A Text Book of Yoga and Health

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Yoga can be considered as a way of living, rather say way of right living. Researchers have discovered that the regular practice of yoga may produce many health benefits including increased cardiovascular fitness, improved muscular strength and normalisation of brain action. Yoga is a renowned antidote to stress and promote improved sleeping patterns.

Because of the health benefits of yoga, the practices and principles are being adopted widely and globally.

Yoga is being taught at graduation and post- graduation level in several universities in India and abroad now a days. It's a need of the time to have a good guide for the students and the teachers as well to understand the subject properly.

The present volume of Yoga and Health is a textbook with an objective to fulfil the requirements of the Yoga lovers. The author has devoted eight precious years to being it to this shape. It contains the information about Yogic aspect of Health. The readers will find it a good source of information for their regular practice of Yoga for their personal benefits. People having this book may guide their children and family members to select their personal capsule of daily Yoga practice for their Health and wellness. Students at University level will also get good guidance to learn and improve their Yogic knowledge.

Dr. Kamakhya Kumar is a renowned academician and a well known author in the field of Yogic Science. With a vast experience of post graduate teaching, presently he is working with the Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Haridwar (India). He is the Dean, Faculty of Adhunik Gyan Vigyan and the Director IQAC as well as Nodal officer, RUSA of the University. Dr. Kumar has published above 95 research papers in different national and international Journals with great citations listed on Google Scholar. He has authored over 10 Books on Yogic Science among them few are being taught in more than 25 Universities as reference book. He is the Editor- in-Chief of two International Journals: "International Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences" (ISSN: 22785159) and "International Journal of Science and Consciousness" and is the member of editorial board/review committees of several International Journals. He has conducted over 10 International Conference as convener/organizing secretary and a number of workshops till date. He has delivered lectures for various institutions across the globe. He is the member of different bodies/committees of several Universities. He was the member Secretary of several NAAC Peer Team as well. He has been awarded with Global Outreach Healthcare award by Global Outreach Medical and Health Association (GOMHA) in the year 2020 and Yoga Academy award by Indian Association of Yoga in the year 2023.

The mind, body and spirit concept basically is the view that we human beings stand on three pillars. The thought process which is the product of our mind, the physical expression of existence which is our body and lastly our inner being which is called the spirit. The human existence therefore needs the well-being of all these three for holistic health. Yoga works on one's body. mind and spirit. On physical level yoga helps regulating the physiological activities of the body. Yoga also increases the immunity of the body and thus the body becomes capable of fighting against diseases. On mental level yoga increases mental potentials and helps dealing with mental disorders. The improved concentration and clarity of mind enhances the skills and increases productivity. Several researches have shown that yoga helps relax and handle stressful situations. On emotional level yoga refines the emotions of the individual. It is emotion or feeling which endows a person with human virtues. Yoga in stills a deep sense of well-being which has its inward focus teaching the mind to let go off negative thoughts and stress.

Yoga thus encourages positive thoughts, quiet the mind so that one can focus one's energy where he wants it to go. The practice of Yama and Niyama actually forms the basis for a healthy human being and a healthy society. On spiritual level yoga paves the way for the spiritual well being of the individual. If we adopt Yoga in our daily routine, Yoga could lead to a calm, creative and content life, removing tensions and needless anxiety. By embracing Yoga worldwide we can create a healthier planet. It is universal in its approach and applicable to all human beings irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Yoga, in fact, is the science of holistic living. We must adopt yoga as a life style.

Dr. Kamakhya Kumar is a gem scholar of Yoga. He has not only studied the fundamental principles based on the original texts, but also has applied it while applying it on to the patients suffering from various psychosomatic disorders. He has long experience of both teaching and research in the field of Yogic physiology and psychology. In this book "Yoga and Health" he has explained all the relevant aspects of Yoga.

Yoga is a comprehensive and precisely live tuned process of uniting the individual consciousness with the omnipresent cosmic consciousness. Understanding the spiritual nature and philosophy of Yoga is certainly more important than its gross applications. It is a total science of strengthening and improving the physical, mental, and spiritual state of being. The great Yogis gave rational interpretation of their experiences about Yoga and brought a practically sound and scientifically prepared method within every one's reach.

Yoga aims for the integrity of the body, mind, and spirit through a system of Asana, Pranayama and meditation. In reality, it consists of disciplines designed to bring closer to godliness. With the integration of the body, mind and spirit one can attain a balance (physically and mentally) in the life as well as an inner peace with its practice.

Practitioners of Yoga believe in a reality beyond the means of our senses (as the powers of these senses have limits, and thus they limit what we can know). What is currently beyond the means of my everyday perception is the concept of the Ultimate Reality, otherwise known as Atman/Brahman, Sat Chit Ananda- which is single and complete- I'd imagine that unity with this ultimate reality would be enlightenment and therefore our highest good- no more of the suffering of relative existence and boundless love, strength and compassion.

Many schools of Yoga believe that this state is utterly blissful. Thus Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion, and its techniques may be practiced by Buddhists, Janis, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists alike. Yoga is union with all.

At recent time there has been an increased awareness and interests in health and nature remedies. Yoga is an effective and time tested method for promotion and improving our health as well as prevention and management of diseases especially psychosomatic and degenerative chronic disorders. The scientific psycho-spiritual discipline of Yoga is the most precious gem of our culture and heritage and is being practiced in India for thousands of years.

Where there is a health, there is happiness. There the meaning of happiness is not pleasure out of fulfillment of the desire but the jubilant feeling all the time that the individual is free from worries and tensions. Primary objective of Yoga is spiritual advancement and not to cure the disease. However, it has been observed that many psychosomatic disorders are controlled with the help of Yoga practices.