Breath of life

AMONG THE diseases that can seriously affect the quality of life is asthma. This is especially so if it is not properly treated. Asthma or ``bronchial asthma'' as it is often referred to, affects the young and old alike. Though there are many factors that trigger attacks more often than not, there is a greater likelihood that one may be predisposed to asthma due to hereditary reasons.

Psychosomatic reasons such as stress and allergy to pollution, chemicals, perfumes, food etc. are known to precipitate attacks. Though allopathy prescribes specific drugs together with other supportive measures such as physiotherapy, psychotherapy and even hypnosis to reduce the severity of the symptoms, it offers no permanent cure for asthma.

In recent times, doctors and practitioners of yoga have begun studying the beneficial effects of certain yogic asanas on chronic sufferers of the malady. Research done at the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, the Vivekananda Yoga Kendra, Bangalore and Kaivalyavadham, Pune, over the past few decades has shown that yoga therapy, especially the kriyas that cleanse the system such as kunjal kriya (stomach wash), jala neti (nasal wash) and laghoo shankaprakshalana (intestinal wash) are extremely useful in controlling the disease. A holistic approach is advised for best results.

The Shiv Darshan Yoga Vidyalaya in the city, which follows the techniques advocated by the Bihar School of Yoga, conducts courses aimed at providing long-term relief from specific ailments such as blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac problems, digestive disorders and asthma.

During a ten-day course, asthma patients are made to practise kriyas, asanas and pranayama to strengthen their lungs and improve vital body functions. They are taught yoga nidra (deep relaxation) and meditation, which help relieve stress, a major factor precipitating the ailment.

A simple, easily digestible vegetarian diet is prescribed. Dinner, in particular, is to be taken before sunset. All mucous forming food items such as milk, milk products, starch, processed and oily foods, sweets, chilled drinks and ice creams are to be strictly avoided.

A medical assessment of those who register for courses is made both before and after they practise the various asanas. The institution claims that asthma patients show marked improvement with decreasing frequency of episodes following daily practise of yoga coupled with changes in diet. Their dependence on inhalers and other drugs gradually diminishes. Above all is their ability to participate in all activities of daily life, without restrictions of any kind.

For more details, contact Shiv Darshan Yoga Vidyalaya at 6414021.

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