Learn the growing importance of yoga in and outside India
There have been several studies on the effect of yoga on our mental and physical capacity since ages. Whether practised at the beginner’s level or professional, yoga has shown the ability to heal, transform and make the core flexible from within.
Yoga has worked wonders for people who have grasped the ancient Indian form and incorporated it in their lifestyle consistently.
It has been said, the earlier one starts a good habit, the better. As a result, there has been a major focus on including yoga in the school curriculum to inculcate healthy practices in children right from a young age.
Power of Yoga
Although yoga is a deep intervention with many advantages on the body and mind, here is a list of top five beneficiary reasons to encourage you for taking up yoga on a regular basis:
- Improves Flexibility
Making yoga a part of your routine will help you improve your flexibility from day one. Inflexibility in muscles and connective tissue, such as fascia and ligaments causes improper posture.
- Perfects Posture
An incorrect posture can lead to back, neck, muscles and joint issues. It can also cause osteoarthritis of the spine. Practising yoga helps you balance your posture and sustain it for a longer duration.
- Protects Spine
The twisting and bending exercises like backbends and forward bends, helps you keep you spinal disc supple. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine stated the benefits of yoga reducing lower back pain and increasing spinal mobility.
- Increases Blood Flow
Practising yoga improvises blood circulation and provides more oxygen to our cells. The twisting poses wring out venous blood whilst allowing the oxygenated blood to flow.
- Boosts Immunity Power
Dr. Tiffany Field, Director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami conducted a study providing a comprehensive overview of the effect of yoga on anxiety and depression, pain, cardiovascular, autoimmune and immune conditions. This report stated the benefits of yoga on immune system and on pregnancy.
Yoga in Fiji’s School Curriculum
Acknowledging the proven benefits of yoga worldwide, the educational minister of Fiji, Dr. Mahendra Reddy, announced on June 21st 2016 that yoga would be made a part of the school curriculum from this year. He also added that implementing this change would improve mental and physical health of the students.
Initiatives in India by Celebrating World Yoga Day
Glorifying the 5000-year-old practice of yoga that rejuvenates mental, physical and spiritual condition, the government of India has declared 21st of June to be celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. A proposal to launch a particular date for yoga worldwide was initiated by the Indian Prime Minister to the United Nations General Assembly.
In order to spread awareness about yoga, International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm worldwide by many government and non- government organisations.
| Asanas |
Benefits |
| Dhanurasana |
Develops focus |
| Mountain posture |
Enhances energy level |
| Tree posture |
Improves concentration |
| Tadasana |
Facilitates growth |
| Bhujangasana |
Improves digestion |
| Ardha Sarwangasana |
Increases flexibility |
| Virbhadrasana |
Builds confidence |
Yoga in Various Spheres
At the latest four-test series in the Caribbean Islands, team India was seen gearing up for the matches by starting their warm-up session with yoga, guided by a yoga instructor. Several organisations encourage their employees to practise yoga as a stress-buster. ICICI Lombard provides reimbursements for yoga sessions under their wellness program which is a part of their product, to promote proactive healthcare.