Yoga best bet for achieving physical fitness, mental peace and productivity
Yoga has gradually integrated into mainstream society, reaching individuals who may not have been exposed to it before. The International Day of Yoga has played a crucial role in promoting it as an effective stress-buster, making it accessible to people from diverse age-groups, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. The medical and therapeutic benefits of yoga have gained wider recognition globally during the Covid-19 pandemic. The positive impact of yoga on physical and mental health has led to its integration into healthcare systems
What is common among global icons like David Beckham, Matthew McConaughey, Gisele Bundchen, Lady Gaga,Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, KareenaKapoor and MalaikaArora? Well, they all practise yoga to stay fit and fine. Like millions of yoga enthusiasts from across the globe, even these celebrities will be looking forward to June 21, which is celebrated as the International Yoga Day. Every yoga practitioner had drawn up plans to make this year’s ninth edition equally memorable.
It goes without saying that since its inception in 2014, International Yoga Day has gained immense popularity worldwide, thanks to the patronisation by millions of people, who are conscious of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The two important features of this year’s celebrations revolve around “Yoga from Arctic to Antarctic” and “Ocean Ring”. They are intended to reinforce the fact that yoga is a life-sustaining force and promotes physical strength, flexibility and mental equilibrium.
Planned as part of “Yoga from Arctic to Antarctica” will be demonstrationsin the North and South Pole region, that isHimadri - the Indian research base in Svalbard, Arctic, and Bharati- the Indian research base in Antarctica and in countries falling around the Prime Meridian line. “Ocean Ring” will have yoga demonstration in Indian naval bases, Coast Guard stations and friendly nations.
Even though yoga’s roots can be traced to ancient India, it has evolved over time and has been equally embraced by people from around the world. The International day of Yoga has transformed it into a mass global movement.
‘Yoga for VasudhaivaKutumbkam’ is the theme for this year’s celebration. It will highlight the continuing, intrepid, and persistent efforts to build a world that is holistically healthy, joyous, peaceful, and dynamic.
Yoga has gradually integrated into mainstream society, reaching individuals who may not have been exposed to it before. The International Day of Yoga has played a crucial role in promoting it as an effective stress-buster, making it accessible to people from diverse age-groups, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.
The medical and therapeutic benefits of yoga have gained wider recognition globally during the Covid-19 pandemic. The positive impact of yoga on physical and mental health has led to its integration into healthcare systems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently asked Ayushstakeholders to speed up efforts towards scientific evidence based research in traditional medical practices. Towards this, the Union Ministry of Ayush has been highlighting about the outcome of works undertaken by research councils and globally recognized research institutions. Last year, the Union Cabinet approved a WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This centre isexpected to give a new direction. It will be accelerated by CSIR-IGIB Ayurgenomics, Ayurtech-IIT Jodhpur and NIMHANS.
If we compare the annual research and clinical trials published before 2014, it reveals that the publication of research studies increased by about six times and clinical trials by about 11 times. This growth is not just numerical but also qualitative. Research is now being done in yoga at par with modern science and the process of integration and holistic approach has gained momentum.
The Centre for Integrative Medicine of AIIMS has published more than 20 research papers in international level journals. Similarly, a multicentre, nationwide research study conducted in 100 districts, called Controlled Diabetes India found that yoga is effective in controlling diabetes.
There have been positive outcomes as regards yoga therapy vis-à-vis mental health, Covid-19, heart and cancer.
Bangalore-based NIMHANS, AIIMS Rishikesh, HSC Group of Cancer Hospital, Indian Association for Palliative Care, Indian Cancer Society, among others, are all partners of the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, which has taken initiative in such research.
Remember practicing yoga might seem like stretching, but it can do much more for your body than the way you feel, look and move. It even helps you with increasing flexibility, muscle strength and body tone. It improves respiration, energy and vitality.
(The author is Delhi-based senior journalist and writer. He is author of Gandhi's Delhi which has brought to the forth many hidden facts about Mahatma Gandhi)
