The role of yogic principles and practices in the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (ncds)

Until 100 years ago the epidemiological scenario of human diseases was concerned with the major killer infectious communicable diseases. In the latter half of the twentieth century there was a progressive decline in infectious communicable diseases and concomitant increase in chronic, degenerative, noncommunicable disease (NCDs). One of the major development challenges in the 21st century is premature death from NCDs. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of NCDs are preventable by modifying common risk factors including diet and lifestyle. The national strategies in India focus on prevention and health promotion as key to reduce disease burden.
The holistic perspective of prevention and management can be achieved by following the holistic approach through the principles and practices of yoga. It helps the understanding of our body on the basis of Panchakosa theory for self realization and expansion of awareness or consciousness. This in turn helps the person to modify his lifestyle and maintain an optimum state of health.
Yoga is beneficent to prevent the incidence, to cure the manifested disease and can be used as rehabilitative measure to minimize the complications of disease. So this is an inevitable part to fight against the burden of NCDs.