FOREWORD
It is a common experience of human beings that their minds
and bodies are closely interlinked. Any disturbance in either of them is bound to
affect the other. Mental worries do lead to physiological problems and bodily discomfort
does impact on the mind. Yoga and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian sciences recognised
this symbiotic relationship of body and mind long ago and postulated the concepts
of Adhi and Vyadhi.
Closely linked with Ayurveda is the science of Raja Yoga and its branch Hatha Yoga.
Western philosophy and psychology even now lay great stress on the body and consider
the mind to be its by-product. However the ancient Indian sciences have always considered
mind as being supreme over matter and have based their practices on this idea.
That yoga practices can help in the amelioration of certain types of psychosomatic
diseases has been known for a long time. But no systematic investigation had been
undertaken based on modern accepted norms of scientific research. It goes to the
credit of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (sVYASA) that over the last
quarter of a century it has conducted systematic research in this field and has
developed packages of physical and mental practices suitable for several psychosomatic
diseases.
There has been a need felt for some time to consolidate these results and to bring
them out in the form of booklets, each one dedicated to a particular disease. I
am glad that this need has now been amply met by this series of booklets, in which
there is a methodical description of the Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation and Kriya,
in a simple and easily understandable language and profusely illustrated.
The authors have to be congratulated for the pains they have taken in this venture.
The general public indeed has to be grateful to them for the great service they
have rendered. I am confident that with the awareness of the benefits of yoga now
increasing among people around the world, the discerning persons would make proper
use of these booklets for the improvement and maintenance of their physical and
mental health.
Harih Om Tatsat.
Prof NVC Swamy
Ex Director, IIT, Madras
Chief Adviser
sVYASA
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