A_Complete_Handbook_of_Nature_Cures

Yoga Therapy
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Sarvagasana ( Shoulder stand pose ) :
In Sanskrit ‘sarva’ means whole and ‘anga’ means limb. Almost all parts of the body are
involved in and benefit from this asana. Lie flat on your back with your arms by the side,
palms turned down. Bring your legs up slowly to a 90 o angle and then raise the rest of
the body by pushing the legs up and resting their raise the rest of the body by pushing the
legs up and resting their weight on the arms. Fix your chin in jugular notch, and use your
arms and hands to support the body at the hip region. The weight of the body should rest
on your head, back and shoulders, your arms being used merely for balance. The trunk
and legs should be in a straight line. The body, legs , hips and trunk should be kept as
vertical as possible. Focus your eyes on your big toes. Press your chin against your
chest. Hold the pose for one to three minutes. Return to the starting position slowly
reversing the procedure.
Sarvangasana helps relieve bronchitis, dyspepsia, varicose veins and peps up the
digestion. It stimulates the thyroid and para-thyroid glands, influences the bran, heart and
lungs. It helps lymphatic juices to circulate in the brain and strengthens the mind. This
asana should not be done by those suffering Viparitkarani from high blood pressure, heart
disease and eye trouble.
Matsyasana (Fish pose ) :
Sit in padmasana. Bend backwards and lie flat on your back without raising your knees.
Press your palms beneath the shoulder. Push the hip backwards thus making a bridge
-like arch with the spine. Then making hooks of your forefingers, grasp your toes without
crossing your arms. Maintain this pose and breathe rhythmically and comfortably.
Reverse the order and return gradually to the starting position of Padamasana.
Matsyasana is beneficial in the treatment of acidity, constipation, diabetes, asthma,
bronchitis and other lung disorders.
Uttanapadasana ( Left-lifting pose) :
Lie on your back with leg and arms straight, feet together, palms facing downwards, on
the floor close to the body. Raise your legs above two feet from the floor without bending
your knees. Maintain this pose for some time. Then, lower your legs slowly without
bending the knees. This asana is helpful for those suffering from constipation. It
strengthens the abdominal muscles and intestinal organs.
Halasana ( Plough pose ) :
Lie flat on your back with legs and feet together, arms by your side with fists closed near
your thigh keeping your legs straight, slowly raise them to angles of 300, 600 and 900, pausing slightly at each point. Gradually, raise your legs above your head without bending
your knees and then move them behind until they touch the floor. Stretch your legs as far
as possible so that your chin presses tightly against the chest while your arms remain on
the floor as in the original position. Hold the pose from between 10 seconds to three
minutes, breathing normally. To return to the starting position slowly reverse the
procedure.
This asana relieves tension in the back, neck, and legs and is beneficial in the treatment
of lumbago, spinal rigidity and rheumatism, myalgia, arthritis, sciatics and asthma.
Bhujangasana ( Cobra pose ) :
Lie on your stomach with your legs straight and feet together, toes pointing backwards.
Rest your forehead and nose on the ground. Place your palms below the shoulders and
your arms by the side of the chest. Inhale and slowly raise your head, neck, chest and
upper abdomen from the navel up. Bend your spine back and arch your back as far as
you can looking upwards. Maintain this position and hold your breathe for a few seconds.
Exhale, and slowly return to the original position.
This asana has great therapeutic value in the treatment of diseases like cervical
spondylitis, bronchitis, asthma and eosinophillia. It removes weakness of the abdomen
and tones up the reproductive system in women. It exercises the vertebrae, back muscles
and the spine.
Shalabhasana ( Locust pose ) :
Lie flat on your stomach, with your legs stretched out straight, feet together, chin and
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