Tag: Yoga

Health

Secretary Ayush Emphasizes Ayurveda’s Central Role in Shaping Holistic Healthcare at CII Annual Health Summit 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

At the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit 2025 held in New Delhi, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, underscored the growing significance of Ayurveda in India’s evolving healthcare landscape. Addressing healthcare leaders, industry representatives, and policymakers, he emphasized that Ayurveda’s time-tested principles and holistic practices have a crucial role to play in the future of healthcare, both domestically and globally.

Shri Kotecha called upon hospitals, wellness resorts, and healthcare providers to actively integrate Ayurvedic therapies, detoxification programs, and yoga-based wellness treatments alongside modern medical services. He noted that this integrative approach can help create a truly inclusive healthcare model that addresses not only disease management but also prevention and overall well-being.

Highlighting the increasing global interest in traditional and natural healing systems, he observed that Ayurveda and holistic wellness programs are gaining popularity among both Indian and international patients seeking comprehensive and restorative healthcare. According to him, the fusion of traditional healing wisdom with modern scientific advancements will be instrumental in positioning India as a leading global destination for medical tourism.

The Secretary also emphasized that the Ministry of AYUSH is committed to promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic practices and fostering collaborations that bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary medical innovation. By aligning wellness and modern healthcare infrastructure, he said, India can establish itself as a global leader in integrative medicine and sustainable healthcare practices.

Vaidya Kotecha’s address at the CII Health Summit reaffirmed the government’s vision of building a healthcare ecosystem that is inclusive, globally competitive, and rooted in India’s rich heritage of holistic healing.

Aight Sky

The Science of Stillness: How Yoga Impacts Your Brain and Nervous System

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

In our increasingly hectic world, the ancient practice of yoga offers a profound antidote: stillness. More than a physical discipline, yoga is a neurological and emotional recalibration—a way to bring balance to our overstimulated minds and bodies.

When we engage in practices like asana, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, we actively downregulate the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response. This shift guides the body into the parasympathetic state—the “rest and digest” mode—where healing, recovery, and mental clarity can thrive.

Scientific research supports what yogis have known for centuries. Brain imaging studies using fMRI reveal that regular yoga practitioners develop increased grey matter in regions associated with self-awareness, compassion, and emotional regulation, such as the insula and prefrontal cortex. These changes enhance our ability to manage emotions, make decisions, and cultivate inner calm.

At the same time, yoga decreases activity in the amygdala, the brain’s center for fear and stress. This quieting of the amygdala helps reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and promote a greater sense of stability. Through conscious breathwork, yoga also stimulates the vagus nerve, a key communication channel between the brain and the body that governs relaxation and emotional balance.

This neurobiological transformation extends far beyond the yoga mat. As the nervous system learns to find calm amid chaos, the brain becomes more resilient, focus sharpens, and memory improves. The science of stillness reveals that yoga is not just a spiritual or physical exercise—it’s a powerful tool for reshaping the way we think, feel, and respond to the world. In stillness, we find strength; in breath, we find balance; and in presence, we find peace.

Travel

Goa to Sign MoU with Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya to Boost Wellness Tourism

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development aimed at positioning Goa as a hub for wellness and holistic health tourism, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte announced that the State will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with B.S.P’s Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya & Research Centre (GAM&RC), Shiroda. The MoU is set to serve as an umbrella for future collaborative initiatives in Ayurvedic research, education, and integrative health tourism.

The announcement was made during the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations, held under the theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet.” The event underscored GAM&RC’s dedication to promoting sustainable healthcare solutions rooted in ancient wisdom, adapted for the modern world.

A landmark moment in the event was the inauguration of Goa’s first Cancer OPD in Ayurveda. This facility opens new avenues for integrative cancer care, where patients can access support that blends traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern medical frameworks. This approach not only addresses physical health but also emphasizes mental and emotional wellbeing, offering a holistic pathway to healing for patients and their families.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the Chief Guest at the event, praised the institute’s legacy of producing over 1,000 graduates and its ongoing contribution to healthcare and community service. Highlighting the institute’s impact on women’s empowerment and Ayurvedic tourism, he emphasized the need for innovation and integration of technology in the wellness sector. “In a developed India, people are actively seeking holistic alternatives. With awareness rising and choices expanding, wellness has become not just a personal goal but a lifestyle,” he stated.

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries including Shri Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Water Resources and Corporation, who served as Guest of Honour. Other attendees included Dr. Yogesh Bendale of Ayurved Rasayani, Pune, Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, President of Goa Council of Ayurveda, and Adv. Narendra K. Sawaikar, President of Bharateeya Sanskriti Prabodhini, alongside senior faculty of GAM&RC.

The State’s collaboration with GAM&RC is seen as a forward-thinking step to leverage Goa’s natural, cultural, and educational assets in Ayurveda. By integrating traditional knowledge with tourism infrastructure, the government aims to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking authentic, regenerative experiences.

This partnership reflects Goa’s commitment to nurturing skilled Ayurvedic professionals, boosting local employment, and positioning the state as a national leader in wellness tourism—offering much more than just scenic beaches, but a complete ecosystem for healing, learning, and sustainable living.

Aight Sky

Yoga for Beginners: What You Need to Know Before Your First Class

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

It’s great that you’re considering yoga. Before your first class, having a few essentials in mind can help you feel confident and get the most out of the experience. Yoga is much more than stretching—it’s a holistic discipline that connects mind, body, and spirit through postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and sometimes meditation.

Choosing the right class is key. Most studios offer beginner-friendly options labeled as “Beginner” or “Gentle” yoga. Among the common styles, Hatha and Vinyasa stand out. Hatha yoga involves slower, more static holds that allow you to get familiar with the poses. Vinyasa, on the other hand, is more dynamic, linking movement with breath in a flowing sequence. If you prefer a slower, more mindful pace, Hatha might be your best starting point.

When it comes to clothing, opt for something breathable, stretchy, and comfortable. Think workout clothes that allow for a full range of motion without being too loose. Many studios provide yoga mats, but having your own ensures better hygiene and comfort. A water bottle is a must, and you might find a small towel handy, especially if you’re sweating during the session.

Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in, find your space, and speak with the instructor if you have any injuries or concerns. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating a heavy meal two to three hours before class, so your body can move freely.

During class, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your body. Yoga is a personal journey—not a competition. If a pose feels uncomfortable or painful, ease out or ask for a modification. Your instructor is there to help. Always focus on your breath—it’s the anchor that keeps you grounded and present.

After class, take time to hydrate and check in with how your body feels. It’s normal to experience some soreness, especially if you’re engaging muscles in new ways. Many people report a calm, centered feeling after yoga—this is part of its beauty. Stick with it, stay consistent, and over time you’ll start to experience not just the physical benefits, but the mental clarity and emotional grounding that yoga can offer.

Aight Sky

 Finding Your Flow: A Guide to Different Yoga Styles

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

 Yoga is a rich and varied practice that offers multiple paths to physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual balance. Choosing the right style can transform your experience and deepen your benefits.

Hatha Yoga, often regarded as the foundation of all yoga styles, focuses on holding basic poses with steady breath control. This slower, more meditative approach emphasizes alignment and body awareness, making it ideal for beginners or those seeking gentle practice.

Vinyasa Yoga, known as “flow yoga,” links breath and movement to create dynamic sequences often accompanied by music. Its creative and vigorous nature builds strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, appealing to those who enjoy a more energetic practice.

Ashtanga Yoga offers a highly disciplined routine with a fixed sequence of poses performed with specific breath techniques and gaze points. It builds stamina, strength, and mental focus, ideal for practitioners looking for challenge and consistency.

Other styles like Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga focus on deep relaxation and connective tissue flexibility through passive, long-held stretches, often using props for support.

Finding your flow in yoga involves exploring these styles and listening to your body’s needs. Whether you seek calm, strength, flexibility, or mindfulness, the diverse world of yoga has a practice waiting for you to embark on a fulfilling journey toward well-being.