Doctors advocate yoga as an exemplary preventive health habit

Ahmedabad, June 21, 2017: Derived from Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ actually means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Originated in ancient India, yoga is today widely practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Till date, the ancient Indian fitness-cum-spiritual practice that has revolutionized the lives of thousands of people across the globe.

Yoga is a practice that combines elements of physical fitness, mental awareness and spiritual awakening all in one. Yoga today can well be called India’s most famous export to the world. In 2014, the United Nations recognized the universal appeal of Yoga and declared 21st June as International Yoga Day.

As we observe International Yoga Day this year, doctors at Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad are focusing attention on the myriad health benefits of Yoga, and promoting it as an integral part of healthy lifestyle of individuals in urban areas.

“Yoga is designed to bring about increased physical, mental and emotional well-being. It involves a practice of controlled breathing while stretching the body that helps harmonize the body and mind. Today, a number of health benefits of yoga are recognized the world over, and they include benefits for cardiovascular health, controlling hypertension and keeping diabetes under control. While it is not exactly the same as exercising or workout, when practiced in conjugation with daily moderate walking or running, it can have immense benefits for overall health and well-being,” says Dr Himanshu Parmar, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Yoga is a great way to keep your body and mind in harmony. Also, it has been proven scientifically to heal back pain, relieve stress, and restore the peacefulness of mind through meditative intervention. Be it asthma, depression, arthritis, high blood pressure, back and muscle pain, or improving heart conditions, the range of health benefits that can be derived from yogic practice are astounding. The age-old fitness-cum-spiritual practice that has miraculously revolutionized the lives of thousands of people across the globe till date, however in India, the awareness

“Not only preventing several diseases and disorders, yoga slows the aging process in individuals by slowly and gradually improving metabolism and physical health. It must be underlined here that hardly does one derive the benefits of Yoga overnight. Unlike traditional exercises, yoga blends postures that enhance circulation, flexibility, and strength, improves elasticity to the muscles, tendons and ligaments, and reduces fat and weight gain. Embracing Yoga into your lifestyle for a long period will sharpen the focus of the mind, and at the same time, give your spirit a sense of calm, besides physical benefits such as added strength, flexibility and reduced joint pain. Being consistent in the time you choose to practice, whether it is early morning or the evening, is the key to turn this into a habit,” feels Kamal Zaiwala, Physiotherapist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Micro-practicing of Yoga is the in thing nowadays, and one should ideally talk to instructors to find out the best poses he or she can do while sitting at your desk, standing in a queue, or even driving, suggest experts.

“If you want to embrace yoga as a habit, also schedule your social life around your practice session to restrict fatigue. For example, you may consider waking up half an hour early everyday to practice, and congratulate and reward yourself for showing up. Slowly but gradually, you will certainly gain motivation,” says Kamal Zaiwala-Physiotherapist.

Doctors at Columbia Asia Hospital believe that yoga can be an effective tool for controlling lifestyle diseases in today’s fast-paced stressful societal environments, and promoting Yoga practice as a preventive health habit for all will pave the way for a healthier tomorrow.