PUNE (Gurpreet Singh): Medical professionals and wellness leaders marking the 12th International Yoga Day on Sunday emphasised that yoga has evolved beyond a trendy fitness activity into a scientifically viable preventive healthcare measure. Amid a global surge in chronic stress, mental health challenges, and lifestyle diseases, experts highlighted that consistent practice offers an adaptable, low-impact strategy to mitigate major metabolic and physical health risks.
Dr Akshay Chipare, Consultant Physician in Internal Medicine at Vencer Hospital, clarified that yoga must be understood through a scientific lens rather than as a miracle cure. He explained that prominent non-communicable illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases, share a common cluster of drivers such as physical inactivity, poor sleep, abdominal weight gain, and disrupted metabolic regulation. According to Chipare, yoga successfully targets multiple pathways simultaneously, with physical postures enhancing muscle activity, balance, and calorie expenditure, while breathing exercises and meditation downregulate the body’s physiological stress response. He added that the low-cost and highly adaptable nature of yoga ensures superior patient adherence compared to traditional gym-based regimens, making it an excellent population-level preventive tool when combined with conventional medical care.
The conversation also underscored the broader societal and economic impacts of India’s traditional wellness systems. Manveen Ssharma, CEO of Pinq Polka, noted that the holistic framework of yoga remains vital for navigating the fast-paced, digitally saturated modern environment by cultivating self-awareness and reducing anxiety. Further expanding on this, Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder and CEO of Medical Linkers, stated that the rising global burden of chronic conditions is fundamentally reshaping modern healthcare toward prevention and long-term quality of life. This shift has notably positioned India as a premier international hub for medical and wellness tourism, drawing a substantial volume of international patients seeking holistic solutions that integrate clinical treatments with traditional wellness practices. Simultaneously, prominent figures including actress Sreeleela endorsed the practice at public events, describing yoga as an essential lifestyle integration necessary for managing the unique mental and physical demands of contemporary life.
