At a time when lifestyle diseases are steadily rising across India, the Union Ministry of AYUSH has introduced a new set of yoga-based protocols aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such
as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Announced as part of a broader national health strategy, the initiative seeks to shift the focus from reactive treatment to preventive care by integrating structured yoga practices into daily routines.
Why The Focus On Non-communicable Diseases Matters
Non-communicable diseases – including cardiovascular conditions, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders – now account for nearly 60 per cent of deaths in India. With cases increasing due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, and changing dietary habits, health experts have been calling for scalable, preventive solutions. The newly launched “Yoga Protocol for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups” aims to address this gap through accessible and evidence-based interventions.
What The New Yoga Protocols Include
Developed in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the protocols are designed as structured modules that can be easily incorporated into everyday life. Each set of practices is tailored to specific conditions:
- Diabetes: Techniques focused on improving metabolic balance and glycemic control
- Hypertension: Practices aimed at calming the nervous system and regulating blood pressure
- Bronchial asthma: Breathing exercises to enhance lung capacity and respiratory strength
- Emotional well-being: Meditation and pranayama to manage stress, anxiety, and depression
In addition, the initiative includes specialised modules for different age groups and needs – ranging from playful yoga for children to mobility-focused routines for the elderly, along with targeted guidance for women and pregnant mothers.
Government’s Vision For Preventive Healthcare
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasised the role of yoga in addressing the country’s health challenges. “Through these evidence-based protocols, we are empowering every citizen to take charge of their own health and well-being in a simple, accessible, and sustainable manner. By integrating yoga into daily life, we aim to shift the focus from illness to wellness, reducing long-term healthcare pressures,” he said.
He added, “This initiative reflects our commitment to building a healthier nation through holistic, preventive, and people-centric approaches rooted in India’s rich traditional knowledge.”
Yoga 365: Beyond A Single Day
Complementing the protocols is the launch of the Yoga 365 campaign, which aims to make yoga a year-round practice rather than a once-a-year activity tied to International Day of Yoga on June 21.
The campaign focuses on community outreach, behaviour change, and integrating yoga into everyday spaces such as schools, workplaces, and digital platforms. To expand access further, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga has partnered with wellness platform Habuild to offer free daily online sessions.
With rising healthcare costs and increasing lifestyle-related illnesses, the government’s latest move underscores a growing emphasis on preventive care. By combining traditional knowledge with structured, evidence-based approaches, the initiative aims to make wellness more accessible and sustainable for millions.
