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Author: Yogacharya Dhakaram

Founder of YogaPeace Sansthan, Yogacharya Dhakaram is an internationally acclaimed yoga teacher and healer with over 30 years of experience. He has trained thousands of students in yoga and is known for his depth of knowledge and his ability to turn around lives with yoga.

One-Legged Reclining Big Toe Pose: A Step from Health to Happiness

Dear friends,
A smiling greeting to you all.
A warm welcome to the ‘One Step from Health to Joy’ program..”*

Today we will talk about a yoga pose called Eka Paad Supta Paadangushthasana (One-Legged Reclining Big Toe Pose). This pose is especially helpful for people with leg-related problems. If you often feel pain in your ankles, calves, knees, or thighs, you should do this pose three times a day. It not only strengthens your legs but also increases flexibility in your spine.

How to do this pose:

Step One (with the right leg):

  1. First, lie down in Shavasana (relaxing on your back).
  2. Bend your right leg and bring it towards your chest.
  3. Hold your right big toe with your right hand.
  4. Slowly try to straighten your knee.
  5. Pull the leg towards yourself as much as you can.
  6. Stay in this position for 1 minute.
  7. Then gently return to Shavasana and observe your body.

Step Two (with the left leg):

  1. Bend your left leg and bring it towards your chest.
  2. Hold your left big toe with your left hand.
  3. Slowly straighten your knee.
  4. Pull the leg towards yourself and stay in that position for 1 minute.
  5. Then relax in Shavasana and notice how your body feels before and after the pose.

Alternative method:

If you can’t hold your toe or ankle, you can use a yoga belt, scarf, towel, or bed sheet.

  1. Lie down in Shavasana and loop the yoga belt around the ball of your right foot (just under the little toe).
  2. Slowly straighten the leg.
  3. Make sure both legs are straight and toes are pointing towards your body.
  4. Raise your leg up to 90 degrees or more, depending on your ability.
  5. Stay in this position for 1 minute, then gently come back to Shavasana.
  6. Now repeat the same process with the left leg.

After doing the pose on both sides, relax in Shavasana and let your body become completely loose. Then slowly roll to one side and sit up.

Precautions:

  • Both legs should remain straight.
  • Toes of both feet should be pulled towards the body.

Benefits:

  • It works like a miracle for varicose veins.
  • Helps with all kinds of leg-related problems.
  • Very effective for pain in ankles, calves, knees, and thighs.
  • Increases flexibility in the spine and strength in the legs.

Once again, a warm and smiling greeting to you all.
Keep smiling, keep laughing, and stay joyful!

Thank you very much!

Yogacharya Dhakaram
Founder, YogaPeace Sansthan

Beyond Yoga: YogaPeace’s Life-Saving Blood Donation Initiative

Today, March 23, 2025, a massive blood donation camp was organized by YogaPeace Sansthan, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana Pinkcity, Jaipur, and Shri Vijayraj Kothari Charitable Trust, marking the 106th birth anniversary of Pujya Baba.

  • Location: YogaPeace Sansthan, Behind Science Park, Subhash Nagar, Jaipur
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Approximately 80 people registered for the camp, and 60 units of blood were successfully collected. This was a significant achievement and will help save many lives.

YogaPeace Sansthan extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the guests who participated and made this event a success. In particular, we are thankful to former Tourism and Military Minister Shri Pratap Singh Khachariyawas Ji, Brahmin Mahasabha President Shri Pandit Suresh Mishra Ji, former Mayor Devi Jyoti Khandelwal Ji, Shri Sharad Khandelwal ji, Engineer Shri Sampatti Singhvi ji, and Shri Rajendra Singh Ji.

We also express our gratitude to all the members of the YogaPeace Sansthan family and the dear children who came from all corners of the country and dedicated their services to the institute from beginning to end, with their body and mind.

And we are grateful to all the friends who inspired their close associates and friends to donate blood, which resulted in the successful collection.

We pray that the grace of the Supreme Power God continues to shower upon you all and bring welfare to the country and the world.

Event In-charge: Yogacharya Dhakaram Ji

  • Event In-charge: Yogacharya Dhakaram Ji
  • President – Shri Sunil Kumar Kothari
  • Minister – Shri Yash Bapna

Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana Pink City, Jaipur

Melt Belly Fat and Strengthen Your Core with the Bipedal Circular Movement (Dwipada Vrittakar Kriya)

A warm, smiling greeting to you all! Welcome to our “A Step Towards Health and Happiness” program. Today, we’ll discuss the Bipedal Circular Movement, which helps melt fat accumulated on the stomach and waist.

How to Perform the Bipedal Circular Movement (Dwipada Vrittakar Kriya)

  1. Begin by lying on your back.
  2. Lift your upper body by supporting it on your elbows.
  3. Keep your chest expanded.
  4. Your shoulders and elbows should both be at a 90-degree angle.
  5. Ensure there’s no tension in your neck.
  6. Now, slowly lift both legs and make a large circle from the right side, rotating clockwise. Each circle should take at least 15 to 20 seconds.
  7. When you feel tired, relax in Shavasana (Corpse Pose). Release all tension in your body.
  8. Slowly come back onto your elbows and lift both legs, making a large circle from the left side, rotating counter-clockwise. Each circle should take at least 15 to 20 seconds.
  9. Rotate counter-clockwise for the same duration as you did clockwise.
  10. Once you’re tired and have completed equal circles on both sides, relax. Lie down in Shavasana.
  11. Observe the difference between the initial and final states. Relax the abdominal and waist muscles in Shavasana.

Important Points

  • Performing this movement on your elbows focuses the effect on the abdomen, not the lower back.
  • A general person should perform this movement 4-6 times clockwise and 4-6 times counter-clockwise, roughly for 3 minutes.
  • Individuals aiming to lose weight should perform it for 2 minutes clockwise and 2 minutes counter-clockwise.

Precautions

  • Ensure your shoulders and elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
  • Try to keep your elbows close together.
  • Keep your palms firmly placed on the ground.
  • Avoid any strain on your neck.
  • Keep your chest expanded throughout the movement.
  • Keep your knees straight.
  • If you have neck pain, swelling, or stiffness, perform the movement lying flat.
  • Avoid rushing; perform the movement calmly and smoothly.
  • Do not perform this during pregnancy or menstruation.
  • If you have stomach ulcers or back pain, perform the movement with one leg at a time.

Benefits

  • Melts fat accumulated on the stomach and waist.
  • Strengthens the digestive system.
  • Massages the abdominal muscles.
  • Reduces fat accumulated on the buttocks.
  • Strengthens the thigh muscles.

Thank you all very much. Stay happy, healthy, and joyful.

Yogacharya Dhaka Ram
Founder, YogaPeace Sansthan

Yoga Therapy: A Healing Practice

Hari Om! A warm, smiling welcome to you all. Today, we’ll be discussing yoga therapy.

What is Therapy?

Therapy means treatment. Treatment refers to the process of diagnosing and curing diseases. There are around 135 types of medical practices in the world, such as Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and more. The purpose of all these methods is to heal the body from various ailments.

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy involves the use of yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation to treat various health conditions. It is a natural and safe method that helps maintain both physical and mental well-being.

Benefits of Yoga Therapy:

Physical Benefits:

  • Strengthens muscles
  • Increases flexibility
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Maintains a healthy digestive system
  • Boosts the immune system

Mental Benefits:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Enhances sleep quality
  • Calms and stabilizes the mind
  • Increases self-confidence

Emotional Benefits:

  • Helps maintain emotional balance
  • Increases self-awareness
  • Develops a positive outlook on life

Yoga Therapy is for Everyone:

Yoga therapy is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Even elderly individuals, who may have physical limitations, can improve their health through yoga therapy. The postures can be modified, and supportive props can be used to suit individual needs.

The Importance of a Good Yoga Guru:

Practicing yoga therapy under the guidance of a skilled yoga teacher is crucial. A yoga guru will teach the correct techniques, monitor your progress, and keep you motivated throughout your journey.

Yoga therapy is a powerful healing practice that helps maintain both body and mind. If you wish to improve your health, yoga therapy is an excellent choice.

Hari Om! Wishing you a happy and blissful day!

Yogacharya Dhaka Ram
Founder, YogaPeace Sansthan

Yogacharya Dhakaram Appointed as Senior Vice President of Indian Yoga Association, Rajasthan

The Rajasthan chapter of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), the apex body representing all yoga organizations in India, recently convened a state executive committee meeting. The session, held at Bappa Rawal Auditorium, was presided over by Subodh Tiwari, National General Secretary of IYA and a member of the Governing Council of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. The meeting witnessed the participation of prominent yoga experts and executive committee members from across Rajasthan.

The session commenced with Joint Secretary Himanshu Paliwal reviewing the resolutions from the previous meeting and highlighting the organization’s progress so far. General Secretary Subodh Tiwari then outlined the association’s vision, action plan, and expectations, providing valuable guidance to the members.

Newly Appointed State Executive Committee

In a unanimous decision, the following individuals were appointed to key positions in the Rajasthan State Executive Committee:

  • Mahesh Sharma – President
  • Yogacharya Dhakaram – Senior Vice President
  • Dr. Hanwant Singh & Megh Singh – Vice Presidents
  • Dr. Deependra Singh – Secretary
  • Himanshu Paliwal – Joint Secretary
  • Diksha Jamwal – Treasurer

Additionally, other responsibilities within the executive body were assigned as follows:

  • Dr. Hemraj Chaudhary – Legal Coordinator
  • Dr. Veena Mundra – Membership Coordinator
  • Shivani Verma – Event Coordinator
  • Dr. Purnendu & Dr. Guneet Monga – Publication & Research Coordinators
  • Yogi Manish – Public Relations Coordinator
  • Indira Dangi & Kartar Singh – Members

Proposal for Rajasthan Yoga Commission

A significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous approval of a proposal for the establishment of the Rajasthan Yoga Commission. The proposal will now be submitted to the government for further consideration.

The formation of this new state executive committee and the push for a Yoga Commission mark a significant step in promoting and institutionalizing yoga in Rajasthan.

Rubber Neti: A Wonderful Way to Health and Hygiene

Greetings to all with a warm smile! Welcome to our program, “From Health to Happiness.” In our last session, we discussed Jal Neti Kriya, and today, we will delve into the details of “Rubber Neti.”

What is Rubber Neti?

Rubber Neti is a simpler and more accessible alternative to Sutra Neti. While Sutra Neti uses a thread, Rubber Neti employs a soft and flexible rubber material, making it easier to use. This practice is especially beneficial for beginners trying Neti Kriya for the first time.

Preparation for Rubber Neti:

  1. Soak the Rubber Neti in lukewarm water to soften it.
  2. Apply a layer of ghee (clarified butter) to the open end of the Rubber Neti. Ensure the application is at the end with a small hole, aiding the breathing process.
  3. Check your nostrils to identify which one has better airflow, and begin the practice with that nostril.

Preparing the Nostrils:

  • The night before practicing Rubber Neti, put a few drops of almond oil or ghee in your nostrils. This helps clean and open the nasal passages.

Practice Procedure:

  1. Always breathe through your mouth during the practice.
  2. With your neck slightly raised, carefully insert the Rubber Neti into one nostril.
  3. Gently rotate and push the Rubber Neti into the nostril.
  4. When the other end of the Rubber Neti reaches the throat, use your thumb and index finger to pull it out through the mouth.
  5. Hold both ends and gently pull them back and forth.
  6. After completing the process, slowly remove the Rubber Neti from your mouth.
  7. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

Benefits of Rubber Neti

  1. Avoidance of Nasal Surgery:
    Regular practice of Rubber Neti can help rectify nasal bone growth issues (deviated septum), potentially avoiding surgery.
  2. Relief from Allergies:
    It effectively clears nasal allergies and blockages.
  3. ENT Health:
    Rubber Neti is highly beneficial for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues.

Precautions

  1. Safe Usage:
    Never insert the open end of the Rubber Neti into the nostril directly, as it may cause injury.
  2. Stay Calm:
    Maintain patience and caution during the practice.
  3. Practice Frequency:
    Once proficient, practicing Rubber Neti 1-2 times a month is sufficient.

Important Tips

  • Sneezing is common during the initial days of practice. It takes time for the nose to adapt to external elements, so don’t worry. This will improve with regular practice.

Wishing you all a joyful and healthy day!

Yogacharya Dhaka Ram
Founder, Yoga Peace Institute

Eye Strengthening Exercise for Enhancing Vision: A Step Towards Health and Happiness

A warm and cheerful greeting to everyone! Dear friends, welcome to our program, “A Step Towards Health and Happiness.” Last time, we discussed *Jal Neti Kriya. Today, we will talk about *Netra Shakti Vikasak Kriya, which is highly beneficial for improving eye strength and vision.

How to Perform the Exercise:

  1. Starting Position: Sit straight. Keep your right hand upwards and your left hand downwards.
  2. Focus Your Vision: When you say “one,” focus your gaze on the thumb of your right hand.
  3. Look Downwards: When you say “two,” shift your gaze downwards.
  4. Repeat: Perform this exercise for 15 seconds.
  5. Relaxation: Close your eyes and rest for 30 seconds.
  6. Change Position: Now, keep your left hand upwards and your right hand downwards.
  7. Repeat: Perform this exercise again for 15 seconds.
  8. Relaxation: Close your eyes and rest for another 30 seconds.

Complete Cycle: Repeat this entire cycle six times.

Benefits:

  • Enhances eyesight.
  • Strengthens the eyes.
  • Relieves eye fatigue.

Note:

  • Regular practice of this exercise offers greater benefits.
  • It can be performed anywhere.
  • Ensure you are seated in a comfortable position while practicing this exercise.

By incorporating this practice into your routine, your eyes will stay healthy, allowing you to view this beautiful world with clarity and joy.

With this, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone. May your day be blessed, harmonious, and filled with happiness.

Yogacharya Dhakaram
Founder, Yoga Peace Institute

Lion Pose: Combining Strength and Calmness

By Yogacharya Dhakaram

Smile Greetings!
Welcome to our program, “From Health to Happiness.” Today, we delve into a simple yet profoundly beneficial yoga practice: Lion Pose.

Also known as “Singh Mudra,” Lion Pose is a powerful yoga posture that promotes strength, courage, and confidence while helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Benefits of Lion Pose

1. Physical Benefits

  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Tones the chest, shoulders, neck, and back.
  • Encourages deep and regular breathing, supporting healthy lungs.

2. Mental Benefits

  • Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Calms and focuses the mind, enhancing sleep quality and meditation practices.

3. Other Benefits

  • Boosts confidence and cultivates a positive mindset.
  • May lower blood pressure and improve mood.
  • Enhances facial beauty and gives your eyes a natural massage.

How to Practice Lion Pose

  1. Start Position:
    • Come down onto your knees and palms with your palms at shoulder level.
    • Spread your feet hip-width apart.
  1. Alignment:
    • Keep your hands aligned with the shoulders, forming a 90-degree angle from shoulders to palms.
    • Create another 90-degree angle from hips to knees.
  2. Inhale and Move Backward:
    • Slightly move your body backward.
  3. Exhale and Engage:
    • Stick your tongue out completely.
    • Inflate your chest forward and direct your gaze upward.
    • Exhale completely, ensuring all facial muscles stretch.
  4. Observe:
    • Slowly bring your tongue back and return to the starting position.
    • Focus on your throat and facial muscles, ensuring a “scary lion-like” expression.
  5. Duration:
    • Perform the pose 5-7 times for 3-4 minutes, followed by a minute of observation.

Precautions

  • Avoid this pose if you have high blood pressure or neck issues.

Lion Pose is a transformative addition to your yoga practice. It cultivates physical strength and mental calmness, empowering you to face life’s challenges with grace and confidence.

We pray for God’s blessings upon you. May you be happy, healthy, and joyful!

Yogacharya Dhakaram
Founder, YogaPeace Sansthan

Bicycle Pedaling Movement (Cycling Exercise): A Simple and Effective Yogic Practice

Greetings to everyone! Welcome to our program, “From Health to Happiness.” Today, we will discuss a simple yet highly beneficial yogic exercise known as Bicycle Pedaling Movement. This practice resembles mimicking the motion of cycling and offers numerous health benefits.

Benefits of Bicycle Pedaling Movement

  1. Helps Reduce Belly Fat: This exercise is effective in burning excess fat accumulated around the abdomen.
  2. Strengthens Abdominal Muscles: It enhances the strength and endurance of the abdominal muscles.
  3. Improves Digestion: The exercise promotes a healthy digestive system by activating the core muscles.

How to Perform Bicycle Pedaling Movement

  1. Lie down on a yoga mat or a soft surface on your back.
  2. Place your elbows close together, aligned with your shoulders.
  3. Keep your chest expanded, resembling the posture of Lord Hanuman.
  4. Bring your heels and toes together and slowly bend your knees towards your chest.
  5. Lift both legs up at a 90-degree angle and then slowly lower them without letting the heels touch the ground.
  6. Perform the exercise in a clockwise direction for 1.5 to 2 minutes.
  7. Rest briefly, then repeat the exercise in an anti-clockwise direction for the same duration.
  8. After completing both directions, relax in the Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for a few minutes.

Precautions

  • Elbow and Shoulder Alignment: Ensure that your elbows and shoulders are in a straight line.
  • Expand Your Chest: Keep your chest expanded during the exercise for maximum benefits.
  • Relax Your Neck: Keep your neck muscles relaxed throughout the practice.
  • Knees Together: Maintain contact between your knees while performing the exercise.
  • Difficulty in Lifting Legs: If lifting your legs to a 90-degree angle is challenging, try lifting them to a 60-degree angle instead.
  • Practice with One Leg: If both legs are difficult to lift simultaneously, perform the exercise using one leg at a time.

Special Considerations

  • Pregnant women, those experiencing menstruation, or individuals with hernia, ulcers, or stomach pain should perform this exercise with one leg only.
  • Practicing with eyes closed can increase the benefits of the exercise.
  • After 3-4 minutes of practice, take at least 1 minute for self-observation and relaxation.

Suggested Duration

  • For General Practice: Perform for 1.5 minutes from bottom to top and 1.5 minutes from top to bottom.
  • For Those Aiming to Reduce Belly Fat: Practice for 2 minutes in each direction for better results.

After completing the exercise, rest in Shavasana, keeping your legs apart with toes pointing outward. When ready to get up, roll to your side before sitting up. Regular practice of this exercise can help melt away excess belly fat and promote a healthy and toned body.

May the blessings of the Supreme Power always be upon you. Stay happy, healthy, and full of joy!

Yoga Instructor Dhakaram
Founder, YogaPeace Institute

Nauli Kriya: Yoga’s Next Step Towards Health and Happiness

Greetings to all of you with a smile!
Welcome to our program “One Step from Health to Happiness.” In our last session, we explored Agnisar Kriya and Uddiyana Bandha. Today, let’s move forward with Nauli Kriya, the next step in our journey toward holistic wellness.

Introduction to Nauli Kriya

As outlined in Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, the yogic path consists of several steps like Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, and more. In a similar sequence, the Gheranda Samhita describes six purification practices known as Shatkarma: Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Nauli, Tratak, and Kapalabhati. These practices purify the body, with Nauli Kriya specifically focused on cleansing and strengthening the stomach. It is also known as Lauliki Kriya.

Steps of Nauli Kriya

  1. Madhya Nauli
    Stand with balanced posture, placing equal weight on both feet. Place your palms on your thighs, lean forward slightly, and attempt to pull your abdominal muscles to the center.
  2. Left Nauli
    Shift all abdominal muscles to the left side by applying gentle pressure on the left thigh.
  3. Dakshina Nauli
    Similarly, apply gentle pressure on the right thigh to pull all abdominal muscles to the right side.
  4. Nauli Sanchalan (Bhramar Nauli)
    With both hands on the knees, rotate your abdominal muscles from right to left and then from left to right. Repeat both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations equally.

Benefits of Nauli Kriya

  • Enhances Digestive Power: Strengthens the stomach muscles and digestive system.
  • Relieves Constipation: Helps alleviate constipation by massaging abdominal organs.
  • Supports Weight Loss: Contributes to reducing belly fat.
  • Alleviates Gas Problems: Eases gas-related issues while toning abdominal muscles.

Precautions

  • Practice Nauli Kriya on an empty stomach only.
  • Avoid this practice if you have high body heat or bile dominance.
  • Pregnant women and individuals with hernias or recent abdominal surgeries should refrain from practicing.
  • Women should avoid Nauli Kriya during menstruation.
  • People with back pain should also avoid Nauli Kriya.

Post-Practice Tip

After practicing Nauli Kriya, enjoy a glass of warm milk mixed with two spoons of ghee, dry ginger, and black pepper. This combination strengthens the abdominal muscles from within. Practice Nauli Kriya in repetitions of seven: seven clockwise rotations and seven counterclockwise.

Thank you, and with heartfelt gratitude!
Stay happy, keep smiling, and may God bless you with health and joy! 🙏

Yogacharya Dhakaram
Founder, YogaPeace Institute