yog practice the perfection of asanas has a very vital place as until the asanas are not perfected the result of Yog practice wont be seen in human body. Lord Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna in the battlefield of Mahabharata Karmasu Kausalam Yog! That is to complete all work meticulously is Yog. As the healthy mind is found in a healthy body so the practice of asanas is necessary for physical and mental health. To attain perfection in asanas it is not necessary to become a saint, to leave family and to change the religion. Any ordinary human body irrespective of whatever caste, creed, religion and sex he/she can attain perfection of asanas. But indeed if any ordinary man can attain perfection in asanas then he transforms from ordinary to extraordinary. He fulfills his activities with equanimity, perseverance, understanding, responsibly and honestly whose positive effect will be in the family and society because of which he becomes extraordinary from ordinary. In Aryan society the meaning of Yog is vivid and is elaborate. For example: Rajyog, Hathyog, Dhyanyog, Manoyog, Karmayog, Gyanyog, Sankhyayog, Bhaktiyog, Mantrayog, Layayog, Chakrayog, Nadayog, Kundaliniyog, Kriyayog, Brahmayog, Bibhutiyog, Rajguhayayog, Sannyasayog and Mokshayog. We are here talking about practice of Hathayog and the attainment of positive and divine energy from its practice. On the practice of this which there will be direct effect of other yog. Along with the practice of Hathayog we pass through different stages from which self realization comes and this is the extremity of Yog which require to be followed through following steps. Self-restraint (yama), regulations (niyama), postures (asana), breath regulation (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and trance or realization or intense contemplation (samadhi) which have been further elaborated and refined by Maharshi 1008 Swami Sachhidananda Bishudhadev adding two more aspects (sign along with sadhana) temperance (prashanta bhava) and truth and righteousness (adarsha).

Practice of ten fold Yog Self-restraint (Yama): The following of rules (not violating) which is applicable in social life which have main five rules: a) Ahimsa b) Satya c) Asteya d) Brahmacharya e) Aparigraha. Regulations (Niyama): Rules related to the character of a man which have five points: a) Saucha b) Santosh c) Tapa d) Svadhaya e) Iswara-Pranidhana. Postures (Asana): Breath regulation (Pranayama): Sense withdrawal (Pratyahara): Concentration (Dharana): Meditation (Dhyana): The yogic process for the development and activity of different organs and systems of the body. The balanced intake of vital air and to remove unnecessary air. Not to be attached with any thing or object. To be concentrated in the mind. To meditate on omniscient God/ the matured stage of concentration.

Trance or realization or intense contemplation (Samadhi): To remain in targeted truth forgetting one in oneself. Temperance (Prashanta Bhava): To remain in knowledge being in Brahma stage matured stage of intense contemplation.

Truth and Righteousness (Adarsha): Temperance and Truth and righteousness can be thought as the two sides of the coin. Temperance is inner aspect and Truth and righteousness is outer aspect. The expansion of this will be in family, society, country and world continuously. Formation of stato dynamic human character.

So following such sequence and attaining perfection is the extremity of Yoga and the attainment from this practice is strong physique, freshness, balance of respiration, stability of mind, proper blood circulation, increase in proper expansion and contraction of muscles and finally the balance of three things (Kapha, Bata and Pitta) in the body. Because of this the ability to fight with the disease and its continuation will happen and this is sadhana. According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it is the balance of body and mind which gives health and longevity of life:- Seiryamarogya Changlaghawam. According to the concept of Jari Ayurveda as we talked of the three things of Kapha, Bata and Pitta above likewise according to Naturopathy the cause of the disease in the human body is due to the toxins present in the body. But if we practice Yog and Naturopathy even after the intense attack of the disease and increase in infection of the disease also, the combination of Naturopathy and Yog is fruitful and it cures the disease faster if done continuously, correctly and sequentially and the truth written above will be felt by the patient himself. Why is this harmonization of Naturopathy with Yog fruitful? As from Allopathy technique the use of antibiotic is done to lessen the effect of the disease and the disease is treated likewise Naturopathy will not only decrease the intensity of the disease but comes to the root of the disease and removes the disease from the body. Yog practices ease to relieve the disease. So from naturopathy not only will the disease be treated but the patient himself, which comes under ten basic principles of Naturopathy and the practice of Hatha Yoga is completely fruitful in the practice of Yog. Yogacharya Dr. Abhaya Raj Upadhaya guruji_abhaya@yahoo.com