This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
Sarala Mandukasana
R. Devaraj — Bangalore
The whole universe breathes regularly and rhythmically. All creatures also breathe rhythmically. A disturbed breathing rhythm leads to chaos and disease. Regulated breathing helps to maintain health of body, mind and emotions. Sarala mandukasana is a holistic approach to regulated breathing. Sarala mandukasana is the posture of a frog sitting in a relaxed state.
A broad smile relaxes the whole system. A frog appears to smile always. We smile in Sarala mandukasana.
A strong diaphragm strengthens the four oneway valves of the digestive system.
A weak esophageal valve causes acid reflux.
A weak pyloric valve causes hiatus hernia.
A weak ileocecal valve causes IBS.
A weak Houston valve causes constipation and piles.
Thus the body, mind and emotions are disturbed by these valves when they are weak. Diaphragm breathing strengthens the diaphragms and the four valves.
Sarala mandukasana enables a natural diaphragms breathing.
According to Ayurveda, diseases are caused by disturbed doshas.
Vata – wind imbalance.
Pitta – fire imbalance.
Kapha – water imbalance.
A rhythmic acupressure on some pressure points on the hands and feet in Sarala mandukasana influences these doshas, thus correcting the imbalance and restoring general health.
Sarala mandukasana helps to attain the three bandhas:
The Moola Bandha.
The Uddiyana Bandha
The Jalandhara Bandha.
A frog breathes naturally through its skin. Visualizing the same in us gives more relaxed and efficient breathing.
Visualizing a pink lotus expanding from our heart and reaching out to the whole universe and contracting into the heart rhythmically helps in reaching out to the whole universe with love.
Email the author, Devaraj Ramamurthy, at jeevoddhar@yahoo.com