New Delhi: Hepatitis is a disease of the liver where the cells are swollen and inflamed due to a viral infection that affects this organ. Hepatitis viruses can be categorised as type A, B, C, D, and E.  Hepatitis is the outcome of leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Some of the causes for Hepatitis include drinking contaminated water, smoking, consuming heavy quantities of fried foods, erratic sleeping hours, and infected blood etc. 

Of all the types of Hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B is the one that is extremely fatal. Also known as the Silent Killer, Hepatitis B can be managed through Yoga and Naturopathy.

Yoga is a holistic practice and isn’t just for strength building, flexibility and toning muscles. Yoga consists of providing a therapeutic approach that is also very beneficial for relieving stress associated with a hepatitis diagnosis. Even though Yoga isn’t a cure for hepatitis or any chronic condition, it can have a positive effect on disease management and recovery.

Asanas

Shalabasana (Locust Pose)

Formation of the posture:

• Lie down flat on your stomach with your palms placed under your thighs
• Inhale completely (Purak), hold your breath (Kumbakh) and then lift your legs up together
• Ensure that your knees remain straight and feet are together
• Place your chin or forehead on the ground
• Hold the posture for 10 seconds, slowly bringing your legs down and then exhale breath (Rechak) – This breathing technique is therapeutic.

Half-Fish Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Formation of the posture: 

• Begin in Dandasana 

• Fold the left leg and place the left foot on the ground over the right knee

• Bend the right leg and fold it so that it is resting on the ground with the right heel near the left pelvis 

• Bring the right hand over the left leg and grab the big toe of the left foot

• In this position there is a strong twist on the spine and abdomen. 

Marjariasana

Formation of the posture 

• Urdhva Mukhi Marjari Asana
• Get down on your knees, place palms under shoulders and knees under hips
• Inhale, curve your spine to lookup

Adho Mukhi Marjari Asana

• Exhale, curve your spine to form an arch of the back and allow your neck to drop down
• Focus your gaze towards your chest

Pranayama Technique

Kapal Bhati

In Sanskrit, ‘Kapal’ means skull and ‘bhati’ means ‘shining/illuminating’. Therefore, this Kapalbhati Pranayam is also known as Skull Shining Breathing Technique.

Method:

• Sit in any comfortable pose (such as Sukhasan, Ardhapadmasan or Padmasana)
• Straighten your back and close your eyes
• Place your palms on your knees facing up (in Prapthi Mudra)
• Inhale normally and focus on exhaling with a short, rhythmic and forceful breath
• You can use your stomach to forcefully expel all the air from the diaphragm and  lungs by compressing it
• Inhalation should happen automatically while you decompress your stomach.

Meditation Technique

Sthiti Dhyan

• Find a place which you do not frequent, preferably a natural environment for this technique.
• Sit in any comfortable posture such as Sukhasana.
• Look ahead for 5 seconds, behind you for another five seconds and on Right and Left sides for five seconds each.
• Now close your eyes and recollect as many details that you observed as possible.

You can also practice the technique of Beej Dhyan. Bheej means ‘seed ‘or ‘origin’ and this method is also known as Aarambh Dhyan or Seed Meditation. This is a technique that lays the foundation for your meditation practice. This technique gives the practitioner the meditative energies that help him or her develop a meditative quality for the body. 

The practice of Yoga may be beneficial for patients suffering from Hepatitis as the postures and breathing techniques impact the liver and digestive system. Asanas and Pranayama stimulate, strengthen, and de-stress these vital organs. Yoga is largely considered as a safe and gentle workout. However, it is important that you consult your physician before you begin your practice. Ensure that you practise under the guided supervision of an expert yoga instructor.

Grand Master Akshar is a guest contributor. Views expressed are personal.