Yogic Therapy of Peptic Ulcer
=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya
Yoga Therapy – 8 Yogic Therapy of Peptic Ulcer In this series of Yogic Therapy we now present the aetiology and yogic cure of Peptic Ulcer. This disease crops up due to chronic hyper-acidity and manifests as burning sensation in the stomach. This is a wound which can surface in any region like the lower end of esophagus, stomach wall, or on the anterior end of duodenum near pyloric valve. The patient generally complaints of indigestion and constant stomach ache. Most of the symptoms of Peptic Ulcer appear like the symptoms of indigestion and hence diagnosis becomes difficult. This is diagnosed by means of Fiber optic Gastro-scope after making the patient drink Barium solution.
In theraputic science, peptic ulcer has been classified into two types –
1.Gastric ulcer – which occurs in the lining of the stomach.
2.Duodenal ulcer- which occurs in the anterior portion of the intestine.
Gastric ulcer – The main symptoms of the disease are – Intense piercing pain in the centre of chest immediately after eating. A little pressure on the upper abdomen causes pain. Internal bleeding of ulcer may lead to blood vomits. This disease is generally seen in the people who lead a highly competitive life and face recurrent and stressful ups and downs in life. This type of people has less tolerance for stress and disappointments in life, and in order to overcome that, they depend on cigarette smoking and alcohol. A victim of ulcer is embodiment of anxiety. He is tossed about in the whirlpool of worries, resultants of success and failure, show of capability in field of work, diseases, loyalty etc. Meaningless worry is the root cause of the disease. Afraid of the pain caused by eating, the patient loses appetite and this leads to loss of weight. This state is the result of chronic and recurrent gastritis. The disease is aggravated due to rich, heavy, spicy food, alcohol and smoking.
Duodenal ulcer- The anterior end of the esophagus where the acidic food reaches through the pyloric valve is called duodenum. The disease is caused by the injury in the membrane of this part. The pain related to this is felt in the centre of stomach. This pain is intense in the empty stomach and reduces after eating. This symptom is opposite of the symptoms of gastric ulcer. The patient keeps eating constantly to quench the pain, which in turn leads to increase in weight. Patient’s sleep gets interrupted in the early hours, as, by this time the food gets digested. Drinking milk at that time gives relief, as milk not only neutralizes the acid, it also soothes the lining of the esophagus and stomach. The causes of ulcer – This is a psychosomatic disease. In individuals who are constantly under mental stress or fear, there is a pressure on the nerves of the brain. This pressure stimulates sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. This stimulation induces the secretion of acid in the stomach, which in turn enhances the activity of the stomach and induces cramps. This process continues all the time.
In the absence of food in the stomach the quantity of acid increases; this in turn enhances the acidity. Chronic smoking, alcohol and rich oily food enhance the stimulation of the nerves. This results in frequent indigestion and excitement and swelling in the lining of the stomach. When this inflicted lining comes in contact with highly acidic gastric juice (hydrochloric acid and pepsin), the burning of the lining injures it, causing inflation and pain. The enhanced burning of acid, with the decreased resistance of the lining, causes the injury by destroying the lining. The pain of ulcer and related complexes – The injury of peptic ulcer appears as a notch/groove in the lining of the stomach, under which, the sensory nerves are spread like live wires. As the protective lining has already got abrased, the nerves come into direct contact with the acid and cause burning sensation and pain. When this injury gets aggravated and pierces the lining of the stomach it leads to perforation in the stomach. Then the acid and the food spreads to the germ free peritoneal cavity. If the ulcer of the stomach perforates a blood vessel, it paves way to Hemorrhage. This ruptured blood vessel causes excessive bleeding. This condition could be fatal if surgical intervention is not available immediately.
Treatment of ulcer – Medication does provide some temporary relief. Allopathic medicines prescribed in this case are predominantly antacids. Some Ayurvedic medicines like Mulhati, Anvala powder, Avipattikar powder etc. are especially beneficial. But any medicine can provide only temporary relief. Chronic disease, which is beyond cure, can be corrected only by surgical intervention, in which the affected part of the stomach is surgically removed. Yogic cure of ulcer – Complete rest and change of environment are the basic prerequisites for a fruitful yogic cure of Ulcer. The patient must be totally freed from the responsibilities and work related tensions. Patient must have sound sleep and undertake only non-tiring chores according to his wishes. Asanas – For the first two weeks patient should practice Pavanmuktasan Part – 1 and 2. Next two weeks he should practice Suryanamaskar. Shashankasan and Shavasan are also very much beneficial.
The Procedure of Suryanamaskar – Surya namaskar is a combination of 12 asanas.
1st pose – With the feet together stand upright, hands in the Namaskar mudra in front of the chest. Relax the whole body and chant the Mantra ‘OM ’.
2nd Pose - Hasta uttanasan – While inhaling, stretch both arms above the head. Keep the arms separated, shoulder width apart. Bend the head, arms and upper trunk backward without applying force.
3rd pose – Pada Hastasan – While exhaling, bend forward. While bending go on stretching the arms towards the ground and place them on the left and right side of the feet, the forehead touching the knees, which should remain straight. . Do not apply force. Knees should not bend.
4th pose - Ashwa sanchalasan – While inhaling stretch the left leg back, as far as possible. Right leg should be folded but the sole of the foot should be fixed in place. Arms should be straight. The weight of the body should be supported by the left sole, left knee and the right toes. In the final position bend the head backward waist in shape of bow; and gaze should be fixed upward.
5th pose - Parvatasan – Straighten the right leg and place it near left sole. Raise the hips upward to the maximum, head should be brought between the arms and in the final position legs and arms should be straight. In this position press the heels to the floor.
6th pose - Ashtanga namaskar – Inhaling, bring the body parallel to the ground. First place the knees on the ground, then the chest and thereafter the forehead. Stomach should be slightly raised from the ground.
7th pose - Bhujangasan – Lower the buttocks and hips to the floor. Straightening the elbows, arch the back and push the chest forward into the cobra pose. Bend the head back and direct the gaze upward to the eyebrow centre. The thighs and hips remain on the floor and arms support the trunk. This is the final stage of bhujangasan.
8th pose - Parvatasan – This stage is a repeat of position 5.
9th pose - Ashwa sanchalan – This stage is same as position 4.
10th pose - Pada hastasan – This position is a repeat of position 3.
11th pose - Hasta uttanasan – This stage is the repeat of position 2.
Pose 12 – Pranamasan (prayer pose) – This is the final position and is the same as position 1.
Repeat the whole cycle. Thus these 24 poses together complete one complete cycle of Surya namaskar. The procedure of Shavasan – Lie flat on the back with the arms about 15 cms away from the body, palms facing upward. Move the feet slightly apart to a comfortable position and close the eyes. Relax the whole body and stop all physical movements. Become aware of the natural breath and allow it to become rhythmic and relaxed. Observe the breath and count the breath (1) In, (1) Out; (2) In, (2) out; and continue the count for few minutes. If the mind wanders bring it back to the count. Pranayama – Bhramari and Nadishodhan pranayama bestow peace. Practice these daily.
The procedures for the above have been given in previous issues. Shatkriya – After sometime Neti and Laghu Shankha prakshalan can be performed. The patients of ulcer should not perform Kunjal kriya. Shithilikaran – To get relief from the stress and tension practice yoganidra everyday. Karmayoga – To take up a work without the cutthroat competitive spirit and to do it for fulfilling the objective is called Karmayoga. To act with a selfishly competitive motive paves way to anxiety and other mental aberrations. But the actions performed with full concentration for the achievement of higher objectives do not lead to any problems. Cutting the wood, cleaning, gardening and selfless service for noble causes are highly beneficial for ulcer patients.
Karmayoga augments psychological energy, relaxes the body and mind and paves the way for expression of creativity; and all these are beneficial for the patient. Food – In the beginning patient must take only fruits and milk. These heal the injury quickly. Alternatively, boiled vegetables, soup, Kichadi, milk and simple fruits can be taken. Fried, spicy, rich food, smoking and alcohol must be strictly shunned. Practicing the above in daily life is strongly recommended. Continuity is the basic condition of any therapy. Therefore if the above are practiced in daily life on a continuous basis the patient can derive adequate benefits. In the next series of Yoga Therapy Gastroenteritis. (To be continued)
In theraputic science, peptic ulcer has been classified into two types –
1.Gastric ulcer – which occurs in the lining of the stomach.
2.Duodenal ulcer- which occurs in the anterior portion of the intestine.
Gastric ulcer – The main symptoms of the disease are – Intense piercing pain in the centre of chest immediately after eating. A little pressure on the upper abdomen causes pain. Internal bleeding of ulcer may lead to blood vomits. This disease is generally seen in the people who lead a highly competitive life and face recurrent and stressful ups and downs in life. This type of people has less tolerance for stress and disappointments in life, and in order to overcome that, they depend on cigarette smoking and alcohol. A victim of ulcer is embodiment of anxiety. He is tossed about in the whirlpool of worries, resultants of success and failure, show of capability in field of work, diseases, loyalty etc. Meaningless worry is the root cause of the disease. Afraid of the pain caused by eating, the patient loses appetite and this leads to loss of weight. This state is the result of chronic and recurrent gastritis. The disease is aggravated due to rich, heavy, spicy food, alcohol and smoking.
Duodenal ulcer- The anterior end of the esophagus where the acidic food reaches through the pyloric valve is called duodenum. The disease is caused by the injury in the membrane of this part. The pain related to this is felt in the centre of stomach. This pain is intense in the empty stomach and reduces after eating. This symptom is opposite of the symptoms of gastric ulcer. The patient keeps eating constantly to quench the pain, which in turn leads to increase in weight. Patient’s sleep gets interrupted in the early hours, as, by this time the food gets digested. Drinking milk at that time gives relief, as milk not only neutralizes the acid, it also soothes the lining of the esophagus and stomach. The causes of ulcer – This is a psychosomatic disease. In individuals who are constantly under mental stress or fear, there is a pressure on the nerves of the brain. This pressure stimulates sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. This stimulation induces the secretion of acid in the stomach, which in turn enhances the activity of the stomach and induces cramps. This process continues all the time.
In the absence of food in the stomach the quantity of acid increases; this in turn enhances the acidity. Chronic smoking, alcohol and rich oily food enhance the stimulation of the nerves. This results in frequent indigestion and excitement and swelling in the lining of the stomach. When this inflicted lining comes in contact with highly acidic gastric juice (hydrochloric acid and pepsin), the burning of the lining injures it, causing inflation and pain. The enhanced burning of acid, with the decreased resistance of the lining, causes the injury by destroying the lining. The pain of ulcer and related complexes – The injury of peptic ulcer appears as a notch/groove in the lining of the stomach, under which, the sensory nerves are spread like live wires. As the protective lining has already got abrased, the nerves come into direct contact with the acid and cause burning sensation and pain. When this injury gets aggravated and pierces the lining of the stomach it leads to perforation in the stomach. Then the acid and the food spreads to the germ free peritoneal cavity. If the ulcer of the stomach perforates a blood vessel, it paves way to Hemorrhage. This ruptured blood vessel causes excessive bleeding. This condition could be fatal if surgical intervention is not available immediately.
Treatment of ulcer – Medication does provide some temporary relief. Allopathic medicines prescribed in this case are predominantly antacids. Some Ayurvedic medicines like Mulhati, Anvala powder, Avipattikar powder etc. are especially beneficial. But any medicine can provide only temporary relief. Chronic disease, which is beyond cure, can be corrected only by surgical intervention, in which the affected part of the stomach is surgically removed. Yogic cure of ulcer – Complete rest and change of environment are the basic prerequisites for a fruitful yogic cure of Ulcer. The patient must be totally freed from the responsibilities and work related tensions. Patient must have sound sleep and undertake only non-tiring chores according to his wishes. Asanas – For the first two weeks patient should practice Pavanmuktasan Part – 1 and 2. Next two weeks he should practice Suryanamaskar. Shashankasan and Shavasan are also very much beneficial.
The Procedure of Suryanamaskar – Surya namaskar is a combination of 12 asanas.
1st pose – With the feet together stand upright, hands in the Namaskar mudra in front of the chest. Relax the whole body and chant the Mantra ‘
2nd Pose - Hasta uttanasan – While inhaling, stretch both arms above the head. Keep the arms separated, shoulder width apart. Bend the head, arms and upper trunk backward without applying force.
3rd pose – Pada Hastasan – While exhaling, bend forward. While bending go on stretching the arms towards the ground and place them on the left and right side of the feet, the forehead touching the knees, which should remain straight. . Do not apply force. Knees should not bend.
4th pose - Ashwa sanchalasan – While inhaling stretch the left leg back, as far as possible. Right leg should be folded but the sole of the foot should be fixed in place. Arms should be straight. The weight of the body should be supported by the left sole, left knee and the right toes. In the final position bend the head backward waist in shape of bow; and gaze should be fixed upward.
5th pose - Parvatasan – Straighten the right leg and place it near left sole. Raise the hips upward to the maximum, head should be brought between the arms and in the final position legs and arms should be straight. In this position press the heels to the floor.
6th pose - Ashtanga namaskar – Inhaling, bring the body parallel to the ground. First place the knees on the ground, then the chest and thereafter the forehead. Stomach should be slightly raised from the ground.
7th pose - Bhujangasan – Lower the buttocks and hips to the floor. Straightening the elbows, arch the back and push the chest forward into the cobra pose. Bend the head back and direct the gaze upward to the eyebrow centre. The thighs and hips remain on the floor and arms support the trunk. This is the final stage of bhujangasan.
8th pose - Parvatasan – This stage is a repeat of position 5.
9th pose - Ashwa sanchalan – This stage is same as position 4.
10th pose - Pada hastasan – This position is a repeat of position 3.
11th pose - Hasta uttanasan – This stage is the repeat of position 2.
Pose 12 – Pranamasan (prayer pose) – This is the final position and is the same as position 1.
Repeat the whole cycle. Thus these 24 poses together complete one complete cycle of Surya namaskar. The procedure of Shavasan – Lie flat on the back with the arms about 15 cms away from the body, palms facing upward. Move the feet slightly apart to a comfortable position and close the eyes. Relax the whole body and stop all physical movements. Become aware of the natural breath and allow it to become rhythmic and relaxed. Observe the breath and count the breath (1) In, (1) Out; (2) In, (2) out; and continue the count for few minutes. If the mind wanders bring it back to the count. Pranayama – Bhramari and Nadishodhan pranayama bestow peace. Practice these daily.
The procedures for the above have been given in previous issues. Shatkriya – After sometime Neti and Laghu Shankha prakshalan can be performed. The patients of ulcer should not perform Kunjal kriya. Shithilikaran – To get relief from the stress and tension practice yoganidra everyday. Karmayoga – To take up a work without the cutthroat competitive spirit and to do it for fulfilling the objective is called Karmayoga. To act with a selfishly competitive motive paves way to anxiety and other mental aberrations. But the actions performed with full concentration for the achievement of higher objectives do not lead to any problems. Cutting the wood, cleaning, gardening and selfless service for noble causes are highly beneficial for ulcer patients.
Karmayoga augments psychological energy, relaxes the body and mind and paves the way for expression of creativity; and all these are beneficial for the patient. Food – In the beginning patient must take only fruits and milk. These heal the injury quickly. Alternatively, boiled vegetables, soup, Kichadi, milk and simple fruits can be taken. Fried, spicy, rich food, smoking and alcohol must be strictly shunned. Practicing the above in daily life is strongly recommended. Continuity is the basic condition of any therapy. Therefore if the above are practiced in daily life on a continuous basis the patient can derive adequate benefits. In the next series of Yoga Therapy Gastroenteritis. (To be continued)
Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma
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