Universal method of coping with stress, and for the prevention and treatment of diseases
Part I - Written by Dr. Ramin Mobasseri MD edited by Gilgi Hauser

Introduction

Sahaja Yoga is a simple and accessible meditation technique which has been found to have long lasting, positive, physiological and psychological effects upon people of all age groups. Although Sahaja Yoga is based upon numerous ancient Eastern philosophies, it was Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi who in 1970 devised this simple technique. The technique addresses the physiological being in terms of being dependant upon the subtle balance of the autonomous nervous system.

According to ancient Eastern philosophy, the complex autonomous nervous system is dependant upon the functioning of seven energy centres (or chakras) and three energy channels (or nadis) – the subtle system. These energy centres and channels correspond to the complex system of plexuses and sub-plexuses in the body and the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. Hence, the development of physiological and psychological illnesses, are seen to be directly related to the existence of subtle imbalances and disharmonies within this subtle system.

Through the practice of Sahaja Yoga an inner energy called the, `Kundalini´ ― described in ancient Indian texts, ie. the Gyaneshwari ― spontaneously becomes awakened and commences a physiological process of re-balancing the complex interrelationships between the autonomous, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and the plexuses of the body (Rai 1993). The person meditating experiences the manifestation of the ‘awakened Kundalini’ as a cool breeze on the palm and coming out on top of his head (fontanel bone area). Thoughts are less stressed, more relaxed, and one can experience a state called ‘thoughtless awareness’(Rai 1993, Manocha 2000, Manocha 2001).

Sahaja Yoga is a simple meditation technique that one can practise independently at home without spending much time (20 minutes daily is sufficient) and without cost ― SY is free of charge.

The subtle system

The subtle system of the human species consists of seven main energy centers (chakras) and 3 main energy channels (nadis). For a better understanding of its functioning and its relation to diseases we shall examine a brief description of the system according to Sahaja Yoga discipline ― which may differ in some areas from other disciplines/texts. 

The subtle system

The left channel (Ida Nadi) is related to our emotions, desires and to the past. If healthy this channel gives us emotional security and lets us enjoy life. The channel crosses at the height of the forehead to the right half of the brain and ends in the so- called ‘Superego’ (seat of our conditionings).

If the left channel is overactive one becomes very emotional and suffers from emotional distress (i.e. awful worries). Furthermore this may damage the channel and diseases like depression, psychosomatic diseases, psychosis and maybe cancer can occur. The anatomical correlation to this channel is the left part of the sympathetic nervous system. The element is water (jala).

The right channel (Pingala Nadi) is related to our actions, mental planning and to the future. If healthy this channel gives us the power to activate our desires. The channel crosses at the height of the forehead to the left half of the brain and ends in the so called ‘Ego’. If this channel is overactive one becomes aggressive, dominant and emotionally dry,suffering from mental distress. Further damage to this channel can lead to diseases like hypertension, myocardial infarction, diabetes or dementia. The anatomical correlation to this channel is the right part of the sympathetic nervous system. The element is fire (and air).

The central channel (Sushumna Nadi) is related to our personal evolution (mental, emotional and spiritual growth) and to the present. If active, the central channel blesses us with experiencing the real joy of the moment. Only if the left and right channel are in balance, can the central channel develop these qualities. The anatomical correlation to this channel is the parasympathetic nervous system

The seven chakras (energy centers) correspond to the nervous centers (plexi) of the autonomic nervous system. According to the knowledge of Sahaja Yoga they contain universal principles (‘tatvas’) and regulate the functions of body and mind.




Chakra Principle

Element - Nervous plexus - Related organs - Related diseases

Mooladhara - Innocence, wisdom

Earth - Pelvis plexus, Genital organs, rectum, Multiple sclerosis, Aids, cancer, Swadisthana,Pure knowledge, spontaneity

Fire - Aortic plexus, Part of liver, kidneys, large intestines, pancreas, Diseases in these organs, Manipura, Satisfaction, patience

Water - Mesenteric plexus, Part of liver, spleen, stomach, small intestines, Diseases in these organs, allergies, Anahat, 
Love, security, sympathy

Air - Cardiac plexus, Heart, lungs, thymus, Diseases in these organs, anxiety disorders, Vishuddhi, Communication, non-reaction

Ether - Cervical plexus, Throat, tongue, face, thyroid gland, Diseases in these organs, Agnia, Forgiveness

Fire - Epi- and Hypothalamus, Upper brain, eyes, memory loss, weak sight, Sahasrarabecomes, Integration, self-realisation

All five elements - Limbic area, Limbic area, fontanel bone area, None specific

The seventh chakra (Sahasrara chakra) which is located at the top of the head (fontanel bone area) has the capability to regulate and purify all other chakras. When the Kundalini pierces through this chakra, one becomes free from thoughts and a unique process of self-healing begins (Rai 1993).

The part II of this article comprising with the details of clinical research on Sahaja Yoga will be published in the next issue of AyurvedaNews.

Dr. Ramin Mobasseri is a physician from Frankfurt/ Germany, specializing in natural medicine. He has been practising Sahaja Yoga for about seven years and has recently conducted a research study on Sahaja Yoga Meditation, as complementary treatment in cancer patients for his MD thesis. At the moment he is in India studying Ayurveda at an advanced level at the Chakrapani Global center for Training & Research in Ayurveda Jaipur, India in order to deepen his knowledge of this ancient science. He can be contacted at raminoanh@gmx.de .