Modern science confirms that the presence of free radicals can lead to disease, decay and degeneration in the body. Normal cell functions produce a small percentage of free radicals. But free radicals can trigger a chain reaction leading to cellular damage. External factors such as smoking, air pollution, water pollution, pesticides present in food and various other toxins can generate free radicals rapidly.
Cleansing the body of these toxins is of utmost importance to arrest damage, disease and rapid ageing caused by free radicals. Yoga has many proven techniques to cleanse the body of toxins accumulated in the respiratory and digestive system at the cellular level.
Free radicals v antioxidants
Free radicals are atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons which appear as a result of certain reactions in the cell. They are highly unstable and tend to attack other cells to bind with electrons. Free radicals adversely alter lipids, proteins and DNA in the cells and trigger a number of human diseases.
Antioxidants are molecules which interact with free radicals to stop the chain reaction of attacks on other cells. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. A disturbance in this balance leads to oxidative stress in the body.
The physical and psychological stresses of day-to-day life are known to subject the body to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is now thought to make a significant contribution to all inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hypertension, neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease), and many others.
Pranayama can help fight the oxidative state
A diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene is essential to equip the body with antioxidants. Research conducted in the early 2000s has proven that pranayama or yogic breathing techniques not only helps in relieving oxidative stress but also improve the antioxidant status of the individual. An improvement in the antioxidant status is helpful in preventing many pathological processes in the body.
There are various types of kriyas and shatkarmas (purification techniques) which help rid the body of toxins which cause free radical damage and significantly decrease free radicals.
Cleanliness is next to godliness
“Shaucha” or cleanliness is a part of niyama which is the second limb of the eight-fold path of yoga. The other aspects include santosha (contentment), tapas (austerity), swadhyaya (self-study) and ishvar pranidhan (surrender). Yogis have devised techniques such as bhastrika, kapalbhati, tratak, jal neti, sutra neti, to cleanse the frontal lobe of the brain, eyes, nasal and respiratory tracts.
Techniques such as kunjal kriya, bhasti, nauli, dhauti, shankaprakshalana help in cleansing the abdominal region which includes stomach, colon, liver and intestinal tract. These techniques must be learnt and practiced under the guidance of a teacher.
Anulom vilom or nadi shodhan pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) is a unique practice which helps in purification of the body and strengthens the pranayama kosha, the pranic body for spiritual pursuits.
Cleanse your body to purify the mind
Yoga emphasises on the importance of keeping the body clean inside-out. This helps purify the mind of anger, greed, delusion and various other disturbances of the mind. When the mind is purified to a certain extent, it can become one pointed or unidirectional without distractions.
A healthy diet and regular sleeping habits are equally important to rid the body of toxins and stay stress free. You can feel energetic and younger with regular physical and emotional cleansing. This will have a great impact on your health, personality and well-being.
Next week: Anger Management through yoga
This is an interactive series, in which we will bring you practical tips
on daily living, inspired by the vision of yoga. Write in to tabloid@gulfnews.com with your questions and doubts regarding enhancing your lifestyle through yoga. For more information, call 800-YOGA (9642) or log on to artisticyoga.com
