JAUNDICE AND YOGA

The yellow colouration is caused by an excess amount of the bile pigment known as bilirubin in the body. Normally, bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of haemoglobin during the destruction of worn-out red blood cells. The pigment is then excreted by the liver into the bile via the bile ducts. The main symptoms of jaundice are the characteristic yellowish colour of the skin, sclera (whites) of the eyes, nail beds and tongue. Other symptoms usually depend on the actual cause of the jaundice. In some types of jaundice, bilirubin is excreted in the urine, which becomes yellowish brown in colour.

If the excretion of bile is obstructed, stools are almost white and the digestion of fat is consequently impaired. If the jaundice has been present for a long time, pruritis (intense itching) may occur. In jaundice, due to obstruction, lipid deposits on the skin such as xanthelesmas on the eyelids or xanthomas can develop. Some patients with jaundice may also have vomiting, and abdominal pain, malaise, severe weakness etc. Complications include hepatic failure with its attendant complications such as bleeding, vomiting of blood, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), and a condition called hepatic encephalopathy where the patient has altered consciousness and later coma. In the very mild infective instances of jaundice, home care may be adequate, whereas a fulminant case of jaundice may require intensive care and monitoring. A number of drugs belonging to the Indian, Chinese and European herbal traditions are available in the market.

YOGA AND JAUNDICE

The word "yoga" means "union" and the unifying aspect of all forms of yoga are yoga meditation. While all religions encourage some form of meditation, it may be surprising to learn that science also encourages it as a way to manage stress and increase cardiovascular health. Unlike earlier, Yoga today is no longer restricted to a privileged minority of hermits; it has taken its place in our every day lives and have undergone a world wide awakening and acceptance in the last few decades. The Science of Yoga and its techniques have now been re-oriented to suit modern sociological needs and lifestyle. Experts of various branches of medicine including modern medical science are realizing the role of these techniques in the prevention of disease and promotion of health. Yoga creates specific effects to strengthen and tone the nerves, glands and organs of the body and ultimately draw the mind and senses inward to experience a deeper state of consciousness, a feeling of blissful union with spirit.

YOGA POSES FOR JAUNDICE

Supported Head Stand Pose

This posture helps to strengthen your sense of balance and concentration. The arch formed by the back and stretched leg gently aligns the vertebrae of the spine restoring suppleness and easing strain caused by poor posture or long periods of sitting. It tones the muscles of the hips and legs as well as stimulates the chest muscles.

Bound Lotus Pose

A position which is said to destroy all diseases, this position cures constipation and does wonders to the digestive powers of the body. The bound lotus pose is one of the most advanced yoga poses; however, it offers an incredible stretch to the legs, arms and spine. Because this pose can take years to perfect, even for advanced yogis, practicing with yoga straps not only makes the pose more comfortable, but it also helps you move more quickly into the full pose.

Fish Pose

Fish pose is another important yoga posture which helps in providing relief from tension and relaxes the mind and the body. It eases the pressure on the mind and provides support to the back and the shoulders. It is a comfortable Yoga pose which does not cause strain to the other organs of the body.

Sun Salutation

Sun Salution is one of the more common postures within Yoga. This particular exercise not only stretches your spine and joints, but also works to regulate your breathing, calm your mind, and energize your body. Generally, Sun Salutation is used to begin a set of Yoga exercises. You can use it to begin your day.

Root Squeezing Pose

It cures disorders of spleen and liver. Sit on the ground with heels near navel and reverted toes of the feet pressed to abdomen. Hands should be placed either on knees or near chest.

YOGA ASANAS FOR JAUNDICE

SHAVASANA

Shavasana is relaxation of body and mind in the position of lying on the back. This asana helps in relaxing mind and body and helps in restoring energy. It is a relaxing posture intended to rejuvenate one's body, mind and spirit. While shavasana is a good way to reduce stress and tension it is not recommended for meditation as it has a tendency to induce sleepiness.

Steps

• Lie on the back.

• Keep your spine, navel & pelvic in one line.

• Keep feet apart.

• Keep arms on the each side of body, palms facing to sky.

• Keep neck right or left side.

• Close your eyes & slowly try to concentrate each part of the body & try to relax that part.

SARVANGASAN

This asana is very good for the thyroid gland. This asana improves the reproductive organs in both men and women. It also helps in relieving bronchitis, dyspepsia, and varicose veins and increases digestive capacity. It stimulates the thyroid and para-thyroid glands and influences the brain, heart and lungs, and improves blood circulation. However, those suffering from high blood pressure should not practice this posture. The sarvanga-asana should not be performed by woman who are menstruating, as is the case with all inverted postures (where the legs are raise over the head.

Steps

• Lie on your back with legs and arms straight, feet together and palms on the floor beside your body. While exhaling, raise your legs slowly upto 90 and then the whole body and the rest your weight on the arms so that the chin touches the jugular notch.

• Bring the arms and hands to support your body at the hip region (fingers at the back and thumb in front of the body). The entire weight of your body rests on the head, neck and shoulders while the arms are used for balancing.

• Keep the trunk, legs and hips in a straight line and as vertical as possible Focus your eyes on your toes, with your chin pressed against the chest. Retain the posture for one for three minutes.

• While exhaling, return to the lying position by bringing the leg backward and releasing the hands and the palms.

MATSYASANA

This asana is very useful for persons suffering from chronic cough, bronchial asthma, congestion, infected tonsils and other respiratory disorders. Problems relating to thyroid and para-thyroid glands can also be overcome be done to derive the full of Sarvangasana.it is recommended that you breath while holding it for between two and four minutes.

Steps

• Sit with your legs fully stretched out. Bend each leg at the knees and place your feet on the other hip joint. Both the heels are adjusted in such a way that each presses the adjacent portion of the abdomen. This forms the foot-lock in a sitting position.

• Bend backwards and, exhaling, rest your weight on the elbows. Push your neck backwards and slightly rise the hip upward thus making an arch of the spine.

• Then, by making hooks of the forefingers, hold your toes on the corresponding side without crossing your arms.This posture should be maintained for some time with slow and deep breathing.

• For reverting to the original position, release the foot-lock and return to the supine position by lowering the arch.

DHANURASANA

This asana strengthens the abdomen, especially around the navel, and the chest muscles. It improves the flexibility of the arms, shoulders, thighs, legs, lower back and abdomen. The spine also becomes healthy and strong. It is good for relieving flatulence, constipation and menstrual irregularities. It also prevents sterility.

Steps

• Take prone lying position, legs together, hands straight by the side of the thighs, chin resting on the ground. Fold the legs at the knees and bring them on the thighs. Knees must remain together.

• Bring your hands backward and hold the toes of respective legs from the thumb and forefinger of the respective hands.

• Raise your legs a little up and simultaneously raise your head and chest.

• Holding the toes pull the legs towards ears and bring the toes near the ear. Gaze in front.

• While returning to this original position, loosen your hands, take legs backward, let the thighs touch the ground, leave the toes and ultimately bring the legs and hand to the first position

SHIRSHASANA

This asana is helpful in cases of dyspepsia and constipation. It improves the functions of the reproductive glands and heart muscles and is of great advantage in checking wet dreams.

Steps

• Sit in a kneeling position with the buttocks resting on the heels of the feet.

• Lean forward and place the forearms on the floor in front while keeping the elbows about shoulder distance apart. Interlock the fingers of both hands.

• Place the top of the head flat on the floor with the back of the head pressed against the inside of the interlocked fingers.

• Placing the tips of the toes firmly on the floor while lifting the heels, raise the knees off the floor.

• Hold for the duration of the held inhaled breath. When you can't hold the breath comfortable any longer, slowly exhale and return the back to the floor, slide the legs out straight returning to the shava-asana.

ASTROLOGY

Yoga is a Sanskrit term which means 'to unite'. What is being referred as the 'Yoga' in English, is more commonly known as 'Asana' in Sanskrit, which means different physical postures and poses. It is seen that people of a particular sun sign find it beneficial when they practice certain yoga asanas.According to astrological reports for yoga asanas the above mentioned asanas are said to be effective for those who come under the following zodiac sign.

• CANCER

• LIBRA