Haritaki- Essential benefits to the yogic path?
Yoga has some popular benefits to the West,
- Increasing flexibility of the physical body
- Reducing aging process
- Increasing awareness
- Reaching higher consciousness
The Indian herb, Haritaki has huge benefits for yoga and is deeply embedded into the yoga tradition throughout India, Nepal and Tibet.
For thousands of years yogis have been taking Haritaki daily to help their yogic path. It is so well known in many circles as essential to the yogic path. In delving into the history of yoga, and yogic practices we find that Haritaki is considered the “King of Herbs”
The yogi has a number of practices for reaching the ultimate realization, also referred to as moksha, Samadhi, or Nirvana. The daily practices can include the following:
- Asana practice
- Chanting bhajans
- Breathing practices
- Cleanliness practices:
- Tongue scraping
- Oil pulling
- Neti pot washing of the nasal passages
- Enemas for cleansing the intestinal tract
When we look closely at the cleansing practices, we see that they are all designed to create a clear and clean intestinal flow; from the mouth, through the stomach and into the intestines. Why this emphasis on the internal cleanliness? It turns out that Yogis knew about the effects of clogged and unhealthy internal systems long before modern medicine discovered it.
Yoga, Haritaki and the second brain
Only now are researchers discovering what some are calling the “Second brain.” The importance of these internal organs is becoming more apparent. The second brain when functioning well allows the flow of nutrients, and oxygen flow, through the whole body.
In the Hatha yoga practice we twist and turn all the organs in the lower abdomen, releasing stagnant energy and creating a flow of strength and flexibility into that region. In fact, there is well documented evidence of yoga helping irritable bowel syndrome, (IBS).
Here are some quotes about that.
There are specific yoga poses and also full sequences of postures for relieving and preventing all IBS symptoms, as well as other digestive problems. Try any of the choices below to help stablize your GI tract and start feeling better immediately. http://www.helpforibs.com/yoga/poses.asp
Whether the culprit is a big meal, rich food, or something more serious like IBD, bloating and indigestion never feel good. “I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in my early 20’s,” says Govind Das, Kirtan musician and owner of Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica. “After months of crippling sickness and spending eight days in the hospital receiving blood transfusions, I was told I would be on medication to control my Inflammatory Bowel Disease for the rest of my life. But when I took a friend’s suggestion and attended my first yoga class, I knew I had found my path. ThroughBhakti Yoga, asana, and Ayurveda, I’ve been completely medication-free for 11+ years.”
With a combination of deep breathing, stretches that target abdominal organs, and twists that massage and wring out stuck intestinal toxins, this sequence relieves a wide range of digestive discomfort (think: gas, bloating, constipation). And the best part? With better digestion comes more energy. http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/8-poses-better-digestion/
The cleanliness is obviously compromised if the internal organs are clogged and there is constipation. Digested food can remain rotting in the internal organs for days. This is where the importance of Haritaki comes in. Haritaki is a cleanser. On the skin it reduces skin ailments. In the mouth it heals sores and ulcers. In the intestinal system it keeps the whole system clear and functioning to high capacity.
Ultimately the greatest benefit of Haritaki to the yogi is the effect on higher consciousness and enlightenment
In the yogic system the whole purpose of yoga is unity, liberation, moksha, enlightenment, oneness, fulfillment. Yogic monasteries in India have been taking daily Haritaki as a spiritual practice for several thousand years. It is now well recognized that it aids in the expression of super powers such as third eye reading. It aids in the development of the brain and especially the third eye awakening. The most modern expression of these yogic powers is taking place in Bangalore India, where there are over 1,000 children who use Haritaki who are demonstrating yogic powers such as third eye reading.
When taking Haritaki for yogic powers the recommended amount to be taken is ¼ to ½ a teaspoon every evening before bed. This allows the Haritaki to work through the whole digestive system, which is then cleansed with the first bowel movement in the morning.
There are a number of types of Haritaki available for consumption. We recommend organic or wildcrafted Haritaki. For yogis who appreciate the importance of cosmic blessings, chanting, puja and vedic ritual, Haritaki Plus – Yogic Super Brain Food offers an important differentiation. This Haritaki It is blessed daily to awaken higher consciousness in the users, through Yogic and Vedic rituals and chanting.
If you are a sincere yogi, looking to take your consciousness to full expression we recommend you take Haritaki Plus-Yogic Super Brain Food, daily.
To order HARITAKI PLUS-YOGIC SUPER BRAIN FOOD CLICK HERE
For more on Yoga and Haritaki click here
British born explorer, Martyn S. Williams, is a well-known expedition leader to some of the world’s most remote locations, is a human potential public speaker, and a teacher of enlightened living.
