Yoga Tatha Nari Roga - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yoga tatha Nari Roga" by Dr. K.C. Khare, based on the provided pages:

Yoga and Women's Diseases: A Comprehensive Summary

This text, "Yoga tatha Nari Roga" (Yoga and Women's Diseases) by Dr. K.C. Khare, explores how Yoga can be a beneficial practice for addressing various health concerns prevalent among women. The author highlights that women are generally more susceptible to certain ailments than men, including back pain, knee pain, general weakness and fatigue, and menstrual irregularities. Additionally, it addresses issues arising from pregnancy and childbirth.

Key Health Concerns and Yoga's Solutions:

Back Pain: A significant percentage of the population, predominantly women, suffers from back pain. The author attributes this to poor posture, especially when sitting, leading to stress on the spine. Women often experience back pain even in their youth due to bending forward while performing household chores. Yoga practice is presented as a solution to reduce this stress and alleviate back pain. It also helps in managing weight gain, which can occur post-pregnancy and contribute to back problems.
Menstrual Irregularities: These are common in women and are regulated by endocrine glands such as the pituitary, ovaries, adrenal glands (above the kidneys), and thyroid gland, all of which influence the uterus. The text suggests that by maintaining the healthy secretions of these glands through Yoga, the uterus can also be kept healthy. Specific Yoga postures like Sarvangasana, Halasana, Padahastasana, and Trikonasana are recommended for relieving menstrual pain, headaches, anxiety, frequent urination, and abdominal cramps that can accompany menstruation.
- Important Note: While regular Yoga practice can prevent these issues, it is explicitly advised not to practice Yoga during menstruation.
Leukorrhea (White Discharge): Approximately 58% of women in India experience this condition, known as "safed pani" or leukorrhea. While a normal, odorless white discharge from the vagina is natural, an unusual, odoriferous discharge indicates an infection and requires medical attention. Infections of the reproductive system, inflammation of the uterus, or sores on the cervix can lead to this. In such cases, Yoga practices like Moolbandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Bhastrika Pranayama are suggested to be highly beneficial.
- For cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), which can cause pain during intercourse and increased risk of miscarriage, medical treatment for infection is essential, followed by Yoga to improve blood circulation.
Uterine Prolapse: In older women, especially after childbirth, the uterus may descend. This condition, known as prolapse, can lead to back pain, sores in the vaginal area, bleeding, and even uterine cancer.
- If prolapse is in the third stage (complete descent), surgical removal of the uterus is recommended for the patient's well-being.
- However, for first and second-stage prolapse (partial descent), practices like Moolbandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, and Mahabandha are highly effective.
Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): This can be caused by physical issues or psychological factors, leading to fear of pain during intimacy. Practices like Shavasana and Yog Nidra are recommended to reduce internal tension and alleviate this condition.

Specific Yoga Practices and Their Benefits for Women's Health:

Moolbandha and Viparita Karani Mudra: Prevent the uterus from descending.
Moolbandha and Ashwini Mudra: Strengthen the pelvic diaphragm, which supports the uterus, and help prevent frequent urination and uterine prolapse.
Viparita Karani Mudra: Beneficial for all ailments of the abdomen and lower abdominal region.
Uddiyana Bandha: Good for the abdomen and promotes upward energy flow in the uterus.
Yoga Mudra: Improves blood circulation in the lower abdominal organs by pressing the heels against the abdomen.
Sarvangasana and Halasana: Control and strengthen the pituitary gland, contributing to overall health and disease prevention.
Shirsasana (Headstand): Also mentioned in conjunction with Sarvangasana and Halasana for pituitary gland health.
Poses beneficial for adrenal and thyroid glands (which affect the uterus): Halasana, Sarvangasana, and Karsh Peeda Asana are highlighted.
Pranayama and Mudras: Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Bandhas, and Mudras contribute to healthy endocrine glands and are beneficial for gynecological issues.

General Yoga Guidelines and Recommendations:

Prohibited Poses: All Yoga asanas are prohibited during menstruation.
Pregnancy: After the first three months of pregnancy, no strenuous asanas should be performed.
Mental Well-being: Practices like Pratyahara and Dharana can help overcome mental ailments and are also beneficial for women's health.
Consistency: Yoga practice is a daily necessity, like eating, for maintaining both physical and mental health.
Gradual Progression: Both men and women can practice Yoga, but it should be done according to individual capacity, gradually increasing the practice over time.
Guidance: It is crucial to learn and practice Yoga under the guidance of a qualified instructor, especially in the initial stages.
Holistic Approach: Yoga is not just about asanas; it encompasses pranayama and meditation. A balanced practice combining these elements is essential for strength, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
Promoting Yoga: Encouraging Yoga practice is seen as a vital step towards improving the health and mental development of the nation's citizens.

In conclusion, "Yoga tatha Nari Roga" emphasizes that Yoga science is a potent remedy for women's health issues, promoting both physical and mental well-being.