International Day of Yoga 2026 Countdown Continues in Kerala with Holistic Wellness Programme for Women

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Ayush, via the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and YWCA Kalathipady, conducted a specialized program titled “Yoga for Menopause – A Holistic Wellness Module” in Kottayam, Kerala. Held on May 21, 2026, the event is part of the 32-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026. The session aimed to integrate Yoga and Ayurveda to support women’s health, specifically addressing the hormonal and emotional transitions associated with menopause. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Program Objectives and Collaboration** * The event was organized by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Kalathipady in association with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush. * The initiative serves as a promotional milestone leading up to the International Day of Yoga 2026. * The program emphasized the integration of traditional Indian wellness systems into community health practices. * **Menopause Wellness Module** * The session identified menopause as a natural phase involving metabolic, hormonal, and emotional changes. * The module focused on achieving physical comfort, emotional balance, stress reduction, and improved sleep quality through holistic interventions. * The approach combined classical yogic practices with Ayurvedic principles to manage Vata imbalance and *dhatu kshaya*. * **Specific Yogic and Pranayama Techniques** * Participants were trained in gentle asanas: Tadasana, Baddha Konasana, Balasana, Setu Bandhasana, Viparita Karani, and Shavasana. * Pranayama techniques, specifically Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari, were taught to support nervous system balance and mental well-being. * The program included mindfulness-based interventions and relaxation techniques. * **Ayurvedic and Lifestyle Integration** * The curriculum incorporated Ayurvedic perspectives on supportive dietary and lifestyle practices. * The event reinforced the role of yoga as a preventive, promotive, and therapeutic tool for women's health. **Impact Analysis** **Women and Community Members** **Impact:** Participants gained practical knowledge of yogic postures and breathing techniques tailored to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as emotional instability and physical discomfort. **Action Required:** Incorporate the taught asanas, pranayama, and Ayurvedic dietary practices into daily routines to manage menopausal transitions. **Yoga Practitioners and Wellness Experts** **Impact:** These stakeholders were provided with a specialized thematic module for menopause wellness, expanding their professional toolkit for women’s health. **Action Required:** Utilize and disseminate the "Yoga for Menopause" module within their respective communities and wellness centers. **Ministry of Ayush and Partner Organizations** **Impact:** The successful execution of this event strengthens the national vision of integrating traditional wellness systems into lifestyle practices and maintains momentum for the IDY 2026 countdown. **Action Required:** Continue the 32-day countdown activities and ensure the promotion of yoga as a therapeutic tool for specific health demographics.

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