A yoga practitioner said the Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline is not only effective during the pandemic but in everyday life, especially for those who are suffering from sickness, diseases, stress and anxiety, among others.

The word "Yoga" was derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj," meaning "to join" or to yoke or to unite.

As per Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, and man and nature.

During an interview with the Daily Tribune morning show Gising Na!, Ashish Mirpuri, a yoga teacher and owner of After Yoga Essentials, said yoga lessens the burden to those suffering from dreaded diseases such as breast cancer.

"Those that are having breast cancer suffer huge stress that affects their health, as yoga gives you a positive outlook in life, which attracts positive energy. There's acceptance of what to happen and what will come, that you'll be okay whatever happens," she said.

Mirpuri said she even taught yoga to high school students during the height of the pandemic in 2020 to spare them from stress and boredom, as going outside their homes and mobility were restricted.

Yoga has brought them a sense of well-being, and a sense of balance in their mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. It also brought positive changes to their minds and bodies. Yoga is also an exercise, so they were given the chance to do that, improving their blood circulation," according to Mirpuri.

She said she is a yoga teacher at Singapore School Manila and she has been teaching yoga from grade school to high school, making her students learn meditation, breathing exercises, and proper yoga posture.

"But during the pandemic, I taught online, but these are mostly to all the kids in school, so even if they are only in their homes, they can practice yoga," she said.

The After Yoga Essentials offers products in the segment of beauty, cosmetic and personal care, from soaps, lotions, and perfumes with essences that reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mood, improve sleep quality, and reduce signs of aging, scars and stretch marks.