Yoga no Sistema Único de Saúde

considerações conceituais e bioéticas

Abstract

With the growing presence of Yoga in the Unified Health System (SUS), a critical analysis of its appropriate conceptualization beyond its governmental classification as Integrative and Complementary Health Practice (PICS) has become important. This need arises from the diversity of understandings and applications of Yoga in this context, ranging from instrumentalized frameworks (‘physical activity’), its connection as a ‘therapeutic resource’ of Ayurvedic medical rationality and ‘Yoga as a medicine’, to conceptual proposals such as ‘Integrative Body Practice’. This essay critically analyzes these definitions, discussing advantages and disadvantages of its uses in the SUS. In addition to these approaches, Yoga is explored as an ethic of affirmation of autonomy. It is concluded that such an ethic, understood as a universal effort to reduce systemic harm and foster an anti-colonial stance, enables individuals and communities to seek well-being and autonomy even in the face of unequal and alienating social structures.