Yoga as a Complementary Therapy in Modern Medicine
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• 21 Jun 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on humanity. If it did not have an impact on everyone physically, it surely affected all of us emotionally and mentally. Yoga served as a valuable tool for many individuals to support their overall well-being during a challenging and uncertain time. Medical professionals recommended people resort to yoga for building better immunity and for patients to recover from the aftereffects of Covid-19 infection.

In the year 2014, India proposed to celebrate yoga internationally during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, the idea was endorsed by the 175 member states, and finally, the UN announced 21^st June of every year to be celebrated as International Yoga Day. The theme for International Yoga Day 2023 is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which beautifully captures our shared aspiration for “One Earth, One Family, and One Future.”

In recent years, the practice of yoga has experienced a global spread and popularity. People from diverse backgrounds and cultures have embraced yoga to improve their physical and mental well-being. Its accessibility, adaptability, and potential for self-transformation have made it a widely practised and sought-after discipline. There has been a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of yoga as a complementary therapy in modern medicine.

Definition and Origin of Yoga:

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in ancient India and has been gaining immense popularity worldwide. It encompasses a holistic approach to well-being, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, meaning yoke or Union. It is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years in ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga aims to achieve harmony between the body, mind, and spirit through various physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation practices (dhyana). It recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of human existence and emphasizes self-realization and self-transformation.

Historical Significance of Yoga:

Yoga has a rich historical background that spans thousands of years. Ancient texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita have played a significant role in shaping the philosophy and practice of yoga. Prominent philosophers and practitioners like Swami Vivekananda, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Paramahansa Yogananda have contributed to its preservation and popularisation.

Branches of Yoga:

Yoga comprises various branches or paths, each focusing on different aspects of practice and self-discovery. Some of the prominent branches include:

1. Hatha Yoga: It emphasises physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) to balance and align the body and mind.
2. Raja Yoga: It focuses on meditation and self-control to attain mental and spiritual discipline.
3. Karma Yoga: It emphasises selfless service and the performance of actions without attachment to the results, promoting a sense of duty and mindfulness.
4. Bhakti Yoga: It is the path of devotion and surrender to a higher power or deity, cultivating love, devotion, and gratitude.
5. Jnana Yoga: It involves the path of knowledge and wisdom, seeking self-realisation through self-inquiry and contemplation.
6. Kundalini Yoga: It aims to awaken and channel the dormant spiritual energy (kundalini) through a combination of physical exercises, breathwork, and meditation.

Significance of Principles and Techniques of Yoga:

Yoga encompasses various principles and techniques that contribute to its therapeutic benefits. Key elements include:

1. Asanas: Asanas are physical postures that promote strength, flexibility, and balance. Through a series of poses, asanas enhance physical fitness, improve body awareness, and promote overall well-being.
2. Pranayama: Pranayama involves breath control exercises that regulate and manipulate the breath. It improves respiratory function, enhances energy flow, and promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
3. Dhyana: Dhyana, or meditation, involves focusing the mind and cultivating mindfulness. It promotes mental calmness, emotional stability, and self-awareness.

Correct Alignment, Breathing Techniques, and Mindfulness:

During yoga practice, correct alignment, breathing techniques, and mindfulness play crucial roles in maximising the benefits and minimising the risk of injury. Correct alignment ensures that the body is positioned optimally to receive the full benefits of each asana. Proper breathing techniques synchronise breath with movement, oxygenate the body, and induce a calming effect on the nervous system. Mindfulness cultivates present-moment awareness, allowing practitioners to deepen their practice, improve concentration, and enhance mind-body connection.

Yoga as a Complementary Therapy:

Modern medicine often focuses on pharmaceutical interventions and surgical treatments. While these approaches are invaluable, they may not address the holistic needs of individuals. Complementary therapies offer additional therapeutic options that integrate with conventional medical practices.

Yoga, as a complementary therapy and as one of the approaches under traditional Indian system of medicine, enhances and supports the effectiveness of modern medicine in several ways:

1. Physical and Mental Well-being: Yoga's emphasis on physical postures, breath control, and meditation complements medical treatments by promoting physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
2. Mental Health Support: Yoga practices help manage symptoms of anxiety, and depression, and promote overall mental well-being, enhancing the efficacy of conventional mental health treatments.
3. Pain Management: Yoga's gentle movements, breath control, and mindfulness techniques provide effective pain management strategies for chronic pain conditions.
4. Cardiovascular Health benefits: Research suggests that yoga can lower blood pressure, improve heart rate variability, and manage cardiovascular risk factors.
5. Better Respiratory Health: Yoga practices, particularly breathing exercises, improve respiratory function and aid in managing respiratory conditions.
6. Cancer Support: Yoga provides valuable support for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, reducing treatment-related side effects, and enhancing emotional well-being.
7. Rehabilitation and Recovery: Yoga assists in the rehabilitation process by improving mobility, strength, confidence and reduce stress levels promoting relaxation and improving the body's ability to heal and recover aiding in recovery from injuries or surgeries.

Integration of Yoga into Modern Healthcare:

Yoga programs have increasingly been integrated into healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and wellness clinics. Certified yoga instructors and therapists play a crucial role in guiding patients through yoga practices, adapting them to individual needs and medical conditions. The integration of yoga into mainstream healthcare systems presents challenges such as standardised training, resource allocation, and collaboration between healthcare professionals and the yoga community. However, the inclusion of yoga in government initiatives and policies promotes its integration and benefits within healthcare systems.

Safety and Guidelines:

While yoga offers numerous benefits, it is important to approach it with caution and seek guidance from trained professionals. Individualisation of practice based on health conditions, age, and physical limitations is crucial. Pregnant women, individuals with musculoskeletal injuries, or chronic illnesses may require specific modifications or avoid certain poses. Seeking guidance from qualified yoga instructors, practicing within personal limits, and listening to the body's signals are essential for safe and effective practice.

Conclusion:

Incorporating yoga into medical treatments offers a non-invasive, cost-effective, and holistic approach to treating illnesses. That is why yoga as a complementary therapy is becoming increasingly popular in modern medicine. Yet a lot needs to be done to integrate yoga into mainstream medical practices. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and the yoga community is a must. Further research and exploration are needed to deepen our understanding of yoga's mechanisms and refine its integration into healthcare systems. Acknowledging the cultural significance of yoga and its potential to contribute to holistic healthcare globally is essential for promoting its widespread adoption and maximising its benefits.

Sources:

https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/Yoga-History/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9744485/

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/practice/the-6-branches-of-yoga

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/international-yoga-day-2023-date-theme-history-significance-8674005/

Priyanka Todariya

Priyanka Todariya is a Public Administration post-graduate and an experienced communications professional who has extensively worked for several government entities like Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and state governments like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

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