Shri Yogendraji, in 1918, founded
The Yoga Institute where through his pioneering work in Yoga Theraputics and
Research, he helped cure many people from various kinds of diseases.
94 years later, his legacy still continues
at the Institute in the form of many special programmes and activities. One
such programme is Samattvam. Samattvam means a balanced state of
mind. A balanced mind can free us from most problems. This is the very essence
behind all the teachings of The Yoga Institute.
Smt. Hansaji explains the
importance of Samattvam, “The whole
day people go around doing their work. They have no idea about their health and
well-being. They want to learn yoga, but if they go straight to the regular
classes, they may not be able to explain their conditions clearly to the
teachers. So to create awareness and understand the obvious underlying health
or emotional issues, first a health oriented session is needed.”
“Diseases are psychosomatic, so
it is important to also understand the level and intensity of the disease. We
have General Physicians, Orthopaedic surgeons, Gynaecologists, Psychiatrists,
Physiotherapists, etc. So, the best thing about Samattvam is that if a person has multiple problems, they can meet all
different specialists and also get yoga counselling,” shares Mr. Shirish
Ghurye, co-ordinator of Samattvam.
Registration and Introduction
After registration, a short video
is shown, where Smt. Hansaji gives a basic guidance of how every human should
have a healthy approach to life, diet, routine, etc. Many people cannot change their lifestyles
because of their work timings or other factors. This is why, after the video,
Smt. Hansaji herself gives a talk giving them alternatives.
Medical Assessment
The patients are then made to
meet the specific doctors. Here, their medical reports are analysed and doctors
advise on the course of action.
Patients suffering from more of
degenerative musculo-skeletal problems, Obesity and related problems like PCOD,
Thyroid, etc. and lifestyle related diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes and
Cholesterol, etc. have become rampant.
Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Suhas
Kate shared that a man with Lumbar Canal Stenosis was unable to walk long
distances but was able to walk after practicing the standard mobilizing
exercises through Asanas. “Many cases
which were advised surgeries were able to recover without surgery after coming
to Samatvam,” he says.
Yoga Counselling
“A few years ago, a couple on the
verge of divorce came here. A combination of relationship and financial issues was
creating problems for them. Fortunately, they followed the suggestions given
here and joined the special class and couple’s class at the Institute. Now they
are happily settled and even have a child. Everyone in the family has learnt to
adjust to each other,” narrated yoga counsellor, Shri Sharad Waghmare.
Certain severe cases such as
Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, etc. require life-long medication with management
through yoga, shares Smt. Priyam Waghmare. In other cases such as Hypertension,
medication is required in the beginning and is slowly reduced if one follows
instructions diligently.
Follow-up
Instructions and Physical Practice
Meeting with Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
Very severe health problems with complications, such as a
combination of mental, physical and emotional issues, multifarious diseases and
post-operatives, etc. are finally taken to Dr. Jayadeva for his advice where he
suggests whether a patient should go for medical intervention or manage it
through yoga. “In cases like High B.P. they are asked to take regular
medications, improve their dietary habits and practice more relaxation during
the day,” says Dr Jayadeva.
In this way, through the combined effort of the Gurus and dedicated doctors and Sadhakas, a wonderful, selfless and life-changing programme like Samattvam is created.
On 25th and 26th
December, 2012, as The Yoga Institute celebrates its 94th Foundation
Day, with the World Householders' Yoga Convention we invite you all to celebrate this kind of relentless and dedicated
service to mankind.
