Disease in Yogic Physiology.

In the Patanjala system, disease (vyadhi) is counted among the factors that disturb the stillness of the mind (citta-viksepa) and cause the yogi to lose focus in sadhana. Patanjali describes disease as an antaraya — with antar meaning interruption and aya movement. In yogic terminology, then, disease is understood as “that which enters the body and blocks the way.”

If healthy life is likened to a smoothly flowing stream, disease is the rough patch that disrupts the water’s tranquility. In today’s fast-paced world, people tend to neglect these minor disturbances, paying attention only when discomfort has grown into full-blown suffering. The yogi, however, approaches disease differently.

Yoga is fundamentally about awareness — of oneself, one’s surroundings, and ultimately the true Self. This awareness extends to noticing even subtle “leakages” in physical and mental health. By attending to these small imbalances early, the yogi not only prevents disease but also learns to manage it without allowing it to diminish the quality of life.

This vigilance is crucial, because Patañjali further explains that disease rarely comes alone — it is accompanied by pain, dejection, trembling, and irregular breathing (duḥkha, daurmanasya, aá¹…ga-mejayatva, Å›vāsa-praÅ›vāsa). He then prescribes a remedy — “practice concentration on a single principle.” Here is where the discipline of Medical Yoga becomes most relevant. It provides the necessary ālambana —support both mental and physical— to counter the cumulative effects of years of poor lifestyle habits.

By steadily inculcating these practices, one can dissolve obstacles (antarāyas), refine the body–breath–mind connection, and ultimately live a life of health, clarity, and contentment.

Column by Rahul A. Khamamkar