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COMPILATION OF ACYTER BULLETINS April 2009 - February 2012 Editor: Dr. MADANMOHAN Programme Director, ACYTER, JIPMER Editorial board: Dr. GK PAL Professor and Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER and Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi and Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry)
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ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Jan 03, 2016

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Compilation of the bulletins of the ACYTER from April 2009 to February 2012. The ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (ACYTER) is a collaborative venture between Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi and Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India.
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Page 1: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

COMPILATION

OF

ACYTER BULLETINS

April 2009 - February 2012

Editor:

Dr. MADANMOHAN

Programme Director, ACYTER, JIPMER

Editorial board:

Dr. GK PAL

Professor and Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER

and

Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI

Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER

ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY, EDUCATION

AND RESEARCH (ACYTER)

(A collaborative venture between Morarji Desai National Institute of

Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi and Jawaharlal Institute of Post

Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry)

Page 2: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Quarterly Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2009 1

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ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, Delhi)

April 2009

S.No Contents Page

No. 1 Introduction to ACYTER 1

2 Report on National Workshop on “Introducing

Yoga in Medical Curriculum” 2

3 Report on “Mass Yoga Awareness Programme

in Schools of Puducherry” 3

4 Report on “Introducing Yoga to Medical

Students: the JIPMER Experience 4

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education &

Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry,

India-605 006

INTRODUCTION TO ACYTER

The Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research

(ACYTER), a collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry and

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi was

established by a MOU between JIPMER and MDNIY on 7th June 2008. This

advanced centre will focus primarily on the role of yoga in the prevention

and management of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus.

MDNIY will be providing financial assistance and necessary academic input

related to yoga and take steps to initiate collaborative research projects on

yoga and its applications related to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

mellitus.

JIPMER will be offering its infrastructure and faculty for purposes of

collaborative ventures with MDNIY in the field of yoga and its applications

to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. JIPMER will also provide

adequate space to establish ACYTER effectively and efficiently.

The monitoring committee of ACYTER is constituted as follows:

Dr. K.S.V.K. Subba Rao, Director, JIPMER – Chairperson

Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, Director, MDNIY - Vice-Chairperson

Dr. A. K. Das, Medical Supdt., JIPMER - Member

Dr. S. Badrinath Project Coordinator, JIPMER - Member

Dr. K. S. Reddy Dean, JIPMER - Member

Dr. J. Balachander, Dir-Prof & Head, Cardiology, JIPMER- Member

Dr. I. N. Acharya Prog Officer (Yoga Therapy), MDNIY- Member

Programme Coordinator ACYTER, JIPMER - Member

Dr. Madanmohan Trakroo - Dir-Prof & Head, Physiology &

Programme Director ACYTER - Member-Secretary

ACYTER has been active in conducting yoga training for medical students, organizing a mass awareness programme in 48 schools of Puducherry and

organized a national workshop on “Introducing yoga in medical curriculum”.

Patient care and research work will be initiated soon.

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao

Director, JIPMER

Dr. I V Basavaraddi

Director, MDNIY, New Delhi

Dr. Ashok Kumar Das

Med. Superintendent, JIPMER

Dr. S Badrinath

Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Dr. KS Reddy

Dean, JIPMER.

Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan

Director-Professor & Head,

Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER

&

Programme Director, ACYTER

Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal

Prof. of Physiology, JIPMER

Dr Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani Programme Coordinator,

ACYTER, JIPMER

Correspondence to:

The Editor,

Bulletin of ACYTER,

JIPMER, Puducherry,

India-605 006

E-mail:

[email protected]

Page 3: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Quarterly Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2009 2

WORKSHOP ON “INTRODUCING YOGA IN MEDICAL CURRICULUM”

ACYTER and Department of Physiology, JIPMER organized a two day National Workshop on “Introducing Yoga in the medical curriculum” on 19th and 20th March 2009 at JIPMER.

The workshop was organized in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga

(MDNIY), New Delhi under auspices of Department of AYUSH, Govt of India.

The workshop was

inaugurated by Dr

KSVK Subba Rao,

Director JIPMER. Dr

Ishwar V Basavaraddi,

Director, MDNIY, New

Delhi and Dr AK Das,

Medical Superintendent,

JIPMER were guests of

honour.

The national workshop

deliberated on the need,

feasibility and modality

of introducing yoga

science in the medical curriculum for medical students in particular and medical professionals in

general.

20 resource persons from MDNIY, DIPAS, sVYASA, Karuna Trust, Iyengar Yoga Institute,

Mumbai Yoga Institute, Kaivalyadhama, ICYER and JIPMER as well as 150 participants from all

over the country participated in the workshop that covered the theory, practicals and therapeutic aspects of yoga and evaluation methods for such a course.

The following are the recommendations of the workshop:

1. The workshop appreciated the Department of AYUSH and Morarji Desai National

Institute of Yoga, New Delhi for making efforts to integrate yoga science in the medical

curriculum and create awareness of yoga amongst the medical students in particular and

medical professionals in general.

2. It was recommended to introduce yoga science to medical students in particular and

medical professionals in general through a “Foundation Course in Yoga Science”.

3. It is recommended that 14 hours of yoga

theory be included in

theory lectures for 1st,

2nd

and 3rd

professionals and 32

hours practicals be

included in the 2nd

professional.

4. It was also

recommended that a

48 hour foundation

course be conducted

after class hours for

interested

professionals through

the yoga units of the institutions as per the syllabus that has been prepared by the MDNIY

in consultation with eminent yoga and medical experts.

Page 4: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Quarterly Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2009 3

MASS YOGA AWARENESS PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS OF PUDUCHERRY

DURING THE NATIONAL YOGA WEEK 2009

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sponsored the NATIONAL YOGA WEEK 2009 from

16 to 22 of February 2009 and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi

organised a mass awareness programme for health, happiness and harmony through yoga with the theme of “Role of Yoga in School

Health”.

As part of the National Yoga Week, a

MASS YOGA AWARENESS

PROGRAMME was conducted in

schools in different parts of the country

through the active participation of leading and eminent yoga institutes who

have come together under the banner of

the Indian Yoga Association, a self

regulatory body for yoga sponsored by

the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of

Health and Family Welfare,

Government of India.

ACYTER organized the mass yoga awareness

programme in 48 schools of Puducherry with the

cooperation of the Education Department,

Government of Puducherry. The inaugural

ceremony for the yoga week in Puducherry was

held at Kendriya Vidyalaya, JIPMER campus on

16 February 2009 and the valedictory function at

the Indira Nagar Government Higher Secondary

School on 20 February. Shri MA Fathimaraj,

Deputy Director Education (Sports and Youth

Services) was the Chief Guest at the valedictory

function.

Daily yoga camps of 1½ hours duration on the theme of the national yoga week were conducted in

48 government and private schools of Puducherry by 28 yoga teachers under the direction of Prof

Dr. MADANMOHAN, Director-Professor & Head, Dept of Physiology, JIPMER, and Programme

Director, ACYTER and coordinated by Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator Yoga courses,

Pondicherry University Community College. The International Centre for Yoga Education and

Research (ICYER) and Pondicherry Yogasana Association extended active cooperation for the

conduct of the yoga classes.

More than 5,000 students as well as their

teachers and parents were sensitized to the

importance of yoga for school health

during this programme. Yoga is the best

means to improve the psychosomatic

health of everyone, especially children.

Regular yoga practice enhances the

personality of children, improves

concentration and memory power, helps

endure stressful situation during

examinations, increases immunity and

improves overall health. The main

objective of the programme was to

increase awareness about the benefits of yoga among the children and there was much awakening

as evidenced by feedback from the schools.

Page 5: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Quarterly Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2009 4

INTRODUCING YOGA TO MEDICAL STUDENTS: THE JIPMER EXPERIENCE

The holistic science of yoga has a great future as it has the potential to prevent as well as manage a number of

stress-induced chronic diseases that defy allopathic

medicine. A holistic physician and practitioner of yoga

will be able to render better medicare and will be a boon

to the society.

It was my heart’s desire to introduce yoga to medical

students as a branch of physiology & contemporary medicine. The opportunity came with the active

collaboration and financial support from MDNIY. The

objectives of the programme were:

• To promote awareness among medical students about the effectiveness of yoga as an

inexpensive means for achieving holistic health.

• To impart knowledge, skill & attitude about theoretical & practical aspects of yogic science.

• To motivate medical students to take up further studies, therapy & research in yoga.

• To introduce yoga in medical curriculum as a branch of physiology & contemporary medicine.

I designed a 60 hour programme that included i) lectures (12 h), ii) lecture-demonstrations (3 h)

iii) practice sessions (36 h) iv) students seminar on yoga therapy modules (6 h) and v) pre-test,

post-test, administration of questionnaires & programme evaluation by the students (3 h).

The programme had an overwhelming response with excellent co-operation from the medical undergraduates. In light of the encouraging student feedback, the following are the suggestions:

• Yoga should be made an integral part of medical curriculum, as a branch of physiology and

contemporary medicine. Complementary and alternative health systems are already being

taught in many standard modern medical schools in different parts of the world.

• The ideal time in an undergraduate medical programme where yoga can be incorporated is

during the first semester and again during the sixth and / seventh semesters. The former will

help them in combating and adapting to the totally new and extremely stressful first year

undergraduate medical curriculum. The latter will help in better understanding of the science

of yoga and its applications in clinical practice.

• It is suggested that there should be a space fully furnished, having the right ambience and

comfort that will facilitate the teaching and practice of yoga. The space should be exclusively

devoted to the yoga training programme.

• From the students’ standpoint, practice sessions with integrated theory, morning practice

sessions and training schedule within college hours are among the major recommendations.

Students also wanted a facility to continue yoga practice on a regular basis even after the

completion of the introductory programme.

Page 6: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- July 2009 1

The Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research

(ACYTER), a collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry and

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi was

established by a MOU between JIPMER and MDNIY on 7th

June 2008.

This advanced centre will focus on the role of yoga in the prevention

and management of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus. The

centre will also popularize the science of yoga amongst medical

professionals and general public.

MDNIY will be providing financial assistance and necessary academic

input related to yoga and take steps to initiate collaborative research

projects on yoga and its applications related to cardiovascular diseases

and diabetes mellitus. JIPMER will be offering its infrastructure and

faculty for purposes of collaborative ventures with MDNIY in the field

of yoga and its applications to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

mellitus.

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnzmUUkr dsUnzmUUkr dsUnzmUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER- July 2009

S.No Contents Page

No. 1 Introduction to ACYTER 1

2 Pranayam: a Vedic and physiological

perspective by Dr Madanmohan 2

3 Report on staff recruitment, yoga therapy OPD,

yoga therapy sessions and regular yoga classes 3

4

Report on weekly academic programme, senior

citizen clinic, re-orientation programme for

doctors and upcoming activities

4

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education &

Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry,

India-605 006

Patrons:

Dr.KSVK Subba Rao

Director, JIPMER

Dr. I V Basavaraddi

Director, MIDNIY, New Delhi

Dr. Ashok Kumar Das

Med. Superintendent, JIPMER.

Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Dr. KS Reddy

Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Director- Professor & Head,

Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER &

Programme Director, ACYTER

Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal

Prof. of Physiology, JIPMER

Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator,

ACYTER, JIPMER

Correspondence to:

The Editor,

Bulletin of ACYTER,

JIPMER,

Puducherry- 605 006.

India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Page 7: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- July 2009 2

PRANAYAM: A VEDIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Madanmohan Director- Professor & Head, Department of Physiology & Programme Director, ACYTER

Yog (and the English word yoke derived from it) means

union and harmony. Vedic philosophy emphasizes one-

ness, unity and universality. Vedic concepts of i) one

omnipresent God as the universal divine being (Ekam

sadvipra bahudha vadanti. Rigved, 1: 164: 46;

Ishavasyam idam sarvam. Yajurved, 40: 1), ii) world

man (Vishwa manusho. Rigved, 8: 45: 42), iii) world as

one family (Vasudhaiv kutumbakam) and iv) the

ultimate goal of yog being the union of our individual

soul with the one Universal Soul can be the basis of unity of humanity and the modern

concept of global village. From the yogic and spiritual point of view, the Vedic concept of

pran, the omnipresent and universal divine force is very important. Ken Upanishad (1: 2)

describes the supreme God as “Pranasya pranah”, i.e. the very source of pran, the giver of

life to pran. In our body, pran manifests as life energy or ki (as in reiki or qigong) and in

Samskrit, living beings are called as prani. Pran improves the quality of vegetation and

herbs and thereby the quality of our life (Atharva Ved, 11: 4: 6). This whole world

vibrates with pran (Kath Upanishad, 6: 2). Our nerve currents, bio-rhythms and the very

life are expressions of pran.

From the Vedic point of view, the goal of pranayam is conscious unification with the

universal vital life force or pran. Breathing is the most tangible expression of pran and

pranayam is the ingenious technique for recharging our batteries and enhancing vitality by

drawing pran from the omnipresent and inexhaustible universal source of pran. Pranayam

means control and expansion of pran. Since life, breathing and mind are closely

interrelated and act on each other, pranayam has significant influence on our

psychosomatic health. According to Patanjali (Yog Darshan, 2: 52-53), pranayam removes

the covering of inner light and our mind gains the power of concentration. According to

manusmriti (6: 71), pranayam purifies the senses and mind even as fire removes the

impurities of metals. Thus, the breathing techniques of pranayam are psychosomatic

techniques that purify, balance and energize the practioner.

From the physiological point of view, pranayam is of great significance. Deep and

complete yog breathing (mahat yog pranayam) i) strengthens the diaphragm and

intercostal muscles, ii) massages abdominal viscera, iii) stretches all parts of thorax and

lungs and iv) improves venous return. Breathing meditatively with full concentration

improves mind-body coordination. During slow, deep and rhythmic breathing, there is a

conscious alteration of activity of medullary neurons and a definite pattern of

proprioceptive inputs from thorax and abdomen. This may modulate the activity of central

neuronal circuits. We have found that slow, rhythmic pranayam produces deep

psychosomatic relaxation (Madanmohan et al. The Yoga Review, 1983, 3: 25-34). In an

another study, we have found that bellows type of pranayam produces immediate and

significant reduction in auditory and visual reaction times indicating an improved

sensorimotor performance and enhanced processing ability of the central nervous system

(Bhavanani et al. Ind J Physiol Pharmacol, 2003, 47: 297-300). In a study on patients with

premature ventricular complexes (PVC) and episodes of palpitations, we have found that

pranayam produces an immediate relief of palpitations and PVC (Ravindra et al.

International J Cardiology, 2006, 108: 124-125). It is clear that pranayama has significant

spiritual, physiological and therapeutic potential.

DR.ANANDA
Cross-Out
Page 8: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- July 2009 3

STAFF RECRUITMENT COMPLETED

ACYTER has started functioning with full staff with effect from 1 June 2009 when

following staff members joined: Dr Zeena Sanjay (Senior Research Fellow), Sri G

Dayanidy (Yoga Instructor), Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi (Yoga Instructor) and Sri P

Munisamy (General Duty Attendant). This completes the full ACYTER team along with

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani (Programme Co-ordinator), Sri E Jayasettiaseelon (Senior

Research Fellow) and Sri S Mourthy (DEO-cum-clerk). Orientation programme was

conducted for ACYTER staff by Dr. Madanmohan, Programme Director from 1 to 15 June

2009. Research methods as well as yoga teaching methods were finalized in this period

with a special workshop on HRV methods conducted by Dr ES Prakash from Asian

Institute of Medical Studies, Malaysia.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPER SPECIALTY BLOCK

Yoga therapy OPD started functioning from 15 June

in Super Specialty block of JIPMER. During second

half of June, 154 patients (89 new and 65 old cases)

of various conditions attended consultation in the

OPD with Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr

Zeena Sanjay. Patients who attended consultation

were prescribed individualized and generalized yoga

therapy for diabetes mellitus (53), hypertension (27),

coronary artery disease (8), respiratory disorders (9),

endocrine disorders (8), stress (6), urology (2), GI

disorders (3), neurology (1), musculoskeletal disorders

(10) and non specific complaints (1). Many patients

had more than one health problem. Patients have

reported benefits and expressed their thanks to

ACYTER, JIPMER and MDNIY for this faciltity.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

Yoga therapy sessions were started on 15 June and are being conducted on Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am for patients of diabetes, 11:00 am –

12:00 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm for patients

of other disorders. The yoga instructors, G Dayanidy and L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting

the sessions both individually and in groups as per

directions of the therapists given in the OPD.

Therapy schedule notes are being prepared for

distribution to patients enabling them to practice

more efficiently at home. Patients have reported

satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are

attending regularly. 77 patients of diabetes, 35 of

hypertension and 70 of other conditions attended

the sessions up to the end of June.

REGULAR YOGA CLASSES

Regular yoga classes for normal subjects were started on 15 June and are being conducted

on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 6:30 – 7:30 am & 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 16

participants attended the classes regularly up to the end of June. Suryanamaskar, basic

asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the general classes.

Page 9: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- July 2009 4

WEEKLY ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Weekly academic programmes are being conducted at

ACYTER on every Saturday. Sri E Jayasettiaseelon,

SRF, ACYTER presented a talk on “Yogic Diet” on 20th

June and Dr Vivek Sharma, Assistant Professor,

Department of Physiology presented a talk on “Yoga -

It’s applications in Health

and Disease” on 27th

June.

Residents and faculty

members of Physiology were invited participants in the

academic programmes that ended with a healthy group

discussion. Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, and Sri G

Dayanidy, also gave an informative lecture cum demonstration

on “Important Asanas for Health” on 27th

June following the

talk by Dr Vivek Sharma.

SENIOR CITIZEN’S CLINIC

Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted on every Tuesday from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

at ACYTER Yoga Hall and was attended by 41 patients up to end of June. Members of the

Pondicherry Senior Citizens Welfare association

headed by Sri SV Iyer participated enthusiastically in

the programme. Mrs. Meena Ramanathan assisted in

this programme as she has been associated with the

senior citizens’ yoga programme at the Pondicherry

University Community College. Basic yoga practices

were taught to participants after consultation with the

therapists.

REORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR DOCTORS

Dr Vivek Sharma, assistant professor, Department of physiology attended the reorientation

programme for doctors conducted by MDNIY at New Delhi in May 2009. He gave

positive feedback on the content and conduct of the programme and presented a talk on his

experiences at ACYTER. It is to be noted that he is the first member of JIPMER faculty to

participate in such a programme at MDNIY.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

1. Yoga awareness programme for medical professionals at JIPMER

2. CME on ‘Therapeutic potential of yoga” for medical professionals in association

with IMA, Puducherry chapter.

3. Monthly yoga camps for diabetes and hypertension in urban and rural Puducherry.

4. Weekly academic programmes at ACYTER

From To

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy,

Education and research (ACYTER)

Department of Physiology,

JIPMER,

Puducherry – 605 006

Page 10: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- October 2009 1

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER- October 2009

YOGA AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CONSULTATION AT

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE

A team from ACYTER under direction of Dr Madanmohan, Programme

Director ACYTER conducted yoga and healthy lifestyle consultations for

delegates attending the Regional Official Language Conference for South

and South Western Zone, at JIPMER on 9 October 2009.

95 delegates benefited from consultations offered from 11am to 5pm by

Programme Director Dr Madanmohan, Programme Co-ordinator Dr

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and SRF Dr Zeena Sanjay and Shri S

Jayasettiaseelon from ACYTER along with Dr Rajajeyakumar and Shri T

Ramkumar from the Physiology department, JIPMER.

Simultaneous yoga

practice sessions were

conducted by Shri G

Dayanidy, YOGA

Instructor, ACYTER. It

was found that of the 95

delegates (30-60 yr) who

attended the consultation,

32 had hypertension (of

this only nine were on

medical treatment!), 12

had diabetes while 8 gave history of syncope, insomnia, arthritis, allergic

rhinitis, dislipidemia, and anxiety. 43 didn’t have any serious health

conditions and were given general counseling and lifestyle advice to

maintain their health.

All delegates were given advice on healthy lifestyle practices, diet

counseling and specific yoga practices as per their individual condition.

They were also given

references to yoga centers

in their respective

hometowns to continue the

practices at home.

Organizers and delegates

expressed their gratitude to

ACYTER for conducting

such a consultation

enabling them to gain an

insight into healthy

lifestyle and yoga.

Patrons:

Dr.KSVK Subba Rao

Director, JIPMER

Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi

Dr. Ashok Kumar Das

Med. Superintendent, JIPMER.

Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Dr. KS Reddy

Dean, JIPMER

Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Director- Professor & Head,

Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER &

Programme Director, ACYTER

Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal

Prof. of Physiology, JIPMER

Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator,

ACYTER, JIPMER

Correspondence to:

The Editor,

Bulletin of ACYTER,

JIPMER,

Puducherry- 605 006.

India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education &

Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry,

India-605 006

Page 11: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- October 2009 2

ROLE OF YOGA IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Dr. Madanmohan

Director- Professor & Head, Department of Physiology & Programme

Director, ACYTER

All over the world, cardiovascular disease imposes a significant morbidity and mortality. Inspite of greatly improved diagnostic and

curative cardiology, millions die of heart disease every year. It is a

matter of concern that relatively young Indian professionals who are at

the peak of their career and productivity become victims of angina. The

most important cause is stress and strain of “modern” life characterized

by competition, great speed and greater greed.

Good health and freedom from disease is the greatest achievement, a

blessing indeed and both modern medicine as well as yoga aim at it.

Both systems have sound scientific basis and universal outlook. They are complementary and bound

to come together. It is gratifying that yoga has started using modern technology and scientific

methods while science has started studying the effects of yogic techniques. The ancient marvel of

yoga is the priceless gift of India to the world. Yoga is beneficial in health as well as disease as it is

holistic and has promotive, preventive as well as curative potential. Our body, mind and spirit are

intricately interrelated and constantly influence one another. The holistic science of yoga has been

designed to have subtle effect on our whole being- body, mind as well as spirit. The all-pervasive

stress and stress-induced disorders like hypertension and angina are fast growing epidemics and

bane of "modern" society. The holistic science of yoga is the best method for prevention as well as

management of stress and stress-induced disorders. The psycho-physiological responses to yoga are

opposite to the stress response. Shavasan, yoganidra, meditation and slow, rhythmic pranayam

breathing are very effective in calming the mind and promoting psychosomatic health. Cardiac

patients are sensitive and reactive. Yoga relaxation techniques calm the mind and make one

emotionally balanced. Consequently, minor disturbances do not cause emotional upsets and

cardiovascular problems.

Hypertension is prevalent throughout the world and many patients are on life-long medication as a

way of life. Drugs are expensive and have many adverse side effects. Hence, non-drug management

like yoga should be the first choice. If diagnosed early, majority of cases of essential hypertension

can be managed effectively by yoga alone. In more advanced cases, yoga can decrease drug dosage

and improve the overall quality of life. Besides being inexpensive, safe and effective, yoga improves overall health and can be combined with allopathic medication. For best results, yogic lifestyle

should be adopted early in life as it has been demonstrated that atherosclerotic plaques in coronary

arteries form early in life. Moreover, in a recent study, we have demonstrated that the levels of total

and LDL cholesterol are higher in prehypertensive as compared to normotensive subjects. Hence,

yogic relaxation and yogic diet should be adopted early in life to prevent progression of the

condition and development of hypertension. The effectiveness of yoga in the management of

hypertension has been demonstrated from our laboratories and also by earlier workers. Hence, it is recommended that yogic relaxation techniques should be adopted as the first line of treatment for

pre-hypertension, borderline hypertension and mild hypertension. In an interesting study, we have

recently demonstrated that yoga relaxation training is beneficial in patients with benign ventricular

ectopics.

Therapeutic effect of yoga may be due to i) management of stress ii) improvement of cardio-

respiratory function and overall fitness and iii) modulation of autonomic function. Stress is an

important causative factor in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and angina. In an interesting work from our laboratories, we have demonstrated that subjects trained in yoga can achieve a state

of deep psychosomatic relaxation associated with highly significant decrease in oxygen

consumption within five minutes of practising savitri pranayam (a slow, rhythmic and deep

breathing) and shavasan. These findings are consistent with the report that yoga training not only

produces a significant decrease in basal anxiety level, but also attenuates the change in anxiety score

in stressful situations such as examination. It has also been reported that yoga training helps in

development of resistance against stress.

Page 12: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- October 2009 3

Practice of asans and pranayams results in overall improvement in physical fitness and cardio-

respiratory functions. In a study conducted on medical students, we have demonstrated that yoga

training of 12 weeks duration produces a significant increase in respiratory pressures, breath holding

time and handgrip strength. This indicates an improved physical strength and cardio-respiratory

function. We have also reported that after yoga training, exercise-induced stress to cardiovascular system is less severe. Yoga training promotes emotional and physiological balance. In an interesting

study, it was found that a brief (15 min) yoga based relaxation training normalizes the function of

autonomic nervous system by deviating both sympathetic and parasympathetic indices towards more

“normal” middle region of the reference values. These studies show that yoga has a great potential

to improve our physiological functions, psychosomatic health and overall performance.

PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR NEW YOGA RESEARCH PROJECTS

Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director ACYTER, has submitted two research proposals to the

JIPMER Research Council. The first proposal entitled, “Effect of yoga therapy on patients of type

II diabetes mellitus with neuropathy” plans to investigate the physiological, bio-chemical,

psychological and clinical effects of 6 months yoga therapy in patients of diabetes mellitus with

neuropathy. The second proposal entitled “Effect of yoga therapy on autonomic function and

biochemical profile of patients of essential hypertension” plans to investigate the autonomic and

biochemical effects of 6 months yoga therapy in patients of essential hypertension.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPER SPECIALTY BLOCK

Yoga therapy OPD is functioning in Super Specialty Block of JIPMER. From July to September

1080 patients (251 new and 829 old cases) of various conditions attended consultation in the OPD

with Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay. Patients who attended consultation were prescribed individualized and generalized yoga therapy for diabetes mellitus (169), hypertension

(94), musculoskeletal disorders (47), respiratory disorders (27), stress and psychological disorders

(27), endocrine disorders (26), coronary artery disease (18), urology (9), gynecological disorders (9),

neurology (9), ENT disorders (7) and other complaints (10). Patients have reported benefits and

expressed thanks to ACYTER, JIPMER and MDNIY for this facility.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

Yoga therapy sessions continue to be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00

am – 11:00 am for patients of diabetes, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, G Dayanidy

and L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions

of the therapists given in the OPD. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and

are attending regularly. 463 patients of diabetes, 295 of hypertension and 328 of other conditions

attended the sessions between July-September.

YOGA CLASSES FOR NORMAL SUBJECTS

Yoga classes for normal subjects are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

between 6:30 – 7:30 am & 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 61 participants attended the classes regularly in July-

September. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in

the general classes. The Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted on every Thursday from 11:00

am to 12:30 pm and was attended by 117 patients from July to September.

YOGA AWARENESS AT PUDUCHERRY GOVT DENTAL COLLEGE

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator ACYTER was invited to give a talk on

“Yoga for Positive Health” at the first clinical society meeting held at the Mahatma Gandhi Post

Graduate Institute for Dental Sciences, Puducherry on 12 August. The talk was attended by the

Director, Dean, senior professors and about 100 UG and PG students of the college. G Dayanidy,

yoga instructor ACYTER gave an excellent demonstration on the occasion. The Director Dr Shyam Singh expressed his willingness to have a yoga orientation programme for the staff and students of

the institute and ACYTER plans to conduct such a programme in the near future.

Page 13: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- October 2009 4

YOGA AWARENESS AT JIPMER NURSING COLLEGE

Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director ACYTER and Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme

Co-ordinator ACYTER presented a series of talks at the JIPMER Nursing College for participants of

the Nursing Workshop on AIDS/HIV conducted in August and September. More than 150

participants were sensitized to the benefits of Yoga and other alternative and complementary

therapies though the talks. Shri G Dayanidy, yoga instructor ACYTER gave excellent demonstration during the talks.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITES

Academic programmes by staff of ACYTER as well as

invited faculty are being conducted at ACYTER Hall

every Saturday from 11am to 1pm. Many staff and

students of JIPMER as well as yoga enthusiasts from

Puducherry have been attending the talks. The

following talks were given in the period July to

September.

1. Naturopathy & its applications by Dr. Zeena Sanjay

2. Yoga for diabetes by Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi

3. Yoga for hypertension by Shri G Dayanidy

4. Music therapy by music researchers from Belgium

5. Introduction to siddha medicine by Dr. Rajalakshmi

6. Benefits of herbal medicines by Shri Paramakethu

7. Pranayama and its therapeutic benefits by Shri S.

Jayasettiaseelon

8. Yoga for positive health by Dr Zeena Sanjay

9. Yoga for special children by Mrs. Meena

Ramanathan

10. Methods of yogic diagnosis by Dr Ananda Balayogi

11. Yoga for sleeping disorders by Shri G Dayanidy

12. Shatkriyas by Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi

A delegation of yoga teachers from Australia and New

Zealand visited ACYTER on 9 September and

expressed their admiration for the programme and its

activities. They were especially appreciative that Indian Government was bringing yoga into the mainstream

health care system through advanced centers at

JIPMER, NIMHANS, DIPAS and Gujarat Ayurveda

University.

Dr GS Gaur, Professor of Physiology, JIPMER attended

the reorientation programme for doctors conducted by

MDNIY, New Delhi from 6 to 12 September. Dr

Madanmohan, Programme Director ACYTER was the

Chief Guest at the valedictory function.

From To

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy,

Education and research (ACYTER)

Department of Physiology,

JIPMER,

Puducherry – 605 006

Page 14: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- January 2010 1

WORKSHOP ON CHAKRA HEALING

ACYTER organized a workshop on Chakra Meditation for Healing on

1st January 2010 by Sri Bala Ratnam, founder of Vibrational Breath

Therapy from Melbourne, Australia. The workshop conducted at

Bernard Theatre, JIPMER was chaired by Dr. Madanmohan,

Programme Director ACYTER. More than fifty members of the staff,

students, residents and invited guests from Pondicherry and Chennai

participated actively. Sri Bala explained in detail the stages of

consciousness and the pancha kosha and guided the participants

through the self healing techniques visualizing the chakras with the

chanting of akara, ukara, makara and omkara nada. He conveyed many

of his personal experiences through his intensive yoga sadhana and also

in dealing with patients of various ailments. Sri Bala is a dedicated

disciple of Swami Gitananda Giri and has codified the Vibrational

Breath Therapy based on Rishiculture teachings of his Guru. Sri Bala at

87 years of age is a living example of the beneficial effects of yoga and

is a role model for all sincere yoga sadhakas.

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EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER- January 2010

Contents Page

No.

Workshop on “Chakra Healing” by Sri Bala Ratnam 1

Notes on Chakra Meditation for Healing 2

17th

International Yoga Festival at Puducherry

Report on Yoga Therapy OPD and Therapy Sessions 3

Yoga Awareness at JIPMER Nursing College

Regular Activities of ACYTER 4

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education &

Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry,

India-605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER

Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi

Dr. Ashok Kumar Das

Med. Superintendent, JIPMER.

Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER

Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head,

Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER &

Programme Director, ACYTER

Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal

Prof. of Physiology, JIPMER

Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator,

ACYTER, JIPMER

Correspondence to:

The Editor,

Bulletin of ACYTER,

JIPMER,

Puducherry- 605 006

India

E-mail: [email protected]

Page 15: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- January 2010 2

CHAKRA MEDITATION FOR HEALING Yoga Bishmacharya Sri Bala Ratnam

Founder, Vibrational Breath Therapy, Melbourne, Australia. www.vbt.com.au

Cosmic/Divine Consciousness and Cosmic Energy /

Prana are the basis of all causation and creation. We are

in essence self consciousness, a part and parcel of

Divine / Cosmic Consciousness, which the Christians

call Christ Consciousness, Buddhists call Buddha

Consciousness, Hindus call Krishna Consciousness,

and Moslems call Allah Consciousness.

In our worldly existence we live in three states of

consciousness – wakeful, dream, and deep sleep

associated with the three planes of existence: physical,

astral and causal, all manifestations of cosmic energy or

prana. These three planes of existence are in fact the

physical, astral, and causal energy bodies, created and sustained by the cosmic vibratory energy of

Pranava AUM. To regenerate, rejuvenate and rehabilitate, the physical, astral and causal energy

bodies have to be energized, magnetized and integrated; and their wakeful, dream and deep sleep

states of consciousness transcended. To do so, the student/patient has to be assisted to rise above

both body and conscious mind, negate ego-consciousness and move into turiya, the fourth state, a

state beyond conceptualization. This state of causal silence is the abode of peace, happiness, tranquility, creativity, intuition, health, knowledge and

freedom – the source of everything, where renewal,

repair and healing take place.

These energy bodies need daily sustenance by the

cosmic vibratory energy of AUM to experience a state

of well being. Breathing over 70% of the lung capacity

in mahat yoga pranayama (the complete yogic breath) absorbs prana from the cosmos, which energizes and

magnetizes these energy bodies, while the chanting of

AUM provides the vibratory resonant frequency

component needed to create a state of well being.

The flow of prana is inhibited by traumas and tensions of this and previous births stored at the

manipura, vishuddha and ajna chakras (navel, throat and brow centres) associated with the

physical, astral and causal planes of existence respectively. These are neutralized by the divinely

inspired Chakra Meditation practice, which activates these centres and enhances their psychic

qualities to transform the personality and character of the student / patient to combat the illness /

disharmony in the body-mind complex. Practising these techniques initiates a process of healing at

the physical, astral and causal planes of existence.

Then, the psychic passage (shushumna nadi) is cleansed to allow a free flow of prana through it.

Using the chant AUM, all the three planes of existence are integrated to create a state of well

being. The awareness is then taken to the seat of

the problem. This could be in the physical body or in the mind. If there is a particular physical

condition, by using highly focused

concentration, the cosmic vibratory energy of

AUM is allowed to vibrate and resonate at the

seat of the problem to initiate the process of

healing. The session concludes with a meditation

at anahata chakra, the heart centre, the seat of the soul with a focused personal affirmation

(sankalpa).

Page 16: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- January 2010 3

17th

INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL AT PUDUCHERRY

The 17th International Yoga Festival was conducted at Puducherry by the Department of Tourism

from 4-7 January 2010. More than a thousand participants took part in the festival. ACYTER staff

actively participated in the festival and provided free consultation on yoga and healthy lifestyle for

the participants and the general public. Dr. Madanmohan, Programme Director chaired the session

on “Role of Yoga in Health Care – Hypertension” and described important yoga practices for

patients of hypertension. Shri G Dayanidy, Yoga Instructor, ACYTER won first place in the 20-25

male category yogasana competition and participated in the champion of champions final event. Dr

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator ACYTER coordinated theoretical aspects in the competition and moderated the workshops on different traditions. He chaired a session on

yoga for respiratory disorders and gave a presentation on the Gitananda tradition.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPER SPECIALTY BLOCK

ACYTER’s Yoga therapy OPD is functioning on a regular basis in Super Specialty Block. During

October to December, 1173 patients (new 420 and old 753 cases) of various conditions attended

consultation in the OPD with Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay. Patients who

attended consultation were prescribed individualized and generalized yoga therapy for diabetes

mellitus, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, stress and psychological

disorders, endocrine disorders, coronary artery disease, GIT, neurology, and other complaints.

Patients have reported benefits and expressed their thanks to ACYTER, JIPMER and MDNIY for

this facility.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

Yoga therapy sessions are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10– 11 am

for patients of diabetes, 11 am – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 pm for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L

Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the

therapists given in the OPD. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are

attending regularly. 389 patients of diabetes, 225 of hypertension and 405 of other conditions

attended the sessions between Oct-Dec 2009.

PILOT STUDIES AT ACYTER

Staff members of ACYTER have conducted short term pilot studies on different applications of

yoga in the past quarter. The studies that have been conducted are:

1. Acute effects of yoga nidra on normal subjects – Shri E Jayasettiaseelon, SRF

2. Acute effects of chandranadi pranayama in hypertension - Dr. Zeena Sanjay, SRF

3. Acute effects of shavasana and pranava pranayama in hypertension - Selvi L

Vithiyalakshmi, Yoga instructor

4. Immediate effect of yoga practices on blood pressure– Shri G Dayanidy, Yoga instructor

Page 17: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER- January 2010 4

YOGA AWARENESS AT JIPMER NURSING COLLEGE

Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator, Shri E Jayasettiaseelon, SRF & Dr Zeena Sanjay, SRF presented seven talks at the JIPMER

Nursing College for participants of the Nursing Workshops on AIDS/HIV conducted in Oct-Dec

2009. More than 150 participants were sensitized to the benefits of Yoga and other alternative and

complementary therapies though the talks as well as demonstrations by Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi

L Vithiyalakshmi, yoga instructors.

REGULAR ACTIVITES OF ACYTER

Academic programmes by staff of ACYTER as well as invited faculty are conducted at ACYTER

Hall every Saturday. Staff and students of JIPMER as well as Yoga enthusiasts from Puducherry

have been attending the talks. Group discussions on various topics pertaining to yoga therapy and

yoga research were also conducted with active participation of the residents of the department of

physiology.

A delegation of yoga teachers and students

from Berlin, Germany under the leadership of Yogacharya Ananda Leone visited

ACYTER in November and expressed

admiration for the programme and its

activities. They were especially appreciative

that the Indian Government has brought

Yoga into the mainstream health care system

though advanced centers in JIPMER,

NIMHANS, DIPAS and Gujarat Ayurveda

University.

Regular yoga classes are being conducted on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both

mornings and evenings. 45 participants

attended the classes in the last quarter.

Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the general classes. Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted every Thursday and 40 participants attended

classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, coordinator yoga courses, PUCC.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

ACYTER is organizing a National Workshop-Cum-Seminar on “Role of Yoga in Prevention and

Management of Hypertension” in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga,

(MDNIY) New Delhi on March 18-19, 2010 at JIPMER. 300 medical and paramedical

professionals as well as yoga therapists are expected to participate in the deliberations on

the role of yoga in the prevention and management of hypertension. Lectures, panel

discussions and practical sessions will be conducted by eminent medical and yoga experts.

Page 18: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER, April 2010 1

NATIONAL WORKSHOP-CUM-SEMINAR ON ROLE OF YOGA IN PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION

A National Workshop-cum- Seminar on “Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management of Hypertension” was held at JIPMER on March 18-19, 2010. The workshop was organized by the Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER) and Department of Physiology, JIPMER in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) an Autonomous organisation under Dept of AYUSH, Ministry of Health, Govt of India, New Delhi.

The Workshop-cum- Seminar was inaugurated by Dr KSVK Subba Rao, Director JIPMER in the presence of Dr AK Das, Medical Superientendent, JIPMER. Senior faculty members from various departments of JIPMER as well as eminent yoga and medical experts from all over the country participated in the inaugural function.

The academic proceedings were conducted at the Bernard Theatre while the practice sessions were held at the JIPMER Community Hall. 133 medical and paramedical professionals and Yoga therapists from all over the country participated in the deliberations along with 40 faculty, residents and staff members of the department of physiology and ACYTER.

Lectures, lecture-demonstrations, panel discussions and practice sessions were conducted by 27 eminent medical and yoga experts from all over the country representing JIPMER; DIPAS, New Delhi; Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai; Iyengar Yogashraya, Mumbai; Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla; Viniyoga Healing Foundation of India, Chennai and the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER), Pondicherry.

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2010

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry, India 605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi Dr. Ashok Kumar Das Med. Superintendent, JIPMER. Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal Addl. Prof. of Physiology, JIPMER Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER Correspondence to:

The Editor, Bulletin of ACYTER, JIPMER, Puducherry- 605 006, India E-mail: [email protected]

Page 19: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER, April 2010 2

The key note talk on “Lifestyle modifications in diabetes mellitus” was given by Dr. AK Das, Medical Superintendent, JIPMER while the keynote by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, ICYER dealt with the importance of developing a yogic attitude in preventing and managing hypertension.

The following invited talks were given by eminent faculty during the workshop:

1. Stress and the relaxation response. Lt. Col. Dr. G Himashree, DIPAS, New Delhi

2. Pathophysiology of hypertension: a yogic perspective. Dr. Madanmohan, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, and Programme Director ACYTER, JIPMER.

3. Yogic management of hypertension. Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Coordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER and Chairman, ICYER, Pondicherry.

4. Meditation and its therapeutic potential. Dr. MR Kotwal, Medical Consultant, Govt. of Sikkim.

5. Psychological assessment in hypertension: yogic perspectives. Dr. Latha Satish, Psychologist and Managing Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai

6. Hypertension-Management and monitoring for complications: A physician’s perspective. Dr. Aparna Agrawal, Professor of Medicine, JIPMER

A excelent lecture-demonstration of yogasanas for hypertension was conducted by Dr. Rajvi Mehta, Editor Yoga Rahasya from the Iyengar Yogashraya, Mumbai. Dr. RS Bhogal, Principal GS College of Yoga and Cultural synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla gave an enlightening and invigorating lecture-cum-practical session on Holistic Meditation.

Forenoon and afternoon practice sessions were conducted for the participants on both days at the JIPMER Community Hall. The Pranayama sessions were conducted by Dr. Madanmohan who was assisted by Shri R Murugesan, Dr Nalini Devi, Dr. Zeena Sanjay, Shri E Jayasettiaseelon and Smt. Lalitha Shanmugam. The Asana sessions were conducted by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani who was assited by Smt. Devasena Bhavanani, Smt. Meena Ramanathan and Shri G Dayanidy.

On the first day a panel discussion on the “Role of Yoga in prevention of hypertension” was chaired by Dr. AK Das in his inimitable manner while Dr GK Pal was the moderator. The panellists were Dr. RS Bhogal, Dr. G Himashree, Dr. N Chandrasekaran, Dr Nalini Devi and Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani.

On the second day a panel discussion was held on the “Role of yoga in management of hypertension”. The discussion was chaired in an amiable manner by Dr. TK Datta and moderated by Dr. Vivek Sharma. The panelists were Dr. G Himashree, Dr. Geetha Shankar, Dr. Nalini Devi and Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani.

Page 20: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER, April 2010 3

The delegates were treated to a spectacular cultural programme on the evening of the first day with a fusion of Yoga, Bharatanatyam and Music that was presented by Yoganjali Natyalayam, premier institute of Pondicherry. The cultural programme was directed by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, Director of the institute.

The workshop ended with the valedictory function that witrnessed excellent feedback and appreciation from all faculty and participants. The efforts of Dr Madanmoahn, the organising chariman were appreciated deeply and all complimented MDNIY and JIPMER for their efforts towards integrating Yoga and modern medicine. The workshop declaration was adopted un-ianimously and the programme concuded with a vote of thanks by Dr G K Pal, the Organising Secreatary of the workshop.

DECLARATION OF THE WORKSHOP

National Workshop-cum-Seminar on “Role of Yoga in Prevention & Management of Hypertension”, attended by 133 delegates, medical professionals, yoga experts and discernible persons from the local town of Pondicherry has been a grand success. The medical, psychological and metaphysical perspectives of prevention and management of hypertension were deliberated at length and futuristic ideas and plans have been put forth. We, the organizers, delegates and all the participants urge the State Government, Central Government, Medical Council of India & Department of AYUSH to evolve a concrete policy for promotion of yoga as an adjunct to modern medicine so that a mass movement for yoga awareness with a sound scientific footing can be initiated.

We jointly propose the following:

1. There is an alarming rise in the incidence of hypertension, even among the younger age groups. There is an urgent need to evolve a strategy to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of the disease. Also, the comorbidity of hypertension namely obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and dyslipidemia need to be contained. All this can be achieved by including the holistic science of yoga practice as an adjunct to conventional treatment modalities. Yoga practice should be included in the school curriculum for reducing the incidence of childhood obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

2. For effective implementation of the above action plan, and to make yoga therapy readily available to the public, there is a need to have sufficient number of qualified yoga therapists and instructors. This capacity building should be done by designated institutes.

3. There is a need for designing specific yoga modules for prevention and management of hypertension and other lifestyle disorders.

Page 21: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER, April 2010 4

SEMINAR-CUM-WORKSHOP ON YOGA & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR AIDS/HIV

ACYTER organized a seminar-cum-workshop on “Yoga and Complementary Therapies for AIDS/HIV” on 30 January 2010. More than 100 delegates participated in the sessions held from 9 am to 5 pm at the JIPMER Nursing College.

The seminar-cum-workshop aimed to introduce medical and paramedical professionals and yoga therapists to the potentialities of yoga and other complementary and alternative therapies in

the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS.

Dr KSVK Subba Rao, Director JIPMER inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Dr Subbarayalu Naidu, Project Director, Pondicherry AIDS Control Society. Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, Director ICYER and Dr N Ardhanari, Eminent Social Activist offered felicitations.

The workshop was conducted by 12 resource persons from various medical and Yoga organisations of Pondicherry under the direction of Dr Madanmohan, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology and Programme Director ACYTER.

Dr Subbarayalu Naidu gave a talk on “HIV infection & AIDS” and Dr Madanmohan spoke on “Role of Yoga in HIV/AIDS”.

Practical sessions were conducted by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Shri E Jayasettiaseelon assisted by Smt. Meena Ramanathan, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi.

A panel discussion on “Yoga and CAM therapies for AIDS” was chaired by Dr Madanmohan and moderated by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Panelists included Dr Prakash Rao (homeopathy), Yogacharini Dr Nalini Devi (modern medicine and Yoga), Dr Rajalakshmi (siddha), Smt. Meena Ramanathan (yoga) and Dr Zeena Sanjay (naturopathy).

ROLE OF YOGA AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR AIDS/HIV: AN OVERVIEW

No other word engenders as much fear, revulsion, despair and helplessness as AIDS. It is in fact rewriting medical history as humankind`s deadliest scourge. With 40 million deaths forecast in this millennium, statistics tell their own sordid tale. The first cases of AIDS were reported in the United States in 1981 and within two decades, about 50 million have been infected globally with 22 million deaths. Worryingly, many people think there is a 'cure' for AIDS, which makes them feel safer and perhaps take risks that they otherwise

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Bulletin of ACYTER, April 2010 5

wouldn’t. However, there is still no cure for AIDS. The only way to stay safe is to be aware of how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent HIV infection. Antiretroviral treatment can prolong the time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS. Modern combination therapy is highly effective and someone with HIV who is taking treatment could live for the rest of their life without developing AIDS.

Alternative medicine has been variously called natural, complementary, `holistic` and by other terms, which refer to elements of a particular modality or tradition. The traditional ethno-medicinal systems are by nature holistic, meaning that they aim to treat the whole individual, rather than a specific disease / symptom. Each individual possesses an innate healing capacity (the "immune system" in the broadest sense), and the goal is to reinforce this capacity and restore strength and balance to the weakened systems using a variety of natural modalities like body work, detoxification, foods, herbs and other botanicals, tailored to the individual`s specific constitution and condition.

The use of alternative therapies for AIDS grew out of this same eclectic mix. The key to effective treatment is early detection and intervention. Treatment aims to strengthen the immune system, help patients reduce stress and maintain good nutritional practices and appropriate exercise regimens.

Alternative therapies place significant emphasis on these lifestyle issues. Taking an active role is an important adjunct to treatment. Consideration of alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine may offer additional opportunities for persons living with HIV/AIDS to be proactively involved in their treatment.

The emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology examines the interaction between physiological functioning and memory, behaviour and thoughts. Psychoneuroimmunology stresses the connection between mind and body. Therefore, working on the body will affect the mind as well. By obtaining insight into one's hardiness level, community, and belief or value system, the possibility for experiencing better health is offered.

New research reveals that stress enables HIV to spread more quickly in infected persons and prevents antiretroviral drugs from restoring immune system function. The higher a person’s stress levels, the less they responded to the antiretroviral drugs.

Yoga is quickly gaining ground as an important complementary therapy in the treatment of HIV and AIDS

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Bulletin of ACYTER, April 2010 6

because of its adaptability and its physiological and psychological benefits. Meditation can calm the mind and promote healing. The patients gain a sense of well-being and control over their bodies that carries over into their daily lives. Yoga postures promote strength, flexibility, endurance and improve circulation. Recent studies in the USA have shown that mindfulness meditation, defined as practicing an open and receptive awareness of the present moment, avoiding thinking of the past or worrying about the future can have a direct impact on slowing HIV disease progression by modulating the cell mediated immunity.

NATIONAL YOGA WEEK 2010 AT MDNIY, NEW DELHI

Dr Madanmohan, Programme director and Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, programme co-ordinator were invited speakers for the National Yoga Week 2010 organized by MDNIY at New Delhi from February 12 to 18. Dr Madanmohan gave an invited talk and chaired a session on “Yoga for Cardiovascular Health” and Dr Ananda conducted a workshop on “Yoga for Technostress” in collaboration with staff of MDNIY. Shri E Jayasettiaseelon, Shri G Dayanidy and Shri B Gopal, PAO, JIPMER participated in the conference, seminar and workshop organized during the week long programme.

During the Yoga Week, all advanced centers had put up poster presentations on their activities. ACYTER put up a poster presentation highlighting activities that have been organized and conducted at JIPMER in the past year as well as the research contributions through various studies done in the past three decades by Dr Madanmohan, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology and Programme Director, ACYTER.

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TALK ON MOTHER-CHILD HEALTH

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, programme co-ordinator presented an invited talk on “Yoga: A boon for Maternal and Child Health” at Mother Teresa Institute of Health Science as part of the State Level Campaign for mother and child health organized by the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy, Government of Pondicherry on 23 February 2010. All the participants and eminent experts of modern medicine and alternative medicine who were present on the occasion appreciated the presentation that highlighted the importance of yoga in both antenatal and postnatal care.

YOGA CLASSES FOR NURSING STUDENTS

A lecture on yoga, meditation and spiritual healing was conducted for final year students of BSc Nursing on 1 February while lectures and yoga practice sessions highlighting benefits of yoga for antenatal and postnatal health were conducted on 23 and 24 February at the JIPMER Nursing College. The classes were conducted by Selvi Vithiyalakshmi, yoga instructor while Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, programme co-ordinator gave a theory session highlighting important yoga practices for both antenatal and postnatal care. Shri E Jayasettiaseelon, SRF gave a theory session on yoga, meditation and spiritual healing. More than 50 nursing students enthusiastically participated in the classes and expressed the physical and mental benefits they felt after the yoga practice sessions. The authorities of the nursing college have been giving excellent support for all activities related to yoga and staff members of ACYTER have been conducting lectures and awareness programmes for the nursing staff from all over Tamil Nadu who are attending the Nursing Workshops on AIDS/HIV.

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YOGA FOR DOCTORS AT KAIVALYADHAMA AND WARDHA

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, programme co-ordinator presented invited talks on “Bridging yoga and modern medicine” and “Yoga research-where are we?” during the Seminar on Yoga for Doctors organized and conducted at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla, Maharashtra on 26 and 27 February 2010. Dr Ananda was also invited to conduct an intensive workshop on Yoga for Doctors on 30 March, 2010 at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra. More than 60 participants from the constituent medical, dental, Ayurveda, physiotherapy and nursing colleges enthusiastically participated in the workshop. The workshop was part of the one month long (48 hr) yoga training for medical professionals organized by the Department of Physiology, JNMC in collaboration with MDNIY, New Delhi.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPER SPECIALTY BLOCK

ACYTER’s Yoga therapy OPD is functioning on a regular basis in Super Specialty Block. During January to March, 1011 patients (new 189 and old 822 cases) of various conditions attended consultation in the OPD with Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay. Patients who attended consultation were prescribed individualized and generalized yoga therapy for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, stress and psychological disorders, endocrine disorders, coronary artery disease, GIT, neurology, and other complaints. Patients have reported benefits and expressed their thanks to ACYTER, JIPMER and MDNIY for this facility.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

Yoga therapy sessions are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10– 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 Am – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the therapists given in the OPD. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are attending regularly. 271 patients of diabetes, 135 of hypertension and 362 of other conditions attended the sessions between January and March 2010.

REGULAR ACTIVITES OF ACYTER

Regular yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both mornings and evenings. 171 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the general classes. Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted every Thursday and 90 participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, coordinator yoga courses, PUCC.

From To Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and research (ACYTER) Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry – 605 006

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 1

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER- July 2010

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry, India 605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi Dr. Ashok Kumar Das Med. Superintendent, JIPMER. Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal Addl. Prof. of Physiology, JIPMER Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER Correspondence to:

The Editor, Bulletin of ACYTER, JIPMER, Puducherry- 605 006, India E-mail: [email protected]

REPORT ON FOUNDATION COURSE IN YOGA The 48 hour “Foundation course in yoga for medical professionals”

was conducted from 2 June to 17 July 2010. 15 medical and

paramedical professionals from JIPMER and the Government

Dental College registered for the course that was conducted at the

ACYTER yoga hall. Lectures were conducted in the evening

sessions by Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director, Dr Ananda

Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator, Shri

Jayasettiaseelon, SRF and Dr Zeena Sanjay, SRF. A guest lecture

was given by Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, Co-ordinator Yoga

Courses, PUCC. Practice sessions were conducted in the mornings

and evenings by Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi Vithiyalakshmi, Yoga

Instructors ACYTER. Different topics were allotted to the

participants for self study and they presented seminars on yoga

therapy during the course. Valedictory function was held on 17 July

2010 and certificates issued to the participants based on attendance,

assignments and seminar presentation. Those who had not

completed the 48 hours were given the option of completing

remaining hours in regular sessions for certification.

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 2

PHOTO REPORT ON FOUNDATION COURSE IN YOGA

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 3

MONITORING COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting of the monitoring committee of ACYTER was held in the office of the director, JIPMER on 22 July 2010 at 5 PM. The meeting was chaired by Dr. KSVK Subba Rao, Director, JIPMER and attended by :

• Dr. AK Das, Medical Superintendent, JIPMER – Member

• Dr. J Balachander, Professor & Head, Department of Cardiology, JIPMER- Member

• Dr. Satish RR Gaikwad, Research Officer (Scientific) & Incharge of Scientific Research Wing, MDNIY – Member

• Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator ACYTER, JIPMER – Member

• Dr. Madanmohan - Professor & Head, Department of Physiology & Programme Director ACYTER - Member-Secretary

The meeting started with an introduction by the member secretary. The chairman suggested that minutes of the previous monitoring committee meetings be circulated to all members. The annual report of work done was discussed and it was suggested that a chronological pattern be followed and a new report be circulated to all members. It was decided to hold the national workshop on yoga and diabetes mellitus in February 2011 taking into consideration numerous conferences being held in March. The date is to be finalized in consultation and entered in the register maintained for the purpose by the Dean’s office. Audited accounts for the years 2008-09 and 2009-10 were discussed and approved. It was suggested by the chairman to have a single sheet statement of accounts maintained from the inception of ACYTER. Proposed budget for the year 2010-11 was discussed and approved. Research activities at ACYTER were discussed.

The member secretary explained the present situation with regards to the two major proposals and the 7 pilot studies that have been completed till date. Dr Satish Gaikward, Scientific officer, MDNIY, put forth the view of the director MDNIY regarding importance of research activities at ACYTER. He also gave an overview of the activities at the other Advanced Centres in NIMHANS, DIPAS and Gujarat Ayurved University.

Lack of adequate space for yoga practice sessions at ACYTER was discussed and the programme director was advised to write officially to get permission sanctioned for the use of Banting hall. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by the member secretary.

After the meeting, Dr Satish Gaikward, Research Officer (Scientific) & Incharge of Scientific Research Wing, MDNIY inspected the facilities and work done at ACYTER.

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 4

REPORT ON PILOT STUDIES AT ACYTER Various pilot studies have been done by ACYTER staff under the direction of Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director ACYTER. The following studies have been conducted by Shri Jayasettiaseelon SRF, Dr Zeena Sanjay SRF, Shri G Dayanidy, Yoga Instructor and Selvi Vithiyalakshmi Yoga Instructor and coordinated by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator.

1. IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF SUKHA PRANAYAMA ON HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most common health disorders and yoga has been shown to be an effective adjunct therapy in its management. Earlier two studies from our laboratories have demonstrated heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of slow, deep breathing after 3 weeks and 3 months of training. Beneficial effects of deep breathing in reducing premature ventricular complexes have also been reported by us. With this background, the present study was undertaken to determine the immediate effects of sukha pranayama on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients.

Methods: 23 hypertensive patients attending the Yoga OPD at JIPMER were instructed to perform sukha pranayama for five minutes at the rate of 6 breaths / minute. Sukha pranayama is a slow and deep pattern of breathing where inhalation and exhalation are of equal duration. HR and BP were recorded before and immediately after the intervention. Rate-pressure product (RPP) and double product (Do P) were derived by formulae.

Results: Sukha pranayama produced a significant (p<0.05) reduction in HR from 79.5 ± 3.09 to 78 ± 3.24 beats/min and a highly significant (p< 0.001) reduction in systolic pressure from 132.5 ± 5.45 to 123 ± 3.83 mmHg. Pulse pressure decreased from 61.5 ± 3.39 to 52.5 ± 2.21 mm Hg, mean arterial pressure from 91.5 ± 3.19 to 88 ± 2.35 mm Hg, RPP from 107.28 ± 8.43 to 97.37 ± 6.97 units and Do P from 73.88 ± 53.72 to 69.52 ± 46.94 units, all these changes being statistically significant (P<0.001).

Discussion and conclusion: It is concluded that sukha pranayama breathing at the rate of 6 breaths / minute can reduce HR and BP in hypertensive patients within five minutes of the practice. This may be due to normalization of autonomic cardiovascular rhythms as a result of increased vagal modulation and /or decreased sympathetic activity. Further studies are required to understand the possible mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect in hypertensive patients.

2. IMMEDIATE CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF KAYA KRIYA IN NORMAL HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Introduction: Kaya kriya is a dynamic hatha yoga relaxation practice. It may have psycho-somatic harmonizing potential as it combines movement of different parts of the body with deep breathing in the supine position. The present study was undertaken to determine immediate effects of kaya kriya on cardiovascular parameters in normal subjects.

Methods: 12 normal subjects were instructed to perform kaya kriya for 10 minutes. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured with non-invasive semi-automatic BP monitor before and immediately after the practice. Rate-pressure product (RPP) and double product (Do P) were derived by formulae.

Results: There was significant (p< 0.01) reduction in systolic pressure from 112.25±2.91 to 108.83±2.69 mmHg, diastolic pressure from 71.25 ± 1.72 to 68.17± 1.29 mmHg and

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 5

mean pressure from 84.92±1.93 to 81.72±1.57 mmHg and an appreciable fall in HR from 72.33 ± 3.62 to 69.67 ± 3.29 beats/min. RPP decreased from 81.29 ± 4.97 to 75.84 ± 4.17 units and Do P from 61.55 ± 3.80 to 56.95 ± 2.97 units (p=0.06).

Discussion and conclusion: It is concluded that 10 minutes of kaya kriya relaxation produces a significant reduction in BP. This may be due to a normalization of autonomic cardiovascular rhythms as a result of increased vagal modulation, and /or decreased sympathetic activity. Further studies with more subjects with control group and in different health conditions are required to understand the possible mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect.

3. IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF SHAVASANA AND SAVITRI PRANAYAMA ON HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Introduction: Yoga has been shown to be an effective adjunct therapy in the management of hypertension. Earlier studies from our laboratories have shown beneficial effects of savitri pranayama in normal subjects. Savitri pranayama involves slow and deep breathing in the ratio 2:1:2:1 and has been studied in combination with other practices in hypertensive patients. The present study was undertaken to determine immediate effects of savitri pranayama and shavasana on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients.

Methods: 6 hypertensive patients attending Yoga therapy sessions at ACYTER were recruited for this study. They were instructed to lie down in shavasana and perform savitri pranayam for 10 minutes. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded before and immediately after the intervention. Rate-pressure product (RPP) and double product (Do P) were derived by formulae.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction in mean pressure from 90.33 ± 1.77 to 85.11 ± 1.67 mmHg and Do P from 73.91 ±6.23 to 65.35 ± 5.69 units. There was a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in HR from 81.50 ± 5.84 to 76.50 ± 5.78 beats/min, systolic pressure from 125.67 ± 4.42 to 117 ± 3.89 mmHg and RPP from 102.24 ± 7.58 to 89.20 ± 6.46 units. Diastolic pressure decreased from 72.67 ± 2.74 to 69.17 ± 2.74 mmHg, the decrease being statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Discussion and conclusion: It is concluded that 10 minutes of shavasana with savitri pranayama reduces HR and BP implying normalization of the cardiovascular autonomic regulatory mechanisms with increased vagal modulation and / or decreased sympathetic activity. Reduction in RPP and Do P signifies reduction in oxygen consumption and work done by the heart. Further studies with more subjects and control groups are required to understand possible mechanisms underlying this immediate and beneficial effect in hypertensive patients.

4. IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF CHANDRA NADI PRANAYAMA ON HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Introduction: Yoga therapists routinely use chandra nadi pranayama to help reduce blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. This is attributed to its stress lowering effects that have been documented by previous studies. Though there are some studies on the long term effect of chandra nadi pranayama, there are no studies on its immediate effect on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients.

Methods: 26 hypertensive patients attending yoga OPD at JIPMER were recruited for the study. They were taught chandra nadi pranayama and instructed to perform the same for five minutes in sitting position. Heart rate (HR) and BP were recorded with non-invasive automatic BP apparatus before and immediately after the practice of chandra nadi

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 6

pranayama. Rate-pressure product (RPP) and double product (Do P) were derived by formulae.

Results: There was a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in HR from 75.5 ± 2.78 to 70 ± 2.72 beats/min, RPP from 106.15 ±4.53 to 96.06 ± 4.24 units and Do P from 76.36 ± 33.90 to 72.66 ± 33.36 units. A significant reduction (p < 0.01) occurred in systolic pressure (SP) from 140 ± 3.26 to 137 ± 3.12 mmHg and pulse pressure from 58.5 ± 2.78 to 50 ± 2.39 mmHg. There was a statistically insignificant rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 101 ± 1.97 to 103.67 ± 2.01 mmHg and diastolic pressure (DP) from 81.5 ± 1.76 to 87 ± 1.76 mm Hg

Discussion and conclusion: Chandra nadi pranayama produced a significant decrease in HR and SP signifying a normalization of cardiovascular reflex mechanisms within 5 minutes. It also produced a significant fall in RPP and Do P signifying a reduction in oxygen consumption and work done by the heart. However the rise in DP and MAP is difficult to explain. Further studies with more subjects and control groups are required to understand the possible mechanisms underlying this immediate effect of chandra nadi pranayama in hypertensive patients.

5. IMMEDIATE CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF SHAVASANA AND PRANAVA PRANAYAMA ON HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Introduction: The use of sound vibrations as part of relaxation in shavasana is taught in some yoga schools. The present study was planned to determine the cardiovascular effects of performing shavasana with pranava pranayama involving making akara, ukara, makara and omkara nada.

Methods: 19 hypertensive patients attending yoga therapy sessions at ACYTER were taught shavasana with pranava pranayama and instructed to perform the same for 15 minutes. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured with non-invasive semi-automatic BP monitor before and immediately after. Rate-pressure product (RPP) and double product (Do P) were derived by formulae.

Results: There was a highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction in systolic pressure from 135.94 ± 3.51 to 126.21 ± 2.88 mmHg, pulse pressure from 57.26 ± 3.02 to 50.15 ± 2.35 mmHg, RPP from 106.45 ± 5.36 to 97.35 ± 4.91 units and Do P from 121.41 ± 63.17 to 110.21 ± 56.35 units. Diastolic pressure reduced significantly (p< 0.01) from 78.68 ± 1.74 to 76.05 ± 1.59 mmHg. There was statistically insignificant reduction in HR from 78.05 ± 2.91 to 76.78 ± 2.89.

Discussion and conclusion: It is concluded that 15 minutes of shavasana with pranava pranayama can reduce BP in hypertensives. This may be due to a normalization of autonomic cardiovascular rhythms as a result of increased vagal modulation, and /or decreased sympathetic activity. It also produced a significant fall in RPP and Do P signifying a reduction in oxygen consumption and work done by the heart. Further studies are required to understand the possible mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect in hypertensive patients.

6. IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF YOGA NIDRA ON HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Introduction: Yoga nidra is one of the special relaxation techniques of yoga. Previous studies have shown beneficial effects after different periods of training. The present study

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 7

was undertaken to study the immediate cardiovascular effects of yoga nidra on 20 normal subjects.

Methods: 20 healthy volunteers attended 20 minutes of yoga nidra sessions during a one month period. They were instructed to mentally observe the body part by part in association with breath. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured before and after a single session. Pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), rate-pressure product (RPP) and double product (Do P) were calculated by formulae.

Results: Statistical analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in HR from 79.3 ± 2.45 to 75.2 ± 1.84 beats/min, RPP from 88.21 ± 3.33 to 81.89 ± 2.38 units and Do P from 66.84 ± 2.60 to 62.52 ± 1.89 units immediately after the yoga nidra session. There was insignificant reduction in SP from 111.2 ± 2.21 to 109 ± 2.05 mmHg, PP from 40.6 ± 1.42 to 38.9 ± 1.50 mmHg, DP from 70.6 ± 1.36 to 70 ± 1.25 mmHg and MAP from 84.08 ± 1.55 to 83.15 ± 1.40 mmHg.

Discussion and conclusion: It is concluded that 20 minutes of yoga nidra practice can reduce HR, RPP and Do P in normal subjects. This may be due to a normalization of autonomic cardiovascular rhythms as a result of increased vagal modulation, and /or decreased sympathetic activity. The reduction in RPP and Do P signifies reduction in oxygen consumption and work done by the heart. Further studies are required to understand possible mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect of yoga nidra.

SYNERGIES IN HEALING: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY KRISHNAMACHARYA YOGA MANDIRAM AT CHENNAI

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator ACYTER presented a talk on “Rheumatological and immunological aspects of aging and importance of an integrated approach of yoga in senior citizens” during “SYNERGIES IN HEALING” organized by Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram at GRT Convention Centre, Chennai on 18 July 2010.

This international conference aimed at an integrative approach of yoga and modern medicine and was attended by more than 300 delegates from all over the country and abroad.

The eminent cardiologist Dr. S Thanikachalam from Sri Ramachandra Medical College was chief guest. Keynote was presented by Dr Ishwar V Basavaraddi, Director MDNIY and chaired by Yogashri TKV Desikachar, founder of KYM.

The inauguration was followed by invited talks by Dr. Arjun Rajagopal, Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, Dr. Prithika Chari, Dr. Uma Krishnaswami, Dr. Latha Satish, Dr. Michael Steinbrecher, Dr. AV Balasubramaniam, Dr. VD Swaminathan, and Mr. S Sridharan. The event received wide publicity in the local press and all delegates expressed their desire that such integrative conferences must be held more often.

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Bulletin of ACYTER, July 2010 8

YOGA CLASSES FOR NURSING STUDENTS

A lecture-cum-practice session on yoga, meditation and spiritual healing was conducted by Shri E Jayasettiaseelon, SRF for 90 students of BSc Nursing (final year) on 30 July. The students participated enthusiastically in the session and expressed the physical and mental benefits they felt after the session. He also gave talks on “Yoga and Complementary Medicine” on 2 and 23 July at the JIPMER Nursing College for the GFATM Nursing Workshop on AIDS / HIV while Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani gave the talk for the participants on 9 July. The authorities of the nursing college have been giving excellent support for all activities related to yoga.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPER SPECIALTY BLOCK

Yoga therapy OPD of ACYTER is functioning on a regular basis in Super Specialty Block. During April to June, 967 patients (new 193 and old 774 cases) of various conditions attended consultation in the OPD with Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay. Patients who attended consultation were prescribed individualized and generalized yoga therapy for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, stress and psychological disorders, endocrine disorders, coronary artery disease, GIT, neurology, and other complaints. Patients have reported benefits and expressed their thanks to ACYTER, JIPMER and MDNIY for this facility.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

Yoga therapy sessions are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 AM – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the therapists given in the OPD. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are attending regularly. 194 patients of diabetes, 129 of hypertension and 436 of other conditions attended the sessions between April and June 2010.

REGULAR ACTIVITES OF ACYTER

Regular yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both mornings and evenings. 157 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the general classes. Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted every Thursday and 65 participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, coordinator yoga courses, Pondicherry University Community College.

From To Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and research (ACYTER) Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry – 605 006

Page 34: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER, Oct 2010 1

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER - October 2010

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry, India 605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi Dr. Ashok Kumar Das Med. Superintendent, JIPMER Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal Professor, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER Correspondence to:

The Editor, Bulletin of ACYTER, JIPMER, Puducherry- 605 006, India E-mail: [email protected]

ARE WE PRACTICING YOGA THERAPY OR YOGOPATHY?

Modern Yoga therapy seems to have lost touch with the real essence of Yoga. The art and science of Yoga aims to help us regain our psycho-physiological balance by removing the root cause of the disharmony (duhkha samyoga viyogam yoga samjnitam. Bhagavadgita VI: 23).

Yoga understands health and well being as a dynamic continuum of human nature and not a mere ‘state’ to be attained and maintained. The lowest point on the continuum with the lowest speed of vibration is that of death whereas the highest point with the highest vibration is that of immortality. In between these two extremes lie the states of normal health and disease. For many, their state of health is defined as that ‘state’ in which they are able to function without hindrance whereas in reality, health is part of our evolutionary process towards Divinity.

Yoga aims at enabling the individual to attain and maintain a dynamic sukha sthanam that may be defined as a dynamic sense of physical, mental and spiritual well being. The Bhagavadgita defines Yoga as samatvam meaning thereby that Yoga is equanimity at all levels. (yogasthah kuru karmani sangam tyaktva dhananjaya siddhiasiddhyoh samo bhutva samatvam yoga uchyate. Bhagavadgita ii: 48) this may be also be understood as a perfect state of health wherein physical homeostasis and mental equanimity occur in a balanced and healthy harmony.

Tiruvalluvar the great Dravidian mystic says in his 1330 versed Tirukkural, a treatise on right living, “Look for the disease, look for the primary cause of it and then treat it” (noinaadi noimudhal naadi athuthanikkum vaai naadi vaippach cheyal.Tirukkural 948). Most modern doctors and even Yoga therapists seem to have lost their way in the maze and are content managing the manifest symptoms without understanding the real cause.

Maharishi Patanjali has explained the primary causation of stress based disorders through the concept of pancha klesha (psychological afflictions). These are avidya (ignorance of the ultimate reality), asmita (a false sense of identification), raga-dwesha (addiction and aversion) and abhinivesha (clinging on to life for fear of death) (avidya asmita raga dwesha abhinivesha kleshah. Yoga Darshan II: 3).

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Avidya as the root cause enables other kleshas to manifest in different forms from time to time. They may be dormant, attenuated, manifest or overpowering in their causation of pain and suffering (avidya kshetram uttaresham prasupta tanu vicchinna udaranam. Yoga Darshan II: 4).

Dwaitam or the misplaced sense of duality due to avidya, the mother klesha is the main initial cause of the imbalance at the higher level that may then manifest into the lower through psycho-somatic stress mechanisms. This occurs through the various Koshas (aspects of the human existence) as various disorders depending upon the propensity due to sanchita karma of the individual.

Yoga Vasishtha, one of the great classical Yoga texts describes the causation and manifestation of disease (vyadhi) in an admirable manner. I often joke with my students that this text is the first recorded counseling session in human history- Bhagavadgita being the second! In the dialogue between the great sage Vasishtha and Prince Rama, it describes both psychosomatic (adhija vyadhi) as well as non-psychosomatic ailments (anadhija vyadhi). Samanya adhija vyadhi are described as those arising from day-to-day causes while sara adhija vyadhi is the essential disease of being caught in the birth –rebirth cycle that may be also understood in modern terms as congenital diseases (caused due to sanchita karma). The former can be corrected by day-to-day remedial measures such as medicines and surgery whereas the sara adhija vyadhi doesn’t cease until knowledge of the self (atma jnana) is attained.

Guru Stotra from the Vishvasaratantra also takes a similar line in saying that the ultimate ‘wisdom of the self’ gained through the Guru destroys karmic bondages from many births (Anekajanma samprapta karma bandha vidhahine atmajnana pradanena tasmai srigurave namah.Guru Stotra, verse 9). It is interesting to note that traditional Indian thought views the very occurrence of birth on this planet as a disease and a source of suffering! Tiruvalluvar reiterates this when he says, “It is knowledge of the ultimate truth that removes the folly of birth” (pirappu ennum pedaimai neenga chirappu ennum chem porul kaanbadhu arivu- Tirukkural 358)

From the Yogic viewpoint of disease it can be seen that psychosomatic, stress related disorders appear to progress through four distinct phases. These can be described as follows:

1. Psychic Phase: This phase is marked by mild but persistent psychological and behavioural symptoms of stress like irritability, disturbed sleep and other minor symptoms. This phase can be correlated with vijnanamaya and manomaya koshas. Yoga as a therapy is very effective in this phase.

2. Psychosomatic Phase: If the stress continues there is an increase in symptoms, along with the appearance of generalized physiological symptoms such as occasional hypertension and tremors. This phase can be correlated with manomaya and pranamaya koshas. Yoga as a therapy is very effective in this phase

3. Somatic Phase: This phase is marked by disturbed function of organs, particularly the target, or involved organ. At this stage one begins to identify the diseased state. This phase can be correlated with pranamaya and annamaya koshas. Yoga as a therapy is less effective in this phase and may need to be used in conjunction with other methods of treatment.

4. Organic Phase: This phase is marked by full manifestation of the diseased state, with pathological changes such as an ulcerated stomach or chronic hypertension, becoming manifest in their totality with their resultant complications. This phase

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can be correlated with the annamaya kosha as the disease has become fixed in the physical body. Yoga as a therapy has a palliative and quality of life improving effect in this phase. It does also produce positive emotional and psychological effects even in terminal and end of life situations.

As Yoga therapists, unless we aim to correct the manifest psycho-somatic disassociation as well as the underlying ignorant, jaundiced perception of reality in the individual, we are not practicing Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga as a therapy).

Managing and suppressing the manifest symptoms with Yoga techniques is just as good or bad as modern Allopathic medicine that focuses primarily on symptomatic management without ever getting close to the “real” cause of most disorders. How many doctors look at the emotional and psychological issues that are the primary cause of the problem in so many of their patients? Remember, the concept of psychosomatics is not older than a hundred years in modern medicine. A hundred years ago any doctor talking about ‘mind affecting bodily disease’ risked getting labeled a quack for sure!

When today we find our Yoga therapists making the same mistake in merely treating manifesting symptoms without remedying the ‘real’ cause, it can only be termed as YOGOPATHY!

An example of this Yogopathy trend is when we use Shavasana to manage patients of hypertension quoting research that has shown that Shavasana reduces blood pressure. We seem happy just to bring the blood pressure down for the time being! Real Yoga Chikitsa would try to look for the primary cause of the patient’s hypertension and try to tackle that along with Shavasana for symptomatic management. Without an attempt to do so, it is merely Yogopathy.

Another common example is of using the left nostril Chandra Nadi Pranayama to lower the blood sugar or using the right nostril Surya Nadi Pranayama to relieve brochospasm without looking for the real cause of the patient’s diabetes or asthma. When we do this, how are we any different than the modern doctors who prescribe anti diabetic and sympathomimetic agents for these patients? Where is the real Yoga in this type of therapy? Where is the effort to find and deal with the primary cause?

When we remember to inculcate the principles of Yoga in our day to day life, and help our patients to understand them thus assimilating them in their own lives, we are practicing Yoga. If not, it is merely Yogopathy, the symptomatic management of conditions using techniques of Yoga!

The art and science of Yoga has infinite possibilities for providing answers to most health problems troubling modern humankind. However we often misunderstand this science and want it to be a miracle pill. A pill that we take only once, and want all the problems to vanish into thin air! Yoga is a wholistic science and must be learnt and practiced with a holistic view. The dedicated practice of Yoga as a way of life is no doubt a panacea for problems related to psychosomatic, stress related disorders helping us to regain our birthright of health and happiness.

* By Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator ACYTER, JIPMER. This article first appeared in the Integral Yoga Magazine, Yogaville, USA. Fall 2009.

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CASE REPORTS FROM ACYTER YOGA THERAPY OPD

Yoga therapy OPD is functioning in Super Specialty Block of JIPMER. Yoga therapy and lifestyle consultation is given by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme co-ordinator and Dr Zeena Sanjay, SRF from 10 AM to 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. 283 patients (new 205 and old 78) of various disorders attended the OPD between July and September 2010. The yoga therapy sessions are being conducted at ACYTER yoga hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 AM – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the therapists given in the OPD. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are attending regularly. 417 patients of diabetes, 293 of hypertension and 489 of other conditions attended these sessions in July - September 2010. A total of 4036 patients of various psychosomatic ailments including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, stress and psychological disorders, endocrine disorders, coronary artery disease, urology, gynecological disorders and ENT disorders have attended consultations and therapy sessions between June 2009 and June 2010.

We give below a few case reports compiled from our patients over the past year.

1. Effect of yoga on subclinical hypothyroidism: Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) therapies such as yoga are being increasingly used as adjuncts to modern medicine. Though it has been suggested that yoga may have a role in revitalizing thyroid function, there are few studies on the effects of yoga on thyroid disorders. A 36 year old female with elevated TSH level (9.39 IU/ml) and low normal T4 levels (12.57 pmol/L) was diagnosed as having primary subclinical hypothyroidism and advised to start replacement therapy. She came for consultation to the ACYTER Yoga OPD and was given appropriate yogic counseling and taught a series of techniques potentially beneficial to patients of thyroid conditions. This included suryanamaskar, sarvangasana, viparita karani mudra, surya nadi pranayama, bhramari pranayama and relaxation practices. She continued the practices for a year and reported back at the end of the year with her biochemical investigations. After one year of therapy, there was a fall in TSH (2.66 mIU/L) and a normalization of free T4 values (8.98 pmol/L). A third biochemical analysis three months later showed that TSH further stabilized 2 mIU/L and FT4 at 9.78 pmol/L. As the anti TPO antibodies were positive both before and after the yoga intervention, the patient was advised to continue the yoga practices on a regular basis as long as possible with regular six-monthly follow up. It is suggested that yoga can be an effective adjunct therapy in thyroid conditions and further studies in larger samples are needed to confirm these findings and to better understand the mechanisms behind such beneficial effects in patients of thyroid disorders.

2. Effect of yoga in newly diagnosed hypertension: A 21 year old male working as an executive in Chennai presented to his clinician with complaints of headache and giddiness. There were no other major symptoms though he was anxious about his condition. As his blood pressure was 160/100 he was advised to start antihypertensive medication. He took the medicines for a week and on a visit to Pondicherry the following week, came for consultation at the ACYTER Yoga OPD where his blood pressure was recorded as 130/90 mm Hg. He was given appropriate yogic counselling and dietary advice and taught a series of techniques

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that are potentially beneficial to patients of hypertension. This included jathis and asanas such as tala, hastakona, trikona, meru, vakra, bhujanga, uttanpada and pawanmukta. Pranayamas such as sukha, vyagraha, pranava, nasarga mukha bhastrika, chandra nadi and bhramari were also taught. Relaxation practices included shavasana with savitri pranayama and yoga nidra. He continued the practices for 10 days and his blood pressure were monitored daily. He continued doing these practises at ACYTER as well as at home. His BP averaged 128/86 for the first three days and reduced to 122/84 by the 4th day. It normalised at 124/80 during the last few days. The patient expressed a sense of relaxation and felt a decrease in his anxiety levels.

3. Effect of yoga in a patient of long standing diabetes and hypertension: A 55 year old male, with history of diabetes since 16 yr and hypertension since 7yr and on medication at JIPMER medicine OPD attended consultation in ACYTER Yoga OPD. His blood pressure was BP 130/90 mm Hg and blood sugar levels were 140 mg% (AC) and 173 mg% (PC). The patient was highly stressed out and quite fed up with life. He was given appropriate yogic counseling and dietary advice and taught a series of techniques that are potentially beneficial to patients of both diabetes and hypertension. This included surya namaskar, talasana, trikonasana, vakrasana, pawan muktasana, viparita karani, chandra nadi pranayama, pranava pranayama and relaxation techniques. He has continued the practices regularly for the past 14 months both at ACYTER as well as at home. He reports a feeling of rejuvenation and energy and his outlook towards life has changed dramatically. His blood pressure has stabilized around 110/70 with 50% decrease in antihypertensive medications. His blood sugar levels have also stabilized at 120 mg% (AC) and 167 mg% (PC) with no change in medications. This patient has felt the benefits of yoga in changing his life for the better and has brought more than two dozen patients to ACYTER to experience the benefits of yoga that he feels have come in his life.

4. Case report on COAD in an adult: A 33 year old female, suffering from chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD) for the past five years came to the yoga OPD. She was on regular medication and had complaints of uncontrolled wheezing despite using various inhalers. Her FEV1 was 57%. She was given appropriate yogic counselling and dietary advice and taught a series of techniques potentially beneficial to patients of COAD. She was taught breath body co-ordination practices and suryanamaskar as well as asanas such as ushtra, gomukha, vakra, bhujanga and matsya and the jala neti cleaning technique. She was also taught sectional breathing and pranayamas such as vyaghrah, mukha bhastrika, suryanadi and nadi shuddhi. Relaxation techniques used were kaya kriya and yoga nidra. She continued the practices for 2 months at ACYTER and at home and reported that she was feeling a sense of ease and comfort that wasn’t there earlier. The frequency of her wheezing attacks had also reduced. Repeat PFT showed that her FEV1 had increased to 68%.

5. Case report on bronchial asthma in a 4 year old child: A 4 year old female child, with complaints of respiratory difficulties since birth was on regular treatment for bronchial asthma with oral medication and inhaler. She came for consultation to the ACYTER Yoga OPD with complaints of wheezing, breathlessness and the mother expressed a desire to try out the yoga practices. The mother was given appropriate yogic counseling and dietary advice and then the child was taught in a playful manner a series of techniques that are potentially beneficial to patients of bronchial asthma. She was taught breath body co-

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ordination practices and suryanamaskar as well as asanas such as ushtra, gomukha, vakra, bhujanga and matsya. She was also introduced to the jala neti nasal cleaning technique. She was then taught sectional breathing and pranayamas such as vyaghra, mukha bhastrika and suryanadi. She continued the practices for nearly one year and her complaints reduced slowly. She continued doing these practices at ACYTER as well as home and the frequency and severity of her wheezing attacks reduced. After the practice of 4 months she was able to stop the oral medications and usage of inhaler was also lesser. The consulting pediatrician advised her to stop the inhaler too as she was able to be comfortable without it. There were no episodes of wheezing reported till the end of the year even though she was not taking any medicines.

REPORT ON RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AT ACYTER

1. Effect of yoga therapy in patients of essential hypertension: A study is being conducted on the effect of yoga therapy in patients of hypertension. The study has a proposed sample size of 72 (36 in yoga and 36 in control group). Autonomic function tests have been completed in 50 patients and 23 have been randomised to the yoga therapy sessions being conducted at ACYTER on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 15 of the patients have been attending the sessions regularly and 8 have attended more than 10 sessions till date.

2. Effect of yoga therapy in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A study is being conducted on the effect of yoga therapy in patients of diabetes with peripheral neuropathy. The study has a proposed sample size of 60 (30 in yoga group; 30 in control group). Patients are being recruited from diabetic clinic and staff clinic. Cardiac autonomic function testing, nerve conduction studies and biochemical assessment are being done for each patient recruited into the study. So far pre-values of 25 patients in control group and 15 patients in yoga group have been taken. Of the 15 patients recruited into yoga group, 10 are regularly attending classes.

REGULAR ACTIVITES OF ACYTER

Regular yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both mornings and evenings. 341 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the general classes. Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted every Thursday and 116 participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, coordinator yoga courses, Pondicherry University Community College.

From To Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (ACYTER) Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry – 605 006

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Bulletin of ACYTER – Jan 2011 1

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER – January 2011

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry, India 605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi Dr. Ashok Kumar Das Med. Superintendent, JIPMER Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal Professor, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER Correspondence to:

The Editor, Bulletin of ACYTER, JIPMER, Puducherry- 605 006, India E-mail: [email protected]

NATIONAL WORKSHOP-CUM-SEMINAR ON ROLE OF YOGA IN PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF

DIABETES MELLITUS

Announcement

The Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER) and Department of Physiology JIPMER are jointly organizing a National Workshop-cum-Seminar on “Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus” in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, (MDNIY) New Delhi.

The workshop will be conducted on March 1 & 2, 2011 at JIPMER. More than 200 medical and paramedical professionals and yoga therapists are expected to participate.

The Workshop-cum-Seminar will deliberate on the role of yoga in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. Lectures, lecture-demonstrations, panel discussion and practice sessions will be conducted by eminent medical and yoga experts.

Registration fee is Rs. 800 for delegates and Rs. 300 for student delegates and includes registration, kit, lunch and refreshments. Certificate of participation will be issued to all delegates. Assistance will be provided to arrange accommodation if required but hotel/guest house charges are to be borne by delegates.

The Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (ACYTER), a collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi was established by a MOU between JIPMER and MDNIY in June 2008. The centre is focusing on the role of yoga in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus. More than 6000 patients have benefited from the yoga therapy consultations and practical sessions till date. The centre also aims to popularize the science of yoga among medical professionals and general public and has conducted workshops and awareness programmes to this effect.

For more details please contact:

Dr Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, & Programme Director, ACYTER, JIPMER [email protected]

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FOUNDATION COURSE IN YOGA FOR MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS OF JIPMER

One month Foundation Course in yoga for Medical and Paramedical Professionals and Students was conducted at JIPMER from 18 October to 20 November 2010. 63 medical doctors, paramedical professionals, students and staff members of JIPMER participated in the training programme. The theory lectures were conducted in Bernard Theatre and practice sessions in the auditorium of the Nursing College under the direction of Dr. Madanmohan, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, JIPMER and Programme Director ACYTER.

Modern man is the victim of all-pervading stress. Yoga is the best means for managing this stress of our daily life. Medical and paramedical professionals have to face great stress in their professional career and the regular practice of yoga will improve their psychosomatic health and enable them to face the situation.

The holistic science of yoga has a great future as it has the potential to prevent as well as manage a number of stress-induced chronic diseases that defy allopathic medicine. A holistic physician who is a practitioner of yoga will be able to render better medicare to the masses and will be a boon to the society.

ACYTER and Department of Physiology, JIPMER had also previously organized a two day National Workshop on “Introducing Yoga in the medical curriculum” in March 2009 at JIPMER. The workshop was organized in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi under auspices of Department of AYUSH, Govt of India. The national workshop deliberated on the need, feasibility and modality of introducing yoga science in the medical curriculum for medical students in particular and medical professionals in general. 20 resource persons from eminent Yoga Centers and 150 participants from all over the country participated in the workshop that included theory, practice sessions and therapeutic aspects of yoga and evaluation methods for such a course.

The workshop had recommended the introduction of yoga to medical students in particular and medical professionals in general through a “Foundation Course in Yoga Science”. It was also recommended that a 48 hour foundation course be conducted after class hours for interested professionals through the yoga units of the institutions as per the syllabus that has

been prepared by the MDNIY in consultation with eminent yoga and medical experts.

To achieve this aim, the Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education, and Research (ACYTER) under the direction of Dr. Madanmohan conducted a month long foundation course in yoga for medical and paramedical professionals and students at JIPMER. It is noteworthy that ACYTER has previously conducted two such foundation courses for nearly 130 medical and paramedical professionals and students.

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The objectives of this 48 hour (one month) introductory course were:

1. To promote awareness among medical students about the effectiveness of yoga as an inexpensive means for achieving holistic health.

2. To impart knowledge, skill & attitude about the theoretical and practical aspects of yogic science.

3. To motivate medical professionals and students to take up further studies, therapy and research in yoga.

The 48 hour course was conducted over a period of one month and included lectures, lecture-demonstrations and practice sessions. Lecture topics included: What is yoga?, Healthy lifestyle: a yogic perspective, Effect of yoga training on physiological functions, Dhyana and its psycho-physiological correlates, Pranayam and its physiological benefits, Stress and its management: a yogic perspective, Spiritual health and healing: a yogic perspective, Diet for health and healing: a yogic perspective, Therapeutic potential of yoga, Benefits of yoga

practices and traditional basis of yoga. Group discussion and assignments were given on yoga therapy modules on stress, yogic diet, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, obesity, arthritis, GI disorders, cardiovascular diseases and menstrual disorders. Practical sessions were guided by Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi with assistance from Selvi Shyamaladevi and Mrs. Karpagam Ramanan. Pre-test and post-test were given to all participants at the beginning and end of the course and there was a 60 percent improvement in scores.

Valedictory function was held 19 November with Dr. KVSK Subba Rao, Director, JIPMER as chief guest and Dr. S Revathi, Principal Nursing College and Coordinator GFATM as special guest. Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani welcomed all to the concluding session and Dr. Madanmohan gave an overview of the aims and objectives of the course that were successfully met during the month-long training programme. In his valedictory address Director, JIPMER appreciated the efforts of Dr. Madanmohan to spread the message of yoga effectively and assured his cooperation for the activities of ACYTER. Positive feedback was given by all the participants with special inputs from Dr. Nalini, former Professor of Pediatrics at JIPMER who is a regular visitor to the ACYTER. Certificates were distributed to all participants who had completed the course and vote of thanks proposed by Shri E Jayasettiaseelon.

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ACYTER PARTICIPATION IN YOGA AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

Dr Ananda Balayogi, Programme Coordinator ACYTER was invited to present a lecture on “Yoga for women” in the 8th National Conference hosted by Puducherry Chapter of Society of Midwives on 13th November 2010. He was invited to present another lecture on “Principles & Practice of Yoga Therapy for Geriatric Psychiatric Disorders" in the one day workshop on "Yoga Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders" held at the Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS, Bangalore on 5 December 2010. The event was organized jointly by the Advanced Centre and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi. The workshop aimed at improving the awareness and imparting brief training for yoga therapists and mental health professionals in therapeutic application of yoga for psychiatric disorders. It had lectures and demonstrations by experts from both Psychiatry and Yoga Therapy.

A delegation of yoga teachers from Italy visited ACYTER on 11th December and expressed their admiration for the programme and its activities. They were especially appreciative that Indian Government was bringing yoga into the mainstream health care system through advanced centers at JIPMER, NIMHANS, DIPAS, Gujarat Ayurveda University & at Government medical college, Jammu.

Staff of ACYTER also participated in the 18th International Yoga Festival Conducted by the Government of Pondicherry from 4-7 January2011. Invited talks were given by Dr Ananda Balayogi, Programme Coordinator ACYTER and free consultation on yoga and healthy living was provided to 102 delegates and members of the public in the ACYTER stall. Sri G Dayanidy, Yoga Instructor ACYTER won first place in the 25-35 age category and was selected to participate in the Final Championship Round.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPERSPECIALITY BLOCK

Yoga therapy OPD is functioning in Super Specialty Block of JIPMER. Yoga therapy and lifestyle consultation is given by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme co-ordinator and Dr Zeena Sanjay, SRF from 10 AM to 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. 234 patients (new 169 and old 65) of various disorders attended the OPD between October and December 2010.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS AT ACYTER

The yoga therapy sessions are being conducted at ACYTER yoga hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 AM – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the therapists given in the OPD. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are attending regularly. 593 patients of diabetes, 320 of hypertension and 591 of other conditions attended these sessions in October - December 2010.

REGULAR ACTIVITES OF ACYTER

Regular yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both mornings and evenings. 164 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the general classes. Senior Citizen’s Clinic is being conducted every Thursday and 112 participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator Yoga Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute.

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Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011 1

ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY, EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER)

(A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

REPORT ON NATIONAL WORKSHOP-CUM-SEMINAR ON ROLE OF YOGA IN PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

The Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (ACYTER) and the Department of Physiology, JIPMER organized a two day National Workshop-cum-Seminar on “Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus” on 1 & 2 March 2011 at JIPMER.

The workshop was organized in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, an autonomous organization under the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. More than 200 medical, paramedical and yoga professionals and yoga enthusiasts from all over the country participated along with 100 medical students of JIPMER and 30 faculty, residents and staff members of the Department of Physiology and ACYTER, JIPMER.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr KSVK Subba Rao, Director JIPMER and Dr BK Sahay, eminent diabetologist was the guest of honour. Senior faculty members from various departments of JIPMER as well as eminent yoga and medical experts from all over the country participated.

The workshop deliberated on the role of yoga in the prevention and management of diabetes with keynote lecture, invited talks, lecture-demonstrations, panel discussions and practice sessions that were given by a team of 30 resource persons from JIPMER, DIPAS, NIMHANS, Viniyoga Healing Foundation, Chennai; The Yoga Institute, Mumbai; Iyengar Yogashraya, Pune; Antar Praksh Yoga Centre, Haridwar; KMC Mangalore, Vinayaka Mission's Medical College, Salem; Vivekananda Institute of Yoga Therapy, Karur; PGIBMS, Taramani, Chennai; and the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Pondicherry.

Patrons:Dr. KSVK Subba RaoDirector, JIPMER

Dr. I V BasavaraddiDirector, MDNIY, New Delhi

Dr. Ashok Kumar DasMed. Superintendent, JIPMER.

Dr. S BadrinathProject Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Dr. KS ReddyDean, JIPMER

Editor:Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head,Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER

Editorial board:Dr. GK PalProf. of Physiology, JIPMER

Dr. Ananda Balayogi BhavananiProgramme Co-ordinator,ACYTER, JIPMER

Correspondence to:The Editor,Bulletin of ACYTER, III floor Institute Block, JIPMER, D Nagar, Puducherry- 605 006, India

E-mail: [email protected]

Published by the Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry, India605 006

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2

Faculty from JIPMER included Dr AK Das, Medical

Superintendent, Dr Madanmohan, Professor and

Head, Department of Physiology and Programme

Director ACYTER (Organizing Chairman of the

workshop) and Dr GK Pal, Professor, Department of

Physiology (organizing secretary of the workshop).

Dr Zeena Sanjay, Shri E Jayasettiaseelon, Shri G

Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi from

ACYTER and Smt Lalitha Shanmugam, Smt

Devasena Bhavanani and Smt Meena Ramanathan of

Yoganjali Natyalayam assisted in the conduct of the practice sessions under guidance of Dr Madanmohan and

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, (Coordinator of the workshop).

On the evening of the first day, the delegates were

treated to a spectacular cultural programme that was

a fusion of yogasana tableaux, Bharatanatyam

compositions and instrumental music that was

presented by Yoganjali Natyalayam under the

dynamic direction of Kalaimamani Yogacharini

Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, Director of the institute.

Dr Ananda Balayogi actively coordinated the

performance along with Smt Devasena Bhavanani.

Dr IV Basavaraddi, Director MDNIY was guest of

honour for the valedictory function and expressed his appreciation of work at ACYTER, JIPMER. In his

special address he extolled the medical community to research yoga in depth with proper adherence to the

correct textual basis and proper practice of yoga techniques so that the results were of international quality and

acceptable to the modern scientific community. At the conclusion, Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Programme Coordinator ACYTER

proposed the vote of thanks.

DECLARATION OF THE WORKSHOP

National workshop-cum-seminar on “Role of Yoga in

Prevention & Management of Diabetes Mellitus”,

attended by more than 200 delegates, medical

professionals and students, yoga experts and

discernible persons from the local town of

Pondicherry, has been a grand success.

Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

Page 46: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

3

The physiological, pathological, psychological and

metaphysical perspectives of prevention and

management of diabetes have been deliberated at

length and futuristic ideas and plans have also been

put forth. We, the organizers, patrons, delegates

and all the participants, urge the State Government,

Central Government, MCI & Department of

AYUSH to evolve a concrete policy for promotion

of yoga as an adjunct to modern medicine so that a

mass movement for yoga awareness with a sound

scientific footing can be initiated.

The workshop proposes the following

recommendations with regard to the prevention

and management of diabetes mellitus through

yoga:

1. The inculcation of yoga has to be not only

at the medical level but at the school level

if we want to prevent diabetes. We need to

concentrate our energies on working at the

school level itself and catch them young.

2. Screening for pre-diabetes needs to be

intensified and yoga introduced to the pre-

diabetics to prevent them from going into full blown diabetes.

3. We need to bring out effective and consensus-based diet guidelines keeping yogic principles in mind.

4. A universal standardized yoga package needs to be evolved for diabetes so that the diabetic patients all

over the world can be benefited in a rational manner.

5. A universal standardized research protocol to scientifically evaluate the effect of yoga on diabetes

needs to be evolved with inputs from

physicians, researchers and statisticians.

6. Scientific evaluation and standardization of

various recommended individual techniques

of yoga should be done and documented with

publications so that the benefits of the

individual practices as well as their

combination can be understood in a scientific

and rational manner.

Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

Page 47: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

4 Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

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5 Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

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6 Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

CME PROGRAMME AT SRI SATYA SAI MEDICAL COLLEGE AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE,

KANCHEEPURAM

Staff of ACYTER presented talks and lecture

d e m o n s t r a t i o n s d u r i n g t h e C M E o n th“Physiological Effects of Yoga” on January 17

2011, organized by the Department of Physiology,

Sri Satya Sai Medical College and Research

Institute, near Chennai.

Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director presented

an overview of “Yoga and Physiology” while

Dr Ananda Balayogi, Programme Coordinator

gave a talk on “Therapeutic Potential of Yoga”.

Dr Zeena Sanjay, SRF gave a talk on “Yoga

research” that also highlighted the activities of

ACYTER. Sri G Dayanidy gave a spectacular

demonstration of various yogasanas with

commentary by Dr Ananda.

The CME was attended by more than a hundred

members of the management, faculty, staff and

students who gave positive feedback and

expressed appreciation for the entire programme.

Page 50: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

7Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

ACYTER PARTICIPATION IN YOGA AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director and Dr Ananda

Balayogi, Programme Coordinator were invited to give

talks and workshops on January 20 and 21, during the

Golden Jubilee National Seminar-cum-Workshop on

“Role of Yoga in Respiratory Tract Disorders”

organized by the Advanced Centre for Yoga Education

and Research, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,

Gujarat,

Dr Ananda Balayogi, Programme Coordinator was

invited to give a talk on “Physiological perspective on

recent trends in yoga therapy” during the “Yoga

Update” at Kaivalyadhama, Mumbai on January 29-

30, 2011.

Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director, Dr Ananda

Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Co-ordinator and Dr

Zeena Sanjay, SRF attended the Yoga Week which held

from February 12-18 at MDNIY, New Delhi. Dr.

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani presented a talk on yoga

for general well being at the yoga week. Dr

Madanmohan chaired a session and gave a talk in the

valedictory session.

RECENT ACTIVITIES AT ACYTER

As part of the pre-hypertension research project, yoga

therapy sessions are being conducted for staff members

of Kendriya Vidyalaya from the second week of

January. Screening of the participants for pre-

hypertension was done by Mr Ram Kumar, PhD

scholar, Dept of Physiology while Shri G Dayanidy is

conducting the sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and

Saturday from 3 – 4 PM at the school premises. Yoga

therapy sessions are being conducted for pregnant

ladies as part of a pre–eclampsia prevention study since the end of March. Screening of the patients is being

done by Dr Manikandan, Asst Professor in OBG, JIPMER and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi is conducting the

sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3- 4 PM at the ACYTER yoga hall.

in collaboration with Morarji Desai National

Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.

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8Bulletin of ACYTER- April 2011

From To

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (ACYTER) III floor Institute Block, JIPMER, Puducherry – 605 006

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPERSPECIALITY BLOCK

Yoga therapy OPD is functioning in Super Specialty Block of JIPMER. Yoga therapy and lifestyle

consultation is given by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay from 10 AM to 1 PM on

Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. 436 patients (new 358

and old 78) of various disorders attended the OPD between January and March 2011.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

The yoga therapy sessions are being conducted at ACYTER yoga hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and

Fridays from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 AM – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular

diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy

and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per

directions of the therapists. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are

attending regularly. 747 patients of diabetes, 424 of hypertension and 770 of other conditions attended

these sessions in January - March 2011.

YOGA CLASSES FOR NORMAL SUBJECTS

Yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.30 AM and 4.30 PM.

415 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and

relaxation techniques are being taught in the classes.

YOGA CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Classes for senior citizens are being conducted every Thursday between 11 AM and 12 noon. 95

participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator, Yoga Centre, Mahatma

Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute.

Page 52: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011 1

§Â¡¸ º¢¸¢î¨º ¸øÅ¢ ÁüÚõ ¬Ã¡öîº¢ì¸¡É Óп¢¨Ä ¨ÁÂõ

;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, Puducherry, India 605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi Dr. Ashok Kumar Das Med. Superintendent, JIPMER Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal Professor, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER Correspondence to:

The Editor, Bulletin of ACYTER, III floor Institute Block, JIPMER, D Nagar, Puducherry- 605 006, India E-mail: [email protected]

INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF ACYTER YOGA RESEARCH

LAB AT SUPER SPECIALTY BLOCK, JIPMER

The ACYTER Yoga Research Lab was inaugurated by Dr. KSVK Subba Rao, Director, JIPMER at 9.30am on 6 July 2011 in the Super Specialty Block. The lab is situated next to the ACYTER Yoga Therapy OPD. Dr. AK Das, Medical Superintendent and Dr. Balachander, Professor and Head, Dept. of Cardiology were special invitees. Dr. Madanmohan, Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology and Program Director of ACYTER welcomed the gathering and explained the work being done at ACYTER since the past 2 years. The inaugural was attended by faculty, residents, research scholars and staff of the Department of physiology along with staff of ACYTER.

The Research lab is equipped with BioHarness and CMCdaq to monitor HRV (heart rate variability), computerized Audio-Visual Reaction Time apparatus, computerized Spirometer and 12 channel ECG machine.

The Director JIPMER suggested that the work of ACYTER be given due publicity to enable more patients to be benefited and for standardized research to be done in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. He also suggested that ACYTER conduct awareness programs for the general public of Puducherry to enable them to know about the functioning of ACYTER. The function concluded on 10.30 am with refreshment and high tea.

Page 53: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011 2

INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF ACYTER YOGA RESEARCH LAB

PRANAYAM TRAINING SESSIONS FOR RESIDENTS OF PHYSIOLOGY

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Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011 3

RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK AT ACYTER, JIPMER, PONDICHERRY

From March to June 2011, a survey was conducted on 100 patients who were regularly attending yoga therapy sessions at ACYTER and had completed a minimum of one month of the regular programme.

A questionnaire was given to them consisting of questions related to their age, gender and demographic characteristic in addition to their main health complaints, attendance at the yoga sessions, home practice as well as their physical and mental condition and changes in dosage of medication.

Results of the survey are given in number of participants except for those questions where all 100 participants had not replied, in which case % values are reported instead.

• AGE: Age of the participants ranged from 16 to 77 years with an average age of 47.04 ± 4.85 years (SEM). The maximum participants (39) were in the age group of 40-60 y while 25 were above 60 and 24 in the age group 30-40. There were 11 in the age group 20-30 and 2 were below 20 y ears of age.

• GENDER: 49 participants were male and 51 female.

• DEMOGRAPHIC DATA: 91 of the participants were from Pondicherry town and surrounding rural areas while 9 were from adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu.

• MAIN HEALTH COMPLAINTS: The system wise break up of main health complaints was: diabetes mellitus (41), hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders (39), musculoskeletal disorders (13), respiratory disorders (13), endocrine (12), neurological disorders (5), gastro intestinal disorders (3), obstetrics and gynecological disorders (3), dermatological disorders (1) psychiatric disorders (1) and others (11). Some of the participants had multiple complaints.

• REGULARITY OF ATTENDANCE AT ACYTER: 50 had attended yoga therapy sessions for 1-3 months, 26 for 3-6 months, 16 for 6-12 months and 8 for more than a year. 60 participants were attending the sessions 3 days/week, 21 of them 4 days/week while 8 were attending once/week, 7 twice /week, 2 five days/week and 2 six days/week. The regularity was attributed to a feeling of physical and mental betterment (58%), regularity of the sessions (23%) and symptomatic relief (12%). Inability to be more regular was attributed to work pressure and examinations (7%).

• REGULARITY OF HOME PRACTICE: 21 were practising at home on 3 days/week, 18 on 2 days, 11 on 5 days, 10 on all 7 days, 10 on 4 days, 9 on 6 days and 3 were practising at home only once/week. 14 reported that they were not practicing at home at all. The regularity of home practice was attributed by the participants to a feeling of physical and mental betterment (49%) while inability to be more regular was attributed to lack of time (18%), work and education (18 %), laziness (9%) and other home circumstances (6%). 46% of the participants reported a home practice of 30 min, 17% for 40 min, 16% for 20 min, 15% for 60 min and 6% reported that they practised for more than an hour at home. This regularity was attributed to a feeling of wellbeing (47%) while the irregularity was attributed to lack of time (29%), work pressure (18%) and other factors (6%).

• HEALTH STATUS: 56 participants reported that their health status was better than when they started the yoga practice. 36 reported that it was much better than before

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Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011 4

while 7 said that it was the same as before. One participant reported total relief from his health complaints after starting the yoga programme.

• DOSAGE OF MEDICATION: 56 participants reported no change in their medication, 29 reported a decrease while 2 reported an increase in the dosage of their medication. 13 of the participants were not on any medication.

• GENERAL SUGGESTIONS: The majority of participants reported satisfaction with the programme as well as the teaching methods of the instructors. General suggestions included the need for more space for practice sessions, an increase in the number of sessions as well as duration of sessions and possibility of sessions being conducted after office hours. The participants thanked the Director JIPMER and MDNIY for starting ACYTER thus enabling so many persons to benefit from the excellent yoga programmes conducted free of cost.

POST INTERVENTION, RETROSPECTIVE WELLNESS QUESTIONNAIRE

A post intervention, retrospective wellness questionnaire compiled by ACYTER was used to evaluate the comparative feelings of the patients after the therapy programme. Five different responses ranging from ‘worse than before’ to “complete relief / total satisfaction’ were utilized to evaluate various physical and psychological aspects of the patient’s condition. The questionnaire was finalized in consultation with a 12 member team consisting of 3 eminent medical practitioners, 2 psychologists, 2 yoga experts, 2 eminent yoga therapy consultants, 2 educationalists and one legal anthropologist.

The post intervention overall wellness scores of the participants are given below in fig.1 and the detailed breakup of % responses to each question is given in table.1. Results of the retrospective wellness scores indicates that 11% attained complete relief from their condition while 35% felt much better than before. 38 % were better than before while 15% had no change in their condition. The condition of 1% was worse than before.

Fig 1: Post intervention total well being score of participants

Worse than before1%

Same as before15%

Better than before38%

Much better than before35%

Complete relief 11%

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Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011 5

Table 1: Responses of the participants to retrospective wellness questionnaire

Worse than

before

Same as before

Better than

before

Much better than before

Complete relief / Totally

satisfied

Ability to concentrate - 12% 56% 30% 2%

Control of anger / loss of temper

- 15% 51% 26% 8%

Appetite 1% 26% 37% 24% 12%

Confidence level 2% 12% 41% 37% 8%

Ease of breathing - 14% 33% 41% 12%

Energy levels - 18% 39% 39% 4%

Enjoyment of life - 18% 41% 28% 13%

Feeling calm & fresh - 14% 32% 40% 14%

Feeling of hopelessness 1% 19% 36% 30% 14%

Feeling of loneliness 1% 15% 40% 30% 14%

General flexibility - 11% 37% 42% 10%

General mood - 7% 38% 47% 8%

General sense of relaxation

- 12% 37% 43% 8%

General wellbeing - 10% 36% 39% 15%

Joint mobility - 12% 36% 41% 11%

Nervousness - 14% 45% 34% 7%

Normality of menstrual cycles

4% 29% 21% 25% 21%

Pain levels - 14% 41% 30% 15%

Performance of day-to-day activities

- 12% 41% 38% 9%

Sleep quality / duration 1% 19% 26% 39% 15%

Stress levels - 17% 38% 33% 12%

Total well being score 0.48 % 15.24 % 38.19 % 35.05 % 11.05 %

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Bulletin of ACYTER – July 2011 6

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Final reports are being prepared on studies conducted on effects of yoga therapy programmes on diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Pre-hypertension screening programme was organized by PhD scholars and residents from the department of Physiology. Baseline recordings are in progress for studies on the effect of different pranayamas and effect of yoga on premenstrual tension. Yoga therapy sessions are being conducted for pregnant ladies as part of a pre–eclampsia prevention study since the end of March. Screening of patients is done by Dr Manikandan, Asst Professor in OBG, JIPMER and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi is conducting sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3- 4 PM at ACYTER. Two papers on the effects of yoga therapy have been accepted for publication in Yoga Mimamsa and the International Journal of Yoga therapy.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPERSPECIALITY BLOCK

Yoga therapy OPD is functioning regularly in Super Specialty Block of JIPMER. Yoga therapy and lifestyle consultation is given by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay from 10 AM to 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. 309 patients (new 213 and old 96) of various disorders attended the OPD between April and June 2011.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS

The yoga therapy sessions are being conducted at ACYTER yoga hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 AM – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the therapists. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are attending regularly. 778 patients of diabetes, 513 of hypertension and 742 of other conditions attended these sessions in April and June 2011.

YOGA CLASSES FOR NORMAL SUBJECTS

Yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.30 AM and 4.30 PM. 332 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the classes.

YOGA CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Yoga classes for senior citizens are being conducted every Thursday between 11 AM and 12 noon. 126 participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator, Yoga Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute.

From To Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and research (ACYTER) Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Puducherry – 605 006

Page 58: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 1

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;ksx fpfdRlk f’k{kk ,oa vuqla/kku mUUkr dsUnz ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011

Published by the Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education & Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, D Nagar, Puducherry, India

605 006

Patrons:

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao Director, JIPMER Dr. I V Basavaraddi Director, MDNIY, New Delhi Dr. Ashok Kumar Das Med. Superintendent, JIPMER Dr. S Badrinath Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER Dr. KS Reddy Dean, JIPMER Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER & Programme Director, ACYTER Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal Professor, Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Co-ordinator, ACYTER, JIPMER Correspondence to:

The Editor, Bulletin of ACYTER, III floor Institute Block, JIPMER, D Nagar, Puducherry- 605 006, India E-mail: [email protected]

SOME THOUGHTS ON YOGA RESEARCH# Yoga research is now a global phenomenon with an increased number of blinded, randomized and controlled trials. There is ample evidence of improved planning and implementation with a better understanding of the mechanisms by which various yoga practices cause their effects. More research studies are being published in indexed journals with peer review, indicating a better standard of research at least at the physical level. Greater funding is also available nowadays both nationally and internationally.

Today, however, we are really at the crossroads with important questions such as “How do we really look into the deeper aspects of yoga” cropping up more and more often. We are confronted with the stark reality that we really don’t have the equipment, techniques and expertise to study the yogic phenomena as most of them are beyond the physical realm. To conclude that shavasana has only the physical effect of lowering heart rate and blood pressure is to sight merely the iceberg’s tip, missing the other 90%. The real effects of shavasana as the ultimate relaxation and true renunciation may have far-reaching effects than we are led to believe.

Many excellent papers are published from a scientific perspective, but are limited from a yogic perspective. There has to be a symbiotic relationship between yoga and modern science. For this, bridges combining the best of both worlds need to be cultivated. Youngsters who have a good grounding in yoga from childhood and those who are living a life of yoga need to take up scientific studies to actualize their potential of being the perfect yoga researchers. Similarly scientists who study yoga, need to remember that yoga is not a subject to be merely ‘studied’ but is a way of life to be observed as implied by “Atha yoganushasanam”, the very first sutra in the Yoga Darshan of Maharishi Patanjali.

In this issue we take a look at the extensive work done at JIPMER in the past few decades under the direction of Prof Dr Madanmohan and an update on studies being conducted by ACYTER at JIPMER as a collaborative venture with MDNIY, New Delhi.

We hope that this issue of the ACYTER bulletin will stimulate many like minded scientists to explore yoga in a wholistic manner and provide a scientific understanding of its great preventive and therapeutic potential.

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Programme Coordinator ACYTER

# Bhavanani AB. IJYT 2011; 21: 21

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 2

ROLE OF YOGA IN PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE: THE JIPMER EXPERIENCE∗

Dr MADANMOHAN MBBS, MD, MSc (Yoga), FIAY

Professor& Head, Dept of Physiology and Programme Director ACYTER, JIPMER, Pondicherry Email: [email protected]

Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases comprise more than 60% of health problems and are a major burden on our health care delivery system. In developed countries, cardiovascular disease accounts for 30% of all cause mortality and the incidence is more among the elderly.

India is catching fast with an alarming increase in the incidence of hypertension and coronary artery disease. It is a matter of great concern that young Indian professionals who are at the peak of their life and career are becoming victims of cardiovascular diseases. In spite of awesome advances in modern medicine, globally millions die of cardiovascular diseases every year. Allopathy depends on powerful drugs that have many undesirable

side effects, especially when administered over a period of time. Many hypertensives and heart patients have to take prolonged drug treatment with the consequent financial burden and undesirable side effects.

It needs to be emphasized that Allopathy does not have all the answers for chronic, degenerative disorders whose incidence is rising by the day. Being high-tech and expensive, modern medicine has not been able to deliver health care to large sections of our population. State of-the-art technology and expensive medicine automatically limits the reach of modern medicine. Allopathy has not been able to prevent and cure lifestyle-based chronic degenerative disorders that are the bane of modern society and impose significant morbidity and mortality.

It is clear that there is a pressing need for introducing yoga as an add-on, complimentary system to augment modern medicare. Modern medicine as well as yoga have sound scientific basis and are, therefore, natural allies. Their merger will give us an enlightened, holistic and highly effective health care delivery system that will be a boon to our society.

Cardiovascular disease is basically a lifestyle disorder. Hence, lifestyle modification along with usual medicare should be adopted as the strategy for its prevention and management. The goal of lifestyle modification should be to modify risk factors and improve quality of life so that the need for drugs and interventional procedures is significantly reduced. Holistic science of yoga is the best lifestyle ever designed. Yoga is holistic because it has preventive, promotive as well as curative potential and is an ideal means to improve our physical, mental as well as spiritual health.

The ancient marvel of yoga is the eternal and priceless gift of India to the world. Yoga means union. Union between our body, mind and soul and the ultimate union of our individual consciousness with the universal Divine Consciousness in a super-conscious state called Samadhi. Yoga is a scientific – spiritual discipline and the most precious gem of Indian cultural heritage and Vedic thought. It has non-sectarian approach and is for the whole humanity. Indian yogic tradition is pre-historic. The first book of humankind, Rigved, ∗ Published invited talk. Souvenir and Abstracts. 24th Annual Conference, Indian Society for Atherosclerosis Research & International CME on Atherosclerosis 2011, p 7-10.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 3

mentions about yogic meditation by the wise (5:81:1). Yajurved exhorts us to practice yoga for enhancing mental health, physical strength and prosperity (11:14). That is an ideal recipe against stress and chronic disorders including cardiovascular disease. Upanishads are replete with yogic concepts and Bhagavadgita (~3000BC) mentions the term yoga 105 times in its 700 verses. In unequivocal turns, yogeshwar (lord of yoga) Krishna emphasizes the superiority of a yogi (Bhagavadgita 6:46).

Scientific literature on the role of yoga in prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases is scanty. Yoga has preventive, curative as well as rehabilitative potential. This holistic action of yoga can be explained on the basis of its ability to modulate autonomic functions, relieve stress, improve physiological functions including cardio-respiratory fitness and improve quality of life.

Hypertension and coronary artery disease are common disorders and many patients are on life-long medication as a way of life. To reduce the drug dosage and improve general health and quality of life, yoga should be introduced along with usual medical care. If diagnosed early, most of the patients having essential hypertension/pre-hypertension can be managed effectively by yoga alone. Even in advanced cases, yoga can improve quality of life and decrease drug dosage. Yoga is safe, effective, inexpensive and it improves overall health.

In a study on patients having essential hypertension, we have demonstrated that yoga training produces a significant decrease in blood pressure and heart rate within 3 weeks of the training (Vijayalakshmi et al, Ind J Physiol Pharmacol 2004, 48: 59-64). In this study, we have also found that yoga training optimizes the sympathetic response to stressful stimuli like isometric handgrip test. Other workers (Patel and North, lancet 1975, 19: 93-95; Datey et al, Angiology 1969, 20: 325-333) also have reported blood pressure lowering ability of yoga training.

For best results, yogic lifestyle should be adopted early in life since atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries start forming early in life. Moreover, in a recent report, we have found that the levels of LDL and total cholesterol are higher in prehypertensive patients as compared to normal subjects (Pavithran et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2007, 51: 96-98).

Breathing exercises and relaxation training have beneficial effects in patients with previous myocardial infarction (van Dixhoom, Biol Psycol 1998, 49: 123-135). This supports our earlier finding that shavasan (yoga relaxation training) and pranayam (yoga breathing) is beneficial in patients having premature ventricular complexes and palpitations (Ravindra et al, International J Cardiology 2006, 108:124-125).

In a recent work, we have demonstrated that pranayam breathing at 6 breaths/min can reduce heart rate and blood pressure of hypertensive patients within 5 mins of starting the practice (Bhavanani et al, International J Yoga Therapy 2011, 21: 73-76). This novel finding has potential therapeutic application in day-to-day as well as clinical situations where blood pressure needs to be brought down quickly. We recommend that this simple to perform and inexpensive technique be added to the management protocol of hypertensive patients as an add-on to the routine medical care.

Therapeutic potential of yoga may be due to, at least partly, its ability to modulate autonomic function. In a study on the effect of pranayam on school children, we have demonstrated that three month pranayam training produce a decrease in basal sympathetic tone, an increase in basal parasympathetic activity and a significant decrease in rate pressure product (Udupa et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2003, 47: 27-33). Rate-pressure product is an index of load on heart and myocardial oxygen consumption. These findings indicate that pranayam has potential benefit in health and disease.

In another study, we have demonstrated that six week yoga training improves thermo-regulatory efficiency as measured by weight loss response to step test (Madanmohan et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2008, 52: 164-170). This yoga training induced attenuation of

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 4

sweating response to muscular exercise is of physiological significance and indicates improved autonomic regulation and exercise tolerance. Our findings support those of Michalsen et al (Am Heart J 2006, 151: 870-877) who have reported that comprehensive lifestyle modification improves autonomic function, angina and quality of life of patients with established coronary artery disease.

Stress is an important factor in the etiology as well as progression of chronic diseases including hypertension and coronary artery disease. For prevention as well as management of stress, there is no method as effective and far-reaching as yoga. Shavasan, meditation and mantra chanting are very effective in controlling stress.

Yogic postures, when performed with awareness and synchronized with breathing as well as slow, rhythmic pranayams are effective stress busters. In a study on subjects who were well trained in yoga, we have demonstrated that savitri pranayam (slow rhythmic and deep breathing with a ratio of 2:1:2:1 between inspiration, hold-in, expiration and hold-out phases) and shavasan produce a significant decrease in oxygen consumption and a deep psychosomatic relaxation within 5 minutes of starting the practice (Madanmohan et al, The Yoga Review 1983, 3: 25-34).

In another study, we have demonstrated that shavasan improves one’s ability to withstand stress as measured by response to cold-pressor test and this ability can be achieved within 7 days of training (Madanmohan et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2002, 46: 307-312). Our findings are consistent with the report that yoga training not only produces a significant decrease in basal anxiety level, but also attenuates the increase in stress scores during stressful situations like examinations (Malathi and Damodaran, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1999, 43:218). It is clear that yoga is very effective in combating stress and stress disorders like hypertension and coronary artery disease.

The beneficial health-promoting and therapeutic effects of yoga training can also be due to improvement of physiological functions. Practice of pranayam and asan results in improvement of physical fitness and cardio-respiratory endurance. In a work on normal school going boys, we have found that yoga training blunts the exercise-induced increase in heart rate and blood pressure (Madanmohan et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2004, 48: 461-465). This suggests that yoga training improves exercise tolerance. In an another work conducted on medical students, we have found that 12 week yoga training produces a significant increase in respiratory pressures, handgrip strength and breath holding time, suggesting an improved physical strength and cardio-respiratory function.

Yoga training also improves respiratory endurance, muscle strength and reaction time (Madanmohan et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1992, 36: 229-233). Improvement of pulmonary functions by yoga training has also been reported by us (Madanmohan et al, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2003, 47: 387-392).

We have also reported that training in slow breathing pranayams (e.g. savitri pranayam) reduces the basal heart rate and rate-pressure product while training in fast breathing pranayams (e.g. bhastrika) produces an increase in these parameters. Thus, it is possible that slow and fast pranayams may have different therapeutic effects.

Our studies demonstrate the health promoting and therapeutic potential of yoga. Yoga can play a significant role in prevention as well as management of cardiovascular disease, especially essential hypertension and coronary artery disease, whose incidence is increasing alarmingly. Yoga is the mantra for “avoidable attributes” of ageing.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 5

CURRENT YOGA RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AT JIPMER Various studies are being conducted at JIPMER as collaborative efforts between ACYTER and the Departments of Physiology, Medicine, Biochemistry, Cardiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Papers and abstracts have been published on the completed studies and also submitted for publication. Details of the various studies that have been completed / in progress are given below along with details of the papers published and those in press.

PhD theses:

In Progress: 1. Effect of yoga therapy on cardiac autonomic functions and oxidative stress in

prehypertensive subjects: a randomized controlled study.

2. Effect of yoga therapy on cardiac function, response to exercise, oxidative stress and quality of life in heart failure patients: a randomized controlled trial.

MD dissertations:

Completed: 1. Effect of 12 week yoga therapy as a lifestyle intervention in patients of type 2

diabetes mellitus with distal symmetric polyneuropathy – A randomized controlled study. Dissertation submitted.

2. Effect of yoga therapy on cardiac autonomic function in patients of essential hypertension – A randomized controlled study. Dissertation submitted

In Progress: 1. Effects of slow and fast pranayams on pulmonary function, handgrip strength and

endurance in young healthy volunteers – A randomized controlled trial.

2. Effect of yoga training on autonomic functions and reaction time in young healthy females during different phases of menstrual cycle.

3. Effect of pranayam on maximal exercise performance, pulmonary function, recovery heart rate and blood pressure in healthy adults.

MSc dissertations:

Completed: 1. Effect of yoga training on heart rate, blood pressure and lipid profile of patients with

essential hypertension. Paper has been submitted for publication

2. Effect of yoga training on reaction time, blood glucose and lipid profile of female diabetes mellitus patients. Paper has been accepted for publication

3. Effect of yogic training on physical and biochemical variables of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Dissertation submitted.

PILOT STUDIES:

Completed: 1. Immediate effect of sukha pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure of patients

with hypertension. Paper has been published in International Journal of Yoga therapy 2011; 21: 73-76.

2. Immediate cardiovascular effects of kaya kriya in normal healthy volunteers. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin, workshop proceedings and compilations.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 6

3. Immediate effect of shavasana and savitri pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure of hypertensive patients. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin, workshop proceedings and compilations.

4. Immediate effect of chandra nadi pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure of hypertensive patients. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin, workshop proceedings and compilations. Full paper has been submitted for publication

5. Immediate cardiovascular effects of shavasana and pranava pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure of hypertensive patients. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin, workshop proceedings and compilations.

6. Immediate effects of yoga nidra on heart rate and blood pressure. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin, workshop proceedings and compilations.

7. Immediate effect of yoga practices on blood pressure. Work and data analysis completed.

8. Immediate cardiovascular effects of pranava pranayama in hypertensive patients. Paper has been submitted for publication.

9. Immediate effect of suryanadi pranayam on heart rate and blood pressure of hypertensive patients. Work and data analysis completed

10. Immediate effect of suryanadi and chandranadi on short term heart rate variability in healthy volunteers. Data analysis completed and abstract of the study sent for publication and presentation at APPICON 2011.

In Progress: 1. A pilot study on acute effect of anulom vilom pranayam on heart rate variability in

healthy volunteers. Work and data analysis completed and more patients are being recruited

2. Immediate effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in hypertensive patients. Work and data analysis completed and more patients are being recruited

3. Immediate effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in Diabetes mellitus patients. Work and data analysis completed and more patients are being recruited

4. Acute effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Work and data analysis completed and more patients are being recruited

5. Immediate effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in patients of heart failure. Work and data analysis completed and more patients are being recruited

6. A pilot study on effect of respiratory rate on heart rate variability in healthy volunteers.

7. Effect of yoganidra on short term HRV in heart failure patients.

CASE STUDIES:

Completed:

• Effect of yoga on subclinical hypothyroidism. Full paper was published in Yoga Mimamsa 2011; 43: 102-107.

• Effect of yoga in newly diagnosed hypertension. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 7

• Effect of yoga in a patient of long standing diabetes and hypertension. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin.

• Case report on COAD in an adult. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin.

• Case report on bronchial asthma in a 4 year old child. Abstract of the study published in ACYTER bulletin.

OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS:

Completed: Patient Feedback Survey and Retrospective Wellness Questionnaire was completed for 100 patients in June 2011 and published in ACYTER bulletin of July 2011.

In progress: 1. Effect of slow and fast pranayams on cognitive and autonomic parameters in young

healthy subjects.

2. Effect of mid trimester yoga on the incidence of preeclampsia in high risk women. The clinical trial is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Dr K Manikandan, Asst Professor as Principal Investigator. The trial has been registered as CTRI/2011/10/002064 with Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI), hosted at the ICMR's National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS).

PUBLICATIONS: 1. Effect of yoga on subclinical hypothyroidism: a case report. Yoga Mimamsa 2011;

43: 102-107.

2. Immediate effect of sukha pranayama on cardiovascular variables in patients of hypertension. International Journal of Yoga therapy 2011; 21: 73-76.

3. Don’t put yoga in a small box: The challenges of scientifically studying yoga. Perspective by Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. International Journal of Yoga therapy 2011; 21: 21.

4. A comparative study of slow and fast suryanamaskar on physiological function. International Journal of Yoga 2011: 4 (2); 71-76

5. Effects of a comprehensive six week yoga therapy programme on reaction time and biochemical parameters and wellness score of peri and post menopausal diabetic patients. Accepted for publication in the International Journal of Yoga.

6. Role of yoga in managing bronchitis. Accepted for publication in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

7. Immediate effect of mukha bhastrika (a bellows type of pranayama) on reaction time in special children. Accepted for publication in Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.

8. Immediate cardiovascular effects of pranava pranayama in hypertensive patients. Submitted to the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.

9. Effects of a comprehensive eight week yoga therapy programme on cardiovascular health in patients of essential hypertension. Submitted to the International Journal of Yoga therapy.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – October 2011 8

10. Immediate effect of chandra nadi pranayama (left unilateral forced nostril breathing) on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients. Submitted to the International Journal of Yoga.

YOGA THERAPY OPD AT SUPERSPECIALITY BLOCK Yoga therapy OPD is functioning regularly in Super Specialty Block of JIPMER. Yoga therapy and lifestyle consultation is given by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Zeena Sanjay from 10 AM to 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. 441 patients (new 334 and old 107) of various disorders attended the OPD between July and October 2011.

YOGA RESEARCH LAB AT SUPERSPECIALITY BLOCK ACYTER Yoga Research Lab is functioning in SS Block since 6 July 2011 and regular studies are being done on patients of diabetes, hypertension and heart failure along with the administration of questionnaires. Various pilot studies on patients as well as normal volunteers are being conducted by Sri E Jayasettiaseelon, SRF in coordination with Sri Harikrishna, PhD Scholar and Dr M Rajajeyakumar, SR, Department of Physiology.

YOGA THERAPY SESSIONS The yoga therapy sessions are being conducted at ACYTER yoga hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes, 11 AM – 12 noon for patients of cardiovascular diseases and 12 noon – 1 PM for patients of other disorders. Additional sessions are being conducted on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 – 11 AM for patients of diabetes. The yoga instructors, Shri G Dayanidy and Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi are conducting the sessions both individually and in groups as per directions of the therapists. Patients have reported satisfaction with the therapy sessions and are attending regularly. 654 patients of diabetes, 514 of hypertension and 635 of other conditions attended these sessions between July and October 2011.

YOGA CLASSES FOR NORMAL SUBJECTS Yoga classes are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.30 AM and 4.30 PM. 637 participants attended the classes in the last quarter. Suryanamaskar, basic asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques are being taught in the classes.

YOGA CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Yoga classes for senior citizens are being conducted every Thursday between 11 AM and 12 noon. 138 participants attended classes with Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, Guest faculty who is Coordinator, Yoga Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute.

From To Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (ACYTER) III floor Institute Block, JIPMER, D Nagar Puducherry – 605 006

Page 66: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 1

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ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,

EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER) (A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry & MDNIY, New Delhi)

Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 (A special issue on the activities of ACYTER from June 2008 to February 2012)

Published by the

Advanced Centre for Yoga

Therapy, Education &

Research (ACYTER),

JIPMER, D Nagar,

Puducherry, India 605 006

Patrons:

Dr. TS Ravikumar

Director, JIPMER

Dr. KSVK Subba Rao

Former Director, JIPMER

Dr. I V Basavaraddi

Director, MDNIY, New Delhi

Dr. Ashok Kumar Das

Med. Superintendent, JIPMER

Dr. S Badrinath

Project Co-ordinator, JIPMER

Dr. KS Reddy

Dean, JIPMER

Editor:

Dr. Madanmohan

Professor & Head,

Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER &

Programme Director, ACYTER

Editorial board:

Dr. GK Pal

Professor,

Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER

Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

Programme Co-ordinator,

ACYTER, JIPMER

Correspondence to:

The Editor,

Bulletin of ACYTER,

III floor Institute Block, JIPMER,

D Nagar, Puducherry- 605 006

E-mail: [email protected]

Website:www.jipmer.edu/ACYTE

R/main.html

ACYTER extends a hearty welcome to the new Director of JIPMER,

Dr TS Ravikumar. We are confident that he will guide and motivate

us to achieve greater heights.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr KSVK Subba Rao during

whose tenure as director, ACYTER came into being. His constant

guidance and support has enabled us to undertake many activities in

the past three years. This issue of the bulletin gives a report on the

activities of ACYTER since its inception in June 2008.

CONTENTS

1 Dr Madanmohan awarded DSc (Yoga) 2

2 Attendance at Yoga OPD and practice sessions 3

3

Report on foundation course in yoga for paramedical

students at Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research

Institute of Health Sciences 4

4 Seminars, conferences, workshops and IEC activities 5

5 Research works 7

6 Publications 9

Page 67: ACYTER Bulletin Compilation-April 2009 to Feb 2012

Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 2

Dr Madanmohan receiving DSc during 9th

Convocation

of SVYASA. From left to right Dr HR Nagendra, VC,

SVYASA; Dr SC Sharma, VC, Tumkur University; Dr

SL Goel, representative to SVYASA from the Ministry of

HRD and Dr Madanmohan.

Dr MADANMOHAN AWARDED DSc (YOGA)

Dr Madanmohan, Professor and Head,

Department of Physiology, and

Programme Director, Advanced Centre

for Yoga Therapy, Education and

Research (ACYTER) was honoured with

DSc (Yoga) by SVYASA University,

Bengaluru on January 12, 2012. This

prestigious award was bestowed upon

him in recognition of his yeoman service

towards the cause of scientific validation

of yoga.

Dr Madanmohan was awarded MBBS in

1968 from Jammu & Kashmir University

and MD Physiology in1974 from Delhi

University. He joined Maulana Azad

medical College in October 1970 and

JIPMER in March 1977. He completed PG Diploma in Yoga in 2005 and MSc Yoga in 2010

from Annamalai University. His vast teaching and research experience spanning more than

four decades has resulted in 90 research papers (including original research work in

Physiology and Yoga) in national and international journals and 73 abstracts and 28

magazine articles. He was honored as a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga (FIAY) and

has personally given yoga training to hundreds of medical students, school children, police

personnel and general public. He was awarded with Karma Yoga Shiromani by Yoganjali

Natyalayam (2003) for his work in yoga.

He has guided 30 PG (MD, MS, MSc, and PhD) students in their thesis work, 14 medical

students in their ICMR Research Studentship and been chief investigator / co-investigator in

26 research projects. He has participated in 63 national and international

conferences/workshops and chaired many scientific sessions and delivered invited talks. He

has served as an expert in many selection committees and is Officer-in-Overall Charge, Hindi

Teaching Scheme, Pondicherry. He was awarded Gold medal and Scroll of Honor when he

delivered the Annual Internal Oration (2009-10) of the JIPMER Scientific Society. He is on

the Editorial / Advisory boards of many journals.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 3

ATTENDANCE AT YOGA OPD AND PRACTICE SESSIONS

Yoga therapy OPD is functioning in the Super Specialty Block of JIPMER daily from 9 AM

to 1 PM and yoga therapy sessions are being conducted at ACYTER yoga hall for diabetes

everyday from 10 – 11 AM, for cardiovascular diseases from 11 AM – 12 noon on Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays and from 12 noon – 1 PM everyday for other disorders. Sessions are

conducted individually and in groups as per requirements of the patients and directions of

therapists. Yoga classes for normal subjects are being conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays

and Fridays at 6.30 AM and 4.30 PM and for senior citizens on Thursdays between 11 AM

and 12 noon.

2009

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand total

OPD attendance 92 116 95 112 183 97 91 786

Therapy sessions

Diabetes 77 150 176 137 166 141 72 919

Hypertension 35 100 116 79 105 77 43 555

Other disorders 70 77 117 134 157 151 97 803

Senior citizens 41 57 30 30 18 8 38 222

Normal subjects 16 29 23 9 14 16 50 157

Total 331 529 557 501 643 490 391 3442

2010

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand total

OPD attendance 82 77 68 71 87 96 109 112 62 85 74 75 998

Therapy sessions

Diabetes 47 116 108 73 53 68 113 171 133 192 159 242 1475

Hypertension 29 49 57 43 34 52 75 101 117 110 82 128 877

Other disorders 58 162 142 133 155 148 204 150 135 213 162 216 1878

Senior citizens 17 38 35 29 17 19 42 35 39 36 32 44 383

Normal subjects 73 57 41 44 36 77 134 88 119 59 35 70 833

Total 306 499 451 393 382 460 677 657 605 695 544 775 6444

2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand

total

OPD attendance 214 74 148 81 118 110 104 190 113 111 150 93 1506

Therapy sessions

Diabetes 224 258 265 246 300 232 236 167 251 148 143 146 2616

Hypertension 120 118 186 186 176 151 133 199 182 134 146 158 1889

Other disorders 186 232 352 245 243 254 269 181 185 163 147 148 2605

Senior citizens 21 29 45 28 45 53 40 49 49 16 25 50 450

Normal subjects 146 150 119 98 142 92 140 105 392 541 425 192 2542

Total 911 861 1115 884 1024 892 922 891 1172 1113 1036 787 11608

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 4

REPORT ON FOUNDATION COURSE IN YOGA FOR PARAMEDICAL

STUDENTS AT MOTHER THERESA POST GRADUATE AND RESEARCH

INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

ACYTER staff conducted 40 hour Foundation Course in Yoga for Paramedical Students at

the department of Physiotherapy, Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of

Health Sciences, Pondicherry in November 2011. 16 students of BPT course participated in

the training programme that included 20 hours of lectures and lecture-demonstrations and 20

hours of practice sessions. The sessions were conducted by Sri G Dayanidy and Selvi L

Vithiyalakshmi. All participants had 100% attendance. 15 participants reported that they were

practising at home daily for an average of 30 minutes.

A post intervention, retrospective wellness questionnaire compiled by ACYTER was used to

evaluate the comparative feelings of the participants after the training programme. Five

different responses ranging from “worse than before” to “complete relief / total satisfaction”

were utilized to evaluate the physical and psychological aspects and results are given below.

Worse

than

before

Same as

before

Better

than

before

Much

better than

before

Complete relief

/ Totally

satisfied

Ability to

concentrate 12.5% 62.5% 25%

Control of anger /

loss of temper 6.25% 12.5% 37.5% 37.5% 6.25%

Appetite 6.25% 43.75% 12.5% 25% 6.25%

Confidence level 18.75% 31.25% 37.5% 12.5%

Ease of breathing 18.75% 56.25% 18.75% 6.25%

Energy level 18.75% 50% 18.75% 6.25%

Enjoyment of life 37.5% 18.75% 18.75% 25%

Feeling calm & fresh 25% 31.5% 37.5% 6.25%

Feeling of

hopelessness 12.5% 25% 25% 18.75% 18.75%

Feeling of loneliness 20% 43.75% 12.5% 6.25% 12.5%

General flexibility 6.25% 37.5% 43.75% 12.5%

General mood 25% 50% 18.75% 6.25%

General sense of

relaxation 33.33% 33.33% 26.67% 6.25%

General wellbeing 33.33% 33.33% 6.25% 26.67%

Joint mobility 13.33% 31.25% 37.5% 18.75%

Nervousness 12.5% 18.75% 43.75% 25%

Pain levels 6.25% 43.75% 25% 12.5% 12.5%

Performance of day-

to-day activities 37.5% 37.5% 12.5% 12.5%

Normality of

menstrual cycle 53.84% 23.07% 7.69% 15.38%

Sleep quality /

duration 6.25% 37.5% 37.5% 12.5% 6.25%

Stress levels 6.25% 37.5% 31.25% 18.75% 6.25%

Total wellbeing

score 3.63 % 28.40 % 34.34 % 22.17 % 10.63 %

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 5

SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND IEC ACTIVITIES

2008

September & October: 60 hour Foundation Course in Yoga conducted by Dr Madanmohan,

Programme Director ACYTER for 100 undergraduate medical students of JIPMER.

2009

February 16 to 20: ACYTER organized mass yoga awareness programme in 48 schools of

Puducherry with cooperation of Education Department, Government of Puducherry during

the National Yoga Week 2009. More than 5,000 students, teachers and parents were

sensitized to the importance of yoga for school health.

March 18: Release of a booklet “Introducing Yog to Medical students: The JIPMER

experience” by Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director ACYTER. A report on this was also

published in Yoga Vijnana, Journal of MDNIY.

March 18 to 20: ACYTER and Department of Physiology, JIPMER organized a three day

National Workshop on “Introducing Yoga in the Medical Curriculum”

June 1 to 15: Orientation programme was conducted for ACYTER staff by Dr.

Madanmohan, Programme Director. Workshop on HRV methods was conducted by Dr ES

Prakash, Asian institute of Medicine, Science and Technology.

July 15: First edition of ACYTER Bulletin published.

October 9: ACYTER conducted Yoga and Healthy Lifestyle consultations for delegates

attending the Regional Official Language Conference for South and South Western Zone, at

JIPMER Auditorium.

December: Compilation and publication of Tamil translations of MDNIY IEC materials on

Asana, Pranayama, Yoga for Diabetes, Yoga for Hypertension and Yoga for Cardiovascular

Diseases for free distribution. 3000 copies of each booklet were distributed

2010

January 1: Workshop on “Chakra Healing” by Sri Bala Ratnam, founder Vibrational Breath

Therapy, Melbourne, Australia.

January 4 to 7: ACYTER participated in 17th

International Yoga Festival conducted by

Department of Tourism, Govt of Puducherry.

January 12 & 13: ACYTER actively participated in “Workshop on yoga for stress

management and personality development” organized by Anandita Trust, at Hotel Surguru at

Pondicherry.

January 30: Workshop–cum-seminar on “Role of Yoga and CAM therapies in HIV/AIDS”

organized at JIPMER Nursing College in collaboration with Pondicherry AIDS control

society.

February 12 to 18: ACYTER participated in National Yoga Week 2010 organized by

MDNIY at New Delhi. Programme Director, Programme Co-ordinator, Shri E

Jayasettiaseelon, SRF and Shri G Dayanidy, Yoga instructor attended. Poster presentation

was given on ACYTER activities.

March 18 to 20: National Workshop on “Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management of

Hypertension” organized at JIPMER.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 6

April : Compilations by ACYTER on “Yoga and Diabetes” and “Yoga and Hypertension”

were circulated amongst JIPMER doctors.

June 2 to 30: 48 hour Foundation Course in Yoga conducted for 15 medical and paramedical

staff of JIPMER.

October18 – November 20: 48 hour Foundation Course in Yoga conducted for 63 medical

doctors, paramedical professionals, students and staff members of JIPMER.

November 13: Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Coordinator ACYTER delivered

a lecture on “Yoga for Women” during 8th

National Conference, Puducherry Chapter of

Society of Midwives.

November 27 – 28: ACYTER staff participated as jury in 25th

Pondicherry State Yogasana

competition. IEC materials were distributed and free consultation given to general public.

December 5: Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Coordinator ACYTER was a

guest speaker at the one day workshop on “Yoga therapy for Psychiatric Disorders” held at

the Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS, Bangalore.

2011

January 4-7: Staff of ACYTER participated in 18th

International Yoga Festival Conducted

by Government of Pondicherry from 4-7 January 2011. Invited talks were given by

Programme Coordinator and free consultation on yoga and healthy living was provided to

delegates and members of the public. Sri G Dayanidy, Yoga Instructor ACYTER won first

place and was selected to participate in the Final Championship Round.

January 17: Staff of ACYTER presented talks and lecture demonstrations during the “CME

on Physiological Effects of Yoga”, organized by Department of Physiology, Sri Satya Sai

Medical College and Research Institute, near Chennai. The CME was attended by more than

hundred participants from management, faculty, staff and students who gave positive

feedback and expressed appreciation for the entire programme.

January 20-21: Programme Director and Programme Coordinator were invited to give

invited talks and conduct workshops during Golden Jubilee National Seminar-cum-Workshop

on “Role of Yoga in Respiratory Tract Disorders” organized by the Advanced Centre for

Yoga Education and Research, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar.

January - March: As part of the pre-hypertension research project, yoga therapy sessions

were conducted for staff members of Kendriya Vidyalaya. Screening of the participants for

pre-hypertension was done and then sessions conducted thrice weekly at the school premises.

February 12-18: Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director, Dr Ananda Balayogi, Programme

Coordinator and Dr Zeena Sanjay, SRF participated in the National Yoga Week conducted by

MDNIY, New Delhi.

March 1: Released proceedings of previous national workshop-cum-seminar on “Role of

Yoga in Prevention and Management of Hypertension”. Also released Tamil books on

“Yogic Management of Diabetes Mellitus” and “Yogic Management of Cardio Vascular

Disorders”. Tamil translation of MDNIY booklet on “Normal healthy diet” was also released.

March 1-2: ACYTER conducted National Workshop-cum-Seminar on “Role of Yoga in

Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus”.

May 20-June 20: Pranayam classes were conducted for 20 senior and junior residents and

research scholars of Physiology Department.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 7

July 6: The ACYTER Yoga Research Lab was inaugurated by Dr. KSVK Subba Rao,

Director, JIPMER in the Super Specialty Block. Dr. AK Das, Medical Superintendent and Dr.

Balachander, Professor and Head, Dept. of Cardiology were special invitees.

August 6: Free hypertension screening and yoga consultation programme conducted in

Lawspet, Pondicherry. Residents and PhD scholars of the Department of Physiology and staff

members of ACYTER conducted the programme in coordination with the local MLA Sri

Vaithiyanathan and his colleagues.

August 7: Programme Co-ordinator presented an invited talk on “Dealing with obesity the

Yoga way” during the CME on obesity organized by Woman Doctors Association (TN) at Sri

Lakshminarayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry. Mr. G Dayanidy, Yoga

Instructor gave an excellent yoga demonstration to complement the talk.

August 20: Yoga instructors started taking yoga sessions for physiotherapy students at

Mother Theresa Institute of Health Sciences, Pondicherry.

October 15: Eleventh edition of ACYTER bulletin published

December 10-11: IEC materials were distributed and free consultation given for general

public by the ACYTER team during the 26th

Pondicherry State Yogasana competition.

December 21: Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Programme Coordinator ACYTER was

invited to present a lecture on “Yoga and Education” in the 19th

International Yoga

conference at SVYASA, Bangalore.

2012

January 21: Staff of ACYTER conducted a special Yoga Awareness programme for more

than 50 corporate executives and invitees of the Harmoney Company at Hotel Athiti.

February 4: Programme Director presented an Invited talk on “My work in yoga” at Golden

Jubilee Celebrations of Kashmir Medicos Association and CME, New Delhi.

February 10: Programme Director presented an Invited talk on “Integrating naturopathy and

yoga in conventional medical education” and chaired a session in the International

Conference on Yoga, Naturopathy and AROGYA Expo – 2012, Bangalore.

February 12-18: Dr Madanmohan, Programme Director and Dr Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Programme Coordinator presented Key Note addresses and chaired scientific

sessions during National Yoga Week at MDNIY, New Delhi. Poster presentation of

ACYTER activities was exhibited by Sri E Jayasettiaseelon, SRF and Miss L Vithiyalakshmi.

RESEARCH WORKS

Many research projects are being conducted at JIPMER as collaborative efforts between

ACYTER and the Departments of Physiology, Medicine, Biochemistry, Cardiology and

Obstetrics & Gynecology. Papers and abstracts have been published and also submitted for

publication. Details of various studies completed / in progress are given below:

PhD theses: (in progress):

1. Effect of yoga therapy on cardiac autonomic functions and oxidative stress in

prehypertensive subjects: a randomized controlled study.

2. Effect of yoga therapy on cardiac function, response to exercise, oxidative stress and

quality of life in heart failure patients: a randomized controlled trial.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 8

MD dissertations:

Completed:

1. Effect of 12 week yoga therapy as a lifestyle intervention in patients of type 2

diabetes mellitus with distal symmetric polyneuropathy – a randomized controlled

study.

2. Effect of yoga therapy on cardiac autonomic function in patients of essential

hypertension – a randomized controlled study.

In Progress:

1. Effects of slow and fast pranayams on pulmonary function, handgrip strength and

endurance in young healthy volunteers – a randomized controlled trial.

2. Effect of yoga training on autonomic functions and reaction time in young healthy

females during different phases of menstrual cycle.

3. Effect of pranayam on maximal exercise performance, pulmonary function, recovery

heart rate and blood pressure in healthy adults.

MSc dissertations (completed):

1. Effect of yoga training on cardiorespiratory functions of normal young volunteers

2. Effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical parameters and wellness score of

peri and post menopausal diabetic patients.

3. Effect of yoga training on heart rate, blood pressure and lipid profile of patients with

essential hypertension.

4. Effect of yogic training on physical and biochemical variables of type 2 diabetes

mellitus patients.

OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS:

Completed: Patient feedback survey and retrospective wellness questionnaire was completed

for 100 patients in June 2011.

In progress:

1. Effect of slow and fast pranayams on cognitive and autonomic parameters in young

healthy subjects.

2. Effect of mid trimester yoga on the incidence of pre-eclampsia in high risk women.

PILOT STUDIES:

Completed:

1. Immediate effect of sukha pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure of patients

with hypertension.

2. Immediate cardiovascular effects of kaya kriya in normal healthy volunteers.

3. Immediate effect of shavasana and savitri pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure

of hypertensive patients.

4. Immediate effect of chandra nadi pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure of

hypertensive patients.

5. Immediate cardiovascular effects of shavasana and pranava pranayama on heart rate

and blood pressure of hypertensive patients.

6. Immediate effects of yoga nidra on heart rate and blood pressure.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 9

7. Immediate effect of suryanadi and chandranadi on short term heart rate variability in

healthy volunteers.

8. Immediate cardiovascular effects of pranava pranayama in hypertensive patients.

9. Immediate effect of yoga practices on blood pressure.

10. Immediate effect of suryanadi pranayam on heart rate and blood pressure of

hypertensive patients.

In Progress:

1. Acute effect of anulom vilom pranayam on heart rate variability in healthy volunteers.

2. Immediate effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in

hypertensive patients.

3. Immediate effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in

Diabetes mellitus patients.

4. Acute effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in patients

with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

5. Immediate effect of 5 minutes chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability in

patients of heart failure.

6. Effect of respiratory rate on heart rate variability in healthy volunteers.

7. Effect of yoganidra on short term HRV in heart failure patients.

8. Acute biochemical and physiological effects of unilateral and bilateral nostril

breathing in patients of diabetes.

9. A controlled trial of immediate effects of pranava pranayama in shavasana on patients

having both diabetes and hypertension.

CASE STUDIES (completed):

1. Effect of yoga on subclinical hypothyroidism.

2. Effect of yoga in newly diagnosed hypertension.

3. Effect of yoga in a patient of long standing diabetes and hypertension.

4. Case report on COAD in an adult.

5. Case report on bronchial asthma in a 4 year old child.

PUBLICATIONS

Published papers:

1. Effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical parameters and wellness score of

peri and post menopausal diabetic patients. Madanmohan, Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Dayanidy G, Zeena Sanjay, Basavaraddi IV. International J Yoga 2012; 5:

10-15.

2. Immediate effect of sukha pranayama on cardiovascular variables in patients of

hypertension. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, Madanmohan.

International J Yoga Therapy 2011; 21: 4-7.

3. Don‟t put yoga in a small box: the challenges of scientifically studying yoga. Ananda

Balayogi Bhavanani. International J of Yoga Therapy 2011; 21 ; 21.

4. A comparative study of slow and fast suryanamaskar on physiological functions.

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Ravindra PN.

International J Yoga 2011; 4: 72-77.

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 10

5. Effect of yoga on subclinical hypothyroidism: a case report. Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, Madanmohan. Yoga Mimamsa 2011; 43: 102-107.

6. Yogic perspective on depression and mental health. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani.

Yoga Mimamsa 2011; 43: 254-264.

7. Results of a survey of participant feedback at ACYTER, JIPMER Pondicherry.

Madanmohan, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, G Dayanidy, L

Vithiyalakshmi, E Jayasettiaseelon. Yoga Life 2011; 42 (Nov): 11-13.

8. Are we practicing yoga therapy or yogopathy? Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Yoga

Therapy Today 2011; 7 (2): 26-28

9. Introducing yoga to medical students: the JIPMER experience. Madanmohan. Yoga

Vijnana 2008; 2: 71- 78.

Published abstracts

1. Role of yoga in prevention and management of cardiovascular disease: the JIPMER

experience. (Published invited talk) Madanmohan. Souvenir & Abstract. 24th

Annual

Conference, Indian Society for Atherosclerosis Research & International CME on

Atherosclerosis 2011, p 7-10.

2. Immediate effect of suryanadi and chandranadi on short term heart rate variability in

healthy volunteers. Rajajeyakumar M, Madanmohan, Amudharaj D, Bandi

Harikrishna, Jeyasettiseloune, Bhavanani AB. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 55 (5

supplement): 43-44.

3. Yoga and the educational process. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Souvenir 19th

International Conference on Yoga. SVYASA, Bengaluru. December 2011. p 122.

Papers in press

1. Role of yoga in managing bronchitis. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Zeena Sanjay

(Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine).

2. Immediate effect of chandra nadi pranayama (left unilateral forced nostril breathing)

on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani,

Madanmohan, Zeena Sanjay (International Journal of Yoga).

3. Yoga is not an intervention, but maybe yogopathy is. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

(International Journal of Yoga).

4. Immediate cardiovascular effects of pranava pranayama in hypertensive patients.

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Madanmohan, Zeena Sanjay, Basavaraddi IV (Indian

Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology).

5. Immediate effect of mukha bhastrika (a bellows type of pranayama) on reaction time

in special children. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Meena Ramanathan,

Harichandrakumar KT (Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology).

6. Effects of a comprehensive eight week yoga therapy programme on cardiovascular

health in patients of essential hypertension. Madanmohan, Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, Vithiyalakshmi L, Dayanidy G (Indian Journal of

Traditional Knowledge).

7. Immediate cardiovascular effects of pranava relaxation in patients of hypertension and

diabetes. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Madanmohan, Zeena Sanjay, Vithiyalakshmi

L (National Medical Journal of India)

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 11

SUMMARY OF PUBLISHED PAPERS AND ABSTRACTS

1. Effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical parameters and wellness score

of peri and post menopausal diabetic patients. Madanmohan, Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Dayanidy G, Zeena Sanjay, Basavaraddi IV. International J Yoga 2012;

5: 10-15.

Background: Yogic practices may aid in the prevention and management of diabetes

mellitus (DM) and reduce cardiovascular complications in the population. The present

study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical

parameters and wellness score of peri and post menopausal diabetic patients. Materials

and methods: 15 peri and post menopausal patients receiving standard medical treatment

for type 2 DM were recruited and reaction time and biochemical investigations were done

before and after a comprehensive yoga therapy programme comprising of three times a

week sessions for 6 weeks. A post intervention, retrospective wellness questionnaire

compiled by ACYTER was used to evaluate the comparative feelings of the patients after

the therapy programme. Results: Yoga training reduced auditory reaction time (ART)

from right as well as left hand, the decrease being statistically significant (p < 0.05) for

ART from the right hand. There was a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in fasting and

postprandial blood glucose levels as well as low density lipoprotein. The decrease in total

cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low density lipoprotein and increase in high density

lipoprotein was also statistically significant (p< 0.05). All the lipid ratios showed

desirable improvement with a decrease (p<0.01) of TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios and

increase (p<0.05) in the HDL/LDL ratio. Discussion: Shortening of RT implies an

improvement in the information processing and reflexes and is the first such report in

diabetic patients. This has clinical significance and is worth further exploration with

wider, well controlled, randomized studies in the diabetic population. Changes in blood

glucose levels may be due to improved insulin sensitivity, decline in insulin resistance

and increased sensitivity of the pancreatic cells to glucose signals. Yoga improved the

„heart friendly‟ status of lipid profile in our subjects and as our participants were peri and

post menopausal, the decrease in cardiovascular risk profile is of greater significance. A

comprehensive yoga therapy programme has the potential to enhance the beneficial

effects of standard medical management of diabetes mellitus and can be used as an

effective complementary or integrative therapy programme.

2. Immediate effect of sukha pranayama on cardiovascular variables in patients of

hypertension. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, Madanmohan.

International J Yoga Therapy 2011; 21: 4-7.

Hypertension is one of the most common health disorders, and yoga has been shown to be

an effective adjunct therapy in its management. Earlier studies have reported blood

pressure (BP)-lowering effects of slow, deep breathing after 3 weeks and 3 months of

training and beneficial immediate effects of slow, deep breathing in reducing premature

ventricular complexes and lowering blood pressure. None of these immediate studies used

the concept of pranayama, involving conscious internal awareness of the whole breathing

process. This study was undertaken to determine the immediate cardiovascular effects of

sukha pranayama in hypertensive patients. Methods: Twenty-three hypertensive patients

attending the Yoga OPD at JIPMER were recruited for the study and instructed to

perform sukha pranayama for 5 minutes at the rate of 6 breaths/min. This pranayama

involves conscious, slow and deep breathing with equal duration for inhalation and

exhalation. Heart rate (HR) and BP were recorded before and immediately after the

intervention. Results: Post- intervention statistical analysis revealed a significant (p <0

.05) reduction in HR and a highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction in systolic pressure,

pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, rate-pressure product, and double product with an

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 12

insignificant fall in diastolic pressure. Discussion: It is concluded that sukha pranayama at

the rate of 6 breaths/minute can reduce HR and BP in hypertensive patients within 5

minutes of practice. This may be due to a normalization of autonomic cardiovascular

rhythms as a result of increased vagal modulation and/or decreased sympathetic activity

and improved baroreflex sensitivity. Further studies are required to understand possible

mechanisms underlying this beneficial immediate effect and to determine how long such

a beneficial effect persists.

3. Don’t put yoga in a small box: the challenges of scientifically studying yoga. Ananda

Balayogi Bhavanani. International Journal of Yoga Therapy 2011; 21: 21.

It is clearly important to legitimize yoga practices in the eyes of the scientific community.

However, we need to move away from the current model of yoga research that resembles

pharmaceutical companies trying to find wonder drugs for newer diseases. Most modern

yoga researchers seem to be trying to find a single yoga pill for each ill. We need to focus

more attention on the core concepts of yoga. This requires extensive basic research that is

lacking in modern times, as there isn‟t much money available for such an approach. We

must not allow yoga to be made small as modern science tries to make yoga fit the

demands of science. Putting yoga in a small box is as absurd as trying to put the ocean in

a tea cup. We must remember that the origin of research in yoga dates back to the

prehistoric origin of yoga itself. Our ancient seers, the rishis, were truly searching and

researching the all important question, “Who am I?” One of the dangers in modern times

is that many excellent scientists are researching yoga, but because their understanding of

yoga is so limited, they end up missing the bus completely, in my opinion. Excellent

papers are published from a scientific perspective, but they are truly very limited from a

yogic perspective. There has to be a symbiotic relationship between yoga and modern

science, and for this, human bridges combining the best of both worlds need to be

cultivated. It is important that more scientists take up yoga and more yogis go into the

study of science, so that we can build a bridge between these two great aspects of our

civilization.

4. A comparative study of slow and fast suryanamaskar on physiological functions.

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Ravindra PN.

International J Yoga 2011; 4: 72-77.

Background: Numerous scientific studies have reported beneficial physiological changes

after short- and long-term yoga training. Suryanamaskar (SN) is an integral part of

modern yoga training and may be performed either in a slow or rapid manner. As there

are few studies on SN, we conducted this study to determine the differential effect of 6

months training in the fast and slow versions. Materials and Methods: 42 school children

in the age group of 12-16 years were randomly divided into two groups of 21 each. Group

I and Group II received 6 months training in performance of slow suryanamaskar (SSN)

and fast suryanamaskar (FSN), respectively. Results: Training in SSN produced a

significant decrease in diastolic pressure. In contrast, training in FSN produced a

significant increase in systolic pressure. Although there was a highly significant increase

in isometric hand grip (IHG) strength and hand grip endurance (HGE) in both the groups,

the increase in HGE in FSN group was significantly more than in SSN group. Pulmonary

function tests showed improvements in both the groups though intergroup comparison

showed no significance difference. Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum

expiratory pressure increased significantly in both the groups with increase of MIP in

FSN group being more significant than in SSN. Conclusion: The present study reports

that SN has positive physiological benefits as evidenced by improvement of pulmonary

function, respiratory pressures, hand grip strength and endurance, and resting

cardiovascular parameters. It also demonstrates the differences between SN training when

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 13

performed in a slow and fast manner, concluding that the effects of FSN are similar to

physical aerobic exercises, whereas the effects of SSN are similar to those of yoga

training.

5. Effect of yoga on subclinical hypothyroidism: a case report. Ananda Balayogi

Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, Madanmohan. Yoga Mimamsa 2011; 43: 102-107.

Introduction: Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) therapies such as yoga are

being increasingly used as adjuncts to modern medicine. Though it has been suggested

that yoga may have a role in revitalizing thyroid function there are few studies on the

effects of yoga on thyroid disorders. Case history: A 36 year old female with elevated

TSH level (9.39 IU/ml) and low normal T4 levels (12.57 pmol/L) was diagnosed as

having primary subclinical hypothyroidism and advised to start replacement therapy. She

came for consultation to the ACYTER Yoga OPD at JIPMER, Pondicherry and was given

appropriate yogic counseling and taught a series of techniques potentially beneficial to

patients of thyroid conditions. She continued the practices for a year and reported back at

the end of the year with her biochemical investigations. Results: After one year of

therapy, there was a fall in TSH (2.66 mIU/L) and a normalization of free T4 values (8.98

pmol/L). A third biochemical analysis three months later showed that TSH further

stabilized 2 mIU/L and FT4 at 9.78 pmol/L. As the anti TPO antibodies were positive

both before and after the yoga intervention, the patient was advised to continue the yoga

practices on a regular basis as long as possible with regular six-monthly follow up.

Conclusion: it is suggested that yoga can be an effective adjunct therapy in thyroid

conditions and further studies in larger samples are needed to confirm these findings and

to better understand the mechanisms behind such beneficial effects in patients of thyroid

disorders.

6. Yogic perspective on depression and mental health. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani.

Yoga Mimamsa 2011; 43: 254-64.

The dedicated practice of Yoga as a way of life is no doubt a panacea for problems

related to psychosomatic, stress related physical, emotional and mental disorders and

helps us regain our birthright of health and happiness. It is only when we are healthy and

happy that we can fulfill our destiny. According to the Yoga Darshan codified by

Maharishi Patanjali, depression or rather daurmanasya is one of the four vikshepa

sahabhuvah that are the manifestations that accompany the obstacles to yoga sadhana, the

nava antaraya. The other sahabhuvah are duhkha or suffering, angamejayatva or tremors

and shvasaprasvasa or irregular respiration (duhkhadaurmanasya angamejayatva

shvasaprasvasa vikshepa sahabhuvah -Yoga Darshan -1:31). When we analyze this sutra

deeply we find that they are very true reflections of our inner state. The central theme of

Yoga is the golden mean, finding the middle path, a constant search for moderation and a

harmonious homoeostatic balance. Yoga is the “unitive impulse” of life, which always

seeks to unite diverse streams into a single powerful force. Proper practice produces an

inner balance of mind that remains stable and serene even in the midst of chaos. This

ancient science shows its adherents a clear path to the “eye of the storm” and ensures a

stability that endures within, even as the cyclone rages externally.

7. Results of a survey of participant feedback at ACYTER, JIPMER Pondicherry.

Madanmohan, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Zeena Sanjay, Dayanidy G,

Vithiyalakshmi L, Jayasettiaseelon E. Yoga Life 2011; 42 (Nov): 11-13.

The Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (ACYTER), a

collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry and Morarji Desai National Institute

of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi was established by MOU between JIPMER and MDNIY

in 2008. This advanced centre is focusing primarily on the role of yoga in the prevention

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 14

and management of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus. In the period from

March to June 2011, a survey was done on 100 patients who were regularly attending

yoga therapy sessions at ACYTER and had completed a minimum of one month of the

regular programme. A questionnaire was given to them consisting of questions related to

their age, gender and demographic characteristic in addition to their main health

complaints, attendance at the yoga sessions, home practice as well as their physical and

mental condition and changes in dosage of medication.

8. Are we practicing yoga therapy or yogopathy? Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Yoga

Therapy Today 2011; 7 (2): 26-28

Unless we aim to correct the manifest psycho-somatic disassociation as well as the

underlying ignorant jaundiced perception of reality in the individual, we are not

practicing Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga therapy). Managing and suppressing the manifest

symptoms with Yoga techniques is just as good or bad as modern Allopathy that focuses

on symptomatic management without ever getting close to the real cause of most

disorders. How many doctors look at the emotional and psychological issues that are the

primary cause of the problem in so many of their patients? When Yoga therapists make

the same mistake of merely treating the manifesting symptoms without remedying the

cause, it is better referred to as yogopathy.

9. Introducing yoga to medical students: the JIPMER experience. Madanmohan. Yoga

Vijnana 2008; 2: 71- 78.

I have given yoga training to many batches of medical students, school children, police

personnel and hospital patients with the aim of determining the effectiveness of yoga as a

health-promoting and therapeutic intervention. The results have been gratifying and many

papers have been published in indexed journals. It was my heart‟s desire to introduce

yoga to medical students as a branch of physiology and contemporary medicine. The

opportunity came with financial support from Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga,

New Delhi. With the aim of motivating 30 students to join the initial programme, I took

introductory lecture for the MBBS batch of 2008. However, after the introductory lecture,

many students wanted to join and I enlisted the entire batch (n=100) for the programme.

The objectives of the programme were: 1) To promote awareness among medical students

about the effectiveness of yoga as an inexpensive means for achieving holistic health, 2 )

To impart knowledge, skill & attitude about the theoretical & practical aspects of yogic

science, 3)To motivate medical students to take up further studies, therapy & research in

yoga and 4) To introduce yoga in medical curriculum as a branch of physiology &

contemporary medicine. I designed a 60 hour programme that included lectures, lecture-

demonstrations, practice sessions, students‟ seminar on yoga therapy modules and pre-

test, post-test, administration of questionnaires to students and programme evaluation by

the students. The programme had an overwhelming response with excellent co-operation

from the medical undergraduates. In light of the encouraging student feedback it is

suggested that yoga should be made an integral part of medical curriculum, as a branch of

physiology and contemporary medicine. Complementary and alternative health systems

are already being taught in many standard modern medical schools in different parts of

the world. Yoga has a stronger scientific and philosophical basis. The ideal time in an

undergraduate medical programme where yoga can be incorporated is during the first

semester and again during sixth and / seventh semesters. The former will help them in

combating and adapting to the totally new and stressful first year undergraduate medical

curriculum. The latter will help in better understanding of the science of yoga and its

applications in clinical practice. This will also enable them to shape themselves as holistic

physicians and help them in their personal development as well as to become more

efficient physicians. The present programme was constrained by lack of a space with

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proper ambience which is very essential for yoga training. It is suggested that there

should be a space fully furnished, having the right ambience and comfort that will

facilitate the teaching and practice of yoga. The space should be exclusively devoted to

the yoga training programme. From the students‟ standpoint, practice sessions with

integrated theory, morning practice sessions and training schedule within the college

hours are among major recommendations. Students also wanted a facility to continue

yoga practice on a regular basis even after the completion of the introductory programme.

SUMMARY OF PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS

1. Role of yoga in prevention and management of cardiovascular disease: the JIPMER

experience. (Published invited talk) Madanmohan. Souvenir & Abstract. 24th

Annual Conference, Indian Society for Atherosclerosis Research & International

CME on Atherosclerosis 2011, p 7-10.

This article discusses some of the important research findings from JIPMER related to the

role of yoga in prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases that demonstrate

the health promoting and therapeutic potential of yoga. Yoga can play a significant role in

prevention as well as management of cardiovascular disease, especially essential

hypertension and coronary artery disease, whose incidence is increasing alarmingly. In

the words of Dr Madanmohan, “Yoga is the mantra for avoidable attributes of ageing".

2. Immediate effect of suryanadi and chandranadi on short term heart rate variability

in healthy volunteers. Rajajeyakumar M, Madanmohan, Amudharaj D, Bandi

Harikrishna, Jeyasettiseloune, Bhavanani AB. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 55

(5 supplement): 43-44.

Background: Yoga is a science practiced in India over thousands of years. It produces

consistent physiological changes and have sound scientific basis. Pranayam or the control

of prana or the life force yields control over bodily functions and the mind. Heart rate

variability has come to be widely used as a non-invasive tool to assess autonomic

function in a variety of physiologic as well as disease states. Different types of

pranayams are known to improve autonomic function by changing sympathetic or

parasympathetic activity. In view of this, the present study was aimed to study the effect

of suryanadi and chandranadi pranayams on HRV in healthy young volunteers. Methods:

The present study was conducted on 11male volunteers 20-30yrs. Their height, weight

were recorded and BMI was calculated. Volunteers were assigned to a sequence

randomly. Each volunteer was taught both suryanadi (SNP) and chandranadi pranayam

(CNP) by trained yoga teacher and made to practice under direct supervision until they

were familiar. The procedures and recordings were carried out in lying down posture for

all volunteers between 4-6.30 pm in ACYTER lab, JIPMER. Heart rate variability (HRV)

was recorded by using BIOHARNESS AcqKnowledge 4.1 version and analyzed by

Kubios HRV 2.00 software. Basal resting parameters and HRV were recorded for 5

minutes after that. SNP (only right nostril breathing) was performed in six cycles per

minute (each cycle consists of 5 seconds for each inspiration and expiration) for 5

minutes followed by 5 min rest. Three such sessions (before, during and after) HRV were

recorded. The same procedure and recording ware followed for CNP (left nostril

breathing only). Appropriate statistical analysis was done using SPSS version

16(Repeated measures of ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis with Benferroni

adjustment) and the level of statistical significance is considered at a p value < 0.05.

Results: The results of our study were much in accordance with the previous studies.

The time domain analysis of SNP revealed an increased heart rate with a decreased

RMSSD, the index of short term HRV. However the SDNN which is considered the index

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Bulletin of ACYTER – February 2012 16

of long term HRV increased. Also, in the frequency domain analysis there is an increased

LF power and decreased HF power. The index of sympathovagal balance as reflected by

LF/HF ratio increased i.e from 1.8 to 2.2 after the intervention. All the observation

showed that SNP is sympathomimetic. In CNP, the time domain analysis of HRV

revealed a decreased heart rate and an increased pNN50. The frequency domain analysis

revealed an increased HF power with decreased LF/HF ratio i.e. from 2.1 to 1.5. The

observations of CNP clearly indicated that CNP is an activator of the parasympathetic

activity. Conclusion: SNP increase the sympathetic activity and CNP increases the

parasympathetic activity and these can be appropriately advocated in many chronic

cardiovascular diseases where the autonomic imbalance is one of the primary

derangements. The beneficial effect of SNP and CNP can be applied to all school children

to improve the physical health and sports activities of the students.

3. Yoga and the educational process. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Souvenir 19th

International Conference on Yoga. SVYASA, Bengaluru. December 2011. p 122.

Each individual has different inherent potentialities that need to be cultivated for their

ultimate manifest expression. There is no, “One size fits all” in the Indian approach to

either education or health care. The Indian system of education was centred on the Guru

Kula, a mentor centric process similar to that seen in higher education with possibilities

of one-to-one interaction on a regular basis. This was based on the principle of

stimulating a yearning for the higher concepts of being, while learning the norms of

natural living. The students developed themselves physically, emotionally, mentally and

spiritually during this period of intense study at the feet of the Master. The emphasis was

on the development of a purna purusha, a complete human being through all round

development of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual qualities. Indian scriptures give

us a deep understanding of the process of learning through shravana (attentive listening),

manana (introspectional analysis) and nidhidhyaasana (embodiment of the wisdom) as

also different levels of students such as mridu (dull), madhya (average), adimatra

(excellent) and adimatratma (supreme) samvegins. once the type of student and their

nature is understood the teacher must judiciously apply the methods of teaching to

maximize the inherent potential. The biggest challenge facing teachers today is how to

deal with their students as they have been robbed of most of their authority. The

traditional indian approach to dealing with students is four-fold: sama (treating as an

equal), dana (giving of gifts), bheda (separation) and danda (punitive correction). Of

course this requires great viveka (discernment) and karuna (empathy) on the part of the

teacher as also safety precautions as how many teachers today have these necessary

qualities of wisdom and empathy?

From To

Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy,

Education and Research (ACYTER)

III floor Institute Block,

JIPMER, D Nagar

Puducherry – 605 006