Concept and role of Ashtanga Yoga in health promotion w.s.r. to definition of health by World Health Organization

Abstract

The World Health Organization’s definition of health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Ashtanga actually means “eight limbs.” As a system of both physical and spiritual health maintenance, there is an underlying philosophy to Ashtanga Yoga that is divided into eight parts. It is a part of Rajayoga and Hathayoga. These both are part and parcel of each other. In modern era, for all round personality development Ashtanga Yoga is very useful. As personality is a characteristic of behavior cognition and emotional pattern it needs to be developed at multidimensional level. According to Bhagwadgita it is said that Yoga is a state of balance between mind and body i.e. Yoga Samatwamuchyate. According to Patanjala Yoga Sutra it is explained as Yoga Chittavrittinirodha i.e. Cessation of mental modifications. It has many components that are important to improve social health also. In this article we will try to analyze role of Ashtanga Yoga in the three dimension of health told by Who. It also has its significance in women health.