A regular routine of physical exercises, from a young age, has been shown to be of preventive value in many medical disorders like coronary, respiratory and orthopaedic problems. Any kind of exercise is good, but yoga is the ideal form as it is totally non-invasive, gentle and soothing. Also, it is the most cost effective. There is no equipment needed, and even the props recommended for some patients are not expensive. The practice of yoga instills confidence in a person, especially when recovering from an illness.
Yoga is particularly valuable as one grows older.
As most ailments are degenerative in nature, asanas keep the geriatric person active and, therefore, healthy. Apart from the asanas and pranayama, the other precepts for good living laid down by Patanjali reinforce a healthy body and mind. The World Health Organisation has defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. It is obvious that yoga, which so amply fulfils the criteria for a system of health care, has come to stay. All rights reserved.