Magnetic therapy involves applying artificial magnetic fields to areas of the body to control intensity and frequency. It can enrich oxygen in cells, improve metabolism, and enhance ATP production on a cellular level. On an organ system level, it can stimulate bone growth, improve blood flow, reduce pain, and affect the autonomic nervous system by increasing chemical mediators. Magnetic fields are produced through electrical currents and different types of artificial magnets can be used, with application norms and guidelines to safely provide treatment for conditions like musculoskeletal issues, neuralgias, and fractures. Contraindications include infections, bleeding, pacemakers, pregnancy, and certain other medical conditions.
Yoga originated over 10,000 years ago in India as part of tantric civilization and aims to balance the mind, body, and spirit. It is a lifestyle that works on all aspects of a person including the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Yoga seeks to unite individual consciousness with universal consciousness through the integration of thought, feeling, and action. There are various types of yoga including karma yoga, bhakti yoga, raja yoga, jnana yoga, and modern forms such as bikram yoga and power yoga.
Role of yog practices on endocrine functionsShweta Mishra
HOW DIFFERENT YOGA PRACTICES ( ASANA, PRANAYAMA, RELAXATION ETC) HELP TO HARMONIZE THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS TO MAINTAIN HEALTH AND HARMONY.
Psychophysiology of Yoga Postures: Ancient and Modern Perspectives of AsanasYogacharya AB Bhavanani
Draft copy of the chapter by Dr Ananda and Dr Meena.
Bhavanani AB and Ramanathan M. Psychophysiology of Yoga Postures: Ancient and Modern Perspectives of Asanas. In: Shirley Telles and Nilkamal Singh editors. Research-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga. IGI Global, Editors:,2017. p.1-16
Posting this on behalf of my Professor Dr. Vanajakshamma, Professor of Cardiology at SVIMS, Tirupati. This presentation tells us the role of yoga and meditation in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
The document discusses various definitions and theories related to education and learning. It provides definitions of education from different scholars and describes formal and informal education. It also discusses the meaning and nature of learning, theories of learning including association theory and field theory, and the relevance of these theories to yoga practices. The document suggests that learning is a continuous process of acquiring experiences and education aims for holistic development of personality.
This document discusses the benefits of yoga for positive health. It summarizes yoga as the union of body, emotions, and mind, and describes the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga. Yoga is presented as an integrated approach involving physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual therapies. The physiological, psychological, psychomotor, cognitive, and biochemical benefits of yoga are outlined. Yoga therapy is proposed as an effective approach for many disorders and as a complement to other medical systems when used judiciously. The foundational principles of yoga therapy are self-awareness, lifestyle changes, relaxation, and focusing healing energy within.
This document discusses the physiological benefits of different yoga poses. It explains that sitting poses improve hip, knee and ankle flexibility as well as breathing. Standing poses strengthen the legs and spine. Forward bends relieve stress by compressing abdominal organs. Twisting poses squeeze and flush blood through the pelvic organs. Backbends stimulate the nervous system and relieve stress and headaches. Overall, regular practice of yoga poses can benefit physical, mental and spiritual health.
The document discusses the importance of diet according to Ayurveda and yoga. It states that diet is the first of the three pillars of health and plays a role in sustaining the body and mind, growth and development, disease prevention and treatment. It describes the three types of diet in the Bhagavad Gita - sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. It emphasizes the importance of a sattvic, moderate diet in yoga practice and maintaining spiritual progress. It provides guidelines for yogic diet including consuming lightly cooked, sweet and nourishing foods in moderation. It lists foods that should be included or avoided on a yogic diet.
Yoga nidra is a meditative practice introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati that is not sleep or concentration. It helps open the inner chambers of the mind. The practice involves rotating awareness through different parts of the body, experiencing sensations like heaviness and lightness, visualizing objects, and awareness of the chakras to relax the body and mind. Yoga nidra has benefits for conditions like insomnia, drug addiction, pain, pregnancy issues, psychosomatic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
1. Yoga and diet are complementary - a balanced diet helps progress in yoga and yoga aids in digestion and nutrient assimilation.
2. A balanced diet provides all required nutrients in proper proportions and includes cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk, pulses, fats and oils.
3. Both modern scientific and ancient holistic approaches to nutrition are important and blending the two can help achieve physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
This document discusses the relationship between yoga and cardiovascular disease. It begins with an introduction to cardiovascular disease, describing the main types and common causes like hypertension, obesity, stress, and diabetes. It then outlines how regular yoga practice, including various asanas, pranayama techniques, meditation, and an sattvic diet, can help treat and prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors. Specifically, it explores how yoga helps lower blood pressure and stress levels, manage weight, and improve heart health. The document concludes by discussing cardiac yoga, a style focused on cardiovascular benefits.
This document discusses various cleansing techniques (kriyas) in yoga. It describes 6 major kriyas - Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati. Dhauti cleanses the upper GI tract using techniques like vomiting or using a bamboo stick or cloth. Basti cleanses the lower GI tract. Neti cleanses the nasal passages using water or thread. Trataka focuses on eyesight. Nauli involves contracting abdominal muscles. Kapalabhati cleanses the lower respiratory tract. Regular practice of these kriyas can help balance doshas, remove toxins, and promote overall health and awareness.
The document discusses the integrated approach of yoga therapy according to Dr. Shamanthakamani Narendran. It discusses the concepts of health, disease, and the body according to modern science and ancient yogic texts. It explains that stress originating from the mind can manifest physically as psychosomatic illnesses. Yoga helps reduce stress at the mental, pranic, and physical levels through techniques like asanas, pranayama, and meditation to achieve perfect health and prevent disease.
Naturopathic approach in management of acute & chronic diseaseDr. Satyendra Singh
The document discusses the naturopathic approach to preventing acute and chronic disease. It defines naturopathy as working in harmony with nature's principles on physical, mental, moral and spiritual well-being. Naturopathy uses natural elements like air, water and exercise to manage disease. It views illness as a deviation from normal health and sees acute diseases as having an abrupt onset and short course, while chronic diseases develop slowly and persist long-term. Naturopathy aims to restore vitality, healthy blood and lymph composition, and proper elimination of morbid matter through returning to nature, conserving vital force, and proper elimination.
Pranayama is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga and refers to techniques for controlling the life force energy (prana) through breath control. There are various types of pranayama that have benefits like improving lung capacity, balancing the nervous system, and regulating energy flow through the body. Regular practice of pranayama can improve overall health and well-being while also preparing one for deeper states of meditation and concentration. Pranayama should be practiced with discipline and under the guidance of a qualified teacher to avoid potential complications.
This document discusses the connections between modern psychology and yoga. It provides overviews of both fields, comparing their goals and perspectives. Some key points:
- Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, with goals of description, explanation, prediction, and control. Yoga is a way of life focusing on the body, breath, and mind.
- Major perspectives in psychology include psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, biological, cognitive, social/cultural, and evolutionary. Yoga incorporates concepts like karma, free will, and the impact of diet on the mind.
- Figures like Freud, Maslow, Skinner, and Vygotsky contributed new understandings to psychology. Y
Notes for Principles and Methods of Yoga Practices compiled from various sources by Reena and Dayanidy under guidance of Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani for DYEd, PGDY and PGDYT students.
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. It is based on the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via nervous system interference. The founder was D.D. Palmer, and his son B.J. Palmer helped expand it in the early 20th century. Chiropractors believe that spinal misalignments called subluxations can cause health issues by interfering with the nervous system, and aim to correct subluxations through techniques like manipulation and mobilization to alleviate issues and promote healing.
Biofeedback as an assessment tool in measuring effectiveness of alternate nos...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences is one of the speciality Journal in Dental Science and Medical Science published by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The Journal publishes papers of the highest scientific merit and widest possible scope work in all areas related to medical and dental science. The Journal welcome review articles, leading medical and clinical research articles, technical notes, case reports and others.
Immediate Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing On Cardiovascular Parameters ...Yogacharya AB Bhavanani
Background: This study evaluated immediate effects of 27 rounds of left nostril initiated alternate nostril breathing (ANB) technique of nadi shuddi (NS) and right nostril initiated ANB of aloma viloma (AV) pranayama on cardiovascular (CV) parameters and reaction time (RT) in a
trained population.
Materials and methods: 16 subjects attending regular yoga sessions were recruited and each subject performed 27
rounds of either technique, selected randomly on different days. Heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SP), diastolic
pressure (DP), auditory and visual reaction time (ART and VRT) were recorded before and after pranayamas. NS was done by breathing in through left nostril and out through right followed by breathing in through right and out through left. AV was done by breathing in through right nostril and out through left followed by breathing in through left and out through right. All data passed normality testing and statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s paired t test.
Results: HR, SP and DP reduced significantly (p < 0.05 to 0.001) after NS while they increased after AV. Post intervention differences as well as ∆% between groups was significant (p < 0.05 to 0.001) for HR, SP and DP. ART and VRT were significantly (p < 0.05 to 0.001) shortened after AV and significantly prolonged after NS. Post intervention
differences as well as ∆% between groups was very significant (p < 0.001) for both ART and VRT.
Discussion: Significant reductions of HR, SP and DP after NS and their increase after AV may be attributed to
modulation of autonomic tone. Right nostril initiated ANB technique produces autonomic arousal, whereas left nostril
initiated ANB technique induces relaxation/balance. These can be selectively applied in various therapeutic settings.
Further studies in various clinical conditions and settings can enable us to understand their therapeutic applications better. >p> This paper was published in the Jan 2014 Special Issue of the Online International Interdisciplinary
Research Journal. http://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/?p=1045
Differential effects of uninostril and alternate nostril pranayamas on cardio...Yogacharya AB Bhavanani
This study investigated the immediate effects of different yogic nostril breathing techniques on cardiovascular parameters and reaction time in 20 subjects. The techniques included unilateral nostril breathing focusing on the right nostril, unilateral nostril breathing focusing on the left nostril, alternate nostril breathing beginning with the right nostril, alternate nostril breathing beginning with the left nostril, and a technique alternating between both nostrils. The study found significant decreases in heart rate, blood pressure, and reaction time following techniques beginning with the left nostril, and significant increases following techniques beginning with the right nostril. The results provide evidence that the side through which breathing begins differentially affects the autonomic nervous system.
This document from satwayoga.com discusses using yoga to help treat anxiety. It defines anxiety as a general feeling of uneasiness, fear and sometimes panic. It lists common symptoms like shortness of breath and problems sleeping. It then discusses causes of anxiety like sedentary lifestyles and allergies and problems it can cause like heart disease, diabetes and headaches. Key yoga poses recommended for anxiety include bow, fish and headstand poses. It also recommends breathing techniques and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Using Regular Yoga Practice to Reduce Blood Pressure in Patients with Unmedic...mizzou-ugs
This document discusses using yoga to lower blood pressure in patients with prehypertension. It notes that 30% of American adults have prehypertension and high blood pressure costs over $50 billion annually. While current solutions like medications are not fully effective, studies have found that yoga can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to non-aerobic exercise or enhanced usual care. The document concludes that implementing a best practice yoga regimen including postures, breathing, and meditation could help lower blood pressure in prehypertensive patients.
Pranayama is the control of the flow of life force through breathing. There are various types of pranayama that have benefits for treating different health conditions like asthma, fever, hypertension. Pranayamas like anulom vilom and ujjayi help reduce blood pressure while sheetali and shitali help cool the body. Regular pranayama practice can increase longevity and provide benefits like relaxation, stress relief, improved organ function and immunity. Pranayama should be done following proper techniques in a calm environment for optimal health benefits.
The document discusses the importance of breathing at three levels - external respiration which is the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and blood, internal respiration which is the exchange between blood and cells, and cellular respiration which uses oxygen to break down glucose in cells. It describes the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, including how it transports gases to and from the circulatory system. It also discusses pranayama, the science of controlling the life force known as prana through controlling the breath.
The document discusses yoga techniques for managing respiratory disorders like asthma. It explains how yoga aims to bridge the voluntary and involuntary nervous systems through breathing practices like pranayama and asanas. Specific techniques recommended include chair breathing, anuloma viloma, ujjayi, and bhramari pranayama as well as relaxation asanas to reduce stress and relax the body. Kriyas like neti are also suggested to clear nasal passages and manage allergies.
Biological Bases of Meditation and Yoga Therapy Supplemental Report Innocence Smith
This report discusses the biological bases and psychobiological benefits of meditation and yoga. Meditation involves deep relaxation and internalized attention, while yoga includes physical postures, breathing, and sometimes meditation. Reported benefits include increased flexibility and immune function, as well as improved psychological well-being and decreased blood sugar and cholesterol. Research has explored the effects of these practices on the brain and body, such as changes in hormonal and immunological function associated with stress reduction. Meditation and yoga are also linked to energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and insulin secretion.
2 2009-a review of the scientific studies on cyclic meditationElsa von Licy
This document summarizes several scientific studies that have been conducted on the effects of cyclic meditation (CM). CM is a technique that combines yoga postures with guided meditation. Studies have found that practicing CM leads to increased parasympathetic nervous system activity and reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, as indicated by changes in heart rate variability. CM also reduces oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and physiological arousal to a greater extent than simply resting. CM may improve attention and cognitive performance while also inducing a relaxed state. The combination of physical and mental elements in CM appears to provide benefits for stress reduction, autonomic nervous system balance, and cognitive functioning.
Biological Bases of Meditation and Yoga TherapyInnocence Smith
This document summarizes research on the biological bases of meditation and yoga therapy. It finds that meditation is associated with changes in cognition, perception, hormones, and autonomic activity. Studies have linked meditation and yoga to energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and insulin secretion. Research also suggests meditation alters limbic system activity and is associated with neuropsychological mechanisms, autonomic activation, and emotional regulation. Meditation has been shown to involve predominant parasympathetic nervous system activity, decreased physiological markers, and activation of certain brain regions. Both meditation and yoga are reported to have physiological, psychological, and biochemical benefits and induce relaxation responses.
Impact of Sheetali and Sheetkari Pranayama on the Topographic Mapping of the ...iosrphr_editor
The IOSR Journal of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR) is an open access online & offline peer reviewed international journal, which publishes innovative research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications and notes dealing with Pharmaceutical Sciences( Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Drug Design, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Cell Biology, Genomics and Proteomics, Pharmacogenomics, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Interest........more details on Aim & Scope).
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions. The earliest records of meditation (dhyana) are found in the Upanishads, and meditation plays a salient role in the contemplative repertoire of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Since the 19th century, Asian meditative techniques have spread to other cultures where they have also found application in non-spiritual contexts, such as business and health.
Meditation may significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and enhance peace, perception, self-concept, and well-being. Research is ongoing to better understand the effects of meditation on health (psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular) and other areas.
There are many schools and styles of meditation within Hinduism. In pre-modern and traditional Hinduism, Yoga and Dhyana are practised to recognize 'pure awareness', or 'pure consciousness', undisturbed by the workings of the mind, as one's eternal self. In Advaita Vedanta jivatman, individual self, is recognized as illusory, and in Reality identical with the omnipresent and non-dual Ātman-Brahman. In the dualistic Yoga school and Samkhya, the Self is called Purusha, a pure consciousness undisturbed by Prakriti, 'nature'. Depending on the tradition, the liberative event is named moksha, vimukti or kaivalya.
One of the most influential texts of classical Hindu Yoga is Patañjali's Yoga sutras (c. 400 CE), a text associated with Yoga and Samkhya, which outlines eight limbs leading to kaivalya ("aloneness"). These are ethical discipline (yamas), rules (niyamas), physical postures (āsanas), breath control (prāṇāyama), withdrawal from the senses (pratyāhāra), one-pointedness of mind (dhāraṇā), meditation (dhyāna), and finally samādhi.[citation needed]
Later developments in Hindu meditation include the compilation of Hatha Yoga (forceful yoga) compendiums like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the development of Bhakti yoga as a major form of meditation, and Tantra. Another important Hindu yoga text is the Yoga Yajnavalkya, which makes use of Hatha Yoga and Vedanta Philosophy
Qigong has a curative effect through self-treatment and treatment from others. Self-treatment involves regulating the mind, body, and respiration to enhance immunity and metabolism. Treatment from others involves receiving external qi emitted by qigong masters, which has inhibitory and immune-enhancing effects. Scientific experiments provide evidence that external qi consists of infrared radiation and bioelectricity that can rearrange energy flow and reduce tissue resistance.
CME on SLEEP, CONSCIOUSNESS & MEDITATION: NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATESYogacharya AB Bhavanani
The document summarizes a one-day CME event on sleep, consciousness and meditation to be held on November 27, 2014 in Pondicherry, India. The event is being organized by the Department of Physiology and Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute. It will include lectures, a poster session and a meditation practice session conducted by experts in yoga. Participants are invited to register and submit abstracts for poster presentations by specified deadlines.
Dodow was created to provide a simple solution for sleep difficulties without side effects. It combines meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques like focusing on breathing, slow abdominal breathing, and paradoxical intention. This all-in-one approach aims to regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety that can disrupt sleep. Studies show that slow breathing at 6 breaths per minute, with longer exhales, can significantly decrease sympathetic nervous system activity within 5 minutes. Dodow's light-guided breathing exercises are designed to induce this relaxation response in a easy and accessible way.
Are you suffering from extreme illnesses? Do you want to revitalize your body, mind, and spirit? Then, understanding polarity therapy should be your top priority.
Everyone talks about this type of therapy. However, not all of them know exactly what this therapy is and how it works. According to experts, polarity therapy is a natural health care system. It works with the human energy field.
Energy currents and fields exist everywhere, and polarity therapy states that the balance and flow of energy in the human body is the foundation of good health.
Most research has been seen the growing interest in the neurobiological correlates of meditation. They omitted the philosophical aspects of meditation on human being and its wider implications on human. Hence the following issues like definition, study design, and its outcomes need to be study. In meditation research the effects of meditation practice need to examine and also how meditation works is need to study and examine. Some meditation techniques reduce pain, but how meditation affects the brain’s response to pain is not been studied. The brain structural differences between a well-matched sample of long-term meditators and controls using whole-brain cortical thickness also need to analysze. This paper describes the issues related to meditation and their effects on the study of meditation with some explanation of methods in meditation research.
1) Millions of people in the US and Europe are practicing meditation daily, and doctors are recommending yoga and meditation to help treat chronic diseases.
2) Several scientific studies over decades have shown physiological changes in the brain during meditation including reduced activity in the parietal lobe and increased theta waves, helping practitioners better manage stress.
3) Experiments have demonstrated meditation's benefits for reducing depression, hypertension, heart disease, cancer risks, and improving immune function and mental focus. Medical professionals are increasingly recognizing meditation and yoga as effective solutions for health issues.
Reiki is an ancient form of energy healing that involves gently touching or holding hands over areas of the body to unblock chi and promote relaxation and healing. A hospital integrated Reiki services and found that patients reported decreased anxiety and pain. Studies have shown Reiki can reduce stress, pain, and accelerate healing by inducing relaxation and affecting energy fields. The hospital has since expanded Reiki programs to many units and sees benefits for patients' well-being and recovery.
ABSTRACT: “Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” said Rudyard Kipling. This dichotomy however seems to have been overcome in recent times, as many eastern healing traditions have slowly and steadily percolated the health care system worldwide. This is especially true of mind–body therapies that focus on the health promotive intrinsic connections that exist between the human brain, mind, body, and individual behaviour. This includes techniques of meditation (mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and others), qi gong, tai chi, and yoga.
This article appeared in the Annals of SBV 2014; 3 (1): 29-41.
This document discusses East meets West neuroscience and meditation. It provides biographical information on Dr. Freddy Starr and his experience with meditation. It then summarizes various studies that have examined the physiological and brain-based effects of meditation, finding things like increased cortical thickness, changes in functional connectivity in brain regions, and different patterns of brain activity during different types of meditation like loving-kindness meditation.
Dr. Suresh Kumar Murugesan and Dr. Veenavani are founders of Yellow Pond and other organizations focused on psychology and positive behavior. They presented on the neuroscience of mindfulness based on various studies. Mindfulness involves focusing attention on the present moment in an open and non-reactive way. Studies show mindfulness is associated with changes in brain regions involved in emotion regulation, memory, and self-awareness such as reduced amygdala activity and increased prefrontal cortex and hippocampus activity. A meta-analysis found consistent changes in 8 brain regions of experienced meditators.
The document summarizes the physical, cognitive, and mental health benefits of exercise. It discusses how exercise is associated with lower risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Exercise also benefits cognition by increasing endorphins, reducing stress and depression, and improving memory and working memory. Studies in rats and humans show that exercise can help recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries by increasing neurotrophins and dendritic branching.
Meditation states and traits eeg erpand neuroimaging studies cahn polish2006Domenico Guastella
This document reviews neuroelectric and imaging studies of meditation. EEG measures indicate overall brain slowing and increased theta and alpha activation related to meditation proficiency. Sensory evoked potentials show amplitude and latency changes for some components and practices. Cognitive ERPs imply meditation changes attentional allocation. Neuroimaging studies show increased regional cerebral blood flow in areas like the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during meditation. Together these findings suggest meditation reflects changes in specific brain regions, but effects are still variable and need more research.
The document discusses the physiological effects of breathing and pranayama. It begins by defining pranayama as breath control in yoga and how it regulates the life force energy (prana) in the body. It then describes how different yoga traditions approach teaching pranayama in relation to asana practice. The main part of the document discusses the physiology of breathing, how muscles like the diaphragm cause inhalation and exhalation by changing pressure in the lungs. It explains how breathing impacts oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and tissues, and how different breathing patterns can affect the body and mind.
This document provides an overview of polarity therapy and its key concepts. It discusses the basics of polarity therapy including what it is, how it works, and who developed it. It also covers forms of body work used in polarity therapy, including energy balancing techniques. Additional chapters explain how polarity therapy can help reduce stress, the role of diet and energetic foods, the seven chakras and their responsibilities, and oval fields as electro-magnetic fields set up by chakra activity. The document aims to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of polarity therapy and its holistic approach to health and wellness.
On behalf of Param Pujya Ammaji and the entire Gitananda Yoga Family Worldwide we wish all our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year 2024!
Our beloved Ammaji as Editor of Yoga Life always put Lord Vigneshwara, the ‘obstacle to all obstacles’ on the January cover, and we continue the tradition with this colourful image of the Divine Lord. We pray to the benevolent Lord Abhayakaravinayaka to bless us all in the New Year with wellness, happiness, prosperity and success in all our endeavors.
The inner covers highlight memorable moments from the wonderful time we had hosting the Yoga Studies team from the Loyola Marymount University, USA during their study tour of India. The front inner cover depicts special moments during the Indo-US Yoga Chikitsa Symposium at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth that was graced by the present Vice Chancellor Prof NR Biswas and the past Vice Chancellor and Emeritus Professor Dr KR Sethuraman.
The back inner page depicts the wonderful time the LMU team led by Prof Lori Rubenstein Fazzio had at the ICYER Ananda Ashram during the two day Yoga Chikitsa Workshop as well as at the Sri Kambaliswamy Madam. They were blessed by Param Pujya Ammaji and Yoga Chikitsa Ratna Dr Madanmohanji who participated actively in all the sessions.
On the back cover Dr Anandaji as the Madathipathi welcomes all dedicated Sadhakas for the 150th Annual Guru Puja for Srila Sri Kambaliswamigal and 30th Guru Puja of Yogamaharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj to be held on 11th January 2024.
Yoga is the path of self-re-discovery, and we are fortunate to be guided by our illustrious Guru Parampara. May we always be worthy of their potent blessings and benevolent grace.
Yoga can provide benefits for the elderly. The document discusses Ammaji, a living example in Puducherry, India who teaches yoga for the elderly. She teaches that yoga helps connect the body, emotions, mind, and awareness through practices focused on awareness of both our thoughts and actions, as well as how unaware we can be. Her teachings emphasize becoming an integrated person through self-reflection and overcoming challenges.
Vibhaga and pranava pranayama of Gitananda Rishictulure Yoga by Dr AnandaYogacharya AB Bhavanani
A presentation on Vibhaga and pranava pranayama of Gitananda Rishiculture Yoga by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Ashram Acharya ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India.
The Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) integrates traditional yoga therapy practices with modern medicine to promote health and wellness. It provides yoga therapy services, educates future yoga therapists, and conducts scientific research on yoga. CYTER operates out of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University and has various academic programs, clinical services, and engages in research and outreach activities to promote an approach focused on health and wellness rather than illness.
This curriculum vitae outlines the educational and professional background of Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. He has extensive training and qualifications in yoga, ayurveda, music, dance and traditional Indian arts. He has received many awards and honors for his contributions and achievements in promoting yoga, health, spirituality and Indian culture.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Yogasana Tribute to the Nation on its 75th year of in...Yogacharya AB Bhavanani
We humbly dedicate this Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Yogasana Tribute to the Nation on its 75th year of independence offered by the CYTER Team of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, India to each and every one of the great freedom fighters of our beloved Nation who contributed their mite during the freedom struggle.
We owe the freedom we savour today to their timeless sacrifices.
We will forever remain indebted to all of them.
Jai Hind !
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is a renowned yoga expert and director of several yoga institutions. He has extensive qualifications in yoga, medicine, and the arts. He has authored many books and papers on yoga and its therapeutic applications. He travels internationally advocating for yoga and has advised various government and non-government organizations.
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's special session on Yoga and the digestive system for members of the Rishiculture Gitananda Yoga Family.
Disclaimer: Copyrights of images used in the presentation belong to the respective owners and Dr Ananda doesn't claim any IPR on them and has used them only for educational purposes with no malafide intentions.
1) Yoga practices can enhance resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing stress and fear, which weaken the immune system, and promoting salutogenesis, or health and well-being.
2) Specific yoga techniques like pranayama, mantra chanting, and mudras can help manage stress, strengthen the immune system, and overcome fear. Practices involving the chanting of om and other mantras may attenuate limbic over-activity and enhance relaxation.
3) Yoga philosophy teaches that disease arises from imbalances in the mind-body complex. Techniques like kriya yoga act as a "triple vaccine" against stress and illness by targeting the root psychosomatic causes of
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's Keynote on "Integrating yoga therapy within the Modern Medical System" at the Global Yoga therapy Day conference 2021
YOGA AS THERAPY : Synthesis of Traditional Wisdom with Modern Scientific Know...Yogacharya AB Bhavanani
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani’s presentation on YOGA AS THERAPY : Synthesis of Traditional Wisdom with Modern Scientific Knowledge in the 34th Research Methodology & Biostatistics Workshop conducted by the Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR. Medical University in July 2021.
Yoga and Cultural Misappropriation: An e-book by Dr Ananda, Malini and PadmaYogacharya AB Bhavanani
This e-book authored by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Yogasadhaki Malini and Yogacharini Padma provides a road map towards manifesting culturally appropriate yoga in modern times. Yoga without its cultural context, is no longer yoga and hence we must be mindful of the necessity to retain the content for yoga to be alive through us.
This e-book is endorsed by the Indian Yoga Association – A self-regulatory body of Yoga Organizations. IYA is a maiden attempt to unite all yoga paramparas in a common cause. Indian Yoga Association is committed to promotion and advancement of Yoga and its applications around the world and industry-cum-self-regulatory body to facilitate activities of member institutions.
To know more about the IYA visit http://www.yogaiya.in/about/
To know more about Dr Ananda and the ICYER at Ananda Ashram, please visit www.rishiculture.in
This document provides an overview of past, present, and future yoga research. It discusses early pioneers of yoga research in India who studied the physical aspects. More recent trends include an increased number of randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals studying both the physical and mental health benefits of various yoga practices. However, challenges remain in fully capturing the multidimensional nature of yoga and avoiding reducing it to isolated physical techniques. The document calls for more basic research focusing on yoga's core concepts and mechanisms beyond just the physical level.
This e-book authored by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Yogasadhaki Malini and Yogacharini Padma provides a road map towards manifesting culturally appropriate yoga in modern times. Yoga without its cultural context, is no longer yoga and hence we must be mindful of the necessity to retain the content for yoga to be alive through us.
Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (Alt.Med), C-IAYT, DSc (Yoga)
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Director of the Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER), and Professor of Yoga Therapy at the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in).
He is also Chairman of the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India (www.icyer.com) and Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier institute of Yoga and Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry (www.rishiculture.in). He is son and successor of the internationally acclaimed Yoga team of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
A recipient of the prestigious DSc (Yoga) from SVYASA Yoga University in January 2019, he is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with postgraduate diplomas in both Family Health (PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga under his illustrious parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he has authored 19 DVDs and 26 books on Yoga as well as published nearly 300 papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in National and International Journals. His literary works have more than 2650 Citations, with an h-Index of 25 and an i10-Index of 50. In addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
In recent years he has travelled abroad 20 times and conducted invited talks, public events, workshops and retreats and been major presenter at Yoga conferences in the UK, USA, Italy, Czech Republic, South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Malaysia, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
He is an Honorary Advisor to International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org), Australasian Association of Yoga Therapists (www.yogatherapy.org.au), World Yoga Foundation (www.worldyogafoundation.in) and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide (www.rishiculture.in).
A recognized PhD guide for Yoga Therapy he was recognized as an IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, USA in 2016. It is notable that he is the first Indian to receive this honour.
He is currently member of numerous expert committees of the Ministry of AYUSH including its National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy, Scientific Advisory Committee & Standing Finance Committees of CCRYN, Technical Committee of the Yoga Certification Board, Expert Committees for Celebration of International Yoga Day and the National Yoga & Diabetes program. He is Consultant Resource Person for the WHO and its Collaborative Centre in Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at MDNIY, New Delhi. He is also EC member and Director Publications of the Indian Yoga Association (www.yogaiya.in).
1) Yoga practices such as pranayama, asanas, kriyas and relaxation techniques can help improve respiratory disorders by strengthening the lungs and relaxing the respiratory muscles.
2) Specific practices like neti kriya, anu nasika pranayama, and kunjal kriya help clear mucus and open the nasal passages and sinuses. Deep yogic breathing practices like pranava pranayama target different parts of the lungs.
3) Research shows that yoga is an effective adjunct therapy for respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma, improving symptoms, quality of life, and decreasing medication use. Yoga breathing safely increases oxygen levels and reduces stress on
Introduction to Dental Implant for undergraduate studentShamsuddin Mahmud
Introduction to Dental Implant
Dr Shamsuddin Mahmud
Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics
Nortth East Medical College (Dental Unit)
Definition of Dental Implant
A prosthetic device
made of alloplastic material(s)
implanted into the oral tissues beneath the mucosal and/or periosteal layer and
on or within the bone
to provide retention and support for a fixed or removable dental prosthesis.
Classification of Dental Implant
According to placement within the tissue
Blade/Plate form implant
According to Material Used
A) METALLIC IMPLANTS
Commercially pure Titanium
Cobalt chromium molybdenum
Titanium aluminum vanadium
Stainless steel
B) NON-METALLIC IMPLANT
Zirconium
Ceramic
Carbon
According to the ability of implant to stimulate bone formation
A) Bio active
Hydroxyapatite
Tri Calcium Phosphate
B) Bio inert
Metals
Parts of Dental Implant
Implant fixture
Implant mount
Cover screw
Gingival former/healing screw/healing abutment/permucosal extension
Impression post/impression transfer abutment
Implant analogue
Abutment
Fixation screw
Implant Fixture
Implant Mount
Connected to the fixture
Function: used to carry implant from its vital to the prepared osteotomy site either by hand or with a ratchet/ handpiece adaption
Cover Screw
component that is used to cover the implant connection during the submerged healing of the implant
Function: preserves the patency of the connection by preventing any soft tissue ingrowth in the connection
Gingival former/ Healing Abutment/ Healing screw
Screw/ abutment used to create the soft tissue emergence profile around the implant.
Time of placement:
During 1st surgery – One step surgery
After Osseointegration – Two step/stage surgery
Gingival former/ Healing Abutment/ Healing screw
Placed in the site 2-3 weeks for soft tissue healing
Function:
Create gingival emergence profile
Formation of biological width
Impression post/impression transfer abutment
component that is used to trans- fer the implant Hex position and orientation from the mouth to the working cast.
Types
Closed tray
Open tray
Implant analogue/
component which has a different body but its platform and connection are exactly similar to the implant. The analogue is used to replicate the implant platform and connection in the laboratory mode.
Abutment
Abutments
Advantages of Dental Implant Retained Prosthesis
Maintain bone height and width by preventing bone resorption
Maintain facial esthetics
Improve masticatory performance
Improve stability and retention of prosthesis
More esthetics
Increase survival times of prostheses
There is no need to alter adjacent teeth
Improve psychological health
Disadvantages of Dental Implant Retained Prosthesis
Very expensive.
Cannot be used in medically compromised patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Longer duration of treatment
Requires a lot of patient co-operation because of repeated recall visits are essential
INDICATION OF DENTAL IMPLANT
Dental implants can successfully restore all
Hemodialysis: Chapter 11, Venous Catheter - Basics, Insertion, Use and Care -...NephroTube - Dr.Gawad
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/QeWTw_fYPlA
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/fUWI9boFc7w
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a comprehensive look into cardiac arrhythmias.
Learning objectives:
1. Summarise how an electrocardiogram is read
2. Discuss the electrocardiographic interpretation of:
3. Abnormal voltages of the QRS complex
4. Abnormal sinus rhythms
5. Heart blocks
6. Myocardial ischemia and infarction
7. Electrolytes abnormalities
8. Explain the following terms: reentry, and circus movement
9. Describe the electrical alteration in conduction responsible for fibrillation and flutter
10. Differentiate between fibrillation and flutter based on ECG findings
11. Describe the significance of defibrillation in emergency cardiac situations
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 12, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. Chapter 3, Cardiology Explained, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2214/
7. ECG Basics, https://geekymedics.com/how-to-read-an-ecg/
These simplified lecture slides by Dr Sidra Arshad offer a concise look at the cardiovascular effects of heart failure:
1. Define cardiac failure, its pathophysiology and clinical manifestations
2. Differentiate between the factors causing hyper-effective and hypo-effective heart functions
3. Differentiate between right and left heart failure based on their presentation
4. Outline the physiology of treatment of cardiac failure
All the information you need to know about Hypothyroidism - Introduction,
Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, pathophysiology,
diagnosis, treatment, precautions.
2024 07 12 Do you share my autistic traits_ - Google Sheets.pdfCarriePoppy
I made this spreadsheet when I was waiting for my autism assessment. It helped me determine that I probably have autism. When I did get tested, they (UCLA) told me I do, indeed, have Type 1 autism. You can use this spreadsheet to compare your experience to mine. I am a white woman, AFAB. My diagnosis is Type 1 autism with a pragmatic language deficit.
The impact of CD160 deficiency on alloreactive CD8 T cell responses and allog...MARIALUISADELROGONZL
CD160 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily with a pattern of expression
mainly restricted to cytotoxic cells. To assess the functional relevance of the HVEM/
CD160 signaling pathway in allogeneic cytotoxic responses, exon 2 of the CD160
gene was targeted by CRISPR/Cas9 to generate CD160 deficient mice. Next, we
evaluated the impact of CD160 deficiency in the course of an alloreactive
response. To that aim, parental donor WT (wild-type) or CD160 KO (knock-out) T
cells were adoptively transferred into non-irradiated semiallogeneic F1 recipients,
in which donor alloreactive CD160 KO CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells clonally
expanded less vigorously than in WT T cell counterparts. This differential proliferative
response rate at the early phase of T cell expansion influenced the course of CD8 T
cell differentiation and the composition of the effector T cell pool that led to a significant
decreased of the memory precursor effector cells (MPECs) / short-lived effector
cells (SLECs) ratio in CD160 KO CD8 T cells compared to WT CD8 T cells. Despite
these differences in T cell proliferation and differentiation, allogeneic MHC class I
mismatched (bm1) skin allograft survival in CD160 KO recipients was comparable
to that of WT recipients. However, the administration of CTLA-4.Ig showed an
enhanced survival trend of bm1 skin allografts in CD160 KO with respect to WT recipients.
Finally, CD160 deficient NK cells were as proficient as CD160 WT NK cells in
rejecting allogeneic cellular allografts or MHC class I deficient tumor cells. CD160
may represent a CD28 alternative costimulatory molecule for the modulation of
allogeneic CD8 T cell responses either in combination with costimulation blockade
or by direct targeting of alloreactive CD8 T cells that upregulate CD160 expression
in response to alloantigen stimulation
Heart Valves and Heart Sounds -Congenital & valvular heart disease.pdfMedicoseAcademics
This presentation, authored by Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology at CIMS Multan, delivers an in-depth analysis of heart valves, heart sounds, valvular heart diseases, and congenital heart defects. It begins by distinguishing between normal and abnormal heart sounds, elucidating the timing and causes of the four heart sounds—S1, S2, S3, and S4—and their clinical significance. Detailed explanations are provided on the auscultation sounds that define conditions such as mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, aortic stenosis, and aortic insufficiency, with a focus on how these pathological changes affect cardiac mechanics and blood pressure.
The presentation delves into abnormal heart sounds, known as murmurs, categorizing them by their causes, which include valvular lesions, rheumatic fever, aging, congenital heart diseases, viral infections during pregnancy, and hereditary factors. It explores the various types of murmurs, their timing within the cardiac cycle, and their association with specific valvular heart diseases such as stenosis and regurgitation. The intricate relationship between systolic and diastolic murmurs and conditions like anemia and ventricular septal defects is also highlighted.
Further, the presentation covers the pathophysiology of congenital heart diseases, offering a comprehensive review of conditions such as Tetralogy of Fallot and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. It explains the mechanisms of these diseases, their impact on cardiac function, and the clinical manifestations observed in affected individuals. The physiological adjustments of the circulatory system during exercise in patients with valvular lesions are discussed, emphasizing the reduced cardiac reserve and the risk of acute pulmonary edema.
Special attention is given to the compensatory mechanisms of the heart in response to valvular diseases, including the development of concentric and eccentric hypertrophy, increased venous return, and the eventual progression to heart failure. The presentation also examines rheumatic valvular lesions, aging-related aortic stenosis, and the specific challenges posed by these conditions, such as reduced stroke volume and increased metabolic demand.
This thorough exploration of heart sounds, valvular diseases, and congenital defects is designed to enhance understanding and clinical acumen, making it a valuable resource for medical students, healthcare professionals, and educators in the field of cardiology and physiology.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a simplified description of the physiology of insulin and glucagon.
Learning objectives:
1. Describe the synthesis and release of insulin
2. Explain the mechanism of action of insulin
3. Discuss the metabolic functions of insulin
4. Elucidate the effects of insulin on adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver
5. Enlist the factors which stimulate and inhibit the release of insulin
6. Explain the mechanism of action of glucagon
7. Discuss the metabolic functions of glucagon
8. Elucidate the role of insulin and glucagon in glucose homeostasis during the fasting and fed states
9. Discuss the role of other hormones in the glucose homeostasis
10. Differentiate between the types of diabetes mellitus
11. Explain the pathophysiology of the features of diabetes mellitus
12. Discuss the complications of diabetes mellitus
13. Explain the rationale of oral hypoglycemic drugs
14. Describe the features of hyperinsulinemia
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 79, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 24, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 39, Berne and Levy Physiology, 7th edition
4. Chapter 19, Human Physiology, From Cells to Systems by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
5. Chapter 3, Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology, Bruce A. White and Susan P. Porterfield, 4th edition
6. Insulin and Insulin Resistance, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1204764/
7. Complications of diabetes mellitus,
https://pdb101.rcsb.org/global-health/diabetes-mellitus/monitoring/complications
Prakinsons disease and its affect on eye.Riya Bist
Enhance your knowledge about Parkinsons' disease and about basic concept that medical personnel should know regarding this topic.It is very important to know about systemic disease and its impact on the eye so, here you can learn quickly about Parkinson's disease and its ocular manifestation.Download the ppt for visualization of animation.Thank you.
Definition of mental health nursing, terminology, classification of mental disorder, ICD-10, Indian Classification, Personality development, defense mechanism, etiology of bio psychosocial factors,
An exciting session emphasizing the timely intervention and management of obstetric sepsis for better patient outcomes.
This presentation highlights risk factors, diagnosis, management, and some interesting cases of obstetric sepsis.
Lymphoma Made Easy , New Teaching LecturesMiadAlsulami
This lecture was presented today as part of our local Saudi Fellowship program. After three years of direct interaction with trainees and hematologists, I have started to develop an understanding of what needs to be covered. This lecture might serve as a roadmap for approaching and reporting lymphoma cases.
Staphysagria is often indicated for individuals who have a tendency to suppress emotions and suffer from the effects of suppressed anger, grief or indignation. They may exhibit a tendency to have a fragile or sensitive disposition. Staphysagria individuals often have a craving for solitude and a desire for sympathy.
1. Oct 2014 31
PHYSIOLOGY DUE TO YOGA
INTRODUCTION
There is an intimate relationship between
aspects of yoga practice and human physiology.
It is usual to contemplate the relation in terms
of how one could explain health effects of yoga
through some physiological measurements.
Electrophysiologic and biochemical methods
of investigations have been often used to
determine the effects and health benefits of Yoga
practices. The practices are usually focused on
asanas, pranayama and sometimes, meditation
and rarely dhyana. This paper looks into the
new and emerging areas of physiology that result
from a knowledge of Yoga. We turn around the
telescope as it were, to reveal the microscopic
inner world of prana and nadis to understand
the contributions of Yoga to enhance our
perspective of human physiology. In this issue,
g Prof. T M Srinivasan
Dean, Yoga and Physical Sciences,
S-VYASA
we present just four important aspects of Yoga
which could expand our understanding of the
human mind-body-Spirit triad.
1. Lateralization of brain functions
in Swara Yoga
2. Role of muscle stretch in rehabilitation
3. Blood flow in brain due to pranayama
and treatment possibilities
4. Theoretical postulates of quantum
mechanics and consciousness
This is not an exhaustive list by any means;
however, this gives an overview of many
research studies that could manifest in the years
to come. Some esoteric aspects of Yoga practice
will be taken up in the next issue of this journal.
Let us look at each of the items listed in some
details.
1. Lateralization of brain functions
in Swara Yoga
Swara Yoga is the occurrence of alternate nostril
dominance in breathing that all of us go through
in a day. At any time, normally, either the left
nostril or the right nostril is dominant; in other
words, one nostril is blocked and the other is
open and facilitates breathing. After some time,
say between 90 minutes and 120 minutes, the
dominance switches; the second nostril takes over
and the nostril that was active will be blocked.
This happens due to changes in blood flow in the
nostril; the more the blood flow in one side of the
body, the nostril on that side is blocked, since
the erectile tissue on that side expand to block
Fig 1: Pranayama and Healing Energy Exchange
29
2. air flow through that nostril! Though the blood
flow and biochemistry are slightly different in
both sides of the body, presently it is thought
to be clinically inconsequential. To summarize,
a vasoconstriction in one nasal turbinate is
paralleled by vasodilation in the other nostril.
The nasal mucosa are densely innervated
with autonomic fibers and the dominance of
sympathetic activity on one side produces
vasoconstriction in the turbinates, while the
contralateral nostril exhibits a simultaneous
dominance of parasympathetic activity that
causes swelling [1]. “Shiva Swarodaya, a classical
yogic text describes the ultradian nasal cycle
as Swarodaya Vigyan and highlights differential
effects of its phases that reflect the lunar cycles”
[2].
Though some studies [1-3] investigate the
dynamics of breathing at gross and subtle
levels, its application in clinical medicine is very
limited. Many unilateral problems could be
related to improper functioning of nasal rhythm
[4, 5]. Many psychiatric disorders, autism,
stress related disorders etc could be studied for
management through introduction of unilateral
breathing. In a study, cases of glaucoma were
found to have improper nasal rhythm [4]. In
such cases, left hemisphere of the brain was
activated through right nostril breathing which
seems to decrease intra-ocular pressure. If
this could be substantiated in well controlled
experiments, it is a boon to our patients. Since
India has the highest number of adult blind, this
simple procedure could help immensely in rural
areas.
Another report looked at ADHD (Attention
Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder) wherein forced
nostril breathing through non-dominant nostril
produced increased arousal in the individual
reducing ADHD symptoms [5]. This case study
should be studied extensively for proper clinical
application. Thus, study of Swara Yoga and its
physiology could open new doors of physiology
and treatment methods.
32 Yoga Sudha
Fig 2: Ida and Pingala as depicted in Tibetan Medicine
2. Role of muscle stretch
in Rehabilitation
Yoga asanas constitute dynamic and static
postures wherein movement and maintenance of
postures are vital. While muscles are exercised in
weight bearing, the antagonists (opposing group
of muscles) are stretched properly. Muscle stretch
has come under intense scrutiny in many rehab
clinics worldwide [6]. In the experience of this
author, even complex neuromuscular problems
such as Parkinson’s tremor could be managed and
improved through proper selection and practice
of asanas and pranayama. Stretch of a muscle
has many important functions including control
of muscle in movement; unilateral and bilateral
stretches, speed of movement and maintaining
the stretch could all provide wide variety of
possibilities in most neuromuscular problems.
Yoga asanas could provide a new perspective
for understanding reflex mechanisms that are
elicited during stretch and its role in control and
coordination of muscles.
Further, it is interesting to determine how
movement of skeletal muscles and pranayama
30
3. Oct 2014 33
could facilitate expression of certain biochemicals
in the brain. This seems to be the case in the
above cited muscle tremor problem. In the well-cited
case of GABA production in the brain due
to Yoga practices as an antidote for depression,
the role of Yoga in changing biochemistry
of the brain is exciting. This fascinating area
needs intense work to clarify – not the familiar
psychoneuroimmunology – but muscle-respiration-
brain biochemistry dynamics.
‘Molecules of emotions’ is now a familiar territory;
however, ‘molecules of motion’ is not!
3. Blood flow in brain due
to pranayama and treatment
possibilities
Pranayama is a powerful method for readjusting
flow of prana throughout the body. Normal
functioning of prana and its uniform distribution
in the body are characterized by healthy
performance of organs of the body. When one
holds the breath (either after inhale or exhale),
there is a slight increase in carbon dioxide in
blood which has many complex responses in the
body and brain. Some of the effects have come
to light recently [7]. One aspect of importance is
the resultant increase in lumen of blood vessels
of the brain and subsequent increase in oxygen
flow to the brain. Hence, to improve brain oxygen,
a simple breath holding for 15 sec seems to be
sufficient. One could imagine the result of such a
simple procedure in rehabilitation of all types of
CNS (Central Nervous System) problems: post-stroke
rehab, kick starting mirror neurons in the
brain in autism spectrum disorders, learning
related problems, dyslexia, short term memory
lapses in elderly and in numerous areas. Further,
daily expansion and contraction of brain blood
vessels could provide an antidote for plaque
formation and its attachment in the brain blood
vessels. This, if proved to be so, could be of
immense help in prevention and management
of many stroke-related problems.
4. Theoretical postulates of quantum
mechanics and consciousness
At last to the Self! It is said that science in general
separates; however, quantum mechanics seems
to integrate diverse elements in a system. At
least it interconnects and seems to provide a
platform for theories regarding certain healing
methods such as distance healing and prana/chi
related techniques. Interconnectedness happens
only if entities are separate and in so-called
independent systems. It is similar to genetics
and epigenetics; genetics gives a fixed form
and epigenetics provides varied and individual
pastoral colors to our behavior and activities.
It has been argued that neither genetics nor
epigenetics provide a complete picture of a
human whose imprints in the subtle system
could extend backwards for a million years [8].
We have independence to act now to transcend
natural tendencies of recycling our body and
mind (going through births in many realms) in a
myriad ways. Unless we get into understanding
our pregenetic make up, we are attached to this
time and space-bound activities. Yoga has given
a method for reaching Kaivalya, wherein one
goes beyond gunas of satva, rajas and tamas.
In some of our experiments and teachings, we
have seen that gunas indeed progress towards
qualities of satva - altruistic love and concern
for all that exhibit life and even to those that
seem to passively receive all our deeds and
emotions. This is a universal model and Yoga
practices could lead a person beyond the human
perception of separation, self-styled anomalies
and exclusiveness.
We have not started searching the depths of
concepts related to prana, chakras, energy
pathways of ida and pingala and final ascent of
the energy through susumna. See Fig 1 and 2
for representations of energy exchange and its
movement within the body. These are esoteric
knowledge of ancients which could give us
insight to the direction biological research
could be taken for understanding some aspects
of reality of nature and the nature of reality. In
31
4. conclusion we may say that sciences separate,
quantum mechanics interconnects while true
spirituality integrates. Let us hope that Yogic
horizon will light the skies of compassion, caring
and consummate responsibility in the world of
today.
REFERENCES AND NOTES
1. David S. Shannahoff-Khalsa, Psychophysiological
States: The Ultradian Dynamics of Mind-Body
Interactions, University of California, San Diego, USA,
Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2008. Here is an outstanding
book summarizing many years of work in the area
of ultradian rhythm and nostril dominance.
2. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani et. al, “Immediate Effect
of Alternate Nostril Breathing On Cardiovascular
Parameters and Reaction Time”, International
Interdisciplinary Research Journal, Vol. IV, Jan 2014,
pp. 297-302.
3. Raghuraj P, Telles S. “Immediate effect of specific
nostril manipulating yoga breathing practices
on autonomic and respiratory variables”. Appl.
Psychophysiol. Biofeedback 33: 2008; pp. 65–75.
4. Joshua Backon et. al, “Changes in intra-ocular
pressure induced by differential forced unilateral
nostril breathing”, Graefe’s Arch. Clin. Exp.
Ophthalmology, 277: 1989, pp. 575-577.
5. Narendran Thaiyar and T. M. Srinivasan, “Changes
in arousal level through forced unilateral nostril
breathing and a possible application”, Proc.
International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies
and Energy Medicine, Third Annual Conference,
1992, pp. 67-69.
6. Carolyn Kisner and Lynn Allen Colby, Therapeutic
Exercises, Foundation and Techniques, F. A. Davis Co,
USA, 5th Ed, 2007.
7. McKay et.al, “A bilateral cortico-bulbar network
associated with breath holding in humans,
determined by fMRI”, Neuroimage, 40: 4, 2008, pp.
1824-1832.
8. T. M. Srinivasan, “Genetics, epigenetics and
pregenetics”, International Journal of Yoga, 4: 2011;
47-48. Genetics is the preprogramming of our genes
through parental inputs; epigenetics is the role of
nurture in changing genetic expressions. Pregenetics
is the karmic imprints that we have acquired over
millennia of our existence.