A brief report by Yogasadhaka Nilachal
Embarking on a journey of holistic well-being, the Indian Yoga Association has unveiled its transformative Continuous Yoga Chikitsa Learning and Education (CYCLE) programs. Here, participants are granted the extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Yoga Chikitsa alongside revered Yoga Chikitsa Ratnas and Acharyas. Envisioned as more than mere learning sessions, CYCLE fosters a vibrant community where knowledge is shared and cherished. What truly sets this initiative apart is its dynamic nature, offering live, real-time interactions with esteemed members of the IYA, allowing for authentic exchanges and profound insights.
First Session by Yogacharya S Sridharan
On February 4th, 2024, Yogacharya S Sridharan introduced the inaugural session of the CYCLE PROGRAM, delving into the principles of Continuous Yoga Chikitsa Learning and Education. With profound insights, he elucidated the traditional methodology of Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy, shedding light on the intricate connection between illness and wellness from a yogic standpoint. During his discourse, he explored various topics essential to understanding the profound intersection of yoga and health.
What is Wellness?
Only a person with balanced doshas, agni, dhātu, proper mala kriya, and, along with a harmonious mind and ātma, is considered truly healthy.
Ayurveda’s approach to health encompasses a comprehensive understanding of one’s natural constitution or Prakriti, consisting of three basic functional elements: vāta, pitta, and kapha.
A harmonious balance of vāta, pitta, and kapha signifies good health, while imbalances lead to various diseases.
What is Illness?
Illness is a state of imbalance or disturbance in the doshas (vāta, pitta, kapha) according to Ayurveda.
It manifests as physical and mental pain, suffering, and dejection.
Illness originates from impurities (malas) that block the free movement of prāna in the nādis (energy channels).
Mental disturbances like doubt, confusion, and depression are also considered illnesses.
Causes of Illness
Excess or shortage of prāna (life force energy) can generate illnesses. Prāna must be handled properly through diet, lifestyle, etc.
Improper or unhealthy food can aggravate specific doshas.
Malas (impurities) generated by food, and lifestyle block the nadis and disturb prāna flow.
Past karma or vāsanas (imprints of past actions) differentiate individuals and predispose them to illnesses.
Diagnosing Illness
Illness must be diagnosed holistically by looking at an individual’s Prakriti (constitution), Vikriti (current imbalance), and causes at various levels — physical, mental, and emotional.
Through consultation, examination, and questioning to understand the mind-body constitution and current state.
Developing the ability to sense doshas intuitively with practice.
Principles of Yoga Chikitsa
Healing is an internal process facilitated by yoga, not an external invasion.
Focus on restoring the natural state of equilibrium (swasthya), not just removing symptoms.
Individual-centric, not disease-centric approach. Tailor tools to each person.
Address root causes and imbalances across various ‘maya’ (body, prāna, mind levels).
Involve lifestyle and dietary changes for holistic impact.
Tools of Yoga Chikitsa
Prānāyāma techniques to influence specific doshas
Āsanas to affect the body and mind
Meditation, chanting for mental-emotional balance
Yogic Counseling for deeper causes and vāsana management
Role of the Practitioner
Develop one’s own practice for hands-on experience
Continuously learn to understand individuals and apply tools skillfully
Guide the person to self-manage illness through lifestyle and regular practice
Monitor progress through feedback and adjust approach as needed.
Mark your calendars, for CYCLE unfolds its magic on the first Sunday of every month, beckoning seekers to embrace the boundless wisdom of yoga.
