Unit - III

Relevance of Science and Spirituality

Spirituality is the science of the 'life giving substance'. In physics, we have moved from molecules to
atoms to the sub-atomic world and identified many fundamental forces. However, these forces only
attempt to explain how matter is formed. They do not explain the composition and nature of the life-
giving substance itself. Due to this reason, there is still a huge divide between spiritual sciences and
physical sciences.
Thus, to understand the fundamental difference between the living and the non-living, we might need
to look in the space beyond the known physical universe. We might need to differentiate between
'energy and intelligent energy', 'motion and emotion', 'mind and matter'.
Given that the same carbon atom that makes charcoal also makes a human being, it is clear that the
science of matter cannot explain the fundamental difference between living and non-living. Several
questions arise when we leave known physical dimensions and move into the unknown space of life
energies.

What is the composition of soul? Does soul have a periodic table? What needs to be added to solar
energy to make it 'soular energy'? How many layers beyond the physical body are we composed of?
Are there any scientific means to explore spiritual dimensions? What are the technological innovations
needed to capture each layer? Can we photograph mind and soul? What is their address? Does the
address remain static or does it change?

We know about DNA, RNA and proteins. We are also familiar with terms like genotype and
phenotype, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and so on. Currently, biological science deals with
the space between molecular inventory of an organism and its phenotypic outcome. The trouble is that
DNA, RNA and protein molecules are 'practically dead' on arrival. They can be chemically synthesized
and crystallised. What is chemically synthesized can be part of the living system but cannot be the 'life
giving substance' itself.

Thus, to get a fundamental understanding of life, we must connect chemistry with consciousness and
beyond. To do so, it would be important to define relevant terms first. Three terms have been explained
below. There could be more, depending upon our perception and experience.

Body is what we experience at the gross level. A chemical analysis of the human body shows that it is
made of 28 elements of the periodic table with carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen contributing
96% of the body mass. The question is: what happened to the rest more than 82 elements. Why didn't
they participate in the formation of body mass? At what time and how was the chemical inventory of
the body frozen? If environmental context determined formation of bodies, will the composition of
body change if the environment also changes? What are the tolerable replacements? Where do we draw
the boundary?

Life energy is like an operating system that runs the show but remains unknown. The subject of life
energy has largely remained unexplored. As of now, the scientific community swims at the cellular and
molecular surface, studying waves here and there and calling them path-breaking discoveries.

The question is how to scientifically find what runs us? How to see ourselves as operating systems?
What kind of preparation is needed? Can we use technology to understand the life-giving substance?
Logically such technology needs to be equally sophisticated or maybe a little more sophisticated than
the life-giving energy itself? Can we ever find such a technology? How does it feel like experiencing
life in its purest form, without any additional attributes? We do not know.
Mind is what we think of as a buffer between subtle life energies and the gross body. It is like a
'metabolic pathway'that stays between the 'genotype of life energy' and the 'phenotype of the gross
body'. It would be nice to scientifically document the contents of the mind to see its dimensions. We
see the body, imagine the mind and believe in the life-giving substance. This needs to change.

Could there be more gross layers and more subtle layers than this naïve abstraction? People use terms
like consciousness, sub-consciousness, super-consciousness, emotions and awareness to describe life.
Though one can play with these terms, in reality we only talk about individual perceptions.

To get a clear understanding of life-giving elements, their attributes, their interactions, their structural
and functional correlates, the subtle-to-gross pathways, we need to generate additional evidence in the
space of existence and extend the intellectual front end of science.

People in the spiritual domain use mind as a lab, intent as approach and intensity as the key. People in
the scientific world use a reductionist approach to split a system into constituent elements and weave
the information into an integrated model.

In the first approach, the technology exists within the body. In the second, technology exists outside
the body. To find a meeting point of science and spirituality, it would be prudent to find commonalities
between both and propose a logical and evidence-based approach that probes deeper into the spiritual
space.

Importance of science and Spirituality

Science is a classified, analytic, logical, and mathematical approach to explore, enumerate, and explain
find the fundamental principles and the ultimate Truth of the matter.

Spirituality, on the other hand, is a classified, analytic, and logical approach to explore, enumerate, and
explain find the fundamental principles and the ultimate Truth of the Formless, Omnipotent,
Omniscient, Omnipresent, and all-pervasive Universal Consciousness called Nirakar-Nirgun-Brahman
(God-Nature-Paramatma), the source of everything in the universe.

In reality, Science and Spirituality are two sides of the same coin.

 Both use the important format of inquiry, like, why, where, what, how, which, and when.

 Unfortunately, the modern research scholars and scientists, in the name of evidence-based
science, are focused on finding a few aspects of the solid matter and not every aspect of Nature.
 Most of the research scholars are misusing the principles of statistics to prove their research
results based on the results of the available literature.
As a result, we have two opposing streams of research articles, which are confusing and
misleading.
For various reasons, we have drifted from the consistent core and are more focused on the
constantly changing and fluctuating periphery.
This is not science. It is a mockery of the science and the scientific inquiry.

1. We, human beings, are designed and created in the Divine Image of the Creator.

2. The human brain is the most evolved brain of the universe.

3. We are all blessed with an indwelling Soul, which comes from the core of the Sun.
 4. The indwelling Soul is also called Spirit.

5. The Science of Spirituality is related to awakening, activation, and ascension of Spirit.

6. Hence, every human being is a Genuine Spiritual Being.

7. With the help of Spirit, we can easily recognize, conceive, and reveal the ultimate divine design
of the universal Consciousness, with which the perfect objects of the universe and Nature are designed
and created.

The Scientific Evidence and Proof: The Three Stages of Creation:

With the regular practice of Akhand Yoga and the intuitive guidance of my indwelling Soul
(Antaratma-Spirit), I was able to recognize, conceive, and reveal Divyank, the Divine Constant, with
which the perfect and most beautiful objects of the universe and Nature are designed and created for
the first time in the history of mankind.

Divyank, the Divine Constant:

Divyank is represented as ((22/21)10.34419) = 1.618034.

1. The number, 22/21 represents the first stage of creation (Brahma).

2. The number, 10, represents the ten stages of development (Vishnu).

3. The five digits, 0.34419, represent the last stage of maturation (Shiva).

4. The sum, 1.618034 represents the most economical algorithm of Nature,

5. it also represents the most approximate decimal value of the Golden Ratio,

6. Divyank Ratio: The perfect complementary ratio is 38.1966% and 61.8034%.

The square of 61.8034 is equal to 3819.66 (a hundred times the value of 38.1966%).

Such a precise representation is not seen in the known Golden Ratio.

7. Divyank Sequence: It is represented by 61.8034, 100.00, 161.8034, 261.8034 and so forth.

Divyank Sequence is much better than the Fibonacci sequence or the Golden Ratio.

The Scientific Proof of Divyank:

1. The Formation of Red Blood Cells:

The irregular and spherical pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells, which lead to the production of
mature red blood cells, are 21 microns in size and have a volume of 900 cubic microns.
The size increases to 22 microns and then goes through ten stages of development to become a
concavely shaped cell in 21 days and the volume reduces to 90 cubic microns.
2. The Perfect Double Helix:
The length of Double Helix is 21 Angstrom.
Each spiral is 22 Angstrom and there are 10.34419 strands.
The length and breadth are in the ratio of 38.1966% and 61.8034%.

The Scientific Applications of Divyank Ratio:

 1. With the absolute values of Divyank Ratio, we can easily calculate the single and most reliable
value of every vital biophysical parameter of the perfect adult human anatomy, physiology, and
biochemistry.

2. If we can maintain these values for life, we can curtail aging, prevent the most common
ailments, and make optimum of the human birth, life, brain, mind, consciousness, and potentials.

3. With the help of Divyank, Divyank Ratio, and Divyank Sequence, we can eliminate the
confusion created by the wide spectrum of values of different aspects of biophysical parameters of
the body.

4. With that, we can simplify medical education, research, and treatment modules.

5. Only perfectly healthy, wealthy, wise, and happy human beings and human society can create
harmony, equilibrium, and peace in the world, the urgent need of the day.

The Scientific Application of Divyank Sequence:

Akhand Sutra has described the natural design of the perfect human menstrual cycle.

Another Important Contribution of Spiritual Science:

With the regular practice of ten principles of Akhand Yoga, I was able to comprehend the real
wisdom of Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures.

With the principles of Divyank, I was able to improvise the Gayatri Mantra.

Akhand Gayatri Mantra:

“AUM* - Bhur, AUM*- Bhuvah, AUM* - Suvah, AUM* - Maha, AUM* - Jana, AUM* -Tapah,
AUM* - Gyan, AUM*- Vigyan, AUM*o - Pragyan, AUM* - Satyam!

AUM*, Tat Savitur Varenayam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhio Yo-nah Prachodayath!!

AUM* - Bhur, AUM*- Bhuvar, AUM* - Jyotir, AUM* - Vayur, AUM* - Amaruta, AUM* -
Paramatma, AUM* - Ishvara, AUM*- Surya, AUM* - Antaratma, AUM* - Jivatma, AUM*!!!”

Akhand Gayatri Mantra has 10 Maha Vyahritis.

They activate, awaken and integrate 10 major centers (Chakras).

AUM* is repeated 22 times.

The Essence and Conclusion:

With the help of Spiritual Science, we can easily resolve the unresolved mysteries of the universe
and Nature.

Science and Technology in Ancient India

India’s Contribution to Science and Technology (From Ancient to Modern)

Advancements in science and technology have been the major reason for the development of
human civilization. India has been contributing to the fields of science and technology since
ancient times. Even today, what we term as ‘traditional knowledge’ is actually based on scientific
reasoning.

Pre-Independence

The history of scientific discoveries and development in India dates back to the Vedic era.
Aryabhatta, the famous mathematician of the Vedic era, invented ‘zero’. It is believed that ancient
Indian scholars had developed geometric theorems before Pythagoras had made them popular. The
concept of squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, fractions, and the ability to express number 10 to
the 12th power, algebraic formulae, and astronomy have all had their origins in Vedic literature;
some are stated to have been known as early as 1500 BCE. The decimal system was already in use
during the Harappan Civilization. This is evident in their use of weights and measures. Moreover,
the concepts of astronomy and metaphysics are all described in the Rig Veda, an ancient Hindu text
of the Vedic era.

From the complex layout of Harappan towns to the existence of the Iron Pillar in Delhi, it is
evident that India’s indigenous technologies had been very sophisticated. They included the design
and planning of water supply, traffic flow, natural air conditioning, complex stone work and
construction engineering. The Indus Valley Civilization was the world’s first to build planned
towns with underground drainage, civil sanitation, hydraulic engineering and air-cooling
architecture. While other ancient civilizations of the world were small towns with one central
complex, the Indus Valley Civilization had the distinction of being spread across a region about
half the size of Europe. Weights and linguistic symbols were standardized across this vast
geography, for a period of over 1000 years, from around 3000 BCE to 1500 BCE.

Water Management

Water has been the life blood of most major civilizations. Criss-crossed by many great rivers, India
is no exception to the rule. Indians had been developing water management techniques even before
the Harappan time. Wells, ponds, lakes, dams and canals have been constructed with advanced
technologies throughout the historic timeline of Indian civilization. Water has been used for
storage, drinking and purposes of irrigation. It is estimated that even today, there are more than a
million man-made ponds and lakes in India.

Iron and Steel

Iron and steel have literally been the pillars of modern civilization. Ancient India was pioneer in
developing the technology of producing rust-free iron. This metal from India was famous in
contemporary Europe for sword making. The famous Iron Pillar of Delhi is a testimony to that
technology which is almost rust free even today.

Farming Technique and Fertilizers

Indian farming technology was mostly indigenously developed and was ahead of its time. It
included soil testing techniques, crop rotation methods, irrigation plans, application of eco-friendly
pesticides and fertilizers, storage methods for crops, etc.

Physics
The concept of atom can be traced to the Vedic times. The material world was divided into five
elements, namely, earth (Prithvi), fire (Agni), air (Vayu), water (Jal) and ether or space (Akasha).
Paramanu (beyond atom) was considered to be the smallest particle, which cannot be divided
further. Nuclear energy is produced today splitting the same.

Medicine and Surgery

Ayurveda (Ayur means life, Veda means knowledge) is probably the oldest structured system of
medical science in the world. Proper knowledge about various ailments, diseases, symptoms,
diagnosis and cure is the basis of Ayurveda. Many scholars like Charaka and Susruta have made
invaluable contribution to Ayurveda by inscribing in written form, as found in ancient manuscripts.

Shipping and Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding was one of India’s major export industries till the British dismantled it and formally
banned it. Medieval Arab sailors purchased boats from India. Even the Portuguese, instead of
buying from Europe, also obtained their boats from India. Some of the world’s largest and most
sophisticated ships were built in India and China. The compass and other navigation tools were
already in use in India, much before Europe. Using their expertise in the science of maritime travel,
Indians participated in the earliest known ocean-based trading system.

Post-Independence

India has witnessed considerable growth in the field of science and technology post-Independence.
Significant achievements have been made in the areas of nuclear and space science, electronics and
defense. India has the third largest scientific and technical manpower in the world.

In the field of Missile Launching Technology, India is among the top five nations of the world.
Science and technology were brought into the mainstream of economic planning, with the
establishment of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in May 1971. DST, today,
promotes new areas in science and technology and plays the role of a nodal department for
organizing, coordinating and promoting science and technology in the country.

Our country’s resources are used to get maximum output in the field of agriculture and industry.
Indian scientists are making path-breaking research in the fields of agriculture, medicine,
biotechnology, cold regions research, communications, environment, industry, mining, nuclear
power, space and transportation. Now, India has the expertise in the fields of astronomy and
astrophysics, liquid crystals, condensed matter physics, molecular biology, virology, and
crystallography, software technology, nuclear power and defense research and development.

Atomic Energy

The main objective of India’s nuclear energy programme is to use it to generate power, and apply
the technology for further progress in agriculture, medicine, industry and research. India is, today,
recognized as one of the most advanced countries in nuclear technology. Accelerators and nuclear
power reactors are now designed and built indigenously.

Space

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the sixth largest space research organization in the
world. It has numerous milestones to its credit since its establishment in 1969. India’s first satellite
Aryabhatta was built by ISRO in 1975. It was followed by many more. In 2008, Chandrayaan-1
became India’s first mission to the moon. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), under
the Department of Space (DOS), is responsible for research, development and operation in the
space through satellite communications, remote sensing for resource survey, environmental
monitoring, meteorological services, and so on. India is the only Third World country to develop its
own remote-sensing satellite.

Electronics and Information Technology

The Department of Electronics plays promotional role for the development and use of electronics
for socio-economic development. Application of electronics in areas such as agriculture, health and
service sectors has also been receiving special attention. For upgrading the quality of indigenously
manufactured products, a series of tests and development centres and regional laboratories have
been set up. These centres for electronic design and technology help small and medium electronics
units. Information Technology (IT) is one of the most important industry in the Indian economy.
The IT industry of India has registered huge growth in recent years. India’s IT industry grew from
150 million US dollars in 1990/91 to a whopping 500 billion US dollars

in2006/07. In the last ten years, the IT industry in India has grown at an average annual rate of
30%. Oceanography India has a coastline of more than 7,600 km and 1,250 islands. The
Department of Ocean Development was established in 1981 to ensure optimum utilization of living
resources, exploitation of non-living resources such as hydrocarbons and minerals and production
of ocean energy. Two research vessels, FORV Sagar Kanya and FORV Sagar Sampada, are
assessing and evaluating the resource potential.

Surveys and exploration efforts have been directed to assess sea bed topography, and concentration
and quality of mineral nodules. India has sent 13 scientific research expeditions to Antarctica since
1981, and has established a permanently manned base, Dakshin Gangotri. A second permanent
station, an entirely indigenous effort, was completed by the eighth expedition. The objective was to
study the ozone layer and other important constituents like optical aurora, geomagnetic pulsation
and related phenomena. The National Institute of Ocean Technology has been set up for the
development of ocean-related technologies.

Biotechnology

India has been the frontrunner among the developing countries in promoting multidisciplinary
activities in this area, recognizing the practically unlimited possibility of their applications in
increasing agricultural and industrial production, and in improving human and animal life. The
National Biotechnology Board was formed in 1982. The Department of Biotechnology was created
in 1986. The areas which have been receiving attention are cattle herd improvement through
embryo transfer technology, in vitro propagation of disease- resistant plant varieties for obtaining
higher yields and development of vaccines for various diseases

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the knowledge system developed by indigenous peoples over
thousands of years of living in harmony with nature. It is a holistic approach to understanding the
world that encompasses all aspects of life, including the physical, social, cultural, and spiritual. IK
is passed down from generation to generation through oral traditions, storytelling, and ceremonies.
IK is often specific to a particular place and people, as it is based on their unique experiences and
observations. However, there are also many common themes that can be found in IK systems all
over the world. These include:

 A deep understanding of the natural world and its interconnectedness

 A respect for all living things

 A focus on sustainability and balance

 A sense of community and interconnectedness

IK is used by indigenous peoples to make decisions about all aspects of their lives, from what to
eat and when to plant crops to how to manage their resources and resolve conflicts. It is also an
important part of their cultural identity and spiritual beliefs.

Here are some examples of IK:

 The Maori people of New Zealand use IK to navigate the ocean by observing the stars, waves,
and currents.

 The Inuit people of the Arctic use IK to build igloos that are well-insulated and comfortable in
even the coldest weather.

 The Aboriginal people of Australia use IK to track animals and find food and water in the
desert.

 The Amazonian people of South America use IK to cultivate crops and manage the rainforest in
a sustainable way.

IK is increasingly being recognized by the scientific community for its value and accuracy. For
example, IK has been used to develop new medicines, agricultural practices, and conservation
strategies.

However, IK is also under threat from globalization, climate change, and other factors. It is
important to support indigenous peoples and their knowledge systems, as they have much to teach
us about living in harmony with nature.

Here are some ways to support IK:

 Learn about IK from indigenous peoples themselves.

 Support indigenous-led organizations and initiatives.

 Advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples and their access to their traditional lands and
resources.

 Promote the integration of IK into formal education and research.

Indian Traditional Health Care system

Introduction
India is known for its traditional medicinal systems—Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Medical
systems are found mentioned even in the ancient Vedas and other scriptures. The Ayurvedic
concept appeared and developed between 2500 and 500 BC in India. The literal meaning of
Ayurveda is “science of life,” because ancient Indian system of health care focused on views of
man and his illness. It has been pointed out that the positive health means metabolically well-
balanced human beings. Ayurveda is also called the “science of longevity” because it offers a
complete system to live a long healthy life. It offers programs to rejuvenate the body through diet
and nutrition. It offers treatment methods to cure many common diseases such as food allergies,
which have few modern treatments. However, one should be aware that Ayurvedic nutrition is not a
“magic bullet” system but requires the full participation of the patient to succeed. It is an
interactive system that is user-friendly and educational. It teaches the patient to become responsible
and self-empowered. Ayurveda is not a nutritional system for those seeking an escape or excuse to
further abuse their body or mind. It is a system for empowerment, a system of freedom, and long
life.

Traditional Health Practices in India:

Ayurveda:

One of the most famous traditional medical practices in India is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is today
considered as a viable alternative to traditional medicine as it has often proven to alleviate some
major conditions that western medicines fail to heal. In India, the southern state of Kerala is
considered to be the home for Ayurveda. It is an actual course with syllabus today, taught in almost
all major medical universities.

Ayurveda was founded during the Vedic times in India, it’s also said that Ayurveda was practiced in
the Indus Valley civilization too. What makes it different western medicine is the fact that it was
developed over a long period of time, allowing it to get better with each generation. The core
practices of Ayurveda remain in sync with soul and nature giving it the mystical aura it possesses.
It’s been passed down through generations using word of mouth and yet remained pious without
adulterations.

How is Ayurveda Different from Western Medicine?

The difference between Ayurveda and traditional medicine is quite simple. Western medicine relies
on the feedback the doctor obtains from the current medical condition of the patient, they consider
the symptoms and base their treatment on the possible causes of the symptom. In Ayurveda, the
symptoms are not such an important factor, they, in fact, observe how the overall condition of the
patient’s body. In Ayurveda diseases are considered to be highly psychosomatic, their treatment,
therefore, is directed to the root cause within the body that is forcing it to react in this particular
way while inflicted with any specific disease.

In Ayurveda, different people with the same medical disease and symptoms might obtain different
medications, this is because Ayurveda does not seek to cure the disease, instead it tries to cure the
body thus relieving it from any disease affecting it. The internal constitution, lifestyle and the place
of origin are some of the important factors that Ayurvedic doctors look into.

Benefits of Ayurveda:
1. Better looking skin: Ayurveda is a completely natural treatment. It has proven its mettle to cure
any conceivable diseases related to the skin. There are various benefits to your skin if you embark
upon an ayurvedic treatment regimen. The diet prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors help you in
maintaining enough on more vitamins and proteins needed to maintain a healthy and glowing skin.

2. Easy Weight Management: As it said before, Ayurveda aims for the total well-being a person’s
body and soul. If you are an obese or overweight person, the first plan in Ayurvedic treatment will
be to reduce your body weight through controlled diet and natural supplement medication.

Weight management is easy when compared to other dieting techniques prevalent today. Moreover,
weight control using Ayurveda comes with no side effects, making it one of the most reliable
methods for weight reduction.

3. Alleviates Stress: All ayurvedic treatment centers are set up in places where it is in sync with
nature. The treatment methods of Ayurveda require the patient to make his body and mind
completely free from tensions and other forms of stress. Stress is a major contributing factor in
developing major diseases in the future. Combating stress is easy when combined with the almost
all meditative treatments of Ayurveda.

4. Deep cleaning for the body: Ayurvedic treatment such as the panchakarma are treatments
oriented to keep your body clean of harmful toxins accumulated through food and poor lifestyle
choices. It’s not easy to cleanse your body without strong medication in any other methods of
treatments. The Ayurveda practitioner uses certain special natural extracts from medicinal plants
that are used for this process. Since most of the problems in your body are caused due to an influx
of foreign toxins and elements into your body, the cleansing treatment as a part of Ayurveda makes
it easier for you to lead a healthy life.

5. Helps you sleep better: Insomnia is a prevalent symptom for most chronic diseases. It’s really
difficult for your body and mind to remain functional if you are not giving it enough rest. Ayurveda
has a proven track record in curing problems with sleep. They have various natural concoctions
that have the ability to keep your sleep patterns back to normal without introducing harmful toxins
to your bloodstream as the western tablet does.

Sleeping better will invariably mean that you are having a better circadian rhythm and that helps
your body to heal itself sooner.

Apart from this Ayurveda has a wide range of other health benefits including being extremely
useful in the treatment of inflammation and reduces the effects of diabetes without any side effects.

In India, there are many places that provide ayurvedic treatment, however, the southern state of
Kerala is told to be the authentic practitioners of Ayurveda with differences in style through the
topography of the state.

Yoga

Yoga is defined as the application of yogic principles to a person with objective of achieving a
physiological, psychological & spiritual goal. Sanskrit meaning of yoga is ‘union’ indicating
integration of body, mind & soul. It is one step ahead of WHO’s definition of health by adding 4th
dimension to the health i.e., concept of soul.
Yoga is divided into eight types viz., Bhakthi, Jnana, Karma, Raja, Hatha, Kundalini, Manthra &
Purna yogas with specific purpose it serves and involves eight principles viz., yuktha sikshana,
bheda, desha, deha, kaala, vritti, shakthi & marga and methods involved are also eight types viz.,
asana, pranayama, bandha, yama, niyama, prathyahara, dharana & dhyana.

Many a times it’s quoted as ‘astanga yoga’. This ancient art derived its principles from ‘Pathanjali’
shastra, named after its founder sage; focuses on spiritual enlightenment by physiological, physical,
psychological fitness of human being.

Yoga practices are found effective for development of various dimensions of personality. Its
‘physical dimension’ addresses many current diseases being treated from their root cause,
particularly chronic ailments like obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiac diseases and psychosomatic
disorders.

It improves general health, strength; rejuvenates recreational and sexual health; it alters central pain
processing by unknown mechanisms so as to cure many chronic painful syndromes like sciatica,
migraine & cancer pain. ‘Emotional dimension’ relates to feelings, attitudes and takes care of
negative emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety and improves positive emotions like peace,
kindness & love.

In its ‘intellectual dimension’ it improves mental abilities like critical thinking, judgment, decision
making & memory. In ‘social domain’ it brings harmony in community by improving interpersonal
relations between human beings. Finally, it helps in developing values, morality and discovers
individual’s purpose of birth and ultimate enlightenment of moksha.

Historical background

The concepts and practices of Yoga originated in India about several thousand years ago. Its
founders were great Saints and Sages. The great Yogis presented rational interpretation of their
experiences of Yoga and brought about a practical and scientifically sound method within every
one’s reach. Yoga today, is no longer restricted to hermits, saints, and sages; it has entered into our
everyday lives and has aroused a worldwide awakening and acceptance in the last few decades.
The science of Yoga and its techniques have now been reoriented to suit modern sociological needs
and lifestyles. Experts of various branches of medicine including modern medical sciences are
realizing the role of these techniques in the prevention and mitigation of diseases and promotion of
health.

Yoga is one of the six systems of Vedic philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali, rightly called "The Father
of Yoga" compiled and refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his "Yoga Sutras"
(aphorisms). He advocated the eight folds path of Yoga, popularly known as "Ashtanga Yoga" for
all-round development of human beings. They are: - Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama,
Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. These components advocate certain restraints and
observances, physical discipline, breath regulations, restraining the sense organs, contemplation,
meditation and samadhi. These steps are believed to have a potential for improvement of physical
health by enhancing circulation of oxygenated blood in the body, retraining the sense organs
thereby inducing tranquility and serenity of mind. The practice of Yoga prevents psychosomatic
disorders and improves an individual’s resistance and ability to endure stressful situations.

Definition of Yoga
Yoga is a discipline to improve or develop one’s inherent power in a balanced manner. It offers the
means to attain complete self-realization. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is ’Yoke’.
Yoga can therefore be defined as a means of uniting the individual spirit with the universal

human consciousness. Evolution of total consciousness does not necessarily begin in any particular
man rather it begins only if one chooses it to begin. The vices like use of alcohol and drugs,
working exhaustively, indulging too much in sex and other stimulation is to seek oblivion, a return
to unconsciousness. Indian yogis begin from the point where western psychology end. If Fraud’s
psychology is the psychology of disease and Maslow’s psychology is the psychology of the healthy
man then Indian psychology is the psychology of enlightenment. In Yoga, it is not a question of
psychology of man rather it is a question of higher consciousness. It is not also the question of
mental health, rather, it is question of spiritual growth.

Yoga as soul therapy

All paths of Yoga (Japa, Karma, Bhakti etc.) have healing potential to shelter out the effects of
pains. However, one especially needs proper guidance from an accomplished exponent, who has
already treaded the same track to reach the ultimate goal. The particular path is to be chosen very
cautiously in view of his aptitude either with the help of a competent counselor or consulting an
accomplished Yogi.

Types of Yoga

Japa Yoga

To concentrate one’s mind on divine name or holy syllable, mantra etc. like ’OM’, ‘Rama’, ’Allah’,
’God’, ’Vahe Guru’ etc. through repeated recitation or remembrance.

Karma Yoga

Teaches us to perform all actions without having any desire for their fruit. In this sadhana, a Yogi
considers his duty as divine action, perform it with whole-hearted dedication but shuns away all
desires.

Gyana Yoga

Teaches us to discriminate between self and non-self and to acquire the knowledge of one’s
spiritual entity through the study of scriptures, company of Saints and practices of meditation.

Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga, a system of intense devotion with emphasis on complete surrender to divine will. The
true follower of Bhakti Yoga is free from egoism remains humble and unaffected by the dualities of
the world.

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga popularly known as “Ashtanga Yoga” is for all-round development of human beings.
These are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Swara Yoga
 Swara Yoga is the Science which is about the realization of cosmic consciousness, through the
awareness/ observation then control/ manipulation of the flow of breath in the nostrils. Swara Yoga
involves the systematic study of the breath flowing through the nostril (or Swara) in relation to the
prevailing phases of the Sun, Moon, time of day and direction. It is the association of the breath in
relation to the activities or phases or positions of the Sun, Moon, Planets, Seasons, Time of day,
with the physical and mental conditions of the individual and then taking the appropriate action
according to these subtle relations.

Kundalini

Kundalini Yoga is a part of Tantric Tradition. Since the dawn of creation, the Tantrics and yogis
have realised that in this physical body, there is a potential force residing in Muladhara Chakra, the
first of seven Chakras. The seat of Kundalini is a small gland at the base of the spinal cord. In the
masculine body it is in the perineum between the urinary and excretory organs. In the female body
its location is at the root of the uterus in the cervix. Those people who have awakened this
supernatural force have been called Rishis, Prophets, Yogis, Siddhas and other names according to
the time, tradition and culture.

To awaken the Kundalini, you must prepare yourself through yogic techniques such as Shatkriya,
Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra and Meditation. Awakening of Kundalini results in an
explosion in the brain as the dormant or sleeping areas start blossoming like flowers.

Nadi

As described by Yogic texts, Nadis are flow of energy which we can visualize at the psychic level
as having distinct channels, light, colour, sound and other characteristics. The entire network of
nadis is so vast that even yogic texts differ in their calculations of the exact number. Reference in
the Goraksha Sataka or Goraksh Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika place their number at 72,000;
emerged from the navel center- the Manipuri Chakra. Of all the thousands of nadis, Susumna is
said to be the most important. The Shiva Swarodaya enumerates ten major nadis which connect to
the ‘doorways’ leading in and out of the body. Of these ten, Ida, Pingala and Sushumna are the
most important, they are the high voltage wires which conduct the energy to the substations or
Chakras situated along the spinal column.

Some of the Advantages of Yoga are as follows:

• Improves brain function

• Lower stress levels

• Alters gene expression

• Increases flexibility

• Lowers blood pressure

• Improves lung capacity

• Relieves anxiety

• Relieves chronic back pain

• Lowers blood sugar in diabetics

• Improves sense of balance

• Stronger bones

• Healthy weight

• Lowers risk of heart diseases

Yoga as a practice has innumerable benefits that positively affects an individual both physically
and mentally. Whether it is reducing your blood pressure or raising your pain tolerance, listed
below are a few things that yoga works on:

1. Enhanced Circulation:

Yoga improves your blood circulation. This means better transportation of oxygen and nutrients
throughout the body. Improved blood flow also indicates healthier organs and glowing skin.

2. Improves Posture:

Yoga teaches how to control and how to balance. With regular practice, your body will
automatically assume the right stance. You will look both confident and healthy.

3. Uplifts your mood:

Practicing yoga on regular basis uplifts your mood instantly as it leaves your body with refreshing
energy.

4. Lowered Blood Pressure:

Practicing yoga on daily basis enhances the blood circulation in the body. This enables oxygenation
in the body due to which there is a significant reduction in the blood pressure as the body calms
down.

5. Keeps Premature Aging at Bay:

Why not age gracefully and not before time? Yes, yoga helps you detox and eliminate toxins and
free radicals. This, apart from other benefits, helps delay aging too. Yoga also relives stress which
is yet another factor that beats aging.

6. Reduces Stress:

When you are on your yoga mat, you focus on the practice. This means that all your focus is
concentrated on the matter at hand, and your mind slowly drains out the stress and troubles that are
plaguing it.

7. A Drop in The Pulse Rate:

Yoga eases the body by reducing the strain. When the body relaxes, the pulse rate decreases. A low
pulse rate indicates that your heart is strong enough to pump more blood in a span of fewer beats.

8. Increases Strength:
You use the weight of your own body to increase your strength. This is a very bewildering method
of strength training.

9. Anxiety Management:

A little twisting, bending and controlled breathing helps you overcome anxiety.

10. Better Cardiovascular Endurance:

Yoga improves oxygenation in the body and also lowers the heart rate. This results in higher
cardiovascular endurance.

11. Lowered Respiratory Rate:

balance and also allows you to gain control over your body. Regular practice of yoga will enhance
your ability to balance the poses in the class and focus well outside the class.

14. Stimulation of Organs:

The internal organs are massaged when you practice yoga, thereby increasing your resistance to
diseases. Also, once you are attuned to your body, after years of practice, you will be able to tell
instantly if your body doesn’t function properly.

15. Increased Immunity:

Yoga and Immunity go hand in hand. As yoga works towards healing and enhancing every cell in
the body, your body automatically becomes more immune. Thereby, increasing your immunity.

16. Instills Full Body Awareness:

Practicing yoga on regular basis will help you become aware of your own body. You will begin to
make subtle movements in order to enhance your alignment. With time, yoga helps you to become
comfortable in your own skin.

17. Improvement in Gastrointestinal Health:

Practicing yoga regularly activates the digestive system and the other stomach related diseases like
indigestion and gas are eliminated. Therefore, gastrointestinal functions improve in both men and
women. Read more about indigestion home remedies.

18. Increasing Core Strength:

It is essential to understand when your core is strong, your body is strong. Your core holds the
weight of your body. It helps in increasing your resistance to injuries and also help you heal better.
Yoga works on the core and makes it healthy, flexible and strong.

19. Higher Levels of pain Tolerance:

Yoga increases the level of pain tolerance and also works towards reducing chronic pain.

20. Increased Metabolism:

Yoga keeps the metabolism in check since a balanced metabolism is essential to achieve ideal
weight.
21. Improved Sexuality:

Yoga increases your self-confidence and offers complete relaxation and more control. This gives
your sexuality a much-needed boost.

22. Renewed Energy:

Yoga has the ability to make your mind and body feel rejuvenated. People who perform yoga on
daily basis feel energized after a session of yoga.

23. Improves sleep:

Yoga helps you relax your mind completely. It helps you work on unnecessary tensions, thus
facilitating better sleep.

24. Integrated Function of the Body:

Yoga means unison. When you practice yoga on regular basis, your mind starts to work in union
with your body. This enhances movement and grace.

25. Allows- Self Acceptance:

Yoga enables self-awareness and betterment of health. Your self-esteem improves, and you become
more confident.

26. Builds Self – Control:

The controlled movements of yoga teach you how to render that self-control to all the aspects of
your life.

27. Brings about a Positive Outlook to Life:

Many hormones in the nervous system are stabilized when yoga is practiced on the regular basis.
This helps you becomes more positive and you tend to look at life with refreshed and positive
perspective.

28. Reducing Hostility:

When yoga is performed on the regular basis, the anger is greatly controlled. The breathing and
meditation calm the nervous system, thereby decreasing anger and hostility. Reduction in hostility
means reduction in blood pressure. This automatically enables a stress free and healthier approach
towards life.

29. Better Concentration:

Performing yoga every day will eventually result in better concentration and in less than eight
weeks of yoga practice, you will find yourself more motivated.

30. Tranquility and Calmness:

The breathing and meditation enable you disengage from your thoughts. This helps you calm
down. With every day yoga practice, you will notice how the calmness is no longer just a part of
your practice – it becomes a way of life!
 Benefits of Siddha:

Siddha treatments come with a load of benefits. Since all medications used in this particular form
of treatment is natural, there are no side effects the patients have to deal with. Moreover, Sidda is a
form of treatment that aims at bringing an overall balance to your body and soul. And its extensive
practice will make sure that you have a better functioning immune system to fight diseases in the
future.

When considering chronic diseases like diabetes, normal western medicine heavily relies on insulin
supplementation and other strong medications. In Sidda however, Diabetes is treated with an aim to
treat the underlying issue. They keep the patient in touch with the surrounding nature, encouraging
them to indulge in practices that alleviate stress and normalizes blood function. All extra
medications took for treating the disease are derived from natural elements and is in sync with the
diet prescribed for the patient.

Siddha sometimes uses heavy metals from nature to perform the function of internal cleansing,
highly controversial in nature, this treatment method involving heavy metals are dangerous
according to the standards of western medicine, although it’s very important to the practitioners of
Sidda and they have successfully managed to keep this form of treatment intact without having any
issues with radiation poisoning.

Siddha treatment for terminally ill people suffering from cancer or aids highly benefit from Sidda.
The traditional treatment’s ability to curb the symptoms of these terminal diseases are unmatched
with any other form of treatment.

Unani:

Unani is yet another traditional medicine in India, that has foreign roots. It’s safe to say that Unani
medication was introduced to India during the invasion by the Mughals. Unani is presumed to be
originated in Greece, and Hippocrates is deemed to be the father of Unani. It’s safe to say that
Unani is a Greek-Arab format of medicine, drawing inspiration heavily from both the cultures.

Unani is basically another psychosomatic form of medication. It is recognised as an authentic ISM

(Indian System of Medication). There are various methods for the implementation of Unani
treatment. The medications used for the treatment under Unani are all derived from natural
elements. The authenticity of the medication is often in question however its effectiveness remains
unparalleled.

Unani medicated follows the principles set by Hippocrates which states that the human body is
composed of 4 types of fluid humor. They are blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, the
correlation and tempramental balance of all four fluid humor are the most basic diagnostic tool the
Unani practitioners depend on.

According to Unani, optimal health is when one’s body is in perfect balance with the six elemental
forces that govern it. The six essential elements of health are:

• Air

• Food and Drinks

• Retention and Excretion

• Sleep and Wake cycles

• Retention and tolerance to physical activity

• Mental activity and adequate rest.

Since these are the major governing factors of one’s health according to Unani, any disease will be
treated with an approach to get the required balance to attain health.

The main three modes of treatment used in Unani are Ilajbil Tadbeer, Ilajbil Dava, and Ilajbil Yad
meaning Regimental Therapy, Pharmacotherapy and Surgery respectively.

Benefits of Unani:

1. A high success rate for recurring diseases: Unani medications have some proven track record
in being extremely efficient in curing recurring diseases such as asthma and joint pain. Some
studies also show that Unani medicines for skin can heal serious medical conditions such as
psoriasis and even skin related leukemia up to an extent. Its unique effects are also helpful for
patients with cardiovascular problems and stomach troubles and mental illnesses. These results go
to show the importance given to Unani treatments in India.

2. Highly effective for Aids: Terminal immunodeficiency diseases like aids are very lethal and
almost life-threatening all the times. Unani medicine practitioners claim that if given through a
proper course of treatment, Unani medications can be very effective for patients suffering from
Aids. Since Unani deals with the overall health of the patient by attaining a level of mental balance
along with physical harmony regarding the elements of life, the overall immune system of the
patient is set to perform in a better fashion. In aids patients, the immunes system is considerably
weak, still with Unani medication, the immune system can perform better and develop a level of
resistance that will go a long way in protecting the life of the people affected by it.

3. Treats Sexual Sickness: Unani treatments by far are the most effective method of treatment for
curing sexual illnesses. Issues pertaining to sexual performance or maladies to your sex organs are
best cured with Unani medications. Unani powerful medications are prescribed to increase your
libido and also to ensure that any nervous issues connected to your sexual prowess in rectified.

Unani is also told to be extremely effective in treating sterile conditions among women, thus
eradicating the need for costly medical treatments such as the IVF.

Unani medication is administered locally mostly through oral intake like western medicine, this
allows easy comparison between the both. While considering the serious side effects of using
allopathic medication, Unani becomes a truly wonderful option. Apart from the above-listed
ailments, Unani treatment in India is also said to have powerful effects in treating serious medical
conditions such as cerebral palsy. There are results which shows a great deal of improvement in
young patients suffering from cerebral palsy when administered with Unani medication and health
practices.

The above three are the most famous traditional medication from the various parts of India.
However, there are many more of this magical medical practice that exists in different areas of the
country. Naturopathy in Rajasthan and the highly secretive medical practices of the Mishing, a
tribal community in the northeast section of the country are also highly effective forms of
traditional medicine, solely based on products derived from the surrounding nature and thus
eliminating any chances of side effects.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is an art and science of healthy living and a drugless system of healing based on well
founded philosophy. It has its own concept of health and disease and also principle of treatment.
Naturopathy is a very old science. We can find a number of references in our Vedas and other
ancient texts. The morbid matter theory, concept of vital force and other concepts upon which
Naturopathy is based are already available in old texts. The revival of Naturopathy started in India
by translation of Germany’s Louis Kuhne’s book “New Science of Healing”. Shri D. Venkat
Chelapati Sharma translated this book in Telgu language in 1894. Shri Shroti Kishan Swaroop of
Bijnor translated this book into Hindi and Urdu languages in 1904. All this gave a wide
propagation to this system.

Gandhiji was influenced by the book Return to Nature written by Adolf Just and become a firm
believer of Naturopathy. He not only wrote several articles in favour of Naturopathy in his
newspaper Harijan but did its several experiments on himself too, on his family members and
members of his Ashram. It may be noted here that Gandhiji used to stay at the Nature Cure Clinic
of Dr. Dinshaw Mehta situated in Pune during 1934 to 1944. In his memory, the Government of
India established National Institute of Naturopathy in 1986 at that place. Gandhiji included
Naturopathy in his constructive programmes. Due to influence of Gandhiji, several National
leaders joined this minority health movement. The names of Ex-Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai,
Ex-Governor of Gujarat Shri Shrimannarayanji, Ex-President Shri V.V.Giri, Acharya Vinoba Bhave
and Shri Balkova Bhave need special mention in this regard.

Indian Naturopathy movement started mainly in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Naturopaths who did foundation work in revival of
Naturopathy in different States are Dr. Mahavir Prasad Poddar, Dr. Janaki Sharan Varma, Shri
Sharan Prasad, Dr. Khushi Ram Dilkash, Dr. S.J. Singh, Dr. Hiralal, Dr. Vitthal Das Modi, Dr.
Kulranjan Mukherjee, Dr. Sukhram Das, Dr.J.M. Jussawala, Dr. M.M. Bhamgara, Dr. Vegi Raju
Krishnam Raju, Dr. B. Venkat Rao, Dr. B. Vijaya Laxmi, Dr. Ganga Prasad Gaur Nahar, Shri
Dharam Chanda Saravagi, Dr. Sukhbir Singh Rawat, Acharya K. Laxman Sharma etc.

Here, it may also be mentioned that modern Naturopathy movement was started in Germany and
other western countries with Water Cure (Hydrotherapy) therapy. Water Cure was synonymous
with Nature Cure in those early days. The credit of making Water Cure world famous goes to
Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851), who was a farmer. Later on, other personalities also made their
contribution in this work. The name of Louis Kuhne needs special mention, who propounded the
Principle of Unity of Disease and Treatment and provided a theoretical base to this method. The
book New Science of Healing written by him has been translated into several languages of the
world.

The names of Dr. Henry Lindlahr, Dr. J. H. Kellogg, Arnold Ehrit, D. D. Palmer, Rolier, E.D.
Babbit, Bernarr Macfadden, Arnold Rickley, J.H. Tilden, Father Kneipp, Benedict Lust, Stainley
Lief and Herry Benjamin etc. may also be mentioned among others who had their share of
contribution to the development of Naturopathy. As on today, Naturopathy is Recognized and well
accepted as an independent System of Medicine.

Definition of Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of man building in harmony with the constructive principles of Nature on
physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living. It has great health promotive, disease
preventive and curative as well as restorative potential.

According to the manifesto of British Naturopathic Association, "Naturopathy is a system of

treatment which recognizes the existence of the vital curative force within the body." It therefore,
advocates aiding human system to remove the cause of disease i.e., toxins by expelling the
unwanted and unused matters from human body for curing diseases.

Salient Features of Naturopathy

The main features of Naturopathy are as under:

▪ All diseases, their causes and treatment are one. Except for traumatic and environmental
conditions, the cause of all diseases is one i.e. accumulation of morbid matter in the body. The
treatment of all diseases is elimination of morbid matter from the body.

▪ The primary cause of disease is accumulation of morbid matter. Bacteria and virus enter and
survive in the body only after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favorable atmosphere for
their growth is established in body. Hence, the basic cause of disease is morbid matter and bacteria
secondary causes.

▪ Acute diseases are self-healing efforts of the body. Hence, they are our friends, not the enemy.
Chronic diseases are outcome of wrong treatment and suppression of the acute diseases.

▪ Nature is the greatest healer. The human body itself has the healing power to prevent itself from
disease and regain health if unhealthy.

▪ In Nature Cure it is not the disease but the entire body of the patient which is caused and is
renewed.

▪ Naturopathy Cures Patients suffering from chronic ailments are also treated successfully in
comparatively less time by Naturopathy.

▪ In Nature Cure the suppressed diseases are brought to surface and are removed permanently.

▪ Naturopathy treats all the aspects like physical, mental, social and spiritual at the same time.

 Naturopathy treats the body as a whole.

▪ According to Naturopathy, “Food is only the Medicine”, no external medications are used.

▪ Performing prayer according to one’s spiritual faith is an important part of treatment (According
to Gandhiji “Rama Nama" is the best Natural Treatment)

Techniques and Benefits of Different Modalities of Naturopathy

Diet Therapy
According to this therapy, the food must be taken in natural form. Fresh seasonal fruits, fresh green
leafy vegetables and sprouts are excellent. These diets are broadly classified into three types which
are as follows:

Eliminative Diet: Liquids-Lemon, Citric juices, Tender Coconut water, Vegetable soups, Butter
milk, Wheat Grass juices etc.

Soothing Diet: Fruits, Salads, Boiled/Steamed Vegetables, Sprouts, Vegetable chutney etc.

Constructive Diet: Wholesome flour, Unpolished rice, little pulses, Sprouts, Curd etc.

Being alkaline, these diets help in improving health, purifying the body and rendering it immune to
disease. To this end, a proper combination of food is necessary. Our diet should consist of 20%
acidic and 80% alkaline food for maintaining health. A balanced food is a must for any individual
seeking good health. Food is regarded as Medicine in Naturopathy.

Fasting Therapy

Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a
period of time. The word id derived from the old English , ‘ Feastan’ means to fast, observe, be
strict. In Sanskrit ‘ Vrath’ means ‘determination’ and ‘Upavasa’ means ‘ near to God’.A fast may be
total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to the
period of fasting. Fasting is an important treatment modality for health preservation. In fasting,
mental preparedness is an essential pre-condition. Prolonged fasting should be done only under the
supervision of a competent Naturopath.

The duration of the fast depends upon the age of the patient, the nature of the disease and amount
and type of drugs previously used. It is sometimes advisable to undertake a series of short fasts of
two or three days and gradually increase the duration of each succeeding fast by a day or so. No
harm will accrue to fasting patient provided they take rest and are under proper professional care.

Methods of fasting are water, juices or raw vegetable juices. The best, safest and most effective
method is lime juice fasting. During fasting, the body burns up and excretes huge amounts of
accumulated wastes. We can help this cleansing process by drinking alkaline juices. Sugars in
juices will strengthen the heart, juice fasting is therefore the best form of fasting. All juices should
be prepared from fresh fruit immediately before drinking. Canned or frozen juices should not be used. A
precautionary measure, which must be observed in all cases of fasting, is the complete emptying of the
bowels at the beginning of the fast by enema so that the patient is not bothered by gas or decomposing
matter formed from the excrements remaining in the body. Enemas should be used at least every alternate
day during the fasting period. The total liquid intake should be approximately six to eight glasses. A lot of
energy is spent during the fast in the process of eliminating accumulated poisons and toxic waste materials.
It is therefore, of utmost importance that the patient gets as much physical rest and mental relaxation as
possible during the fast.

The success of the fast depends largely on how it is broken. The main rules for break in the fast are:
do not overeat, eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly and take several days for the gradual
change to the normal diet.

Benefits and Physiological effects of Fasting

Physicians of most cultures, throughout history, have recommended extended fasting as therapy for
various conditions from ancient to modern. Though earlier observations were studied without
scientific methodology or understanding they still point to utilization of fasting as a therapeutic
modality. Earlier observations were based on animal behaviour but today they are based on animal
physiology. We will try to discern in this article as to how best fasting could be useful in promoting
ones health through review of literature that describes physiological and metabolic benefits.

Prominent among the physiological effects conferred by fasting (Calorie Restriction and
Intermittent Fasting) are the following: increased insulin sensitivity that results in reduced plasma
glucose and insulin concentrations and improved glucose tolerance, reduced levels of oxidative
stress as indicated by decreased oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA, increased resistance
to various types of stress including heat, oxidative and metabolic stresses and enhanced immune
function.

Both gross and cellular physiology is profoundly affected by caloric restriction (CR) or intermittent
fasting (IF) regimes. With respect to gross physiology there is of course a significant reduction of
body fat and mass, which supports a healthy cardiovascular system and reduces incidents of
myocardial infarction. In addition to cardioprotection a greater tolerance to stress is induced in the
liver, the nutrient core of homo sapiens. The presence of alternative energy stores such as ketone
bodies (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate) enable homo sapiens to survive additional stresses of life.
Excessive and deleterious blood glucose is curtailed by an enhanced sensitivity to insulin (Ins) and
glucose and its utilization as an energy source.

Mud Therapy

Mud therapy is very simple and effective treatment modality. The mud used for this should be
clean and taken from 3 to 4 ft. depth from the surface of the ground. There should be no
contamination of stone pieces or chemical manures etc. in the mud.

Mud is one of five elements of nature having immense impact on the body both in health and
sickness. Advantages of using mud:

1. Its black color absorbs all the colors of the Sun and conveys them to the body.

2. Mud retains moisture for a long time, when applied over the body part it causes cooling.

3. Its shape and consistency can be changed easily by adding water.

4. It is cheap and easily available.

Before using, mud should be dried, powdered and sieved to separate stones, grass particles and
other impurities

Mud Pack-Local Application

Keeping soaked mud in a thin, wet muslin cloth and making it into a thin flat brick depending on
the size of the patient’s abdomen, apply it. The duration of the mud pack application is 20 to 30
minutes. When applied in cold weather, place a blanket over the mud pack and cover the body as
well.
Benefits

1. When applied to abdomen it relieves all forms of indigestion. It is effective in decreasing

intestinal heat and stimulates peristalsis.

2. A thick mud pack applied to head in congestive headache, relieves the pain immediately. Hence
this is recommended whenever there is necessity for a prolonged cold application.

3. Application of the pack over the eyes is useful in cases of conjunctivitis, hemorrhages in the
eyeball, itching, allergy, errors of refraction like short sight and long sight and especially useful in
glaucoma where it helps to reduce eyeball tension.

Mud Pack for Face

Soaked mud is applied on the face and allowed to dry for 30 minutes. This is helpful in improving
the complexion of the skin and removing pimples and open skin pores which in turn facilitate
elimination. This also is helpful in eliminating dark circles around the eyes. After 30 minutes, face
should be washed thoroughly with cold water.

Mud Bath

Mud may be applied to the patient in sitting or lying position. This helps to improve the skin
condition by increasing the circulation and energizing the skin tissues. Care should be taken to
avoid catching cold during the bath. Afterwards, the patient must be thoroughly washed with cold
water jet spray. If the patient feels chill, warm water should be used. The patient is, then, dried
quickly and transferred to a warm bed. The duration of mud bath may be 45 to 60 minutes.

Benefits:

1. The effects of mud are refreshing, invigorating, and vitalizing.

2. For wounds and skin diseases, application of mud is the only true bandage.

3. Mud therapy is used for giving coolness to body.

4. It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of body and ultimately eliminates them from body.

5. Mud is used successfully in different diseases like constipation, headache due to tension, high
blood pressure, skin diseases etc.

6. Gandhiji used to take mud pack to get rid of constipation

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a branch of Nature Cure. It is the treatment of disorders using different forms of
water. These forms of water application are in practice since age-old days. Hydrothermal therapy
additionally uses its temperature effects, as in hot & cold baths, saunas, wraps, etc and in all its
forms-solid, fluid, vapour, ice and steam, internally and externally. Water is without doubt the most
ancient of all remedial agents for disease. This great healing agent has now been systematized and
made into a science

Masso Therapy

Massage is an excellent form of passive exercise. The word is derived from the Greek word
‘massier’ which means to kneed, from French "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa
meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough”. Massage is the
practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical (anatomical), functional (physiological), and in
some cases psychological purposes and goals. If correctly done on a bare body, it can be highly
stimulating and invigorating.

Massage is also a modality of Naturopathy and quite essential for maintaining good health.
Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure – structured, unstructured,
stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids.
Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as
well as lymphatic vessels. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm,
and feet. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. It aims at improving blood
circulation and strengthening bodily organs. In winter season, sun bath after massaging the whole
body is well known practice of preserving health and strength. It is beneficial to all. It bestows
combined benefits of massage and sun rays therapy. In disease conditions, necessary therapeutic
effects can be obtained through specific techniques of massage. Massage is a substitute of exercise
for those who cannot do the same. The effects of exercise can be derived from massage.

Various oils are used as lubricants like mustard oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil, aroma oils
etc. which also have therapeutic effects.

There are seven fundamental modes of manipulation in massage and these are: Touch, effleurage
(stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), vibration (shaking or
trembling) and Joint movement. Movements vary according to disease condition and parts applied.

Another form of massage helpful in most ailments are the vibratory massage, Powder massage,
Water massage, Dry massage. Powders of neem leaves, rose petals and are also used as lubricants
for massage.

Physiological Effects of Massage

Reflex Effects (responses mediated by the nervous system)

1. Vasodilation of arteries

2. Stimulation of peristalsis (aids in digestion)

3. Increase or decrease in muscle tone

4. Increases activity of the organs in the abdominal cavity

5. Triggers the relaxation response

6. Soothing or stimulating effect on muscles

7. Stimulates the heart, increases strength and rate of contraction

8. Increases efficiency of the immune system

Mechanical Effects (responses resulting from directly applied manual pressure)

1. Increased venous return

2. Increased lymphatic flow, Lymphatic drainage

3. Circulatory efficiency

4. Loosening of mucous (respiratory system)

5. Breakdown of fibrosis/adhesions

6. Stretch to shortened muscles/loosens muscle fibres

7. Increased muscle temperature

8. Increased metabolic rate locally and gaseous exchange

9. Stretches scar tissue

10. Decreased muscle tone/increased muscle tone

11. Increased range of Motion

12. Restoration of proper joint mechanics/biomechanics

13. Elimination of muscle imbalances

14. Strengthen weakened muscles

Benefits of massage

The general massage, dealing with all parts of the body, is highly beneficial in many ways. It tones
up the nervous system, influences respiration and quickens the elimination of poisons and waste
material from the body through the various eliminative organs such as the lungs, skin, kidneys and
bowels. It also boosts blood circulation and metabolic processes. A massage removes facial
wrinkles, helps to fill out hollow cheeks and neck and eases stiffness, sore muscles and numbness.

Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced
trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety.
Theories behind what massage might do include blocking nociception (gate control theory),
activating the parasympathetic nervous system which may stimulate the release of endorphins and
serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep but
such effects are yet to be supported by well-designed clinical studies.

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers or any blunted objects to press key points
called as ‘Acu Points’ (Energy stored points) on the surface rhythmically on the skin to stimulate
the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular
tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing.

Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm
pressure of hands or any blunted objects, but acupuncture employs needles, Acupressure has been
practiced as a healing art for at least 5,000 years. This complete health system has been
documented for use in treating over 3000 conditions. Now acupoints are commonly treated
utilizing transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (aka TENS) and laser light from laser or LED
diodes in specific wavelengths shown to have rapid and lasting effects.

Acupressure philosophy and acupoint stimulation is based on the same principles as Acupuncture.
By using pressure, electric stimulation or laser light instead of needles, it works to stimulate
specific reflex points located along the lines of energy which run through the body, called
meridians. There are 14 main meridian lines, each of which corresponds to an individual organ of
the body. When the vital energies are able to flow through the meridians in a balanced and even
way, the result is good health. When you experience pain or illness it is an indication that there is a
block or leak in the energy flow within your body.

To find the appropriate point, gently probe the area until it is found that point which gives a "funny
bone" feeling or is sensitive, tender or sore. Then press hard enough to make the point hurt.
Stimulation is given by steady pressure or five seconds on and five seconds off rotating pressure.
Usually one minute is sufficient for each treatment session.

Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain,
backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower
back aches, constipation, and indigestion, anxiety, insomnia.

There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain
good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables
the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and
promotes wellness.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into specific
points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.

The word acupuncture comes from the Latin acus, "needle", and pungere, "to prick". According to
traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are situated on meridians along which qi,
the vital energy, flows. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of
acupuncture points or meridians.

In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as the Stone Age, with the
Bian shi, or sharpened stones. Acupuncture’s origins in China are uncertain. The earliest Chinese
medical text that first describes acupuncture is the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine
(History of Acupuncture) Huangdi Neijing, which was compiled around 305–204 B.C. Some
hieroglyphics have been found dating back to 1000 B.C. that may indicate an early use of
acupuncture.According to one legend, acupuncture started in China when some soldiers who were
wounded by arrows in battle experienced a relief of pain in other parts of the body, and
consequently people started experimenting with arrows (and later needles) as therapy .Acupuncture
spread from China to Korea, Japan and Vietnam and elsewhere in East Asia. Portuguese
missionaries in the 16th century were among the first to bring reports of acupuncture to the West.

Traditional Theories of Acupuncture:

In Traditional Chinese medicine, "health" is considered a condition of balance of yin and yang
within the body. Some have compared yin and yang to the sympathetic and parasympathetic
nervous systems. Particularly important in acupuncture is the free flow of Qi, a difficult-to-translate
concept that pervades Chinese philosophy and is commonly translated as "vital energy". Qi is
immaterial and hence yang; its yin, material counterpart is Blood (capitalized to distinguish it from
physiological blood, and very roughly equivalent to it). Acupuncture treatment regulates the flow
of Qi and Blood, tonifying where there is deficiency, draining where there is excess, and promoting
free flow where there is stagnation. An axiom of the medical literature of acupuncture is "no pain, no
blockage; no blockage, no pain."

Traditional Chinese medicine treats the human body as a whole that involves several "systems of
function" generally named after anatomical organs but not directly associated with them. The
Chinese term for these systems is Zang Fu, where zang is translated as "viscera" or solid organs
and fu is translated as "bowels" or hollow organs. In order to distinguish systems of function from
physical organs, Zang Fu are capitalized in English, thus Lung, Heart, Kidney, etc. Disease is
understood as a loss of balance of Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood (which bears some resemblance to
homeostasis). Treatment of disease is attempted by modifying the activity of one or more systems
of function through the activity of needles, pressure, heat, etc. on sensitive parts of the body of
small volume traditionally called "acupuncture points" in English, or "xue" in Chinese. This is
referred to in TCM as treating "patterns of disharmony."

Most of the main acupuncture points are found on the "twelve main meridians" and two of the
"eight extra meridians" (Du Mai and Ren Mai) a total of "fourteen channels", which are
described in classical and traditional Chinese medical texts, as pathways through which Qi and
"Blood" flow. Other tender points (known as "ashi points") may also be needled as they are
believed to be where stagnation has gathered.

Series of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been demonstrated as an
effective treatment:

1. Allergic rhinitis

2. Depression

3. Headache

4. Nausea and vomiting including morning sickness

5. Pain in the epigastrium, face, neck, tennis elbow, lower back, knee, during dentistry and after
operations

6. Primary dysmenorrhea

7. Rheumatoid arthritis

8. Sciatica
9. Cervical and Lumbar Sponsylosis

10. Bronchial Asthma

11. Insomnia

Seven colours of Sun rays have different therapeutic effects. These colours are-Violet, Indigo,
Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. For being healthy and in treatment of different diseases,
these colours work effectively. Water and oil exposed to sun for specified hours in coloured bottles
and coloured glasses, are used as devices of Chromo Therapy for treating different disorders. The
simple methods of Chromo Therapy help in the process of recovery in a very effective manner.

Air Therapy

Fresh air is most essential for good health. The advantage of air therapy can be achieved by means
of Air bath. Everybody should take an air bath daily for 20 minutes or longer if possible. It is more
advantageous when combined with morning cold rub and exercises. In this process, one should
walk daily after removing the clothes or wearing light clothes at a lonely clean place where
adequate fresh air is available. Another alternate method is in a constructed room without roof and
surrounded by shutter like walls so as to allow free passage of air but prevent any view of the
interior.

Mechanism:

In order to react against the chilling effect of cold air or water, the nerve centers, which control the
circulation, send the blood to the surface in large quantities, flushing the skin with warm, red,
arterial blood. The flow of the blood stream is greatly accelerated and elimination of morbid matter
on the surface of the body is correspondingly increased.

Benefits:

Air bath has soothing and tonic effect upon the millions of nerve endings all over the surface of the
body. It has good results in cases of nervousness, neurasthenia, rheumatism, skin, mental and
various other chronic disorders.

Magnet Therapy

Magnet therapy is a clinical system in which human ailments are treated and cured through the
application of magnets to the body of the patients. It is the simplest, cheapest and entirely painless
system of treatment with almost no side or after effects. The only tool used is the magnet.

Magnetic treatment is applied directly to the body parts by the therapeutic magnets available in
different powers or as general treatment to the body. Also, magnetic belts are available for different
parts e.g. Abdomen, knee, wrist etc. Magnetic necklaces, glasses and bracelets are also used for
treatment.

Benefits:

1. Helps in balancing the energy.

2. Improves circulation to the applied area.

3. Increases the warmth ness in the body.

Some Important Treatments of Naturopathy

▪ Mud pack, Mud Applications

▪ Mud Bath, Underground Mud Bath, Mud Pool Bath

▪ Hip Bath

▪ Spinal Bath, Spinal Spray Bath

▪ Immersion Bath, Friction Bath

▪ Foot Bath, Arm Bath

▪ Steam Bath, Sauna Bath

▪ Sun Bath, Colour Sun Bath (Chromo Bath),

▪ Green Leaves Sun Bath

▪ Hot & Cold Fomentation

▪ Wet Sheet Pack, Chest Pack, Abdomen Pack, Trunk Pack

▪ Knee Pack, Neck Pack, Wet Girdle Pack

▪ Enema-Warm Water, Butter Milk, Tender Coconut Water etc.

▪ Circular Jet Bath

▪ Colon Irrigation

▪ Deluxe Hydro Massage, Jacuzi

▪ Hot and Cold Water Douches, Effusions

▪ Whirlpool Bath

▪ Under Water Exercises

▪ Magnet Therapy

▪ Colour Therapy

▪ Acupuncture

▪ Acupressure

▪ Reflexology

▪ Physiotherapy Treatments - Exercise Therapy, Electro Therapy

Homoeopathy
Introduction of Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced almost all over the world.
In India it has become a household name due the safety of its pills and gentleness of its cure. A
rough study states that about 10% of the Indian population solely depend Homoeopathy for their
Health care needs and is considered as the Second most popular system of medicine in the Country.

It is more than a century and a half now that Homoeopathy is being practiced in India. It has
blended so well into the roots and traditions of the country that it has been recognised as one of the
National System of Medicine and plays a very important role in providing health care to a large
number of people. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach
towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and
physical levels.

The word ‘Homoeopathy’ is derived from two Greek words, Homois meaning similar and pathos
meaning suffering. Homoeopathy simply means treating diseases with remedies, prescribed in
minute doses, which are capable of producing symptoms similar to the disease when taken by
healthy people. It is based on the natural law of healing- "Similia Similibus Curantur” which means
"likes are cured by likes”. It was given a scientific basis by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) in
the early 19th century. It has been serving suffering humanity for over two centuries and has
withstood the upheavals of time and has emerged as a time-tested therapy, for the scientific
principles propounded by Hahnemann are natural and well proven and continue to be followed
with success even today.

PRANAYAM AND OTHER PREVAILING HEALTH CARE TECHNIQUES

Introduction

Pranayama is the practice of breath regulation. It’s a main component of yoga, an exercise for
physical and mental wellness. In Sanskrit, “prana” means life energy and “yama” means control.

The practice of pranayama involves breathing exercises and patterns. You purposely inhale, exhale,
and hold your breath in a specific sequence.

In yoga, pranayama is used with other practices like physical postures (asanas) and meditation
(dhyana). Together, these practices are responsible for the many benefits of yoga.

But pranayama has benefits of its own. These advantages are due to the therapeutic effects of
breathing exercises and mindfulness.

The concept of pranayama

Pranayama is the ancient practice of controlling your breath. You control the timing, duration, and
frequency of every breath and hold.

The goal of pranayama is to connect your body and mind. It also supplies your body with oxygen
while removing toxins. This is meant to provide healing physiological benefits.

Pranayama involves different breathing techniques. Examples include:

 alternate nostril breathing (nadishodhana)

 victorious breath (ujjayi)
 female honeybee humming breath (bhramari)
 bellows breath (bastrika)

These breathing exercises can be practiced in many ways. For instance, you can do them while
performing yoga poses. You can also practice them while meditating or on their own.

The benefits of pranayama

The benefits of pranayama have been extensively researched. According to scientific studies,
pranayama may benefit your health in a variety of different ways. Let’s look at seven of these
benefits in more detail.

1. Decrease’s stress

pranayama reduced perceived stress levels in healthy young adults. The researchers speculated that
pranayama calms the nervous system, which improves your stress response. Individuals who
practiced pranayama experienced less anxiety before taking a test.

2. Improves sleep quality

The stress-relieving effects of pranayama may also help you sleep. A technique known as Bhramari
pranayama was shown to slow down breathing and heart rate when practiced for 5 minutes. This
may help calm your body for sleep. And also, pranayama also improves sleep quality in people
with obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, the study found that practicing pranayama decreased
snoring and daytime sleepiness, suggesting benefits for better quality rest.

3. Increase’s mindfulness

For many of us, breathing is automatic. We do it without giving it much thought at all. But during
pranayama, you need to be aware of your breathing and how it feels. You also practice focusing on
the present moment, instead of the past or future. This is known as mindfulness. who practiced
pranayama displayed higher levels of mindfulness than those who didn’t? The same students also
showed better levels of emotional regulation. This was associated with the calming effect of
pranayama, which supports your ability to be more mindful. The researchers also mentioned that
pranayama helps remove carbon dioxide and raises oxygen concentration, which fuels brain cells.
This may contribute to mindfulness by improving focus and concentration.

4. Reduces high blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pressure reaches an unhealthy level. It
increases the risk for some potentially serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke. Stress
is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. Pranayama can help minimize this risk by promoting
relaxation.

5. Improves lung function

As a type of breathing exercise, the slow, forceful breathing of pranayama may strengthen your
lungs. According to the authors of the study, pranayama may be a useful lung strengthening tool for
many lung conditions, including:

• asthma
• allergic bronchitis

• for recovery from pneumonia and tuberculosis

6. Enhances cognitive performance

In addition to benefiting your lungs, pranayama may also enhance your brain function. which
includes your working memory, cognitive flexibility, and reasoning skills. The study also found
that pranayama has the ability to improve your perceived level of stress and your reaction time.
Additionally, the study found that fast pranayama was associated with better auditory memory and
sensory-motor performance.

According to the researchers, these benefits are due to the stress-lowering effects of pranayama.
The increased oxygen uptake, which energizes brain cells, likely plays a role as well.

7. Reduces cigarette cravings

There’s evidence that yogic breathing, or pranayama, could decrease cravings in people who are
trying to quit smoking.