Yoga And Health - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "Yoga and Health" by Dr. M. L. Gharote:

The book "Yoga and Health" by Dr. M. L. Gharote explores the profound connection between Yoga and overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. It argues that Yoga, an ancient Indian discipline aimed at spiritual upliftment, has significant implications for health and fitness.

Understanding Health and Fitness:

Health: Defined by the World Health Organization as a state of "complete physical, mental, moral and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." A healthy individual possesses a wholeness and unity, enabling them to face life's challenges with more resilience, even amidst temptations and problems.
Fitness: Described as the "perfect adaptation to one's particular environment" and the capacity to live and function effectively, purposefully, and zestfully in the present. While often viewed physically (e.g., muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness), true fitness encompasses a holistic capacity to meet life's expectations.
Health and Fitness Continuum: Health and fitness are presented as interconnected, forming a continuum. This continuum ranges from "Death" to "Maximum" well-being, with an individual's position influenced by hereditary, environmental, and controllable factors.

Yogic Exercises:

The text clarifies that "Yoga" etymologically means "Integration," signifying the harmonious development of personality. The term "Yoga" is used both as the ultimate goal and as the means to achieve it.
Yogic Practices: These are the techniques employed to achieve this integration, classified into:
- Asanas: Postures that stabilize the body and mind, promoting neuromuscular tone and muscle health.
- Pranayamas: Practices for controlling respiratory impulses, influencing the autonomic nervous system.
- Bandhas and Mudras: Techniques involving conscious control of semi-voluntary and involuntary muscles, integrating central and autonomic nervous supply to tone internal organs and stimulate healthy functioning.
- Kriyas (Shatkarmas): Cleansing processes.
- Meditation: Mental practices ranging from sensory withdrawal to oblivion of the external environment.
Yamas and Niyamas: A foundational code of conduct essential for yogic practices, forming the basis of Yoga.
Yoga as Exercise: While not always involving strenuous movement, yogic practices are considered exercises when undertaken to maintain the health of organs and their functions.
Psychophysiological Nature: Yogic exercises are inherently psychophysiological, with some leaning more towards mental control and others towards physical effects. The latter aspect is widely used for health and fitness.

Relationship of Yogic Exercises with Health and Fitness:

Yogic literature emphasizes health as a prerequisite for spiritual pursuits, viewing humans as a composite of body, mind, and spirit.
Yogic health is not solely physical but also mental and spiritual. "Arogya" (health) is defined as the absence of mental distractions.
Yogic exercises are presented as beneficial for all ages and conditions, promoting stability, lightness of limbs, strength, and overcoming diseases. They can lead to a state of "lack of dysrhythmias" in neuro-muscular impulses, contributing to mental and physical steadiness.
Success in Hathayoga is characterized by physical slimness, facial luster, clear voice, bright eyes, freedom from disease, control over bodily functions, stimulated gastric fire, and purification of energy channels (Nadis).
The ultimate goal of all yogic practices is to achieve "Rajayoga," the highest state of integration.

Three Aspects of Health Addressed by Yoga:

Promotion of Health: Yogic training programs enhance physical fitness components like flexibility, muscular fitness, and cardiovascular efficiency. They also contribute to emotional stability by positively influencing the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems. Scientific investigations support the role of yogic exercises in promoting overall health and fitness.
Cure of Disease (Curative Aspect): Yoga has gained popularity for its therapeutic effects.
- Circulatory Disorders: Yogic relaxation techniques, like Shavasana and meditation, have shown significant effects in reducing hypertension and blood pressure. Inverted postures (e.g., Shirshasana, Sarvangasana) and Pranayama can help treat conditions like pre-menstrual tension and migraine by influencing bodily fluids and organ function. Yoga is also recognized for its role in managing and rehabilitating heart disease patients.
- Respiratory Disorders: Yogic exercises have proven effective in managing bronchial asthma, improving breathing patterns and respiratory function.
- Metabolic Disorders: Yoga has shown positive influences in managing diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and in treating obesity.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Yogic practices can alleviate issues like hyperacidity, indigestion, and gas troubles.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Yoga helps improve joint movement and suppleness, particularly for those with arthritis. It can also correct postural defects and aid recovery from surgical operations.
Prevention of Diseases: Personal experiences and surveys suggest that regular yogic practice builds resistance to illnesses, aids in faster recovery, improves overall well-being, increases energy levels, and reduces reliance on medicines. It can decrease susceptibility to common ailments like colds and flu and reduce the need for tranquillizers.

Conclusion:

The book concludes that yogic exercises have a broad scope in an individual's life, not only alleviating ailments but also maintaining positive physical and mental health. A well-selected routine of yogic exercises can lead to a happy and successful healthy life. The text also provides an extensive list of references supporting these claims.