Yoga Techniques Research Articles

Reduction of anxiety and pain in primigravida mothers with modified Iyengar yoga: A clinical study

BackgroundIn primigravidas, childbirth, although physiological can be a frightening event. Two factors that accompany labor are anxiety and pain. This study aims to investigate the benefits of Iyengar yoga for anxiety and labor pain in primigravida women. Material and methodsThe study involved 59 female primigravida subjects, which were divided into 29 controls (without the provision of yoga exercises) and 30 people who received Iyengar yoga exercise. Anxiety and the degree of labor pain will be measured using the Hamilton Scale Rating for Anxiety (HSRA) and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. ResultsIyengar yoga significantly reduced VAS and HARS values compared to controls (p < 0.05). ConclusionIt was concluded that Iyengar yoga in primigravida women was beneficial in reducing labor pain and anxiety. Thus, the Iyengar yoga technique can be a method for supporting the success and safety of labor.

Utility of Yoga as an Alternative Therapy for Occupational Hazards Among Physical Therapists

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the adoption of yoga techniques as an alternative therapy in the management of physical and psychological occupational hazards among physical therapists.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to assess education and experience level, personal health and occupational hazards/habits, and treatment strategies used for the physical and psychological occupational hazards for participants in their current position. By e-mail, we invited 500 randomly selected physical therapists to participate.&#x0D; Results: We received completed questionnaires from 119 physical therapists. Musculoskeletal pain with stress was the most common occupational hazard reported, followed by only stress, and only musculoskeletal pain. Regarding the pain, the lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, shoulder, and knee were the most affected parts of the body. Regarding pain and stress, only a third physical therapists adopted yoga as an alternative treatment for these occupational hazards; physical therapists tended to engage in other forms of exercise, listen to music or utilize massage to treat pain and stress. Lack of time and lack of training were the most common reasons cited by physical therapists for not practicing yoga. Interestingly, 85.7% of physical therapists would recommend yoga as a treatment for their patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: While musculoskeletal pain and stress were extremely common occupational hazards among physical therapists, only about a third of physical therapists adopted yoga as an alternative treatment for these occupational hazards.

Вступ до “Бгаґавадґіта-рагасьї” / Переклад з англійської, вступна стаття та примітки Д. В. Бурби

Bhagavadgītā-rahasya is the large book by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who is known as a scholar, philosopher, and ardent nationalist. Tilak was the first leader of the Indian independence movement. He was also conferred with the title of “Lokmanya”, which means “accepted by the people as their leader”. Mahatma Gandhi called him “The Maker of Modern India”. The title of Tilak’s book means “The Secret of the Bhagavadgita”. The Bhagavadgita for its part is the most famous of the Hinduism scriptures. It combines the metaphysics of the Samkhya school, the monism of the Upanishads, and the theism of the cult of the god Krishna. There are three main orientations of interpretation of the Bhagavadgita among the Hindus and Neo-Hindus. Adherents of monistic views usually promote Jñāna Yoga, or a realization of the illusiveness of the material world. Theists preach the supremacy of Bhakti, or serving God with love and devotion. Proponents of yoga techniques emphasize the need for breathing, physical, mental and other exercises. But for Tilak higher is Karma Yoga and he understands it as selfless service to the Motherland and ultimately to all mankind. He says, “In order that the action may not bind the actor, it must be done with the aim of helping His (God’s) purpose, and without any attachment to the coming result. This I hold is a lesson of the Gita. Jñāna Yoga there is, yes. Bhakti Yoga there is, yes. Who says not? But they are both subservient to the Karma Yoga preached in the Gita”. In the introductory article, the history of the writing of Bhagavadgītā-rahasya is revealed and milestones of its author’s life path are outlined.

Yoga and attention

In modern times, people are suffering from numerous types of difficulties. Stress and mental problems have become part of one's life. Excessive use of mobile phones, other electronic devices, and drug intake has caused many cognitive and mental problems. Attention, memory, and cognitive functions are affected by electronic and digital devices. Previous studies have shown that yoga can reduce stress and anxiety and improve cognitive functions such as attention and memory. The patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome search strategy was used to identify the keywords. Using the key words “yoga and attention,” 285 studies were identified from three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct) and a search engine (Google Scholar). For discussion, 18 studies were included in the review. There was a wide range of age groups where the effectiveness of yoga on attention had been researched. This systematic review also revealed that attention in children also depends on memory development and anxiety. The particular study on the systematic reviews showed the high effectiveness of yoga, yogic exercises, mindfulness, and other yogic techniques on the level of attention among children. The study also revealed the coexistence of attention with memory development.

The Body of Shiva and the Body of a Bhakta: the Formation of a New Concept of Corporeality in Tamil Śaiva Bhakti as a Tool and Path for the Liberation of the Bhakta

The author analyses the change in the Tamil Śaiva bhakti concept of corporeality showing that understanding the body of a bhakta as the main obstacle to connecting with the body of Śiva based on the attitude of rejecting one's corporeality has much in common with Buddhist and Jain ideas about the body. Therefore, the main task of the bhakta was to liberate from his body, its elimination or transformation (remelting the physical body as an impure body, as an obstacle body on the way to union with God). They solved this task in various ways, including various practices of ecstatic behaviour and self-harm. The concept of kaya siddhi put forward by Tirumūlar is the idea of a perfect body, potentially immortal and homologous to the body of Śiva. He also formulated and developed sophisticated techniques for using the physical body of a sādhaka as the primary tool for achieving liberation based on yoga techniques and working with the mind of an adept. The result achieved was presented in the description of Tirumūlar's own mystical experience. As a result, he achieved the state of the super material body of yoga-deha , the ideal of which is the manifest body of Śiva as Naṭarāja. The new iconography of Naṭarāja formed in the visionary insights of bhaktas, who described their darśans in their hymns. Then it became the basis for forming a new iconology of Naṭarāja and the cult of images of the bhaktas themselves embodied in the intensive temple construction of the Chola Empire. In combination with new ritual practices, the Tamil philosophy of Śaivism had formed as a tripartite religious and philosophical canon of Śaiva Siddhānta. This canon included the poetic canon of Śaiva bhakti (Paṉṉiru Tirumuṟai), the agamic temple ritual, and 14 philosophical treatises of Śaiva Siddhānta (Meikaṇṭar Shastras).

Yoga – A Way to Achieve Emotional Balance

The text addresses issues related to the impact of yoga on the general psycho-physical condition of the human body. Movement combined with relaxation techniques and proper breathing not only reduces muscle tension, energizes the body and mind, releases activity, improves mood, but also develops the ability to cope with anxiety or stress. The text presents basic yoga positions as well as palm yoga techniques.

Effect of selected Yogic Techniques on Visual Acuity among the Rural Adult Population of Ludhiana, Punjab

The aim of this study was to see how certain yoga exercises affected right and left eye visual acuity. A total of twenty people (N=20) from Ludhiana were chosen to participate in the study. The study was done on a random basis, with participants aged 40 and above. All eyesight samples were taken by an optometrist and assessed in a fully computerized ophthalmology clinic to determine the effect of yoga exercises on right eye visual acuity. Palming, blinking, sideways viewing, rotational viewing, up and down viewing close and far, Tratak, Bhramari pranayama, Neti (jal and raber) The t–test, mean, and standard deviation were used. To test the hypotheses, the level of significance was fixed at 0.05, and P&lt;0.05 was used. The study's findings were explained. Results of the study explicated statistically that there was insignificant difference in Right Eye Female.

Effect of Pranayama on premenstrual syndrome in the present scenario

The present investigation is aimed to conduct a comparative study that examine the effect of pranayama on premenstrual syndrome to gain insight on the role of pranayama. Total 100 females age range from 10 to 50 years participated in this study from Kapurthala, district of Punjab, India. Further the population was divided into two groups with equal number of participants (n=50), group A (no intervention) and group B (pranayama). The subjects of group A did not perform any type of breathing and yogic technique for past four to five months and group B used to perform pranayama exercise on regular basis. Results showed positive significant effect of pranayama practices on premenstrual syndrome (t=58.26, p&lt;.01).

Yoga and mental health: what every psychiatrist needs to know

SUMMARYYoga was developed primarily as a tool for self-mastery and spiritual progress. However, over the past few decades, the therapeutic applications of yoga in mental healthcare have been explored with promising results. This article aims to inform psychiatrists about the clinical usefulness of yoga for mental disorders. We discuss the rationale and latest evidence base for the use of yoga in psychiatric practice, including the neurobiological mechanisms and indications and contraindications for yoga therapy. We suggest practical yoga techniques that can be used as an add-on for managing common psychiatric conditions. Finally, we discuss the setting up and running of yoga clinical services in a tertiary psychiatric hospital in India and explore what can be learnt to facilitate yoga as a therapeutic approach in the Western world.

The Role of Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma) Technique in Regulation of Blood Pressure

As the world population and pollution are increasing day by day we are embracing to sickness. From ancient times to till 18th century we were following the yoga and naturopathy practices in everyday life. When the industrial revolution started from 18th century we have drastically changed our lifestyle, exercise, and diet practices. We have somehow forgotten this true health treasure given by our ancestors. Recent COVID-19 pandemic situation gave us a lesson about how taking care of health is so important. In yoga and naturopathy, there are numerous practices to make ourselves healthy both internally as well as externally. One of which is the alternate breathing technique popularly known as Anuloma Viloma. It is the yoga technique based on alternate inhaling/exhaling the air via both the nostrils. Different breathing technique are being practiced which shows good benefits to our health but the alternate nostril breathing technique shows the best result in health improvement especially in controlling the blood pressure. The disorders related with breathing are managed well by basic breathing training. The Anuloma Viloma systemizes the breathing pattern and aids in the regulation of blood pressure. In this article, we will look in brief about Anuloma Viloma techniques, different methods and its health benefits. More focus is given on how the Anuloma Viloma practices help in controlling the blood pressure along with other health benefits.

Immortality and Longevity through Yoga in the Tirumantiram

Abstract Tirumūlar yoga reveals the practices through which one may achieve longevity and immortality. Prolonging life aids the yogi to accomplish yoga’s final transcendent state of consciousness, samadhi, in which the yogi’s consciousness is absorbed into the god Śiva. Although a person’s lifespan is determined by the time of their conception, birth, and actions, life expectancy can be prolonged by certain yogic techniques. This is attested to in Tirumūlar’s seminal text Tirumantiram, in which he claims to have reached samadhi and to have lived for thousands of years. Tirumūlar details four yoga systems – Aṣṭāṅgayoga, Khecarīyoga, Candrayoga, and Paryaṅgayoga – that are meant to preserve life energy. These systems include practices designed to retain vital energies such as breath and semen retention, awaken and elevate the life force, and lead to immortality. The yoga’s final immortal state of samadhi resembles a deathlike state, which is said to be the ultimate blissful state of living.

Development and validation of 20-min yoga module for reducing burnout among healthcare worker(s)

BackgroundA high prevalence of burnout has been reported among healthcare worker(s). During the current pandemic, such burnout has increased due to excessive load of patient care, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, working in long shifts, staying away from family due to isolation norms, and disrupted social life. Existing yoga techniques used for reducing burnout include 45 min to hour-long sessions, which may not be feasible for regular practice by the healthcare worker(s). ObjectiveThe proposed study aimed to develop a 20-min yoga module to reduce burnout among healthcare worker(s). MethodsTo develop a 20-min yoga module, we reviewed yoga texts and relevant scientific research articles. Components of the 20-min yoga module include sukshma vyayama (loosening exercises), pranayama (regulated breathing), and dhyana (meditation). Nineteen yoga experts validated the 20-min yoga module with an average (SD) of 11.47 (6.77) years of research and clinical experience in yoga. Content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated according to Lawshe's method. Items having a CVR of 0.47 and above were retained in the module. Results and conclusionThe content validity index (CVI) of the entire module was 0.83. CVR results of the elements of the 20-min yoga module indicated that experts consider these practices to be essential for reducing burnout among the healthcare worker(s). The strength of the 20-min yoga module lies in its short duration and easy-to-learn practices. 20-min yoga module can be implemented in practice by the healthcare worker(s) for reducing burnout following efficacy studies through further clinical trials.

Materiality, Postcoloniality, and the Phenomenology of Mental Health

Abstract This article approaches mental health of postcolonial bodies through the lens of colonial gender politics. Using postcolonial feminist writings on Hindu mythology as a starting point, I discuss how trauma has been imbibed into women’s bodies through concepts such as pativrata. This problematises our contemporary, uncritical understandings of the mind/body dichotomy posited by popular discourses on yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques. Then, moving on to feminist writings on Indian indentured labour history and Bahujan communities, this article asserts that these traumas have continued throughout history, imbibing a mind/ body dichotomy textured by various forms of violence. I argue that these histories can neither be ignored nor completely overcome, and for a deeper engagement in mental health that is contextualised within these histories.

Yoga for Preventive Health: A Holistic Approach.

Yoga has been prevalent for over 5000years; it originated in India and has become an essential lifestyle ingredient for achieving optimal health. The goal of this article in lifestyle modification is to increase awareness about the benefits of yoga and how its practice can reduce the overall risk of chronic diseases. Yoga has been proven to be therapeutic for enhancing immunity and support management of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine disorders, obesity, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Yoga techniques called asanas, such as pranayama for breathing regulation and dhyana for meditation, boost innate immune response, interrupt inflammation, and thereby prevent the manifestation of chronic diseases. Yoga also provides symptomatic relief for chronic arthritis by increasing joint flexibility and microcirculation. Yoga and meditation regulate neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and cytokines that mediate interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system. These techniques reduce the psychological and physiological effects of chronic stress. Serotonin, oxytocin, and melatonin released directly due to practicing yoga have been shown to better manage anxiety and fear, especially during the pandemic. We believe the current trends of chronic disease management will become more effective with the implementation of lifestyle changes using yoga.

Clinical Spectrum of Udavartta in the Limelight of Vega andVegarodha–A Narrative Review

Udavarttais a vatikaroga, predominantly produced by vegarodha, the incidence of which is increasing as a part of the fast and sedentary lifestyle. The primary site of udavarttais Koshtabecause of a multifactorial convergence of doshakopatowards the highly susceptible apanavata. Understanding the physiology of vegashelp a lot to have an insight over the pathology in udavartta. Vegas, which can be categorized as either programmed or as a result of some irritation / deficit, are sophisticated functions of ‘vatasystem’ of the body to maintain the homeostasis. Vegarodhabrings about a disturbance in this homeostasis, which is progressed to the disease udavartta.There are various conditions, which contradict as well as coincide with the pathology of udavartta. These conditions haveto be either ruled out or confirmed to be present, before we diagnose or start to treat udavartta. As udavarttais a multidimensional and multifactorial disease, the management of udavarttaalso demands this kind of depth and variety. Vatanulomana, being the primary objective, the treatment of udavarttadiffers to a great extent, according to its type and severity. The treatment of udavarttais significant right from its chayavasthaand is being expanded to a ‘broad spectrum udavarttatherapy’ as it reaches the bhedavastha. Beyond Ayurveda, the omnipotent vatacan be controlled and synchronized using pranayama and other Yogic techniques. Thus, the concepts and treatment modalities of Ayurveda; when complemented with a Yogic base and updated to the needs of modern society, can render better results.

Yogic Practices and Sinusitis Risk Factors in Adult Men

For the random group experimental investigation, 30 sinusitis adult males aged 35 to 45 were randomly recruited from Chennai and allocated into two groups of 15 each. Yogic activities were anticipated to reduce sinusitis patients' pulse rate and anxiety compared to the control group. Before the training programme, Groups A and B were pre-tested on the dependent variables. Group A practised Yogic techniques and Group B (Control) rested actively. After eight weeks, A and B were retested on the same dependent variables. ANCOVA was used to compare experimental and control groups. Yogic techniques lowered adult men's pulse rate and anxiety with 0.05 confidence. Yoga helps older males manage pulse rate and anxiety

The Grand Lemurrian Siva Sakthi Maha Mudra

The substratum of the Vedas and the Upanishads is that Lord Shiva is static and his counterpart Paarvathi who is also called Sakthi is His consort. It is generally believed that Lord Shiva is Adi Yogi. In the Indian Santana Dharma which also called Truth the yogic practices are inseparable and also indispensable. That is the marvelous beauty of yogic techniques. That’s why in the great Indian epic Mahabharata Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that He created this Universe with His Yoga Maya. All the Indian traditional spiritual knowledge were transmitted and taught to the Seers by Lord Shiva. The yogic asanas help the performers to sit properly for meditation. Prayer is outward appeal to Gods and Goddesses whereas the meditation is PURELY inner travelling. Prayer requires a deity but meditation does not need any Gods. The proper meditation leads the practitioner to Nirvikalpa Samadhi. In the Indian spiritual systems there are hearing, studying, watching and learning. Reading and learning are not at all similar or identical. The main thing is that even learning is not sufficient to attain spiritual peace, bliss and enlightenment. Some meditations are difficult to perform. In this work, the author unlocks the mysteries and instant benefits of the Grand Lemurriaan Siva Sakthi Maha Mudra which was kept very secret by the Sages till this day

Efficacy of Yogic Practices on Stress Among Adolescent Girls Suffering from Dysmenorrhea

This is an experimental research, selection based on random group sampling between 18 to 22 years of age. The adolescent girls suffering from dysmenorrhea are identified based on their feedback in the questionnaire designed for selection purposes. Selected 120 Girls were further screened and 40 Adolescent Girls were selected for the treatment depending upon the severity of dysmenorrhea. The chosen girls were then split into an experimental group and a control group, each with 20 members. Six days a week, between six and seven o'clock, for a period of 12 weeks, the Experimental Group received treatment using chosen yogic techniques. Active rest was given to the control group. The experimental and control groups underwent pre- and post-testing before and after yoga therapy, during which the psychological variable stress levels were determined. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to identify any significant group differences. According to the study's findings, yogic practices considerably reduced stress levels in the experimental group compared to the control group. It is concluded that the Yogic practices helped to reduce the stress level among adolescent girls suffering from dysmenorrhea.

Effectiveness Prenatal Yoga on Back Pain of Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Background: During pregnancy, there are usually a lot of complaints or discomforts that are common. One of them is back pain that occurs in third-trimester pregnant women. One effort to deal with back pain complaints is prenatal yoga. Prenatal yoga can flex the muscles around the spine and flexibility of the body.&#x0D; Result: The results showed that before doing Prenatal Yoga trimester III pregnant women experienced moderate pain as many as 31 people (96.9%) while after doing Prenatal Yoga became mild pain as many as 29 people (90.6%). The statistical test used in this study is the Wilcoxon test and the significance value p = 0.00 (p&gt; 0.05) means that there are significant differences in back pain before and after prenatal yoga. Using the result of this study, it is hoped that prenatal yoga techniques can be applied specifically to overcome complaints of back pain in third-trimester pregnant women.&#x0D; Method: This study uses the One Group Pre Test-Posttest design using experimental methods. The sample in this study was third-trimester pregnant women who experienced back pain with a large sample of 32 respondents. This sample was taken using the Total Sampling method and the measuring instrument used was the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).&#x0D; Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is the effectiveness of prenatal yoga on back pain in trimester III pregnant women.

Effectiveness Prenatal Yoga on Back Pain of Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Background: During pregnancy, there are usually a lot of complaints or discomforts that are common. One of them is back pain that occurs in third-trimester pregnant women. One effort to deal with back pain complaints is prenatal yoga. Prenatal yoga can flex the muscles around the spine and flexibility of the body.&#x0D; Result: The results showed that before doing Prenatal Yoga trimester III pregnant women experienced moderate pain as many as 31 people (96.9%) while after doing Prenatal Yoga became mild pain as many as 29 people (90.6%). The statistical test used in this study is the Wilcoxon test and the significance value p = 0.00 (p&gt; 0.05) means that there are significant differences in back pain before and after prenatal yoga. Using the result of this study, it is hoped that prenatal yoga techniques can be applied specifically to overcome complaints of back pain in third-trimester pregnant women.&#x0D; Method: This study uses the One Group Pre Test-Posttest design using experimental methods. The sample in this study was third-trimester pregnant women who experienced back pain with a large sample of 32 respondents. This sample was taken using the Total Sampling method and the measuring instrument used was the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).&#x0D; Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is the effectiveness of prenatal yoga on back pain in trimester III pregnant women.