Yoga can ease pressure on health
The true benefits for yoga and yoga therapy is starting to be validated and endorsed by important public figures from around the world. In a recent article in the Telegraph, Prince Charles shared his strong belief in yoga and its benefits, and supports government funding to increase the number of Yoga classes and therapy across the U.K.
The Prince of Wales believes in the “power of alternative medicine.” He added, “For thousands of years, millions of people have experienced yoga’s ability to improve their lives. The development of therapeutic, evidence-based yoga is, I believe, an excellent example of how yoga can contribute to health and healing.”
More money is being granted in from the government to fund yoga classes so that everyone can benefit from yoga. In addition to the boost in funding, the NHS can better give to those in need and can help save “precious and expensive” NHS (National Health Service) resources because yoga provides both mental and physical health benefits to those who practice.
Part of the long term plan for NHS, headed by Duncan Selbie who is the chief executive of Public Health England, is to use some of the additional funding on Yoga. Mr Selbie wants the increase of accessible yoga to keep people all over the UK healthier and out of hospitals.
A potential £2billion could be saved annually, with health professionals potentially being able to prescribe yoga as a non-medical solution? For example: the elderly are less likely to fall as yoga strengthens the muscles and improves balance.
Mr Selbie added that there was “clear evidence” that yoga was not only a way of keeping fit and being mindful but it is also another way of expanding ones social network.
The Prince added that yoga classes had “tremendous social benefits” and built discipline, self-reliance and self-care”, which he said contributed to improved general health. In addition studies found yoga to benefit those who suffer from heart disease and depression, help those with arthritis and back pain and in addition, reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
“I will watch the development of therapeutic yoga in the UK with great interest and very much look forward to hearing about the outcomes from your conference,” he wrote to delegates.
“The evidence is clear. Yoga is an evidenced-based intervention and a strengthening activity that we know works.”
He promised yoga therapists and teachers he would work to ensure that had “visibility and legitimacy” in the social prescribing system, telling them: I think it is your time.”