More are taking to yoga in US, says Harvard expert

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 25

Mainly due to increasing stress and problems in the modern life, percentage of those doing yoga in the USA has increased from 10 to 14 per cent in the last five years.

This was shared by Harvard Medical School Assistant Professor Sat Bir Singh Khalsa while quoting National Health Interview Survey. He further said, “Maximum research in yoga is being undertaken in India followed by the US.”

“Popularity of yoga has increased after June 21 was declared as International Yoga Day. The Indian consulate in the US is promoting yoga. Various events are organised by it on the World Yoga Day. Yoga teachers Sadhguru, Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have made it much more popular,” he added on the sidelines of a yoga event at the PGI today.

Yoga certification member Dr Jaideep Arya from Patanjali Yogpith, Haridwar, said, “We are taking up the issue of starting a subject on yoga in ayurvedic and MBBS courses with the Health Ministry. We are also in the process of setting up a yoga integration centre at the PGI. Yoga should be made part of medical education and research as it is a way of life.”

Sharing a recent study, Dr Ayra said, “In India, every ninth person is diabetic. A survey was conducted wherein people in the 16 to 80 years group were included. It was found during the survey that 60 per cent of those who were pre-diabetic could reverse it. So, by doing yoga many complications can be overcome.”

“More than a walk, cycling or running is better to reduce the fat. Yoga helps to reduce the visceral fat that is internal fat,” he added.

Experts present at the event advocated doing yoga only with the help of trained teachers. “Perfect practice makes a man perfect,” said an expert while highlighting that experienced yoga teachers should be preferred as doing asanas in a wrong way would affect body adversely.