A GoI and WHO joint initiative to power health and well-being
The Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi launched the WHO mYoga app developed in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, to mark the International Day of Yoga 2021.
The app is a “do it yourself” (DIY) companion with a collection of videos and audio practice sessions in English and Hindi for healthy individuals in the age group of 12-65 years.
“When India proposed the International Day of Yoga in the United Nations, the spirit behind it was to make this Yoga science accessible to the entire world. Today, India has taken another important step in this direction along with the United Nations and WHO. Now the world is going to get the power of the mYoga app,” said the Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi at the launch.
The Prime Minister termed this initiative as a great example of the fusion of modern technology and ancient science and expressed the hope that the app will contribute to the efforts of ‘One World, One Health’.
Users can start sessions immediately post registering/logging into the WHO mYoga app. Its multiple user-friendly modules are designed as 10-, 20- and 45-minute episodes for different levels of benefits and availability of time. The learning modules enable individuals to first learn specific postures and subsequently, follow practice modules, which are available in both audio and video modes to enable ease of use. A wide range of postures focusing on neck, shoulder, arms, trunk twisting, legs and other movements are available, which can be practiced at home, the workplace or a park.
The app is safe and secure and does not collect any data from users. It has been developed after a series of consultation with experts and review of scientific literatures. Global, regional and country experts from WHO participated in a series of consultations during 2019-2020 to support the development of the app.
The WHO mYoga application has the potential to synergise efforts to promote physical activity and mental well-being under the Fit India Mission; Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres; School Health Programme of Ayushman Bharat; as well as the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s pilot project on the integration of national noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and AYUSH (traditional medicine) programmes.
The theme of the International Day of Yoga 2021— ‘Yoga for well-being’—highlights the need to stay active. This mobile app comes at an opportune time and will help promote Yoga and wellness during the ongoing pandemic and contribute to lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancers.
WHO recommends that adults and older age group people should do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity for substantial health benefits.
The WHO Yoga app is available for free download on Android and iOS!
Read more details/ visit our campaign page on International Day of Yoga 2021
