In a long chat with The NewsPorter, Yogacharya Dhakaram, who runs a Yoga Peace Grand Master Course from Jaipur, deliberated on the deep connection between yoga and peace while delineating some of the fundamental elements clearly and concisely. He pointed out that the increasing reliance on mobile phones, television, and laptops has led to widespread lethargy, and unlike earlier times when outdoor games like football and cricket were common, children today are engrossed in screens, leading to various health issues.
Excerpts from the interview:
NewsPorter: What is the importance of body alignment and yoga in holistic well-being?
Yogacharya Dhakaram: Body alignment plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Just as a vehicle requires proper alignment for smooth functioning, the human body operates efficiently when properly aligned. Often, I can determine a person’s physical discomfort simply by observing their posture and gait.
Whether or not they practice yoga or exercise is secondary—their body posture can reveal pain in the knees, neck, frozen shoulder, or lower back. Even when someone sits in front of me, I can assess weight distribution, shoulder positioning, and whether their body leans forward or backwards.
When an individual approaches me with a particular health concern, I often uncover multiple underlying issues during the assessment. For instance, a person might report back pain, but upon further discussion, they acknowledge knee pain, shoulder stiffness, or even high blood pressure and diabetes. This highlights the interconnected nature of physical ailments, which are often overlooked until thoroughly examined.
NewsPorter: How do you look at the impact of modern lifestyles on health/well-being?
Yogacharya Dhakaram: In the past, physical activity was an integral part of daily life. Children in villages still engage in outdoor play, but urban lifestyles have significantly reduced physical movement. The increasing reliance on mobile phones, television, and laptops has led to widespread lethargy. Unlike earlier times when outdoor games like football and cricket were common, children today are engrossed in screens, leading to various health issues. Eye strain, reduced concentration, and memory loss have become prevalent concerns.
The shift to online education, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, has further exacerbated these problems. Prolonged screen exposure not only affects eyesight but also impacts posture, leading to cervical spondylitis, lower back pain, slipped discs, and frozen shoulders. The human body, like a door left unused for months, becomes stiff and immobile without regular movement. This lack of mobility is a primary contributor to the increasing prevalence of such ailments.
NewsPorter: Please shine a light on the holistic benefits of yoga
Yogacharya Dhakaram: While there are various forms of physical exercise—gym workouts, aerobics, and dance—yoga stands out as a holistic approach to well-being. Unlike conventional workouts that focus primarily on physical fitness, yoga balances the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances flexibility, improves mental clarity, and fosters inner peace.
Yoga is not merely a fitness routine but a way of life. It encourages a balanced approach to health and self-discipline. Parents often inquire about meditation for their young children to improve concentration.
However, expecting a five-year-old to meditate effectively is unrealistic. Instead, parents should lead by example—if they want their children to reduce screen time, they must do the same. Setting the right example is essential in shaping a child’s habits and focus.
Additionally, modern sedentary lifestyles have led to severe postural issues even among young individuals. I recently encountered a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition that has limited medical treatments. Cases like this underscore the importance of proactive health management through practices such as yoga.
NewsPorter: How do you look at Corporate Wellness and the need for stress management?
Yogacharya Dhakaram: Recognizing the need for workplace wellness, I have developed a program called ‘Anandam for Corporate’, which emphasizes stress-free and joyful working environments. Work can be approached in two ways—either with stress and frustration or with enthusiasm and joy. The latter not only enhances productivity but also improves overall well-being.
Yoga plays a vital role in stress management. The Bhagavad Gita states, “Yoga is skill in action”, meaning that practising yoga enhances efficiency and mindfulness.
In corporate settings, long hours of desk work contribute to musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck strain, and fatigue. Simple chair-based yoga postures and breathing exercises can help employees maintain energy levels and reduce stress.
NewsPorter: Is there a complementarity in the approaches when it comes to yoga and the gym?
Yogacharya Dhakaram: While I advocate for yoga, I also respect the benefits of gym workouts. The gym focuses on physical fitness, building strength, and endurance. However, mental resilience is equally important.
By incorporating pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation into gym routines, individuals can experience both physical and mental well-being. A well-rounded fitness approach, combining strength training with mindfulness practices, is ideal.
NewsPorter: Can we consider yoga as medicine with a therapeutic approach?
Yogacharya Dhakaram: Yoga is not just about fitness—it serves as a powerful therapeutic tool. Our institution specializes in Medical Yoga Therapy, catering to individuals with chronic ailments. Unlike traditional yoga, which primarily benefits healthy individuals, medical yoga is designed for those with conditions such as arthritis, knee pain, spinal disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even paralysis.
Using props like pillows, chairs, and ropes, we enable individuals with limited mobility to practise yoga safely and effectively. Our treatment programs are tailored to each individual’s needs, similar to a medical prescription. For instance, knee replacement candidates or those with slipped discs can see significant improvement within five to 10 days of guided therapy.
Additionally, lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalances, often considered irreversible, can be managed effectively through consistent yoga practice. Patients following our specialized protocols witness tangible results within a month.
NewsPorter: How do look at yoga as a path to inner joy?
Yogacharya Dhakaram: Yoga is not just about physical health—it is a gateway to inner peace and joy. The great sages, including Maharishi Patanjali, emphasized the eightfold path of yoga, culminating in samadhi (ultimate bliss). True joy comes from within, and yoga is a means to achieve this state of contentment and harmony.
However, it is essential to move beyond celebrating International Yoga Day as a symbolic event. Yoga should not be limited to a single day of enthusiasm but should be integrated into daily life. If one dedicates just an hour to yoga each day, the remaining 23 hours become more productive, joyful, and fulfilling.
Our recent initiatives, including the establishment of a yoga centre in Dubai and an upcoming centre in the UK, focus on medical yoga and holistic healing. Our approach ensures that even individuals with severe health conditions can practice yoga safely and experience its benefits.
Ultimately, yoga is medicine, and it has the power to transform lives. Through personalised yoga prescriptions, we offer effective treatment for chronic conditions, helping individuals regain their health without dependence on medication.
Yoga is not just a practice; it is a way of life. It is the key to balance, harmony, and lasting well-being.
