MODULE – III Latest Developments and Trends in Yoga

Introduction to
Naturopathy

12
Notes

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND

TRENDS IN YOGA

In the previous lesson you learnt about various methods of using fire, jala and prithvi tatva
in maintaining health and in the treatment of diseases. World Health Organization (WHO)
has urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is
among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-
communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. With
respect to this practice of yoga, it is becoming popular day by day, because yoga is more
than a physical activity, it brings thought and action together in harmony. Yoga cultivates
the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the
performance of one’s actions (B. K. S. Iyengar).

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health of National Institutes of

Health (NIH), USA says that yoga – like any exercise – “might improve the quality of life;
reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression &
insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility.”

Worldwide acceptance and practice with respect to the living habits, geographical
locations, and other factors led to many modifications and trends such as power yoga,
antigravity yoga etc. in this lesson you will learn about the impact of yoga in the global
scenario, International Day of Yoga, newer trends in yoga, premier yoga and naturopathy
institutions in India and abroad.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson, you will be able to:
z discuss the impact of Yoga in Global scenario;
z describe the International Day of Yoga;
z identify the logo of International Day of Yoga;
z explain the newer trends in Yoga;
z enlist the premier Yoga and Naturopathy Institutions in India and abroad.

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12.1 IMPACT OF YOGA AT GLOBAL SCENARIO Naturopathy

Even though Yoga originated from India, it has gained greater importance and is being
widely accepted across many countries. United Nations then Secretary-General Ban Ki-
moon, in one of his messages said, “Yoga is a sport that can contribute to development and
peace. Yoga can even help people in emergency situations to find relief from stress.”

Yoga is considered as one of the popular complementary and alternative medicines and is Notes
being practised all over the world. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, 2007),
conducted a comprehensive survey of complementary health use by Americans, and it was
found that Yoga is the sixth most commonly used complementary practice among adults.
It was also estimated that more than 13 million adults practised Yoga in the previous year,
and between the 2002 and 2007, use of Yoga among adults increased by 1 percent (or
approximately 3 million people). Generally many practise Yoga to maintain their health
and well-being, improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and enhance quality of life. In
addition, Yoga is also used to address specific health conditions, such as back pain, neck
pain, arthritis and anxiety.

A Canadian study by Fraser Institute showed 23%, 21% and 10% have used relaxation
techniques, prayer and Yoga respectively (Perspectives on complementary and alternative
health, Ottawa, Health Canada, 2001).

An another survey by Sibbritt et al in the year 2011 on young and middle aged women
showed 35% resorted to Yoga and meditation, out of which women with back pain and
allergies were more likely to use Yoga and meditation (David Sibbritt, 2011).

12.2 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA (IDY) - JUNE 21

While addressing the 69th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on
September 27, 2014, Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi urged the
world community to adopt an International Day of Yoga.

In the International forum he said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient tradition. It

embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restrain and fulfillment; harmony
between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well –being. Yoga is not
about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and Nature.
By modifying our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with climate
change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”

The Prime Minister, in his UN Address suggested that June 21, being the longest day of
the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares special significance in many parts of the
world may be considered for celebrating International Day of Yoga.

On December 11, 2014, the 193 member UNGA approved the proposal by consensus with
a record of 175 co-sponsoring countries a resolution to establish 21st June as “International
Day of Yoga”. In its resolution 69/131, the UNGA recognized that Yoga provides a
holistic approach to health and well-being and wider dissemination of information about
the benefits of practising Yoga for the health of the world population. Yoga also brings

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MODULE – III Latest Developments and Trends in Yoga

Introduction to
Naturopathy harmony in all walks of life and thus, is known for disease prevention, health promotion
and management of many lifestyle-related disorders. The World has started celebrating
Yoga day since 2015.

12.3 LOGO OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

Notes A logo depicting International Day of Yoga was also designed and its features are as
described below

z Folding of both hands in the Logo symbolizes Yoga, the union, which reflects the
union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect
harmony between mind & body, man & nature; a holistic approach to health &
wellbeing.

z Brown leaves symbolize the earth element, the green leaves symbolize the nature,
blue symbolizes the water element, brightness symbolizes the fire element and the
sun symbolizes the source of energy and inspiration.

z The Logo reflects harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga.

12.4 TRENDS IN YOGA

Now let us learn about some of the latest developments

12.4.1 Yogic Flying

A technique used chiefly by Transcendental Meditation (TM) practitioners which involves
thrusting oneself off the ground while in the lotus position. TM-Sidhi procedures are
called Yogic Flying, which leads to the body lifting in short hops from the ground.
Practitioners describe the experience of this technique as one of happiness, energy, bliss,
and inner freedom, with these qualities carrying over into their daily life.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements show that during the practice of Yogic
Flying there is a marked increase in brain wave coherence that coincides with the body
lifting up.

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12.4.2 Art of Living Naturopathy
The Art of Living organizes courses based on breathing exercises and meditation.
Sudarshan Kriya is the pivot of majority of the Art of Living Courses. Sudarshan Kriya
is a set of breathing techniques promoted since 1982 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and is
different from Kriya Yoga. A research published in April 2013 observed that a
comprehensive practice of Yoga, Sudarshan Kriya & Pranayam has rapid and significant
effect on gene expression suggesting long term beneficial effects even at the molecular Notes
level.

12.4.3 Power Yoga

Power Yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to
vinyasa-style yoga. Though many consider it to be “gym yoga”. Power Yoga takes the
athleticism of Ashtanga, including lots of vinyasas, but gives each teacher the flexibility
to teach any poses in any order, making every class different. With its emphasis on
strength and flexibility, power yoga brought yoga into the gyms of America as people
began to see yoga as a way to work out.

12.4.4 Anti-Gravity Yoga

Anti-gravity Yoga uses a combination of aerial arts and yoga practices, where hammock
like suspensions hold the body in the air in different yoga positions.

12.4.5 Paddle Board Yoga

Paddle-board Yoga uses a stand up paddle board and Yoga techniques, while trying to
balance on the water.

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Naturopathy 12.4.6 Super Brain Yoga
Superbrain Yoga is a simple and effective technique to energize and recharge the brain. It
is based on the principles of subtle energy and ear acupuncture. This style was considered
to be a severe punishment in school – where you touch your ears – is actually a simple
effective technique to energise and recharge the brain. The uthak-baithak sazaa where the
student was made to cross his hands and hold the ear lobes for any lapse in school is
Notes actually the new ‘superbrain yoga’- the regimen that synchronises the left and the right
side of your brain to give you benefits.

12.4.7 Voga (Voguing + Yoga)

Voga is a cross between yoga and voguing. It combines “the expressive moves of a dance
class with the breath-synchronised movement of yoga.”

12.5 PREMIER INSTITUTIONS OF YOGA & NATUROPATHY

Having learnt about the latest developments in Yoga, Now let us learn about some of the
premier institutions of Yoga and naturopathy which is spearheading the promotion of
Yoga across the globe.

12.5.1 Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN),

New Delhi
CCRYN is an autonomous organization fully funded by the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt.
of India, The objective of the CCRYN is to conduct scientific research in the field of Yoga
& Naturopathy. CCRYN provides financial assistance to premier Medical as well Yoga
and Naturopathy institutions of the country for undertaking clinical research studies.

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Notes

CCRYN, Janakpuri, New Delhi

The main objectives of CCRYN are

z To formulate aims and patterns of research on scientific lines in Yoga & Naturopathy.
z To undertake education, training, research and other programs in Yoga & Naturopathy.

z To promote and assist in prosecution of research, propagation of knowledge and

experimental measures generally in connection with the study of diseases, their
prevention, and remedy especially with emphasis on covering the rural population of
the country.

z To initiate aid, develop and coordinate scientific research in fundamental and applied
aspects of Yoga and Naturopathy.

z To finance enquiries and researchers for the furtherance of objects of the council and
to exchange information with other institutions, associations, and societies having
similar objectives.

z To prepare, print, publish and exhibit any papers, posters, pamphlets, periodicals and
books for furtherance of the objects of CCRYN and to contribute to such literature.

z To offer prizes and grant of scholarships, including travelling scholarships in

furtherance of the objects of CCRYN.

12.5.2 Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga is an autonomous organization under Ministry
of AYUSH, Govt. of India. The basic objective of this Institute is to develop, promote and
propagate the science and art of Yoga. It is also to provide and promote facilities of Yoga
education, training, therapy and research to fulfil the above objectives. MDNIY was

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Naturopathy established to act as a Centre of Excellence in the field of Yoga with a Vision and Mission
as “Health, Happiness and Harmony for all through Yoga”

Notes

MDNIY, New Delhi

Objectives
z To act as a centre of excellence in Yoga;
z To develop, promote and propagate the science and art of Yoga; and
z To provide and promote facilities of training, teaching and research to fulfil the
above two objectives.

12.5.3 National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune

National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) is registered under the Societies Registration
Act., 1860 and came into existence on 22-12-1986. Presently functioning under the
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) is
located in a historical building called “Bapu Bhavan” named after Mahatma Gandhi,
Father of the Nation, who stayed here for 156 days and made this institution his home
whenever he was in Pune from the year 1934. Formerly this place was known as “Nature
Cure Clinic and Sanatorium” which was run by late Dr. Dinshaw K. Mehta. Mahatma
Gandhi became its lifelong Chairman. Gandhiji conducted his Naturopathy experiments
and organised National and International activities while staying here. The present
complex was handed over to Govt. of India on 17-03-1975 by Dr.Dinshaw K. Mehta for
starting the National Institute of Naturopathy.

12.5.4 Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA),

Bengaluru
SVYASA is a Category ‘A’ deemed university dedicated to the study of yoga based on the
teachings of Swami Vivekananda. SVYASA specialised in two fields: Yoga Research and
Yoga Therapy.

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The University has 5 major divisions: Naturopathy

z Division of Yoga – Spirituality

z Division of Yoga & Life Sciences

z Division of Yoga and Physical Sciences

z Division of Yoga and Management Studies Notes

z Division of Yoga and Humanities

INTEXT QUESTIONS 12.1

1. “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and
endows skill in the performance of one’s actions” said by ...............

2. International Day of Yoga is celebrated on ...............

3. The brown leaves of Logo of IDY symbolize ...............

4. Transcendental Meditation Sidhi procedures are also called ...............

5. ............... is a set of breathing techniques practised as a part of Art of Living program.

6. Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga is located at ...............

7. National Institute of Naturopathy is located at ...............

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

z Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and
endows skill in the performance of one’s actions ( B. K. S. Iyengar).

z The Prime Minister, in his UN Address, suggested the date of June 21, as it is the
longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance
in many parts of the world.

z The different trends in yoga like yogic flying, Art of living, power yoga, anti gravity
yoga, paddle board yoga, super brain yoga, voga etc are popular worldwide.

z Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga is an autonomous organization under the

Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India. The basic objective of this Institute is to develop,
promote and propagate the science and art of Yoga.

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TERMINAL QUESTIONS

Answer the following questions in about 150 words

1. What is the logic behind choosing June 21st as International day of yoga?
Notes 2. Name any five latest trends of Yoga.

3. Name the three premier institutes of yoga and naturopathy with their location.

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

12.1
1. B.K.S Iyengar 2. June 21

3. Earth element 4. Yogic flying

5. Sudarshana kriya 6. New Delhi

7. Pune

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