International Yoga Day 2025: Expert Debunks Myths About Yoga
In today's hyper-connected fast-paced world, yoga is often seen as a luxury. Social media doesn't help with the narrative where it's easy to get intimidated by impossibly bendy yoga poses. The biggest barrier to starting yoga isn't physical limitation; it's the myths and misconceptions suggesting that yoga is reserved for a select few. But yoga is much more than that, it is a timeless, inclusive practice, deeply rooted in Indian tradition. It helps harmonize the mind, body, and breath. Let's shatter some illusions and discover the inclusive practice that yoga truly is.
Debunking the yoga myths
1. Yoga is too slow or boring
People often point out that yoga is slow and boring and hence they don't want to start something like this. They also complain that it's not fast paced to affect the required body parts. The truth is that yoga offers a wide spectrum -from calming practices to dynamic power flows. For some people, yoga is an energizing workout and for others, it's a meditative pause in chaos.
2. You need to be flexible for Yoga
Yoga is not done by people who are flexible, rather yoga is done by people who want to achieve flexibility. Yoga is the journey to gradually move from your starting point to pushing the limits. The key here is patience, consistency, and compassion.
3. Yoga isn't a real workout
Such myths generally stem from observing only one facet of this diverse discipline. Yoga can be physically demanding as any other gym workout session. Dynamic styles like Ashtanga and Power Yoga build serious strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Holding poses challenges muscles in ways that traditional weightlifting often misses, creating functional strength that translates to everyday activities. Moreover, yoga helps your most important muscle - the heart- while also focusing on your mental health.
(Arpan Kushwaha is a Yoga expert at Cult)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
15 minutes ago
- The Hindu
India set to integrate rare blood donor registry with e-Rakt Kosh
In what would be a life, time and cost saving move for people with rare blood groups in India the Central Health Ministry is looking at integrating the country's Rare Donor Registry with the national online platform for blood bank management and blood availability information called e-Rakt Kosh. The integration will allow those with rare blood groups to access a centralized system developed under the National Health Mission (NHS), providing details on blood banks, blood availability, and blood donation camps across the country. Essentially, it will help people find blood and blood banks, and assist blood banks manage their stock and donors. 'Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) along with four partnering institutes created a data base of 4,000 carefully screened donors, tested for over 300 rare blood markers. It helps doctors find rare and specially matched blood quickly. Rare donor registry of India (RDRI) platform has been developed to help patients across India,' said Manisha R. Madkaikar, director, Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR)-NIIH and Centre for Research, Management and Control of Heamoglobinopathies (CRMCH). She added that the integration project will be taken up soon and will offer more access and support to those with rare blood group. 'The challenge is to ensure that we have a steady, motivated group of donors who stay connected to the blood banks,' she said. Explaining how this the registry for rare blood group helps Dr. Madkaikar said that this system helps find rare matches as the registry includes ultra-rare type like Bombay blood group, P-Null and Rh-null blood. It also helps ensure safer transfusions where matches are available for patients missing multiple antigens (common in thalassemia and sickle cell) to prevent complications. 'The group has also developed a special blood screening kit tailored for Indian patients and it uses DNA test (multiplex PCR) to quickly identify rare blood types,' said Dr. Madkaikar. She added at in the past this registry has been used to turn nearly impossible search into life-saving solutions and with the integration and reach India could work towards ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of blood. Meanwhile, working the area of effectively managing hemoglobinopathies ICMR-NIIA has also developed point of care test to detect life-threatening blood related genetic disorders. 'The Health Technology Assessments (HTA) led by Department of Health Research (DHR) and ICMR-CRMCH and NIIH helped cut the cost of sickle cell diagnostic kits from ₹350 to under ₹50 per test, saving the government nearly ₹1,857 crore,' said a note issued by ICMR-CRMCH. 'India has developed testing for Hemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease and now World Federation for Hemophilia has shown interest in procuring these tests for deployment in countries where the disease is prevalent. For India this new rapid, visual card testing device has made testing possible even at primary health centers,' said Dr. Madkaikar. This upgraded testing is cheaper than what is currently available. India has about 1.4 lakh Hemophilia patients which is the second highest globally after Brazil. Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder where the blood doesn't clot properly due to a deficiency in clotting factors. The technology for the POC test for these conditions was transferred to Bengaluru based biotechnology firm Bhat Biotech which commercialised it under the brand name Bio-Scan in August, 2023.
United News of India
25 minutes ago
- United News of India
Arunachal celebrates International Yoga Day with enthusiasm
Itanagar, June 21 (UNI) Along with the rest of the globe, Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with great enthusiasm. Leading the Yoga Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan here, participated by government officials, ITBP personnel, NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts & Guides and school children, Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik emphasized yoga's role in promoting compassion, mindfulness, and sustainable living. Urging the youth to embrace yoga, the Governor said the practice enhances emotional strength and mental clarity amid a fast-paced, digitally-driven world. A passionate yoga practitioner himself, Governor Parnaik encouraged everyone to start with simple daily routines like breathing exercises, Surya Namaskar, and meditation. He expressed hope that the day would inspire more and more individuals to incorporate yoga into their lives. He conveyed heartfelt gratitude to yoga teachers, practitioners, and wellness champions whose dedication continues to keep this ancient tradition vibrant and relevant. A special yoga session was conducted at the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly complex to mark the 11th IDY celebrations. The session, attended by Speaker Tesam Pongte, along with few MLAs and Assembly officials, emphasized physical fitness, mental well-being, and unity. Addressing the gathering, Speaker Pongte said, Yoga is a timeless practice that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. He appealed all to embrace it to lead healthier lives and build a stronger, united community. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the sacred Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) in Namsai, stated that Yoga nurtures inner balance, instills discipline, and promotes holistic well-being; it truly must become a way of life for all. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership in bringing Yoga to the global stage through International Yoga Day. Commemorating the IDY, a Yoga Sangam event was held at 6 Kilo near Itanagar, where state's Health Minister Biyuram Wahge and Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona participated along with hundreds of people. The event was organized by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Itanagar. In a statement, Health Minister Wahge stated, 'We remain deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose visionary leadership has brought Yoga to the centre of global wellness efforts. UNI TD ARN
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Still using refined oil? Try these 5 healthier alternatives doctors recommend
When it comes to Indian cooking, oil is an indispensable ingredient. However, choosing the right oil is crucial especially for heart health. According to renowned cardiologist and functional medicine expert Dr. Alok Chopra, not all oils are created equal, and blindly following global cooking oil trends may not be the best choice for Indian kitchens. In an Instagram video posted on June 15, Dr. Chopra named five science-supported oils that are the most appropriate for Indian cooking. These oils are not fad-based but based on their nutritional value and compatibility with traditional Indian cuisine. Why is choosing the right cooking oil important Using the right cooking oil goes beyond just taste; it's a vital step toward better heart health. Oils rich in unsaturated fats can support cardiovascular wellness, but cutting out all fats isn't realistic. The key lies in selecting oils that both suit the nutritional needs of your body and enhance the unique flavors of Indian cuisine. Many common Western oils aren't ideal for Indian cooking methods, which often involve high-heat searing and complex spice blends. That's why choosing oils that can handle the heat—while also offering health benefits—is essential for both flavor and long-term wellness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Source: Instagram 5 healthiest oils for Indian cooking besides refined oil The use of the appropriate oil is a matter of balance, tradition, and science. Dr. Alok Chopra's top picks include: Ghee Coconut oil Mustard oil Sesame oil Groundnut oil Each of these oils is unique in its health benefit and also complements the richness and diversity of Indian food. If you're regularly cooking Indian food, these five oils are good to have in your pantry—not for flavor alone, but for long-term health. Know more these cooking oil: India's healthiest cooking oils recommended Ghee Dr. Chopra is a big supporter of ghee, highlighting its immune-stimulating and digestive capabilities. Packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, ghee promotes enhanced gut health and nutrient uptake. "Ghee is not merely a fat used for cooking—it's an Indian traditional medicinal superfood," maintains Dr. Chopra. In spite of its relatively high saturated fat status, ghee has been used in Ayurveda for centuries and is one of the healthiest fats to use in moderation. Coconut Oil Coconut oil, which Dr. Chopra also loves, is chock-full of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These molecules of fat are quickly absorbed and turned into energy, so coconut oil is a great choice for brain and gut support. As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), MCTs not only provide instant energy but also help regulate several metabolic and neurological diseases. Mustard Oil Mustard oil is popular in Indian homes and gets a nod from Dr. Chopra due to its anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects. It has omega-5 fatty acids, which help improve circulation and bring down inflammation. "Mustard oil is one of the few oils that is great with Indian spices and yet is supportive of heart health," says Dr. Chopra. Sesame Oil With its high content of antioxidants and healthy fats, sesame oil is a good backup choice. Dr. Chopra points out its advantages for joint mobility and skin health, and it makes a valuable all-around option that feeds the body internally. Sesame oil is commonly employed in South Indian and Ayurvedic cuisine and also contains natural anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Groundnut Oil Last but not least, groundnut oil (peanut oil) finds a place on Dr. Chopra's list due to its good fat profile and plant sterol, which reduce cholesterol levels. Moderation is, however, the word. "Groundnut oil is good for the heart, but as with all oils, it must be consumed wisely," warns Dr. Chopra. Its lack of flavour and high smoke point make it perfect for deep frying and day-to-day Indian cuisine. A word of caution on cooking oils! In an earlier report, Dr. Chopra cautioned that the ingestion of the inappropriate type of cooking oil, particularly refined oils containing high levels of trans fats, will enhance the risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Selecting oils by trends without regard for their compatibility with Indian cooking practices can be more harmful than beneficial. Also Read | Sea salt, pink salt, Celtic salt: Experts say these 'fancy' salts may secretly harm your heart health One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
