The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

The late B. K. S. Iyengar said, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.” Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.

Every  year on 21st June, to mark the International Yoga Day, people all over the world come together to practice mindful movement i.e. Yogasan and introspection. It's a day to hold up the age-old discipline of yoga and its enormous benefits to our mental, emotional, and spiritual growth and health.

“Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is the theme for International Yoga Day, first established on June 21st 2015. This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21st, 2024. The theme 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (Yoga for the World as One Family), emphasizes yoga's ability to bridge the differences and foster a sense of global inter-connectedness. This theme encourages us to see ourselves as part of a larger whole, promoting a sense of responsibility for the well-being of our planet and all its inhabitants.

OBJECTIVES:-

·         RAISING AWARENESS:- Awareness regarding benefits of yoga

·         ENCOURAGES INCLUSIVITY: - Yoga is a practice that anybody can do, no matter their age, gender, socio-economic class or background. On International Yoga Day, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to learn and practice yoga as a way to celebrate this inclusivity.

·         HIGHLIGHTS ADVANTAGES: - The day serves as a reminder of the many advantages yoga provides for individuals as well as for society at large.

·         MOTIVATES ACTION: - World Yoga Day encourages people to take action and incorporate yoga into their daily lives for a healthier and happier existence.

WHAT IS ASHTANGA YOGA?

The word Ashtanga is comprised of two Sanskrit words, “Ashta” and “Anga.” “Ashta” refers to the number eight, while “Anga” means limb or part. Therefore, Ashtanga is the union of the eight limbs of yoga, into one complete, holistic system. The eight limbs of yoga, which include: Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (oneness with the self).

EIGHT LIMBS OF ASHTANGA YOGA

·         Yama (Principles or moral code):- The word ‘Yama’ is often translated as ‘moral discipline’ or ‘moral vow’. These vows are completely universal to be ‘moral’ can be difficult at times, which is it’s such an important practice. The steps of Yama are a way of applying the behavioral codes of yoga. They are considered to be a valuable and highly relevant guide to help live an ethical life.

·         Niyama (Personal Disciplines)

·         Asana (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures):- A stable and comfortable physical posture which helps to attain mental equilibrium.

·         Pranayama (Yogic Breathing):- "Pranayama is control of Breath". "Prana" is Breath or vital energy in the body and "Ayama" means control.

·         Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses):- Prati is to “withdraw”, Ahaar is food. For our senses Stimuli work as Ahaar, so the mental preparation to withdraw our senses from their specific stimuli is increase the power of mind is Pratyahara.

·         Dharana (Concentration on Object):- Is act of holding or bearing, in Yoga it is related concentration mind on an objective after withdrawing our senses from external stimuli.

·         Dhyana (Meditation):- Focusing on one point or objective and meditating on it, Dhyana works as an instrument of self-awareness & knowledge.

·         Samadhi (Salvation):- It is the eight & final step of Yoga, a state of super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness

TAKE AWAY FOR CANCER PATIENT:-

Many researches on Yoga state that Yoga increases physical, emotional and spiritual wellness, and brings about a certain peace, which many cancer patients wish to attain. Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation can reduce stress, promote healing, and enhance quality of life for patients who suffer Cancer. Research suggests that yoga vitalizes mental and physical energy that improves fitness and reduces fatigue. Yoga also helps to reach a healthy sense of acceptance which is especially important for individuals dealing with life-threatening diseases as it decreases the stress the individual experiences from unpleasant effects or symptoms. The poses of Asana themselves are designed to exercise each and every muscle, nerve and gland of the body. The postures of asanas precisely address the holding of energy in any particular joint or organ. As the held energy is released, it flows throughout the body and allows patients to experience a sense of increased well-being and strength as well as a balance of mind, body and soul. Restorative postures, Savasana, Pranayama, and Meditation (Dhyana) encourage mental wellbeing thus improving sleep & reducing stress. Reduced stress promotes healing, increased energy; decrease adverse effects of treatments and improved quality-of-life for Cancer patients.

Yoga promotes personal growth, health and well-being. By acknowledging the unity of Mind, Body and Soul Health care professionals, health educators can develop a Complete Care Regimen for Cancer patients.