Medical Understanding of Yoga Prakash C Malshe
INDEX
A
Actin 142
Aerobic exercise 40
Ahiṁsā 15
Air
bubble in stomach 154
in fundus 154
in gut, role of 152
Akarṇa-dhanurāsana 45, 52
advantages 52
left 52, 53
procedure 52
right 52, 53
Amino acid 142
Amoebiasis 158
acute 158
chronic 158, 159
Anal sphincter, external 132
Annamaya kośa 29
Anuloma-viloma 16, 17, 74, 84
Ardha pawanamuktāsana 47
Ardha-matsyendrāsana 45, 53, 54
advantages 53
procedure 53
Arterial blood, partial pressure of oxygen in 77
Āsanas 3, 15, 24, 38, 45
advanced 46, 66
for relaxation 69
in sitting posture 57
lying
prone 60
supine 46
physiological basis of 39
pranāyāma mudrā
bandha 162
upavāsa 29
Āświnī mudrā 13
Atherosclerotic
cerebral vascular disease 31
coronary vascular disease 31
Ātmā with parmātma, union of 15
Ātm-sākshatkār 15
Atrial natriuretic peptide 138
Atrophic gastritis 177
AUṀ
Adityāya namaḥ 175
arkāya namaḥ 175, 176
bhānave namaḥ 173
bhāskarāya namaḥ 176
hiraṇyagarbhāya
namaḥ 174
khagāya namaḥ 173
maricaye namaḥ 174
method of recitation of 26
mitrāya namaḥ 171
pūṣṇe namaḥ 173, 174
ravaye namaḥ 172
Sūryāya namaḥ 172
Auṅkār japa 25, 74, 97, 122
Autoimmune diseases, weekly fast in 33
B
Back problems 140
Bacterial flora, types of 151
Baddha-padmāsana 57, 58
advantages 57
procedure 57
Bāhya kumbhaka 17, 84, 97, 196
B-cell
apoptosis 140
regeneration 180
Behavioral modification 141
Bhadrāsana 39
padmāsana 13
Bhaktiyoga 4
Bhasma 3
Bhastrikā 97
prāṇāyāma 87, 96, 97
secret of success of 185
Bhujagī mudrā 37, 169
Bhujaṅgāsana 45, 60, 157, 169
advantages 60
procedure 60
Blood
cholesterol 147
circulation 40
pressure, high 139
Body
develop allergy 95
weight, regulation of 135
Brahmacarya 15
Breath 81
first urge to 83
holding 108
in full expiration 84
urges to 82
Breathing free 14
Breathlessness 139
Brewer-Luckhardt reflex 132
Bronchial asthma 129
Byssal retractor muscles, anterior 42
C
Cakrī 125
Cakrāsana 46, 66, 67, 157
advantages 67
procedure 66
Candra darśan 35
Carbon dioxide 85
value of 14, 85
Cardiovascular advantages 129
Catch state 42
Caturthī 36
Cell membrane 192
Cholelithiasis 159
Cholesterol 120
Common cold 92
Coronary artery disease 106, 183
Coronary collateral 106
circulation 184
Coronary heart disease 140
Cricoid pose 166
Crow's beak 167
Cushing's disease 134
Cytokines 136
D
Danḍ dhauti 114
Dhanurāsana 39, 45, 61, 62, 157
advantages 61
caution 61
Dhāraṇa 15
Dhyāna 9, 15
Diabetes 16, 33, 34
mellitus 102, 105, 140, 180
primary prevention of 182
yogic management of 181
Diet 21
Dietary control 140
Digesting proteins 145
Dobutamine infusion 130
Drink air 37
Duodenum 166
E
Edinger-Westphal nucleus 124
Ekādaśī-duppaṭ khaśī 30
Elevating body temperature, advantages of 92
Embryonic stem cells 101
Endocrine disorders 134
Entamoeba histolytica 150, 158, 159
Enzymes 141
Erectile dysfunction 107
Erectile function 186
Erythropoietin 103
Esophageal sphincter, lower 172
Eyes, convergence of 13, 122
F
Fast food 147
Fasting 8
Fever 93, 94
Fiber diet
high 31
low 31
Fibroblast growth factor 184
Frenulectomy 22
Fruit diet 8
reduces 142, 147
G
Gallbladder sludge, yogic management of 160
Gallstones 31, 140, 159
Gamma amino butyric acid 80
Gaṇeś kriyā 125
Garuḍāsana 45, 66
advantages 66
procedure 66
Gastrointestinal system, disorders of 150
Gastrointestinal tract 150
effects 48
with air 114
Gāyatrī mantra 1
Ghabarāhat 81
Ghaṭastha yoga 4
Gheraṇḍa saṁhitā 3, 4, 161
Ghrelin 136
Glottis, closing 91
Glucagon like peptide-1 136, 180
Glucocorticoid pulse 33
Gomukhāsana 45, 51
advantages 51
left 52
procedure 51
right 52
Gorakṣāsana 13
Gut flora 151
normal 150
H
Halāsana 44, 45, 50
advantages 50
procedure 50
Haṭha pradīpikā 109, 187, 189
Haṭha yoga 4, 7, 13, 72, 195
pradīpikā 3, 161
Haṭha yogi 193
Haṭha yogic samādhi 187
Helicobacter infection 151, 156
Helicobacter pylori 151, 152, 154, 164, 165, 177, 197
Herpes simplex 95
Hiatus hernia 139, 157
Hibernation, entry into 131
Hiccups 1567
Hormone 135
sensitive lipase 32, 138, 141, 198
Human hibernation 187
Hydroxytryptamine 131
Hypercholesterolemia 31, 182
yogic management of 182
Hypertension 139, 182
yogic management of 182
Hypoglycemia 34
Hypothesis 108
Hypoxia 16, 97, 101, 102-105, 110, 185
intermittent 101, 108
training 7, 101
therapy 102
I
Immune cells, incubation temperature for 94
Incubation temperature 94
Insufflated air 159
Insulin
resistance 140
sensitizers 181
Intermittent hypoxia 103
Intestine
small 173
with air 164
Iodine-neti 114
J
Jala-neti 113
Jñānyoga 4
K
Kākī mudrā 37, 156, 166, 167, 193
advantages 115
medical understanding of 115
Karmayoga 4
Kevalī kuṁbhaka 99, 100, 193
Khecari mudrā 22
Knees 31
Kumbha melās 193
Kuñjala kriyā 114
L
Laryngeal nerves 97
Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome 134
Leptin 135
Lipolysis 30
during fasting, switching to 137
M
Mahāmudrā 13
Mahāvīrāsana 40, 45, 65
advantages 65
procedure 65
Makarāsana 46, 71
advantages 71
procedure 71
Malshe's pierced straw technique 170
Mammalian hibernation 191
Mānḍukī mudrā 170, 171, 173, 175
Marma 132
Matsyāsana 2, 39, 40, 44, 45, 56, 57, 59
advantages 56, 59
procedure 56, 59
Matsyendrāsana 13, 124
Mayūrāsana 46, 69
advantages 69, 70
procedure 69, 70
Meditation 16, 39
Menstrual cycle 36
Menstrual disorders 31
Mental hurt 15
Morning prayer 19
Morning walk 13
Mūl-bandha 193, 198
Mūrcchā 98
Muscle
catch-state of 42
proteins 142
relaxation 41
value of 42
tone in hibernation 192
Myocardial ischemia 184
Myosin 142
N
Nāḍī, purification of 73
Nāḍī-Śodhana
effect of 74
prāṇāyāma 17
Nāḍī-śuddhi 73
Nasal cycle 75
Nasal decongestion 128
Naṭarājāsana 45, 63, 64
advantages 64
procedure 63
Nature, manipulator of 195
Naukāsana 45, 46
advantages 46
procedure 46
Nauli kriyā 10, 84, 112
advantages 112
procedure 112
Navarātri fasts, metabolic memory of 32
Neti 113
Neurotransmitters 136
Niśśeṣa recaka 109, 110, 182, 186, 197
praṇāyāma 183, 185
Nitrous oxide produces laughter 80
Niyama 15
component of 141
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 106, 151
Nonulcer dyspepsia 151
Nose, physiology of 74
Nostril, left 87
O
Obesity 33, 134, 138, 141, 142, 151
causes of 134
complications of 139
drug therapy for 147
prevention of 148
weekly fasting for 31
yogic management of 140
Osteoarthritis 106
of knees 139
Oxidative stress 105
Oxygen 85, 102
debt mechanism 40
P
Padmāsana 39, 45, 57
Panic attack 78
Panic disorder 80
Parkinson's disease 107
Paścimottānāsana 45, 50
advantages 51
procedure 51
Patañjali's yoga sūtras 122
Pawanamuktāsana 45, 46, 48
advantages 47
procedure 46
Peptic ulcer 151
Peptide 145
tyrosine-tyrosine 136
Periodic fast 29, 34, 141, 142
on fertility, effect of 35
patterns of 29
Phalāhār 142
Plāvanī 98
procedure 99
Pontomedullary respiratory center 83
Prader-Willi syndrome 134
Prāṇāyāma 1, 3, 12, 15, 24, 72, 85, 87-89, 109, 193, 195
effect of 86
hypoxic effects of 183
physiological basis of 74
position of fingers for 88
response of 186
types of 86, 88
Prāṇa and apāna 5
Praṇava japa 97
Proteins 143, 146
Purṇa-naukāsana 51
R
Rāja-yoga 14
Renal failure, chronic 107
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone 32
Residual volume 108
Respiration, physiology of control of 76
Retino-hypothalamic tract 34
Rheumatoid arthritis 33
Room hypoxicators 86
S
Sahita prānāyāma 7, 89
procedure 89
Śakticālana 84
Śalabhāsana 39, 40, 45, 60, 61, 157
advantages 60
procedure 60
Śāmbhavi 13
Śāṁbhavī mudrā 124
Samādhi 2, 15, 16, 193
Saṁlipya bhasmanā gātraṁ 3
Sanjīvanī samādhi 2
Śaṅkh prakṣālana 116, 120, 116, 160, 195
exercises 117-119
Sarvaṅgāsana 10, 45, 48, 49, 115, 157
advantages 48
procedure 48
Satiety
peptides 136
disorder of 138
Satya 15
Śavāsana 46, 69, 70
Senses, special 16
Shock absorber 154
Sickle cell anemia 102
Siddhāsana 13, 39
Sigmoidoscopy, therapeutic effects of 159
Sinus-generated nitric oxide, inhalation of 74
Śirṣāsana 46, 67, 68
advantages 68
procedure 67
Sitagliptin 180
Śitalī prāṇāyāma 74, 96, 196
Śiva-svarodaya 75
Skeletal muscle 40
Skin problems, number of 33
Sleep apnea 31, 139
Stambhavṛtti 86
Stem cell 103
life cycle 104
Stomach, suck air in 156
Streptococcus pneumoniae 93
Strokes 140
Śūryabhedana 90, 91-93, 95
adverse effects of 95
Śūryabhedana prāṇayāma 90, 91, 196
Sūryanamaskāra 1, 2, 37, 161, 176, 182, 198
benefits of 177
classical basis of 161
cycles of 177
embedded in 116
in Gheraṇḍa Saṁhitā 163
step of 165
systematic description of 171
Sūtra-neti 113
Śvetāśvatar Upaniśad 4
Svara Śāstra 75
Sympathetic nervous system 126
Systemic lupus erythematosus 33
T
Taḍāsana 45, 62
advantages 62
procedure 62
Teneligliptin 180
Thyroid disorders 33
Tikonāsana 39, 40, 44
Tongue-frenulum 22
Trāṭaka 13, 125
Transient ischemic attacks 140
Trikoṇāsana 45, 64
advantages 64
left 65
procedure 64
right 65
Tumor necrosis factor 136
U
Uḍḍiyana bandha 6, 7, 84, 99, 193
Uṣtrāsana 45, 55, 56, 157
advantages 55
procedure 55
Utkaṭāsana 40, 45
Utthita- padmāsana 58, 59
advantages 58
procedure 58
Utthit-padmāsana 45
Utthit-paścimottānāsana 45, 51
V
Vagal stimulation 13
Vagus, branches of 97
Vahni-sāra 84
Vajrāsana 45, 54, 55
advantages 55
procedure 55
Valsalva's manuever 7
Vamana 125
Vāri-sāra 116
Vascular health 186
Vasomotor rhinitis 75, 128
Vāta-sāra 114, 116, 163
procedure for 115, 116
Ventricular function, left 180
Vijñānanādi 98
Vitamin
A 120
D 120
D3 17
Vocal cords, adduction of 125
Voice and melodiousness, quality of 86
Vṛkṣāsana 45, 63
advantages 63
procedure 63
W
Week/lunar calendar 35
Y
Yama 15
Yoga 14
āsanas 44
performing 44
overdose of 16
practices 23
session
beginning of 19
end of 19
Yoga-āsana-prāṇāyāma 13
Yogāsana 2, 13, 14, 39, 181, 195, 198
Yogic techniques 101
Yogic treatment 78, 156, 159
Yogic way 83, 84
×
Chapter Notes

Save Clear


Medical Understanding of Yoga
Yoga Book for Doctors
Medical Understanding of Yoga
A totally scientific, revolutionary approach! Novel explanations on physiological mechanisms of action of various yogic practices!!
Prakash C Malshe MD PGDYM Antar Prakash Center for Yoga Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd
Headquarters
Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.
4838/24, Ansari Road, Daryaganj
New Delhi 110 002, India
Phone: +91-11-43574357
Fax: +91-11-43574314
Overseas Offices
J.P. Medical Ltd.
83, Victoria Street, London
SW1H 0HW (UK)
Phone: +44-20 3170 8910
Fax: +44(0)20 3008 6180
Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.
17/1-B, Babar Road, Block-B, Shaymali
Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207
Bangladesh
Mobile: +08801912003485
Jaypee-Highlights Medical Publishers Inc.
City of Knowledge, Bld. 235, 2nd Floor, Clayton
Panama City, Panama
Phone: +1 507-301-0496
Fax: +1 507-301-0499
Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.
Bhotahity, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-9741283608
© 2018, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers
The views and opinions expressed in this book are solely those of the original contributor(s)/author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of editor(s) of the book.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the publishers.
All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
Medical knowledge and practice change constantly. This book is designed to provide accurate, authoritative information about the subject matter in question. However, readers are advised to check the most current information available on procedures included and check information from the manufacturer of each product to be administered, to verify the recommended dose, formula, method and duration of administration, adverse effects and contraindications. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to take all appropriate safety precautions. Neither the publisher nor the author(s)/editor(s) assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property arising from or related to use of material in this book.
This book is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing professional medical services. If such advice or services are required, the services of a competent medical professional should be sought.
Every effort has been made where necessary to contact holders of copyright to obtain permission to reproduce copyright material. If any have been inadvertently overlooked, the publisher will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity. The CD/DVD-ROM (if any) provided in the sealed envelope with this book is complimentary and free of cost. Not meant for sale.
Inquiries for bulk sales may be solicited at: jaypee@jaypeebrothers.com
Medical Understanding of Yoga
First Edition: 2005
Second Edition: 2012
Third Edition: 2018
9789352700141
Printed at
OSHO
Who gave me the name Swāmi Antar Prakāsh and from whom I learnt to interpret the scriptures as they were told originally by their creators; without getting confused by others’ interpretations.
CONTRIBUTORS
Śrirām Lele MSc (Physics)
Retired General Manager
State Bank of India
National Science Talent Scholar—1969 Batch
PREFACE
For centuries, medical doctors have denied Yoga its due place in maintaining good health, achieving longevity and a positive attitude, and preventing illness. It has been so because Yoga cannot be learnt by dissection of a Yogi's dead body, or by animal experimentation. For this reason, when earlier doctors became disciples of Yoga, they almost gave up their framework of medical knowledge before accepting it. To understand Yoga they had to take recourse to the concepts of cakras and naḍis, of the five-sheath model of human body-mind-soul complex, and the principle of Karma.
Efforts have been made to understand the yogic phenomena in terms of modern medical science in the past; notably by NC Paul as early as 1851, and then in the twentieth century by Swami Kuvalayānanda, who also conducted substantial research at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. This book is the latest serious attempt to understand the yogic phenomena in terms of Medical Physiology. It does away with the concepts of cakras, naḍis and kośas (sheaths), and uses the framework of medical physiology to find explanations of yogic phenomena. Not only that, but it also demonstrates that once we understand the basic objective of a certain yogic practice, we can design easier techniques to achieve the same objective. Use of a pierced straw to drink air that is described in Chapter 14 of this book is an example of the same.
Some discoveries and research findings are so unique and ahead of time that it is difficult to find contemporary peers to review them or the journals that would be willing to publish them- are presented in this book; and only time will highlight their value. Activation of non-shivering thermogenesis by forceful voluntary breath-holding, uses of filling the intestines with air from the control of Helicobacter infection to release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and instant voluntary activation of sympathetic nervous system by mūlabandha are other examples.
The book is intended to motivate medical personnel -doctors from various streams, physiotherapists, medical students and researchers- to use yogic techniques for the benefit of themselves and for their patients, to emphasize that yogic phenomena can be explained with the concepts of human physiology; and that there is a treasure house of knowledge to which the medical student is not exposed, and a goldmine of opportunities for research exists.
Prakash C Malshe
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am indebted to my Gurū -from whom I learnt the initial steps in yoga- reverend Swami Adhyātmānandji of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, for extending his blessings to me without which it would not have been possible to present this book. I am thankful to Respected Dr Vishnudutt Rakesh, Prof Krishnashāstri Kānitkar of Pune and Shri Bholā Jhā, Principal of Bhagwāndās Sanskrit Mahāvidyālaya, Haridwar, whom I have consulted from time to time.
I have drawn my inspiration to write a book from these works: God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, Vedic Mathematics by the reverend Jagadgurū Swami Bhārti Kṛṣṇa Tirthaji Mahārāj and Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat.
I am grateful to my elder brother Prof Vinod C Malshe who, having himself authored a book on Paint Technology, always encouraged me to write a book on the subject of my liking. He has also been provided immense help in proofreading and corrections.
My special thanks are due to Late Prof Satya Prakash Singh, who has very kindly consented for editing the second edition and completed the work within a very short time.
The title Medical Understanding of Yoga has been derived from a discussion with Prof Sat Bir Khālsa of Harvard University. I am thankful to him for this.
I am thankful to my students, especially Dr (Miss) Rākhi Gihārā who features in some photos and Dr Bhāskar Ānand Sharmā for his immense help in the first edition. Thanks to Dr (Miss) Sharon Prabhākar for drawing some sketches that appeared first in my book Drink Air, Stay Fit. I am thankful to my colleagues Dr RK Gupta, Dr Rām Sharmā, Dr Vipin Premi and Dr Sateesh Chandra of Haridwar, Dr Rajiv Sikund and his radiographer Mr Pradeep Sharma of Dehradun, for the help they rendered in my studies. I am thankful to my cousin Prof Prabhakar T Mālshe for his encouragement and valuable suggestions, to my friend Śrirām Lele with whom I have had discussions on several issues, my senior colleague Dr Arun Halbe of Pune, and my colleague Dr Bālkrishna Sethia of Indore, whose suggestions I have incorporated into the second edition. I also acknowledge the help provided to me by Dr (Mrs) A Sanyal in the editing of the work. I am thankful to the hundreds of readers for their patronage.
I am also thankful to my wife Saubhāgyawatī Namita for coming in my life, to Rohit and Priyadarshinī, my son and daughter, who took away my worries by concentrating on their studies.
I am thankful to Shri Jitendar P Vij (Group Chairman), Mr Ankit Vij (Group President), Ms Chetna Malhotra Vohra (Associate Director–Content Strategy), and Ms Nikita (Development Editor) of Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, New Delhi, India, for giving me a go-ahead at the very beginning and helping me in every way possible to bring out the third edition of this book.
In this book we have used these internationally accepted fonts for transliteration into Sanskṛt
Presented to the future generation……
Paścimottānasāna by Priya, Rohit
Priya performing Dhanurā
Priyadarshini and Rohit, year 1987
Yoga is to be practiced everyday…………
It is a way of life…………………………………
To keep physically and mentally fit, to live long and happy life and to achieve the spiritual ultimate…. Variously called as enlightenment or the realization of God.
MESSAGE BY SWĀMI ADHYĀTMĀNANDA
Learning or teaching the science of Yoga (Hath yoga) needs very essentially the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Now when yoga has become a household word in all four corners of the world, it is always good to practice yogic postures with proper understanding of its do's and don'ts. For example, Śirṣāsana (headstand) is simply wonderful for all-round general health; but at the same time, persons suffering from cervical spondylosis should not attempt for the same. And we should have a similar understanding for the shoulder stand: Sarvāṅgāsana and all others.
Hence, the sincere effort to bring the knowledge of human physiology with special reference to yoga, where we stand and where we have to go will bring a definite spotlight to all sincere seekers and lovers of yoga.
Dr Prākash Chintāmani Mālshe needs congratulation and great deal of applause for this wonderful service that he has done by writing this beautiful work of him, which was the need of the hour. Starting from cells and muscles, he has brought in essential fundamental knowledge of all principal systems of yoga in this work. Quotations from Gheraṇḍa Saṁhitā and some of the shlokas from Bhagvadgītā bring his knowledge to the forefront. He has delved deep to the very root of Yoga in its original form. May almighty Lord and Sadgurū Śri Swāmi Śivanandajī Mahāraj, and all other yogis of the yore bless Dr Prakāsh Mālshe and his wonderful work in the understanding of this essential science in practicing and doing the abhyās of Yoga.
Prayers for wide publicity and popularity of this book!
Hari Om
Thy own self,
In the service of humanity,
Swāmi Adhyātmānanda
President
Sivānanda Āshram
Ahmedabad, Gujrat, India
EDITOR's NOTE
Medical Understanding of Yoga is a significant contribution of Dr Prakāsh C Mālshe to the study of Yoga particularly in the perspective of the Medical Science. He has brought to bear upon his study apart from the profound knowledge of the Medical Science, his understanding of yoga beginning from his childhood as learnt from his father and understood from demonstrations at public places, but also systematically from lessons imparted to him by such a mature yogin as Swami Adhyātmānanda of Śivānanda Āshrama, Ṛshikesh besides his study of texts like Haṭha Yoga Pradīpika, Gheraṇḍa Saṁhita, etc. and his own experiments at his center in Haridwar.
His findings on Sūryanamaskāra particularly its association with the practice of Vāta-sāra is significant. It can be gainfully used in the cure of gastric trouble physically besides developing devotion to Savitā, the deity of the sacred Gāyatrī Mantra, which, however, has remained outside the scope of his study throughout his writing of the book.
His investigation into the phenomenology of hibernation is also full of prospects in the understanding of the state of Samādhi particularly in regard to the suspension of breathing in that state. It is obvious from yogic texts of all ages beginning from the Ṛgveda itself that the suspension of breathing in this state is attained by inducing the psychic state of conversion of the vital into consciousness. So far as, Mālshe's comparison of the state of Samādhi with the practice of hibernating animals is concerned, the history of it, too, goes back to the Ṛgveda in the Mandūka sūkta of Ṛgveda VII.103 in which frogs croaking in the beginning of the rainy season after coming up following months of hibernation have been referred to as presenting a simile to the students of the Vedic lore reciting Vedic mantras after a long fast and taking the juice of Soma.
means those who are in the quest of Reality. Such persons move away from the society, take to seclusion, lead the life of a tapasvin, to reappear as enlightened after perfection in yoga resulting in attainment of perfect equipoise of mind as has been said in the Bhagvadgītā:
Samatvaṁ yoga ucyate. In the state of equilibrium, they feel highly blessed. The symbol of such state of blessedness in the Veda is Soma. It is some such state of the inner being that Vedic mantras have been created, composed or, to use the Vedic terminology, seen.
Dr Malshe's advice for fast also is remarkable. One of the difficulties in keeping fast is the pang of hunger. That this pang can decrease with practice is quite understandable. It can also be made bearable by certain yogic exercises as are suggested by him. In addition to all that, one may refer to him Patañjali's sūtra III.30
Kaṇṭhakūpe kṣutpipasānivṛtti. How to practice
sañyama, this he may explain to the aspirant or patient as the case may be before him.
Overall, the book is highly instructive and useful. It opens fresh areas for research not only in Yoga but also, in the medical science. Such areas for both the disciplines have been chalked out at the end of the book itself. Though extremely technical, the presentation is lucid and quite understandable. Throughout, I am really impressed by the treatment of the subject as well as by the presentation. It is highly instructive and needs to be gone through particularly by those who have any liking for breaking new pathways beyond the use of medicine. In this respect, Dr Malshe deserves our congratulations.
Late Prof Satya Prakash Singh MA PhD
Former Lecturer, Professor and Dean
Faculty of Arts, Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Former Director
Vraja Academy
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dharam Hinduja International Centre of Indic Research
New Delhi, India
Vedic Research Centre, New Delhi, India
Former Editorial Fellow
Centre for Studies in Civilizations, New Delhi, India
INTRODUCTION TO THE THIRD EDITION
For centuries, Yoga has been taught and practiced in India. It has been a part of religion and culture and for some, a family tradition. Yoga has been defined by certain scholars as the most scientific way to achieve the ultimate: what has been termed variously as enlightenment or realization of God.
Commonly, we are supposed to accept the religious teachings as they are taught; without questioning or reasoning. One is supposed to have faith and lead a religious life accordingly.
In its complete form, yoga has eight limbs (Aśṭānga yoga), namely, Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, Dhāranā, Dhyāna and Samādhi. It is Samādhi -the ultimate state- which every follower of Yoga craves to achieve, or should crave for and should settle for nothing less, the Yoga gurūs say.
A variety of achievements have been described in the scriptures known as siddhis like aṇimā, laghimā, mahimā, etc.; referring to the magical powers of getting smaller or larger and moving with speed of wind and so on; but I have never seen or heard of anyone achieving any of these. Who will like to make a lifetime effort to attempt to achieve those siddhis, which we do not believe to be of much use?
In today's changed scenario of the world, which has more physical or material inclination than spiritual, Yoga has found its value because we have seen that with regular practice of Āsanas, Mudrās and Prāṇāyāma one can maintain good bodily health and can probably live longer. There are also certain bodily ailments in which Yogic practices can help the patient stay fit for several years without medicines. Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemias, acid-peptic disease, hypertension and coronary artery disease are a few of them. Yogic practices have alleviated the sufferings of thousands of persons suffering from arthritis, chronic bowel problems, asthma, bronchiectasis, migraine, insomnia and psychiatric problems such as depression. These have proved sufficient incentives to pursue Yoga for us today in the modern world. We have selected the useful aspect of Yoga, namely Haṭha-yoga (the physical aspect of yoga) without feeling compelled to pursue the higher spiritual goals, i.e., the state of enlightenment, which is rather subtle and relatively difficult to attain.
The discipline of Yoga has its own explanations of the structure and functioning of the human body, commonly described in books as Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga or Yogic Physiology. There one finds a description of the seven cakras or energy points as they are commonly referred to but whose existence is only imaginary. I shall explain them as under:
While studying astronomy, we commonly draw the planets and their orbits around the Sun. We have separate orbits of the earth around the Sun and the orbit of the Moon around the earth. The points where these two cross each other are called ‘nodal points’ -the Rāhu and the Ketu in Indian Astronomy- and their movements are useful for calculations of timings of solar and lunar eclipses.
The nodal points exist as simple concepts having no physical existence of their own. If we go in the celestial space in a spacecraft, we do not find the existence of any of these orbits or nodal points. In the same way, the diagrams of the 6 cakras and the various nāḍis might have been concepts useful to explain various physiological phenomena. The concepts such as those of an ‘astral body’, ‘causal body’, ‘kunḍalinī’, cakras, nādis, etc., are all abstract and have not been seen in the first hand study by dissection on cadavers and by the study of Physiology by direct experimentations, either on animals or on humans.
Now that the neurochemical connections of the various parts of our nervous system are part of standard medical teaching, it is time to think if there is any way to explain the mechanisms that lead to the beneficial effects of Yoga without taking resort to the Yogic concepts of öaṭ-Cakras (6 plexuses) and keeping in mind the modern Anatomy and Physiology?
The present work is an effort to answer these questions. The author does not beg the reader to just believe or have faith but offers scientific explanations of the principles that may underlie the beneficial effects of yoga so that the reader can get convinced about their efficacy. Here I have tried to refrain from using such terms as, ‘Pranic energy’, ‘detoxification’,‘purification’, etc., which have no foundation in modern science, and irk authors like Joseph S Alter.
The question left unanswered here is whether the Āsanas and Prāṇāyāmas as described will benefit the aspirant even if performed without faith? Although the stand here is that all that relates to the body is purely physical and there is nothing metaphysical or mystical; we shall also discuss the value of faith, in as much as it motivates one to follow a certain course of action regularly. That is why such a following is called ‘religious’.
This book is not just another ‘cut-and-paste’ publication. The reader will realize that it contains several discoveries -facts and revelations regarding the mechanism of action of Yogic practices that are being revealed for the first time to the world. Some of them are so important, I am sure they will have far-reaching consequences on our understanding of some aspects of human physiology at large. For example, voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which, till date is considered as totally autonomous; and Physiologists think we have no control on its activity. The reader will learn for the first time that one can activate ones sympathetic nervous system. With the practice of mūlabandha, it is possible to increase the heart rate, elevate the blood pressure and even dilate the pupils. (The reader can find a demonstration of voluntary dilatation of the pupil by the author by searching on the internet.) The method can have a direct impact upon how we deal with any medical conditions like vasomotor rhinitis, nasal congestion and bronchoconstriction, just to name a few. Just imagine: here is a know-how to acquire a tool that pumps endogenous adrenaline into our system! We shall discuss this in the appropriate chapter.
The first edition of Yoga Book for Doctors was published in the year 2005. Thereafter, in 2007, a booklet Drink Air, Stay Fit was published in which, for the first time, the importance of filling the intestines with air was discussed, and the benefits of drinking air were described in detail. A new definition was given to Sūryanamaskāra- the ancient traditional practice of prostration before the Sun (Sun Salutation). Some yoga gurūs consider it as a part of Yoga while others have rejected it totally, considering it simply as a form of physical exercise. The controversy should now stand to be solved forever with the author providing convincing arguments for this new definition that it is a sequence of postures aimed at filling the intestines with air, for the Yogic procedures of Vāta-Sāra (Cleansing the gut with air) and Plāvanī (Staying afloat in water). Like any new concept, like the roundness of the earth, it is likely to take a long time to get widely accepted.
The present edition is a suitably enlarged and modified version containing all the elements contained in these two earlier publications.
Continuing further on the discoveries, this book, for the first time, tells the reader that some specific sequences in Prāṇāyāma are the easiest way to produce intermittent hypoxia, and one can, without the need of sophisticated gadgets like hypoxicators, get all the benefits of the less known ‘Intermittent Hypoxia Therapy’ (IHT) with which the Russian scientists have worked for more than 50 years.
Another new concept that has been proposed here is about the thinking process that is largely involuntary. Traditionally, we have been taught that the cognitive functions are located in the cerebral cortex and lie under voluntary control. However, a large majority of people admits that thoughts keep coming to the mind whether they wish or not. The recurrence of undesired thoughts is a matter of common experience. Sometimes, a thought which enters into the mind becomes so difficult to get rid of that, the person feels compelled to follow a certain course of action at any cost. Most of the acts of revenge result from such recurring thoughts. In other words, it is not we who think, it is the thoughts that keep coming to our minds. As we shall see soon, this is precisely what the Yogic concept of Citta and Vṛtties is, and if we learn to control the autonomic activities of the body, we also simultaneously learn to control the thinking process as well. In e-language, the second sūtra of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras (PYS)-
Yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ can be translated as ‘Yoga is formatting of the hard disc of the human mind’, which releases it from the influence of incorrect programming.
In ancient Indian philosophies, Rāga (Attachment), Īrshyā (Jealousy), Parāpkar-cikīrshā (Urge to harm others), Asūyā (Malice), Dveṣa (Hatred) and Amarṣa (Impatience, indignation) have been described as the malas (contaminations) of citta, and Maharshi Patañjali recommends cognitive (thoughtful) substitution of feeling of friendship towards happy people in place of jealousy, compassion for those in agony, happiness on seeing virtuous people and ignoring the sinner.
Also added is, a chapter on the underground Hath-yogic ‘Samādhi’ and its likeness to the biological process of hibernation and the possible mechanisms being used by the Yogis to enter into such a state. A comparison with another type of samādhi described in Bhagavadgītā, the state of the Sthitaprajña is also included.
In order to utilize the Yogic knowledge for achieving the smallest objective of good health, one should be willing to devote at least 1–1½ hours every day.
REFERENCES
  1. Alter JS, Yoga in Modern India- The Body between Science and Philosophy. 2004, ISBN:9780691118741 Princeton Paperbacks.
TIME
Long back, I had posted this poster on the notice board of my clinic:
There may be some who are able to convert their time into money at a very rapid rate, and they may think that spending one hour for Yoga day after day, month after month and year after year is wastage of time.
We develop machines to reduce human effort in every field and want to lead an effortless life. But, does it really improve our enjoyment in life? Is it not that by leading effortless lives, we are inviting more obesity, blood pressure and diabetes? What, after all, is the aim of life? What for is all the education, and all the research and technology? These are the few basic questions, which have stirred the thinkers for ages.
After all what do we want from life? Life is time: Is it not wise to spend one hour every day for Yoga for the entire lifetime? -What constitutes the right utilization of time and what is wastage? Let your inner self, the ‘Antarātma’ answer these questions!
COMPLEMENTARY, ALTERNATIVE, AND INTEGRATIVE HEALTH PRACTICES
…Until a decade ago or so, “complementary and alternative medicine” could be defined as practices that are neither taught in medical schools nor reimbursed, but this definition is no longer workable, since medical students increasingly seek and receive some instruction about complementary health practices, and some practices are reimbursed by third-party payers. Another definition, practices that lack an evidence base, is also not useful, since there is a growing body of research on some of these modalities, and some aspects of standard care do not have a strong evidence base. By its nature, the demarcation between mainstream medicine and complementary health practices is porous, varying from culture to culture and over time.
Traditional Chinese medicine and the Indian practice of Ayurvedic medicine were once the dominant health teachings in those cultures. Certain health practices that arose as challenges to the mainstream have been integrated gradually into conventional care. Examples include the teachings of Fernand Lamaze that led to the widespread use of relaxation techniques during childbirth, the promotion of lactation counseling by the La Leche League, and the teaching of Cicely Saunders and Elizabeth KΩbler-Ross that established the hospice movement……
 
MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS
Mind-body practices are a large and diverse group of technique that are administered or taught to others by a trained practitioner or teacher. Examples include acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, relaxation techniques, spinal manipulation, and yoga. These approaches are being used more frequently in mainstream healthcare facilities for both patients and healthcare providers. Mind-body practices such as meditation and yoga are not licensed in any state, and training in those practices is not subject to national accreditation. Americans often turn to complementary approaches for help in managing health conditions associated with physical and psychological pain—especially back pain, headache, musculoskeletal complaints, and functional pain syndromes. Chronic pain management is often refractory to conventional medical approaches, and standard pharmacologic approaches have substantial drawbacks. Healthcare guidelines of the American Pain Society and other professional organizations recognize the value of certain complementary approaches as adjuncts to pharmacologic management.
The evidence base for the effectiveness of these modalities is still relatively incomplete, but a few rigorous examples where there is promise of usefulness and safety include acupuncture for osteoarthritis pain; tai chi for fibromyalgia pain; and massage, yoga, and spinal manipulation for chronic back pain. In addition, new research is shedding light on the effects of meditation and acupuncture on central mechanisms of pain processing and perception and regulation of emotion and attention. Although many unanswered questions remain about these effects, findings are pointing to scientifically plausible mechanisms by which these modalities might yield benefit.
—Josephine P Briggs