Yoga And Lifestyle — Physical Education STD 12 Commerce — Question

According to Pataljali, asana means, "Striram sukham aasanam" i.e., "that position which is comfortable and steady". In Brahamanopanishad, "To sit in a comfortable position or posture for everlasting period is called asana".
Benefits of Asanas for Prevention of Diseases:

1. Bones and Joints Become Strong: As a result of performing asanas regularly, the bones, cartilages and ligaments become strong. Along with this, the height of children is enhanced. The joints are able to bear more pressure. Asanas also enhance the flexibility of joints. The flexibility of spine is also enhanced. Postural deformities can also be prevented and corrected. Arthritis is also cured by performing asanas. Due to spinal injuries, problems like back pain, sciatica and cervical pain develop. By performing asanas these problems are greatly controlled.
2. Muscles Become Strong: By performing asanas regularly, muscles of the body become strong' The efficiency of muscles increases. Fat does not accumulate in the body.
3. Circulation of Blood Becomes Normal: As a result of practicing asanas regularly, the stroke volume as well as cardiac output increase because cardiac muscles start working more strongly and efficiently. Blood circulation is improved and blood pressure normalises and stabilises. The level of blood cholesterol reduces. By performing asanas, the lactic acid and acid phosphate are excreted from muscles quickly and easily which reduces fatigue.
4. Respiratory Organs Become Efficient: By doing asanas regularly, the respiratory organs become efficient. The vital air capacity increases up to 6000 cc. The size of the lungs and chest also enhances. As a result of doing asanas, the will power becomes strong and various diseases such as cough, asthma and cancer of trachea can be prevented.
5. Efficiency of Digestive System Increases: By performing asanas regularly, all the organs of digestive system of our body begin to work effectively. The absorption of food becomes efficient. The storage of bile in gaII bladder in concentrated form is enhanced., appetite increases, stomach and intestines are also strengthened. Constipation, indigestion and gas trouble are reduced.
6. Nervous System Strengthens: As a result of regular practice of asanas, our nervous system strengthens. The working efficiency of synapse enhances. The neuro-muscular coordination increases. Activities of our body will be done expending less energy. The secretion of adrenaline remains good. The secretion of adrenaline depends on sympathetic nervous system. The reaction time also reduces. Mental power also improves. Memory improves and feeling of disappointment reduces. Regular practice of asanas reduces anxiety and stress. It also reduces sleep disorders.
7. Glandular Activity is Stimulated and Regulated Properly: By doing asanas regularly, the glandular activity is stimulated and regulated properly. Glands start producing hormones in sufficient quantity which are collected and kept so that they may be utilised at the time of need. The demand of insulin reduces. Indeed, regular practice of asanas improve diabetes management. Asanas help in maintaining a balanced development of our body.
8. Efficiency of Excretory System Enhances: Regular practice of asanas enhances the efficiency of aII the excretory organs. As a result, the waste products such as
9. Lactic acid, acid phosphate, urea, uric acid, sulphates, etc., are excreted quickly and properly which in turn help in delaying fatigue.
10. Immune System is Strengthened: By carrying out regular practice of asanas, our immune system is strengthened. We, as a result, become less prone to various communicable diseases.

In conclusion, it can be said that regular practice of asanas is helpful in preventing various diseases, especially the ones that are related to our lifestyle.