Yoga: Optimal for boosting immune response (photos)

KATHMANDU: International Yoga Day is being celebrated in Nepal today with various awareness programs.

This day is observed annually on June 21 with diverse activities aimed at raising awareness about yoga.

The United Nations General Assembly decided in 2014 to observe International Yoga Day starting from June 21, 2015.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of declaring an International Yoga Day, emphasizing yoga’s necessity for everyone, during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

Nepal’s then-Prime Minister Sushil Koirala was the first to support this proposal, followed by the European Union and other permanent member countries of the United Nations.

The proposal set a record with 177 countries supporting it within 90 days of the UN’s declaration.

Since 2016, International Yoga Day has been celebrated worldwide on June 21.

In Nepal, Yoga Day has been celebrated since January 15, 1980, coinciding with the day the sun moves into the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana).

Nepal Sanskrit University has been offering a six-month course on yoga and natural medicine.

Previously, World Yoga Day had been celebrated in Nepal since 1980 on the day marking the start of Uttarayana, with the involvement of institutions active in yoga under the leadership of Dr. Hari Prasad Pokharel.

Yoga, which was developed through the study and research of sages in the lap of the Himalayas during the Vedic period, had become nearly extinct in Nepal.

The declaration of this day aims to revive and raise awareness about yoga from its original birthplace.

Yoga is considered effective in addressing various physical ailments and mental stress resulting from changing lifestyles.

Medical professionals suggest that practicing yoga can resolve many emerging health issues.

Proper yoga practice exercises all parts, organs, and glands of the body, making them more functional. It boosts the immune system and keeps individuals healthy and energetic even in old age.

Yoga postures strengthen muscles, alleviate stress, improve sleep, stimulate appetite, and facilitate proper digestion.

Pranayama, a form of breath control, regulates the respiratory system.