Blowing of Shankh or Conch

Transcription

1 Blowing of Shankh or Conch Simplest Technique for Yoga & Meditation Printed by - Scan Services, 111/315, Harsh Nagar, Kanpur Mob. : for : Vashudhaiv Kutumbkam Nyas Kanpur HS-34, Krishnapuram, Kanpur (U.P.) INDIA Dr. Rajeev Sharma

2 Preface The age old Indian traditions are designed and developed in such a manner that they have positive influences over individual's social and cultural life. They control almost all aspects of life and their adherence lead to a balanced growth. Yoga and its allied practices are procedures to discipline the individual in a proper social frame work. Their practices reduce the chances of psycho somatic disorders and make man healthy and happy. Their regular practitioner will enjoy sound health. The blowing of Shankh is a preliminary exercise in this regard. It is a complete exercise for body, mind and soul. It affects our voluntary, involuntary muscles, endocrine system, autoimmune and autonomous nervous system and prevents autogenic tissue disorders, which ultimately prevent psychosomatic disorders. Blowing of Shankh facilitates dhyana which in turns stabilizes our personality. As a medical practitioner, I experienced, experimented and advised the blowing Shankh and found miraculous results. One of my patients Mr. Rajeev Dixit, 50 was positive for tubercular bacilli. He was also suffering from chemical and dust allergy since last 25 years. After 4 months blowing alongwith meditation he got rid off tubercular ailment, allergic problems and gained 5 kg. and improved lungs capacity. The other case I would like to quote Mr. S.P. Bajpai who was performed angioplasty due to ischaemic heart disease, is now hail and hearty because of 2 mins. uninterrupted Shank blowing. DOB : 02 July, 1961 Educational Qualification Address Dr. Rajeev Sharma I.A.S. : M.Sc., M.A., Ph.D. P.G. Diploma in Ecology & Environment : HS-34, Krishnapuram, Kanpur (U.P.) INDIA Contact Details : Mobile Present Assignment - rajeevdak@yahoo.com Blog - yogaandnaturecureclub.blogspot.com : Working in Indian Administrative Service and posted as Additional Divisional Commissioner Kanpur Division Kanpur (U.P.) India I totally agree with what is written in this booklet and advocate that for better and best health and happiness everybody should blow Shankh regularly. 25/7/2016 Dr. L.K. Tiwari MBBS, D. Ortho., PHMS Chief Consultant Ortho UHM Hospital Kanpur, U.P. INDIA

3 Blowing of Shankh or Conch A simplest technique for meditation and Yoga along with various health benefits 1. Introduction The yoga and blowing of Shankh or conch are two age old Indian traditions. Most of the people living here usually try to adhere to the principles and life style prescribed in the yogic texts. The yoga is one of the six Indian philosophies on which 'Vedanta' is based. The other five are 'Purva Meemnasa, 'Sankhya', 'Nyaya', 'Vaisheshik', and 'Uttar Meemansa'. So is with the Shankh and usually it is blown every day while doing pooja, religious ceremonies, functions and various social performances. The blowing of Shankh facilitates dhyana which is core of the yoga. The dhyana is needed in our all daily activities and without dhyana we cannot perform any task. The regular blowing of Shankh improves our power of concentration on any subject. More over blowing is an excellent physical exercise for body. It improves both physico and psycho health of a regular performer. 2. The yoga The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root word 'Yujir' meaning to bind, to join, to attach and yoke two or more than two objects or concepts. The tradition of Yoga in India is quite old and we find its descriptions in 'Rigveda', 'Upanishands', 'Geeta', etc. In simple words yoga means "to concentrate one's attention or direct one's energy in search of ultimate truth". Among various definitions of yoga it is unanimously agreed that 'yoga' is the unification of body, mind and soul. Patanjali considers Yoga as a tool for self discipline and begins like this :- vfk ;ksxkuq'kklue~ II Atha yoganushasanam II Now we should discipline ourselves with yoga. In his second shloka he says :- ;ksxf'prro`frrfujks/k% II yogah chittavartti nirodhah II Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness. For achieving this 'cessation of movements in consciousness he postulates 'Ashtang Yoga' in the following manner :- ;efu;ekluizk.kk;keizr;kgkj/kkj.kk/;kulek/k;ksm~"vkom~xkfu II yama niyama asana prana yamaa pratyahara dharana dyana samadhyah astau angani. II Moral injuctions (yama), fixed observances (niyama), posture (asana), regualtion of breath (Pranayama), internalization of the senses towards their sources (pratyahar), concentration (dharna), meditation (dhyana) and abosrption of consciousness in the self (samadhi), are the eight constituents of yoga. (1) (2)

4 Yama - Restraint calls for the cultivation of five values : (a) Non-violence-Ahimsa - it does not mean merely abstinence from killing but also refrain from injuring others either by words, thoughts or deeds. (b) Truthfulness-Satya - this also means to be true is one's thoughts, words and deeds under all circumstances. (c) Non-stealing-Asteya - non-claiming anything that does not belong to one. This means to control the propensity of the mind for greed. (d) Continence-Brahmacharya - it is observation of chastity in thoughts, words and deeds. Continence re-creates the body mind and thoughts, infusing them with a new vigour. (e) Non-receiving of gifts-aparigraha - remaining free and independent from the influence of others. grows in devotion, which culminates in concentration on the chosen ideal. Asana - posture - Raja Yoga stresses on a steady and pleasant posture with the limbs of the body remaining restful, and conducive to concentration and meditation. There are 84 postures of sitting as means to the practice of Yoga. All of them are beneficial for the physical body and the idea is to gain control over the body. Pranayama - Control of breath - the Pranayam is derived from the words Prana and Ayama i.e. definite dimentions to Prana. The Prana signifies energy, force and Ayama means specific dimensions. The breath supplies power to all parts of the body. When the breath is regulated the mind becomes calm. Pranayama consists of breathing in-puraka, restraining the breath - Kumbhaka, and breathing out - Rechaka in proper proportion. Niyama - Discipline -constitutes five observances : Pratyahara - Withdrawal of mind - It consists of training the (a) Clenliness - Saucha - not only external but also internal. mind to detach itself at will from each sense organ. When we are in a perfectly concentrated state of mind, we would (b) Contentment - Santosha- remaining satisfied with a few not be influenced by any external noise. material necessities procured without great effort. Dharana - Concentration - It means the gathering of mental (c) Austerity - tapah - practicing control of body, speech energies that are scattered in all directions and focusing and mind. It increases "will power". them on an object for a certain length of time without (d) Study of sacred books - Svadhyaya - study those books interruption. which help you to understand the reality of the Dhyana - meditation - When concentration becomes absolute. effortless and continuous, there begins meditation. (e) Self-surrender to God - Isvarapranidhan - by Patanjli says "Meditation is the uninterrupted surrendering the fruits of actions to the Divine one, concentration of thought on its object. This itself turns into (3) (4)

5 Samadhi when the object itself shines and the thought of meditation (and of the mediator) is lost as it were" healthy and fit certain amount of equilibrium is essential not only among all body systems but also between body and mind. Therefore we need a procedure to keep us physically Samadhi - Absorption - It is attained when meditation and mentally fit in a present day fast and modern becomes constant and continuous and mind merges in the technology based life. object of meditation. Here comes the role of yoga and its various allied activities The above definition and basic description of yoga show that it is which aim at to bring about balanced behaviour and a process of controlling and disciplining physical, mental, balanced personality. cultural and social aspects of the life of common worldly people. 3. Need of the yoga :- 4. The blowing of Shankha an-ideal exercise :- After knowing what yoga is and its relevance for man, it is Everybody would agree that man is different from other important to know how to begin with? Many will suggest animals because he is a disciplined creature. To be a man going to various text books, scriptures, journals, audio and we are to discipline ourselves and we need an accurate and video learning etc. Some will suggest to go to a 'yoga guru' perfect procedure for disciplining without causing any who will teach you all subtle intricacies of the subject. He harm. will teach you to begin with yama and follow niyama, This world is full of attractions, distractions, vices, allurements, and provocation etc. which are the causes of the deviations from the naturally and socio-culturally asanas, pranayama, pratyahar, dharna and then dhyana and Samadhi. He will again insist that no overstepping is allowed and all steps are compulsory. prescribed life style. These environmental influences and Everyone is correct but the question is how much time, deviations, both external and internal, on the physical and resources, and enthusiasm etc. One can devote in this fast mental processes, ultimately lead to pain, agonies, moving life, for such activities. Therefore one needs a miseries, and ailments etc. These factors negatively affect perfect and composite procedure which can be easily our endocrine system and autonomous-involuntary nervous practiced every day without any hindrances and gives system, ultimately leading to various psycho-somatic maximum beneficial out puts. disorders. The blowing of Shankh is an ideal exercise in this regard. If Autonomic and proprioceptive neuro-muscular reactions blowing is done methodically and properly it is an along with secretions of endocrine glands, seem to have an excellent systematic exercise of those parts or organs of important bearing in about these changes. To remain body for which no effective exercise is available which can (5) (6)

6 be prescribed. It improves digestive, respiratory, endocrine and circulatory systems. The three major bandhas are automatically applied during blowing. This all ultimately sooths the mind, facilitates dhyana which is the core of yoga. 5. Shankh or Conch :- The Shankh or Conch is the outer calcareous shell of Turbinella pyrum i.e. sea snail found in Indian ocean. It's over all shape is oblong or conical having protuberances in the middle and tapers at both ends. The upper portion i.e. mouth is cork screw shaped and other end is tapering and twisted. The interior is hollow and coil shaped. Shankh or conch has a special relevance for every Hindu and most of them either keep it in their houses or use it during pooja or special offerings. Shankh is said to possess several spiritual and mysterious powers. However, if it is blown in a correct and proper manner, it has tremendous positive bearing on our physical and mental health. 6. Method of Blowing Shankh :- The appropriate process of blowing of Shankh is given below :- Sit comfortably in Siddhasana or Padmasana or Sukhasana, with straight spinal cord and neck. The neck should be extended at atlanto-occipital joint so that mouth opening and air way come in a straight line. The tail bone i.e. lower part of lumber or cocci should not touch the surface on which we sit. Inhale as much air as possible and retain it for a while and then exhale. Do it for two to three times. After that, put mouth of Shankh between the lips, slightly on the right side, and slowly and with no effort or with little effort, blow the air inside the opening of the Shankh. Do it, as many times as you like to do or feel pleasure in doing so. In first attempt, the Shankh may not blow but be sure, that success is to come after a few repeated efforts. The persistent and consistent efforts in this regard are required. 7. Body's response :- In the process of blowing Shankh our body responds in the manner given here. During Shankh blowing, when we inhale, the air is forcibly filled in lungs and stomach, and our navel region is pushed inside, which led to contraction of diaphragm. The rectal muscles contract and relax consistently, and ultimately pushed inside and stretched upward. These muscles are released as we exhale and navel region expands. At the time of Shankh blowing the neck muscles are contracted and compressed, and blood starts gushing in to head region and brain. This is most important aspect of blowing Shankh. More technically we can say that during blowing three important bandhas - neuro-muscular-sphinctures i.e. mool bandha, uddiyan bandha and jalandhar bandha are automatically applied. The mool bandha pertains to rectal areas, uddiyan to navel area and jalandhar bandha is peculiar to neck region. When these bandhas are applied, the internal pressure of very high degree is produced in the concerned region. All three bandhas are applied simultaneously during the blowing without any extra effort. (7) (8)

7 During blowing the diaphragm is pushed upward and lungs are contracted and expanded. The heart is compressed by this process and ejaculation of blood is geared up. The process also massages heart muscles. When the diaphragm is pushed upward, the liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas and the entire intestinal system also pressed and move upward. When the blowing ends, these body parts come to their normal places. Thus the process is an excellent procedure for systematic massage of internal organs for which no other exercise is available. 8. Advantages of Shankh blowing :- In the above process of Shankh blowing, as per my observations, our body is benefited in the following ways :- 1. Rectal muscles are consistently contracted and relaxed as long as shankh is blown. This practice gives strength to anal muscles and sphincters with gradual disengorgement of rectal and anal veins preventing hemorrhoids. 2. With the pressure on prostrate area, it regulates the prostatic sections preventing it's enlargement. 3. Complete contraction of urinary bladder and urinary tract muscles lead to strengthing them, resulting in minimal residual urine antioxidant in bladder or body. 4. Liver, spleen, gall bladder, pancreas, and intestine etc. all get systematically massaged in such a way, their functioning is improved. 5. The only exercise for diaphragm muscles, resulting in ejaculation of undigested toxic food in stomach. 6. Toning up of chest muscles. 7. Lungs are expanded and contracted up to alveoli and their aerial capacity is improved, resulting into extraoxygenation. 8. Under normal conditions, an individual inhales 500ml. air and exhales the same amount, while 2300ml. air is permanently retained in his lungs, i.e. functional residual air which usually does not come out during breathing. The permanent retained air ultimately causes toxicity. While we blow Shankh, 3200ml. air is taken inside i.e. inhaled and 4400 ml. air is out breathed i.e. exhaled. Thus only 1200 ml. air is left in the lungs. This ventilates the lungs and cleans them which ultimately reduce toxicity. 9. Complete and perfect contraction and relaxation of neck muscles lead to strengthening of neck muscles and decreasing the pressure on thecal membranes and spinal cord which prevents cervical spondylitis. 10. No exercise for vocal cord and thyroid other than blowing of Shankh is present. 11. Synchronised contraction and relaxation of face muscles makes face uniformly calm. 12. When blood of body is forcible pooled towards the head region, carrying oxygenated blood with nutrients, helps to improve the health of the head and face skin. (9) (10)

8 13. The improved blood circulation in brain activates brain tissues, basal ganglions and mid brain pituitary thus controlling hormonal secretions. 14. More oxygenated blood with nutrients and consequently nourishes head skin ultimately results in to better growth, development and health of hair. 15. The application of bandhas, which are neuro-muscular locks when applied involves changes in the internal pressure of a very high degree. This has a direct effect on the visceral tone, various glandular secretions, including endocrinal, and also on some of the vital nerve plexus and arterial and various system preventing the aging process. 16. Over and above, the sound created, during blowing of Shankh, has a specific significance. It originates at particular wave length and frequency. If one remains under its influence for some time, it prepares and facilitate Dhyana i.e. meditation. Dhyana becomes easy after blowing Shankh. The scientific researches proved that the sound of Shankh with its inherent 7.83 Hertz can be heard by the ears as well as the human heart. 9. Precautions :- But at the same time due care must be taken to initiate the process. Blowing of Shankh must be learnt from a person who can perform it easily or by a person who can guide in this regard. Careless blowing sometimes may cause hernia or may damage ear or eyes muscles. Sometimes diaphragm muscles may rupture. The usual mistake, generally people do while blowing Shankh is that, inhale through mouth, instead of nose. When we inhale through mouth, air goes to our stomach, which is not meant to retain air. Further, only small quantity of air could be held and stored in it. When stomach is expanded due to air retention, the lungs are compressed and air volume is reduced in them which are not conducive for Shankh blowing. Therefore it is advised to learn it gradually and slowly under the guidance of a regular performer. 10. Conclusion :- The health benefits of blowing of Shankh or conch are tremendous and one who does it daily will enjoy better and perfect health throughout his life. The metabolic changes due to blowing, through the body fluids, may act on different systems, such as glandular, circulatory, nervous, excretory, etc. and bring about a complete change in the total personality of the individual, before one takes to the higher practices of yoga. It is the best way to prevent the ailments and keep body fit. It's few minutes practice will make body free from all kinds of psychosomatic ailments. Thus blowing of Shankh is a perfect exercise which helps us in learning elementary phases of yoga and prepares us for advance stages, improves our physical and mental health along with spirituality among us. (11) (12)