Yoga –A Medical alternate to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

By

Prof. A.N. Pandey, Director, Spiritual Awareness Program (SAP), Hyderabad

1.0 Ebola hemorrhagic fever & its causes

Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe and often deadly illness in humans, caused by the Ebola virus. The disease has high mortality rate, killing about 90% of people who are infected. The ongoing 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak is considered to be the largest and longest outbreak ever recorded of Ebola, killing more than 1,500 people and infecting more than 3,000 till date (30th of August 2014), in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Liberia. Hence, the World Health Organization (WHO) on 8 August, 2014 declared the killer Ebola epidemic ravaging parts of West Africa and & other  international region.

      
EVD is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebola virus. While there are five identified sub-species of Ebola virus, four viruses cause disease in humans. They are Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), Taï Forest virus (TAFV). The fifth virus, Reston virus (RESTV), is not considered to be disease-causing in humans.

As per information, EVD first appeared in 1976 at two places simultaneously (at Nigeria, Sudan, Yambuku and Democratic Republic of Congo). The latter was in a village situated near the Ebola River from which the disease takes its name.

1.1 Signs and symptoms of EVD

       Symptoms may occur between 2 and 21 days after contracting the infection. Common signs of Ebola include “ Fever, Headache, Muscle, abdominal and joint pain, Sore throat, Weakness, Diarrhea, Vomit or cough up blood, Chest pain, Difficulty in breathing and swallowing, Rash, Hiccups, Bleeding inside and outside the body”.

1.2 Method of spreading

        It is still unclear how Ebola spreads. However, it is believed that the first patient becomes infected through contact with an infected animal's body fluids. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with blood, organs or other body fluids of infected people or exposure to objects such as needles and syringes that have been contaminated with infected secretions.

Ebola can also be transmitted from men who have recovered from the disease through semen as it is infectious for up to 7 weeks. Infected dead bodies can spread Ebola as they are still infectious. So mourners who have direct contact with the body of deceased person can also get the disease. Most at risk are helping hands of the patients including Health-care workers who do not wear appropriate protective clothing and family members who are in close contact with infected people or deceased patients.

1.3 General Prevention adopted in case of EVD

Currently there is no readily vaccine available for humans. But the infection can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures such as avoiding contacting infected blood or secretions, including from those who are dead. Precautions can be taken by using medical instructions for all patients in the healthcare setting, sterilizing equipment, and wearing protective clothing including masks, gloves, gowns and goggles, washing hands with soaps or detergents, disinfecting surroundings. Better to isolate people who have Ebola symptoms. In addition, proper management should be adhered while cutting of infected animals (with close supervision) before burial or incineration of carcasses. Yet, not travelling to the areas or countries where the virus is found is the best way to avoid Ebola.

       It is a saying that “Prevention is better than cure”. The same principle has to be adopted in case of EVD and its havoc, till there is no other approaches available (other than medical & scientific development) so as to prevent & cure the EVD.  After large death toll, all over the world due to virus and its sign of spreading beyond human control was serious problem for human kind. This has attracted the attention of many thinkers to search other kind of remedial aspects other than medical to have some solace by preventing or controlling this virus.

1.4 Is there any alternate?

      The scientific methods of any kind, which can prevent these systems to get affected, will be of use to overcome or control EVD. Fortunately, scientific yogic practices explained in this paper can help as preventive measures for common people against the EVD. At the same time, they can be used as therapeutic practice for those who are affected at initial stage as well as in severe stage. In brief, yogic practices related to nostril, thyroid gland, digestive system, respiratory system and central nervous system are to be utilized to strengthen these systems of the body as a preventive measure to retain resistivity against EVD or related virus of this kind.

2.0 How to reach the root of Host EVD?

     When Ebola Virus enters (somehow) inside the body, the same is welcome by Host Viruses and get lodged inside the body system. Unless the same is exposed and taken out, they may erupt any moment and cause the danger. Normally, medical science finds the reason and remedial aspects of the disease, but doesn’t reach the root of the body cells to eliminate it. For this, the methodology suggested by Lord Buddha is to be remembered. Lord Buddha gave four noble paths to reach the root.

2.1 Four Noble path of Buddha

Lord Buddha stated that i) There IS Disease ii) There is CAUSE for it iii) There is REMEDY for the same and iv) There is ROOT of the disease. Normally, we as medical practitioner, analyze only three approaches like IS, CAUSE, REMEDY. But we don’t try to reach the root of the disease. Yoga provides the methodology to reach the same in scientific way. Certain Yogic practices have been described as preventive measures against EVD.

2.2 Why Yoga as medical alternate for EVD?

   Researchers have revealed how the Ebola virus blocks body's antiviral defenses in a new study, providing important insight that could lead to new therapies in treating the deadly disease. Let us have a look in our defensive mechanism & how the same are getting affected?  Defensive Mechanism consists of two Lymphocytes and they are T & B Lymphocytes.

2.2.1 T Lymphocytes

Research reveals that EVD virus damages the defensive mechanism of the human system. Because of this, it becomes uncontrolled. The defensive lymphocytes are T Lymphocytes and B Lymphocytes. T Lymphocytes undergo processing in the thymus (hence T Lymphocytes). Some of them are called “Effecter cells”. This means that, they directly kill the intruding organism or virus. Others are called “Controller cells” as they regulate the activities of other lymphocytes which are involved in defense responses. For example, “Effecter cells” include Cytotoxic T cells and Natural killer cells. The cells destroy an alien organism and may release substances which break up the cell membrane of organism, leading to death.

  Alternatively, other substances may be released which activate other migratory cells “Microphages”. These cells engulf and destroy the organism by Phagocytosis. The effecter T cells defend the body against viruses. They also attack abnormal (EVD) and cancerous cells. An example of an unwanted exposure is fighting the tissues of a transplanted organ. This leads to rejection of the transplant. Effected T cells may inactivate and remove an invader (EVD) the very first time they are exposed to it. There are also “memory cells” which can remember an invader and recognize it, when it next enters the body. This memory may last more years.

  Controller T cells include “Helper T cells” and “Suppressor T cells”. These controller cells influence the activity of other T cells as well as the other category of Lymphocytes called B Lymphocytes. These controls are very necessary, especially in case of any virus attack. It is essential that unwanted organism (like EVD) should be destroyed and removed without any damage to the body. In case this control doesn’t function properly, serious problems like Pandemic arise. One extreme may be “immune incompetence”, where as the other could be extreme “autoimmunity”. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system has started to fight against the body’s tissues.

2.2.2 B Lymphocytes

The B Lymphocytes are the second type of Lymphocytes. They are also produced in the bone marrow. Unlike, T lymphocyte, their subsequent processing occurs in lymphoid tissues other than the Thymus. In birds, this occurs in a structure called the Bursa of Fabricus (hence B Lymphocytes). In man, the exact site of processing is not certain. It may occur in lymphocyte tissue in the intestine or in the bone marrow.

  When these cells come in contact with an intruder (like EVD), they get activated and also get divided to form cells called “Plasma cells”. These cells secrete proteins called “antibodies” or “Immunoglobulins”. This defense strategy is used to combat many infections.

  Some B Lymphocytes survive for many years and remember the intruder, to recognize later on.  The antibodies are specific. That is they react with the same organism which provoked their production. As a result of this, the protection offered is limited. Very often, both T and B Lymphocytes immune responses are seen. The helper T cells are necessary for the B Lymphocytes to be active.

2.2.3 How Yoga boasts up healthiness of these Cells?

From research, it is found that Ebola Virus Disease blocks the defensive mechanism of the body and starts destroying healthiness of body tissues, which are supposed to be the base for organs of the systems. When EVD is successful as intruder, it blocks the activity of killer T cells and controller T cells. By this way, the activity of killer cells becomes “immune incompetence”, stop fighting with the intruder (EVD) and controller T cells function as “auto immune disorder”. This means that controller T cells start fighting with the body’s healthy tissues. At the same time, antibodies promoted by B cells do not get support from helper T cells as the same is blocked by the Ebola virus. The deficiency in antibodies (produced by B cells) does not able to combat the infections caused by intruder organism.

2.2.4 How Yoga works?

In case of Yogic practice, the blockage of defensive mechanism is removed in two ways, namely by exposing the lodged virus and killing them by providing sufficient oxygen. It is interesting to note that no virus can survive under the exposure of sufficient oxygen for longer time. Yogic practices are designed in such a way that sufficient oxygen is supplied in the body and retain for longer time (with the help of slow and deep breathing). This way virus is exposed and killed. This process helps to rejuvenate killer T cells (also known as Receptor cells). Similar way, the antibodies (which depend on helper T cells and also its own processing in intestine and bone marrow system) start functioning to combat the infections caused by the intruder.

The best evidence can be noticed in Prashanti Kutiram (where SVYASA and Arogya Dhama are existing) where improvement in B cells and T cells can be measured. This is because, morning session of Yogic practices help to improve the healthiness of B cells and T cells as there is sufficient exposure of pure oxygen which eliminates the existing intruder inside the body. Similarly, evening session, when emotion culture by prayer and Pranic culture by meditation are carried out, helps to develop the immune sufficiency (especially to develop killer Lymphocytes and controller Lymphocytes). The same kind of Yogic practices can be evolved in case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) so that the blockage mechanism of this virus could be overcome. In addition, Pranayama & Relaxation techniques could be adopted to strengthen the healthiness of body cells.

2.3   Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing)

This practice helps to nourish the whole body with extra supply of oxygen and the carbon dioxide is removed effectively. This process purifies the whole blood system and increases the overall health of the body. It improves the power of the body to resist any kind of diseases. The deep and slow breathing encourages the removal of stagnant air from the lungs. The advantage of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is to achieve the calmness of the mind by regulating the flow of Prana in the body. It helps to remove the blockage of Nadis and thereby allows the free flow of Prana in them.

2.4   Relaxation

There are various methods of relaxation described in the yogic books. Basically Shavasana relaxes the physiological and psychological aspects. It relaxes the 3-H namely Head, Heart and Hands of our human body mind configuration. A relaxed head allows us to see and relate the world and the people around us in a more realistic light. Similarly we can carry our works (actions) more smoothly and attain the happiness in our day to day work. This happens at an emotional level. The emotional conflict is removed with the help of relaxation. Otherwise the tensed and emotionally imbalanced mind implies a certain psychosomatic diseases. Relaxation of mind/body complex helps to relieve and prevent diseases.

The steps described above are the full proof approach against infectious virus like EVD. However, at least Jala Neti, Lion’s yawn and Relaxation techniques are recommended to have the preventive approach against EVD. To build a firewall against the harmful virus, one has to adopt all the five steps. Correction at defensive mechanism along with Pranayama & Relaxation techniques is the basic requirements to combat EVD. However, if time permits, the ancient yogic practices like clinching the path way of virus entry and also to expose the defective virus (lodged in intestine) are to be adopted as precautionary measures. 

3.0 Inner mechanism of Yoga (How Yoga works?)

  To prove the authenticity of Yoga, certain Yogic Mechanism reveals the effectiveness of regulating and controlling the inner forces against any mismatch among system & organs of the body. The mechanism describes how Yogic approach is scientific.   

3.1 Yogic method for distribution of inner force

  Yoga helps at three stages namely i) at mind’s level ii) at Prana (bio Plasmic energy) and iii) at physical (body) levels.  In physiology, Central Nervous System (CNS), consisting Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) & Para Sympathetic Nervous System (PSNS), balances force in body & mind. If SNS dominated, heart beat speeded up, blood vessels dilated; respiration increased and better sense efficiency (extrovert) is obtained. This makes Pingla path more active and causing damages, if the same persists for longer time.  To balance Pingla, if   Para SNS is made dominated with the help of yogic practice, the function is reversed.

   Yoga also helps to activate the Prana as it (Prana) is involuntary and unconscious for most of us; hence does not flow through Ida & Pingla to balance them. Yoga manipulates and makes it voluntary & conscious to compensate the requirement of Ida & Pingla, whenever imbalances occurred in them. This way, the person who is having yoga in lifestyle get added advantage of conscious and voluntary approach of Prana.

When Ida dominates, mind is restless; similarly, when Pingla dominates then body is restless. During medical treatment, body gets energy through medicine and restlessness of mind and body gets compensated by Ida & Pingla path through Nadi Sodhana Pranayama. This way, Yoga helps to have proper function of human system.
                                

Sketch describes the distribution of force at Head, Heart & Hands levels in human system. The function of forces can be reorganized & directed as per the requirement of certain system or organ of the body.

3.2 Yoga eliminates free radicals and maintains adequate ratio of blood cells

Harmful effect of free radicals, known as Oxidative stress, takes away Antioxidant and Glutathione from the system. Any mechanism to balance or to minimize Oxidative stress is welcomed. Yogic practice takes care of free radicals due to adequate amount of Oxygenated breath. This helps to spare Antioxidant and Glutathione (selective Antioxidants) and maintains the healthiness of the system.

In human system we have proper ratio of blood Plasma (Platelet), White Blood Cells (W.B.C.) and Red Blood Cells (R.B.C.). Blood Plasma is required to maintain the basic structure of the body, W.B.C. is necessary for defensive mechanism and R.B.C. is important to supply to oxygenated blood to all organs & systems of the body. Ratio of all three blood cells in adequate proportion is required for positive health. Oxygenated blood cells make body and mind healthy. Sufficient W.B.C is necessary to face any kind of crisis. Adequate ratio of all three can be maintained with the help of Yogic practices like Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation.

3.3 Repair Mechanism through Yoga

DNA consists of Genes (Genetic information). When it gets affected, Yoga helps to repair DNA by making correction in negative surge of feeling & approach. In human system, few cells are newly born, some are required to be maintained properly and some are needed for replacement. In case the defective cells are more than other two cells, ageing starts even in young age. Yoga makes correction so that production of defective cells is bare minimum. Slow and Deep breathing helps to minimize the toxins in the body and thereby, increasing the effectiveness of thymus gland and Bone marrow system to produce adequate B cells (Antibodies).

Image indicate in brief how Yoga works at root levels & performs repair mechanism at T & B cells levels, affects Genes level by altering the negative surge. It also enhances the immune retaining capability of organs & tissues.

3.3.1 Research on “DNA repair” carried out at SVYASA

  SVYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana), first kind of Yogic University in the world (www.svyasa.org) has conducted many scientific experiments on Cancer suffering Patients, where DNA repair mechanism has been performed with the help of yogic process. DNA repair mechanisms improve by Yoga strengthens the immune system. This reduces the auto immunity of the body; which otherwise, destroys the healthy tissues of the body. Interested persons may kindly contact SVYASA for the details.

3.4 Yoga as complementary to medical approach

In yoga, Sushumna Nadi carries spiritual force (Atma Shakti). Purification of Nadis and energy centers makes effective Ida and Pingla. When Ida flows predominantly, the mind will be restless. Likewise, when Pingla flows predominantly body is restless. When Sushumna flows, the mind enters a state of spontaneous absorption and spiritual force arises. 

          When people are under medical treatment like chemo or radiation therapy, either body will be restless or the mind will be disturbed because of side effect of treatment.  Yoga manipulates either forces and sends them wherever required. For example, when mind is restless, the vital force of the body is manipulated to overcome the mental disturbance and vice versa is also true.  That is why, Yoga is recommended after surgical operation and heavy dose of chemo and radiation therapy. 

The sketch describes how the practitioner of Yoga can get the benefits of energy system by auto manipulation of Ida, Pingla & Sushumna path; which otherwise, Common people are not the beneficiary.

4.0 Ancient Yogic practice against EVD

       Scientific yogic Kriyas and practices are available to make the body system immune against this kind of virus. After going through the Yogic practices adopted in India and Eastern part of the world, an attempt has been made to bring out those yogic practices available in scripture for the benefit of mankind. Though, EVD is not airborne disease hence, the problem of entering inside the body through nostrils (while breathing) can be ruled out.  But the symptom of EVD shows the difficulty in breathing and heaviness in lungs. This means, the respiratory system gets affected once the virus is effective in human system. To have cleanliness and also to retain least possible chances of entering strong EVD, Jala Neti Kriya is suggested.   

4.1   Jala Neti prevents breeding ground for Virus

The advantage of Neti is to prevent and eliminate colds. It is an effective cure for the common cold along with removal of breeding ground for any kind of viruses. Jala Neti cleans the mucus (Breeding ground of infectious virus) and makes the capillaries of inner nostril strong to have pure flow of blood rich in oxygen. This will not allow the virus to further sustain for longer.

    The other advantages of  the  Neti is to  help  in curing sinusitis, elements of eyes, nose and throat, tonsillitis, catarrh as well as inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes. It is effective in removing, headaches, insomnia and tiredness. Jala Neti has a subtle influence on the various nerves which end in nasal passages, such as the olfactory bulb and other adjacent nerves which innervate the eyes, ear etc. This has very soothing influence on the brain and can help to relieve such elements such as migraine, epilepsy, depression and tension.

Neti helps to prevent and cure lung diseases such as asthma , pneumonia , bronchitis , pulmonary tuberculosis etc .Respiration becomes much easier which leads to an improved intake of oxygen , improved removal of carbon dioxide and consequently better health. The symptoms of fever and giddiness due to EVD could be removed when lungs are kept in healthy condition. The Yogic book describes how Jala Neti is helpful for removal of breeding ground of virus, making thyroid gland and lungs effective. If only this yogic Kriya (Jala Neti) is regularly practiced by an individual (old, young & student), the virus like EVD can be prevented. To have the firewall against EVD, other techniques of yogic system could be used such as Dhouti, Simha Mudra, Relaxation and Pranayama along with Jala Neti.

 4.2 Simha Kriya (Lion’s Yawn) for healthy tonsils

.  The tonsils can function effectively if blood supply around it is pure and rich in oxygen. The lion’s yawn removes the stagnant impure blood around the tonsils and allows having pure blood around it. The same Kriya (action) provides the massages in throat region. It can squeeze the stagnant blood and send the same to kidney for purification. By this the blood vessels of throat are relaxed. The rich oxygen supply in the blood in tonsils region has wonderful rejuvenation effect; which in turn improves the health of the body and removes the cause of tonsillitis.

4.2.1 How it works for Glands & Nerve Plexuses?

In the throat there are many vital organs including thyroid glands, the pharynx, the larynx and the salivary glands. All of them receive a wonderful massage with the help of lion’s yawn Kriya. These organs provide the essential functions of the body, the improvement in their health through the simple practice of lion’s yawn (Simha Kriya) can have vast repercussions on the liver. Neck is the vital crossroad of the nerves connecting body and brain. Also, in the throat region there are various nerve plexuses which control the organs of the throat. This Kriya stretches the nerves and remove stagnant blood. This in turn allows an influx of fresh blood. This increases the efficiency in the glands and organs of the body. It also improves the general throat elements.

4.3 Importance of Kunjal Kriya for Gastro Intestinal Disease

The advantage of this Kriya is to get ease feeling in the abdominal region. There is a tendency for the residue of undigested food to lay in the bottom of the stomach after all the easily digested food has passed through the intestine. This is particularly the case if one has a stomach with internal pressure at bottom of stomach. This acts as a reservoir in which fermentation takes place. When one eats the next meal this residue is mixed with incoming food and can pass into the intestines. This can contaminate and poison the system, for such it will be absorbed into the blood stream from the intestines. Kunjal Kriya throws this fermented waste out of stomach before it can cause the harm. This Kriya is sure way of preventing auto poisoning of the body.

This Kriya expels the water (green colour) which indicates the presence of bile. Bile is secreted from the gall bladder into the intestines below the stomach. This Kriya provides the wonderful relief by eliminating the accumulation of nauseating and bitter tasting. In addition, it helps the asthmatic people to improve the lung function. This technique provides the best possible wash to the digestive system from the stomach to the mouth. It also helps to eradicate the accumulation of phlegm in the throat region which can become the breeding ground for the virus.

5.0 How to solve Global Problem amicably?

  Swami Vivekananda has visualized that the global problems can be solved by combining “the best of the East (Yoga)” with “the best of the West (Science)”. Taking the help of Swamiji’s concept, the medical science should be combined with the Yogic science to overcome this kind of global problem. The function of medical science is well known to the mass; whereas yogic function is not understood by many. Let us understand how yoga works as medical supplementary (protection against disease), complementary to medical science (curative approach) and also as medical alternate (immune developing capability).

5.1 Combine role of West & East

The yogic practice can be implemented along with whatever precautions and practices given by World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian Medical Association. Till confidence is built, the importance of yogic practice should be understood and the result of the same could be experienced. The yogic practice works parallel to the vaccination against particular disease. When EVD is spreading and there is no readily available vaccine to prevent the infection caused by this; it is better to adopt the easiest yogic practices suggested by our spiritual masters (Rishis) to encounter the same.

It is presumed that WHO, the common people, medical association, NGO and other government organizations can adopt this prevention without giving any colour of religion as yoga is meant for everyone.  It is important to adopt this practice of yogic Kriya, Asana, Pranayama and other Astang Yoga practices to combat the severity of EVD. It should be taken as the need of the day; not with the sense of propagating yogic practice but with the feeling of utmost requirement of the same to prevent the virus generally not commonly known.

ANCIENT INDIAN WISDOM (VEDANTA): E) What is Spirituality in Business, Trade

ANCIENT INDIAN WISDOM (VEDANTA): E) What is Spirituality in Business, Trade

SPIRITUAL APPROACH FOR CURATIVE MEASURE FOR SWINE FLU OR INFLUENZA A(H1N1)

It reminds me a conversation between an enlightened person and an intellectual. Enlightened person was very famous for providing the solutions for any kind of life problems. One day, the intellectual wanted to test the wisdom of enlightened person. He caught hold of a small bird (sparrow), closed his hand and kept his hand in his coat’s pocket. He went to the enlightened person who was in midst of a big gathering and asked “well, sir, I have heard a lot about you for providing solution for any kind of problem; hence, I would like to know from you whether the bird in my hand which is inside the pocket is alive or dead”?

The enlightened person smiled and said “well, friend thanks for giving me the clue that a bird is in your fist. If I answer that the bird is alive; then, you will crush the bird and show it to me and the present public that the bird is dead. If I answer that the bird is dead then simply you will bring out your hand and show to the public that the bird is alive”. In both the ways you are trying to prove me false.

By listening to the enlightened person, the intellectual felt ashamed and was slowly coming down. In the mean time, the enlightened person called him back and said that by this act you have given a good message to the society that the healthy life of a human being lies in the hands of an individual as the life of the bird lies in your hand. However, we have to keep in our mind that the enough curative measure has to be developed as shield to enjoy the healthy life. The approach of providing shield to our systems is similar to the approach you have taken to keep the bird alive in your hand.

6.1. Curative measure
Though, science of breathing can be taken as the part of preventive measure but the same holds adequate features to work like curative measure. For instance, it provides sufficient amount of ventilation if the patients are able to carry out slow & deep breathing exercise during medical care or when they are hospitalized. The curative process of course, depends on their strength during illness. During the process of hospitalization, the patients are kept on ventilator. This means, that there is extra oxygen demand in the systems to fight or to replace the pandemic virus. The same function can be achieved with the help of correct breathing, slow & deep breathing and Yogic breathing. The problem of cross contamination of oxygen cylinders and connected equipment is not there by using spiritual ventilator. It is interesting to note that extra quantity of pure air inhaled & exhaled in the process of correct breathing helps the respiratory system to draw the good amount of oxygen as a healer. This also helps inner organs to get gentle massage for improving their efficiency.

6.2. Science of Breathing
Do we breathe correctly? The observation shows that most of us breathe incorrectly. This is because, humans have a tendency to take short path in most of the cases. Similar is case with breathing. Lethargic attitude accepts slow breathing process and in that way the lungs inculcate the habit of incorrect breathing.
Yoga says each one of us gets fixed number of breath allocated. When one breathes slowly & deeply, he or she gets longer life. This happens because, one consumes less breath in a day and inturn, saves the number of breathing cycles; which enhances the life. When we become tensed or angry the breathing rate becomes faster. In both the cases, energy loss is more and after wards we feel unhappy and exhausted. In this process our life span is reduced. The main purpose of spirituality is not to be afraid of, not to have anger, anxiety & depression and not to loose the energy. We can enjoy the life with full span provided we do not have the habit of incorrect breathing.

6.3. How do we breathe incorrectly?
(a) Incorrect breathing
Breathing occurs automatically. We don’t pay any attention. Mostly busy, urban people adopt the habit of incorrect breathing. Incorrect breathing is the process when stomach goes inward while inhalation and comes outward while exhalation.
The question arises, when breathing is a spontaneous process, how can one breathe incorrectly? This is because, the organs related to respiratory system become lazy and slowly they reduce their inhalation & exhalation capacities.
It is important to remember that our inner organs namely liver, spleen & abdomen need massage like outer surface of the body needs. The same can be obtained with the help of slow & deep breathing. Due to incorrect breathing habit we deprive the inner organs to get massaged and by that way they loose their efficiency and working capability.

(b) Shallow and fast breathing
Shallow and fast breathing provides the same effect as obtained in case of incorrect breathing. Another way of incorrect living is to take shallow & fast breathing. This happens because of un-natural way of living. For instance, modern practice of taking hot water bath makes us to take only shallow and fast breathing. By taking hot water bath we feel comfortable but while doing so, we do not stretch the body; especially abdomen and upper portion of the body and in turn, we draw less amount of oxygen. Hence, we usually follow shallow & fast breathing. On contrary, in case of cold water bath, there will be deep inhalation when we pour cold water on head. This happens to balance or face the chill feeling of the body. This way, automatic lifting the parts of body above waist region provides good massage to the inner organs as well as adequate amount of air is inhaled. The lungs get about six to eight times more air than the air drawn during hot water bath.

There are two words shallow & fast which are to be understood. Shallow means drawing less amount of air than the normal capacity of the lungs and fast means the frequency of breathing is more than the usual in per unit time. The analysis shows that we draw less amount of air frequently than the amount of air needed by the natural rhythm of body during inhalation and exhalation. In Shallow and fast breathing small volume of air is inhaled and exhaled. This allows microbes and germs to get accumulated in lower area of the lungs. As less amount of oxygen reaches at lower area of lungs, it allows microbes to breed and get accumulated. Shallow & fast breathing prepares breeding area as well as accumulation ground for viruses.
This leads to supply of insufficient amount of oxygen and in turn, causes functional disorder, diseases & illness related to respiratory, circulatory, digestive & nervous system. The oxygen demand of the body is not met and efficiency of the systems remains poor.

6.4. How do we breathe correctly?
(a) Slow and deep breathing
Let us take the example of slow & deep breathing. Slow means more volume of air is pushed deeply at lower area of the lungs; in turn, it removes microbes, germs & viruses at the same time their accumulation is also reduced or eliminated. Slow and deep breathing helps to remove stagnant air (even though free from virus) from the lower reaches of lungs. Figure shows the process of correct inhalation by which adequate amount of air is taken inside the lungs.









Slow and deep breathing provides good massage to the inner organs. It also allows gentle massage to the abdomen via diaphragm (situated in between lungs and abdomen). Slow and deep breathing is actually a natural & essential function of the body, which otherwise, is normally overlooked. The massage of liver, spleen and abdomen keeps them in good working condition by expelling impure blood and allowing pure & oxygenated blood to replace it. Whereas, in case of shallow & fast breathing, the facility of getting massage and inturn replacements of oxygenated blood are not met. If they are kept deprived of regular replacement of old & impure blood, it may lead to many diseases.

Slow and deep breathing brings back the natural rhythm of life. It maintains the adjustment required for better concentration, creativity and the development of intuitive signal of mind. It is a natural law that if a creature lives in rhythm, the intuitive approach is developed automatically.
The example is the birds flying thousands of miles away (from the nest to another place) to meet the requirement of conducive temperature and return back to original place when temperature becomes normal for them. This kind of intuition can be developed by accepting the natural rhythm of the environment.



(b). Mechanism of correct breathe in & out
In case of shallow & fast breathing, we inhale about half liter of air. By that way, we hardly breathe twelve percent (about one sixth) of lungs capacity. However, if we know the process of slow & deep breathing along with relaxed attitude, we can draw about three to four liters of air; that is about six to eight times more air compared to shallow & fast breathing. This happens because, we breathe by expanding the chest muscles, creating vacuum at lower region of lungs with the help of diaphragm which gets downward movement while expanding the abdomen.

When belly is pulled up the diaphragm is pulled down; which in turn, creates partial vacuum at lower portion of lungs, making lungs to expand and draw more air to fill the partial vacuum portion. At the same time, we expand chest region to draw and accumulate more air in the chest region. By this way, we increase the capacity of lungs to draw more air. At the time of exhalation, the diaphragm is pushed back because of abdomen contraction. During inhalation, the air becomes contaminated with carbon dioxide at lower portion of lungs and the same gets thrown out while exhalation. However, still some air will be leftover at lower portion of the lungs.



By repeated slow & deep breathing, the partial leftover air at bottom portion of lungs gets fresh air during every inhalation and the old accumulated air gets replaced by fresh air. Hence, there is no chance for microbes and microscopic organisms to breed and get accumulated there, with the help of host cells.

Advantages of slow and deep breathing:-
i) Full capacity of lungs is utilized and this way we get adequate amount of oxygen. By that way the oxygen demand is met.
ii) With the help of thoracic breathing, we get inner organs massaged which helps to push back dirty (impure) blood and get replaced by pure oxygenated blood. This keeps the organs whole & healthy.
iii) Oxygen demand of body, Prana (breath) & mind are met to keep the systems whole & healthy otherwise, they are not in good condition.
iv) Sufficient amount of air removes the breeding ground of viruses, germs & microbes.
v) People who return back from shallow & fast breathing to slow & deep breathing are supposed to reach nature’s rhythm. This helps to increase the power of calmness, concentration, creativity & intuitive capability.

(c) Yogic Breathing
It is similar to slow & fast breathing. The main difference is to keep the mind on breath. This means that where ever breathing is moving, the mind should also move along with breath. Another difference is to have the rhythm of breath. We start breathing from bottom of spine. This can be achieved by imagining as if we inhale air from bottom of spine. As breath moves in upward direction through spinal cord, mind also moves along with breath as a rider. At the end of inhalation we feel that the breath has traveled from bottom of spine (Mooladhara) to a point in between eye brows (Agna Chakra). Again, while exhalation, breath starts coming down from central point in between eye brows (also known as pituitary gland) and mind again moves down as a rider along with breath. Both breathe & mind together come down while exhalation. This makes one round of Yogic breathing. The advantage of Yogic breathing is same as observed in
slow & deep breathing along with relaxation techniques. The only difference is to achieve more awareness in case of yogic breathing.

It has been found out that the awareness is proportional to the relaxation. The more we relax, the more awareness is created within us. Yogic breathing utilizes the maximum capacity of the lungs with added advantages by massaging inner organs, meeting the oxygen demand of the body and at the same time creating awareness. In this process, maximum removal of impurities and carbon dioxide take place. This is achieved because, it involves abdomen, middle & upper portion of chest region together during inhalation & exhalation.

The points to be noted in case of Yogic breathing:-
i) Let us try to breathe so slowly that no sound can be heard by an individual.
ii) There should not be any jerk or strain while breathing in & out. It should be natural.
iii) The body should be relaxed. This can be achieved by sitting straight on chair or on ground. While lying down posture it is difficult to get relaxation in initial stage, but after practice, the same (relaxation) can be achieved easily.
iv) Later stage of Yogic breathing, the Kumbhaka (retention of breathing) can be added for few seconds, which provides the added benefits.
v) Beginners can start with five or ten rounds at a time; later on the cycle can be increased. While performing Yogic breathing, be sure of not being strained.

In addition, the following points highlight its advantages:-
i) The main advantage of Yogic breathing can be summarized in terms of increased ventilation of body system. This can work full fledged ventilator as the lungs capacity becomes larger. This provides the benefits of a ventilator what we are likely to derive from the ventilator of the medical system.
ii) The practitioner will acquire more strength, vitality & calmness of mind.
iii) The process of thinking and clarity in vision will improve.
iv) Oxygen demands of body are met for keeping good health as three parts of body such as abdomen, middle & upper portion of chest are actively involved in this process.
v) Breathing with awareness inculcates automatic (inhalation & exhalation) of the body; stabilizing slow & deep breathing in normal case. Though it takes some time to develop slow & deep breathing, but it is advisable to inculcate the same viewing the effect of influenza A (H1N1).
In Pandemic case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, the yogic as well as slow & deep breathing will work like a ventilator to minimize the severity of the pandemic effect. This is achieved by destroying the pandemic effect in presence of sufficient amount of oxygen. That is why, slow & deep breathing or yogic breathing is recommended as suitable approach to reduce its havoc. However, this should be recommended along with medical help or medicine to overcome the crisis first.

6.5. Helping skills for curative approach
Among them helping skills, Relaxation is the main one. There are various methods of relaxation described in the yogic books. Basically, Shavasana relaxes the physiological and psychological aspects. It relaxes the 3-H namely Head, Heart and Hands of our human body & mind configuration. A relaxed head allows us to see and relate the world and the people around us in a more realistic light. Similarly, we can carry our works (actions) more smoothly and attain happiness in our day to day work. This happens at an emotional level. The emotional conflict is removed with the help of relaxation. Otherwise, the tensed and emotionally imbalanced mind implies a certain psychosomatic diseases. Relaxation of mind & body complex helps to relieve and prevent diseases.

How to relax ?
Sitting on rocking chair is not relaxation. The body should be kept in loose condition. This means if an observer is lifting the practitioner’s hand and leaves from certain height, the arm should drop down immediately like a fruit falls from tree. This is possible when we relax the body muscles. Similarly, the mind can be relaxed by paying mind’s attention on breath movement. In other words, loosening the muscles of the body and integrating the mind along with breath movement provides relaxation. When relaxation is deeper that means we can concentrate better; we can be more creative and intuitive too. Relaxation brings the wonderful results on the body & mind complex.

There are many techniques for relaxation like Instant Relaxation Technique (IRT), Quick Relaxation Technique (QRT) & Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT). In modern age we are under stress, aggressiveness, turmoil & emotional imbalance while carrying out our day to day work; especially, when the people are having busy schedule.
Sleep is another way of relaxation. Though, we do not feel stress or tension in the morning, but many of us feel exhausted because of getting less relaxed during the night sleep. It is a vicious circle to go on accumulating the stress without caring for its removal. In the long run, the same creates psychosomatic disease.
There should not be any confusion between a person who is lazy (sitting idle) and relaxed one. Actually, laziness or procrastination is something different. A lazy person remains full under mental disturbances. He is unable to direct his energy towards some activity or achievement. Another reason for laziness is to dwell on his mental make up. He is having such a state that he is reluctant to do anything. In another words, lazy person or a man with procrastination is having tendency to escape in respect of any responsibility. Hence, they are not relaxed but rather they are burden to the society.

Advantages of Relaxation:-
A person, who knows how to relax can do more work, can move along with friends & relatives, can enjoy the life more, can have smoother relation with colleagues, subordinates & bosses. Another advantage is to cultivate the will power of an individual. Advantage of relaxation is to have attitudinal change in self as compared to others and to have better interaction with people, objects & situations.
During relaxation, we must experience the feeling of body surface awareness & the concept of loosening the body. This provides good relaxation to the body and also for mind. In brief, relaxation means the concentration on mind & breath and their movement together from one particular point to other point of the body.

6.6. Other Curative measure
There are many other curative measures but they need training and they are time consuming too. Among them, they are pranic healing & acupuncture. They have similar principle of pranic movement and removal of its blockage. In case of pranic healing, it is clearly seen that an intense beam of energy comes out from the hands of the healer to the patient. It is observed that the healer recharges the etheric body (the bioplasmic body) of a sick person and in this way brings a cure, provided healer has sufficient amount of energy in etheric body. However, pranic healing is a temporary measure till the patient regains little amount of physical energy to support the etheric body which is the medium for pranic flow.

Acupuncture is a technique evolved in china. Ancient Chinese did not treat human body as a collection of separate physical organs or human systems like modern medical doctors do. They used to treat the whole body as a unit because each part of the body is intimately related to the whole. They actually mapped out the pranic flow within the physical body. Further, they were aware of several hundred particular points on the skin which were responsible for connecting the pranic flow in etheric body which is under the physical body. Needles could be inserted at these specific acupuncture points on the surface layer of etheric body to remove the blockage for the physical (pranic) flow. The aim of acupuncture is to restore the flow of prana. If there is imbalance in the flow of prana then it leads to diseases. These needles are able to correct the balance of prana in the pranic body and thereby cure the illness.
Modern researchers have started more study on pranic body by using Kirlian photography. They have observed that the flow of energy (prana) corresponds exactly in similar manner as observed by the Chinese in case of acupuncture. The authentic approach of these systems in managing pandemic cases is yet to be established.

An appeal against Swine Flu & its havoc

AN APPEAL AGAINST SWINE FLU & ITS HAVOC

It is a saying that “Prevention is better than cure”. The same principle has to be adopted in case of swine flu and its havoc as till there is absence of any medical & scientific development to prevent & cure the swine flu.

After large death toll, all over the world due to virus and its sign of spreading beyond human control drew the attention of many to search any kind of remedial aspects to have some solace by preventing or controlling this.

Self is an active spiritual practitioner after retirement from the Department of Atomic Energy (Government of India). I was associated with Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Bangalore (Deemed University in Yoga & its application); Bihar School of Yoga, Mungher (First University of Yogic Philosophy in the World); Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY), Coimbatore; and Vipassana Meditation, Igatpuri while I was performing my technical responsibilities in the Department of Atomic energy. After the retirement, I also got associated with YSS (Yogda Sat Sang Society), Ranchi; Brahma Kumari, Mount Abu; Isha foundation, Chennai & Nitya nanda Dhyana Peetham, Bangalore.
(For detail resume please see the blog http://www.ancientindianwisdom.blogspot.com ).

On 10th evening, while I was meditating, I got a question “whether swine flu could be overcome or cured with the help of yoga or not?” After some time, intuitive message came that “Yes, there are methods available in yogic practice given by spiritual masters (Rishis) and same can be used as preventive approach against swine flu”.

After meditation, I fortunately opened a book “A systematic course in the Ancient tantric techniques of yoga and kriya” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati of Bihar school of yoga
(The book reprinted in 2007; inscribed by Nischalananda Saraswati, UK; Emendated by Swami Mangalmurti Saraswati , Australia ). This book contains ancient spiritual wisdom along with modern scientific wisdom written, reviewed and amended by highly elevated spiritual masters.

What is swine flu?

In common man’s language, swine flu has following characteristics such as (i) running nose (ii) suffering from cough and cold (iii) having fever (iv) vomiting sensation (v) Dizziness (giddiness). The symptoms number (i) & (ii) are mainly related to nostrils; symptom (iii) is mainly related to thyroid glands; symptom (iv) is mainly related to digestive system and symptom (v) is mainly related to respiratory system & central nervous system.

The scientific methods of any kind, which can prevent these systems to get affected, will be of use to overcome or control swine flu. Fortunately, scientific yogic practices explained in the above book can help as preventive measures for common people against the swine flu virus. At the same time they can be used as therapeutic practice for those who are affected at initial stage.

In brief, yogic practices related to nostril, thyroid gland, digestive system, respiratory system and central nervous system are to be utilized to strengthen these systems of the body as a preventive measure to remain immune to the swine flu or related virus of this kind.

Ancient Yogic practice against swine flu

Scientific yogic kriyas and practices are available to make the body system immune against this kind of virus. After intuitive signal, I thought to bring out those yogic practices available in scripture for the benefit of mankind.



I. Jala Neti

At first glance, I opened the topic of kriya like “Jala Neti” which provides the methodology to create resistance within human system to face the viruses like swine flu.
Jala Neti is a process of inserting warm salt water through one nostril and let the same to come out through the other nostril under gravitational and natural flow of water.
The advantage of Neti is to prevent and eliminate colds. It is an effective cure for the common cold along with removal of breeding ground for any kind of viruses.

HOW IT WORKS
The indication of cold shows something significant when our body is in weak condition. The mucus due to cold around the inner portion of the nostrils makes the good ground for the dangerous and infectious virus to breed; like mosquitoes breed at stagnant water.
Jala Neti cleans the mucus (Breeding ground of infectious virus) and makes the capillaries of inner nostril strong to have pure flow of blood rich in oxygen. This will not allow the virus to further sustain for longer.

While Jala Neti cleaning, the virus could be unable to penetrate the defenses of human system; our auto therapeutic could be strong enough to withstand such an attack. Otherwise, the virus flourishes in nerve tissues, particularly the olfactory nerves in the nose. During virus attack, neti generally helps by removing the accumulated mucus in the nose which otherwise is a breeding ground for the virus.

By Neti, the nasal passages work at optimum efficiency and their by help to maintain a healthy body. It is better to remember that breathing through the mouth or insufficient treatment of the inhaled air prior to the entry into the lungs, due to nasal blockage and congestion, can encourage the onset of disease , by allowing germs to infect the lungs , or by generally weakening the state of the health of the body.

The other advantages of the Neti is to help in curing sinusitis , elements of eyes , nose and throat , tonsillitis , catarrh as well as inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membrances.It is effective in removing , headaches , insomnia and tiredness . Jala neti has a subtle influence on the various nerves which end in nasal passages, such as the olfactory bulb and other adjacent nerves which innervate the eyes, ear etc. This has very soothing influence on the brain and can help to relieve such elements such as migraine, epilepsy, depression and tension.

Neti helps to prevent and cure lung diseases such as asthma , pneumonia , bronchitis , pulmonary tuberculosis etc .Respiration becomes much easier which leads to an improved intake of oxygen , improved removal of carbon dioxide and consequently better health. The symptoms of fever and giddiness due to swine flu could be removed when lungs are kept in healthy condition.

The above book describes how jala neti is helpful for removal of breeding ground of virus, making thyroid gland and lungs effective. If only this yogic kriya (Jala Neti) is regularly practiced by an individual (old, young & student), the virus like swine flu can be prevented.

To have the firewall against swine flu virus, other techniques of yogic system could be used such as Dhauti, Simha mudra, Relaxation and Pranayama along with jala neti.

II .Simha Kriya (Lion’s Yawn)

Another approach described in the yogic book is Simha Kriya (Lion’s yawn).It is a simple process to sit erect, head little pushed back, inhalation in depth and while exhalation take out the tongue fully with sound of aaah.
The tonsils can function effectively if blood supply around it is pure and rich in oxygen. The lion’s yawn removes the stagnant impure blood around the tonsils and allows having pure blood around it.

The same kriya (action) provides the massages in throat region. It can squeeze the stagnant blood and send the same to kidney for purification. By this the blood vessels of throat are relaxed. The rich oxygen supply in the blood in tonsils region has wonderful rejuvenation effect; which in turn improves the health of the body and removes the cause of tonsillitis.

How it works

In the throat there are many vital organs including thyroid glands, the pharynx, the larynx and the salivary glands. All of them receive a wonderful massage with the help of lion’s yawn kriya. These organs provide the essential functions of the body, the improvement in their health through the simple practice of lion’s yawn (simha kriya) can have vast repercussions on the liver.

Neck is the vital crossroad of the nerves connecting body and brain. Also, in the throat region there are various nerve plexuses which control the organs of the throat. This kriya stretches the nerves and remove stagnant blood. This inturn allow an influx of fresh blood. This increases the efficiency in the glands and organs of the body. It also improves the general throat elements.

III. Nadi shodhan pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing)

This practice helps to nourish the whole body with extra supply of oxygen and the carbon dioxide is removed effectively. This process purifies the whole blood system and increases the overall health of the body. It improves the power of the body to resist any kind of diseses.The deep and slow breathing encourages the removal of stagnant air from the lungs. The advantage of nadi shodhan pranayama is to achieve the calmness of the mind by regulating the flow of prana in the body. It helps to remove the blockage of nadis and there by allows the free flow of prana in them.

IV . Kunjal kriya

The process of this kriya is to drink warm salt water until stomach is completely full; then voluntarily expel the same through the mouth. The advantage of this kriya is to get ease feeling in the abdominal region. There is a tendency for the residue of undigested food to lie in the bottom of the stomach after all the easily digested food has passed through the intestine. This is particularly the case if one has a stomach with internal pressure at bottom of stomach. This acts as a reservoir in which fermentation takes place. When one eats the next meal this residue is mixed with incoming food and can pass into the intestines. This can contaminate and poison the system, for such it will be absorbed into the blood stream from the intestines.Kunjal kriya throws this fermented waste out of stomach before it can cause the harm. This kriya is sure way of preventing auto poisoning of the body.

This kriya expels the water (green colour) which indicates the presence of bile. Bile is secreted from the gall bladder into the intestines below the stomach. This kriya provides the wonderful relief by eliminating the accumulation of nauseating and bitter tasting. In addition, it helps the asthmatic people to improve the lung function. This technique provides the best possible wash to the digestive system from the stomach to the mouth. It also helps to eradicate the accumulation of phlegm in the throat region which can become the breeding ground for the virus.

V. Relaxation

There are various methods of relaxation described in the yogic books. Basically Shavasana relaxes the physiological and psychological aspects. It relaxes the 3-H namely Head, Heart and Hands of our human body mind configuration. A relaxed head allows us to see and relate the world and the people around us in a more realistic light. Similarly we can carry our works (actions) more smoothly and attain the happiness in our day to day work. This happens at an emotional level. The emotional conflict is removed with the help of relaxation. Otherwise the tensed and emotionally imbalanced mind implies a certain psychosomatic diseases. Relaxation of mind/body complex helps to relieve and prevent diseases.

The five steps described above are the full proof approach against infectious virus like swine flu.
However, at least Jala neti, Lion’s yawn and Relaxation techniques are recommended to have the preventive approach against swine flu. To build a firewall against the harmful virus, one has to adopt all the five steps.

An appeal

More than 5000 years ago, Lord Mahavir stated that environment consist of harmful and infectious viruses. The same can be encountered by wearing the mask on the nostril
(Normally Jain monks wear) and remain in hygienic condition. This is not possible in the present era to wear the mask in busy day to day schedule. At least the practice of Jala Neti, Sutra neti, Dhauti, Relaxation and Pranayama can be adopted to encounter the dangerous viruses, specially the virus which spreads the infection.

I appeal to the world citizens including Indians to learn the easiest yogic method of Jala Neti or Sutra Neti ( Another kind of cleaning the nose ) to have the prevention against any kind of virus , specially infectious. This is easy to learn.

If required, any yogic institutions could be contacted for demonstration and learning purposes; as
Many yogic institutions are available throughout the world, specially the branches of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Sansthan (Deemed University) and Bihar school of yoga (Internationally known first university in yoga). In case of difficulty, interested persons can contact for any help (either related to clarification or demonstration) to the undersigned on E-mail.
(i) Upanishad.an@gmail.com (ii) aiw.an@rediffmail.com and (iii) vedanta1232000@yahoo.co.in

In the beginning Jala Neti practice could be done every alternate day for a fortnight and afterwards same can be done once in a week to make the breathing system effective against the viral system.

Combined role of East & West

The yogic practice can be implemented along with whatever precautions and practices given by World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian Medical Association. Till confidence is built, the importance of yogic practice should be understood and the result of the same could be experienced. The yogic practice works parallel to the vaccination against particular disease. When swine flu is spreading and there is no vaccine so far developed to prevent the infection caused by this; it is better to adopt the easiest yogic practice suggested by our spiritual masters (Rishis) to encounter the same.

I hope that WHO, the common people, medical association, NGO and other government organizations can adopt this prevention without giving any colour of religion as yoga is meant for everyone. I appeal to adopt this practice of yogic kriya not with the sense of propagating yogic practice but with the feeling of utmost requirement of the same to prevent the virus generally not commonly known.

With the best wishes for speedy prevention of swine flu

A.N.Pandey
Reference “A systematic course in the Ancient tantric techniques of yoga and kriya” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati of Bihar school of yoga.

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