Active Treatment in Yoga

Passive versus Active Exercise

During passive exercise the patient's limbs etc. are moved by the therapist during active exercise, the patient is solely responsible for such movement.

Here we discuss some of the basic asanas of Hatha Yoga and explain just how they can be used as a form of active exercise for the treatment of certain muscular and articulatory problems.

Normally, a therapist is present to advise the patient on the correct application of active exercise, but once the patient is in possession of the facts, treatment can continue as a kind of “Do-it-yourself” therapy, which can be carried out daily without the therapist being present. The advantages of this type of D.I.Y. therapy can also be enjoyed by therapists when they fall victims to some of those conditions for which they normally administer treatment to their patients. Whenever muscular or articulatory problems make treatment necessary, they are always well equipped to treat themselves.

When using Yoga asanas as a form of active exercise, we not only improve the condition of the spine and central nervous system by rotating and flexing the spine in all directions, but by a gentle and progressive stretching of the skeletal muscles, we facilitate a greater degree of muscular relaxation.

In addition, we loosen stiff joints, strengthen weak muscles, and make muscles more elastic to give greater mobility to the body in general.

In order to derive maximum benefit from active exercise, one need practice only four yogic asanas. The four asanas are known as:

       SUPINE TWIST - This asana rotates the spine

       HEAD TO KNEE - This gives forward flexion to the spine

       THE BOW - This gives backward flexion to the spine.

       TRIANGLE - This flexes the spine laterally.

In order to locate the muscles, which are deriving benefit from these asanas, as each asana is performed, “feel” the muscles being stretched. All one has to do after locating the various muscles and muscle groups is to put the names to those muscles by referring to the lesson on mus­cles of the skeleton.

At this point, I must stress the importance of being cautious at all times. Whether advising a patient on active exercise or performing the exercise oneself, movement must always be slow and smooth, and progress must be gradual. Exercise should never continue until one becomes exhausted. During every session of exercise, one should relax at frequent intervals so that the muscles and the cardiovascular system do not tire.