Yoga is not just a physical practice, but a way of life

As I sat down with Varun Panchal, a yoga instructor at Kalari Rasayana - CGH Earth Ayurveda Hospital, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. With years of experience in the Bihar school of yoga, Panchal shared his insights on the importance of yoga in our daily lives.

“The Bihar school of yoga is the most suitable system for our needs,” Panchal explained, adding, “It works on the five layers of human existence—the physical body, energy, mind, wisdom, and consciousness. Yoga helps us nourish all these dimensions, leading to a more balanced and harmonious life.”

According to Panchal, yoga is essential for maintaining good health, particularly when undergoing Ayurvedic treatments. “Ayurveda needs yoga,” he emphasised. “Yoga helps in the proper elimination of toxins and rejuvenation, which are the two main requirements of Ayurveda.”

He also highlighted the significance of Hatha Yoga, a group of exercises that help release blocks in the nervous, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems. “These exercises ensure better coordination between body parts, absorption and circulation of energy, and fibrillation of toxins,” he explained.

In addition to Hatha Yoga, he stressed the importance of Pranayama, which helps control the life force operating in the body. “Pranayama is not just breathing exercises, but a way to control the Prana, the energy that governs all movements and activities in the body,” he clarified.

Panchal also discussed the role of mudras and tantras in exercising the inner organs and glands, promoting inner harmony and peace. “These practices help us train our nervous system, gain control over our senses, and cultivate positive qualities,” he said.

For mental peace, he recommends three key practices—japa (chanting), yoga nidra, and Trataka. “These practices help us develop positivity, awareness, and non-attachment, leading to a more balanced and peaceful mind,” he explained.

He also emphasized the transformative power of yoga. “Yoga is not just a physical practice, but a way of life,” he said, adding, “It helps us cultivate awareness, positivity, and non-attachment, leading to a more harmonious and balanced life.”