International day of yoga: Time to tap into the treasures within us

Chennai

The ancient Indian discipline of yoga, which has acquired immense popularity globally in recent decades, is an effective tool to significantly improve mental as well as physical well-being of an individual. As millions of people of various age groups across the globe celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2020, we need to look at the important role yoga can play in the holistic development of an individual. Yoga, which means to join or unite, basically seeks to bring about a harmonious union of the mind and body. It is a science that emphasises balance, poise, grace, equanimity, peace and harmony. It is a promising recipe for alleviating the impact of the current stressful times.

During his proposal in 2014 to the UN to adopt an International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had quite succinctly summed up the import of yoga to the world body. Describing yoga as an “invaluable gift” of ancient Indian tradition, he said: “It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being.”

India’s proposal was endorsed by 175 nations and the UN, in a resolution on December 11, 2014, declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Recognising that yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being, the resolution noted the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health. While pointing out that insufficient physical activity is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, the World Health Organization mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its ‘Global action plan on physical activity 2018-2030: more active people for a healthier world’.

Individuals and countries must make difficult choices in the present times – balancing lives and livelihoods, lockdown and unlocking as well as isolation and communication, forced sedentary lifestyle and the need to be healthy. Undoubtedly, these are stressful times in which most of us are compelled to stay at home, without the normal avenues for face-to-face interaction, physical exercise and recreational activities. Yoga can be an effective antidote to the high-level of stress that the pandemic has induced in our lives. It is a science of physical well-being in which structured exercises, that can be practiced at home, have proved to be highly beneficial. It has also a certain calming effect on our turbulent emotions.

It is also an approach to life which celebrates balance, not swinging to extreme positions but appreciating the subtle nuances of movement of limbs to maintain poise and grace. As Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, “Samatvam Yoga Uchyate” (Yoga is Balance). The United Nations recognised the benefits of yoga in terms of “increased flexibility and fitness, mindfulness and relaxation” and had decided that the theme for the 2020 International Day of Yoga should be ‘Yoga at home and Yoga with family’.

This indeed is a meaningful and effective way to deal with isolation and uncertainty. All members in a family – from the children to the elderly – can take to yoga in view of its myriad benefits. Many scientific studies have mentioned about the beneficial effects of yoga on health. From cardiac ailments to backache, performing yoga asanas on a regular basis has shown tocontrol them.

With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading its tentacles dangerously and affecting people of all age groups in an indiscriminate manner, yoga is one of the best options to improve the body’s immunity, particularly for the vulnerable ones like those having asthma, hypertension and diabetes. Yoga can also help in dealing effectively with problems like depression, anxiety and stress, which have become all-pervasive due to modern lifestyle. I get deeply disturbed whenever I come across news reports of youngsters ending their lives unable to cope with the modern-day pressures and stress. All such deaths are completely avoidable. Yoga and meditation can help in reducing stress.

According to Harvard Mental Health Letter (updated in May 2018), available reviews of a wide range of yoga practices suggest they can reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses and may be helpful for both anxiety and depression. In this respect, yoga functions like other self-soothing techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, exercise, or even socialising with friends.

Indeed, the scientific study of yoga demonstrates that mental and physical health are not just closely allied, but are essentially equivalent. The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall health. Research has also shown that Yoga can help in lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a common type of dementia. Various pranayama techniques can greatly help in providing relief and improving the capacity of lungs. Apart from improving body’s flexibility, toning up muscles and providing relief from pains and aches, one of the most beneficial effects of yoga is the sense of mental equilibrium or equanimity it imparts to an individual. With the educational institutions conducting only online classes in the wake of the pandemic, I would like to suggest that they could include yoga as part of online learning programmes. In fact, ‘UNICEF Kid Power’ has listed 13 Yoga stretches and poses for children. In the context of the continuing threat of COVID-19, we have to take adequate precautions to stay safe. We must boost immunity within ourselves, stay physically active and be mentally calm.

We are indeed fortunate in India that we have practical solutions for maintaining our physical and mental health. Yoga remains an incredibly simple but powerful instrument. Equally helpful is the wide range of spices and herbs that go into our traditional cuisine. The use of turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic and black pepper in culinary preparations can help in boosting immunity. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the world is increasingly accepting the rationale behind some of the age-old Indian practices. For instance, Namaste or greeting others with folded hands, the traditional Indian way of greeting, is becoming popular in many countries. As the world seeks to overcome one of the biggest health challenges in recent times, the Indian science of yogic exercises, Indian world view of tranquillity and equanimity, Indian cuisine with natural immune-boosters, can help humanity cope with the extremely disruptive, deeply disturbing menace of COVID-19.

— The writer is the Vice President of India