The Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER) at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry, India, has been at the forefront of integrating yoga into medical practice. Between 2010 and 2016, CYTER conducted numerous studies exploring the therapeutic potential of yoga. A review by Ramanathan and Bhavanani (2017) summarizes findings from 14 of these studies, providing preliminary evidence of yoga’s benefits on physiological, psychological, and biochemical parameters. EJPMR
Summary of Findings:
The reviewed studies indicate that yoga interventions can lead to improvements in various health parameters, including cardiovascular function, respiratory efficiency, mental health, and overall quality of life. These benefits were observed across diverse populations, including healthy individuals, elderly women, and patients with chronic conditions.
Detailed Insights from Selected Studies:
- Enhancement of Mental Health in Elderly Women:
- Study: A 12-week yoga therapy program was implemented for elderly women residing in a hospice.
- Findings: Participants exhibited significant improvements in mental health status, including reductions in anxiety and depression levels.
- Reference: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University
- Improvement in Cardiovascular Parameters through Pranayama:
- Study: The effects of uninostril and alternate nostril pranayamas on cardiovascular parameters and reaction time were examined.
- Findings: Both pranayama techniques led to favorable changes in cardiovascular function, with notable reductions in heart rate and blood pressure, alongside enhanced reaction times.
- Reference: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University
- Reduction of Perceived Stress in Young Volunteers:
- Study: A comparative study assessed the impact of yogic relaxing asanas and pranayamas on heart rate variability and perceived stress in healthy young volunteers.
- Findings: Participants practicing these yogic techniques experienced decreased perceived stress levels and improved autonomic function, as indicated by enhanced heart rate variability.
- Reference: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University
- Enhancement of Respiratory Function in Elderly Women:
- Study: The effect of a 12-week yoga therapy program on lung function in elderly women was investigated.
- Findings: Significant improvements were observed in various respiratory parameters, suggesting enhanced pulmonary function post-intervention.
- Reference: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University
- Positive Impact on Reaction Time through Asana and Pranayama Training:
- Study: The differential effects of short-term asana and pranayama training on reaction time were compared.
- Findings: Both training modalities led to reductions in reaction time, indicating enhanced neural processing and motor response.
- Reference: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University
These studies collectively underscore the therapeutic potential of yoga as an adjunct to conventional medical treatments. The findings advocate for the incorporation of yoga into healthcare regimens to promote holistic well-being.
Note: For detailed methodologies and comprehensive results, readers are encouraged to consult the original publications.