What is Yoga<\/p>\n
Yoga is an ancient Indian technique of integrating human personality at the physical, mental, moral and intellectual levels.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Maharishi Patanjali explained Yoga as Chitta Vritti Nirodha or control of the mind and all its fluctuations. He described eight aspects (limbs) of Yoga which may be used to attain a healthy, happy and spiritual life. These are as follows:-<\/p>\n
1. “Yama” or moral principles like non-violence, truthfulness, honesty, celibacy and non-covetousness.
\n2. “Niyama” or rules of discipline like purity, contentment, austerity, introspection and dedication to God.
\n3. “Asanas” or yogic postures.
\n4. “Pranayama” or control of breathing.
\n5. “Pratyahara” or control of the mind and the sense organs.
\n6. “Dharana” or concentration.
\n7. “Dhyana” or meditation.
\n8. “Samadhi” or a state of transcendental consciousness when the individual merges with the universal spirit.<\/p>\n
Role of Yoga in the Treatment of Allergy<\/p>\n
From the treatment point of view, Yoga can be divided as follows :-<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Yogasanas
\n\u25a1 Yogic Kriyas
\n\u25a1 Pranayama
\n\u25a1 Meditation<\/p>\n
Yogasanas<\/p>\n
Yogasanas refer to the yogic postures of the body, which help in the physical, mental and spiritual development of the individual.<\/p>\n
How do Yogasanas Help in the Treatment of Allergy<\/p>\n
\u25a1 All abdominal organs are toned up and the digestion and metabolism of food substances are enhanced.
\n\u25a1 Better metabolism helps in digesting even the allergic or indigestible substances with ease.
\n\u25a1 There is a proper conditioning and rejuvenation of the neuro-endocrine (hormonal) system.
\n\u25a1 The immune system is activated enabling the body to withstand greater stress and strain, including that due to allergy.
\n\u25a1 Accumulated toxic substances and allergic products are easily eliminated keeping the body fit, strong and rejuvenated.
\n\u25a1 Regular practice of Yogasanas helps to voluntarily control the heart rate, respiration, excretion, body temperature, requirement of food, sleep, etc., bringing about a state of economical self-preservation and conservation of energy.<\/p>\n
Yogasanas Useful for Treatment of Allergy<\/p>\n
In individuals with dust allergy and skin allergy, the following asanas are beneficial:<\/p>\n
Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana, Sarvangasana, Bhujangasana, Naukasana, Matsyasana, Pawan Muktasana, Simhasana, Trikonasana and Surya Namaskar.<\/p>\n
For individuals with food allergy the useful Yogasanas are Surya Namaskar, Pawan Muktasana, Trikonasana, Halasana, Tadasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Shashankasana, Kati Chakrasana, Matsyasana, and Bhujangasana.<\/p>\n
Detailed descriptions of certain important asanas are given below:-<\/p>\n
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Lie down in the prone position (on the stomach) with the face and forehead touching the ground with the legs straight and the arms by the side.
\n\u25a1 Exhale and bend the legs at the knee and hold them firmly by the hands at the ankles on the same side.
\n\u25a1 Inhale, raise the thighs, chest and head simultaneously.
\n\u25a1 The weight of the body should be on the navel and the head should be raised as high as Fig. Dhanurasana possible with eyes looking upwards.
\n\u25a1 This posture should be held as long as it is felt comfortable.
\n\u25a1 Some authors recommend mild rocking movement on the abdomen, which bears the weight.
\n\u25a1 Repeat this 3-5 times.<\/p>\n
Precautions<\/p>\n
\u25a1 This asana should not be done by those suffering from high blood pressure, slipped disc, hernia, colitis, duodenal ulcer and heart diseases.<\/p>\n
Paschimottanasana (Back Stretching Pose) Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Sit on the floor with the legs outstretched, feet together and hands on the knees.
\n\u25a1 Relaxing the whole body slowly bend forward from the hips, sliding the hands down the legs. Try to grasp the big toes with the fingers and thumbs. If not possible hold the heels, ankles or any part of the legs that can be reached comfortably.
\n\u25a1 Hold this position for a few seconds.
\n\u25a1 Keep the legs straight, bend the elbows and gently bring the trunk down towards the legs keeping a firm grip on the toes, feet or legs. Touch the knees with the forehead and hold in this position as long as it is comfortable.
\n\u25a1 Slowly return to the original position.
\n\u25a1 Relax and repeat the exercise 2-3 times.<\/p>\n
Precautions<\/p>\n
\u25a1 People who suffer from slipped disc, lumbar spondylitis or sciatica should not perform this asana.
\n\u25a1 Similarly, those with cardiac problems, hernia and those who have undergone abdominal surgery should avoid this asana.<\/p>\n
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)<\/p>\n
It is a core exercise for all practitioners of Yoga and sometimes called as “the mother of all asanas”.<\/p>\n
Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Lie down in a supine position with legs and arms straight, feet together and palms facing downward.
\n\u25a1 Take a deep breath and lift both the legs slowly upwards till they are at right angle to the body.
\n\u25a1 After exhaling, pause for a few seconds.
\n\u25a1 Inhale and lift legs, buttocks and lower back with the forearms so that the chin presses into the sternum. Thus the entire weight of the body rests on the head, neck and shoulders and the arms Fi%- Sarvangasana are used for balancing.
\n\u25a1 Focus the eyes on the big toes with the chin pressed against the chest and breathe slowly.
\n\u25a1 Maintain this posture for 2-3 minutes.
\n\u25a1 Exhale and bring down the legs after releasing the hands and the palms.<\/p>\n
Precautions<\/p>\n
\u25a1 This asana should not be practised by individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, cervical spondylitis and slipped disc.
\n\u25a1 Obese individuals, people with a weak backbone or abdominal muscles and beginners are advised to support their legs against a wall initially.
\n\u25a1 It should be avoided during menstruation and advanced pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Bhujangasana (Serpent Pose) Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Lie flat on the ground in the prone position with legs straight, feet extended and touching each other, and forehead pressed to the ground.
\n\u25a1 Breathe in, press the head back and slowly raise the head and shoulders off the ground by bending the neck and back muscles.
\n\u25a1 Keeping the arms straight, lift the abdomen above the navel from the ground with the head looking upwards into the sky.
\n\u25a1 Hold your breath and remain in the posture for a few seconds with the weight of the body balanced by the arms.
\n\u25a1 Slowly exhale and come back to the original position. Repeat the process 2-3 times.<\/p>\n
Precautions<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Individuals who suffer from hypertension, peptic ulcer, hernia, intestinal TB, and hyperthyroidism should not practise this asana.<\/p>\n
Ardhamatsyendrasana (Spinal Twist Pose)<\/p>\n
This asana is a very important one since it strengthens the flexibility of spine laterally (sideways) which no other asana can accomplish. It is a very useful asana for patients prone to allergy.<\/p>\n
Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Sit on the floor with the legs extended in front and feet together.
\n\u25a1 Bend the right knee and bring the heel of the right foot close to the left buttock.
\n\u25a1 Now bend the left knee and place the foot on the outer surface of the right hip.
\n\u25a1 Turn the trunk and face towards the left shoulder placing the left arm behind the back.
\n\u25a1 Hold the left ankle with the right hand.
\n\u25a1 Try to hold the left leg with the left hand.
\n\u25a1 Some authors advise bringing the right hand under the left knee and joining the palm of the left hand.
\n\u25a1 Remain in the final pose for a few seconds and then return to the original position.
\n\u25a1 Repeat the same with the other side. Precautions
\n\u25a1 This asana should be done slowly and steadily without exerting undue pressure on the spine.
\n\u25a1 People with peptic ulcer, hernia, hyperthyroidism, sciatica, and pregnant women, should practise this asana only under expert guidance.<\/p>\n
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)<\/p>\n
This asana is called Matsyasana because it is said that yogis could float on water like fishes while in this asana, by holding their breath.<\/p>\n
Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Assume a sitting position with the legs bent at the knees and the feet kept on opposite hip joints. The heels are adjusted in such a way that each presses the adjacent portion of the abdomen. This forms a foot-lock as in Padmasana.
\n\u25a1 Bend backwards with the head resting on the crown and the weight of the body on the elbows.
\n\u25a1 Push the neck backwards enhancing forcibly and slightly raise the hip and chest upwards thus making an arch of the spine.
\n\u25a1 Hold the toes on the corresponding side by hooking the fingers.
\n\u25a1 Breathe deeply and stay in this position as long as possible.
\n\u25a1 Then release the neck and let the head rest on the floor. Straighten the legs and relax the hands, elbows and the whole body.
\n\u25a1 Repeat the asana, with the legs crossed the other way.<\/p>\n
Precautions<\/p>\n
The arching of the spine should be done slowly to avoid injury to spine.<\/p>\n
Shashankasana (Hare Pose) Technique<\/p>\n
\u25a1 Sit with legs folded backwards, heels apart, knees and toes together. (Vajrasana)
\n\u25a1 Let both the hips fit in between the heels.
\n\u25a1 Inhale and slowly raise the arms over the head.
\n\u25a1 While exhaling, slowly bend forward, resting the palms on the floor and the abdomen pressing against the thighs.
\n\u25a1 Bring the face downwards and touch the floor with the forehead without raising the buttocks.
\n\u25a1 Inhale and come back to the original position.
\n\u25a1 Repeat 3-5 times.<\/p>\n
Precautions<\/p>\n
\u25a1 This exercise should not be done by persons suffering from cervical spondylitis, lumbar spondylitis, vertigo and hypertension.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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