Yoga Care

"One who is able to withstand the impulse of lust and anger before death, Is, a Yogi, and a happy person." – Chapter 5.23, The Bhagavad Gita

We are in the midst of a pandemic. As correctly advised by various governments, there are restrictions on mobility, guidance on using masks and enforcing of social distancing. Naturally, this has led to some change in the life of people – ranging from a minor lack of access to consumer needs to major upheaval in the life and health of some people.

Nevertheless, at its core, a pandemic or its response decides what we truly need. When you filter out whatever is unnecessary, then whatever remains, however simple or basic it may appear to us, is all that we need. And what we get.

And thus, we realize that food, family, health and shelter is all we need. Not the overseas vacation. Nor the shopping-splurging visits to the mall. And for those who complain of not being able to access the latest streaming videos 24 hours a day, spare a thought for the homeless and destitute during this crisis. Dear internet-surfers and series binge-streamers struggling with your Wi-Fi, do note: some people would love to have at least your bad days!

It is, therefore, time to help others, time to let go of our bondage to luxuries, even in the post-pandemic era. In the Bhagavad Gita, a true Yogi is said to be desire-free. Not just in Hinduism, other religions of the world, too, encourage simple living and spirituality.

Yoga, now a universal practice, has several dimensions: the mental, physical and spiritual. Particularly, Yoga could benefit people with Diabetes and related problems.

One of the advantages of doing Yoga during the lockdown is that it can be easily practised in a small space, and does not require the extensive trappings of a home gym. In addition to promoting physical fitness, Yoga may help to reduce stress, improve breathing control and augment the quality of life.

In a publication this summer, Yoga was compared to standard rehabilitation therapy for health outcomes in people who had recently survived a heart attack. This publication was led by Indian researchers and was published in the prestigious Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The results were stunning. A Yoga-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, called "Yoga Ca-Re" though less expensive, was found to be comparable to more complex rehabilitation therapy. Yoga Ca-Re improved self-reported health and encouraged an appropriate return to pre-heart attack activities.

It is truly inspirational that India, the birthplace of Yoga, is helping to bring a global renaissance in the field. And thus inspired, we thought it fitting to dedicate the cover story of this latest Diabetes Health issue to the benefits of Yoga for our readers. Stay healthy!

Unnikrishnan AG

Editor