International Yoga Day- Yoga for Welfare of All- Vasudhaiv Kutumbhaka

21st June is Celebrated as International Yoa Day. This year the theme of Yoga Day is announced as Vasudhaiv Kutumbhakam- which is dedicated to this entire Earth, a one-big family, and Yoga is for the Welfare of All. This year the theme is made more special because Yoga is a form of physical exercise that not only offers physical benefits but eases stress and ensures mental peace along with emotional well-being. 

How & Why Yoga Day Came into Existence?

International Yoga Day was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in UN Assembly as the gift of health from India to the entire world as its health benefits are tremendous, does not possess any side-effects, and if practiced continuously, can benefit from any existing health disorders. 

The proposal was accepted on December 11, 2014, and the first Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015. 

Yoga is For Everyone

Everyone should consider adopting yoga as a part of their regular exercise routine for its various benefits and several reasons.

 Firstly, yoga offers a holistic approach to fitness, benefiting not just the physical body but also the mind and spirit. It promotes flexibility, strength, and balance while simultaneously cultivating mental clarity, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of inner peace. 

Secondly, yoga is highly adaptable, making it accessible to people of all ages, fitness levels, and body types. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, yoga can be modified to suit your individual needs and goals. 

Furthermore, yoga provides an opportunity to reconnect with oneself, develop self-awareness, and cultivate a deeper mind-body connection. It encourages mindfulness and conscious breathing, which can be immensely beneficial for managing daily stress and promoting overall well-being. 

Therefore, incorporating yoga into your regular exercise routine can improve physical fitness, enhance mental well-being, and create a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle.

To know further how yoga helps manage a good lifestyle, Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/yoga/yoga-for-healthy-living-better-habits-make-better-lifestyle/ 

Why is Yoga Considered a Good Form of Exercise?

Yoga is the best form of exercise for the reason you can practice the same anywhere, anytime. You do not need any equipment to keep your body healthy & in shape with Yoga. Even if you are traveling, carry your yoga mat with you, and you will not have to miss your exercise routine with Yoga. 

Let us explore some of the significant benefits of Yoga as an exercise. 

1. Yoga is Good For Physical Health:

 Yoga is a type of exercise that includes the entire body. It involves various postures, movements, and sequences that promote flexibility, strength, and balance. Yoga helps improve muscle tone, enhance core stability, and increase body strength.

2. Yoga for Mental Well-Being: 

Yoga is known for incorporating mindful breathing and meditation techniques that help reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. Regular yoga practice can improve mental clarity, focus and promote inner peace.

3. Stress Relief with Regular Yoga Practice: 

Engaging in yoga activities regularly activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It triggers a relaxation response and significantly reduces stress hormone levels. Yoga is an effective way to manage and alleviate stress.

4. Induce a Mind-Body Connection: 

Yoga encourages the integration of mind and body, fostering a deeper awareness of physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. This holistic approach can enhance self-awareness, self-acceptance and promote overall well-being.

5. Better Flexibility and Joint Health:

The stretching and elongation of muscles and tissues involved in yoga can enhance flexibility, improve joint mobility, and reduce the risk of injuries. It can also help alleviate stiffness and improve overall posture.

6. Breath Control: 

Yoga emphasizes conscious breathing techniques, such as deep belly breathing or alternate nostril breathing, which can improve lung capacity, enhance oxygenation, and promote a sense of calmness.

7. Adaptability: 

Yoga is a versatile exercise form that can be modified and adapted to different fitness levels, body types, and physical abilities. It can be practiced by individuals of various ages and tailored to specific needs or goals.

8. Holistic Wellness Approach: 

Unlike some exercise forms solely focusing on physical fitness, yoga embraces a holistic approach, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yoga offers a comprehensive and integrated practice for overall health and vitality.

Apart from all the above benefits, Yoga proves to be magical in helping you control and cure Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs) like diabetes, thyroid, PCOS/PCOD, Infertility, and a lot more. 

Let us understand how yoga is helpful with the prevention, management, and cure of NCDs. 

Relationship Between Yoga and Non-Communicable Health Disorders

Yoga has proven highly beneficial in managing and preventing non-communicable health disorders, also known as chronic diseases. However, it must be practiced along with the proper diagnosis and medical management to ensure a complete cure and wellness.

Here is the list of all the diseases where yoga positively impacts the management of some of the common non-communicable health disorders. 

1. Cardiovascular Health:

Did you know? Regular practice of yoga has been associated with improvements in heart health. It can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve blood circulation. Some yoga practices, such as gentle asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation, can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system.

Although, you need to check with your doctor and have a certified or professional yoga trainer with you if you have cardiovascular health issues.

2. Respiratory Conditions: 

Yoga includes deep breathing exercises and techniques that can enhance lung capacity, improve respiratory function, and help manage respiratory conditions such as asthma. Controlled breathing exercises practiced in yoga can increase oxygenation, reduce inflammation, and promote better respiratory health.

Pranayam and yoga fill your body with the necessary oxygen, keeping you away from all health disorders and unfavorable conditions. 

3. Musculoskeletal Disorders:

Yoga is known to promote flexibility, strength, and joint stability. It can help alleviate symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness. Gentle stretching, asanas, and mindful movements in yoga can improve posture, enhance muscle tone, and reduce pain associated with these conditions.

4. Diabetes: 

Regular practice of yoga can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, control blood sugar, and enhance overall metabolic health. Specific yoga asanas, such as forward folds and twists, may stimulate the pancreas and help regulate blood glucose levels. Additionally, stress reduction through yoga can be valuable in managing diabetes since stress can affect blood sugar levels.

If you have diabetes and looking forward to yoga poses that can help manage your blood sugar levels,

 Also Read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/yoga-for-diabetes-11-effective-yoga-asanas-that-will-help-you/ 

5. Stress and Anxiety:

 Chronic stress and anxiety are common contributors to many non-communicable health disorders. Yoga offers effective techniques to manage stress and promote mental well-being. Through physical movements, breathing exercises, and meditation, yoga can calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormone levels, and promote relaxation and emotional balance.

6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): 

Yoga can be a supportive improvement practice for individuals with PCOS, with medical assistance. Certain yoga postures may help improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and support hormonal balance. Yoga can also assist in stress reduction, which is crucial since stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Mindful breathing techniques contribute to better emotional well-being and hormone regulation.

7. Metabolic Health:

 Yoga positively affects metabolic health factors such as blood sugar regulation and weight management. It can help improve insulin sensitivity, promote healthy metabolism, and support weight loss efforts. Specific yoga practices, such as vigorous vinyasa or power yoga, can also provide cardiovascular benefits and contribute to calorie burning. So, it’s one of the best practices that can reverse obesity and other associated health disorders.

8. Yoga for Thyroid Disorders:

Yoga practices, including specific asanas, such as shoulder stand (Sarvangasana) and fish pose (Matsyasana), may help stimulate the thyroid gland and promote its balanced function. Yoga's stress-reducing benefits can benefit individuals with thyroid disorders, as stress management is vital in maintaining overall well-being.

You can check the following blog for further insights about the effective Yoga asanas specific to thyroid.

Insightful read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/thyroid/yoga-for-thyroid-11-effective-yoga-asanas-that-will-help-you-manage-thyroid/ 

Yoga has endless benefits, but practicing the correct yoga postures is necessary. If you are practicing yoga with any medical conditions, it is essential to practice the same under professional guidance to avoid the side effects. 

Important Note:

It is true that yoga is good form of exercise and helps in managing multiple health disorders. Still, you cannot completely give up on medical management, as certain health conditions need complete medical control to avoid severe complications. 

So, along with Yoga, regular diagnosis and doctor consultation are essential. Taking medications or not shall be decided by the clinician and not by the individual based on the observance of signs and symptoms.

Let’s Start Practicing Yoga Today.

With the multiple benefits of Yoga listed in the above blog, Yoga shall be practiced every day, not just on International Yoga Day. However, International Yoga Day can be the best day to pledge and promise yourself good health. If you are living an unhealthy and inactive lifestyle, it's a day to commit to 20 minutes of Yoga practice regularly for a healthy and better you. 

Stay tuned for more updates.