Practising yoga is not a mere set of exercises but a lifestyle, a way of life which encourages you to attain wellbeing. It helps in prevention of diseases and their cure, says Dr Anjali Sharma

Prevent and prepare is better than to repent and repair. This saying is true especially when it comes to healthcare. Yoga is a complete health care package. Yogic practices are not a mere set of exercise rather it is a lifestyle, a way of life which encourages one to attain overall wellbeing, prevention of diseases and their cure. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world, the restrictions due to the rising number of cases has been an eye opener for all, making them realise the importance of having a healthy diet, importance of yoga and breathing practices and good immunity are the keys to health.

During the time of lockdown when people had to stay at home and follow social distancing, going out for anything even for walk or jog was restricted, a major part of population staying at home found solution in yoga and meditation in their confined places. Time and again we have witnessed global acceptance and appreciation of yoga practice. Even the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said that yoga is helping COVID patients as well. Even now when the situation remains out of control and it will take time to control the spread of the virus, the only key is healthy habits and practice of yoga, here is how:

Boost immunity:  Certain yoga postures like surya namaskaar, pranayam like anulom-vilom and especially yogic cleansing kriyas help boost immunity in a person. Immunity lowers the risk of diseases in a person. Yogic breathing exercises especially help in the current pandemic to improve lung capacity and the functioning of the white blood cells to fight infections.

Reduces stress: Since the day pandemic has hit the entire world, staying indoors, not socialising and facing an unexpected economic crisis has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health too.

This situation gave rise to a lot of negative thoughts and it became even hard to keep up with patience. Mental health has also come up as one of the prime concern in health. Yoga and meditative poses have proven to help improve mental health. Following yogic principles, breathing practices, pranayam, dhyan and a regular practice combining with asanas improves the happiness quotient, relaxes the hyperactive nerve signals and improves mental well being, hence relieving stress.

Increased imunity leads to healthy body: The patterns in which yogasanas are to be practiced as per the ancient books ensure joint movements in the body, stretches the muscles, increases oxygen levels which is most required and regulates body functions. It is much needed for muscle building; regulating blood pressure, bone health and active body. Becoming a yoga practitioner will help you attain overall wellbeing. Because healthy bones, regulated vital signs, good metabolism and increased immunity lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Considering all benefits of yoga there are certain things to be kept in mind before getting into it. It is strictly not advised to start any tough exercise pattern just like that without any proper guidance; it is a serious matter especially when one is already facing health issues. Hence opt for yoga by keeping in mind the following points:

Never try any tough yoga pose without training if needed.

• Keep your nutrition value high once you start following yoga practice, for that matter ask a professional for guidance. Only yogasana without exercises without proper nutrition are not going to help.
• If already suffering from any of the chronic diseases then consult your concerned doctor and a yoga and naturopathy physician to guide for necessary set of asanas and pranayam and food pattern to follow. Make sure he/she is an qualified yoga and naturopathy physician (BNYS). Consider your diseases first; never hide them from your guide.
• Always consult a yoga and naturopathy physician and make your schedule of exercises — set of asanas, pranayam and diet as prescribed.

The writer is Naturopath and Yoga Expert, Shuddhi Naturopath, Delhi