By Atul Vyas
According to yogic philosophy, the physical world is divided into seven levels or layers in the same way the human body is also divided into seven segments or levels. Each of these levels is dominated by one element i.e. earth, fire, etc. These levels are called gland centers and are named as agni granthi – fire gland center, Varun granthi – the water gland center, and so on.
These glands produce secretions internally. These secretions when mixed with blood not only nourish the body and mind but also keep them healthy. These glands not only supplement but also support each other.
The functioning of these glands impacts one’s personality. The dominant or deficient functioning of these glands has different connotations for one’s personality and overall health. These are important pillars of yogic therapy.
According to ancient Indian texts, the gland centers, dominant functioning which fosters leadership quality in a person is called Agni granthi – the fire gland center. This gland center is comprised of a cluster of five glands namely liver, spleen, supra renal, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
In yogic philosophy, Sun God represents Agni or fire element. As sun sustains life on the planet in the same way agni – fire, sustains life within the body. The internal fire maintains Prana – the life force and ‘ojas’ – the vital energy force. The day the internal fire extinguishes, the body dies. This important fire is maintained by the internal secretions of these fire glands. These glands also regulate the temperature of the body, help in the digestion of food, and convert it into the blood from which muscles, bones, etc. are made of.
When this gland malfunctions or become deficient, it affects the behavioral nature and attitude of the person. They also suffer from ailments of the gut and high blood pressure.
There are many yogic asanas to strengthen the fire glands and one of them is Trikonasana or the triangular pose. This should be kept in mind that sum total of one’s personality is dependent on the functioning of all glands but Agni glands directly impact the leadership quality, provided other glands are working efficiently.
Technique
- Stand with feet joined and then part your feet three feet apart with toes pointing forward
- Turn the right leg and foot at 90 degrees while keeping the left foot facing forward
- Keep the knees locked
- Breathe in and raise arms to shoulder level with palm facing downwards
- Exhale and bring your right arm down to rest on your right leg by bending from waist to right side
- Place your right palm flat on the floor or at least on the shin
- Now, raise the left arm up, and align with the right arm in one line
- Look up at the left arm keeping the chest open
- Repeat on the left side
Benefits
- Keeps spine flexible
- Cures dyspepsia and constipation
- Stimulates the nervous system and alleviates mild depression
- Strengthens pelvic area and tones reproductive organs
- Tones hips, and back
Profile:
The author likes to be called a “Yoga Scientist”. He is a celebrity yoga trainer and has trained several top Hollywood and Bollywood stars. He has trained for years under many eminent yoga gurus including his illustrious mother Daya Vyas, the first lady yoga guru of India.
