Yoga at Primary Health Centers – A Pathway to Holistic Health: Narrative Review

Abstract

There is a global rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), causing significant morbidity and mortality. Risk factors of NCDs commonly include drinking alcohol, smoking, eating unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle. The current health-care system faces challenges dealing with them. In order to deal with this pandemic, the strengthening of primary health centers (PHCs) at community level is required, which supports the principles of promotion, prevention, and treatment of NCDs. Yoga is an ancient practice encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual techniques to obtain health. Numerous studies have proven the potential benefits of Yoga in reducing chronic physical and mental health issues, making it a cost-effective method to enhance overall well-being and reduce health-care costs. This review paper aims to explore the profound impact of integrating yoga in PHCs, focusing on its benefits in enhancing patient outcomes, supporting overall health and wellness. The study searched PubMed and Google for scholarly articles on yoga in primary care, public health care, promotion of health, rehabilitation care, cancer, wellness, prevention, health care, etc. By examining the role of yoga in PHCs, this paper seeks to provide insights into the potential of yoga as a complementary approach to conventional treatments. The paper concludes that the burden of NCDs can be addressed by increasing human resources and promoting preventive health care through Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy personnel. Integrating yoga in PHCs will raise awareness about lifestyle management and ultimately reduce the prevalence of diseases.