The world Health Organisation defines good health as complete physical, mental and spiritual well being of a person. Yoga, as a way of exercise, helps one to obtain this.

Yoga regards the truth that human body consists of not only physical parts but a mind and spirit as well. Affection of one invariably affects another. Good health of a person depends on the equilibrium of    mind, body and spirit. Any disturbance in this leads to disease. This is apparent   today where many diseases like hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, peptic ulcer, among others, are caused and aggravated by mental stress.

Yoga, in simple terms, means to join, that is to say, something which joins the body with mind and mind to spirit

Medical science, in spite of much development, has limitations in root cure for many chronic diseases like asthma, arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, among others. These medicines have to be taken for life. Invariably, resistance and some side effects are also produced, making person sick due to the treatment, along with the disease.

Yoga helps in better control of these diseases, thus reducing doses of medicines. The utility of the exercise regimen has been proved by scientific studies and is recommended for age groups. 

There are various kinds of physical exercises aiding and enhancing flexibility of joints, backbone, digestion, hormonal equilibrium of the body, for reducing obesity and for chronic ailments. Exercises that involve breathing patterns are useful in cases of asthma, allergic rhinitis, among other problems. They also aid in improving mental concentration and relaxation.  Specific exercises exist for total relaxation of the body and mind. By doing these exercises overall physical and mental stamina of an individual is built up and augmented. 

There are only two things one has to keep in mind while starting yogic exercises. One is that stomach should be empty. One can do it in morning before breakfast or about two hours after a major meal. The other important thing is regularity. One should not expect overnight results. After starting yoga, be sure to get results after two to three months.

Pay attention

Other things needing attention are that the number of movements and duration of each exercise should be increased gradually. The movements should be slow and smooth and not jerky.

People of all ages and both genders can do yoga. But certain exercises are more suitable for some people and certain forms of exercise are prohibited for some persons. For example, elderly persons having stiff backs are prohibited from doing exercises which involve bending. Similarly, those suffering from high blood pressure are advised not to do exercise involving neck rotation. 

There is no restriction to do other exercises with yoga. One can do swimming, gymnasts, walking, whatever one fancies, but still continue doing yoga regularly. Yoga enhances stamina to do sports. It also stimulates  the functioning of internal organs and also provide total physical and mental relaxation. One can try this simple technique that costs nothing and can be done comfortably in one’s home. 

Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital