Yoga The Way of Life - D Sushma

Every individual needs exercise to keep fit. Yoga, which relaxes both the body and the mind, is fast gaining popularity across the globe.

The pharmaceutical industry in India has been flourishing for sometime now. Allopathic medicine has become very popular with both the urban and rural population. But will just taking medicines when one is sick help keep one healthy? The concept of health consciousness has become all-pervasive. As the saying goes ‘prevention is always better than cure’. People today are searching ways and means to a healthy life. The two important sources to keeping fit are: Nutritious food and regular exercise. Nutritious food includes fresh fruits and vegetables and excludes junk food available in the market. Junk food adds calories but not energy.

Every individual should exercise regularly. Among the various types of exercises, the most prominent and ancient one is Yoga. Yoga has its origin in India and has spread to various nations across the world. One is certainly wrong if one thinks Yoga exercises include the movement of limbs alone. Yoga exercises work on both the body and the mind. Ailments stay away when the mind is healthy. The aasanas in Yoga are just not a motion, but they involve concentration of the breath movements as well. This helps the person practicing Yoga stay focused. For various ailments where medicine is not the end solution, Yoga has been the answer. For instance, people suffering from sinusitis or asthma use inhalers and medicine, but by practicing Yoga regularly they can get rid of their illnesses forever. There are special breathing exercises of pranayam, viz., Kapal Bharthi, Anulom Vilom, etc. For diseases like Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Spondylitis, etc., Yoga exercises serve as a perfect cure.

© "Study @ ICFAIi" (December, 2005) published by ICFAI University Press, 6-3-354/1, Stellar Sphinx, Road # 1, Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Hyderabad 500 082. Website: www.icfaipress.org. Reprinted with permission.

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