Dr Alka Sharma
Women’s health differs from that of men in many unique ways. Health of women is an example of population health, where health is defined by the World Health Organization as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. Several common problems of women seem to be on the increase due to the changing life style of urbanization and material progress. Alarming increase in the prevalence of many non- communicable diseases of women such as Pre-Menustral Syndrome, Mastalgia, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, complications of pregnancy, menopausal syndrome and breast cancer have become a major challenge in all countries round the globe. Many experts have recommended Yoga for women to help them successfully cater to the multiple demands on their time. Women have always had it tough if they dare to dream big. They are expected to multi-task all the time, living like Superman – regular office worker by day and superhero by night. Women must, not only, take care of their domestic duties with efficiency and grace, but also work outside the four walls justifying their education and intellectual capabilities, at par with men.
Yoga is means to achieve sanity and serenity in their trying and taxing world. It does more for women than just make their bodies supple. It lends balance to the mind and nourishment to the soul. Simple breathing techniques help women calm down and handle their multiple responsibilities with proficiency and poise. During the adolescence period, Yoga is highly recommended for women as it ensures the adaptation by women to these multiple changes easily & painlessly. Asanas like Dhanurasana and Vajrasana are ideal for women to develop a regular and healthy menstrual cycle.
Women go through various physical changes at the time of Conception and motherhood. They experience various alien feelings during their pregnancy time. There are various hormonal changes that are sometimes flexible and fit to be able to deliver normally.
Yoga helps women to tide over any complications occurring during pregnancy. Pre-natal Yoga helps to strengthen women’s uterine muscles and support, enabling the back to cope with additional pressure. Post-natal yoga in the form of Pranayama and Yogic breathing helps women recover quickly post-delivery, restore firmness in their muscle fibers and increase lactation. During Transitional period, women experience menopause, weight gain, thyroid problems and other such conditions and ailments. Yoga can help balance hormones, keep weight in check, help menopause pass smoothly and maintain a healthy digestive system.
Yoga Asanas during the golden years of women’s lives improve blood circulation. A healthy nervous system will help the body stretch and eventually completely relax. Thus, regular practice helps women maintain better physical and mental health, energy levels and self-esteem. It can also help with several medical conditions. Several studies have shown that yoga can lower blood pressure, cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. It helps in pain management – back pain, joint pain caused due to arthritis and carpal passage disorder. So, add life to your years and years to your life just by embracing yoga in your life.
(The author is Member Counseling Cell, DSEJ).
