Sahaja Yoga Meditation had become a Trend all around the world, for the best reasons of all: it is scientifically proven and it is free and easy to practice by everyone! more at www.free-meditation.ca
The study examined the effects of Reiki on perceived stress levels and general well-being. Twenty participants rated their stress and well-being initially. Half received a 30-minute Reiki treatment while the other half did not. After one week, all participants rated their stress and well-being again. Those who received Reiki reported significant reductions in stress and increases in well-being, including greater ability to cope with daily demands, maintain a sense of control over their lives, manage anger, and have higher energy levels. The study implies that Reiki is effective in reducing stress and improving patients' overall well-being.
There is growing evidence that mind-body practices like yoga and meditation can influence gene expression and counteract damage from chronic stress. Several studies found that these practices elicited the relaxation response and resulted in changes to gene expression related to reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and anxiety levels. One randomized controlled trial found that dementia caregivers who did daily yogic meditation saw reduced activity of pro-inflammatory genes and increased anti-viral gene expression, reversing stress-induced changes. While more research is still needed, these findings suggest mind-body practices have biological effects and therapeutic potential for conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer by modifying how genes are expressed.
Complementary and Alternative therapies in Psychiatrydonthuraj
This is a seminar which i had presented as a part of academic activity in my department. Please comment on the seminar, so that i can make any future changes... Thank you.
Research Sahaja Yoga Meditation and Medicineioana_ip
This document describes a study that evaluated a seminar providing general practitioners (GPs) training in meditation skills. 299 GPs attended a 1-hour lecture on wellbeing and a 45-minute meditation skills session. Measures taken before and after included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and a personal experience rating scale. Results found a significant decrease in K10 scores, indicating lower psychological distress, and most GPs reported improved mental calmness and lower stress. The study suggests meditation training for GPs can effectively help reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing.
Healing in a holistic sense has faded from medical attention and is rarely discussed in modern (“Western”) medicine especially in therapeutics. However, other disciplines like medical anthropology, sociology, alternate systems of medicine, and medical philosophy have continued an active contemplation of holistic healing. To heal is to achieve or acquire wholeness as a person. The wholeness of personhood involves physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual aspects of human experience (Egnew, 2005).
It is perhaps difficult to quantify the relative importance of the various factors that contribute to healing. It may vary depending on the kind of illness that is being studied. Of the various factors that contribute to healing of illnesses in a community, only 20% could be ascribed to rational treatment using medicines or surgery. The remaining 80% is divided among three faith-based factors (White, 1988).
i) Placebo effect (faith in drugs or procedural interventions)
ii) Hawthorne effect (faith in a health care system, a facility or a professional)
iii) Factor-X or “spiritual factor” (faith in oneself or in the supernatural)
The relative importance of these faith-based factors in holistic healing may be debatable. However, there is no denying that these factors play an important part in the recovery from illnesses.
This document provides information on diagnosing and managing hypochondriasis and delirium. It discusses:
- The diagnostic criteria for hypochondriasis including preoccupation with health despite medical evaluations finding no evidence of disease.
- Hypochondriasis is often associated with panic disorder and major depressive disorder.
- Differential diagnoses for hypochondriasis including physical illness, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders.
- Treatment for hypochondriasis involves cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants for comorbid conditions.
- Delirium risk factors include older age, cognitive impairment, medications, infection and environmental changes. Screening tools like the Confusion Assessment
This document summarizes a study that examined the effects of distance healing as an adjunct treatment for patients with major depression. 40 patients receiving standard antidepressant medication and psychotherapy were randomly assigned to either receive daily distance healing for 6 weeks from trained healers (experimental group), or to only receive standard treatment (control group). Outcome measures including depression scores, general psychopathology, and functioning were assessed weekly for 6 weeks and biweekly for 6 more weeks. Results showed a nonsignificant trend for the experimental group to show greater improvement, and favorable outcomes in the experimental group were correlated with number of healing sessions and healers' ratings of session strength.
The study examined the effects of Reiki on perceived stress levels and general well-being. Twenty participants rated their stress and well-being initially. Half received a 30-minute Reiki treatment while the other half did not. After one week, all participants rated their stress and well-being again. Those who received Reiki reported significant reductions in stress and increases in well-being, including greater ability to cope with daily demands, maintain a sense of control over their lives, manage anger, and have higher energy levels. The study implies that Reiki is effective in reducing stress and improving patients' overall well-being.
There is growing evidence that mind-body practices like yoga and meditation can influence gene expression and counteract damage from chronic stress. Several studies found that these practices elicited the relaxation response and resulted in changes to gene expression related to reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and anxiety levels. One randomized controlled trial found that dementia caregivers who did daily yogic meditation saw reduced activity of pro-inflammatory genes and increased anti-viral gene expression, reversing stress-induced changes. While more research is still needed, these findings suggest mind-body practices have biological effects and therapeutic potential for conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer by modifying how genes are expressed.
Complementary and Alternative therapies in Psychiatrydonthuraj
This is a seminar which i had presented as a part of academic activity in my department. Please comment on the seminar, so that i can make any future changes... Thank you.
Research Sahaja Yoga Meditation and Medicineioana_ip
This document describes a study that evaluated a seminar providing general practitioners (GPs) training in meditation skills. 299 GPs attended a 1-hour lecture on wellbeing and a 45-minute meditation skills session. Measures taken before and after included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and a personal experience rating scale. Results found a significant decrease in K10 scores, indicating lower psychological distress, and most GPs reported improved mental calmness and lower stress. The study suggests meditation training for GPs can effectively help reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing.
Healing in a holistic sense has faded from medical attention and is rarely discussed in modern (“Western”) medicine especially in therapeutics. However, other disciplines like medical anthropology, sociology, alternate systems of medicine, and medical philosophy have continued an active contemplation of holistic healing. To heal is to achieve or acquire wholeness as a person. The wholeness of personhood involves physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual aspects of human experience (Egnew, 2005).
It is perhaps difficult to quantify the relative importance of the various factors that contribute to healing. It may vary depending on the kind of illness that is being studied. Of the various factors that contribute to healing of illnesses in a community, only 20% could be ascribed to rational treatment using medicines or surgery. The remaining 80% is divided among three faith-based factors (White, 1988).
i) Placebo effect (faith in drugs or procedural interventions)
ii) Hawthorne effect (faith in a health care system, a facility or a professional)
iii) Factor-X or “spiritual factor” (faith in oneself or in the supernatural)
The relative importance of these faith-based factors in holistic healing may be debatable. However, there is no denying that these factors play an important part in the recovery from illnesses.
This document provides information on diagnosing and managing hypochondriasis and delirium. It discusses:
- The diagnostic criteria for hypochondriasis including preoccupation with health despite medical evaluations finding no evidence of disease.
- Hypochondriasis is often associated with panic disorder and major depressive disorder.
- Differential diagnoses for hypochondriasis including physical illness, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders.
- Treatment for hypochondriasis involves cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants for comorbid conditions.
- Delirium risk factors include older age, cognitive impairment, medications, infection and environmental changes. Screening tools like the Confusion Assessment
This document summarizes a study that examined the effects of distance healing as an adjunct treatment for patients with major depression. 40 patients receiving standard antidepressant medication and psychotherapy were randomly assigned to either receive daily distance healing for 6 weeks from trained healers (experimental group), or to only receive standard treatment (control group). Outcome measures including depression scores, general psychopathology, and functioning were assessed weekly for 6 weeks and biweekly for 6 more weeks. Results showed a nonsignificant trend for the experimental group to show greater improvement, and favorable outcomes in the experimental group were correlated with number of healing sessions and healers' ratings of session strength.
1) Mindfulness originated from Buddhist meditation practices and involves paying attention to present moment experiences in a non-judgemental way.
2) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was created in 1979 and utilizes mindfulness exercises like meditation, yoga, and body scans to help reduce stress.
3) Studies show that MBSR can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and improve overall well-being and quality of life.
Complementary and alternative medicine (cam) wellnessMcPherson2011
1) The document discusses implementing a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Wellness Program at a military medical center to provide CAM therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, yoga, and mindfulness training.
2) It notes that CAM is in demand by patients due to perceptions of being natural with fewer side effects than medicine, and that access to conventional care is limited.
3) The program aims to shift patients from dependent care to self-care and responsibility, focus on wellness rather than illness, and serve as an education resource for healthy living. Therapies offered include acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, tai chi, yoga, mindfulness training,
Alternative therapies in nursing practiceAsha Jose
The document summarizes a seminar on the scope of nursing practice and alternative therapies. It discusses key concepts related to nursing scope such as autonomy, accountability, competence and holism. It also provides overviews of various alternative therapy systems practiced in India such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Naturopathy. For each therapy, it outlines foundational concepts, current practices and regulations. The seminar emphasized the importance of considering legislation, policies and patient well-being when expanding nursing scope and integrating complementary therapies.
The document summarizes alternative healing techniques, specifically Reiki and energy healing touch therapy. It discusses that illness is caused by energy imbalance and blockages in the body's subtle energy channels (nadis). Reiki and touch therapy work to remove these blockages and uplift energy levels, bringing relief. Research shows these therapies emit electromagnetic signals from practitioners' hands and can accelerate wound healing, reduce pain, stress, and symptoms of various illnesses. Side effect risks are low as these are non-invasive energy-based methods. Studies demonstrate their effectiveness through measures like improved blood work, accelerated healing, relief of conditions like asthma, headaches, and progress in cancer patients.
This document discusses a presentation on using INDIGO biofeedback to help reduce stress. It begins with an introduction of the presenter and defines stress and the body's stress responses. It then outlines the INDIGO biofeedback system which measures the body's electrical signals to design personalized stress reduction programs. A typical session involves the client wearing sensors while different signature programs are used to help the body manage stressors. Multiple sessions over time are usually needed to retrain stress patterns as the system provides a drug-free holistic approach to stress reduction and overall health and wellness.
This document discusses the essence and proper practice of yoga therapy according to ancient yoga texts. It describes how modern yoga therapy often focuses only on symptom management through techniques like shavasana, without addressing the underlying causes of illness. The document outlines four phases of disease progression from a yogic perspective and emphasizes the importance of treating both the manifesting symptoms and the root causes of disharmony through an integrated approach that addresses all aspects of lifestyle. It argues that failing to remedy the cause is not true yoga therapy but rather "yogopathy." A holistic, integrated approach combining yoga with other treatments is advocated over claiming yoga can cure all conditions.
The document discusses various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as mind-body practices like meditation and yoga, whole medical systems like naturopathy, body-based practices like acupuncture, and energy medicine like biofeedback. It provides examples of different types of yoga and meditation and explains how practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies can help treat specific conditions like headaches, muscle tension, stress, and upset stomach. Light therapy is discussed as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Relaxation therapy and recreation therapy are techniques to promote stress reduction and rehabilitation. Relaxation therapy uses methods like progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery to induce a relaxed state of mind and body. Recreation therapy employs recreational activities to restore function and independence for those with illnesses or disabilities. It assesses patients, sets goals, implements treatment plans involving physical, cognitive, emotional and social activities, and evaluates progress to improve overall functioning. Both therapies aim to improve health, wellness and quality of life.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese practice that uses touch to release energy blockages and restore balance in the body. A single Jin Shin Jyutsu treatment lasts about an hour and continues releasing energy for eight more hours, healing and relaxing the body. Several other holistic therapies are described, including kinesiology, labyrinth walking, light therapy, magnet therapy, massage, meditation, and myofascial release, which address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being through techniques like movement, touch, and energy work.
Integrative Nursing: Effects on a training reflexology programNeus Esmel-Esmel
Reflexology, as a modality of Integrative Medicine, recognizes the importance of the person from a comprehensive and non-invasive care, enhancing the search for a physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training program that introduces reflexology as an integrative modality in nursing degree education.
Descriptive observational stud, in which 85 students participated. The students responded the SF12v2 health questionnaire and the TMMS24 emotional intelligence questionnaire pre-post the teaching program. The perceived effects during and among sessions were also collected. Their personal experience was collected as well through their own stories.
Conclusions. Reflexology promotes physical and emotional well-being, facilitating an integrative understanding of the body and health. It is necessary to include them in the health science teaching programs.
Mindfulness: An effective coaching tool for improving physical and mental healthmokshacts
This document discusses how mindfulness can be an effective coaching tool for improving physical and mental health. It provides an overview of mindfulness, including its origins and mechanisms of action. A growing body of research indicates that mindfulness can be taught and cultivated to reduce stress, enhance quality of life, and ultimately improve health outcomes. Accordingly, advanced practice nurses can practice and teach mindfulness to support lifestyle changes and health promotion as part of their coaching competency.
The document discusses the importance of spirituality in psychiatry. It begins by defining spirituality as a creative, universal dimension of human experience that involves one's relationship with self, others, and transcendent realities. It notes that spirituality is distinct from, yet often related to, religion. The document then explores the historical understanding of spirituality and mental health in India, outlines various methods of achieving spirituality like meditation, and discusses how spirituality relates to and benefits mental health conditions by impacting neurobiology and stress response. It concludes by providing recommendations for incorporating spiritual care into psychiatric practice in a sensitive, patient-centered manner.
This document discusses East meets West neuroscience and meditation. It provides biographical information on Dr. Freddy Starr and his experience with meditation. It then summarizes various studies that have examined the physiological and brain-based effects of meditation, finding things like increased cortical thickness, changes in functional connectivity in brain regions, and different patterns of brain activity during different types of meditation like loving-kindness meditation.
This document summarizes various traditional and complementary health practices used in different cultures and regions. It discusses herbal medicine, acupuncture, spinal adjustment, massage, meditation, energy healing, homeopathy and factors to consider when choosing complementary health therapies and providers. Traditional healing methods are commonly used where conventional healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable. Reasons for using complementary approaches include beliefs that they are gentler, safer and more effective options that are also less expensive than conventional medicine.
Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. The antiquity of Yoga must be united with the innovations of modern medicine to improve quality of life throughout the world.
Lifestyle is the way people live and this has immense influence on the status of health or disease. Since one’s lifestyle is developed early in life, it is advisable to cultivate healthy lifestyle in early childhood. Many factors determine one’s lifestyle. Economic status determines incidence of under-nutrition in poor and obesity in the rich. Cultural values of the society dictate the dietary preferences in the population. Sedentary life is a major factor for coronary artery disease while personal habits like smoking and alcoholism determine the incidence of heart disease and cirrhosis of liver. Exercise, healthy diet and rest and relaxation are important components of lifestyle.
Yoga is the most perfect lifestyle module as it is comprehensive and holistic in its nature. Yogic lifestyle including diet, attitudes and various techniques help strengthen and develop positive health thus enabling us to withstand stress better. This Yogic “health insurance” is achieved by normalizing the perception of stress, optimizing the reaction to it and by releasing the pent up stress effectively through various Yogic practices. Yoga is a wholistic and integral science of life dealing with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the individual and society.
ABSTRACT: “Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” said Rudyard Kipling. This dichotomy however seems to have been overcome in recent times, as many eastern healing traditions have slowly and steadily percolated the health care system worldwide. This is especially true of mind–body therapies that focus on the health promotive intrinsic connections that exist between the human brain, mind, body, and individual behaviour. This includes techniques of meditation (mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and others), qi gong, tai chi, and yoga.
This article appeared in the Annals of SBV 2014; 3 (1): 29-41.
Mental Focus and Spirituality for Healingwizard411
This document discusses several studies on the benefits of mental fitness and spirituality. It summarizes 3 studies that showed: 1) Qi gong reduced multiple health symptoms in a patient. 2) A substance abuse program found spirituality helps shift focus from narcissism. 3) A contemplative self-healing program significantly improved quality of life and reduced distress in cancer patients. Overall, it argues that mental focus and spirituality can improve mental health and that further research is needed.
This document discusses three studies on the benefits of mental fitness and spirituality. The first study found that practicing qigong for several hours daily resolved a patient's various medical conditions without medication. The second study showed that incorporating spirituality into substance abuse treatment helped patients shift to a more positive outlook. The third study demonstrated that a 20-week contemplative self-healing program improved cancer patients' quality of life and reduced distress. Overall, the document advocates that mental focus and spirituality can benefit mental health and longevity.
1) Mindfulness originated from Buddhist meditation practices and involves paying attention to present moment experiences in a non-judgemental way.
2) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was created in 1979 and utilizes mindfulness exercises like meditation, yoga, and body scans to help reduce stress.
3) Studies show that MBSR can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and improve overall well-being and quality of life.
Complementary and alternative medicine (cam) wellnessMcPherson2011
1) The document discusses implementing a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Wellness Program at a military medical center to provide CAM therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, yoga, and mindfulness training.
2) It notes that CAM is in demand by patients due to perceptions of being natural with fewer side effects than medicine, and that access to conventional care is limited.
3) The program aims to shift patients from dependent care to self-care and responsibility, focus on wellness rather than illness, and serve as an education resource for healthy living. Therapies offered include acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, tai chi, yoga, mindfulness training,
Alternative therapies in nursing practiceAsha Jose
The document summarizes a seminar on the scope of nursing practice and alternative therapies. It discusses key concepts related to nursing scope such as autonomy, accountability, competence and holism. It also provides overviews of various alternative therapy systems practiced in India such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Naturopathy. For each therapy, it outlines foundational concepts, current practices and regulations. The seminar emphasized the importance of considering legislation, policies and patient well-being when expanding nursing scope and integrating complementary therapies.
The document summarizes alternative healing techniques, specifically Reiki and energy healing touch therapy. It discusses that illness is caused by energy imbalance and blockages in the body's subtle energy channels (nadis). Reiki and touch therapy work to remove these blockages and uplift energy levels, bringing relief. Research shows these therapies emit electromagnetic signals from practitioners' hands and can accelerate wound healing, reduce pain, stress, and symptoms of various illnesses. Side effect risks are low as these are non-invasive energy-based methods. Studies demonstrate their effectiveness through measures like improved blood work, accelerated healing, relief of conditions like asthma, headaches, and progress in cancer patients.
This document discusses a presentation on using INDIGO biofeedback to help reduce stress. It begins with an introduction of the presenter and defines stress and the body's stress responses. It then outlines the INDIGO biofeedback system which measures the body's electrical signals to design personalized stress reduction programs. A typical session involves the client wearing sensors while different signature programs are used to help the body manage stressors. Multiple sessions over time are usually needed to retrain stress patterns as the system provides a drug-free holistic approach to stress reduction and overall health and wellness.
This document discusses the essence and proper practice of yoga therapy according to ancient yoga texts. It describes how modern yoga therapy often focuses only on symptom management through techniques like shavasana, without addressing the underlying causes of illness. The document outlines four phases of disease progression from a yogic perspective and emphasizes the importance of treating both the manifesting symptoms and the root causes of disharmony through an integrated approach that addresses all aspects of lifestyle. It argues that failing to remedy the cause is not true yoga therapy but rather "yogopathy." A holistic, integrated approach combining yoga with other treatments is advocated over claiming yoga can cure all conditions.
The document discusses various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as mind-body practices like meditation and yoga, whole medical systems like naturopathy, body-based practices like acupuncture, and energy medicine like biofeedback. It provides examples of different types of yoga and meditation and explains how practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies can help treat specific conditions like headaches, muscle tension, stress, and upset stomach. Light therapy is discussed as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Relaxation therapy and recreation therapy are techniques to promote stress reduction and rehabilitation. Relaxation therapy uses methods like progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery to induce a relaxed state of mind and body. Recreation therapy employs recreational activities to restore function and independence for those with illnesses or disabilities. It assesses patients, sets goals, implements treatment plans involving physical, cognitive, emotional and social activities, and evaluates progress to improve overall functioning. Both therapies aim to improve health, wellness and quality of life.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese practice that uses touch to release energy blockages and restore balance in the body. A single Jin Shin Jyutsu treatment lasts about an hour and continues releasing energy for eight more hours, healing and relaxing the body. Several other holistic therapies are described, including kinesiology, labyrinth walking, light therapy, magnet therapy, massage, meditation, and myofascial release, which address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being through techniques like movement, touch, and energy work.
Integrative Nursing: Effects on a training reflexology programNeus Esmel-Esmel
Reflexology, as a modality of Integrative Medicine, recognizes the importance of the person from a comprehensive and non-invasive care, enhancing the search for a physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training program that introduces reflexology as an integrative modality in nursing degree education.
Descriptive observational stud, in which 85 students participated. The students responded the SF12v2 health questionnaire and the TMMS24 emotional intelligence questionnaire pre-post the teaching program. The perceived effects during and among sessions were also collected. Their personal experience was collected as well through their own stories.
Conclusions. Reflexology promotes physical and emotional well-being, facilitating an integrative understanding of the body and health. It is necessary to include them in the health science teaching programs.
Mindfulness: An effective coaching tool for improving physical and mental healthmokshacts
This document discusses how mindfulness can be an effective coaching tool for improving physical and mental health. It provides an overview of mindfulness, including its origins and mechanisms of action. A growing body of research indicates that mindfulness can be taught and cultivated to reduce stress, enhance quality of life, and ultimately improve health outcomes. Accordingly, advanced practice nurses can practice and teach mindfulness to support lifestyle changes and health promotion as part of their coaching competency.
The document discusses the importance of spirituality in psychiatry. It begins by defining spirituality as a creative, universal dimension of human experience that involves one's relationship with self, others, and transcendent realities. It notes that spirituality is distinct from, yet often related to, religion. The document then explores the historical understanding of spirituality and mental health in India, outlines various methods of achieving spirituality like meditation, and discusses how spirituality relates to and benefits mental health conditions by impacting neurobiology and stress response. It concludes by providing recommendations for incorporating spiritual care into psychiatric practice in a sensitive, patient-centered manner.
This document discusses East meets West neuroscience and meditation. It provides biographical information on Dr. Freddy Starr and his experience with meditation. It then summarizes various studies that have examined the physiological and brain-based effects of meditation, finding things like increased cortical thickness, changes in functional connectivity in brain regions, and different patterns of brain activity during different types of meditation like loving-kindness meditation.
This document summarizes various traditional and complementary health practices used in different cultures and regions. It discusses herbal medicine, acupuncture, spinal adjustment, massage, meditation, energy healing, homeopathy and factors to consider when choosing complementary health therapies and providers. Traditional healing methods are commonly used where conventional healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable. Reasons for using complementary approaches include beliefs that they are gentler, safer and more effective options that are also less expensive than conventional medicine.
Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. The antiquity of Yoga must be united with the innovations of modern medicine to improve quality of life throughout the world.
Lifestyle is the way people live and this has immense influence on the status of health or disease. Since one’s lifestyle is developed early in life, it is advisable to cultivate healthy lifestyle in early childhood. Many factors determine one’s lifestyle. Economic status determines incidence of under-nutrition in poor and obesity in the rich. Cultural values of the society dictate the dietary preferences in the population. Sedentary life is a major factor for coronary artery disease while personal habits like smoking and alcoholism determine the incidence of heart disease and cirrhosis of liver. Exercise, healthy diet and rest and relaxation are important components of lifestyle.
Yoga is the most perfect lifestyle module as it is comprehensive and holistic in its nature. Yogic lifestyle including diet, attitudes and various techniques help strengthen and develop positive health thus enabling us to withstand stress better. This Yogic “health insurance” is achieved by normalizing the perception of stress, optimizing the reaction to it and by releasing the pent up stress effectively through various Yogic practices. Yoga is a wholistic and integral science of life dealing with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the individual and society.
ABSTRACT: “Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” said Rudyard Kipling. This dichotomy however seems to have been overcome in recent times, as many eastern healing traditions have slowly and steadily percolated the health care system worldwide. This is especially true of mind–body therapies that focus on the health promotive intrinsic connections that exist between the human brain, mind, body, and individual behaviour. This includes techniques of meditation (mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and others), qi gong, tai chi, and yoga.
This article appeared in the Annals of SBV 2014; 3 (1): 29-41.
Mental Focus and Spirituality for Healingwizard411
This document discusses several studies on the benefits of mental fitness and spirituality. It summarizes 3 studies that showed: 1) Qi gong reduced multiple health symptoms in a patient. 2) A substance abuse program found spirituality helps shift focus from narcissism. 3) A contemplative self-healing program significantly improved quality of life and reduced distress in cancer patients. Overall, it argues that mental focus and spirituality can improve mental health and that further research is needed.
This document discusses three studies on the benefits of mental fitness and spirituality. The first study found that practicing qigong for several hours daily resolved a patient's various medical conditions without medication. The second study showed that incorporating spirituality into substance abuse treatment helped patients shift to a more positive outlook. The third study demonstrated that a 20-week contemplative self-healing program improved cancer patients' quality of life and reduced distress. Overall, the document advocates that mental focus and spirituality can benefit mental health and longevity.
Sukhsohale Neelam D , Phatak Mrunal S , Sukhsohale Sachin D , Agrawal Sanjay B
International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health, Vol.4 No.12 (2012) Pages 2000-12
Dr Ananda's lecture class at Dr MGR Medical University.
He was invited to deliver lecture as Resource Person on “Research in Yoga” for the 25th workshop on Research Methodology and Bio- Statistics for AYUSH PG Students and Researchers organised by Department of Siddha of the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University.
This document discusses healing depression from an Ayurvedic perspective using yoga, meditation, and massage. It provides background on Ayurveda as an ancient Indian system of natural healing that focuses on balancing doshas. Research evidence is presented showing that yoga, meditation, and massage can help treat depression. Systematic reviews found moderate evidence that yoga reduces depression symptoms short-term compared to standard care. Meditation was also found to moderately to largely reduce depression symptoms. A study on prenatal depression found that both yoga and massage therapy significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and pain more than a control group.
Yoga can play an important role in the prevention and management of lifestyle disorders. Some key points:
1. Yoga is a holistic practice that focuses on physical exercise, diet, relaxation, and relationships. It aims to improve physical, mental, and spiritual health.
2. Yoga techniques like asanas, pranayamas, and meditation can help reduce stress, inflammation, blood pressure, heart rate and improve mood, sleep, and metabolic health. This reduces risk factors for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease.
3. Integrating yoga with modern medicine through lifestyle changes, stress management, and physical postures/breathing can help prevent and manage lifestyle disorders in a comprehensive way. More research
UNDERSTANDING HOW YOGA WORKS: A SHORT REVIEW OF FINDINGS FROM CYTER, PONDICHE...Yogacharya AB Bhavanani
The Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER) has been functioning at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCR & RI) under the auspices of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, for the past six years (2010-2016). More than 30,000 patients have benefited from Yoga therapy consultations and have attended individual and group therapy sessions at CYTER. Numerous research projects are being conducted as collaborative efforts between CYTER and various departments of MGMCRI, as well as KGNC and CIDRF. This review summarizes some of the important findings from 14 research works done at CYTER and published between 2010 and 2016. These studies provide preliminary evidence of the therapeutic potential of Yoga and induce further studies exploring physiological, psychological and biochemical mechanisms as well as beneficial clinical effects.
Published in the EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL & MEDICAL RESEARCH 2017;4(1):256-62
http://www.ejpmr.com/home/abstract_id/1897
Bhavanani AB. Efficacy of Yoga in Respiratory Disorders: Some Research Finding. Tamilnadu and Puducherry State Conference on Pulmonary Diseases TAPPCON 2017 at SBVU, Pondicherry. Pg 55-57.
Pranic Healing is a system of energy healing that uses prana or life force to accelerate the body's natural healing process. It is based on scientific principles and has been validated through research showing its effectiveness in treating both physical and psychological issues. Pranic Healing is taught through workshops worldwide and used as a complementary treatment in some hospitals. Extensive research has demonstrated its benefits.
This document provides an overview of yoga therapy presented by Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI. The key points are:
1. Yoga therapy focuses on health promotion, disease management and rehabilitation through practices like yoga postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques.
2. Recent research shows yoga's potential benefits for conditions like heart disease, respiratory disorders, stress, and metabolic disorders. It works through impacting the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
3. An integrated approach using yoga therapy along with other medical systems like allopathy is recommended for best results. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and attitudes is also important.
4. While not a cure for all
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's Keynote on "Integrating yoga therapy within the Modern Medical System" at the Global Yoga therapy Day conference 2021
Effects of an Intensive 3-Week Yoga Retreat on Sense of Well Being in Cancer ...Yogacharya AB Bhavanani
Introduction: Cancer survivors are often severely affected physically, mentally and emotionally after passing through modern medical treatments. As Yoga conjointly emphasizes body-mind-spirit thus enhancing physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Lonavla, India initiated a three week residential intensive retreat for cancer survivors to empower them in their journey, “back to health and wellbeing”. The aims and objectives of the present study is to evaluate the effects of this residential program for cancer patients on their psychological well being, and determine if or not these effects were sustained at follow up after three months.
Materials and Methods: The modes of reintegration used in this program were designed to specifically address the multidimensional needs of cancer survivors and incorporated various Yogic techniques including Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, relaxation, silent meditation and chanting as well as education given in a group setting. Three standard psychological evaluation tools were used: WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). These were administered on first (D1) and last days (D20) of the program and repeated at follow up three months later (3M). Pre and post retreat (D1-D20) data was analyzed for 26 subjects using Students paired t-test while RMANOVA was used to compare pre-post retreat and follow up data of 19 subjects.
Results: Significant improvements were seen in all domains of QOL with significant reduction in all negative psychological states and improvement in vigour and total POMS score. There was significant decrease in anxiety, depression and overall rating on HADS with marked decrease in anxiety compared to depression. In pre-post and follow-up (D1, D20 and 3M) comparisons for 19 subjects, all components showed significant changes except social QOL. Though some of the benefits of the retreat are lost during follow up, none of the values reached level of significance except in anger subscale and even that was still lower than at start of retreat.
Discussion and Conclusion: The present study offers evidence of the beneficial psychological changes occurring after a three week intensive retreat for cancer survivors. This is in tune with previous reports. One of the biggest benefits may actually lie in the empowerment of the participants as they are given tools, which make them feel in control of their health and wellbeing. Changes are maintained in those who continue the practices even at three months follow up but are lost slowly in those who discontinued them. Even then, all parameters at three months follow up are still positive as compared to pre-retreat values. More rigorous and randomized controlled studies are required to validate these results in the future.
This document provides an overview of mind-body interventions such as meditation, guided imagery, and mindfulness techniques that can be used in therapeutic recreation practices. It discusses how these ancient spiritual practices are now being incorporated into Western medical models. Research studies have found that meditation changes brain regions and can help reduce stress, depression, pain, and support rehabilitation from sports injuries. Guided imagery, relaxation, and visualization techniques have also been shown to help reduce functional abdominal pain in children and support pre-surgery anxiety reduction and recovery. The implications are that these mind-body practices may provide valuable, evidence-based tools for therapeutic recreation professionals to improve client health and well-being.
Yoga and Meditation as a non pharmacological strategy for general populationdinesh ari
Yoga and meditation offer safe and effective non-pharmacological strategies for improving mental health. Various types of yoga like Hatha, Iyengar and meditation techniques like mindfulness, pranayama and transcendental meditation have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and improve mood. Studies have found yoga and meditation increase relaxation through changes in brain wave activity and beneficial effects on hormones like reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin. Yoga and meditation provide low-cost options that are accessible for managing mental health, especially important in developing countries and for low-income populations.
Yoga therapy aims to treat the root cause of illness and promote overall well-being through integrated practices that address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. It uses techniques like asanas, pranayama, meditation, and lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, strengthen the body and mind, and bring the different systems of the body into harmony. Yoga therapy treats the whole person, not just the symptoms, and can help prevent disease when practiced regularly as part of one's lifestyle. It works slowly but is safe and can complement other medical treatments for various chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory disorders.
We are today faced with numerous debilitating chronic illnesses related to aging, environment, and hedonistic lifestyle, such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases as well as many incurable diseases such as AIDS. Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. The antiquity of Yoga must be united with the innovations of modern medicine to improve quality of life throughout the world. While modern medicine has a lot to offer humankind in its treatment and management of acute illness, accidents and communicable diseases, Yoga has a lot to offer in terms of preventive, promotive and rehabilitative methods in addition to many management methods to tackle modern illnesses. While modern science looks outward for the cause of all ills, the Yogi searches the depth of his own self. This two way search can lead us to many answers for the troubles that plague modern man. It is suggested that a two way integration of the experimentally tempered modern science with the experientially modelled science of Yoga can lead us to many answers for challenges plaguing modern humankind such as debilitating chronic illnesses related to aging, environment, and hedonistic lifestyle. Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. The antiquity of Yoga must be united with the innovations of modern medicine to improve quality of life throughout the world.
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Effect of sahaja yoga meditation on quality of life,
1. THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
Volume 18, Number 6, 2012, pp. 589–596
ª Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0038
Effect of Sahaja Yoga Meditation on Quality
of Life, Anxiety, and Blood Pressure Control
Sheng-Chia Chung, PhD, Maria M. Brooks, PhD,2 Madhur Rai, MD,3
1
Judith L. Balk, MD, MPH,4 and Sandeep Rai, MD 5
Abstract
Objective: The present study investigates the effect of Sahaja yoga meditation on quality of life, anxiety, and
blood pressure control.
Design: The prospective observational cohort study enrolled two study groups: those receiving treatment from
the International Sahaja Yoga Research and Health Center (meditation group) and those receiving treatment
from the Mahatma Gandhi Mission Hospital (control group). Researchers measured quality of life, anxiety, and
blood pressure before and after treatment.
Results: Sixty-seven (67) participants in the meditation group and 62 participants in the control group completed
the study. The two groups were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics. At baseline, the
meditation group had higher quality of life ( p < 0.001) than controls but similar anxiety level ( p = 0.74) to
controls. Within-group pre- versus post-treatment comparisons showed significant improvement in quality of
life, anxiety, and blood pressure in the meditation group ( p < 0.001), while in controls, quality of life deteriorated
and there was no improvement in blood pressure. The improvement in quality of life, anxiety reduction, and
blood pressure control was greater in the meditation group. The beneficial effect of meditation remained sig-
nificant after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions: Meditation treatment was associated with significant improvements in quality of life, anxiety
reduction, and blood pressure control.
Introduction difficult to assess the extent of improvement attributed to the
meditation.6 One (1) pilot study reported increased quality of
Q uality of life integrates aspects of physical, psycho-
logic, and social health.1 Patients with chronic diseases
often suffer from physical and psychologic distress, lowering
life after yoga/relaxation treatment in elderly patients with
heart failure.7 Another factorial randomized trial reported
quality of life improvement in patients with advanced ac-
their quality of life.2 As over 100 million people in the United quired immune deficiency syndrome who received a com-
States are living with chronic illness,3 effective interventions bination of Metta meditation and massage treatment.8
that can alleviate distress and improve quality of life are im- Insufficient power was a drawback in both studies. More
portant. clinical evidence is required to strengthen current under-
During the past 50 years, the use of meditation and yoga, standing about the effect of yoga and meditation on quality
commonly applied as an effective adjunct to conventional of life.
medical treatment, has increased rapidly in the general Meditation is a state of consciousness, characterized by
population.4,5 However, research on the effects of meditation marked cortical changes that are different from those in or-
and yoga has not focused on quality of life. One (1) study dinary wakefulness, relaxation at rest, and sleep.9 In Sahaja
reported improvement in quality of life after a mindfulness yoga meditation, simple applications of silent affirmations
meditation program in patients with diverse diseases; how- and breathing techniques assist an individual to achieve a
ever, the absence of a control group in the study made it state of mental silence in which the entire attention is on the
1
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
2
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
3
International Sahaja Yoga Health and Research Center, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
4
Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
5
Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College and Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
589
2. 590 CHUNG ET AL.
present moment and one is free from unnecessary mental sought internal medicine care either had major diseases or
activity.10 The experience is often described by its practition- were attending regular health checkups. Individuals were
ers as soothing, relaxing, and enjoyable. The tranquility ex- eligible for participating in the control group if they had not
perienced during meditation is marked by change in actively practiced meditation during the past 3 months and
electroencephalography (EEG) patterns in the cortical activity were willing to forgo any practice of meditation for the du-
of the brain, where elevated a and h oscillating frequencies11,12 ration of the study. The conventional therapy received by
and reduced EEG complexity13 mark a better internal atten- controls during the study was medical care according to the
tional control14,15 and positive emotional feedback.16 The standard Western medicine treatment guidelines.
unique EEG patterns observed in Sahaja yoga meditation
distinguishes it from the other two popular meditation prac- Study Intervention
tices in the West—the Transcendental meditation (TM), in
Treatment in the Health Center consisted of daily medi-
which practitioners repeat a word or phrase silently to quiet
tation and application of cleansing practices. The therapeutic
and ultimately transcend the internal mental dialogue, and
effect of meditation was achieved in the state of mental si-
the Mindfulness meditation, in which practitioners simply
lence, where one could better introspect, address, and re-
observe or attend to thoughts, emotions, sensations, or per-
solve the distress caused by negative thoughts, emotions, or
ceptions without judgments.17 During TM practice, the in-
behaviors. To facilitate the relaxation and mental silence
consistent a amplitude,18,19 decreased h activity,20 and higher
(meditation), individuals could do simple exercises and
EEG complexity21 suggest a possible adverse effect on con-
cleansing practices, such as deep breathing and foot-soaking
sciousness. In Mindfulness meditation, asymmetric a activa-
with salt water.30 In the Health Center, patients continued
tion was observed,22 which was shown to be associated with
their standard medical treatment during their stay. The daily
increased defensiveness23 and disproportional anger.24
schedule for the inpatient sector in the Health Center is de-
Clinical studies have documented beneficial effects of Sa-
scribed in Table 1.
haja yoga meditation in disease management for patients
with epilepsy,25 essential hypertension,26 asthma,27 meno-
Measurement
pausal symptoms,28 and attention deficit-hyperactivity dis-
order.29 In the present study, the effect of meditation on Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded at
quality of life in individuals with heterogeneous health baseline, when participants registered to receive treatment.
conditions was evaluated. Both quality of life and anxiety Quality of life and anxiety were measured both at study
level between patients who sought meditation treatment and entry and at 2 weeks after treatment or at the time of dis-
those who sought conventional therapy were examined. For charge, if their stay was shorter than 2 weeks.
patients who reported having hypertension at baseline, dif- Quality of life was measured by two World Health Or-
ferences in blood pressure before and after treatment were ganization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) instruments: the
also compared. WHOQOL-BREF31 and WHOQOL-SRPB.32 The WHOQOL-
BREF is a 26-item questionnaire evaluating quality of life
from four domains: physical health, psychologic, social re-
Study Design and Setting
lationships, and environment/surroundings. Sample ques-
This prospective observational cohort study was con- tions included ‘‘How would you rate your quality of life?’’
ducted in 2008 as an international public health project and ‘‘To what extent do you feel that physical pain prevents
through the University of Pittsburgh. The study was ap- you from doing what you need to do?’’ WHOQOL-SRPB is a
proved by the Institutional Review Board in both the Uni- 32-item questionnaire measuring the impact of the spiritu-
versity of Pittsburgh and Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical ality, religion, and personal beliefs on quality of life. A
College and Hospital before implementation. sample question was ‘‘To what extent do you find meaning
Two (2) groups of patients were enrolled and followed. The in life?’’ This study selected the WHOQOL instruments for
common eligibility criterion in the study for both the medi- their coverage of important quality of life aspects, their de-
tation and control groups was men and nonpregnant women velopment and validation accounted for different cultural
between 18 and 65 years old who were willing to give a and value systems. The default time frame is 2 weeks, with
written consent for being enrolled in the study. The medita- the flexibility to prolong or shorten for different study
tion group comprised patients seeking care from the inpatient settings or patient populations.31 Both instruments were self-
sector of the International Sahaja Yoga Research and Health administrated. If self-administration was difficult, an inter-
Center (hereafter referred as the Health Center), located at viewer assisted administration by reading items to the
Navi Mumbai, India. The center was the first institute where
treatment based on Sahaja Yoga Meditation was provided.
Table 1. Daily Schedule of Activities at the Sahaja
Doctors were formally trained in Western medicine or ho-
Yoga Research and Health Center for Inpatients
meopathy and also meditated. Patients who sought treat-
ments from the Health Center could have either major Time Activity
diseases or be seeking treatment for minor health issues.
The control group was comprised of patients receiving 05:00 Wake up, individual meditation
internal medicine care in the Mahatma Gandhi Mission 8:30–9:30 Collective meditation
Medical College and Hospital located at Navi Mumbai, In- 10:30–14:00 Doctor consultation
dia. The Mahatma Gandhi Mission hospital provided pri- 16:30–18:30 Collective workshop (for example,
foot-soaking)
mary to tertiary medical care for the community. Doctors
19:00–20:30 Collective meditation
were formally trained in Western medicine. Individuals who
3. SAHAJA MEDITATION EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE 591
participant. WHOQOL-BREF was summarized into four in the internal medicine clinic of the Mahatma Gandhi Mis-
domain scores, and transformed to a 0–100 scale. WHOQOL- sion hospital consented to participate in the study and 62
SRPB was calculated as a single domain score from 4 to 20. completed follow-up. Forty-four (44; 70.0%) of the control
Higher scores indicated better quality of life. patients received outpatient care. The mean follow-up time
Anxiety was measured by the Clinical Anxiety Scale was 8.13 ( – 5.2) days for the meditation group and 14.25
(CAS), designed based on the anxiety disorder diagnostic ( – 2.6) days for controls. In the meditation group, the aver-
criteria.33 The instrument is a 25-item self-report scale mea- aged years of practicing meditation were 7.4 ( – 4.9) years.
suring perceived anxiety level at the time of administration. Eleven (11; 16%) patients in the meditation group were from
A sample item was ‘‘I use tranquilizers or antidepressants to countries other than India, while all controls were Indians.
cope with my anxiety,’’ and the response of the participant The two groups were comparable in age, gender, and marital
was recorded in a 5-point Likert scale. The CAS score ranged and working status (Table 2). The percentage of individuals
from 0 to 100; a higher score indicated more perceived with higher education was greater in the meditation group
anxiety. The quality of life and perceive anxiety measures than in the control group. The control group had a higher
have been validated in populations with different chronic physical activity level and lower body–mass index. At study
conditions or anxiety level.31–33 To assess the tendency for a entry, the prevalence of smoking and drinking were 16% and
participant to provide answers that were considered to be 13%, respectively, in the control group, while none of the
more socially acceptable than his/her actual perceptions, a individuals in the meditation group smoked or consumed
five-item assessment for socially desirable response set (SRDS)34 alcohol. The self-reported clinical history was similar in the
was incorporated in the study questionnaire. two groups, but the meditation group had a higher preva-
The blood pressure and pulse for patients with self-re- lence of prior anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal dis-
ported hypertension were measured at baseline and the end tress. One (1) patient in the meditation group had a history of
of follow-up. Hypertensive patients rested in a sitting posi- multiple sclerosis, while 2 patients in the control group re-
tion for 5 minutes before a trained staff measured their blood ported human immunodeficiency virus infection. At base-
pressure with a calibrated sphygmomanometer. Pulse was line, 13 (19.4%) patients in the meditation group and 28
measured at the wrist (radial artery). (45.2%) patients in the control group reported a history
of hypertension required treatment. For patients with self-
Analysis reported hypertension, the duration and management of
hypertension were comparable.
Participants with both baseline and follow-up assessments
In the meditation group, after a week of meditation
were included in the analysis. The baseline demographic,
treatment, all quality-of-life domains and clinical anxiety
clinical, and quality-of-life characteristics were compared
level improved significantly ( p < 0.001, Figs. 1 and 2). Hy-
between the two groups, using Student’s t-test for continu-
pertensive participants in the meditation group experienced
ous variables and v2 statistics for categorical variables.
significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood
The quality-of-life instruments and CAS were scored ac-
pressure. Conversely, after an average 2 weeks of conven-
cording to the manuals.32,33,35 In the current study, missing
tional treatment, the control group reported a significant
data management rules for WHOQOL-BREF were applied to
decline in quality of life and greater anxiety ( p £ 0.011). Hy-
WHOQOL-SRPB, such that if < 30% of items were missing
pertensive participants in the control group had no im-
within a domain for a patient, the missing value was im-
provement in blood pressure after treatment was received
puted by his/her mean domain score. The domain score of
(Figs. 1 and 2).
an individual was not calculated if more than 30% of items
Between-group analyses showed that at study entry, av-
were missing.
erage quality-of-life scores were significantly higher in the
For change before and after treatment within each study
meditation group than in the controls. After treatment, the
group, sign-rank tests were used to compare WHOQOL-BREF
meditation group experienced a greater improvement in all
domain scores and paired t-test for other outcomes
domains of quality of life (meditation group versus controls:
(WHOQOL-SRPB, CAS, blood pressure, and pulse). To com-
physical: + 7 versus 0; psychologic: + 13 versus 0; social: + 6
pare the difference between the meditation group and control
versus 0; environmental: + 7 versus 0; spiritual [0–20 scale]:
group, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and t-tests were used for
+ 1.2 versus - 0.5, p < 0.001). Baseline clinical anxiety scores
between-group comparisons. Multivariate linear regression
were similar in the two groups ( p = 0.74). After treatment, the
models were constructed to assess the effect of meditation,
improvement in anxiety was only observed in the meditation
controlling for essential covariates such as baseline quality-of-
group (between-group difference p < 0.001).
life values and socially desirable response. In addition, the
For self-reported hypertensive patients, mean blood
effect of modification between meditation and patient char-
pressure and pulse were lower in the meditation group than
acteristics on study outcomes was tested. The two-sided a
controls at baseline. After treatment, there was a trend for
level for treatment effect and effect modification in hyper-
greater reduction in mean systolic blood pressure in the
tensive patients was set to 0.01 to adjust for subgroup com-
meditation group than controls ( p = 0.061). The reduction in
parisons. The analysis was performed using SAS 9.1.
diastolic blood pressure was significantly greater for hyper-
tensive patients in the meditation group than controls
Results
(-3.3 mm Hg versus 1 mm Hg, p = 0.0043). The mean pulse in
From July to October 2008, 70 of 112 eligible patients ad- the meditation group was significantly lower than that of
mitted to the inpatient sector of the Health Center consented controls at baseline and at the end of follow-up ( p < 0.001).
to participate in the study and 67 completed follow-up. In The change in pulse before and after treatment was similar in
the control group, 80 of the 120 eligible patients seeking care both groups ( p = 0.87).
4. 592 CHUNG ET AL.
Table 2. Demographic and Clinical Profile of Study Groups at Study Entry
Meditation (N = 67) Controls (n = 62) p-Value
Age, mean (SD) 40.53 (11.9) 42.01 (15.5) 0.6
Female, n (%) 35 (52.2) 29 (46.8) 0.49
Marital status, n (%) 0.2
Never married 17 (25.4) 10 (16.1)
Married 46 (68.7) 50 (80.6)
Widowed 1 (1.5) 2 (3.2)
Divorced/separated 3 (4.5) 0 (0)
Education level, n (%) < 0.001
< High school 0 (0) 16 (25.8)
High school graduate or some college 19 (28.4) 17 (27.4)
Bachelor degree 30 (44.8) 22 (35.5)
Graduate degree 18 (26.9) 7 (11.3)
Work status, n (%) 0.47
Working full time 36 (53.7) 35 (56.5)
Working part-time/homemaker 21 (31.3) 22 (35.5)
Other 10 (14.9) 5 (8.1)
Activity level, n (%) < 0.001
Sedentary 8 (12.1) 1 (1.6)
Mild 21 (31.8) 5 (8.1)
Moderate 31 (47.0) 32 (51.6)
Strenuous 6 (9.1) 24 (38.7)
BMI, mean (SD) 23.82 (3.5) 21.86 (4.5) 0.0069
Ever smoking, n (%) 17 (25.4) 17 (27.4) 0.79
Current smoke, n (%) 0 (0) 10 (16.1) < 0.001
Alcohol consumption during the past year, n (%) 0 (0) 8 (12.9) 0.0024
History of heart disease (including angina), n (%) 4 (6.0) 7 (11.3) 0.28
History of type 2 diabetes, n (%) 10 (14.9) 9 (14.5) 0.95
History of asthma, n (%) 2 (3.0) 3 (4.8) 0.59
History of anxiety or depression, n (%) 10 (14.9) 2 (3.2) 0.022
History of gastrointestinal distress, n (%) 18 (26.9) 6 (9.7) 0.012
History of hypertension, n (%) 13 (19.4) 28 (45.2) 0.0017
Self-reported hypertension patients (n = 41)
No. of hypertension drugs taken, median (Q1,Q3) 1 (1,2) 2 (1,2) 0.26
Hypertensive years (n = 41), mean, SD 5.62 (3.4) 3.93 (5.0) 0.28
SD, standard deviation; BMI, body–mass index.
FIG. 1. Baseline versus follow-up for quality-of-life measures within meditation and control groups (mean – 1.96 standard
error).
5. SAHAJA MEDITATION EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE 593
FIG. 2. Baseline versus follow-up for clinical anxiety, blood pressure, and pulse within meditation and control groups
(mean – 1.96 standard error).
In multiple linear regression models, after adjustment for significant reduction in clinical anxiety (-8.5 units, p < 0.001)
baseline value and potential confounders including age, so- (Table 4).
cially desirable answering pattern, and self-report illness, In hypertensive patients, controlling only for baseline
meditation remained the strongest independent covariate for measure in the model, meditation treatment was associated
improvement in quality of life and decrease in anxiety and with a mean 12 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure
blood pressure. Compared to controls, meditation was as- ( p < 0.001, significant at an alevel of 0.01). The quantitative
sociated with a mean improvement of 15.7 units in physical, effect of meditation on diastolic blood pressure differed by
21.7 units in psychologic, 16.7 units in social, 13.2 units in diabetes status ( p for effect modification = 0.0053). In patients
environmental, and 2.3 units (by a 0–20 scale) in spiritual with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes, meditation
quality of life ( p < 0.001) (Table 3). Meditation resulted in a treatment decreased diastolic blood pressure by 12.32 mm
Table 3. Effect of Meditation on Quality of Life, Adjusted for Demographic and Clinical Variables (n = 129)
WHOQOL-BREF
Physical domain Psychologic domain Social domain Environmental WHOQOL
(0-100) (0-100) (0-100) domain (0–00) SRPB (0–20)
R2 0.7339 0.7232 0.7358 0.8076 0.8741
Parameters Est. P Est. P Est. P Est. P Est. P
Meditation (reference: controls) 15.7 < 0.001 21.66 < 0.001 16.66 < 0.001 13.22 < 0.001 2.29 < 0.001
Baseline value 0.51 < 0.001 0.45 < 0.001 0.48 < 0.001 0.71 < 0.001 0.71 < 0.001
SDRS 2.60 0.004 2.11 0.03 2.96 < 0.001 0.29 0.013
Age - 0.17 0.003 - 0.10 0.032 - 0.02 0.007
Indian race 5.77 0.038
Education level (reference: high 0.023
school or less)
High school graduate or some college - 0.28
Bachelor degree 2.04
Graduate degree 6.97
Self report history of gastrointestinal - 5.78 0.007
disease
Ever smoking - 0.47 0.034
WHOQOL-BREF, short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment; WHOQOL-SRPB, 32-item questionnaire of
the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment measuring the impact of the spirituality, religion, and personal beliefs on quality
of life; SDRS, socially desirable response set; Est., estimated.
6. 594 CHUNG ET AL.
Table 4. Effect of Meditation on Anxiety Level and Blood Pressurea
Clinical anxiety Systolic blood pressure Diastolic blood Pulse
(n = 129) (n = 41) pressureb (n = 41) (n = 41)
R2 0.5539 0.8494 0.9326 0.7454
Parameters Est. p Est. p Est. p Est. p
Meditation (reference: controls) - 8.46 < 0.001 - 12.01 < 0.001 - 5.42 0.081
Meditation versus controls in hypertensive - 12.32 < 0.001
patients with diabetes
Meditation versus controls in hypertensive - 6.12 < 0.001
patients without diabetes
Baseline value 0.48 < 0.001 0.80 < 0.001 0.59 < 0.001 0.70 < 0.001
Self-reported history of type 2 diabetes - 0.32 0.77
a
Covariates in models for (1) systolic blood pressure and pulse: meditation and baseline value; (2) diastolic blood pressure: meditation
(stratified by type 2 diabetes), baseline value, history of type 2 diabetes; (3) clinical anxiety: meditation, baseline value, physical activity and
marital status.
b
p-Value for interaction between meditation and self-reported history of type 2 diabetes on diastolic blood pressure: 0.0053; Est., estimated.
Hg ( p < 0.001); the effect for hypertensive patients without conventional therapy for patients with heterogeneous health
diabetes was smaller but still significant (6.12 mm Hg de- conditions. The results were consistent with previous clinical
crease, p < 0.001). Change in pulse was similar in the medi- findings.
tation or control groups in the multivariate model (Table 4). The positive perception in quality of life may be due to the
fortified tranquil concentration in meditation. EEG studies
Discussion showed increasing h oscillating networks during medita-
tion.11,12 Theta band power is related to orienting, attention,
In the current study, an averaged 1-week meditation memory, and affective processing.11,12,37 The increasing h
treatment is associated with significant improvement in band power was observed to be correlated with experience
quality of life, anxiety reduction, and blood pressure control. of happiness during meditation.11 Previous study also
The improvements are significantly greater among patients showed lower perceived anxiety reported by individuals
who received meditation treatment than that among controls with higher h power.38 When facing negative emotional
who received conventional therapy. stimuli (such as viewing an adverse movie clip), non-
Individuals who sought meditation treatment had an av- meditating controls experienced a heavier emotional work-
erage of 7 years practice of meditation, which may contribute load, indicating by a greater c synchronization in EEG than
to a higher quality of life at baseline. When the change from individuals who practice meditation.39 The better coping of
baseline was evaluated, the meditation group experienced negative stimuli may contribute to a better-perceived quality
significant improvement. In the control group, conventional of life and greater reduction in anxiety in the meditation
therapy resulted in a small but significant worsening in than controls. Among self-reported hypertensive patients, at
quality of life. The observation indicates that treatment in baseline, patients who practiced meditation had better
Sahaja yoga meditation is associated with betterment over an blood pressure control than patients who received con-
extensive spectrum of quality of life. This association is ventional treatment. After treatment, systolic blood pres-
supported by comparing the perceived anxiety in the medi- sure decreased by 9.4 mm Hg in the meditation group. The
tation groups and controls. While a similar anxiety level was finding is of clinical and public health significance. High
observed in both groups at baseline, individuals who re- blood pressure was the primary or contributing cause of
ceived Sahaja yoga meditation treatment had a significant 11.31% deaths in United States in 2003, and the estimated
anxiety reduction, contrary to a small but significant rise in direct and indirect cost of high blood pressure was $63.5
anxiety among those receiving conventional therapy. billion in 2006.40 If further validation of the effectiveness of
The prolonged treatment and low chances of cure in meditation on hypertension control is obtained, cost-effec-
chronic conditions lead to decreased quality of life in pa- tive intervention programs could result in significant lives
tients,36 which was observed in the present study as the saved and savings to individuals. Hypertension is also a
control group reported worsening quality of life and anxiety. major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and
Prior clinical studies have reported that meditation was it is estimated that a population-wide 2-mm Hg reduction
associated with better moods states, quality of life, and re- in diastolic blood pressure could prevent 6% risk of coro-
duction in tension and fatigue than control exercise for patients nary heart disease and 15% risk of stroke or transient is-
with asthma.27 Children with attention deficit–hyperactivity chemic attack.41 Previous study showed that a 12 mm Hg
disorder who participated in a meditation program reported decrease in systolic blood pressure for 10 years was thought
improvements in self-esteem, anxiety reduction, and anger to prevent 1 death for every 11 patients treated.42 The de-
control.29 Meditation was associated with better quality of life crease in blood pressure associated with meditation treat-
among premenopausal women.28 The present study showed a ment could potentially lead to decrease in cardiovascular
better quality of life associated with meditation than with mortality and morbidity.
7. SAHAJA MEDITATION EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE 595
The present study also showed that meditation was associ- hypertension control. Further investigation on the effective-
ated with greater decline in diastolic blood pressure compared ness of Sahaja yoga meditation for managing chronic condi-
to conventional treatment. The rate of decline was greater for tions, such as prehypertension, hypertension, and type 2
patients with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes, with an diabetes is recommended.
estimated 12 mm Hg reduction in diastolic blood pressure.
Hypertensive diabetic patients are at a greater risk of devel- Acknowledgment
oping complications such as retinopathy43 and nephropathy.44
The study was sponsored by the travel grant of University
For patients with type 2 diabetes, tight blood pressure control
of Pittsburgh. The authors would like to express their grati-
reduced by 32% the risk of diabetes-associated death, by 44%
tude to Dr. Isha Pandilwar (International Sahaja Yoga Re-
the risk of stroke, and by 37% the risk of microvascular disease
search and Health Center), Drs. Prashant Salvi and Reshma
than less tight control.45 While it requires three or more drugs
Vishnani (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Hospital) for their as-
for patients with type 2 diabetes to control blood pressure,
sistance with data collection, and Ms. Tracy Tischuk for ed-
meditation may be an effective lifestyle intervention for hy-
itorial support.
pertension management.
The study was subject to several limitations. Because this
Disclosure Statement
was an observational cohort study, participants were self-
selecting into the study groups. It was possible that individ- Dr. Sandeep Rai and Dr. Madhur Rai were both affiliated
uals who practice meditation regularly could response better with International Sahaja Yoga Research and Health Center.
to treatment than controls. The distribution of confounders
between two study groups could not be balanced by ran-
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