It is important in the low physical energy state to divert energy from mental activity to the physical plane by placing our awareness on the physical process. We must not only activate the body and pingala nadi but we must focus our attention and mental energies upon the physical aspect, so as to reduce the mental input. This leads to rebalance.

One of the paradoxes of the therapeutic situation is that in low energy disease states, though our ultimate aim is to energize the body and reduce dissipation of mental energies, we initially tire the body. It requires some effort to perform a dynamic series of asanas, especially when body energy is low anyway. It is as though we are trying to turn a rusty wheel. Initially more effort is required. Once momentum has been achieved it becomes easier and easier, especially when we practise daily. The number of rounds should increased slowly and progressively under guidance, to minimize strain.

The effect of tiring the body is twofold. The first is that we have less energy to think useless thoughts, to daydream of disasters or catastrophes, and to ruin our lives with unnecessary decisions. The second is that sleep comes more easily. Mental overactivity and physical underactivity prevent deep restful sleep, the kind of rest required for the regeneration of diseased tissues. Without proper sleep it is almost impossible to recover completely from any kind of chronic illness. This is one of the secrets of overcoming mild or acute psychotic episodes, for although the disease is mental, the brain requires deep sleep for rejuvenation.

In high physical energy disease states, we have to be very careful in using Surya Namaskara. An example of one of the few areas where it can be used in front line primary care is for low levels of increased high blood pressure. In these situations we have to maintain bodily fitness, however, not at the expense of damaged tissues. Other milder yogic practices, such as pawanmuktasana play a much more vital role.

Of course, in pingala predominance, a reasonably healthy individual who uses Surya Namaskarea will find that the quantity of his excessive energies is reduced by the practice, burnt up. This especially occurs when we speed up our practice. In fact this reduction of excess energy is actually a healthy state, developing from the rechannelling of blocked energy which has led to pingala predominance in the first place. Due to this process of regulation, the physical and mental energies are brought more into line and a better quality of energy is made available. At the same time the body becomes more flexible and we have more control over the nervous system, endowing us with greater sensitivity and skill. It is only in the diseased pingala dominant state that we have to exercise extreme caution.