Unite Body and Mind: Celebrating the International Day of Yoga for Health and Well-being.

 

On the International Day of Yoga (IDY), a global celebration led by WHO and its member states in the South-East Asia Region, we come together to honor the profound physical and mental health benefits of Yoga. This ancient practice, meaning "to join or to unite," symbolizes the harmonious fusion of the body and mind. With its increasing popularity across nations, the United Nations designated June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, recognizing its universal appeal and transformative potential.

At the heart of yoga lies balance, not just within our bodies or the connection between mind and body, but also an equilibrium in our relationship with the world around us. It emphasizes the virtues of attention, moderation, discipline, and perseverance, offering a path to sustainable living for societies and communities.

Yoga's focus on harmonizing the mind and body, as well as our connection with nature, holds tremendous value. It enables us to achieve psycho-physiological well-being, emotional balance, and resilience in the face of daily stressors. Yogic practices, including physical postures (Yogasanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama), meditation (Dhyana), cleansing techniques, and relaxation practices, have been scientifically proven to modify and regulate our responses to stress. Moreover, they have shown significant efficacy in managing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes, sleep disorders, depression, and obesity through numerous rigorous studies.

Meditation, an integral part of yoga, acts as a powerful antidote to stress and its associated disorders. By practicing meditation, we can reduce inflammatory responses, alleviate sympathetic overstimulation, and lower cholesterol levels. It enhances exercise tolerance, reduces anxiety,

and improves an individual's maximal workload

This is an era of tremendous advancement for Traditional Medicine. The WHO-Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM), rapidly taking shape in Jamnagar, India, signifies the growing prominence of traditional practices, including Yoga. During India's G20 Presidency, in another momentous event, WHO and India will organize the world's first Traditional Medicine Global Summit in Gandhinagar on 17-18 August 2023. With the theme of 'Towards Health and Well-being for All,' this landmark summit will focus on evidence-based Traditional Medicine, showcasing its potential to promote the health and well-being of people and the planet.

Let us all make a commitment on this International Day of Yoga to embrace a regular yoga practice, envisioning a future where everyone experiences improved health, profound happiness, and freedom from stress. Together, we can create a world where well-being flourishes in harmony with nature, fostering a brighter and healthier tomorrow for all.