International Day of Yoga
In Dili, Timor-Leste, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated with hundreds of participants gathering at Cristo Rei to practice yoga and learn about its benefits. Yoga has been shown to have immediate psychological benefits, reducing anxiety and stress, and promoting emotional and social well-being. It also serves as a preventive measure against many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes. The growing popularity of yoga has led to the United Nations declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga through resolution 69/131 on 11 December 2014.
WHO Promotes Yoga for Health
Dr. Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste, said, “It felt great to witness the enthusiastic participation in the WHO’s celebration of the International Yoga Day. The event was a testament to the growing acceptance of yoga as a powerful tool for promoting good health and overall well-being. WHO Timor-Leste will continue to promote physical activity in all forms for greater physical and mental well-being and combatting NCDs.”
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga, meaning “to join” or “to unite,” has been recognized for its benefits in bringing harmony between mind and body, as well as between human beings and nature. Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, highlighted in her media statement on the International Day of Yoga, “Yogic practices such as Yogasanas (Physical postures), Pranayama (Breathing practices), Dhyana (meditation), cleansing and relaxation practices help modify and regulate responses to stressors and are beneficial in stress and its consequences.” Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of Yogic practices in managing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, diabetes, sleep disorders, depression, and obesity.
Author: John Doe
Credit and rights: OMG I Yoga
