UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF VYAYAM IN PREVENTION OF LIFE STYLE DISEASES

Abstract

Lifestyle disease is defined as disease linked with the way people live their life. It is commonly caused by alcohol, drug, smoking abuse as well as lack of physical ac-tivity and unhealthy eating. Lifestyle diseases include atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, obesity and type II diabetes. Over 61 percent of all deaths in India are due to lifestyle or non-communicable diseases. This article highlights on lack of physical activity as one of the main factors which leads to lifestyle diseases. Industrialization, urbanization and mechanized transport have reduced physical activity, even in developing countries, so that currently more than 60 % of the global population is not sufficiently active. The rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity in India can be attributed, at least in part, to increasing levels of physical inactiv-ity. So Practicing Vyayam if it is done in moderation can be very much useful in prevention of such life style diseases. Karmasampat is one of the important Balavrudhikar Bhavas. Vyayam is important aspect of Sharirik Karma. One should examine the power in respect of Vyayamshakti. Acharya Charak in Vimansthana directs the method to examine the Bala. It is to be assessed by karmashakti. The term Vyayam is the bodily movement which is meant for producing firmness and strength. Incompatible food, faulty dietary habits are one of the main factors which lead to lifestyle disease. Properly practiced Vyayam is the ultimate solution to prevent lifestyle diseases because incompatible food, cooked or uncooked can be digested without any difficulty in persons performing exercise daily. Physical exercise is always wholesome for those who are strong and take unctuous food. This article explains about the indications, contraindications, benefits of Vyayam and classical method to practice it.