The Yoga of Body

The value of Hatha Yoga is in that it attempts to control mind through the control of our physical body. Normally it is the other way round. Our mental states invariably affect our bodily states. When we are depressed our shoulders sag and our movements become sluggish and slow. We feel tired; our reactions tend to be off the mark. But when the period of depression is over there is a sudden change in the posture of our body. It straightens up, the droop in the shoulders is no more visible, there is a spring in our steps and confidence in our actions.
Most of the practices now associated with yoga do not really form any part of the original system of yoga, that of Pathanjali. The accent on physical conditioning as a way to reach the underlying reality originated much, much later. In fact the systems of Hatha Yoga is only about 600 or so years old, may be less. It came into being at a very dark period in the history of the land. It was the offspring of socio political conditions then prevalent in the land.
The Muslim rulers of the land paid scant respect to the old traditions of India. The majority was taxed heavily and their systems of belief were looked down upon. It was not easy to practice Higher practices of yoga, that of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi at such turbulent times. The shame of being ruled by a few outsiders with superior physical power and mental of aggressiveness resulted in a covert attempt at bettering them in both spheres. The fruit of the labor was Hatha Yoga.
Both Hatha Yoga Pradeepika and Gheranda Samhita went to the other extreme of making the body invincible by adopting certain practices suited for it. Though it has brought out a revolutionary change in man’s approach to life, it has certain drawbacks too. By centering its philosophy on the preservation of the body it neglects the finer aspects of man’s persuasion, that of inquiring into the nature and meaning of truth.
Take the practice of pranayama for instance. Pathanjali had finished with pranayama in four aphorisms. To him it was just an outer limb of yoga. This was the case with postures too. But both were made into great sciences by Atmarama( Hatha Yoga Pradeepika) and Gheranda (Gheranda Samhitha). Mudras and Bandhas were their additions to the practice of yoga. These practitioners were after the coveted Sidhis of Yoga which were looked down upon by Pathanjali. Yet the benefits of practicing some of the exercises detailed in the above texts are undeniable.

Most of the practices prescribed by these two sages are difficult to master. And they can not be practiced without proper supervision. But yet there are some practices which might be adopted by any one without harm. One such practice is Kapalabhathi. Three Kapalabhathi techniques are given in Gheeranda Samhitha which may be of use to everybody concerned about their health. I shall give them below one by one.
1. Vamakarma Kapalabhathi
In this the air is taken in through the left nostril and released through the right nostril and then the reverses. Take in through the right and release through the left. Breathing must be done slowly.
This exercise clears the nasal passages and the lungs of any pollutants.
2.Vyutkrama Kapalabhathi
Draw in water slowly through your nostrils by dipping your nose in a bowl of water. It will go into your mouth. Let it out and repeat the exercise.
It cools the head down and is thus beneficial for those whose heads and body heats up every now and then
2. Sheetkrama Kapalabhathi
This is not an easy exercise. You will have to draw in water with a sharp intake of sound through the mouth and release it through your nose. I present this for the sake of information and would not advise its practice. If practiced well it has beneficial effects on your entire appearance. The text says that it would make you young (you will be like Eros the text says) and eliminate the incidence of fever.
It is said in the book that by practicing these three together your body comes under your control and you remain healthy for ever.
Though these are called pranayama they do not involve the technique of holding the air in. Other than cleansing the body and making it healthy these simple exercises have no other purpose what so ever. Every one can practice them and reap the benefits.