India@75: Yoga, a once-desi workout form, is now the answer to most ailments

Talk of yoga, it is an ancient Indian workout form involving various poses and asanas that work on overall health – from mental to physical well-being and helps ward off and manage several acute and chronic diseases. In today’s world, almost no one is alien to the term yoga as its benefits are now known by all – from Bollywood to Hollywood, the fans of this fitness form are everywhere.
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly marked June 21 as International Day of Yoga – and on this occasion, people globally come out with their mats and practice poses in large groups in honour of this versatile workout.

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly marked June 21 as International Day of Yoga – and on this occasion, people globally come out with their mats and practice poses in large groups in honour of this versatile workout.

Photo : iStock
New Delhi: 75 years since Independence and India and Indians have risen beyond imagination – be it defence or food, technology or healthcare, the world’s largest democracy was never behind in making a mark. And now that we celebrate yet another milestone in the form of the platinum jubilee of our independence, it is time to celebrate the accomplishments. The scenario of healthcare has changed altogether – people no longer need to fly overseas for treatment as the metropolitan cities have hospitals equipped enough to offer good services. However, there are some jewels in history that have helped people across the globe – such as yoga and Ayurveda.
Talk of yoga, it is an ancient Indian workout form involving various poses and asanas that work on overall health – from mental to physical wellbeing and help ward off and manage several acute and chronic diseases. In today’s world, almost no one is alien to the term yoga as its benefits are now known by all – from Bollywood to Hollywood, the fans of this fitness form are everywhere. As per the International Yoga Federation, about 300 million people practice yoga regularly.
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly marked June 21 as International Day of Yoga – and on this occasion, people globally come out with their mats and practice poses in large groups in honour of this versatile workout.
In India, actors and actresses swear by yoga and in Hollywood, there are many who turn to it for a more toned physique. While actress Alia Bhatt finds strength in this exercise, model Milind Soman relies on it for relief. FRIENDS fame Jennifer Aniston, football legend David Beckham, Lady Gaga and even Beyonce are fans of this exercise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, is a known yoga enthusiast along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
What are the health benefits of yoga?
The health benefits of yoga are many – it has the ability of improving flexibility and offering relief from almost every health problem perceivable. Read on to know its many pros.
  1. Weight loss
  2. Improved flexibility
  3. Fighting stress
  4. Lower risk of anxiety and depression
  5. Toned body
  6. Blood pressure management
  7. Heart disease management
  8. Improved sleep patterns
  9. Relief from back pain
  10. Relief from arthritis symptoms
  11. Improved balanced
  12. Strength
  13. Healthy hair
  14. Healthy skin
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