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In this fast-paced environment, lifestyle diseases like heart ailments, mental health issues and gastrointestinal problems are gaining dominance in India. These diseases are Non-Communicable Diseases. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant health challenge, characterised by chronic conditions that are not transmissible from person to person. Thes diseases encompass a wide range of health conditions including cardiovascular diseases, cancer chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. But there’s scientific and an increasing worldwide intangible that mind-body exercises such as yoga and meditation hold significant value for these conditions. The Ministry of AYUSH is in fact helping to promote yoga and naturopathy as cost-effective and viable treatment options for NCDs.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Sanjay Mittal, Vice Chairman, Clinical & Preventive Cardiology, Cardiac Care, Medanta, Gurugram explained how yoga and meditation aid in managing non-communicable diseases.

For The Brain: Calm The Mind, Heal The Body

Meditation isn't just about quietness; it is about developing our brain via neuroplasticity. Research indicates that it reduces activity in the amygdala, our fear centre of the brain while enhancing activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in attention and emotional regulation to minimize stress, anxiety and even depression.

Research has shown that practising mindfulness daily (15 minutes a day) for 8 weeks had a beneficial impact on memory and even slowed age-related cognitive decline. This is a small commitment for lifetime clarity of the mind for students, busy professionals and elderly.

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For The Heart: A Natural Way To Lower Risk

Heart disease continues to impose the greatest death toll in India. Yet, studies of Indian youth show that practising yoga for only 12 weeks can reduce blood pressure and increase heart rate variability, two of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular health.

In addition, yoga lowers inflammation, promotes better cholesterol levels and even achieves heart-healthy benefits comparable to brisk walking. It is not just exercise: it is therapy.

For The Gut: Balancing Digestion Through Movement

The gut and brain have a tight relationship. When you're stressed, your stomach knows it and when your stomach is upset, your mind knows it. Research scientists at King George's Medical University in Lucknow found the addition of yoga practices in conjunction with conventional practices for IBS treatment decreased abdominal pain, lowered bloating and improved emotional functioning. Yoga also helps the gut microbiome; practices like cyclic meditation help modulate nerve activity and promote the growth of the "good" bacteria of the gut which are vital for digestion and immune function.

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India's Approach: Taking It Nationwide

The Indian government is stepping up in a big way. Through the Ministry of AYUSH:

Over 177 lifestyle clinics are providing health care services with yoga and naturopathy in conjunction with regular medicine.

Yoga is being used in NCD prevention programs such as diabetes, hypertension and respiratory issues.

These programs attempt to reach both the rural and urban populations who are looking for health solutions that are accessible, low-cost, and easy to use.