The practise of certain yoga poses can help cure and even prevent cancer, according to India's minister of state for Ayush or alternative medicine. This will be proven scientifically within a year, he claimed.
While the statement is based largely on statements from people who found yoga beneficial, the minister said the Bengaluru-based Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) institute had submitted initial documentation which would be researched.
The institute has found a technique of yoga which involves practicing of special asanas (poses) for the prevention and cure of cancer, he said while speaking at the inauguration of a four-day National AROGYA fair.
Dr H R Nagendra, chancellor of the Bangalore-based Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, confirmed to the Sunday Express that the research was taking place but did not specify the technique. A former Nasa engineer, Nagendra is PM Modi's personal yoga guru.
Not all are convinced though. Medical experts advise caution and further studies before claiming yoga can cure cancer.
Many scientific studies done across the world have shown the benefits of yoga and meditation in particular in alleviating various problems like migraine, stress, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. However, yoga as a cure or prevention of cancer will require more studies.
