Implication of yoga in noncommunicable diseases

Abstract

The significance of yoga in health and disease is so extensive and of such a general nature that it has become a necessity for doctors who will be practicing in the current and the coming centuries. A positive attitude and a peaceful mind are conductive to healing and happiness, whatever may be the nature of disease or illness. The evidence generated has made modern medicine accept the love, peace, joy, positive thinking, relaxation, hope, etc., as therapeutic tools. This is how yoga becomes a potent instrument for influencing the mind positively. Based on the above traditional as well as scientific thinking, some of the noncommunicable diseases are mentioned in this article, for which yoga may be used with a favorable effect in modern medicine. The need of the current time is to have an integrated approach toward complete therapy and to utilize yoga therapy in harmonization, cooperation, and collaboration with other systems of medicine such as modern medicine, Ayurveda, and naturopathy. The main aims of the therapeutic implications of yoga should be to increase parasympathetic and decrease sympathetic activities. This enables us to move from a state of ill health and sickness to one of fitness and well-being.

Non communicable disease - parasympathetic activity - sympathetic activity - yoga

• References

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