Harnessing the Power of Yoga: Understanding an Ancient Healing Tradition from a Holistic Perspective

Abstract

This chapter introduces a holistic perspective of the Yogic tradition. First we review the healing power of yoga through the Eastern tradition, highlighting the importance of yoga in maintaining the Chakra system and sustaining a healthy Chi flow. We then endorse the healing power of yoga through a Western medical lens and evidence-based empirical research and clinical trials.

1. Introduction

The twenty-first century is plagued by many astonishing inventions and a breakthrough in global connectedness. Human consciousness is entangled in a transhumanistic timeline, leading to a new quantum leap with an unknown fate. This quantum jump continues to challenge our understanding of its root and the quantum genesis of its existence.

As I am working on this book chapter, I cannot ignore the fact that Apple is on the verge of launching Vision Pro [1], an innovative device that has the potential to revolutionize our world. Although this innovative tool offers a captivating virtual experience, it fails to cure cancer, heal autoimmune disorders, or elucidate the underlying complexities of schizophrenia symptoms and psychopathology.

Our society has embraced a rigid Western medical approach that relies solely on psychopharmacology as an ultimate healing method, disregarding any advancements or research in the emerging field of quantum and bioenergetic medicine.

This chapter aims to demonstrate the adoption of the Yogic Tradition as a holistic modality that promotes a comprehensive approach to healing the human body, integrating both Eastern and Western perspectives.

2. Understanding yoga through the eastern tradition

2.1 A brief overview of chi

To understand the Eastern medical perspective, we need to define key concepts that preside over its approach. Alternative medicine manipulates energy flow throughout a living system to heal both its structural and bioenergetic components.

Chi, or Prana in Sanskrit, is a vital life source that flows through all living beings. The flow of Chi through the meridians is essential for maintaining the normal functions of the human body. If we want to describe it using an analogy, the meridians are to the bioenergetic body as the lymphatic system to the physiological body [2].

There are five main basic functions of Chi [3]:

1. Movement and circulation: Chi plays a vital role in the flow and transport of essential bodily fluids like lymph and blood. It also transports subtle energies such as electromagnetic and photonic particles, in particular Chi or Prana.

2. Thermal regulation: Chi plays a vital role in maintaining the physical body’s homeostasis at an optimal temperature that promotes and nurtures life.

3. Immune Function: Chi has an important role in modulating our immune defenses against external pathogens or internal autoimmune attacks.

4. Manifestation of life: The flow of Chi is the essence of life; it sustains the body’s bioenergetic, electromagnetic, and physiological functions; thus impacting the healthy functioning of the Chakras (as detailed in the following section).

5. Maintenance of the Zang-fu organs: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), maintaining the optimal functioning of the Zang-fu organs relies on the flow of Chi. The Zang-fu organs include the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidneys, and the stomach.

At times, the flow of Chi to the internal organs and bioenergetic centers becomes obstructed. Factors include traumatic life events, emotional stress, synthetic medications, and drug abuse.

The accumulation of excessive bodily fluids such as lymph and blood after surgeries can also obstruct the flow of Chi. That is why surgeons advise patients to rest and practice self-care until total remission so that the accumulated fluids can totally dissipate [4].

Now that we have a basic understanding of Chi, let us delve into how this vital energy maintains the harmonious balance of our major energy centers, commonly known as the Chakras.

2.2 The relationship between the chakras and chi

In the human body, each cluster of organs translates energetically into an energetic center called Chakra. The flow of Chi into those energy centers maintains their normal functioning [5]. To further understand the role of Chi in those energy centers, let us briefly introduce them (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

The seven chakras of the human body.

2.2.1 The root chakra

The root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. It holds the large intestine, kidneys, bladder, rectum, sciatic nerve, bottom of the feet, and the adrenal glands. The photonic signature of this Chakra is red and shelters our human identity, stability, and grounding [6].

2.2.2 The sacral chakra

The sacral Chakra is located below the belly button. The organs within this area include the stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, reproductive organs, adrenal glands, middle spine, and the body’s immune system. The photonic signature of this Chakra is orange and arouses our human sexuality, pleasure, and creativity centers [7].

2.2.3 The solar plexus

The Solar Plexus is located in the upper abdomen, precisely above the belly button. This specific energy center is closely connected to the celiac plexus and plays a crucial role in the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system. The photonic signature of this Chakra is yellow and represents our self-esteem, confidence, reality manifestation, protection, and growth [8].

2.2.4 The heart chakra

The heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest. The physiologic responsibility of the heart Chakra lies in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs and circulatory system. The photonic signature of this Chakra is green; it houses and evokes our human compassion and empathy toward one another [9].

2.2.5 The throat chakra

The throat Chakra is located within the throat region. This particular Chakra plays an important role in regulating the energetic flow through the thyroid gland. The photonic signature of this Chakra is light blue and accommodates the skills of communication and verbal power [10].

2.2.6 The third eye

The third eye, or the Ajna, is located between the eyes on the forehead. In our physical body, it corresponds to the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the eyes, ears, and the nose. The photonic signature of the Ajna is indigo and includes the gifts of intuition and imagination [11].

2.2.7 The crown chakra

The crown Chakra is located at the top of the head. This Chakra regulates the flow of Chi through the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, and the hypothalamus. The crown’s photonic signature emanates a brilliant violet hue. This particular Chakra connects us to our higher states of consciousness, enlightenment, universal intelligence, and spirituality [12].

The Chakra centers are nurtured by a continuous flow of Chi. This flow energizes the cluster of organs that each Chakra harbors. When the Chi flow is blocked in any of the major Chakra centers, it can lead to imbalances, illness, and potentially fatal consequences [13].

Along with acupuncture, Ayurveda, Qigong, tai chi, and many other Eastern traditions, yoga plays an important role in harmonizing and balancing the Chi flow [14].

2.3 Understanding how yoga balances the flow of chi

Yoga is a mind-body technique that involves the mindful practice of posture, meditation, and breathing. This combination is renowned for its ability to harmonize the Chakras while promoting a healthy flow of Chi to essential organs [15].

Hatha yoga, an influential yoga discipline, emphasizes the removal of Chi blockages and the initiation of the healing process through the integration of postures, meditative states, and controlled breathing concomitantly during the practice of various postures and movements [16].

2.4 The practice of yoga is based on four important principles

The first principle dictates that the human body is a complex and interconnected system, encompassing various dimensions related to its structural, physiological, and bioenergetic aspects. Any disruption in one of those dimensions can have a detrimental effect on the overall well-being of a living entity, leading to an imbalance in the body’s normal functions. The second principle states that each human is unique, and this uniqueness needs to be celebrated and respected. The third principle stresses that yoga is an empowering technique that pushes the student to be an intrinsic part of his healing process. The fourth principle of yoga states that the power of the mindset is crucial during the healing process. A positive mindset accelerates the healing process and the capacity to master yoga techniques in shorter terms [17].

Having grasped the connection between Chi, human physiology, and the Chakra system, as well as how yoga aids in eliminating blockages and fostering the healing process, let us now delve into the Western perspective.

3. Yoga through a Western lens

3.1 Introduction

In the previous sections, we have viewed a brief explanation of yoga’s mechanism of action for healing the body and promoting well-being. Traditional Chinese medicine and the Hindu tradition both perceive this practice as a holistic modality that has an impact on our anatomy, physiology, and consciousness.

Despite skepticism among Western practitioners, extensive research provides compelling evidence of the numerous benefits of yoga and its profound impact on our physiology. In the following sections, we will investigate some scientific discoveries that endorse the Eastern perspective’s claims regarding the healing power of yoga.

3.2 The physiologic effects of yoga

During prehistoric times, our ancestors could not have survived if intrinsic autonomic nervous activations did not exist. These evolutionary mechanisms are governed by our autonomic nervous system (ANS). Under circumstances that require attention and alertness, the autonomic nervous system activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for “fight or flight” responses such as increased alertness, energy, heart rate, and perspiration [18]. Moreover, when we require a moment to unwind, particularly following a substantial meal, our autonomic nervous system triggers the parasympathetic nervous system [19]. This system facilitates the “rest and digest” reactions, including relaxation, salivation, and a reduction in heart rate (Figure 2) [20].

Figure 2.

The autonomic nervous system.

Practicing yoga promotes relaxation, slow breathing, and mindfulness, with a deep focus on current posture and the present moment. By varying these maneuvers in various ways throughout a session, the parasympathetic system gets stimulated, inducing a peaceful and rejuvenating physiological state. Neuroscientists have discovered that yoga effectively suppresses the activity of the sympathetic area of the hypothalamus, leading to optimized responses to stress and a balanced parasympathetic system in the body. Yoga also seems to modulate the vagus nerve’s activity, one of the main nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system. A groundbreaking study revealed that after just 1 month of yoga practice, there was a significant increase in vagal nerve activity, indicating enhanced parasympathetic nervous system responses. Additionally, yoga appears to suppress brain regions associated with aggressiveness, rage, and fear while stimulating median forebrain regions that are renowned for promoting a state of bliss. Several studies have demonstrated that this particular inhibition resulted in reduced anxiety, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output in individuals who engaged in yoga [21].

Yoga poses also have a remarkable ability to regulate and harmonize our circulatory system. Twisting poses, for example, create compression on venous blood within the internal organs. This compression leads to a surge of oxygenated blood flow when the pressure is released. This boosts blood circulation and hemoglobin levels, leading to increased oxygen delivery to the cells, thereby improving their function [22]. Moreover, several studies have shown that monitoring the hemodynamics of individuals who practice yoga has led to impressive benefits, such as lower resting heart rates, increased stamina, and improved utilization of oxygen during physical exertion [23]. As a result, these findings suggest that yoga has the potential to greatly enhance cardiovascular function and dramatically decrease the risk of heart attacks [24].

3.3 The effects of yoga on oxidative stress

The cells of the human body generate harmful molecules called free radicals. Those molecules are the underlying etiology of many neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. The body scavenges those molecules with the help of another family of molecules called antioxidants. The latter can be either produced intrinsically or simply supplemented through a healthy diet [25]. Oxidative stress occurs when an imbalance between the production and the scavenging of free radicals takes place (Figure 3) [26].

Figure 3.

A brief overview of oxidative stress.

There could be various factors contributing to this mechanism, including a lack of essential vitamins, a compromised immune system, and high levels of stress due to adverse life events [27].

A generous amount of research studies demonstrated that yoga impacts the body’s levels of oxidative stress. In one particular study, researchers discovered that individuals who practiced yoga for over 2 years experienced significantly reduced levels of oxidative stress in their bodies. These findings highlight the incredible long-term benefits that yoga can have on our overall well-being [28]. There is preliminary speculation that yoga indeed plays a major role in lowering physiological cortisol levels and inflammatory markers [29].

In conclusion, practicing yoga seems to reduce cortisol levels, thereby modifying the processes that lead to increased levels of free radicals and inflammation [30].

3.4 The effects of yoga on cognitive functions

There has been extensive research examining the relationship between yoga and its impact on cognitive functions. In particular, one study compared differences in cortical thickness among practitioners of Hatha yoga. Yoga practitioners showed a significant increase in the volume of their hippocampus, a region of the brain that plays a key role in memory, as previously discovered by neuroscientists [31].

The results of that study also showed a clear change in electroencephalogram (EEG) brainwaves, with a decrease in delta waves and an increase in alpha, theta, and beta brainwaves. This compelling evidence indicates a considerable enhancement in memory, concentration, and overall synchronization of brain activity [32]. Another clinical trial suggested that the improvement of cognitive functions is proportional to the years of practice of yoga, suggesting the added value of long-term regular practice [33].

Yoga improves the brain’s functional connectivity, which normally decreases with age [34]. This indicates that yoga has a crucial role in slowing down cognitive decline. Furthermore, yoga can enhance the circulation of blood to various areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and frontal lobes, making it a promising potential intervention among individuals who previously had a stroke [35].

3.5 The effect of yoga on cancer

Cancer patients are faced with an everlasting effect of stress emanating both from chemotherapy treatment and the disease itself. Yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness altogether seem to improve the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with cancer.

Multiple research studies have shown that yoga helps invigorate patients’ mental and physical energy by reducing fatigue.

Similar to mindfulness practice, yoga can help patients to stay grounded in the present moment without feeling consumed by the prognosis of their condition or treatment outcomes [36].

One particular study showed that yoga can reduce post-chemotherapy-related side effects such as toxicity, nausea, and fatigue [37]. Restorative postures, savasana, pranayama, and meditation encourage pratyahara, a turning inward of the senses that enable downtime for the nervous system, the byproduct often being improved sleep [38]. On the other hand, further research is required to investigate the effects of yoga practice on the physiology of this specific group [39].

3.6 The effects of yoga on mental health

Yoga seems to play an important role in alleviating the symptoms of various mental health disorders. For example, yoga tends to reduce both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms among diagnosed women [40]. Recent research demonstrated that practicing yoga leads to a significant reduction in the symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic attacks [41].

Moreover, a combination of yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seems to play an important role in alleviating the symptoms of panic disorder [24]. Similarly, other studies explored the effect of yoga on depression. The consensus is that the combination of yoga and antidepressant as a holistic intervention was superior to solely prescribing antidepressants as a pharmacological first-line treatment [42].

3.7 The effects of yoga on neurodegenerative and inflammatory disease

There is extensive scientific literature related to the positive effects of yoga on neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. In multiple sclerosis, a single-arm study demonstrated that the practice of yoga can improve balance and walking speed. Additional research showed that yoga also enhances the patient’s quality of life and diminishes associated symptoms of chronic fatigue [43].

Recent research also revealed the benefits of yoga among patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome [44]. The latter’s clinical presentation is a complex combination of symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, sensitivity to light, difficulty concentrating, and chronic headaches.

Similarly. yoga has a positive effect on alleviating symptoms of inflammatory diseases. Yoga appears to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness among patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis [45].

Due to the chapter’s limited scope, it is worth noting that numerous research studies have also demonstrated the positive healing effect of yoga on a wide range of other conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and low back pain [46].

4. Conclusion

In this chapter, we introduced the Eastern and Western perspectives regarding the practice of yoga. In the Eastern tradition, yoga, Chi flow, and the Chakra system are all interconnected. The three systems work harmoniously together, and an imbalance in one of them can seriously inflict damage to the physical and etheric body. Empirical research allowed the Western perspective to believe in the healing power of the Yogic tradition equally. This opens the door to further expanding the scope of research and clinical trials to other available alternative healing modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and more.