International Yoga Day is celebrated each year on the 21st of June. This year’s theme is ‘Women Empowerment,’ focusing on women’s physical and mental well-being. The term “Yog” is derived from “Yuj,” a Sanskrit word meaning “union.” Regular practice of yoga helps create a union between the body and mind and, ultimately, our inner self through physical fitness, breath awareness, and meditation.
As we celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day this year, we emphasize the importance of women’s health. As Swami Vivekananda said,
“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. A bird can’t fly on only one wing.”
We will never see the desired social growth unless women in society are strong physically and mentally and empowered. Women are multi-taskers. Their busy schedules and unhealthy eating habits lead to various lifestyle ailments, including hormonal issues, obesity, arthritis, PCOS, infertility issues, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A balanced diet and a regular exercise regimen can give women a new lease on life. Yoga has been proven to be the most sustainable form of exercise. As little as 15 to 30 minutes of regular practice (a combination of asanas and pranayama) can yield great results.
Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice:
Surya Namaskar Sequence: Surya Namaskar is a series of 12 physical postures. These postures help stretch various muscles and strengthen the spine, increasing endurance and flexibility. It is excellent for weight loss and improves blood circulation.
Balasana (Child’s Pose): The child’s pose helps release stress and anxiety. It strengthens the back muscles and helps achieve better posture.
Malasana (Garland Pose): The garland pose helps stretch the thigh and hip muscles and regulate the menstrual cycle. It is suitable for hip flexibility and strengthening the thigh and groin muscles.
Vriksasana (Tree Pose): The tree pose helps tone the legs and abdomen. It is highly beneficial in improving balance and mental focus. It helps develop strong legs, a flat belly, and toned arms.
Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose): This asana is highly beneficial for pregnant women and is an integral part of prenatal yoga, preparing the body for childbirth. The pelvic muscles are stretched and become stronger. Regular practice also helps achieve mental, physical, and spiritual perfection.
Navasana (Boat Pose): The boat pose is very helpful for women with PCOS. It helps strengthen the pelvic muscles and stimulates several glands of the endocrine system, thereby regulating the proper secretion of hormones.
Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose): The pigeon pose helps cure insomnia. It helps to release stress from the spine and hips and soothes the nervous system. It also tones the abdominal muscles and nourishes the digestive and reproductive organs.
Halasana (Plow Pose): The plow pose stretches our entire body. It strengthens the spine and helps the digestive system function better, leading to proper weight maintenance and a healthy metabolism rate. It also makes the skin brighter, tighter, and glowing.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog): This pose stimulates blood circulation, helping to eradicate pimples, wrinkles, blemishes, hair fall, and grey hair at a young age. Besides its cosmetic benefits, the downward dog relieves tension and stress in the body and mind.
Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose): The butterfly pose is one of the most beneficial poses for women. It stretches the spine, inner thighs, and hamstrings and increases hip mobility. It helps alleviate menstrual pain and stimulates the kidneys, ovaries, and uterus, making the excretory and reproductive systems healthy.
Also Read: A Brief History Of Yoga Through The Ages
Perform Yoga Cautiously:
Please note that yoga asanas should always be performed cautiously under expert guidance. Practicing asanas by watching YouTube videos and other channels may cause injuries. Incorrect practice of postures and misalignments can lead to adverse effects.
By integrating yoga into daily routines, women can achieve improved physical and mental health, contributing to overall well-being and empowerment. Yoga for women is the key to a perfect health.
