How does Brahmacharya (or lack thereof) affect the nervous system?

The best Guru (teacher) is within one's own self in the Âtman. Upon leading a life governed by virtue, purity, Brahmacharya and the tenets of Yoga, the correct means and methods to be adopted for progress will dawn by themselves from one's inner self namely the Âtman (pure soul). Each and every person is fully capable of reaching the greatest heights of enlightenment, for all are a part of the Universal Almighty and nothing else in reality. Hence one should lead a life governed by the tenets of Yoga and tap into the inner advice always available from the Âtman through deep meditation.

The effects of a life of true and Unbroken Brahmacharya are summed up by Lord Krishna as follows:-

"Ayus, tejo, balam, veeryam, pragnya, shreescha, yashas tathaa. Punyam cha sath priyamatvam cha, vardhathey Brahmacharyayaa.."

"By the practice of Brahmacharya, a man is assured of longevity, luster, strength, bravery, valor, right thinking, wealth, undying fame, immense merit (at the karmic level) and devotion to truth/Supreme. All these notable traits come and cling to the true Brahmachari in course of time".

On the contrary, all the aforesaid benefits gradually desert one who leads a life high on wastage of the vital power. There are innumerable examples of notable public figures before our own eyes who have lost on all of their achievements and talents further to a life of adultery and promiscuity. Today, people remember them more for their scandals that lead to disrepute and less for their notable achievements in their respective fields.

Brahmacharya has a very profound and deep impact on the entire body and particularly on the nervous system. Semen, which is largely made of cerebro-spinal fluid is very similar to the material that goes into making the spine and the brain. The spine is the representation of advanced human consciousness and the brain is the central processor which controls, regulates and governs all functions of the body. The practice of unbroken Brahmacharya with conservation and transmutation of semen in the correct way leads to improved memory, focus, concentration, intelligence and a strong power of will and determination. A true Brahmachari hardly ever gets fatigued even further to hours of mental focus and thinking, while the layman will find himself unable to concentrate on a topic for more than a few minutes or an hour. Ojas which is formed further to sublimation of semen gives man the power to be efficient and capable in the field he perseveres with seamless ease and smoothness.

The immense amount of Prâna (vital energy) that is conserved through Brahmacharya helps the aspirant become radiant, confident and very sure of himself. All these are the effects of revitalization of the brain. One feels an unexplained sense of freedom and liberty through the practice. The true Brahmachari, after becoming an 'Urdhvaretha' gets filled with bliss and self-contentment. It is hard for anyone not to notice the radiance and virtue shining from such a spotless aspirant. The world starts to treat him differently and with reverence and respect in spite of not knowing anything about his Brahmacharya or life of austerity. This is due to the power of Ojas derived through transmutation. Further to the practice of 12 years of honest and unbroken Brahmacharya without the loss of a single drop of vital fluid, 'Medha naadi' or the astral channel for superior mental faculty is created. Through this, one becomes capable of extraordinary mental feats. The Brahmachari becomes an 'Ekachandhagrahi' (one who can memorize and repeat anything that he has heard or read but once)  The scriptures say - " Urdhvaretho bhavedyasya, sa devo na tu maanushaha" -- " One who has become a complete Urdhvaretha is no longer a human being but a living God". Such is the greatness and power of Brahmacharya. Words fail to describe its true merits.

As one proceeds in Brahmacharya, the rate of improvement, revitalization and refurbishment of the physical and mental system within goes on increasing. Karmic cleansing through the working out of past karmas also starts to accelerate. Various changes start to appear externally and internally. Some people fall ill or experience skin eruptions when the embedded toxins of past karma surface and vacate. Some others become moody or introvert and less sociable. There are many other effects that appear at the initial stages of Brahmacharya when the body and mind are getting used to the new lifestyle and the new-found increase in Prâna. But all these irregularities or changes are temporary and part of a passing phase. One need not worry the least. This initial stage will gradually pass and lead to the next stage where things become more stable and steady. Breaks if any, that occur during this stage will make the aspirant repent and bemoan for the seminal loss. One feels immense remorse and a sense of losing a part of his very own self if there is a break after many months of Brahmacharya. Hence the Brahmachari should be very careful in ensuring the lack of any factors or triggers that may disrupt his practice. Prâna which is gradually increasing within his system and is working at throwing out toxins suddenly gets drained and expended further to a break. This will cause disorientation and depression. It is to be avoided at all costs. The deeper one is proceeding into Brahmacharya, the greater becomes his responsibility in maintaining this state of treasure. Without adequate physical, mental and spiritual activity comprising of Prânayâma and God-meditation, without a life of strict mental regulation, a person cannot succeed in unbroken practice. This will explain your statement regarding paying a heavier price of late, further to a fall.

Once Brahmacharya has been established further to three or more months of unbroken practice without the wastage of a single drop of semen, the aspirant should take all measures to ensure that there is no break. He should completely and fully give up on his former sensual mode of life. His mind and energies must be directed on constructive activity, Prânayâma and God-meditation. This is not a trivial or casual matter. He is dealing with conserving, harnessing and sublimating the most potent form of energy; the energy of creation. This energy is growing day by day within him like a little child. The energy is continuously working at shunting out and vacating all impurities, toxins and negative energies lodged within his body and mind due to past karma. A mammoth and very important process of reversal from the normal course of debilitation and ageing has been set forth. The aspirant should never revert to his former methods of foolish sexual gratification or release. The very thoughts of sexuality and ego are to be displaced and are not to be indulged in. All energy conserved is to be properly transmuted and sublimed into Ojas, which is then made use in constructive activity and during advanced and deep meditative states to get the knowledge of enlightenment. Reverting to one's former sexual tendencies through a voluntary break may lead to unforeseen problems at the physical and mental levels. This should always be avoided. One should nurture and protect the Brahmic state with vigilant effort and devotion. It cannot be conclusively said if the numbness is due to the breaks you describe or due to some other reason; for the aftermaths of such breaks manifest themselves differently in different people. The best procedure is to stay true to Brahmacharya in totality and with unbroken continuity.

The following articles will be of interest and will make a good read to all aspiring Brahmacharis:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/11518696/not-in-sex
http://www.atmajyoti.org/br_value_of_continence_1.asp
http://www.atmajyoti.org/br_value_of_continence_2.asp

ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)