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**Perhaps time’s definition of coal is the diamond

- Khalil Gibran**

The term ‘Yoga’ can be interpreted as ‘to unite with the real’ & ‘separate oneself from the unreal’. It also means to have discipline. We can say that the discipline of Yoga is not limited to but extends across all three elements leading to physical, mental and spiritual well being.

At the molecular level coal and diamonds are nothing but Carbon. But in coal these carbon is mixed with other impurities and not the molecules are arranged randomly. Whereas in Diamonds due to pressure the carbon molecules are more structured and uniformly placed. So the 8 branches of yoga (see. fig) are a means to achieve this unity within.

In the human equivalent to coal, the impurities can range from materialism, unruly emotions, desires, insecurities, etc. Following the rules as enumerated by the yoga sutra could lead towards a sense of self realization or awareness .

Yoga has come a long way today. Recognized by the WHO and celebrated across the world on the 21st of June world over.  Yes,  we can say that Yoga and Ayurveda does have the world in its grip and thrall.

At one point in time ‘Yoga’ was a means to attain Salvation or Moksha. The scenario today is different and is changing every moment. Currently, we are utilizing a small part of Ashtanga yoga for rehabilitative and restorative purposes. It has become a way to tackle weight concerns, mobility issues, rejuvenate and more. To be more precise it is now more body focused than spiritual, inspiring hashtag trends, challenges and other social media storms. But we also need to look deeper into what it is trying to tell us. It is an opportunity to recognise the universe that is you with its own unique complexities, understand how it operates  and have control on your mind. 

Human nature as we are well aware always prevails. Yet again we find that we are taking what we want for ourselves with the commercialization of yoga that is so prevalent today. In this way it is losing its purpose and we have become trapped into exactly what ‘Yoga Sutras’ teach us to be free from. This again leads to ‘Dukha’.

While practicing the yoga asanas if we try to practice some of its teachings then even in its simple & humble  form ‘Yoga’ itself will be enough.

**Better to complete a task well, than to do much imperfectly - Plato**

#Internationalyogaday #Yoga #Sandupharma #Ayurveda #Sayyestoayurveda #asana

Article By

Dr. Madhuri Bhogan (MD AYU)

Research Associate

We have always heard the phrase to go with the flow, haven’t we? Just as we move along the curve of the road when driving. This simple tactic is extremely beneficial for maintaining optimum health too. In these blogs focused on Ayurveda and its aspects, we have regularly emphasized adapting to seasonal changes to prevent occurrence of diseases. The movement of the sun influences many factors within the body. Along with energy or bala, the digestive fire within the body is also weak during this rainy season. The damp and cold climate leads to vitiation of vata predominantly along with other 2 doshas. Generally, Varsha ritu is believed to last from Mid July till the mid of September.  The best scenario to help you imagine the state of your digestive fire is :- trying to light a fire or bonfire with wet branches or twigs. It's difficult and time consuming for those to take light. This is true for your digestive fire during this season. So burdening your already weakened digestive fire with an unsuitable diet will only further dampen it and cause health problems. Lack of sunshine, cloudy atmosphere could also lead to mental disturbances. Thus it is recommended to use a lot of aromatic herbs like Chandana (Sandalwood), wearing fragrant garlands, etc. These aromatic herbs contain phytochemicals that relieve mood disturbances and uplift the mood and atmosphere. They may activate certain areas in the brain which helps in controlling emotions and releases happy hormones.

Few guidelines that can be followed during the Varsha Ritu :- 

Try to refrain from: 

• Excessive liquid intake, wine, achar (pickles of all types), food which is heavy and hard to digest
• Getting wet in rain, day sleep, exercise, hard work, staying at river bank, and exposure to sunlight, wind are to be avoided

 Seasonal Daily Regime: 

• Use of hot water for baths
• Rubbing the body with Oil properly after a bath is advised
• Medicated Basti (enema) under the supervision of a Registered Physician, to expel vitiated doshas

 As always, we need to walk with nature, work with nature and be insync with nature. Doing what is possible is completely under our control and small steps may be implemented gradually and adopted. Choose an ideal routine just for yourself !!  To tackle unexpected health concerns Sandu pharma offers;

• Tab Corysan,
• Sandu Mahasudarshan Kadha,
• Sandu Sitopalasav,
• Sandu Mahamanjishthadi kadha,
• Sandu Chyavanprash,
• Makarprash etc only on advice of Registered Medical Practitioner.

 Leaving you with following words from American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist; to think about;  ‘But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself’ - Rachel Carson  #sayyestoayurveda #sandupharma #ritucharya #varsharitu #ayurveda # rainyseason #ayurvedalifestyle #monsoonregimen  References:  Ganeshrao, Bakal Nilesh, Lode Dattatraya Somaji, and Patil Aparna Shrikrishna. "Ritu (Season), Ritucharya and Prakriti-A Conceptual Study." Int. J Ayur. Pharma Research 2.2 (2014): 101-110. Article by Dr.Madhuri Bhogan Research Associate