On AIDS and HIV
By: Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
Q:
Is there a spiritual explanation for the appearance of a disease such as AIDS?
Why does it seem to be more widespread now than at any other time in history?
A:
AIDS, which is caused by a virus, has been mentioned in ancient scriptures, such as the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. In Vedic literature microscopic entities, such as germs, bacteria, and viruses, are known as amiva in Sanskrit. According to the sage Raksoha, who was probably the first to talk about these organisms, promiscuity is the main source of the AIDS virus. Ayurvedic physicians long ago understood the connection between tuberculosis (yakshma) and AIDS (raja yakshma). The treatment for both diseases was basically the same: boost the immune system.
Yoga, along with all the world’s other spiritual traditions, encourages the practice of self-discipline and discourages promiscuity. Self-discipline lies at the heart of any spiritual practice. What you worship and how you worship is not as important as how you conduct yourself in thought, speech, and action. On a practical level self-discipline helps prevent a host of social problems, including sexually transmitted diseases. And once a person is infected and is undergoing treatment, self-discipline is a key adjunct to treatment.
The AIDS virus has existed throughout the history of humankind. Because the virus as such was not identified until recently we have no way of knowing how widespread it was. Seasonal flu, malaria, cholera, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and plague routinely killed millions of people and we have no way of knowing how many of them were susceptible to these diseases because their immune systems had been compromised by the AIDS virus. Outbreaks of AIDS such as the one we are currently experiencing were unknown. In earlier times promiscuity was not as rampant as it is today, and the outbreaks that did occur tended to remain localized because it was rare for people to travel more than a few miles from their homes. It is also probable that those who did become infected died quickly and were less likely to infect others.
Q:
I am HIV-positive and now I am told that I also have some form of low-grade lymphoma. What can I do or eat to bolster my immune system?
A:
Before I answer your question regarding specific ways of boosting the immune system, let me give you a brief layperson’s overview of how it works.
The immune system is largely dependent on the bone marrow, thymus gland, lymph nodes, and spleen. The bone marrow is produced in the interior of the vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and pelvic bones, where it produces red blood cells and white blood cells (macrophages, B-lymphocytes, killer cells, T-helper cells, and suppressor cells for the immune system). The thymus gland gives direction and guidance to various lymphocytes and suppressor cells. Foreign particles, such as bacteria and the HIV virus, are trapped in the lymph nodes, which are composed of macrophages and lymphocytes. Macrophages are the white blood cells that engulf and destroy foreign particles, and lymphocytes are the white blood cells that stimulate immune response. The spleen filters dead cells, bacteria, and other forms of debris from the blood. Because it stores blood in large quantities, the spleen also contains macrophages and lymphocytes, discharging them into the bloodstream as needed.
If we want to boost the immune system we have to make sure that the bone marrow, thymus, and lymph nodes function properly. The physical and mental conditions that make our bones weak and brittle (like osteoporosis) also cause the degeneration of bone marrow. These include an absence of weight-bearing exercise, inadequate intake of calcium, mental dullness, prolonged grief, and depression.
Science has not yet fully appreciated the central role of the thymus in maintaining physical and mental well-being. The yogis, however, understood it and prescribed unique methods of activating and regulating its function. Such techniques include ujjayi and bhramari pranayama and meditation on the hollow of the throat. The Yoga Sutra clearly explains that by practicing concentration, meditation, and samadhi (spiritual absorption) at the hollow of the throat the practitioner attains stability of body and mind. This stability manifests at the physical level in the form of stamina and endurance, a hallmark of vitality—and vitality is the basis of a healthy immune system. At the mental level this stability manifests as the power of will and determination, the hallmark of inner strength, and this is the basis of self-confidence, courage, and enthusiasm. According to the yogis, hopelessness is the greatest cause of damage to the thymus.
In the case of the lymph nodes, when abnormal cells, dead cells, or other foreign materials pass into them, lymphocytes within the nodes produce antibodies, which either destroy such abnormal or foreign matters or render them harmless. This phenomenon is called “immunity.” So to keep the lymphatic system functioning well it is important that the lymph vessels remain unblocked and that the lymph fluid be constantly returned to the bloodstream. But there is no pumping system for lymph fluid, as there is for blood: the flow of lymph fluid is brought about by muscular movement, breathing, and the pulse beating in nearby blood vessels.
After considering all this, it is easy to make a yogic plan for boosting the immune system. Walking, especially across rough terrain, stimulates the bone to strengthen itself. Simple squatting, sitting cross-legged, practicing padmasana (the lotus pose), utkatasana (the chair pose), baddha konasana (the bound angle pose), and performing exercises that increase strength and flexibility of the lower spine, back, hips, pelvis, thighs, shoulders, and rib cage are very effective in boosting the immune system by stimulating the production and function of bone marrow. Yoga asanas that energize the chest region, especially the upper chest and throat, are good for regulating the functions of the thymus. Such practices include vajrasana (the thunderbolt pose), gomukasana (the cow-face pose), vrikshasana (the tree pose), and ujjayi and bhramari pranayamas.
All the exercises listed above will also boost your immune system by energizing and unblocking your lymphatic system. And because the pelvis and abdominal region are also well-supplied with lymph nodes, the practice of agni sara, bhastrika, and kapalabhati are especially good for increasing the immune function.
To further enhance the effectiveness of these exercises it is important that you practice relaxation and meditation, and it is even more important to keep yourself cheerful in every circumstance of life. People infected by HIV tend to become disheartened, depressed, and fearful. This diminishes agni (the metabolic fire). Herbs that increase fire and vitality and induce a state of cheerfulness are helpful. They include ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), linden flower (Tilia spp.), and ayurvedic preparations of eggshell and mica. But avoid going to the nearest holistic pharmacy or healthfood store and selecting preparations containing these herbs and minerals. It is important that you take these preparations under expert supervision, which means you need to find someone who has the training and skill to determine the proper potency and dose.
As far as your diet is concerned, follow the general rules for a healthy yogic diet: eat light nutritious fare that incorporates plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, eat on schedule, and eat in a relaxed manner with a sense of gratitude for the food before you.
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., is a scholar, philosopher, author, and spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute. Send your questions to him c/o Yoga International, RR 1, Box 407, Honesdale, PA 18431.
Bio:
Other articles are available at the Yoga International Article Archive, found at
http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/hiinstitute/archive.html.
|
