FOR Girija B Nair, yoga is not just a half-hour exercise in the morning, but a way of life - a means to physical, mental, spiritual and moral fulfillment.
No less than 31,000 students, ages ranging from 6 to 85, have directly experienced this fact after attending her classes in the past years.
The difference between her and other teachers is that Girija makes a thorough study of each student before deciding on the yogic asanas for them.
In other words, yoga here is tailor-made. “I have a talk with the person first. I learn about his or her physical condition, history, parents’ illnesses etc. Another factor which many overlook is the mental state of the person. The root cause of many aches and pains can be traced to the mind. I identify the problems first and then start the classes,” she says.
People as young as 25 and 30 approach her with all kinds of illnesses. “On questioning it is found that the aches are related to stress.” A large percentage of her students, she says, are IT professionals, doctors, students and other youngsters, most of whom come asking for relief from stress.
“Yoga can never be separated from the mind.
When you control the mind, you control the body too.” With the right breathing exercises you not only bring your body to its full potential, but exude extra energy, she says. Yoga, after all, is about the union of the mind and the body.
There are heart patients visiting her, diabetics and even pregnant women. “The same exercises won’t work for all. There are variations of the usual asanas which are aimed at the healthy functioning of each organ of the body like the liver and the pancreas. I prescribe yogic exercises according to the age and physical condition of the person.” How did she hit upon this method of selective yoga? “From experience,” she says. Each day she studies the details of her students and from trial and error figured out what works for whom.
For every student a special diet is prescribed by Girija, who is also a dietician. A light vegetarian diet is ideal, but since this is not always practical, alternative diets are prescribed.
Though a good section of her students come with the aim of losing weight her ultimate aim is not to cater to the upper classes but to the middle and lower classes, who, she says, can save lakhs on medical expenses through yoga. “Couples who have tried all kinds of infertility treatment have come to me and benefited from yoga. This is because yoga brings out the natural energy in you.” There have been instances where people for whom bypass surgery was prescribed went without it after a session here. Then there are those who have been terribly obese or are suffering from high BP or cholesterol. All of them have experienced miraculous changes after a session here, says Girija.
One thing she warns against is learning yoga from people who are not experienced enough. Girija trained in yoga at Mumbai and later under renowned yogacharya T G Chidambaram. Currently she conducts classes at her centre, Prajapathi Yoga Centre, at 15th Crossroad, Girinagar.
The classes suit the timings of working people, students and others. For more details, call 98460 12570.
ashaprakash@epmltd.com