Role of Yoga in Health and Disease: A Conceptual Review

ABSTRACT

The Sanskrit root of the term "yoga" is derived from "yuj," which means to, yoke, to unite, and to focus and direct one's attention. Yoga is a type of mind-body exercise that combines physical movement with a conscious emphasis on awareness of one's own breath, energy, and self. The second principle is that every individual is unique and every individual has different needs. Each person therefore has to have a practise that is adapted to their individual needs. The third principle involves the learner in the healing process by actively participating in their quest for health; healing occurs from within rather than from the outside. The individual's character and state of mind are crucial to healing, according to the fourth principle healing happens more quickly when someone is in a positive frame of mind whereas if someone is in a negative frame of mind, healing could take longer. To enhance quality of life, many people practise yoga as a supplemental therapy in addition to traditional medical therapies by holding a pose for a long period of time develops strength. Slow, deep breathing and movement warm up the muscles which will help to improve the health and wellness. Yoga has shown some encouraging outcomes as a complementary therapy for depression. Thus it has a number of potential advantages in all dimensions of health and disease