Ankylosing Spondylitis and Iyengar Yoga

This is a case study of one of my student aged 38 years, who came to  the Therapy class with the complaint of inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints of his spine and also other parts of the body. His entire spine was stiff like a bamboo stick, pressing on nerves and causing increasing numbness in lower parts of his body. There was stiffness in his neck also and if he had to see something on the side, he had to turn his whole body. These are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis. 

The term Ankylosing Spondylitis is derived from Greek words - Ankylose meaning stiffening and Spondylitis connotes inflammation of the spine. It is a type of progressive arthritis that leads to chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can also affect other joints and organs in the body, such as the eyes, lungs, kidneys, shoulders, knees, hips, heart and ankles. However Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily affects the axial skeleton, including ligaments and joints.

This disease causes stiffness, aching and pain around the spine and pelvis. The disease can eventually lead to a total fusion of the spine. This occurs when the vertebrae (spinal bones) actually grow together fusing the spine due to calcification of the ligaments and discs between each vertebrae. If the vertebrae fuse together, the spine is robbed of mobility, leaving the vertebrae brittle and vulnerable to fractures. 

Working with him from a Therapeutic perspective:

Initially worked with a few simple basic asanas along with Tadasana to create some mobility and access to the stiffened joints to be able to work further on those joints.

Gradually taught him to use the muscle fibres that were moving to approach, reach and work on the muscles that were stiffened and fused. Over a period of time the joints gradually began to respond. I then asked him to use his breath as a facilitator to synchronise with the mobility available to increase the access and create the required action and movements.

I first worked on his basic hip joints and shoulder joints to facilitate the movement / action in the spine. 

Initially he was more concerned over his cervical area and tried to draw my attention to the affected area on several occasions. It took him some time to understand why I hadn't addressed his cervical area in the beginning. Once the muscles and area around the hip and shoulders began to respond, then the cervical spine became accessible to work on.

  

To facilitate access to his bone structure, movement was generated from outside with the help of props. The Props gave support, access and lift to the muscle fibres which in turn acted as further support to access the bones so that when traction is applied it doesn't pressurise the bones. Though the action is strong it is not harsh and the impact is that of a smooth opening with freedom in joints but not like a tug of war. When traction was applied in this manner, slowly he also learned to access the inaccessible areas himself.

  

He was then taught to align and use the props according to his needs - (How a simple holding of the belt higher on one side and lower on the other side in the asana can correct the mal-alignment of the body) so that he moves from dependency to practicing independently.

  

This also worked on the mind. It gave a boost to his confidence and his optimism in the recovery process increased. Each movement and opening not only led to a sense of freedom in the body but, also helped in uplifting his spirit towards life. Though the asanas and props worked through the body, the change/transformation went way beyond it and helped in positively changing his perception, perspective and understanding to experience the essence of the practice of Yoga.

Now I would like to take you to the narration by the person himself on his encounter with Ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosis, treatment and the role Iyengar yoga practice played in improving his condition.

Personal Experience of the student:

(a) Encountering Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Year 2010: It all started in the mid 2010 with a spasm on left side of the neck.  There was lot of work tension during that period. My initial thought was too much stress at work might have caused the problem.

I visited a good Orthopedist. He is the same Doctor who treated me when I was injured in Cricket. With Allopathic medicines the spasm subsided but reccurred in 15 days again. I used the same medicine.

However to get a second opinion, I consulted another Orthopedist who is specialised in sports medicine. He asked whether I get morning stiffness and whether I can get up from bed lying on my abdomen. There was stiffness for sure and was very uncomfortable in getting up from bed lying on my abdomen. He then recommended a blood test for HLA-B27 gene and diagnosed Ankylosing spondylitis. May be, I heard the term Ankylosing spondylitis for the first time in my life. Not knowing what it really is, started swimming and doing yoga (watching on TV). But gradually the stiffness was building up in the neck.

(b) My struggle with the disease, treatment and medication:

Year 2011 to 2014: This was the period of my struggle. I was not sure what exactly needed to be done to counter the disease and did everything possible from my side without much awareness. Late 2010 and early 2011 continued with whatever exercises I was aware of that I learned in my Karate classes. Things were not really good and neck was going on and off.

Early 2012 in a short time, I realised that my flexibility was going down with the wrong exercises I attempted so far. Multiple effects started to show up. Catch or cramping of muscles while travelling on bikes especially riding through bumps on road, while jumping and while turning sides on the bed. Discomfort in right shoulder blade and region below (the lats). Tightness in hip, hamstring, lower spine and off course the neck. To get more flexibility, I joined a rehabilitation-cum-physio centre. The concept was to release the trigger points (muscle knots) or myofascial points. I learned stretches for various muscle groups like multifidus, pectoralis etc. while the trigger points getting released, felt good but that comfort was not consistent enough. During this period my left eye was effected with iritis which was relieved through Ayurveda medicines.

In the year 2013 I started taking Ayurveda treatment. I underwent Panchakarma and diet recommended by the doctors. 

I felt some relief in the condition of Spondylitis with Ayurvedic diet and physio exercises but not seen any improvement in the condition of my body.

(c) Introduction to Iyengar Yoga:

Year 2015: I observed some tilt in my right hip, discomfort in sitting cross legged, lats were kind of catchy at times and my walk got misaligned. 

I searched over internet and did every exercise that came across to get some relief. During this time I saw couple of exercises/stretches done using props; especially the hamstring stretch by lying on top of brick using a belt. I tried this and found good. I did search over internet for "props" and came across a name "BKS Iyengar".

I searched through many US based websites and found that "BKS Iyengar" is from India. Look at the irony. I got into BKS Iyengar official website and searched for teachers in Hyderabad and found the name of Ms Zarna Mohan  the only teacher of Iyengar Yoga in twin states of Telangana and Andhra. I then called her up on the number given in the website. I had to wait for sometime to get a slot in the medical class. 

I got admission into the therapy class. I joined the class with lot of apprehensions. Madam assigned Mohit and asked me to do some hand rotations. Then I found that my arms were also stiff. While adjusting the posture in Tadasana if my head was touched, I felt lot of pain across. In a way it was all crooked and tilted. 

(d) Began to understand my body better:

I tried every sort of medicine and exercises and I had no choice left but to follow the path shown by my teacher. 

Initially I felt great difficulty in doing the asanas as my body was too stiff, crooked and misaligned. With great difficulty I could only move my body to a very less extent. It was difficult and painful and at times  confusing also. 

Initially, not many asanas were given to me and I used to work with some assistant teachers.  At times I developed a feeling that why madam is not correcting and not fixing me as she does to others. It took me sometime to realise that I was allowed for seasoning. She allowed me to get used to the practice and system of yoga she teaches.  

(e) Iyengar Yoga brought me hope and relief:

Year 2016: I was regularly practicing at home the things learned in the class. Slowly madam began to introduce new asanas and she herself started making corrections in the body. She used to touch me at the points where I need to push, extend or expand. The sync and push would be so gentle and soothing that my body began to respond to her touch. She is very clear about the areas where she needs to work and knew exactly how to work to mobilise it.  Without removing my t-shirt she would tell where the problem is and would correct accordingly. Few months later I saw a new ray of hope and used to walk out of the class with a pumped up chest.

Year 2016 was really amazing for me. I realized that Guruji BKS Iyengar's light is on me through my teacher Zarna Madam. I never imagined that I will be doing Sirsasana on my own; off course with the support of wall ropes . My body correction has just begun. I was trying to focus and get inner consciousness.

(f) Impact of Iyengar Yoga Practice on my Life:

Before Yoga I was going through a phase of physical and psychological discomfort in my life. Iyengar yoga practice has created tremendous impact on my life and has brought in unbelievable transformation. 

1. Body Awareness:  It is only after joining the class, that I became aware of the stiffness/rigidity in my shoulders and my hips which was responsible for arresting spinal movements. I was totally unaware of the fact that my chest was caving in and was unable to lift and open my chest.

2. Improvement in my body movements:

There is a good deal of improvement in my shoulder rotations, freedom in the lumbar and dorsal spine and tremendous improvement in my hips. There is also some improvement in my cervical spine. As a result of this there is comfort in driving a car, improvement in swimming, and also no discomfort in riding a motor cycle anymore. There is an ease in my breathing and my snoring that troubled my family members at night has vanished. There is lot of ease in waking up from the bed. I can turn on both sides and sit up on bed but, Off course I can't sit up completely straight as yet. 

I still remember when I first went to the class I was not able to keep the legs on chair while lying down on the floor for Supta Padangustasana2. Assisting teachers would support and help me to put my legs on chair with great difficulty. But today I can keep my legs up straight to the wall and do Supta Padangustasana2 on my own. The opening in hip joints changed my walking gait and I now feel a lightness in my walk.

When I used to lie down on the floor, the shoulders would not touch the floor and neck would be around 12 inches above the ground. So I had to pile up couple of folded blankets to rest my head. But now the shoulders are comfortably resting and the the distance between the floor and neck has greatly reduced.

With an opening in my entire spine, I can now turn my body to look at things in the sides.

 

3. Growth in Psychological strength and confidence:

Before Yoga, I was under lot of stress and psychological pressure. I used to get angry, irritated and frustrated quite easily and was unable to hold my emotions. I used to express my anger and frustration on my family members for no fault of theirs and I would express on things if can't express on people. For example, if I am driving and someone comes across, I used to horn continuously and express my anger by blowing horn loudly. 

Regular practice of Iyengar yoga has brought in great transformation in my perception and thinking. Due to the confidence I gained through my practice, my anger, irritation and frustration disappeared. Let me tell you this, I peacefully drove my car for six months without a horn (that was damaged and repaired recently). 

Though I haven't got fully corrected and I know, still a long way to go but at least I found a path to go. With the blessings of Guruji and my teacher I hope will make my journey successful. I am still in the middle of the elite group like Narasimha sir who successfully fought out prostate cancer and regularly practicing like a new student. Inspirational words from him are really good. Found abundance enthusiasm in him when he says I am one inspiration. Parameshwar sir and all other assisting teachers Mohit, Raghavendra, Jagruti, Ram, Dinesh and Dr. Shasikala have always encouraged and guided me with new viewpoints. I am thankful to all. All I can say about my teacher is only one thing. If my mother knows yoga and is supposed to teach, correct and adjust me, she might have done exactly in the manner Zarna Madam is teaching me. I am really amazed at the way she synchronises with my breath and body while doing the corrections needed. 

Little late but I got the Light of Guruji and with the support of my teacher started walking on the path of Iyengar Yoga. The Quest has just begun. I sometimes wonder had Guruji not developed these props and spread his knowledge to the World, thousands of people like me would have not benefited from yoga. I am really grateful to him and for the path and knowledge he has passed onto the world. 

An Assessment by Dr. Saraswati - A Professor of Internal Medicine at Shadan Medical College, Hyderabad and an Iyengar Yoga practitioner.

"I asked the said patient to fill the activity index prescribed by a very prestigious Organisation "BASDAI" (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) which is the gold standard for measuring and evaluating disease activity in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

The summary of the activity index reflects the status before and now. The evaluated score before Iyengar yoga practice stands 9 and the present score is 6 in terms of   improvement in the movement and activity in day to day life. There is certainly a good improvement in this short span of 1 year.

 

Apart from this I have been monitoring him from time to time upon the request of my teacher Zarna Mohan.

I still remember his initial days in the therapy class. He used to walk slowly with his neck and spine movements completely arrested. He used to appear dull, worried and preferred to remain aloof from the other companions. I am a live witness of his hard work and progress through Iyengar yoga regimen. Within a span of one year he made remarkable improvement in his neck and spine movements. The recent X-Ray report shows normalcy in his Sacro-Illiac Joint which was narrowed before joining Iyengar Yoga. As on today the inflammation process is reduced and he is free from pain and stiffness to a considerable extent.

He is now cheerful, friendly, socializes and looks happy. I regularly observe him in the store room carrying chair, bolster, mat all at a time. He doesn't walk now, he runs. I see a lot of positive energy in him. 

The disease that he has is a deteriorating disease which is now arrested and the reversal process has set in. The disease that would have progressed and have made him disabled or crippled but instead he became flexible to a great extent. He says, there is tremendous improvement in his energy levels as his fatigue has drastically reduced."

Conclusion:

The above case study clearly demonstrates the efficacy of Iyengar Yoga in addressing even chronic diseases like Ankylosing Spondylitis. However, one needs proper understanding of the problem to work on it actively and the student must be prepared to sincerely continue with the practice to experience the benefits.

I would like to end the case study with a quotation from Guruji :

“Yoga allows you to find a new kind of Freedom that you may not have known even existed.”

A Tribute to Freny Motivala

 

Iyengar yoga fraternity has lost yet another stalwart Mrs. Freny Motivala. She passed away in the morning of 8th April' 2016. Freny was born on 14th of June 1930. She was the third child to Mr. Meherji K. Palia and Mrs. Tehmi Meherji Palia with two elder brothers Fali Palia and Kali Palia. She was born and brought up in Mumbai. 

Freny got married to Sam Motivala on 6th March' 1952. She was survived with three daughters Tina, Anita and Diana who are excellent yoga teachers.

Sam and Freny Motivala were both the senior practitioners of Iyengar yoga and one of the earliest pupils of Guruji in Mumbai. Both of them worked as trustees of the 'Light on Yoga Research Trust.'  Having a steady and faithful group of students, she continued to teach yoga at her residence in Dadar till a year ago even at the age of 85.

She was the darling of Iyengar Yoga Community in Mumbai. The Iyengar Yoga community in Mumbai groomed and blossomed under the warmth of Freny and Sam. Many Iyengar yogis from Mumbai expressed their grief and conveyed condolences and shared their experiences with Freny Motivala on her demise; some of which are quoted below:-

"Freny was the senior most Iyengar yoga teacher in Mumbai. She has been teaching since 40 years in Mumbai. She has always been a mother figure for the LOYRT, always encouraging the junior teachers with positive thought and motivation. Beautiful within and without, she has been an inspiration to all who met her." - Firooza Ali Razvi, Mumbai. 

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"She was a very warm, friendly and dignified personality. She approached Guruji on her father's advice who was staying in Pune who impressed upon her to try yoga with B.K.S. Iyengar to recover from a back injury that occurred on a fall in 1958 which led to arthritic changes with disc degeneration and doctors have said that surgery is the only cure. Her sincere and dedicated practice of yoga under the guidance of Guruji cured her completely in a span of two years. Since then she has continued with her practice, teaching and guiding to all who approached her." - Zarna Mohan, Hyderabad.

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"Freny was truly one of the most ardent students of Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar. Together with her beloved husband, the Motivalas held the fort whenever Guruji was not able to come to Bombay in the 1960's. They conducted the weekend classes together with tremendous devotion to Guruji and his teaching. If one would weigh student's fidelity to Guruji she and Sam would score the highest. So often they would invite me to join them after class for a "high Tea" on their terrace. We have been together even at intensives in places like Mahabaleshwar, Panchagani and Matheran.

They together with Barjo Taraporewalla prepared me to be oriented to Guruji in the month of August 1968. We felt like one family and all her daughters and granddaughter have become part of my life. In 1995, Sam, Freny and Barjo brought Guruji to Vasai to inaugurate the 'Kripa Foundation Yoga Hall'. It was a weekend program and Guruji conducted a Pranayama class as well as he was felicitated at the Town hall in Vasai.

Her main quality was to absorb people's pain and offer understanding. It was not easy for students to take the teaching of Guruji which appeared very harsh and demanding. Freny would make us understand the Man and make us feel loved as Guruji's specially elected students. The Motivalas and specially Freny never sought any kind of limelight. They worked hard for the institute keeping themselves behind the scenes, never taking credit of their hard work. Sometimes I felt deeply touched by her humility and even at times being bypassed! In the growing atmosphere of sycophancy she moved away and perhaps has not been even known to the teaming millions who flocked around the stage of Guruji. Her nobility shown even more by her fidelity to teaching. All this reflected her inner spirituality. She was an angel amidst us and now we have an angel in heaven!" from her close admirer and friend. - Fr. Joe H. Pereira, Mumbai.

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Everlasting memories of Freny Aunty - Rajvi Mehta, Mumbai

Freny Aunty holds a very special place in the hearts of the Iyengar Yoga fraternity, especially the students of Mumbai. There are innumerable adjectives that can be used to describe this soul -  Charming, beautiful, warm, kind, loving, positive, smart and chic.

Freny aunty was indeed a beautiful and charming lady. Even at the age of 85, if you saw her at any function – she was immaculately dressed and looked smart and chic in today’s parlance. Many women would often question her on how she had ‘maintained’ herself’! This visual splendor was also accompanied by a very warm and kind interior. She treated all her guests as ‘incarnation of God  - attithi devo bhava’. We will never forget the tasty sev puris and refreshing coffees among the many dishes that she has served us. Even if we landed up at her place at very short notice – we were ‘fed’ and the food being so tasty - we overfed ourselves. Even a few days before she passed away, when she was literally on her death-bed with not much energy, she insisted that we have the cold-drinks.

They have been hosts to Guruji’ family, the world famed Yehudi Menuhin and many international students of Iyengar Yoga have been hosted at their house, especially during various events. She brimmed of positivity, always game to do anything. A few days before the diagnosis of the ‘dreaded disease’, the news agency CNN-IBN wanted to do a show on yoga for the international day of yoga.. A few of us were to drive down to Pune and that included Freny aunty.. She had some knee and back pain.. signs of impending disease which was not known to anybody then. There was a concern about her make a day trip to Pune.  .. but not once did she complain. In fact, the camera men and the anchor were so ‘fascinated’ by her that she became the main ‘model’ at the age of 85. She was enthusiastically demonstrating so many asanas on the platform in the main hall of RIMYI. The back pain, the knee pain were all a thing of the past…Her energy levels were daunting.. It is here that she showed her devotion to Guruji and yoga.

There was another unique feature of both Sam and Freny and that was their humility. Despite all the closeness to THE yoga family, their decades of experience, their practice – they were very very humble. Both had no qualms about attending a class by the younger teachers and sometimes by the very junior ones. They were excellent mentors who silently would guide the budding teachers. Their concern was not only for the teacher at the current moment but also their future. I cannot but remember the tens of times that Sam uncle would tell us how to help optimally rather than burn ourselves out.

I feel that she had conquered the fear of death. She knew the end was not too far. A few days before she left us when she was invited to a program scheduled in June  - she mentioned “I will come if I am still here.” There was no melancholy but just a factual statement.  She left so gracefully…

Although we will miss her eternally; her smile, her memories, her voice, her photographs, her book will eternally remain with us.

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Recollecting his memories Birjoo Mehta, Mumbai said,

"Freny Motiwala became a student of Guruji when he was in his forties. This was the period when he was demanding the most from his students. The classes at that time were intensely intense and it required a strong character, dedication and hard work just to cope. Being just about a decade younger, they had traveled with Guruji around India, spend their evenings together with him whenever he came to Mumbai and also hosted Lord Menuhin when he came to Mumbai at the invitation of Guruji. Being so close to him, they imbibed many impeccable qualities of Guruji. 

Freny was a warm and affectionate person always ready to take on something new, travel to new places, generous in everything including praise and with extremely positive outlook. She took the news of her illness with unbelievable composure. She was certainly not in denial when she she said that she had lived her life in full and in abundance and such an eventuality was certain. 

A few weeks before her passing, I was with her when some of her students dropped by to wish her. The affection that they had was evident. Then she remarked that Guruji has given us so much and what I have given to them is a fraction of what I have received from him and yet I am being given such respect and adoration for the little I have done for them. She felt saddened that she was not able to give back all that she had received. Such was her generosity and humility.

Being a trustee of the Light on Yoga Research Trust for many years, she was always supportive. She rarely missed any meeting of the trustees and at times when the meeting was held in her house, we never left without being fed her exquisite preparations.

She was friendly in  happy times, compassionate when times were not so happy, joyful in our virtues and overlooked our defects. A personification of Yoga Sutra 1.33."

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I do not remember every leaving empty handed or on an empty stomach from the Motivala residence, Palia Mansion! Such was the hospitality we experienced even for a short visit. No one was sent without a cup or two of filter coffee if one resisted a meal!

Both Freny and Sam were fond of their rooftop garden. It was impossible not to notice how beautifully it bloomed. The piéce de resistance was the Brahma kamal which bloomed once every few years and lasted a few hours. This was always photographed and the picture handed over to newspapers to publish.

The main connection was Iyengar Yoga. Here was one of the premier families of Iyengar Yoga where all the children along with the parents trooped into class unfailingly every weekend.

Though I was a newcomer to the group, (my family had already joined earlier while I was finishing boarding school) I felt welcome as though I always belonged. As youngsters, (at 18 I being the oldest of the children) we were given the vigorous treatment of balancing and back bending asana. One realizes now how they maintained the pulse of the young entrants as opposed to the "adults"! So there was never a dull moment. We eagerly looked forward to the Saturday/Sunday sessions during Guruji's absence. Here I must confess that my introduction to the subject was not through Guruji, but through his stalwart students during his absence. When Guruji returned from his visits abroad, I was formally admitted to the class and have never looked back since. I must also acknowledge the contribution of Burzo Taraporewala, Dhun Palkhiwala and Rati Unwala. They formed the backbone of the Mumbai students in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. 

I will forever miss the familiar goodbyes with the sentence that was their hallmark....'kai hoi to mane kayje' (If I can be of any help do let me know!). That was the byline with which they lived and they meant every word of it.

One must also acknowledge their stellar roles in building up/encouraging teachers and the LOYRT from its inception to very recently when Freny resigned from Trusteeship. They will always live in our hearts!  

Long live Sam and Freny! Recalls, Jawahar Bangera, Mumbai.

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In Remembrance - By Zubin Zarthostimanesh, Mumbai

Today, it is difficult to imagine, but there was a time in India, when Iyengar Yoga had only one fixed address (even our Pune institute was born in 1973):

Palia Mansion, Near Five Gardens, Dadar. That place belonged to Freny And Sam Motiwala, started in the 60s.

With Freny’s passing on April 8, 2016, an era comes to an end. The era of relatively small but intense classes, where learning yoga was like a personal experience; where Yehudi Menuhin came for dinner; where one of their daughters, Anita, did a one-hour shirsasana in her Guru’s presence; where generations of yoga students and teachers came to be inducted into the wider Iyengar Yoga community.

 Yoga classes at their old-world-charm terrace-residence will never be the same again. Because Freny Motiwala was that last direct link with her Guru’s ethos. It was Guruji who made her do hanumanasana amongst other things after an accident incapacitated her and doctors told her she would never walk again. Her life thereafter became a walking example of the efficacy of her Guru’s touch and subject. She practiced and taught Iyengar Yoga until she slipped away quietly into the night in an effortless shavasana.

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"She was a remarkable woman. A Friend and inspiration to so many of us." - Rita and Manouso, USA 

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I would like to thank one and all who contributed in shaping up this blog. It all started with Firooza ma'am asking to write up something on facebook group of Iyengar yoga Hyderabad as a tribute to Freny. Thank you Firooza ji.

Special thanks to Rajvi ma'am who did rest of the job by communicating with all these people to get their comments. I was constantly engaged with Rajvi Ji over emails asking various information about Freny and she did reply me patiently without any hesitation in spite of her busy schedule. Thank you for bearing me.

Final thanks to Father Joe Pariera, Jawahar sir, Birjoo sir and Zarna Ma'am for sharing their thoughts. Without your support this blog wouldn't have become possible.

                                                                                                             - Ram Godar

Narasimha shares how Iyengar Yoga helped in curing Prostate Cancer

Hello! I am Narasimha a 50 year old guy from Hyderabad, India. My life changed dramatically after I was diagnosed with 'Prostate Cancer' 2 years ago.

Medical Treatment:

The ailment Prostate Cancer has resulted into severe problem for me of frequent urge to urinate and also severe urine retention.  The other symptoms like Head ache, Fever etc were synonymous from time to time. I underwent treatment at Yashoda Hospital in February 2013.  At Yashoda Hospital, the intensity of my ailment was measured by PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) count in the blood.

At the time of my admission into Yashoda Hospital, my Blood Prostate Specific Antigen - PSA count was at 85 (which was abnormally high) as against the required normal levels of 0 - 4.   After the treatment the PSA count has dropped down to the normal and remained dormant for about one year under medication.  Subsequently it became immune to the existing medication and started rising again from February 2014.  At this stage the dosage was increased but to no avail. 

Introduction to Iyengar Yoga:  

      

The cost of cancer treatment is so expensive that it can shake anybody. My brother Parmeshwar an Iyengar Yoga practitioner for several years insisted and inspired me to take up Iyengar Yoga practice. On 2nd of September 2014 I took my first class under a very experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher Smt. Zarna Mohan. Since then I never looked back.

 

Pursuing Iyengar yoga practice, I was in regular touch with doctors at Yashoda hospital. In the month of October 2014 I got the shock of my life with a prescription given by the Yashoda Doctor for  a mere PSA control - which would cost me Rs. 1.25 Lacs for monthly dosage or at least Rs. 0.70 Lacs per month (package deal for 3 months). During this time I was mentally and physically shattered. The prescription made my life worse.

First signs of relief:

But  I was regularly attending yoga classes under the expert guidance of Zarna madam and practicing religiously at home every day. It was after one month of intense practice and the experience of my teacher began to show the result. For the first time I experienced some improvement in urine retention which came as a great sigh of relief. I began to feel the difference in my internal system. This slight but significant change in my system motivated me to sincerely pursue the Iyengar yoga practice every day without any let up.

Miraculous effect of Iyengar Yoga Practice:

Perseverance of Iyengar yoga practice began to show significant improvement in my body and mind condition week after week. So I have decided to discard medical treatment  and strictly persisted the practice of regimen fixed by Zarna Madam. 

Simultaneously I started monitoring my PSA levels periodically and the results are appended below:   

PSA Levels (without medication since October 2014 - with only Yoga Practice):

7th October '14        -  08.61

15th November '14   -  12.09

25th December '14   -  13.66

2nd February '15      -  16.96

6th March '15           -  15.49 (The PSA Levels got arrested at this stage).

11th April '15           -  2.92 (Attained normal levels at this stage).

28th June '15           -  0.74 (Attained complete normal levels)

For the first time since February 2014 my PSA count started showing downward trend without medication.  First it got arrested at count 16.9 and subsequently started downward trend and attained total normalcy when tested in April 2015 and continued to be normal till date. 

In about six months time, there was significant improvement in overall condition. All symptoms vanished, swelling in the left lower limb subsided and started feeling the sense of well being. Apart from the above, one more prominent progress was the hard lumps formed on either sides of the chest got dissolved. The texture of the skin attained its original complexion. Above all, I am now feeling comfortable and confident physically and mentally.  All symptoms vanished.  NO MEDICINES WHAT SO EVER.  ONLY IYENGAR YOGA PRACTICE AT HOME (EVERY DAY) AND BI-WEEKLY CLASSES UNDER ZARNA MADAM.

Exploring the Asanas:

For anybody suffering from ailments is not easy to perform asanas straight away. Thankfully Iyengar Yoga offers supported asanas and must thank Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar for his innovative approach to Yoga. I used to practice many supported asanas with the help of props like chair, bolster, belt, rope, wall and many others. These props and the expertise of my teacher has helped me explore these supportive asanas and understand the deep intricacies of the each asana and its effect on the mind and body.

  

Asanas like Adhomukha Svanasana, Utthita Padangustasana (Leg Stretching), Rope Sirsasana, Badha Konasana, Upavista Konasana (Long duration), Setubandha Sarvangasana, Viparita Karini against the wall and sometimes with the chair etc have helped me a lot.

With each passing day I am feeling more and more comfortable and confident to face the challenges of life. I firmly believe my commitment to Iyengar yoga practice and regular class attendance has developed a courage to defeat this deadly prostate cancer. I hope my case study will motivate many others to take up yoga and overcome their afflictions. My final word of advice is please practice under an experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher and do not try any of the above mentioned asanas at home on your own.

Finally, I would like to mention that I am very fortunate to be able to work under a very experienced teacher Zarna Mohan. My sincere gratitude and reverence to all her support during the rough phase of my life and I am highly indebted to my brother Parmeshwar for guiding and motivating me to adopt Iyengar yoga practice as part and parcel of my life.