Yoga and Modern Medicine: Can They Get Along as a Therapy
As a part of World Yoga Day celebrations, a few doctors have their views on the health benefits of practicing Yoga. These views shall brief the role of yoga in modern medicine and clarify whether both together can be practiced as a holistic approach.
The term 'Yoga' consists of the mindful practice of various asanas that connect body, mind, and breath to promote physical and memory well-being. Yoga Asanas and workouts help stretch the muscles, increase flexibility, and declutter the mind ().
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Yogasana like Tadasana is routinely used by us as part of the Tilt Training program for patients with syncope; where Tadasana helps to tone calf and thigh muscles and increases circulation to the heart. Moreover, for patients undergoing physiotherapy, doctors include breathing exercises to improve their concentration during stretching and strengthening exercises.
Patients who practice Yoga as part of their routine can heal faster compared to the ones who don't. This ancient practice of meditation and asanas boosts immunization and blood pressure, with increased flexibility among people who prioritize it in their routine.
Importance of Yoga in Medical Science
Specifically, when talking about people with health-related problems; such as asthma, cardiology-related issues, or understanding orthopedic treatments, consider it a therapy to build strength, improve sleep patterns, arthritis, and bone-related issues.Most heart-related health issues are caused by stress that is left unchecked which may result in obesity or diabetes. Being able to recognize common symptoms and getting regular physical activity can have many health benefits ().
If you are uncertain about stress and its cause, you need to consider seeing a professional check if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, dizziness, or nausea.
There are many benefits of Yoga for mental well-being. It stimulates oxygen flow and eases stress levels in the mind, making space for positive thoughts. In many cases, it affects the body and behavior. During such cases, it is recommended to meet a counselor or a therapist who can identify the cause of stress or trauma.
For people who are starting, the first step is to learn to focus the breath and if you're in alignment with your breath and thoughts, you don't need to be worried about people's opinions, judgments, or other pressures.
Yoga improves the condition of the lungs and breathing for people suffering from asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chest-related infections. Consistent yoga practice helps instill a sense of control in breathing and improve overall respiratory muscular strength, eliminating the need for surgical procedures.
In India, about 35% of people from all age groups have pre-existing pulmonary symptoms. And, curated yoga practices at centers reduce symptoms of anxiety and make it easier to enjoy daily routine and socialization.
During the time of the pandemic, the industry saw an increased demand for Yoga and meditation classes in the online yoga space and is expected to grow by 12.3 percent by 2027.
Most of the healthcare centers in India have incorporated Yoga and naturopathy as indigenous medical systems under Ayurveda. These healing sciences work well with modern medicine and are classified under different names- AyurYoga, Medical Yoga, and postural yoga.
References:
- Effects of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health: A Short Summary of Reviews - (https:www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/165410/)
- Medical Yoga Therapy - (https:www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/4/2/12)
Source: IANS