‘Unlock holistic health benefits through consistent yoga practice’, says the teacher

The practice of yoga has evolved and has been influenced by various cultures and philosophies. The roots of yoga can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 3000 BCE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artefacts and seals depicting figures in yogic postures. It is believed that early forms of yoga were practised as a means of spiritual and meditative discipline.

BKS Iyengar, who propounded Iyengar Yoga once said: Yoga is a light which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame. Yoga holds immense importance for students as it offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits that contribute to their overall well-being and academic performance.

“Yoga is a process which can free us. It is a way of conscious evolution and holistic realisation. Yoga can help us to live our lives more meaningfully with awareness”

-Savita Gupta, Yoga Teacher, Apeejay School, Noida

Savita Gupta, a Yoga teacher at Apeejay School, Noida in Uttar Pradesh said that yoga is a universal science which goes beyond all barriers of gender, caste, creed, and religion. “Yoga is a process which can free us. It is a way of conscious evolution and holistic realisation. Yoga can help us to live our lives more meaningfully with awareness,” Gupta said.

Practicing yoga helps us to acquire holistic health which covers physical, mental, emotional behavioural, socio-economical, and spiritual health, she said. “Yoga is an ancient wisdom with scientific validations for overall development. It helps to improve all the dimensions of personality that include physical, energy, mental, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions. We have to understand that yoga is a science of consciousness which can give us access to the conscious self and subconscious self,” Gupta explained.

Reasons why yoga is essential for students

1. Physical Fitness: Regular practice of yoga asanas (postures) improves flexibility, strength, and endurance, which enhances overall physical fitness.
2. Stress Reduction: Yoga provides effective stress management techniques, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation, which help students relax, calm their minds, and reduce stress levels. This, in turn, improves focus, concentration, and memory.
3. Concentration and Memory Enhancement: Regular yoga practice improves blood circulation, oxygen supply to the brain, and neurotransmitter functioning, leading to improved cognitive abilities.
4. Emotional Well-being: Breathing exercises and meditation techniques of yoga foster a calm and composed state of mind, enabling students to handle emotions like stress, frustration, and anger effectively.
5. Improved Sleep Quality: Yoga promotes better sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety, relaxing the body and mind, and regulating sleep-wake cycles.
6. Discipline and Time Management: By incorporating yoga into their daily routine, students learn to prioritise their well-being, develop good habits, and manage their time effectively.
7. Physical Health Benefits: It improves posture, prevents musculoskeletal issues, enhances digestion, boosts immune function, and regulates hormonal balance.

Gupta shared a few asanas that students can practice during their summer vacations this year. “Ensure that the students learn these asanas from a good yoga teacher to improve overall health,” she said and shared the postures.

1. Vrikshasan increases concentration and is good for height.
2. Veerbhadrasn to improve leg strength and focus.
3. Padamasan is important to improve memory power.
4. Vajarasan improves the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food.
5. Urshtasan helps to open and activate the heart centre, stimulate abdominal organs and strengthen the cervical vertebrae as well improve the spinal alignment of the students.

“These above-mentioned asanas are good for all children above the age of eight years. However, always consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen,” Gupta asserted.