Locked within us is a vast consciousness, inconceivably grand. We are living on the surface of consciousness and we have identified with all of our pains, troubles and trials. The ancient and modern yogis (spiritual practitioners) however say that when we penetrate our minds through yogic practices such as meditation, then we at least glimpse a vast ocean of consciousness inside ourselves. This glimpse refreshes us and reminds us that our mind is limited. Such glimpses through practice become longer until we rest in a state of unending peace and bliss while we go about our daily life.

Because we have forgotten about this inner ocean of peace, our problems sometimes become so intense that they manifest as disease. In addition, our modern lifestyle and diet aggravate and disrupt our own natural bodies' rhythm and flow and produce myriad problems and complaints. Our genetics that sometimes dictate our disease can also be aggravated by difficulties with our lifestyle.

The entire purpose of natural medicine (based in principles of yoga) is to allow one to get in touch with our natural chemistry and select those foods, herbs, exercises, meditation practices, work, and creative pursuits that will allow greater and greater balance for our minds and ease to our bodies. In addition, understanding our inner blocks and pains through any form of therapy allows us to come to terms with any past conflicts and misunderstandings that prevent us from enjoying the dynamic Now time.

In fact, I feel that natural medicine is indeed a spiritual path in itself. There is no separation between our health care and our spiritual well being. What is seriously lacking are models that allow the free expression through practice and facilitation in clinic settings. Health centers need to be transformed into spiritual centers, as in ancient times. Such a change will foster community focus and inspiration because such examples through teaching and medical practice will allow people to take home practices and methods they can apply at home.

The principles of Yoga are universal and are the cornerstone of all spiritual paths and natural medical approaches. Based in meditation, breathing practices, physical postures, selfless service, healing energy, devotion to the things we love, as well as ongoing deep contemplation about our inner issues and journey all make us more well-rounded and lead us to the state of enlightenment.

Every medical visit should be viewed as a spiritual experience. Physicians and other health care workers need to address the acute medical problems but also tend to the deep rooted spiritual needs and deeply held mental difficulties that keep us all locked in suffering.

It is estimated that as many as fifty percent of visits to a primary care physicians are due to depression and anxiety. While there are biologic causes, humanity is seeking deeper answers to their inherent problems and are flooding physician offices. It is thus not just a matter of prescribing medications, but also attempting to change how we see people so that we offer mental and spiritual solutions based on individual paths and beliefs.

Rama Pemmaraju Rao, MD
© August, 2002

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