The Yoga of Alternative Therapy

Patanjalis’ yog sootras, provides a clear and precise definition of the mind, perception, mental and physical trauma, gaining mental powers, purifying negative thinking, the effects that past lives may have on an individual, the need for forgiveness and the power of prayer. As an alternative practitioner who utilizes everything from Psychoneuroimmunolgy, past life regressions, hypnotherapy, A Course in Miracles, soul retrieval and Shamanism, I am continually amazed at how the basis of all these practices are contained in this sacred text. Through Niyam (Sutra 32), one of the limbs of yog for personal purification, one learns to purify the mind and body (shauch) and learn to take everything as it comes while remaining happy and content. An adherence to single-minded efforts overcomes interim impediments. (Santosh). Sutra 33…whenever undesirable thoughts appear one must replace them with their counterpart, desirable thoughts; and Sutra 34: When one replaces an undesirable thought with a desirable alternative the undesirable tendency is removed and a peaceful pensive state is returned.

Now, the above sutras are precisely what NLP, hypnotherapy, PNI and A Course in Miracles all do, whether it is depression, anger, conflict, or illness…the amazing power of these techniques lead one to great joy and well being. As Sutra 41 says: “Through purification one gains purity of the soul, happiness of mind, the power of concentration, full control of the sense and the capacity to realize the Self. Like a pure transparent jewel, one reflects on their purity.

As you can see, the basis of “alternative” medicine whether in utilizing A Course in Miracles, meditation or other modalities, is founded upon each of us as spiritual beings connected to our Source (God) having a mind which has been confused through attachment and identification with ignorance of its own true nature, and the purification process at all levels of our holistic system. Alternative medicine is also empowering medicine…as it asks patients to be responsible for their condition and make changes in their inner and outer life to bring greater balance and health. It is an on going process of learning how to forgive oneself and others to bring new clarity, maintain a healthy lifestyle, speak honestly and with kindness, and respect all aspects of life…as we all share the one life on this one planet and must learn to give it the honor and respect we long for and it deserves. Personally, I believe alternative medicine is not an alternative at all, but a common sense acknowledgement of who and what we are and recognition of our shared interests at a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. Ideally, you have a team of professional healers with expertise in their field so you can get a full-diversified picture of what steps are best for you to take.