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 C H A P T E R

Introduction to Yoga
1
Hemant Bhargav, Ramajayam Govindaraj, P Kaushik, Nagarathna Raghuram

INTRODUCTION uses the word as “yunajmi”1 which means

The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit the fire oblations given to the Gods. Further,
word “yuj” meaning to unite; the union of the Atharva Veda mentions ashtayoga and
the individual self with the supreme self. shatyoga,2 i.e., yoga of eight facets and six facets
Yoga is one among the six major systems of which interpret as acquiring the unacquired.
philosophy (ṣaḍdarśanas) that emerged in Concepts such as ahimsa (nonviolence),
ancient India. These included Sankhya, Yoga, satya (truthfulness), asteya (nonstealing),
Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa, and brahmacharya (conduct consistent with
Uttara Mimamsa. These are also called as Brahman), tapas (austerity), swadhayaya
astika (orthodox) darshanas as they believe (introspection), and ishvara pranidhana
the Vedas as the authoritative text. (surrender to higher principle/consciousness)
Yoga (along with various physical postures which are all part of ashtanga yoga today can
or asanas) that has got recent attention be traced back to Atharva Veda. Hence, it may
globally, can be traced back to the Vedic be said that different methods employed for
period. Since then, it has undergone various self-advancement in the Vedic period have
modifications and what we know as yoga contributed to the development of yoga.
today is vastly different from the way yoga was
originally practiced. PRECLASSICAL PERIOD
Given below is a brief look at the evolution (1500–700 bc)
of yoga (Fig. 1). Upanishads, which are the essence of the
Vedas, clearly describe Yoga. For example,
VEDIC PERIOD (2000 bc AND EARLIER) Kathopanishad defines yoga as: “When the
The word yoga has been used broadly in the sense organs are controlled and the mind
Vedic literature with different meanings to achieves a state of steadiness, this state is
it. The Rig Veda, oldest amongst the Vedas, called Yoga.”3 However, understanding of Yoga

Vedic period Preclassical period Classical period Postclassical period Modern period

Rig and later Upanishads, Mahabharta Hatha Yoga Pradipika Swami Vivekananda
Patanjali
vedas and Bhagavad Gita and others and others

2000 BC and
1500–700 BC 200 BC 800–1700 AD 1863 AD onwards
earlier

Fig. 1: Evolution of yoga.

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4 SECTION 1 | Yoga in Health Care

in Upanishadic literature was more concerned ;ksxf”pRro`fRrfujks/k% AA „AA

with practices which focused on philosophy yogaścitta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ
and contemplation on the soul (ātman or – Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1.25
Real-Self ). K Taimni translates it as “Yoga is the
Bhagavad Gita (BG) discusses yoga inhibition (nirodhaḥ) of the modifications
extensively. Almost every chapter’s name (vṛtti) of the mind (citta).” Swami Vivekananda
has the term “yoga”. But the yoga of Bhagavad translates the sutra as “Yoga is restraining
Gita is more of a lifestyle and behavioral the mind—stuff (citta) from taking various
modification rather than breathing or posture- forms (vṛtti).” Table 1 provides some popular
related practice. The most popular discussions definitions of Yoga according to yogic texts.
on yoga which are very relevant even in The eight limbs of Yoga described by
modern times are related to excellence in Patanjali are: yama (abstinences), niyama
work, equilibrium of mind, and moderation (observances), asana (yoga postures),
in activities—excellence in work means doing pranayama (breath control), pratyahara
any work efficiently without attachment toward (withdrawal of the senses), dharana
the fruits of the action (karmasukauśalaṁ; (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and
BG 2.50); 4 equilibrium (samatvaṁ; BG samadhi (absorption). Although Patanjali
2.48) of mind, 4 which is a balanced state added physical postures and regulation of
where adversities and achievements are the breath to yoga, the sutras do not have any
viewed equally as an enriching experience; named asanas or pranayama implying the use
moderation means avoiding extremes in eating of such tools that involve body and breath, for
and fasting, sleeping and waking, activity and calming the mind only. Table 2 provides an
rest (yuktā; BG 6.17).4 overview of the eight limbs of Yoga according
to Patanjali.
CLASSICAL PERIOD (200 bc)
During the classical period, Patanjali compiled POSTCLASSICAL PERIOD
196 sutras (aphorisms) of yoga. Patanjali’s view (800–1700 ad)
on yoga is known as Raja Yoga or Ashtanga The Rishis (ancient sages) during this period
yoga or classical yoga. Patanjali begins his gave yoga a new outlook by giving greater
treatise by defining the word “yoga” in his importance to the asanas, kriyas, and
second sutra: pranayama for cleansing of the body and

TABLE 1: Popular definitions of yoga according to yogic texts.

S. No. Definition of yoga Meaning Reference
1. Yogaścitta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ Yoga is the mastery over Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.25
modifications of the mind
2. Samatvam yoga uchyate Yoga is equanimity of the mind Bhagavad Gita 2.484
(in success and failure)
3. Manah Prashamanopayah yoga Yoga is a subtle technique to calm Yoga Vashishtha 3:9:326
ityabhidhiyate down the mind
4. Yogah karmasu kaushalam Yoga is excellence in action Bhagavad Gita 2.504
5. Duhkha-samyoga-viyogam yoga- Yoga is that which severs the Bhagavad Gita 6.234
samjnitam connection with sorrow
6. Yuktahara-viharasya yukta- Yoga is the destroyer of the Bhagavad Gita 6.174
cheshtasya karmasu sufferings for the one who
Yukta-svapna-avabodhasya yogo- observes moderation in eating,
bhavati dukhaha sleeping, recreation, and work

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CHAPTER 1 | Introduction to Yoga 5

TABLE 2: An overview of the eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali.

S. No. Limb of yoga Definition according to Patanjali5 Purpose
1. Yama (PYS:2.30) Five ethical precepts: Satya (Truth), Ahimsa (Nonviolence), •• Individual
Bramhacharya (Sense organ control), Asteya (Nonstealing) and observances
Aparigraha (Nonhoarding) •• Control over
lower instincts
2. Niyama (PYS:2.32) Five individual observances: Shoucha (Cleanliness), Santosha •• Promoting
(Satisfaction), Tapas (Austerity or perseverance), Swadhyaya higher order
(Self-introspection) and Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a •• Social and
higher principle/consciousness) spiritual
behaviors
3. Asana (PYS:2.46) Sthira sukham asanam: An asana is a posture that is steady Achieving stillness
and pleasant of the body
4. Pranayama Tasmin Sati swasa-praswasa-yor-gati-vichhedah pranayamah: Achieving minimum
(PYS:2.49) In that state of being in asana or posture, breaking the possible rate of
prana (breath) and movement of inspiratory or expiratory breath is regulation of breathing and
āyāma (restraining, breath fluctuations in
or stretching) breath
5. Pratyahara Sva vishaya asamprayoge chittasya svarupe anukarah iva Turning the
(PYS:2.54) indriyanam pratyaharah: Learn to withdraw the mind from consciousness
prati (“against” or physical senses; freed from its ties to outer objects, the mind inward
“contra”) and ahara can arrive at its own real nature
(“bring near, fetch”)
6. Dharana (PYS:3.1) Desha-bandhah chittasya dharana: Locking the mind on an Develop an ability to
object is focus focus the mind
7. Dhyana (PYS:3.2) Tatra pratyaya-ikatanata dhyanam: Effortless flow of Expansion of
consciousness toward the object of focus is fixation consciousness
8. Samadhi (PYS:3.3) Tadeva artha matra nirbhasam svarupa shunyam iva samadhih: Dissolution of
Then the observer dissolves and the true nature of the object observer and
shines forth deeper insight into
one’s own nature

mind. This is popular as Hatha yoga where in Chicago (9th September, 1893). Many yogis
“Ha” means the “Sun” and “Tha” means like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Paramahansa
the “Moon”. It is described as a set of yogic Yogananda, and Ramana Maharshi influenced
techniques which focusses on aligning the the Western world profoundly through their
physical body and energies of an individual spiritual accomplishments and gradually
in tune with nature. Hatha yoga practices yoga was accepted throughout the world as a
aim at harmonizing the biorhythms within secular spiritual practice rather than a ritual-
the individual (body, breath, emotion, and based religious doctrine. In recent times,
intellect) with that of the nature. Some yoga masters like T Krishnamacharya (and
popular texts related to Hatha yoga are his three disciples, BKS Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois,
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, and TVK Desikachar), Swami Kuvalayananda,
Hatha Rathnavali, Shiva Samhita, Goraksha Swami Shivananda, Baba Ramdev, Sadhguru
Samhita, and Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati. Jaggi Vasudev, Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar,
and many others have popularized yoga
MODERN PERIOD globally. In the last two decades, yoga became
(FROM 1863 ad ONWARDS) immensely popular. Its popularity reached
Yoga philosophy was introduced to the rest new heights when 21st June was proclaimed as
of the world by Swami Vivekananda in his the “International Day of Yoga” in the United
historic speech at the Parliament of Religions Nations General Assembly in 2014, and first

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International day of yoga was celebrated in CLARIFYING THE

2015. MISUNDERSTANDINGS
Is Yoga only Asana?
WHAT YOGA IS NOT? In the entire Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, there is
With the rise in popularity, understanding of not even a single named asana or pranayama,
the essence of yoga got diluted. Majority of although majority of the public including
the population started understanding yoga many yoga practitioners emphasize more on
as merely physical. To understand what is yogasana or pranayama, and consider it as
not yoga, let’s consider this example. Let us yoga.
assume that there are four people approaching Let us understand the two important
a yoga teacher to learn yoga for various components on yoga: asana and pranayama,
reasons: A young athletic person, a middle- to get more insight into what is not yoga. Let
aged person who is morbidly obese, a patient us talk about asana first. Typically, asana
who underwent a surgery a week ago, and is practiced in three steps: (1) attaining
an 80-year-old person. Who do we think will the posture, (2) maintaining the posture
perform yoga better? This question has been steadily and comfortably, and (3) releasing
asked to various audiences (including yoga the posture. Asana practice involves bodily
practitioners) and most of the time the answer movements similar to physical exercise. But
was—the young athletic guy. Why do we think the key components of this asana practice
so? Let us go back to the definition of Yoga as unlike exercise are alertness without tension
stated by Maharishi Patanjali: yogaś-citta-vr̥tti- and relaxation without dullness or heaviness.
nirodhaḥ AA 2AA Further Maharishi Patanjali explained “asana
According to this, yoga is the ability as steady and comfortable posture.” Here,
to direct the mind exclusively toward an the steps 1 and 3 are not considered asana.
object and sustain that attention without any Maintenance of steady comfortable posture
distraction. The object can be a concrete one, is asana. It is important to understand
either external to ourselves or part of ourselves. why maintaining the posture steadily and
It can be an area of interest, a concept, or comfortably is called asana, in the context
something beyond the level of the senses, of yoga definition. Asana is translated in
such as God. English as “posture.” Posture literally means
With this definition in mind, let us ask the position in which one holds their body
ourselves the question again. We will then while standing or sitting and interestingly,
understand the gap between the actual the way one holds one’s body is determined
definition of yoga and the yoga we perceive, by their mental attitude. For example, a
practice, and teach today. Although there are depressed person stoops and looks down,
some practical reasons for us to tweak the whereas a confident person looks straight with
definition, especially in a therapeutic context upright chest. So, there is a causal connection
either towards the physical spectrum or mental between one’s posture and mental attitude.
spectrum, it is important to have the generic According to neuromuscular physiology,
comprehensive definition of Yoga in the phasic responses are related to movements,
background, to make it beneficial to humanity whereas tonic responses are related to mental
without any differences merely based on attitude and a sustained mental attitude gives
physical flexibility, age, disease state, etc. as rise to a particular physical posture. The
illustrated in the above example. beauty of Patanjali’s definition of asana is
more appreciable when we understand the

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CHAPTER 1 | Introduction to Yoga 7

connection of a posture and mental attitude. It Is Yoga Different from Meditation?
also throws light on why asana is maintenance The idea of meditation emerges only when one
of a pose, but not the movements to attain misunderstands yogasana for yoga. When Yoga
the pose. The logic is quite simple—if mental is practiced as a lifestyle with the purpose of
attitude can shape the posture of a person, bringing peace in life, meditation is embedded
then consciously holding a particular pose in the broad concept of yoga. But still, the
with steadiness and comfort should also have terms “Yoga and Meditation” are widely used
an impact on one’s mental attitude. After in recent times, as most of the people use yoga
all, yoga is shaping one’s mental attitude for as a health promoting tool with more focus
peaceful living. on the physical components such as asana
and pranayama which are easier to do than
Is Yoga Only Pranayama? the other limbs of yoga such as Dharana. So
Similar to asana, pranayama involves three conceptually, yoga encompasses meditation,
steps: (1) inhaling, (2) exhaling, and (3) although in recent times they are viewed as two
holding the breath (after inhalation or different phenomena.
exhalation or both). Again, as per definition Thus, it becomes evident that all the
in Yoga scriptures, inhaling or exhaling slowly components including the physical practices
is not pranayama. Breath holding, either after namely asana and pranayama of Ashtanga
inhalation or exhalation or both, is defined as yoga revolve around this concept of mastering
pranayama. To be more precise, pranayama the mind for experiencing peace. Hence, it is
is not even holding of breath using willpower, needless to say that the different tools that
but an automatic or comfortable conscious are used to reach the state of mental peace
suspension of breathing after inhalation or may be an important component of Yoga but
exhalation. Yogic scriptures emphasize the they themselves cannot be called yoga. In
importance of breath suspension because this context, yoga is a holistic concept which
it has a strong impact on the mind, apart should be seen in its wholesome, with yama,
from its effect on the body. It is important niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara,
to understand what happens during breath dharana, dhyana, and samadhi together,
holding to understand the context in which and not as a stand-alone. Calling any single
pranayama fits into the definition of yoga— component as yoga does not hold true as per
controlling the mental modifications. During the definition of Yoga.
automatic or voluntary suspension of breathing
within one’s limit, there are increased carbon ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE MIND
dioxide levels and decreased oxygen levels at IN YOGA PHILOSOPHY
the central chemoreceptors and peripheral
Another important thing to understand is that
chemoreceptors respectively within the
Yoga, as a discipline, uses skillful techniques
brain which triggers the respiratory center
to “master” the mind and not to “control”
for exhalation. As one regulates breathing by
the mind. What is the difference between
holding comfortably, slowly this voluntary
“controlling” and “mastering”? Controlling
training to withstand increased carbon dioxide
means an effortful suppression of the urges
level and decreased oxygen level leads to
of the mind by dealing with the mind directly
calmness of mind. It is this calmness of mind
using ones will power, whereas mastery
that is targeted through pranayama too, apart
involves purification and slowing down of
from the physical benefits.
the mind using yogic techniques without
suppression and with proper understanding

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of the mind. A Yogi considers the mind like a by the National Institute of Health as a form
naughty child and deals with it skillfully using of Traditional System of Medicine. Different
attitudes of both care and strictness, and not components of Yoga have been utilized by
just by thoughtless suppression. scientists in a variety of disorders and current
evidence shows efficacy of Yoga as an adjuvant
YOGA AS THERAPY or sole treatment for the management of
Yoga traditionally developed as a technique common NCDs such as hypertension, heart
for accelerating spiritual evolution of human disease, obesity, cancer, low back pain,
beings. The improvement in physical and fibromyalgia, bronchial asthma, depression,
mental health is actually a by-product of stress, and schizophrenia.7
the yoga practice. But in the last three to
four decades, with rapid emergence of YOGIC MODEL FOR HEALTH
noncommunicable disorders (NCDs) such as AND DISEASE
hypertension, heart disease, obesity, type 2 According to Taittiriya Upanishad,8 there are
diabetes mellitus, cancer, mental health five layers of consciousness that define an
disorders etc., yoga therapy has gained individual from gross to subtle: (1) Physical
importance as a lifestyle intervention. All layer (physical body: Annamaya kosha),
major NCDs are multifactorial in origin and (2) layer of subtle energy (Pranamaya kosha),
are deeply rooted in disturbances of lifestyle (3) layer of emotions (Manomaya kosha),
and biorhythms. Thus, yoga-based lifestyle (4) layer of knowledge (Vijnanamaya kosha),
modification, which adopts a multipronged and (5) layer of bliss (Anandmaya kosha).
holistic approach, emerged as an attractive Every individual and the whole creation
nonpharmacological adjuvant for prevention consist of these five layers, in manifest or
and management of NCDs. There has been an unmanifest form. The first three are called
exponential rise in yoga research in the last as lower layers and last two are called as
two decades and it has focused on assessing higher layers. All these five layers are not
the potential role of yoga-based lifestyle in separate compartments but are essentially
prevention and management of NCDs. Yoga one continuum of consciousness from gross to
therapy is now regarded in the Western world subtle (Fig. 2). Each subtler layer encompasses
as a holistic approach to health and is classified the grosser layer within it and expands beyond
as well. The subtler the layer, the more freedom

Ananadamaya kosha (Layer of Bliss) Higher layers

Vijnanamaya kosha (Layer of Knowledge) Layer where
Manomaya kosha (Layer of Emotions) ‘Adhija’ Vyadhi
Pranamaya kosha (Layer of Energy) arises
Annamaya kosha (Physical Layer) Lower layers

Ahamkara (Ego)

Fig. 2: Five layers of consciousness (Panchakosha model).

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CHAPTER 1 | Introduction to Yoga 9

it has from the time and space dimensions that (Anadhija Vyadhi) and (2) Disease due to
govern the physical existence. internal factors (Adhija Vyadhi). Anadhija
These layers of consciousness are vyadhis are caused due to physical factors in
manifested in the behavior of individuals. the external environment (Annamaya kosha)
Annamaya and Pranamaya koshas are of an individual such as accidents, injuries,
manifested by the physical existence and infections, and poisoning. Adhija vyadhis (Aa
signs of life, respectively. Manomaya kosha = Avaranam means covering; Dhi = Wisdom/
is manifested by emotions generated due to Intelligence), on the other hand, are caused
likes or dislikes toward any stimuli, mainly due to imbalances and disharmony in the other
containing repetitive thoughts which keep lower layers of consciousness (Pranamaya and
tossing in the dimensions of likes and Manomaya kosha) of the individual. Some
dislikes, without the ability to come to clear illnesses are caused as a combination of
decision. Higher layer of Vijnyanamaya both (Mixed adhija and anadhija vyadhi) for
kosha is manifested when an individual is example, in some cancers, both carcinogen
able to gain clear insight into the situation (anadhija component) as well as individual
and is able to take a decision without any genetic predisposition and psyche (adhija
doubt. Anandamaya kosha is manifested components) may play a role.
by the actions of creativity and cosmic Excluding the diseases caused by external
well-being which are driven by inner bliss factors such as accidents, infections and so
and intelligence. The lower three layers on, majority of the diseases which trouble us
(Annamaya, Pranamaya, and Manomaya) in the current century belong to the Adhija or
are manifested by default in the behavior of mixed category (hypertension, type 2 diabetes
the individual but the manifestation of higher mellitus, heart disease, obesity, cancer, and
layers of consciousness (Vijnyanamaya kosha depression) where lifestyle plays an important
and Anandamaya kosha) depends on how role. The most important component in
relaxed and calm the lower three layers are. If modifying the lifestyle is the “Mind” of an
there is turbulence and unrest in lower layers individual, as in this era of information where
then higher layers get obscured and their everybody knows what is to be done and what
manifestation is blocked. Higher layers are kind of lifestyle should be followed, the most
always in tune with the cosmic intelligence, difficult thing is to manage one’s own mind!
bliss, and harmony. When they are manifested, Yogic texts like Bhagavad Gita describe that
they naturally bring balance and harmony in “For him who has learnt the art of managing
the lower layers that are conducive to overall the mind, the mind is the best of friends;
health. Thus, slowing down and relaxation but for one who has failed to do so, his very
of lower layers are important factors in yoga mind will be the greatest enemy (BG 6.6).”
therapy. So, the key components for a healthy All the eight limbs of yoga, described above,
life are: (A) relaxed body, (B) slow and steady actually are nothing but highly refined tools
breath, and (C) calm mind. for managing the mind only.
The yoga-based model of illness explains
Understanding the Pathophysiology of disease development as follows: Adhija
Disease According to Yoga Vyadhi’s begin as conflict in the layer of
Yoga Vashishtha, 6 an ancient yoga text, emotions (Manomaya kosha) which continues
explains that Vyadhi (any illness affecting for a long time (months and years) in the
the physical layer) can be broadly classified form of repeated cyclical patterns of deep-
into two types based on the underlying rooted emotionally charged thoughts (chitta
cause: (1) Disease due to external factors vrittis). These vritti’s obstruct the higher

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layers (layers of knowledge and bliss). They Individuals with high willpower have
manifest as repeated patterns of thoughts more powerful Ahamkara or sense of “I” ness
which are speeded up, emotionally charged, and thus, they may be able to suppress these
and are associated with a feeling of distress imbalances in the layer of emotions and push
or uneasiness. These thoughts keep surfacing them down to lower layers more strongly (and
periodically in the mind of an individual develop illnesses such as hypertension, heart
but remain unresolved. Such thoughts disease, diabetes, etc.), whereas individuals
are accelerated if the layer of emotions is with less powerful Ahamkara (weak ego) may
constricted due to its attachment to lower not be able to do so, and thus, may express the
layers, whereas they reduce when the layer of imbalance directly from the layer of emotions
emotions is relaxed and expanded due to its and develop psychological disturbances
contact with higher layers. As these thoughts and psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety,
increase in intensity and duration, they depression, or psychosis in that order
cause imbalances to percolate deeper and depending on the levels of weakness of ego).
deeper into the system with each and every Individuals with moderate levels of Ahamkara
repetition. This, over a period of time, either may manifest it both ways in the form of
leads to blockages/resistance in the pranic psychological distress as well as physical pains
(subtle energy) channels or causes excessive (e.g., somatoform pain disorders, fibromyalgia,
uncontrolled flow; thereby disturbing the depression with somatic syndrome, etc.). 9
layer of Pranamaya kosha. Imbalances Figure 3 describes how diseases are caused
in the Pranamaya kosha manifest in the from yoga perspective and how this can be
form of irregular and speeded up breathing similar to the conceptualization of disease
pattern and overactivity or underactivity from modern science perspective.
(or hypersensitivity or undersensitivity)
of physiological functions. If the root THE PROCESS OF YOGA THERAPY
cause still persists and accentuates, then (PRATI-PRASAVA)
slowly the problem deepens down causing According to Yoga Vashishtha, diseases due
electrochemical and biological disturbances to an “external” cause (Anadhija Vyadhi)
in the body finally manifesting as an organic could be cured by “external” agents such
medical illness. Thus, according to the yogic as mantra (recitation of specific sound
understanding the imbalances in the layers combinations), aushadhi (herbs or minerals),
of consciousness due to the phenomena of and shalya (surgery); whereas diseases due to
“speed” and “constriction” are the root cause an “internal” cause would require balancing
of disease.
Yoga Modern science
Manomaya kosha Psychological disturbance
Confilict

Pranamaya kosha Functional disturbance

Imbalance in prana

Annamaya kosha Cellular and structural disease

Structural alterations

Fig. 3: Overview of the pathogenesis of noncommunicable disorders according to yoga and

its understanding as per modern science.

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CHAPTER 1 | Introduction to Yoga 11

of the internal layers of consciousness. Such principle in life, thinking about people who
balancing would happen by conscious reversal have evolved through this path)], bhajans
of the imbalance through “slowing down” (singing devotional songs in groups), satsangh
and “expansion” of the layers in the reverse (keeping company with people who are
direction, i.e., from the physical layer to the devoted to higher principles in life), dharana
layer of bliss (prati-prasava).6,9 (voluntary focusing of the mind); (4) Layer of
This concept is quite relevant in present knowledge: Swadhyaya (introspection into
times where one can see that diseases due one’s own thoughts, behavior and existence)
to “external causes” such as infections, and dhyana (gradual involuntary focusing and
accidents, injuries, and poisoning have been defocusing with expansion of consciousness);
managed very well by modern medicine as and (5) Layer of bliss: Samadhi (merging with
it relies on exploration of the external world the most expanded layer, the layer of bliss,
through science and technology. However, feeling oneness). Thus, the basic approach is to
when we look at disorders which lack any relax deeper and deeper and expand. Another
specific “external” cause (e.g., type 2 diabetes Vedic scripture (Mandukya Karika) provides
mellitus, essential hypertension, asthma, an important principle to balance the deeper
cancers, depression, anxiety, psychosis, etc.) layers of consciousness. It says “If the mind is
solutions from external means such as drugs, sleepy, stimulate and awaken it (using yogic
radiotherapy, and surgery are not completely techniques of fast breathing, etc.); if it is too
satisfactory. We have achieved some control, excited calm it down (using slow breathing,
but no cure. Ancient Indian sages were shavasana, yoga nidra, etc.).” By repeating the
scientists who explored the “inner” world and same again and again and by thus, keeping the
came with the technology of yogic practices to mind in the state of equilibrium, the deeper
address the “internal” cause. agitations of the subconscious mind will come
As discussed earlier, yoga therapy onto the surface. Become aware of them and
understands NCDs as manifestation of go deeper into relaxation. This principle of
“speed” and “constriction” in the third layer “stimulation and relaxation” is also to be taken
of consciousness which percolates to the lower into consideration while designing the yoga-
layers over a period of time and settles down as based lifestyle modifications for management
disease. Thus, the basic approach is to “relax” of NCDs.10
and “expand”. This is achieved by applying
the eight-limbed approach of yoga (see Table CONCLUSION
1) on layers of consciousness with the focus Yoga is an ancient science which provides
on “slowing down” and “expansion” at each comprehensive understanding about human
layer (sometimes brief phases of intensity and existence, health, and disease. It provides
speed may be required in practices but that is a model which aims at well-being at all the
only to break the stagnation and reach deeper levels: physical, physiological, psychological,
levels of relaxation): (1) Physical layer: asanas and spiritual. The holistic approach of yoga-
(maintaining the postures with comfort and based lifestyle may serve as an important
stability), shoucha (cleanliness), and Tapas adjuvant for prevention and management of
(observing austerity and moderation); (2) Layer common noncommunicable disorders.
of energy: pranayama and kriyas (regulation
of breath); (3) Layer of emotions: santosha REFERENCES
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12 SECTION 1 | Yoga in Health Care

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