Ancient yoga tackles 21st century diseases

Hyderabad: Different people perceive yoga differently — physical exercise, a stress buster, a tool for increased concentration and also a means to spiritual progress or a way of reaching God. To sum it up, it is a form of exercise, which rejuvenates both the body and mind.

For International Yoga Day on June 21, a large number of people are coming forward to participate in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute has an integrated yoga programme for its cancer patients.

Dr Sumathi, head of the department of naturopathy and yoga wing, said, “Cancer patients who go through chemotherapy are often taught yoga which helps them deal with the side-effects. As they are patients whose energy levels are very low, they are made to do extremely simple asanas, but which help their blood circulation. We actually work a lot on breathing exercises “pranayama” with them as that is found to improve the oxygen levels in their blood circulation.

Also, patients suffering from musculo-skeletal disorders like arthritis, cervical spondylitis, back pain, disc prolapse, frozen shoulders, knee pain and heel pain find a lot of relief from Trikonasana, Veerasana and Vrikshasana.

Women who are suffering from Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome find relief in butterfly pose or Bhadrasana, Bhujangasana, Konasana and Pranayam.

Most hospitals have a separate department of integrated medicine where yoga, naturopathy are recommended to patients.

Dr Subhadra, yoga therapist, cardiac rehabilitation at Care Hospitals, said, “We work a lot with patients who have suffered from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and also thyroid disorders. There are close to 20 asanas for cardiovascular diseases but they have to begin in a mild form and then if the body type can take it, then go ahead with the difficult asanas.”

Experts insist that in yoga, breathing exercises are very important and they play a major role in producing best results Dr Naseem Majid, medical services at Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited, said, “Breathing must be through nose and not the mouth. Diaphragmatic breathing helps in relaxation and mental clarity, hence the right rhythm must be learned properly.”