Source ForPressRelease.com

Commemorating International Yoga Day this year, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi today organized two yoga sessions at the hospital premises, where both employees and patients of ISIC participated. The yoga sessions comprised of a one-of-its-kind wheelchair yoga as well which enabled the differently abled patients to take part in the activity.

After the warm up exercises for eyes, neck, shoulders, hands and wrists, the yoga asanas that were performed included Jaanu Sirasana (Knee bending), Ardha Titli (half butterfly pose), Ardha Naukasana (half boat pose), Shavasana (corpse pose), Makarasana (crocodile pose), Sukhasana (easy pose) and Bhujangasana (cobra pose). Pranayama which involved Bhastrika, Anulom-Vilom, Surye Bhedi, Chandra Bhedi, Ujjayi, Bhramri and Singhasana were taught post the asanas.



“Yoga combines meditation, breath control, and body postures in order to aid mobility and body awareness. It is a practice that combines elements of physical fitness, mental awareness and spiritual awakening. I personally believe that everyone should indulge in yoga on a daily basis. The power of this exercise is that it can also be performed by specially-abled people, people having undergone debilitating injuries or body paralysis. This is the reason we included wheelchair yoga session in the day so as to prove that wheelchair yoga is technically not different at all from any other form of yoga, rather it only refers to a set of poses you can do while being seated,” says Dr H S Chabbra, Medical Director, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.

ISIC as an institute is entirely dedicated to develop a long term strategy for the well-being and rehabilitation of people confined to wheelchairs. It places special emphasis on rehabilitation and advance assistive technology to enable people with spinal and other orthopedic injuries lead independent and productive lives.  They believe in equal participation of persons with disabilities in an inclusive society that embraces humanity in all its diversity, and the yoga session conducted today was a small effort in that direction.

“My message to the people bound to a wheelchair is that learn basic and advanced wheelchair skills to make optimum use of your existing physical abilities. Take charge of your life again and involve meditation, asanas and pranayama to your daily lives. Not only Wheelchair yoga helps you maintain flexibility and posture but it also adds to the strength of your limbs, without putting too much strain on joints. It can be a great way to overcome depression as well, which many people experience, after getting confined to the wheelchair. With right techniques, expert guidance, and best willpower, wheelchair yoga can turn around your life” says Dr. Chitra Kataria, Chief of Rehabilitation Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Center (ISIC), New Delhi.

Derived from Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ actually means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Originated in ancient India, yoga is today widely practiced in various forms around the world. Till date, this ancient fitness-cum-spiritual practice has revolutionized the lives of thousands of people across the globe. In 2014, The United Nations recognized the universal appeal of Yoga and declared 21st June as the International Yoga Day.