Role of Yoga in Purification of Mind and Body
Yoga has become a part and parcel of lives of many people. For some it is a morning routine and for others it is a means of losing weight. Then there are others who practice yoga as it is the new trend. Not many people are aware of the nuances of yoga and the wonders it can work for your body.
We all talk about detox and purification by following various diets and fads like digital detox. But we seldom achieve the purification of mind and body. Did you know that the aim of yoga is to purify the mind and body with the help of yogic practices?
The yogis found out that the impurities present inside our bodies affect our state of mind as well. It comes in way of attaining spiritual liberation also. It is said that with the help of yogic practices, asanas, and meditation along with tapas and shatkarma can help in cleansing of mind and body and pave a way for spiritual journey.
Significance of Physical Postures
The physicals postures in yoga known as asanas purify the body with the
movements which promote blood flow, oxygen, and prana in the organs,
tissues, and muscles. Not only that, the yoga asanas massage or squeeze the
organs and muscles which moves out the old stagnant blood and brings in
fresh blood which consists of oxygen and nutrients.
Then there are some dynamic and challenging asanas where heat and sweat is produced. This enables the body to release toxins through pores of the skin.
Significance if Breathing
Another important part of yoga apart from asanas is breathing i.e. Pranayama. It purifies the body and mind by cultivating energy throughout our body. There are various type of Pranayama and all of them have different effects on various parts of the body and different purifying effects.
For example, Kapalbhati, a popular form of breathing exercise helps in warming up and energizing along with purifying the body via creation of heat and movement of energy. Nadi Sodhana on the other hand has calming and cleansing effects. It purifies the body by removing blockages in the nadis and reducing stress.
Role of Tapas in Purification
Tapas is an intensive self-discipline practice which cleanses the mind and spirit
by burning the desired of our mind. In simple words, tapas means practicing
the willpower to do some action that you don’t want to do and not doing
actions that you want to do.
This creates conflict between mind and willpower.
This creates internal fire which burns up the mental and physical impurities.
Role of Shatkarma in Purification
The shatkarma is a practice in yoga that focuses on six cleansing techniques for
purifying the body physically by removing excessive phlegm and mucus. These
practices need to be learned and performed under expert supervision. The six
cleansing techniques are:
- Neti- Nasal cleaning and irrigation
- Dhauti- Cleansing of the digestive tract
- Nauli- Abdominal massage
- Basti- Colon cleansing
- Kapalbhati- Purification and vitalization of the brain
- Trataka- Blinkless gazing
The main aim of these practices is to get rid of the excess so that you can bring
the three doshas in balance. However, if your doshas are already in balance,
you must not practice these cleansing techniques. You can then follow easier
and gentler ways of balancing the doshas with help of Ayurveda. It can be used
as an alternative to Shatkarmas.
When you attain the purification of mind and body with the help of yoga, your
body will witness flow of prana, improving your capacity to think, feel, work,
taste, and experience life. It will help you in making feel alive and enjoy life.
For individuals who wish to explore yoga in depth and learn the nuances, joining the Yoga Teacher’s Training Course can be beneficial. It helps in getting an insight on various forms of yoga and your life, body and, mind changes
forever.
Article By – Katherine Austin is a professional yoga teacher trainer having 10 years of experience in Yoga. She is certified yoga teacher trainer. She practiced in Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Surya Namaskar. Katherine work with Chinmay Yoga School since 6 years. She is one of the favourite teacher of the students. Katherine loves to travel, reading books, spend quality time with new people.
Chinmay Yoga is a Yoga School in India which conduct yoga teacher training in Dharamsala, Rishikesh. Chinmay Yoga works to spread yoga knowledge by provide free drop-in classes, conducting YTTC Courses in India (Yoga Alliance) for 799 USD with amazing homemade food, great accommodation with air conditioning and very knowledgeable yoga teachers from India.
Chinmay Yoga also works for the nature and surroundings around it by planting trees and installing dustbins in the city. Learn more about them from www.chinmayyoga.com
Warm Blessings
Megan
Megan Jackson runs meditation and yoga retreats for women. She has been immersed in spiritual practice and study for 15 years, living it fully, with humility and compassion as her backbones for progress. She lives a quiet life reflecting on the dharma, being with nature and helping others who are wanting change, transformation or spiritual wisdom.