Yoga Introduction
Yoga originated thousands of years ago and encompasses physical postures, breath control, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on humankind; while it didn’t affect everyone physically, it affected us emotionally and mentally.
At that time, Yoga was one of the top choices for many people to support their overall well-being during difficult times. Medical professionals have recommended people turn to Yoga to boost their immunity.
In 2014, India proposed celebrating Yoga internationally at the 69th United Nations General Assembly session. Rest states supported the idea, and eventually, the UN agreed to announce June 21 each year as International Yoga Day with the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. It means”One Earth, One Family and One Future”.
In a revolutionary breakthrough, the ancient practice of Yoga is emerging as a powerful complementary therapy in the modern medicine era. As healthcare evolves, experts increasingly recognise its profound benefits in conventional medical treatments for a new paradigm in patient care.
How is Yoga a Complementary Medicine?
Recent medical research and clinical trials have demonstrated the myriad advantages of incorporating yoga into various medical disciplines. From reducing stress, anxiety and migraine pain to improving flexibility, strength, and balance, yoga offers a comprehensive approach to promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
Moreover, yoga has shown promising results in managing chronic pain, improving cardiovascular health, and supporting cancer patients. Also face yoga removes wrinkles on the forehead and tightens skin without Botox.
Identifying the growing body and the potential for improved patient outcomes, healthcare institutions and medical professionals increasingly embrace yoga as a complementary therapy. Integrating yoga into treatment plans allows for a more holistic and patient-centred approach, addressing not only the physical symptoms.
Here are some ways in which yoga has become a complementary therapy in the medical era:
- Stress reduction: Yoga is known for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It incorporates breathing techniques, meditation, and physical postures that help calm the mind and activate the body’s relaxation response. Stress is a common underlying factor in many health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, and chronic pain.
- Physical rehabilitation: Yoga poses, or asanas, can be adapted to address specific physical limitations or injuries. Many rehabilitation programs integrate yoga to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. By combining traditional medical approaches with yoga, patients can benefit from a more comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery.
- Chronic pain management: Yoga has shown promising results in managing chronic pain conditions, such as lower back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. The gentle movements, stretching, and relaxation techniques in yoga can alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall well-being. It is often used with conventional pain management strategies, providing patients with additional tools for self-care.
- Mental health support: Yoga has gained recognition as an effective complementary therapy for mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Combining physical movement, breath control, mindfulness, and meditation can help reduce symptoms, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being. Yoga is often integrated into psychotherapy and counselling programs as an adjunctive treatment.
- Preventive care: Yoga’s emphasis on holistic well-being and preventive care aligns with the shift towards personalized and preventive medicine. Regular yoga practice has been associated with improved immune function, better sleep, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced overall quality of life. By promoting self-awareness and healthy lifestyle choices, yoga contributes to maintaining optimal health and preventing future health problems.
- Integrative medicine programs: Many medical institutions now offer integrative medicine programs incorporating yoga and conventional treatments. These programs recognize the importance of addressing the mind-body connection and promoting holistic well-being. Yoga classes, workshops, and individual sessions are often provided as part of comprehensive healthcare services.
By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, medical professionals are expanding the horizons of patient care, offering a more complete and personalised approach to healing.
As the benefits of yoga in modern medicine continue to unfold, it is evident that the era of complementary therapies is dawning. It is a milestone in healthcare, empowering patients and revolutionising how we approach well-being.