Chennai: Immunity building has three dimensions such as the environment, mind and body. These three need to integrate with the five base elements – panchaboothas, says professor and Yoga guru Vijaykumar Jayaram.
Speaking to News Today, Vijayakumar Jayaram, says, ‘Focusing only on the body for building immunity is incomplete. Fact is masters such as Patanjali and Vashista focused on Prathihara to get this integration. Without Prathihara, all practices will yield little results. It may even turn harmful’.
What is this Prathihara? He says, “It is a dharmic process of continuous self-purification through service and withdrawal or moderation of sensual pleasures.”
He adds, “WASEF – The Panchabootha model, to be pronounced as VASI with ‘F’ the fire being silent. These alphabets representing water, air, space, earth and fire respectively.’S’pace at center, holds everything in-between, flanked by water and fire”.
“Water builds immunity by consuming them at right timing and in right volume. Drinking good volume of water in-between our food is must. Take water only after you feel food has digested or near to complete digestion. Before eating take very little water only for lubricating our food pipe. The key point is, do not dilute your gastric juices with water. This style of water intake will free you from all digestive problems”, says Vijayakumar Jayaram.
“Practice deep breathing in a green environment. It should include diaphragm movement. Don’t hold breath or practice without proper guidance”.
Proper water, food, breathing and exercise will help stabilise your space element. Everyone knows so much about what to eat and what not to. What many do not know or do not follow even though knowing (lacking in Prathihara) is, while eating food the other four elements should remain integrated. Say no to TV and mobile as it interferes with your space.
Chewing your food completely before swallowing integrates water element, smell of food aroma integrates the element air and seeing the food with relishing eyes integrates the fire element. Without warm-up movements of your body, it is not advisable to practice Yogasanas or any exercise. 100 years ago warm-up was not mandatory but today with sedentary life it is a must in order to avoid sprains, he adds.