PGI Chandigarh is preparing to break its own record on International Yoga Day (21 June) this year. The institute, which registered its name in the Asia Book of Records with 1,924 health care workers last year, is aiming to get more than 3,000 health workers to do yoga together this time.
Preparations are in full swing at PGI for this campaign. CCRYN in-charge and neurologist Dr. Akshay Anand said that this time on Yoga Day, efforts are being made to connect health workers of government and private hospitals of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula (Tricity). A special committee has been formed for this, which is also in touch with IMA and other medical institutions.
Benefits in diseases like arthritis and PCOD
Collaborative Center for Mind Body Intervention has been established at PGI for research on the benefits of yoga. This center is a joint project of Yoga and Naturopathy Research Council (CCRYN), New Delhi and PGI. Here, the effect of yoga on the body is being studied scientifically.
Dr. Akshay Anand said that research has shown that diseases like arthritis, PCOD can also be controlled by yoga. Many similar researches have been done in Delhi AIIMS as well.
PGI is providing yoga facilities not only for doctors and staff, but also for the attendants accompanying the patients. Dr. Anand said that often the attendants are under mental stress – no standing in long lines, no place to stop, no rest. In such a situation, to give them relief from stress, PGI has started yoga sessions twice a week, which are organized in the PGI campus itself.