Homeopathy and Yoga

“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
- James Allen

My study of Homeopathy began 20 yrs. ago.
Homeopathy like Yoga has its foundations rooted in the connection of the mind- body-spirit relationship. A holistic medical art, Homeopathy heals at all levels, taking into consideration a person’s individual physical issues and emotional state. Homeopathic case taking involves in-depth case analysis. Immediate symptomatology, past medical history, family medical history, food, sleep, bowel habits and emotionality are taken into consideration. An acquired skill, good Homeopathic-History taking skills are integral to the first prescription and further treatment.

From day one of our Homeopathic education a Homeopath is taught to be an ‘Unprejudiced Observer’. A term coined by the founder Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in his book ‘The Organon of Medicine’. This term is the state used to describe a situation where the Homeopath, while listening to the patient, has to have a mind that is free from prejudice or pre-conceived notion.

Switching to this state of ‘non-opinion’ takes self- discipline and guidance. With time and practice over the 5 yrs. of Homeopathic medical study, I was able to attain this state of Non-judgment during a homeopathic case taking. As the years passed, with more experience and a busy Homeopathic practice, I realized that it was not enough to just be an un-opinionated observer. With my work with people of all ages, young children and children with communication issues, came the realization that the change would have to be much deeper. To help and understand the patient completely, the healer needs to be in a calm tranquil state from within.

It is only when one is at peace with oneself can we tune-in to the disturbance within another. If our own mind is restless or in disarray, we miss the subtle signs of discomfort or overtures of communication from the other person.
From early on, I found the combination of exercise and meditation very effective. The concept of ‘Walking Meditation’ described by Eknath Easwaran’s writing was just right for an active person as myself.
Moving to Hong Kong and living on Hennessey Road in Causeway Bay the tranquility of walking meditation was challenging to say the least. Thankfully, the universe always sends you alternatives.
Yoga teacher Iris Klein introduced me to ‘Svastha Yoga’. Not much of a contortionist and having a few painful experiences from clubhouse yoga classes, I attended the first class out of respect to Iris more than an enthusiasm for Yoga.
From the first class it has been a magical experience. The Ujaayi breathing and the focus on the practice seems to bring about the tranquil state required for my work much faster than anything I have done before. I would go back to the clinic after the lunch yoga sessions with a sense of inner peace that enhanced my listening and learning skills. Recurrent neck pain that I after an accident in 2000 virtually disappeared
‘Svastha’ in Sanskrit literally means, “to stay as your self” and refers to the state of complete health and balance in body and mind. Svastha Yoga is yoga in its complete authentic form, a system which helps increase overall strength and flexibility, mental balance, concentration and inner peace. Relaxing and restorative Svastha Yoga is suitable for people of all ages, regardless of yoga level, physical or mental emotional condition. Hence with practice and confidence, I began to recommend it my patients who wanted to de-stress and stay in shape without “sweating it out”.

This holistic individualistic yoga focuses on the needs of the individual, rather than a fixed style or form. Like Homeopathy it caters to the specific individual’s needs. This non-forceful, non-stressful technique has facilitated my progress in the yoga practice with calm confidence and enthusiasm. . As this wonderful system of yoga continues to help me, now under the guidance of Wai Ling Tse, I find the gentle movements synchronized with Ujjayi breathing have helped increase core strength, flexibility, stamina and breath capacity.
With emphasis on breath-based rather than a posture-based (asana) practice, moving with and within the breath, the practice integrates the body, breath and mind. In combination, they contribute to total health and wellbeing, and promote a peaceful and tranquil mind. The mental steadiness attained through regular practice has helped me balance my professional and home life.

Svastha Yoga is a boon for professionals, healers who need to ‘listen’ as a large part of their work- Psychologists, Teachers, Psychiatrists, Counselors, and Therapists working with young children.

by Dr. Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas
reprinted from Namaskar Magazine June 2011