The human body is designed for diverse dynamic physical activities. However, even without the current lockdown in Leicester, the conditions of modern life are such that the most of us live a sedentary lifestyle. We lust for all the pleasures and comfort that money can buy us. However, in seeking more happiness and comfort we tend to adopt an unhealthy lifestyle.
Lower back pain and high blood pressure are commonly linked to stresses of everyday life. However the effects of the stresses of everyday life on your body can be much worse than this. For example, prolonged emotional pressure (whether caused by work, home or whatever) can lead to:
Arterial fibrillation (i.e. irregular heart rate);
Impaired endocrinal function (i.e. disturbances to hormone production/levels);
Vasoconstriction (i.e. the narrowing of blood vessels which increases blood pressure);
Disturbed sleeping patterns; and
A weakened immune system.
A weakened immune system then opens you up to contracting all manner of illnesses and diseases; all of which have chronic stress as the root cause. This, then, is a good example of the link between mind and body (which is at the very heart of yoga) in the context of illnesses and diseases. I am not aware of an illness or a disease which does not involve both mind and body. Indeed, a vast number of ‘physical’ diseases become worse by mental factors such as stress.
Yoga takes a holistic approach to the management and avoidance of diseases and illnesses. In particular, Prana Vashya Yoga™ works through the purification of the nadis (with its emphasis on pranayama) by removing toxins in the body and through the psycho-physiological corrections programmed into your subconscious by regular yoga asana practice. This cultivates a satvik nature, that is calmness, wisdom and selflessness; an attitude which is needed for optimum mental health.
Damian Cadman-Jones is an authorised teacher of Prana Vashya Yoga™
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