'Yoga helped me reduce acidity, improve digestion'

We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us how yoga has benefited you.
Rediff reader Achyut Bhardwaj, 44 from New Delhi shares his story.

• ALSO READ: 'Yoga helped me control weight, manage diabetes'

My journey on the yogic path started around four years ago.

Lack of physical activity along with an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle in the mid thirties led to acute acidity, stress, palpation's, anxiety attacks etc, all of which led to my digestive system going for a toss.

I started avoiding heavy food, drinks etc but nothing seemed to help.

I was fed up of going to one doctor after the other.

After getting almost all medical tests done, I took to yoga on the advice of a cousin.

The journey on the yogic path is slow and though it does not give instant results, you gain something every time you practice.

A chance gifting of a book on yoga by an aunt to me during the same period turned out to be a life saver for me.

I read about each and every asana beneficial for the digestive system and started practicing them religiously.

Slowly and steadily, I started getting the benefits and gave up the antacid tablets which the doctors had put me on.

The stress and anxiety etc also slowly melted away, leading to a clear, healthy mind and body.

I now practice yoga religiously.

If am running short on time, I try to do at least 20 minutes of surya namaskars daily (10 to 15 sets).

The benefits of each and every asana is immense and it’s like a vast ocean for me, waiting to be explored.

I keep attending workshops and classes held by experts in the field to keep myself updated as well as to learn tips and tricks.

I also organise certificate courses in yoga which I have taken only to further my gains from yoga.

I cannot thank our forefathers enough for this wonderful gift of yoga which they have passed on to us.