HEALTH and faith leaders gathered at a major conference in Glasgow on Wednesday 18 July to examine the role of faith communities in shaping the health of the wider community.
The conference, which attracted an international range of speakers, illustrated a growing interest in finding innovative ways of tackling the fundamental issue of poor health in Scotland, and especially in Glasgow, where statistics are among the worst in the developed world.
Key to the event at the city’s SECC was internationally renowned India-based yog practitioner, Swami Ramdev Ji, whose ability to simplify yog techniques has provided numerous health benefits to millions world-wide.
The conference was supported by the Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust’ Scottish campaign, which in turn has demonstrated its commitment to improved health in Scotland by hosting a six-day event at the SECC led by Swami Ramdev Ji.
His ability to simplify yog techniques has provided numerous health benefits to millions world-wide. The landmark event, which is being televised on Aastha TV (Sky channel 808) with a worldwide audience of 300 million, is the only Scottish date and has drawn thousands of participants from across the UK and beyond.
Involving a series of pranayam (systematic breathing techniques) combined with yog asana postures, the programme is suitable for all ages and abilities. If practiced regularly and efficiently key benefits can include: reduced stress levels, improved circulation, healthier joints, enhanced strength, agility and body tone, weight regulation, boosted immune and digestive system, enhanced energy, concentration and flexibility.
Other health experts who spoke at the Conference included the Rev Christopher Levison, Healthcare Chaplaincy Training & Development Officer/Spiritual Care Advisor NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Andrew Lyon, Convener of the International Futures Forum, Dr. Pete Seaman, Public Health Research Specialist at the Glasgow Centre for Population Health and Professor Raman Gokal, Head of Medical Advisory Board: Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust.
Each speaker addressed the relationship between spirituality, faith and health and identified how these new insights may impact on the delivery of health services in Scotland.
Following a series of highly successful free yog classes in the Glasgow area, the Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust is confident that the workshops will serve as a catalyst to encourage healthy living throughout Scotland.
With an aim of bridging generational, social and cultural gaps and heading Scotland’s campaign for better health, Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust’s Scottish campaign, Sunita Poddar said: “People have asked me: ‘why have you organized this conference?’ My answer is that I believe that good health is everyone’s business, everyone’s entitlement. I have seen poor health and I have seen how it detracts from the human spirit. By linking good health to faith and spirituality we have an enormous opportunity to bring entire communities towards an awareness that a healthy mind, a healthy body and a healthy spirit are all one.
“Importantly, the six-day event further supports Scotland’s drive to become a healthy nation and will unify communities across the country. The diverse turnout of all ages and background at our free on-going classes clearly indicates the keen interest shown by Scots in improving their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.”
Six-day entry passes are available through the SECC www.secc.co.uk or by contacting their box office at 0870 040 4000.
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Blueprint Media. You too can post your media releases on allmediascotland; for more information, email here.
Contact: Sunita Poddar
Phone: 0141 427 7510
Email: arti.poddar@lambhillcourt.ltd.uk
Website: http://www.divyayogascotland.org.uk
