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Ask Yogi Maharaj Dr. Malik

Yogi Maharaj Dr. Malik our Editor (since 2003) is a recognised international expert and an authority on the subject of Yoga. He started his training under the guidance of Yogis from the Himalayan region at the age of six and also received instructions from Sufis, Lamas and Sadhus. He is an accredited Yoga teacher specialising in Kundalini, Hatha and Laya Yoga.

Founder and pioneer of Yogology, a spiritual technology which combines ancient traditions and principles of Laya, Hatha, Kundalini and meditative practices, Yogi Malik began teaching this over 20 years ago. He has spent a lifetime dedicated to researching, teaching and sharing his knowledge on yoga. He is also a practitioner of related alternative therapies, including Shamanism.

Q&A Yogi Maharaj Dr. Malik

Since the new year, I have patiently stuck to a healthy diet. I've cut down on fatty foods mostly and have started to drink plenty of water. I feel better overall health wise and don't feel so sluggish and tired as much as I used to. I'd like to detox a little more with yoga poses and wondered if you could suggest anything useful. I occasionally practice hatha and used to attend classes but during lockdown last year, I sort of stopped practicing even at home for no reason really. I think I got lazy as well. So now I'm feeling good having changed the diet and am slowly getting back onto the mat. – S. Mihal – Swansea

I’m pleased that the change in your diet has resulted in some noticeable results. I like it that you have returned to the ‘mat’. Here are a few exercises that are good for stretching and giving internal massage to your bodily organs. In turn this will help push out organs toxins and give your body overall energetic pep-up. Try and perform all of these exercises in one sitting every 2-3 days for at least 8 weeks. You will, I am sure, feel the overall difference in your health and well-being

Viparitakarani (Legs up the Wall Pose)

One particular exercise that can be used to improve the quality of your energy is known as viparitakarani. In the ancient yoga book written in Sanskrit poetical language, The Gheranda Samitha at stanzas 33 to 35, it is stated that if this exercise is regularly performed longevity is increased. The goal of this asana is to bring about a fusion of the solar and moon energies that are concentrated in the nadis (the inner nerves). According to tantra yoga, the nadi of the moon is situated at the base of the throat and the sun nadi is located in the navel. This process of channeling the energy of sun nadis to the moon nadis is known as viparitakarani. When this happens, the practitioner’s health greatly improves.

To perform the Viparitakarani

Lie down on the floor on your back (near a wall if you so prefer). Spread out your hands on either side and lift your legs up and hold this position. Other benefits of performing this asana include increased longevity, reduction in facial wrinkles and lines under the eyes caused by fatigue. It strengthens the hips and channels the kundalini also through the chakras (energy centres).

Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose)

Lie on the floor with navel point facing downward. Prop your upper body up, keeping legs stretched out behind you and together. Keep arms straight. You are mimicking the serpent. Raise your head up as if a serpent who has awakened. Inhale and exhale deeply and through the nose. Inhale and hold breath. In Chapter 2, stanza 43 of the the ancient text of The Gheranda Samitha, it is stated that “By practicing bhujangasana, the physical fire will increase and all diseases will be destroyed.” This ancient text also states that the kundalini energy can be awoken while practicing bhujangasana. This energy, if awakened can bring enormous benefits to health and mind for the practitioner.

Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose)

This is an ancient posture that has been practiced by sages throughout the centuries for the purposes of achieving high meditative states. It can also be used for cleansing the inner system of nadis and for helping the kundalini energy rise through the body.

Sit down on the floor so that the heel of the left foot is gently placed against the perineum and the right one just above the genitals. The spine should be kept upright and head and neck should be kept up. Hold the posture for at least 60 seconds. As you develop your practice, you can hold the posture for longer periods.

There are so many benefits of performing this posture ranging from physical, mental and spiritual. It is a tonic for overall health, detoxification and improvement in many aspects of your physiology.

Ask Yogi Maharaj Dr. Mallik