International Journal of and Allied Sciences (ISSN: 2278 – 5159) Volume: 9, Issue: 1 ; Jan-June 2020

Psychosomatic Management through Yoga

Dr. Parinita Singh, Guest Faculty, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Abstract

Social unrest and consequentially stress related health problems have increased over few decades and more so the psychosomatic disorders in society. People have been trying to overcome the problem with sedatives, tranquilizers and other related drugs but without much relief. In last few decades meaningful research have been done to explore relationship of body and mind and on the impact of yoga on body as well as mind. The results have been inspiring and it has been established beyond doubt that regular practice of yoga under proper guidance, over a period of time does have positive influence on the neuro-physiological system of our body and can serve as an alternative tool to conventional medicine in alleviation or containment of various psychosomatic disorders. According to Maharshi , panchaklesha (, asmita, raga, dwesha and abhinivesha) are the root cause of psychosomatic disorders which can be overcome by the process of gaining control over the mind. Yoga techniques such as , pranayama, yoganidra and meditation help in managing psychosomatic ailments and promoting positive health. The integrated approach of yoga not only deals with the physical aspect of our being, but also uses techniques to operate on all the panchakosha (five sheaths) i.e., annamaya (physical), pranamaya (pranic), manomaya (mental), vijnanamaya (psychic) and anandamaya (blissful) of our personality. Yoga opens up the possibility of consciously altering psychophysiological activity, thereby establishing harmony and balance in all levels of the personality, from physical to subtle. Key words: Psychosomatic, panchaklesha, panchakosha,pranayama, meditation.

Introduction: Both disarrange the autonomic, Psycho means mind (Psyche) and Soma metabolic and homeostasis function of means body. The term psychosomatic the body. Uncontrolled emotions like disorder means a physical discomfort fear, anger suppressed desire, feeling due to mental and emotional causes. insulted etc., act as stressors. Yoga is a J.C.H. Heinroth (1818), a German scientific system of self discovery, self Psychiatrist used the term maintenance and self cure. psychosomatic. Later in 1945 British In yogic perspective different causes of Psychologist James L., Halliday psychosomatic disorders may be formalised this theory. Our modern classified as; sedentary lifestyle, food habit feeling of 1. Mental causes- The essence of insecurity, competition, anxiety etc. are disturbance is in mind. In the responsible for psychosomatic diseases. form of ego related problem, Psychosomatic disturbance first emotional reactions, tension, produces disturbance in cerebral cortex over indulgence etc. by various external and internal stimuli 2. Pranic Causes- Disturbance in and also through endocrinal glands the energy system of the body. which produce psychological stress.

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International Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences (ISSN: 2278 – 5159) Volume: 9, Issue: 1 ; Jan-June 2020

3. Physical causes- Infection, Smanyadhija are the ordinary stress Environmental Factors, caused due to interaction with the adulteration of food, genetic world. This type of disease can be cured defects, aging process, lifestyle with suitable techniques where as etc. Saradhija are the essential stress Four distinct phases in development of responsible for the cycle of birth and psychosomatic disorders may be; death. This type of adhis can be cured 1. Psychic Phase- In this phase we by self realisation (atmgyan). allow tension within psychic The secondary disease level through lack of awareness (Anadhijavyadhi) which means non- or sensual pleasure. We become stress borne disease includes infection, hyperactive, irritable, mild physical trauma etc. and can be cured tremor, fear, anxiety. We can by mantras, prayer and medicine. say that in this phase our central nervous system over activated. Psychosomatic disorders according to 2. Psycho-somatic Phase- If Maharshi Patanjali; psychic phase continue for long Maharishi Patanjali described Klesha as time a certain generalised the root cause of pain. These kleshas are changes occur like high B.P., Ignorance (Avidya), the ‘I’-feeling palpitations etc. This phase is (Asmita), Liking (Raga), Dislike known as psychosomatic phase. (Dwesha) and fear of death This is the gross part of the mind (Abhiniveshan). Klesha is a kind of (conscious mind). In this phase physical and mental suffering. Avidya is we are aware of changes in our the origin of asmita, raga, dwesha and body and mind both. abhiniveshan. These five kleshas have 3. Somatic-Phase- The organ of four stages- (i) dormant, (ii) thin, (iii) the body is going to be effected scattered and (iv) expressed. At the in this phase. The hereditary and beginning, the kleshas are in dormant environmental factors will phase like psychic phase when one is decide which organ will be not aware of their sub-conscious affected. conflict but slowly they become active. 4. Organic Phase- Full fledged These kleshas can be reduced by onset of disease in the target involution when they are subtle (Te organ, e.g., heart disease, pratiprasavaheyah suksmah). They can asthma, thyroidism etc. in this also be reduced through meditation. stage one needs physical as well The restless and aggressive mind can be as mental treatment. made peaceful through meditation.

Psychosomatic disorders according to Psychosomatic disorders according to Maharshi Vasistha; Gunas; Maharshi Vasistha described the According to Gunas, the yogic discomfort or pain that has impact on philosophy says that all matter comes the body, as the secondary disease from prakriti. This prakriti has three (vyadhis) whereas the desire lust that main gunas or qualities. Everything in affects the mind is termed as primary nature has these three gunas. All disease (adhis). Due to absence of functions of body mind and world are transcendental knowledge we develop dependent on the interplay of the three ego and desire and started performing gunas. These three gunas are- (i) Sattva bad and selfish . The primary (Purity), (ii) Rajas (Activity) and (iii) disease has two divisions (i) Samanya Tamas (Darkness). When sattva (ordinary) and (ii) Sara (essential). predominates in personality, mind 69

International Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences (ISSN: 2278 – 5159) Volume: 9, Issue: 1 ; Jan-June 2020 remains quite calm and focussed. When of mind is cognition i.e., to understand, rajas predominate, the mind becomes discriminate, perceive, accept, reject, dissipated and restless. This is the etc. It is at the level of manomaya kshipta state of mind. But, when tamas that the Chatushtaya Antahkaran predominate, mind becomes dull and (Manas, Buddhi, and ) tensed. Theses gunas affect our is activated. Through Rajyoga emotional, psychological and techniques we can balance the . energetical state of our body and mind. However, consciously we can alter the Management of psychosomatic level of gunas in our body and mind. disorders; Our personality is for certain, It has been observed that many influenced by the combination of all the psychosomatic disorders are controlled three gunas. The fluctuation within best with the help of yogic practices mind due to gunas can be controlled because yoga first works at mental through different yoga practices such as level. In patanjali yoga- the second hathayoga, dhyana and mantra- sutra define yoga in a classical way. chanting etc. The aim should be to “ Chitta Vritti Nirodhah”. To develop the state of sattva. The sattva block the patterns of consciousness is guna represents harmony, balance, yoga. Here chitta represents all the three happiness free from any type of dimension of consciousness (Conscious, negative thoughts, self control and bliss. Sub-Conscious and Un-Conscious). So One quality is always more dominant in this sutra maharshi define yoga as than the other. Predominating gunas blocking of the arising patterns of will affect how we perceive the world awareness and not the awareness itself. around us, which in turn will affect our To control the psychosomatic elements behaviour, action and attitude. one has to work at mental level and removal of mental conflicts is the main Psychosomatic disorders according to aim of yoga. All the conscious and Koshas; subconscious problems must be Yogic Therapy has been deep rooted in eradicated. These problems must be , and other texts removed in order to increase awareness, which harmonise the disturbance at peace, happiness etc. each of the koshas and manage the Famous psychiatrist Jung has pointed psychosomatic elements. The five out that the main cause of mental koshas are (i) Manomaya, (ii) problem is the lack of motivating force Pranamaya, (iii) Annamaya, (iv) in everyone’s life (lack of meaning). Vijnanamaya and (v) Anandamaya. All Daily multitudinous activities in life layers are interconnected with each that make people forget the actual other. Manomaya Kosha is the sheet of existing problems. After some time, empirical knowledge. It has the capacity everything seems pointless and the to externalise and internalise the result is negative emotions which result awareness. Any type of stress first in the physical and mental breakdown. percolates into the manomaya kosha To know and understand the real nature and develops avidya (ignorance). From and relationship with existence, the here imbalance starts occurring at problem of lack of meaning in life, will pranamaya and annamaya kosha. This automatically drop away and dissolve manomaya kosha is composed of mind and as one experiences higher (consciousness). In Sanskrit, the mind is awareness and knowledge. known as Manas and has three There are many other problems which dimensions, Conscious, Sub-Conscious lie above the normal perceptions e.g., and Un-Conscious. The basic function feeling of inferiority, dissatisfaction 70

International Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences (ISSN: 2278 – 5159) Volume: 9, Issue: 1 ; Jan-June 2020 with present status, skin colour, stereo and manomaya koshas. We practice type thoughts, etc. all these problems asanas with breath and awareness. This will have to be removed systematically awareness will increase our sensitivity and bring mental peace in life. One to our own body. While moving the should accept himself and do that what body in asanas we also try to comes naturally according to one’s concentrate and merge with physical personality. postures. So we come to know the There are many aspects of yoga e.g., strength, weakness, nature of ourselves. Astanga yoga technique comprises of Asanas also influence and open yama, , , pranayama, the pranic blockage and influence pratyahar, dharna, dhyan and samadhi. pancha-prana .This energy body is These eight types of practices intimately connected to the mind. “Tato mentioned in different yogic literature dvandvannabhighatah”. This is the are an integral part of all yogic result of the practice of asanas, a techniques and can be practised in balance in all such reciprocal functions. combination with other forms of yoga. Maintain mental and physical Yama and Niyama; For the management equilibrium. It prepares the body for of psychosomatic disorders, yama and meditation without any discomfort. It niyama are the foundation stones for a helps in reconditioning of good personality. It works like a seed. psychophysical mechanism of the body. Keep nurturing them and the seeds will sprout. Through these and Pranayam: Pranayam is a process by one can control every which mind is controlled by voluntary temptation. The yamas (restraints) and regulation. Practice of pranayam niyamas (observance) are essentially a requires a conscious control over the yogic code of conduct. It affects the breathing. The emotions and the mental frame of mind and helps one to activities are related to the nervous overcome mental conflicts and system. Any type of disturbance in this dissipation. field can change our breathing. This means if we try to manipulate our Asana: yoga says each person is made breathing voluntarily we tackle the life of three aspects, body mind and force which is deeply connected with consciousness. The posture which are the mind (nervous activity). When the mentioned in our scriptures in the form mind is at a standstill no thoughts of asanas influence all these three processes or emotional disturbance is aspects and harmonise as a whole body possible. Thus by controlling the and mind and are not separate entities. breathing we would be able to control The gross form of mind is body and the different emotions and as a result the subtle form of the body is mind. So the temperament, moods, desires and asanas connect both and harmonises natural instinct of mind (vritti) would them. Mental problems and tensions as also be controlled automatically. well as unhealthy body are the causes of In recent years scientists have admitted many diseases. But our body has auto- the role of pranayama in the treatment therapeutic powers. Asanas bring both of psychosomatic diseases. body and mind into the best possible claims to cure all these diseases when conditions. Each and every types of pranayama is practiced properly. During asanas gradually coordinate and pranayama the breathing is consciously harmonise the different body system made slow, deeper and rhythmic. This (respiration, digestion, endocrinal, brings about noticeable relaxation, nervous) etc. These asanas also tranquillity, balance and sense of well influence our annamaya, pranamaya being to the mind. In this situation once 71

International Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences (ISSN: 2278 – 5159) Volume: 9, Issue: 1 ; Jan-June 2020 ego consciousness which is a sheet of is a yoga of self enquiry to become all instinct and desire is checked and aware of intuitive ability which help in controlled and therefore cannot interfere removing all those blockage which are with the mind as usual. When the ego the causes of pain and diseases. The controlled behaviour patterns can also mind is emptied of pre-conceived ideas, change. Thus the practice of pranayam beliefs and then one started self also contribute in transforming the total analysing. Through self enquiry and self personality. This lead one to further analysis one develops strong will stage like pratyahar, dharna, dhyan. power. This power can control all the Dhyan: Mental benefits of meditation is psychic dissipation. to manage stress, reduce anxiety and cultivate peace of mind. Meditation Conclusion: increased awareness, clarity, Based on the findings of various and a sense of calmness. research-works on the impact of yoga Stress stimulates the sympathetic on containing health problems, it has nervous system causing a surge of been established beyond doubt that natural stress harmones (epinephrine regular and guided practice of yoga can and cortisol) in the blood stream which certainly help to manage psychosomatic can negatively affect the body. Too disorders in a positive way. much epinephrine can increase the risk In order to manage and contain the of heart-attack and mental stroke; too different psychosomatic disorders, one much cortisol can increase blood sugar need to first understand the root cause level, suppress the immune system and of the stress in one’s life leading to the constrict blood vessels. But through the health or mental problem one is facing practice of meditation parasympathetic and then to find out at which phase, is nervous system is stimulated causing the problem. Accordingly one can the body to stop releasing stress chalk-out a schedule and practice harmone. It also builds new positive judiciously the different techniques of neurological connections to the part of yoga to contain the problem. Recent brain responsible for promoting traits studies have revealed that the central like focus and decision making. nervous system, particularly the Research shows that grey matter- the hypothalamus, plays a crucial role in area of brain responsible for emotional controlling hormone secretions and regulation, planning and problem managing the autonomic nervous solving as well as cortical thickness system which have great influence on responsible for learning and memory functions of the body. Most of the both increase with regular meditations. psychosomatic problems occur due to Maharshi Patanjali described dhyan as unresolved mental conflicts such as un-interrupted flow (mind) towards the fear, anxiety, anger, non-acceptance, object is meditation. The mind is no false idea about one-self, etc., which doubt extremely turbulent. Through lead to a disturbed state of mind, proper meditation we subdue it ultimately resulting in disturbed perfectly and train one to keep mind off physiological functions of the body. the un-necessary things and concentrate Yoga opens up the possibility of on what one need to do. consciously altering psycho- There are different types of yoga which physiological activity, thereby can directly affect our mind. Like gyan establishing harmony and balance in all yoga, mantra yoga etc. Gyan yoga levels of the personality, from physical means to develop intuitive ability. This to subtle.

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