Yoga Practice Research Articles

Effects of Yogic Practices Synchronized With Bandha and Kumbhaka on Biological and Psychological Factors of Aging in COVID-19-Recovered Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Yogic Practices Synchronized With Bandha and Kumbhaka on Biological and Psychological Factors of Aging in COVID-19-Recovered Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Role of Yoga in Enhancing the Proton, Electron, and Neutron of Human Life

This abstract explores the significance of yoga in enhancing the fundamental aspects of human life, symbolically represented by protons, electrons, and neutrons. By examining how yoga practices foster physical well-being, mental balance, and emotional stability, this study highlights the interconnectedness of these elements in promoting overall health. It emphasizes yoga's role in fostering resilience, enhancing cognitive function, and improving emotional regulation, ultimately contributing to a holistic sense of vitality and well-being. The findings suggest that integrating yoga into daily routines can profoundly impact individuals' lives, aligning their physical, mental, and emotional energies for optimal functioning and harmony.

Exploring the effects of yoga on dysmenorrhea: A narrative review

ABSTRACT Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as menstrual pain, is characterized by painful uterine cramps during menstruation and significantly impacts a woman’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Elevated prostaglandin levels cause dysrhythmic uterine contractions, reducing blood flow, leading to uterine hypoxia, and producing anaerobic metabolites that activate pain receptors. This study aims to review the effectiveness of yoga as an alternative treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. A search of English-language literature published from 2010 to 2023 was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords “Yoga” AND “Menstrual Pain” OR “Dysmenorrhea.” The inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials examining the impact of yoga on dysmenorrhea symptoms. From 111 identified studies, 6 met the selection criteria and were included in the review. The review investigates yoga’s potential to alleviate primary dysmenorrhea’s physical and mental health effects. The literature indicates that yoga, including asanas, pranayama, and Yoga Nidra, is effective in reducing dysmenorrhea symptoms. Findings suggest that various yoga practices can significantly reduce menstrual pain and discomfort, improving overall health outcomes. However, the reviewed studies have limitations, such as small sample sizes and variations in study design. To establish yoga as an evidence-based solution for menstrual health issues, further research with rigorous scientific methods and larger sample sizes is needed. More high-quality trials focusing on a yogic approach are necessary to confirm yoga’s effectiveness as a primary management option for women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Testing the Feasibility of a Newly Developed Lifestyle Practice Targeting Social Connections: Narrative Healing Circle Shared Medical Appointments

The aim of this pilot was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of virtual Narrative Healing Circles (NHC), a new form of Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) among mixed diagnosis population within an urban tertiary academic medical center. Methods: Multi-method, voluntary recruitment of eligible patients, included referrals, flyers, hospital events page, and patients who participated in an ongoing 7-week integrative oncology SMA series. Two physicians (lifestyle medicine and chaplaincy specialists), both trained in narrative medicine, co-led one-hour long virtual NHC SMAs held every other week for a total of either 4 or 8 sessions. Sessions included a centering meditation, brief check-in, topic introduction, short writing exercise initiated with a written, musical, or visual prompt, followed by time of sharing and listening. Optional electronic pre and post participant surveys were emailed at enrollment (7-questions, response rate 29%) and after 4-8 NHC SMA sessions (12-questions, RR 34%). Results: Virtual NHC SMA were offered from 2/23/22-8/30/23 with 62 unique participants, 266 total visits. Average age: 57 years (range: 27-84 years). Gender: 85% Female, 15% Male; Ethnicity: 73% White, 16% African American, 6% Asian, 5 % Hispanic. About half lived in underserved areas (Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn). Payor mix included 40% Medicare, 60% Commercial insurance. Session attendance: 6 participants (mean); 1-13 (range). The number of sessions attended ranged between 1-28 sessions. Anxiety or fear (89%), depression (61%) and pain (67%) were the top 3 symptoms reported in the pre-survey. After 4-8 sessions, participants reported improvements in anxiety/fear (43%), sadness/depression/hopelessness (33%), irritability/stress (33%), isolation/loneliness (33%). They reported several positive changes: restarting yoga or meditation practice, greater focus on awe, journaling, increased mindfulness, and feeling better equipped to manage stress. 94% reported goals met, 95% would recommend the series to others. The 2 clinician leaders reported increased empathy, personal well-being, and work satisfaction. Conclusion: Virtual NHC SMA series among mixed diagnosis population is feasible, positively affects patients’ agency and well-being, and acceptable to patients and providers. A more formal study design with broader representation of diverse population and assessment of causality such as an RCT with longer follow-up is recommended.

The effect of yoga on dyspnea, sleep, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis: A randomized controlled trial

Background and purposeBronchiectasis is characterized by chronic cough, acute exacerbations, and excessive sputum production, along with symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue, which impair respiratory functions and quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effects of yoga on dyspnea, sleep quality, and overall quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis. Materials and methodsForty-eight participants with bronchiectasis were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, the yoga group (n = 24) or control group (no placebo or sham intervention) (n = 24). The yoga group participated in a total of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, with three sessions per week. No intervention was performed on the patients in the control group. The Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire was used to assess patients' dyspnea level, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used to assess sleep quality and health-related quality of life, respectively. ResultsIt was observed that the yoga intervention affected the intergroup change in dyspnea severity score over time (p < 0.05) (x̄yoga = 2.64-1.50 = 1.14; x̄control2.24-1.95 = 0.29). The decrease in the mean PSQI score of the yoga practice group (16.41-13.18 = 3.23) was significantly higher compared with the control group (14.90-14.57 = 0.33). Post-practice SGRQ activity scores were significantly different from pre-practice SGRQ activity scores. Similar to the change in SGRQ activity and symptom scores, the impact score also changed significantly over time (x̄yoga12.55-9.09 = 3.46; x̄control12–11.52 = 0.48). ConclusionThe results indicate that yoga may have a positive effect on dyspnea, sleep, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis.

Impact of Yoga Practices in Anthropometric Variables and Total Cholesterol among Male Adults with High BMI

Impact of Yoga Practices in Anthropometric Variables and Total Cholesterol among Male Adults with High BMI

Comparative evaluation of three different behavior management techniques among children aged 6-12 years in dental practice: A single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Dental anxiety is characterized by distress in anticipation of dental visits, which may result in a child's refusal to undergo treatment and, ultimately, lead to parents' reluctance towards dental care. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the tell-show-do technique, modeling technique and yogic relaxation technique in the reduction of dental anxiety among children aged 6-12 years. The study was an interventional, parallel-group, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted on 120 children who required restorative treatment without the use of local anesthesia. The participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 - tell-show-do technique; group 2 - modeling technique; group 3 - yogic relaxation technique. The dental anxiety levels were evaluated 4 times using both physiological (oxygen saturation and pulse rate) and behavioral parameters (facial image scale (FIS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale (FLACC)). The data was assessed by 2 blinded and calibrated specialists. Statistically significant differences were observed in all 4 parameters among the 3 groups. During both the intraoperative and postoperative periods, the oxygen saturation levels were significantly higher in the yogic relaxation technique group. Moreover, the yogic relaxation technique group exhibited lower pulse rates, FIS and FLACC scores compared to the tell-show-do and modeling technique groups. The practice of yoga has a positive influence on the general health of the individual. Consequently, it can be considered one of the alternative behavioral modification techniques for the reduction of dental anxiety in children.

Effect of one-month shatkarma intervention on hypertriglyceridemia: a case study

High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease, so finding effective ways to manage them is important. Traditional yoga practices, especially Shatkarma, are being looked at for their potential benefits on cardiovascular health. This present case report explores one-month Shatkarma intervention on hypertriglyceridemia of a middle-aged male. A 58-year-old man with very high triglycerides (598.77 mg/dl) was admitted to Patanjali Ayurveda Hospital, based on his pre-examination he was transferred to Shatkarma department for further procedure. He then participated in a one-month Shatkarma program, which included Shankha Prakshalana (done once), Kunjal Kriya (twice a week), and Jal Neti and Trataka (alternate day). After the month-long program, his triglyceride levels dropped significantly from 598.77 mg/dl to 114.5 mg/dl. This case shows that Shatkarma practices can significantly lower triglyceride levels. The results suggest that combining traditional yoga practices with conventional treatments could be a helpful way to manage high triglycerides. However, since everyone’s body responds differently; more research is needed to fully understand how these practices work and their long-term benefits.

Telehealth yoga program for older adults in rural Wisconsin: intervention development and process outcomes

Although yoga improves physical functioning, balance, and quality of life in older adults, rural residents are less likely to participate due to issues related to availability, access, and beliefs regarding yoga practice. To address these barriers, we worked with community partners to adapt a yoga program designed for older adults for telehealth delivery. In this report, intervention development and process outcomes are presented. Community collaborators identified strategies to recruit and retain older adults and suggested modifications required to maximize the adoption and maintenance of a telehealth exercise program by local community organizations. Four rural serving organizations evaluated the program, with participants assigned to a first or second offering. Process measures collected at post-intervention supplemented program evaluation measures collected pre- and post-intervention. The adapted 8-week program consisted of two weekly group sessions delivered over videoconferencing software. Of 48 enrolled participants, 83% completed the program. Participants were on average 72.6 (SD=6) years old, majority white (98%), female (85.7%), and attended some college (92%). Most were satisfied with the telehealth delivery, program content, and yoga instructor with mixed results regarding logistical issues such as program length and duration. Community organizations similar to those that will ultimately disseminate the program, yoga teachers, and older adults were engaged to maximize the feasibility of this telehealth exercise program. The program appeared to be safe and acceptable, indicating telehealth may be a strategy to increase access to yoga programs for rural-dwelling older adults. Lessons learned will inform future telehealth iterations of this and similar exercise programming.

Effects Of Yoga Practice On Psychological Health Of Ethnically Diverse College Students

Effects Of Yoga Practice On Psychological Health Of Ethnically Diverse College Students

Yoga Tourism: A Journey towards Holistic Wellness

The recognition of International Yoga Day, first proposed by India in 2014 and celebrated annually on June 21, highlights the importance of yoga as a global wellness practice. In the Indian context, Yoga Day emphasizes India's cultural heritage and ancient traditions, promoting national pride and encouraging widespread practice for holistic health. It serves as a reminder of yoga's spiritual and philosophical roots, offering a deeper connection to its origins. On the international stage, Yoga Day fosters global unity, highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical and mental well-being. It underscores yoga’s universal appeal, transcending borders to unite people in health and mindfulness, and showcases India’s contribution to global wellness through an ancient yet adaptable practice. Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in India, has evolved significantly over the centuries, blending spiritual, mental, and physical disciplines to promote holistic well-being. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to unite" or "to join." This concept of union originally referred to the connection between body, mind, and spirit, which remains central to the practice even today. Yoga has journeyed through various historical phases, transforming from a spiritual and philosophical pursuit in ancient times to a global wellness trend in the modern world. Yoga tourism is often hosted in serene, natural environments like mountains, beaches, and forests. This immersion in nature enhances the healing experience, promoting relaxation, reducing mental fatigue, and increasing a sense of oneness with the earth. Yoga tourism is an emerging trend where individuals travel to engage in yoga practices, seeking physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This article explores the literature surrounding yoga tourism, its growth, benefits, and the potential impact on both the tourism industry and the individuals participating in it. The study also investigates the motivations behind yoga tourism and its influence on holistic wellness, using a combination of literature review, secondary data, and qualitative insights. This article emphasizes the evolution of yoga from its ancient spiritual roots to its modern global prominence, highlighting the transformative journey of yoga practices over time. It also explores how yoga has adapted to contemporary wellness needs while preserving its core principles of union and balance.

How does Yoga Exercise affect Anxiety in Pregnant Women? : Pre-Experimental Study

Anxious during pregnancy not only impacts pregnant women's health, but it may also interfere with the delivery process, resulting in early labor, extended labor, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight. According to WHO estimates, psychiatric illnesses affect around 10% of pregnant women and 13% of postpartum women globally. This frequency is greater in underdeveloped nations among pregnant women (15.6%) and postpartum women (19.8%). The goal of this study is to determine the effect of prenatal yoga exercise on the anxiety of pregnant women at TPMB Mamah Suhaeriah in 2022. Method for doing research This sort of study employs the Pre-Experimental technique, using a one-group pretest-posttest design. Total sampling was used, and there were 20 responders in total. An observation sheet was employed as the study instrument. The Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test was performed to analyze the data. The Wilcoxon Sign Rank test yielded a p-value of 0.000, which is less than the threshold of 0.05. This indicates that Ha is accepted. Conclusion: Prenatal yoga practice has an influence on pregnant women's anxiety levels at TPMB Mamah Suhaeriah in 2022. Pregnant women are advised to manage their psychological condition effectively and to exercise often, since exercise has good benefits for survival during pregnancy

YOGA PRACTICES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANGER

Anger is an emotional reaction that varies in intensity from a mild irritated mind state to the extent of intense rage. Although it is a common emotional reaction, it leads to many physical as well as psychological disturbances. There are many causes of anger, like hereditary factors, home environment, social learning and cultural factors. Anger is completely normal, usually a healthy human emotion, but sometimes it creates many issues. Yoga practices in Asanas and Pranayama are effective methods for controlling anger reactions. As it is one of the Manasika Vikara, Yoga can be helpful in the management of Anger.

Integrative Approach to Managing Multiple Joint Pain with Stiffness, Swelling, and Stress Using Yogic Practices and Herbal Remedies: A Case Study

Integrative Approach to Managing Multiple Joint Pain with Stiffness, Swelling, and Stress Using Yogic Practices and Herbal Remedies: A Case Study

Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Standard Versus Postures-Only Yoga Session: Potential Self-Regulatory and Neurophysiological Mechanisms of an Ancient Practice.

It is well-recognized that maintaining a regular yogic practice is associated with numerous physical and psychological health benefits. However, few studies have explored the possible psychological and neurophysiological mediators through which the component parts of yoga-ethics, breath regulation, postures, and meditation-work to produce salutary effects. To address this gap, we conducted a cluster randomized trial to test the following set of theory-based mechanisms: emotion regulation for ethics, self-control for breath regulation, discomfort and distress tolerance for postures, and mindfulness for meditation. We also explored yoga's effects on the autonomic nervous system by examining salivary acetylcholinesterase levels. Participants (N = 260) were randomly assigned in clusters (n = 37) to a single, hour-long standard or postures-only yoga class. Findings suggest that a single yoga class may confer both psychological and neurophysiological benefits, yet there were few differences between the two types of yoga classes. Pre- to post-session main effects of time, all in the expected direction, emerged for five of eight theoretical mediators, as well as for salivary acetylcholinesterase levels. Time X condition interactions observed for three of the mediators-cognitive reappraisal, discomfort tolerance, and expressive suppression-along with findings from the exploratory mediation analysis suggest potential unique benefits of the two yoga sessions for certain outcomes. Additional studies are needed to replicate these results and to test other potential mediators and/or primary outcomes through which yoga might work to promote health.

Effect Of Selected Yogic Practices OnReaction Time And Coordination Of Male Inter-Collegiate Level Sportsperson

Effect Of Selected Yogic Practices OnReaction Time And Coordination Of Male Inter-Collegiate Level Sportsperson

Evaluating multi-channel interaction design for enhancing Pose accuracy in yoga training among visually impaired individuals

Aim: Physical exercise is essential for the physical and mental health of visually impaired people, but they often face challenges such as inaccurate movements, lack of rhythm and difficulty in mastering postures during exercise. This project introduces an assistive device based on a multi-channel interaction design strategy to improve the accuracy of yoga practice for the visually impaired and to enable their independent exercise. Methods: The system uses a 1:1 model combined with an output interaction model. The effectiveness was verified through controlled experiments with unassisted exercise as the control group and yoga-assisted exercise as the experimental group. Improvements in yoga accuracy and product usability were verified using the Assisted Accuracy Scale and the SUS Scale, respectively. Results: The results showed that the multi-channel interaction design significantly improved the accuracy and usability of yoga exercises and enhanced the ability of visually impaired people to exercise independently. Conclusion: Through this project, we hope to replicate this design strategy to help more visually impaired individuals independently perform effective physical exercise at home, in a gym, or in an outdoor space, thereby improving their quality of life and overall health.

Can You Stop Your Mind and Your Daily Activities?

The paper investigates meditation as a state of consciousness that isolates an individual from the attitude of everyday life and the perspective of practical actions. It is an “ethnography of the mind” instead of the place. The paper analyses self-reports from meditators’ self-observations as part of hatha yoga practice and data from semi-structured interviews with hatha yoga teachers. Elements that distract or help people meditate were analysed and interpreted. The features of the meditative state during the practice of sitting meditation are also reconstructed. Attention is paid to three essential aspects that are related to each other when entering the meditative state: emerging thoughts, body sensations, and emotions. The analysis focuses on how practitioners deal with these obstacles; what tactics do they employ to eliminate barriers or redirect attention and include them in the background of the concentration point? What is the role of teaching meditation? What are the effects of meditation from a practitioner’s point of view? Empirical materials obtained from the first-person perspective of the researcher, the author of this article, and his collaborators in the study were also analysed.

Integrating Classical Yoga and Modern Psychology: Insights from Neuroimaging and AI on Mind Transformation

Yoga is traditionally understood as a holistic practice that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual development. This paper explores how classical yoga concepts align with modern psychological research, emphasizing insights gained through neuroimaging and artificial intelligence (AI). By analyzing the stages of the mind, its modifications, and psychological afflictions from both traditional and contemporary perspectives, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of yoga’s impact on mental and emotional transformation. The integration of neuroimaging techniques and AI tools offers new ways to examine and enhance the efficacy of yoga practices in promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Mental Health and Yoga in Prisons

Prison environments pose substantial health risks and may adversely affect the health and wellbeing of both prisoners and staff. Drawing extensively from international literature across several disciplines and supported by empirical data, this article presents a multidisciplinary study that focuses on mental health in prison settings and examines unconventional healthcare interventions, using yoga and meditation as a case study. Despite compelling research suggesting overall positive outcomes, the idea of yoga in prisons is not fully integrated into criminal justice policy and practice, and there are gaps in prison yoga research. Recognising the multifaceted roles of yoga within correctional institutions, this article specifically explores the impact of yoga on improving the mental health of incarcerated individuals and prison personnel. The primary aim is to raise awareness about mental health challenges in prisons and underscore the healthcare benefits of implementing prison yoga programmes. Accordingly, the article provides an overview of mental health issues in prisons, assesses the potential benefits and mechanisms of yoga and meditation as alternative mental healthcare methods and explores the barriers to integrating these practices into prison healthcare. It advocates for yoga and similar practices as viable mental healthcare alternatives for both prisoners and prison staff. The article's analysis contributes to a preliminary framework for policymakers, prison managers, staff, and scholars seeking to enhance mental health outcomes in penal facilities.