Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

Yogasanas, Bandha and Kriya 213

ments. There are several endocrin;: organs or ductless glands in the

human system which bathe in blood, absorb the nutriments from the

blood and secrete hormones for the proper functioning of a balanced

and well developed body and brain. If the glands fail to function

properly, the hormones are not produced as they should be and the

body starts to deteriorate. Amazingly enough many of the asanas

have a direct effect on the glands and help them to function properly.

Sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid glands which

are situated in the neck region, since due to the firm chinlock their

blood supply is increased. Further, since the body is inverted the

venous blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of gravity.

Healthy blood is allowed to circulate around the neck and chest. As

a result, persons suffering from breathlessness, palpitation, asthma,

bronchitis and throat ailments get relief. As the head remains firm in this

inverted position, and the supply of the blood to it is regulated by the

firm chinlock, the nerves are soothed and headaches-even chronic

ones-disappear. Continued practice of this asana eradicates common

colds and other nasal disturbances. Due to the soothing effect of the pose

on the nerves, those suffering from hypertension, irritation, shortness of

temper, nervous breakdown and insomnia are relieved. The change in

bodily gravity also affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels

move freely and constipation vanishes. As a result the system is freed

from toxins and one feels full of energy. The asana is recommended

for urinary disorders and uterine displacement, menstrual trouble, piles

and hernia. It also helps to relieve epilepsy, low vitality and anaemia.

It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practises

Sarvangasana he will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy

and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace

and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of this

asana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality. The Sarvangasana

cycle activates the abdominal organs and relieves people suffering from

stomach and intestinal ulcers, severe pains in the abdomen and colitis.

People suffering from high blood pressure should not attempt

Salamba Sarvangasana I unless they do Jialasana (Plate 244) first and

can stay in it for not less than 3 minutes.

Halasana is described on p. 216 (Plate 244).

The Sarvezngasana Cy cle

These various movements can be practised at one stretch after stay­
ing in Sarvangasana I (Plate 223) from 5 to ro minutes or more accord­
ing to capacity; do them for 20 to 30 seconds at a time each side
except Halasana, which should last from 3 to 5 minutes at a stretch.