With the growing globalization of Yoga, the clinical benefits of this science have been deeply explored. Yoga is being widely used not only as a fitness tool but also as a therapeutic modality.
Clinical approach of Yoga is based on the
Panchakosha theory.
In general, the origin of any disease is believed to be at the Manomaya Kosham as all the deeds of a person are driven by emotions. Under such influences, often the Vijnanamaya Kosham is affected, and the person loses the discriminative power and indulges in non-judicious factors like diet, lifestyle, addictions etc. As a result, the physiological activities (Pranamaya Kosham) in the body are hampered, viz. decreased lung capacity due to smoking, decreased insulin production in Diabetes, improper digestion in peptic ulcers etc. and such disturbances eventually manifest into the Annamaya Kosham as clinical symptoms. Ultimately, the Anandamaya kosham is deranged.
Case 1:
A 50-year-old female patient presented with weakness in the right side of the body associated with right sided headache and earache for two weeks. On detailed interrogation it was found that the patient had difficulty in voiding urine for the past one year which has started since she had to suppress the urge to micturate during a trip. She also reported to be having chronic constipation ever since this urination problem developed. Also, interrogation on dietary history revealed increased intake of legumes in daily diet and reduced intake of water.
In Ayurveda, two sites of disease manifestation have been mentioned, viz, Sareera (Body) and Manas (Mind). While bodily diseases may be treated with appropriate remedies addressing the tridosha (Vata/Pitta/Kapha), for diseases originating and affecting the mind 5 remedies are mentioned: Jnana, Vijnana, Dhairya, Smriti, Samadhi. Based on this, a specialized modality called “Smriti Meditation” was designed by Dr K V Dilipkumar, former Professor and Head, Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, V P S V Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala. Smriti Meditation is a conglomeration of Smriti components with the Antaranga Yoga (Dhyanam, Dharanam and Samadhi). Focusing deep into Smriti to identify the problem and evolving with solutions by defocusing is the sequential course of this technique. Clinical application of Smriti meditation has shown miraculous results providing complete disease cure. Following two case reports reflects upon the benefits of Smriti Meditation.
Case 2:
A 2nd year BAMS student reported loss of concentration, decreased interest in academics associated with sleep disturbances for 2 months. History taking revealed the recent death of her elder sister to whom she was deeply attached. Identifying the disease origin and manifestation in the Manomaya Kosham, no medical intervention was given and only Smriti Meditation including understanding of problem, identification of cause, exploration of strength of the patient to overcome the problem and self-motivation to move ahead was carried out in 5 sittings. The client showed gradual improvement symptomatically with each sitting and during the follow up after the last sitting she reported complete reversal.
Case 3:
A 36-year-old lady presented with frequent episodes of one-sided headache associated with acidity and constipation. Integrated Ayurveda + Yoga Protocol was administered including Smriti Meditation as the Yoga tool. When deeply interrogated, it was discovered that the symptoms started after her marriage where she initially faced difficulties in adjusting in husband’s joint family. Through Smriti Meditation realization of this root cause was attained and possible solutions were explored. At the end of the schedule considerable improvement in the symptoms were reported and during follow ups patient reported reduction in frequency and intensity of symptoms.
Thus, Yoga has got a great clinical potential. Many research works are coming up establishing the efficacy of Yoga as a Complementary treatment modality ensuring a speedy and sustained disease cure.