Compilation on Yoga and Naturopathy (Based on CCIM New Syllabus)

The capsulated book is first of its kind which contains complete compilation on the subject Yoga and Naturopathy in accordance to the new CCIM syllabus with classical references from Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Charaka Samhita, Gheranda Samhita, vedic references etc.' The subject matter in the book may be divided into two parts first dealing with Yoga and the second with Naturopathy. There is complete description regarding the history / origin along with' the contemporary practical' facts mandated for an individual for its application in day-to- day practice. It is written in simple English with Sanskrit references easily comprehensible for students; copiously illustrated, this book explores the philosophical, spiritual and scientific basis of all the aspects of Yoga and Naturopathy. It will definitely be helpful for students, Teachers and practitioners in Ayurveda and serve as a ready reckoner on Yoga and Naturopathy especially during examination.

Dr. M.S. Thirunavukkarasu completed his BAMS in 2004 from J.S.S. Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru; MD (Kayachikitsa) in 2008 from S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Udupi and PhO (Kayachikitsa) in 2012 from IPGT&RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. He started his career as Junior research officer from November 2004 - April 2005 and then as a senior research officer from June 2008 - November 2009 at AVT institute for advanced research, a research division of Arya VaidyaPharmacy, Coimbatore. He served as an Associate Editor for Ancient Science of Life - International Journal of Ayurveda, published by the Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam & Research Institute, Coimbatore for the period June 2008 - June 2009 and as an Executive Editor - Ancient Science of Life -International Journal of Ayurveda, published by the Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam & Research Institute, Coimbatore for the period July 2009 - Nov 2009. Later, he joined as an Assistant professor in February 2012 at Government Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu. His articles have been published in various international journals and had participated in various conferences at national and international level.

Healthy mind and healthy body are mandatory for the journey of a long healthy life. The invention of antibiotic and conquer over infections was a major breakthrough, but the major threat to human life today is via life style disorders which has swept over the western countries and India is not spared either. Obviously we are paying the price for urbanization, rapid development and technological advancement by our own health. Today, the need of the hour is a holistic approach, which spares our traditional values and respects the laws of nature without exploiting it. The answer lies in the innate principles of Yoga and Naturopathy. The new era of evidenced based medicine is dependent not just on physical drugs but also a psychological and spiritual facet for ensuring better health. The west has turned towards India for a solution, which in turn delivers it successfully in the form of our age-old science known to all of us since time immemorial as Yoga and Naturopathy. Yoga was part and parcel of classical Ayurveda teaching as preparatory science along with Chhanda, Vyakarana, Upama, Darshana etc. But due to the British promoted teaching module Yoga has been separated from Ayurveda. For sensorial and psychic health, Yoga has gained worldwide recognition. On a personal note, Dr. M.S. Thirunavukkarasu is student of mine and to describe about him I would like to quote what Vivekananda had said, "Wisdom lies not in the amount of knowledge acquired, but in the degree of its application" and this is what he has exactly done in this handbook on yoga and naturopathy.

The book is written as per the needs of the modem day students whose main aim is to possess sufficient knowledge to clear the exams, in addition for day-to-day practice and this book achieves both. The book is capsulated neatly, with necessary references and easy images that make understanding and memorizing a cake walk experience. In order to achieve maximum benefit from this book the students should adopt an active approach rather than passively reading it like any other book.

I congratulate Dr. M.S. Thirunavukkarasu for this endeavor and expect him to come up with many more such works in future.

In today's hectic life, the students are in search of an apt compilation to cater the needs of university examination; this book "Compilation on Yoga and Naturopathy" written in accordance to the New CCIM syllabus will prove its utility per se. while I was teaching the subject Yoga and Naturopathy, I felt that there was no book available which would cover all the topics as well as provide insightful knowledge on the subject. As a result this book is the outcome of my effort to compile the relevant material from various sources so that it would prove useful for students and teachers.

The Principles of Yoga and Naturopathy are as old as the past and as new as the future, because nature and truth never change. Yoga is not just repetition of postures but a system of self development that advances an ordinary man towards the natural process of evolution and discovery of the subtle energies within us. Understanding of this very fact and realization of this universe as single undivided entity is the basic principle on which foundation stands Yoga and Naturopathy.