Yoga is an ancient art and as time progressed, it saw various changes. Many people have made valuable contributions to its growth and development. In this article, we shall take a closer look at the modern yogis that have provided an indispensable contribution to yoga. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at them.
1. Aurobindo Ghose
Sri Aurobindo Ghose was a philosopher, poet, yogi, and guru. He was born in India on August 15, 1872. He has made valuable bequests to not only yoga but to the Indian independence movement as well. He is mostly known for spiritual and visionary ideas for the development of yoga and spiritual essence. His journey to spirituality began during his time in jail. He wrote the book ‘The Synthesis of Yoga and the Life Divine’.
He focused on the idea that the world is not an illusion but humans can enter a new world with new species which are greater than our current status. He introduced the concept of ‘Supermind’ which argues that it is ever-present within us and we need the right tools to access it. These contributions to yoga and spirituality have earned him a spot in the list of modern yogis.
2. Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda is probably the most polarizing figure in Indian history. He was the disciple of the sage Ramakrishna. He was the influential person behind spreading Hinduism to the western continent. He did it at the Parliament of the World’s religion in Chicago. After spending some time in America, he returned back to India and established the Ramakrishna mission. Its main motive was to serve the poor and needy people.
Among modern yogis, he deeply followed the philosophies of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. He has even published books like
Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian writer, speaker, and philosopher. From the very beginning, he had deep interests in meditation, psychological revolution, and how to bring about massive changes in society. He was groomed by the Theosophical society. He traveled through America giving speeches and lectures. He was involved in discussions with profound scholars like the Dalai Lama. Although he was more into politics, his contribution has given him the epithet of modern yogis.
4. Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada is the mastermind behind ISKCON or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. If you have heard chants of ‘Hare Krishna’ somewhere, then chances are they belong to ISKCON. Devotees of Prabhupada see him as a messenger of Lord Krishna. Before becoming a monk, he had a pharmaceutical business. Later, he left everything and traveled to India to find the meaning of life.
His journey took him to the West too where he truly left his mark. He popularized the knowledge of Hinduism and Vedic discipline in the west. It is said that through his teachings, many people started learning the Bhagavad Gita. As of now, there are countless branches and temples of ISKCON throughout the world. He truly deserves to be on the list of modern yogis.
5. Osho very popular among modern yogis
Osho is often described as India’s Godman. His birth name was Chandra Mohan Jain and after becoming popular amidst his followers, he became Osho. He’s been in the spotlight as a founder of a religious movement and a mystical personality. Although he spoke harshly about socialism and communism, he always advocated meditation ( Dynamic meditation is very famous among them), love, celebration, and courage.
In his life, he spoke about spiritual and religious topics like Hinduism, Jainism, Hassidism, and even Buddhism. Among the modern yogis, he believed that meditation is not just a method of practice, but a state of awareness. He gave details about more than 100 different meditation techniques to achieve inner peace. He died on 19th January 1990.
6. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar a leading spiritual leader. Born in13 May 1956. If you have heard about the Art of Living foundation, then chances are that you have heard of Ravi Shankar. He is the founder of Art of Living Foundation. His disciples often call him as Guruji. His foundation provides much-needed help and support to the local people and aids in rural development. Ravi Shankar is a strong believer in the idea that through spirituality, we can enhance human traits like enthusiasm, compassion, and love.
7. Sadhguru – very popular among modern Yogis
Sadhguru is one of the most influential personalities of India in the 21st century. You can even check out his YouTube channel and see what I’m talking about. The man has got a broad sense of ideas and knowledge which will solve your doubts and queries. He is the founder of the Isha Foundation that has a yoga ashram and includes various activities like spirituality and education.
He is greatly involved in various Yoga activities in and out of India. In addition, he conducts various seminars and sessions in which he aims to solve people’s queries. He is counted among the great modern yogis.
8. Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi is an Indian sage and often described as the liberated one. He was born in Tamil Nadu and after encountering a near-death experience, he grew conscious of the force within him. He even made contact with the supreme being. From then, he left his home and took abode on a hill. Some of his teachings and work are:
Arunāchala Patikam
Arunāchala Ashtakam
Akshara Mana Malai
Ramana Maharshi
9. Mahesh Yogi
Mahesh yogi is the developer of the Transcendental meditation technique and his contribution to yoga is amazing. He first introduced this concept in 1955 to India and later, the world. In his life, he imparted his wisdom to more than 40,000 teachers and visited countless universities and colleges to give lectures in yoga. He even acted as a teacher to the legendary Beatles and Beach Boys. He is by all means in the list of modern yogis.
As the studies and experiments continue to reveal many health benefits of yoga, this century-old, eastern philosophy is fast becoming the new fitness soulmate. In This article we list our 10 less popular yoga asana due to difficulty but almost all yoga professionals love these asana and is popular among professional.
The asanas listed here are less practice asana only for beginner and novice of yoga practitioner but for professional its common type. Yet to applaud yoga for its physical benefits alone would only diminish what the entire system has to offer as a whole.
Yoga is something more than physical. By practicing yoga regularly, one can see a noticeable change in their flexibility, strength, and muscle toning.
When yoga was first discovered, the sole purpose of practicing yoga was to experience spiritual enlightenment but slowly and steadily, the scope of yoga in so many fields grew up. Yoga is now used for physical and mental fitness also. Apart from this, yoga is popular for increasing stamina.
Yoga has been so popular among people and is almost use for curing all disease, for mental, physical and emotional stability, and so on. On our yoga mat, we practice both popular types of yoga asanas and less popular asana. Among various styles of yoga, some yoga’s are widely practiced and are popular whereas some of the less popular asana are listed below:
1. Pigeon pose (Eka pada rajakapotasana) -less popular asana for beginner
Despite the initial discomfort, pigeon pose offers a pathway to begin unlocking the tightness to build flexibility. This pose is not that hard to practice but can cause discomfort at the beginning. The reason why this pose is not so popular among people because of the discomfort people should face at the beginning.
2. Boat pose (navasana) – Most popular asana for Professional
This classic abdominal strengthener requires a lot of initial strength and core stabilization to perform it. If anything goes wrong, then it can hurt your back seriously, which no longer brings a smile to your face. This can be a push to your limitations so they are a little hard to perform. This is the reason why they are less popular asana in yoga practice.
3. Extended hand to big toe pose (utthita hasta padangustasana)
The standing pose that adds balance in it is known as utthita hasta padangustasana . Theses poses can be difficult to sustain gracefully after a few breathes. To perform this yoga, it needs a lot of strength and patience along will core and muscle strength.
4. Bow pose ( Dhanurasana)
This yoga pose is all about struggle. Whether struggling to get your hands to your ankle or your back feeling nasty cracks, this may be a tricky pose to perform. It requires a flexible body and a cocktail of determination so many people fail to do this pose. This is also a less popular asana among beginner practitioner.
5. Barbara beneath or Sarvangasana
This is also known as shoulder stand. It is very hard to perform and can take a long time to do it gracefully. People can get shoulder, collarbone, and neck injuries during this practice. Shoulder stand continues to be difficult for a long time and it needs constant determination to perform this pose with grace.
6. Revolved triangle pose or parivrtta trikonasana ( Less popular asana)
When it comes to the revolved triangle pose, the difficulty level touches the sky. Our spine can badly get hurt if the instructions are not followed properly. You cannot breathe freely at the beginning so it is somewhat frustrating for some people. This is a less popular asana or pose because of the difficulty we need to face during this pose. variation of triangle pose: Utthita Trikonasana
7. Eagle pose or Garudasana
So many people struggle with garudasana for years. People always have a kind of hate towards this pose. This pose can be very beneficial if you will be able to do it effortlessly but at the beginning, it is very painful and hard. So apart from its benefits, this pose is not so popular among people.
8. Patricia Walden on Marichyasana
This pose is a real struggle. As it is all about your balance, it can be painful when your all bodyweight will fall into your legs. You can get a natural hamstring in your legs muscles. This can be a physical challenge to perform as you need both core and muscle strength.
9.Upward plank pose or purvottanasana – Less popular asana for beginner
When you will practice this pose, you willfeel a kind of compression around your sacrum. To avoid this, you need to work hard to elongate your lower back and to internally rotate your thighs. You can feel stuck at the beginning and that is the point where so many people stop doing this pose.
10.The side plank:
The side plank does not seem to be that difficult but it is a difficult pose to perform. Its appearance is deceiving and can cause many difficulties to perform. This pose requires a lot of strength and flexibility with patience. This is the condition where people lag. Therefore, because of its difficulty, it is a less popular asana or pose.
Annals of Internal Medicine had published research in July 2017 that yoga asanas can reduce the need for pain medication. More than 90% of cases of back pain can be healed with yoga, while yoga may not be helpful if you have severe pain. If you have occasional soreness or chronic aches, certain yoga asana can greatly help to cure it since they lengthen the spine, stretch and strengthen muscles, and rectify your back to its proper alignment.
Yoga works for balance and steadiness strengthening the body to encourage defences against the causes of back pain. It also works for lack of flexibility in the hips along with weak abdominal and pelvic muscles. Due to the strengthening of these muscles and improvement of your posture reduces the burden on your back, and thus decreases the aches. Besides, stretching and flexibility improve blood flow to tighten muscles.
It is revealed that there are prominent differences between the brains of those with chronic pain and the brains of daily yoga practitioners. The brain tissues that help to tolerate pain are found in the regions among those who have ache, but those who did yoga had more brain tissues. Thus, yoga helps not just physically but also neurologically.
It’s better to consult a doctor before beginning a new asana if you’re prone to pain. After you are allowed, practice these soothing asana for the back. These asanas can be done in any order you like. Gradually you can increase the duration of holding and intensity remaining mindful. These practices can even reap the other benefits sound heart rate, healthy blood pressure, improved sleep, and decreased indication of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Best 7 Yoga Poses For Back Pain Relief
1. Adhomukha-swanasana (to Stretch the Hamstrings and calves)
This asana is translated as Downward-Facing Dog, is total body stretch and strengthen the back extensor.
Process: Begin with hands and knees on the mat. Keep the hands in front of the shoulders. Grounding the palms and feet, push hips upwards and backwards. Try to keep knees straight raising off the floor. Give the stretch on hamstring and calves drawing heels toward the floor. Stay here for 5 to 10 breaths. If you have time repeat the asana five to seven times.
2. Balasana (to elongate the back and relieve stress)
Its English name is Child’s pose. Somebody feels Child’s pose is a resting pose, but it engages stretch elongating the back. It acts as a great de-stressor before bed to relax the exhaustion of the whole day.
Practice: Sit on your heels. Bend down and keep Start on all fours with your arms stretched out straight in front of you. Stay here 5 to 10 breaths. If you like you can repeat again and again.
3. Pigeon Pose (to relaxes hips by stretching rotators)
Pigeon pose stretches and flexes the hip rotators. Sometimes back pain occurs due to tight hips. In this case, this pose is very helpful.
Process: Begin with Downward-Facing Dog. Draw your left knee forward and turn it out to the left, foot to the right fixing on the ground. The left leg is bent about perpendicular to your right one. Now you can simply fix your back right leg extended straight behind, or engaging stretch on the hamstring. Consciously draw your back foot off the ground and in with hand toward your back. Stay here for 5 to 10 breaths. Repeat on the other side as well.
4. Makarasana (Crocodile Pose):
This pose is good for strengthening the back and cure backache.
Process: Lay down on your stomach. Bend your elbows and fix them on the ground. Lift head up and keep chin on the palms. Look ahead. Stretch your legs out, facing toes out. Hold the asana for about 10 breaths.
5. Setubandasana (Bridge pose):
It is an ideal stretch of back, legs and chest muscles. It is good for back pain and abdomen.
Process: Lay down on your back. Bend the knees to lift your hips up with the help palm, and elbows grounded on the floor. Shoulder and head remain on the ground. Give the stretch on the hips and back. Hold the pose for about 5 breaths.
6. Salabhasana (Locust Pose):
It effectively prepares for deeper back bent and strengthens the leg, arms, and back of the torso. This is highly recommended for backache. There are some variations for Salabhasana.
Process: Lay down on the abdomen. Keep hands straight beside the waist. Stretch your body. With the support of the abdomen and pelvic region lift chest, head and legs (including thigh) up and hold the position for about 5 breaths.
7. Marjari-Bitila Asana (Cat-cow Pose):
This pose can be done in both ways- dynamic and static way. It gives a good massage for your back.
Process: Begin with knees and palm on the floor, knees directly under the hips and palms under the shoulders. Toes will also remain on the floor. Inhaling press middle back down and lift head and chest up. This is Cow Pose (Bitila Asana). Exhaling lift head and chest down, also stretch middle back up. Engage the stretching of legs and hands. This is a cat pose (Marjari Asana) Continue it for about ten times without holding. After that do it again by holding for five breaths in each pose.
Besides these asanas, there are many other asanas as well to support and prevent back pain. Once you learn these poses, you will gain an idea about others poses as well to bring the healing effect on your back.
Sciatica is related to a nerve called sciatic nerve which is considered as longest nerve of the body. Sciatica is name given to pain in the area of distribution of sciatic nerve (l4 to s3), which is commonly felt in buttock and over the poster lateral aspect of leg. It is severe pain with radiation in the leg along the course of sciatic nerve felt at the back of the thigh and running down inside of leg. According to Ayurveda it is called Gridhrasi.
There are many persons suffering from sciatica. About 40% of population will experience the sciatica at some time during their lives. In Bhojpuri language it as called Sataka means stick because the person suffering from this feels his leg pulling like stick and pain.
What Are The Causes Of Sciatica?
Sciatica or sciatic neuritis is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression that may be caused by general compression or irritation of one of the five nerve roots that give rise to the sciatic nerve or by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve itself.
One cause of sciatica is spinal disc herniation, pressing on one of the sciatic nerve roots. Herniation of disc occurs when liquid center of the disc bulges outwards tearing the external ring of fibers, extrudes the spine canal and compresses a nerve root against the lamina or pedicle of vertebra, thus causing sciatica.
The risk of self-inflicted sciatica has increased in recent years with for instant sitting on a wallet or feet for prolonged hours every day which can cause self-inflicted sciatica. Symptoms of numbness or pain behind the knee cap are the associated features. Work-related sciatica may be caused by the use of tool belts which hang around the hips and cause significant misalignment of the sacral vertebrae over a long time period.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sciatica?
This condition may be abruptly or gradually and is characterized by a sharp shooting pain running down the back of the thigh.
Pain may be uniformly distributed along the limb but frequently there are certain spots where it is more intense.
Numbness and tingling may be present and the nerve may be extremely sensitive to touch.
If pressure is more in the nerve, numbness will be felt.
Treatment For Sciatica
The cause of the symptoms should be determined if possible and treated with appropriate intervention.
Most Cases Of Sciatica Can Be Treated One Or More Of Following
To ease the patient, tamarind soaked in salt water, churned , filtered and boiled
To paste like consistency should be applied warm to the affected led.
Crush 5 garlic cloves, put this in 50ml of til oil, allow it to become lukewarm and apply on the affected areas of pain.
One good home remedy for sciatica is the regular application of castor oil to the sole of the affected side. Oil should be made lukewarm before application. Regular practice of the gives good relief.
The good home remedy is bed rest.
Ayurvedic Remedies Of Sciatica
Simhanad guggulu is good remedy. Two pills should be taken twice a day after meals with a cup of warm milk.
Maha vishagarbha tailam, an external oil should be applied over the areas of pain before going to bed daily. An early morning warm water reduces the inflammatory and pain considerably.
Godanta mishram along with punarnava guggulu is very effective.
Brihat vat chintamani ras 1 tab 2 to 3 times daily with maharasnadhi kwath is very effective in acute cases.
Introduction Hypertension Treatment & Management Using Takradhaara
Takradhaara a way to heal Hypertension
Ayurvedic Panchakarma is famous for the different lifestyle-related diseases of the current scenario where other system of medicine are also found to be ineffective. Hypertension although, the handy literature is not observed in Ayurvedic classic, review of previous theoretical and clinical works on this topic point out certain mode of involvement of Dosha and Dushya (Vitiated tissues) in the genesis of it. Most of efforts show a prime role of Vata in association of remaining dosha Pitta and Kapha. Acharya Charaka permits to treat such disease without nomenclature by judging the involvement of Dosha Dushya only. The process of Rasa-vikshepa through Hridaya (Heart) i.e. anudhavana by Vyan Vayu within the body has become helpful to understand the Hypertention as Rasa-Rakta (whole blood) being the main mediator of vitiation of disease.
Hypertension (High blood pressure) is a circulatory state; arise from any cause, in which the pressure of the blood within the arteries becomes elevated beyond normal limits and can be cured by Takradhara. In general the term includes any rise in arterial pressure whether temporary involving systolic pressure, diastolic pressure or both of renal or normal origin. According to W.H.O. the blood pressure of 160/95 mm of Hg or higher should always be considered as hypertension. Blood pressure in between is considered as borderline or possible hypertension.
The rise of persistent systemic arterial diastolic blood pressure above 100 mm of Hg. or more is more risky than rise of systolic blood pressure. Generally systolic and diastolic hypertension occurs together. Systolic hypertension is caused from increased cardiac output or arterial rigidity in aged. Arterial rigidity by arteriosclerosis, affecting intima of arterioles and capillary of vital functional organs is pathogenic. Diastolic hypertension develops from the increased vascular resistance to the blood flow at the level of arterioles. In capillaries the blood flow is slow; hence, there is no development of resistance.
Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead (the ‘third eye’). It was developed by vaidyas (practitionars of Ayurveda) in Kerala, India for use in sukhachikitsa (restorative therapy) and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shira ‘head’ and dhara ‘flow’. The liquids used in shirodhara depend on what is being treated, but can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water.
Takradhara is a form of Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment method which involves continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead continuously for up to an hour a day. The process can last from 7 to 21 days. It is a cure for vata predominant diseases, relieves tension and cures certain types of psycho-somatic diseases like hypertension.
Takradhara is an external treatment which is simple and effective, which acts on the nervous system and calms the mind and relaxes entire physiology, thus alleviates stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure therefore, this project was undertaken to find a safe and effective Ayurvedic method of treatment for hypertension that would be free of any adverse effect and would maintain blood pressure within normal limits, i.e., below 140/90 mmHg as recommended by the World Health organization (WHO)
Takradhara (with Gooseberry decoction) helps in reducing both systolic and diastolic pressure. Gooseberry contains 5 different rasas (tastes) which is responsible for the pacification of hypertension caused by Vata as well as Pitta. Gooseberry in Ayurveda is considered as one of the most powerful anti-oxidant, rejuvenator and immunity booster plant.
Shiro Dhara is an external treatment which is simple and effective, which acts on the nervous system and calms the mind and relaxes entire physiology, thus, alleviates stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure etc. a few studies done on Takra Dhara in Essential hypertension, were proved to be effective.
“Ayurveda treats the whole person, not just the organ or system involved.”
Dr. Vasant Lad, Textbook of Ayurveda
What is Ayurveda?
World over Ayurveda is known as the science of life, knowledge about life and longevity. If we go a little deeper Ayurveda is the methodology to establish harmony among the body, mind, soul and the environment. This ensures that Ayurveda is a holistic science with a colossal relationship with nature. Our aim as Ayurvedic healer is just to maintain this harmonious relationship through different means. Thus Ayurveda may be associated with various aspects in human life, how to lead a healthy long-life free from disease and infirmity. How the life span of a person may be increased through Kayakalp? What we are doing to maintain this balance? How to keep our relations intact with Mother Nature without disturbing the balance, while we fulfil our all requirement from her? One possible reply of all questions is “Sustainable use of Bio-diversity and replenish them properly.”
Shushrut Samhita 5/48 According to Sushrut Samhita (Beyond 1000B.C.) a healthy person is ‘One whose metabolism is good (Samdosha samagnish) whose tissues are functioning normally (Normal seven body elements), whose elimination is in balance and who is pacified at subtle, sensory and mental level’.
The first part is fulfilled perfectly through Ayurveda and the second part through Yoga (Holistic Approach). Thus Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences and they are complementary to each other.
The human body is composed of five basic elements like cosmos. These are further transformed in Tridoshas. Ayurvedic therapy is a perfect model to maintain the health of a healthy person and eradicate the disease and disharmony of ‘Doshas’ in an imbalanced state. Charak Samhita Su. 30/26. Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences, they are a supplement to each other to bring a harmony of body, mind and soul. It is difficult to detect such a cross-cultural bridge between Health, Society, Environment and wisdom of the ancient sages who dwelled in the forest and created a beautiful world of harmony between human and nature.
Routine is one of the most important aspects of this holistic medicine. You have probably experienced it yourself when you have a good routine, life seems to flow and there somehow is more time in the day. Ayurvedic Daily Routines (you can think of them like your grandma’s wisdom) will start making you and your loved ones feel better immediately.
We All Originated From The Five Basic Elements:
Air, Space = Vata – V
Fire, Water = Pitta – P
Water, Earth = Kapha – K
Our body is a big pharmacy; manufactures many chemicals of her need daily. But we are adding a lot of unnecessary chemicals from outside while we have the natural option of many of them.
We Are Consuming These Unwanted Chemicals in Various Forms:
Fertilizers, Insecticide and pesticides as residue in our foods.
The synthetic chemical in our medicine, Health foods and cosmetics.
Inhaling petrol and diesel fumes.
Many pollutants found in our environment which are not biodegradable.
These chemicals & pollutants are representative of FIRE. They are increasing FIRE element in our body, which is represented by PITTA, resulting in anger, lust, greed, jealousy and war.
Conclusion
Realize, we are a member of a family we have to live together peacefully. Adopt a natural lifestyle, herbal things preparations; avoid harmful synthetics for the sustainability of this planet, which is only one of its types till now. Adopt a holistic Ayurveda approach.
