An invited talk by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani for the Annual Scientic Society meet of Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry on 16 December 2016

1. Yoga for
Health Professionals
Yogacharya
Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DSM, DPC, PGDFH, PGDY, MD (Alt Med), FIAY, C-IAYT
Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram & Deputy Director:
Centre for Yoga Education, Therapy and Research (CYTER),
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry. www. sbvu.ac.in/ahs/yoga

2. SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH
(Deemed University Accredited with “A” Grade by NAAC)
Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education
and Research (CYTER)
Salutogenesis, our focus!

3. Salutogenesis, our Focus
• Moving from pathogenesis, the focus on disease
towards salutogenesis, the focus on health!
• Under SBV AIM HIGHSBV AIM HIGH (Academy of Integrative
Medicine for Holistic Intervention towards General
Health), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, CYTER is
striding forward on an innovative path of promoting
holistic health for one and all.

4. Bridging the experiential wisdom of Yoga with
empirical modern medical science.
Yoga is usually found in Physical Edu
& Sports deptts of universities
We at CYTER, have it in a medical
institution since 2010
– quality of life enhancing benefits
for ~ 30000 patients
– educating future Yoga therapists
(PGDYT, M.Phil, PhD),
– creating awareness amongst
medical, dental and nursing
students & professionals
– scientifically researching Yoga,
– 54 publications & 4 CMEs

5. “; ;
-
That which lies in the macrocosm,
lies in the microcosm.
That which lies in the microcosm
lies in the macrocosm.
When we understand truly,
both are indeed one.
- Sattaimuni Siddhar

8. RESTORING HUMAN VALUES
IN MEDICINE: ROLE OF YOGA

10. Introduction
• Recent developments showcased through social
media highlight a lack of human values in modern
medical professionals.
• Compassion, empathy and a sincere desire to relieve
suffering are found lacking and this seemingly
becomes even rarer as qualifications increase.
• Kidney rackets, unnecessary surgeries, lab
commissions & inflated bills commonly bemoaned.
• Recently medical students in Chennai were found
throwing a poor dog off their rooftop in glee.
• Monkey tortured and killed at CMC, Vellore

11. Why yoga?
• Yoga, an ancient cultural heritage of India is
spreading rapidly; practiced by millions globally.
• Offers a broader perspective of life and refines all
round personality (purna purusha)
• Enables the attainment of inherent potential of each
individual in a holistic manner.
• Yoga is not just a system of exercise but is a way of
life, an attitude and a conscious lifestyle.
• A Yogi is just a good human being.
• Shouldn’t our doctors be good human beings?

13. Why yoga? .................. Contd
• Stresses importance of social and personal values
– Yama (restraints of subhuman tendencies such as
violence, stealing and greed etc), and
– Niyama (humane observances: cleanliness,
contentment, self-introspection & discipline).
• Inculcation of these universal values in medical
students can help them be more humane in their life
and profession.
• Provides a contextual purpose for life and service.

14. Yoga places great importance on a proper and healthy
lifestyle whose main components are:
ACHAR – healthy physical activities & exercise
VICHAR – right thoughts and right attitude towards
life that are vital for wellbeing.
AHAR – healthy, nourishing diet with adequate intake
of fresh water; balanced intake of fresh food, green
salads, sprouts, unrefined cereals & fresh fruits.
Satwic diet, prepared & served with love & affection.
VIHAR – proper recreational activities to relax body
and mind are essential for good health.

16. Suggested mechanisms
• Psycho-physical techniques of Yoga such as asana,
pranayama, mudra, dharana and dhyana enable
attainment of physical, mental and emotional fitness.
• Skilful & efficient management of stressors through
induction of relaxation response.
• A broader worldview enables doctors to fulfil their
responsibility (dharma) in the spirit of nishkama
karma (non-attachment to results of one’s actions).
• This prevents unhealthy “Me first”, “Make the most
money”, “Who cares as long as I am safe” type of
attitudes from developing in medical professionals.

17. Empathy is the key!

18. Empathy is the key!
• A healthy connection with our inner self (antaratma)
creates a cheerful, strong and compassionate
professional; empathetic towards the suffering.
• We must remember:
– When we are at peace, at ease with ourselves; we
can serve others better.
– By serving others, we serve ourselves too.
– The more we give, the more we receive.
– We thus become pure tools of the divine.
We thus self actualize ourselves.

19. ADVANTAGES OF YOGA
Wholistic:
• Preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, curative?
• Science, philosophy, art
• Involves body, mind, spirit
• Desirable +ve “side benefits”
• Simultaneous improvement in health and
control of other conditions
• Relief from stress - the main cause of Adhija
Vyadhi (psychosomatic disorders)

20. THETHE
YOGICYOGIC
CONCEPTCONCEPT
OFOF
ORIGINORIGIN
OFOF
DISEASEDISEASE
--
YogaYoga
VashishtaVashishta

22. Perceived
Stimulus
Perceived
Stimulus

27. Psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinological
correlates of stress, illness & health
NERVOUS
SYSTEM
ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM
IMMUNE
SYSTEM

28. Psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinological
correlates of stress, illness & health
NERVOUS
SYSTEM
ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM
IMMUNE
SYSTEM
MENTAL & PHYSICAL ILLNESS
-ve
STRESS

29. Psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinological
correlates of stress, illness & health
NERVOUS
SYSTEM
ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM
IMMUNE
SYSTEM
MENTAL & PHYSICAL ILLNESS
+ve
YOGA
-ve
STRESS
HEALTH

33. YOGA MODALITIES
– Physical therapies
• Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras and Bandhas
– Emotional therapies
• Swadhyaya, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,
Dhyana and Bhajans
• Development of +ve attitudes
– Vairagya
– Chitta Prasadan
– Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, Upekshanam
– Mental therapies
• Relaxation & visualization, Trataka, Pranayama,
Pratyahara, Dharana & Dhyana

34. YOGA MODALITIES (Contd…)
– Spiritual therapies
• Swadhyaya, Satsangha, Bhajans , Upadesa
– Preventive therapies
• Start early in childhood
• Prevention of accidents
• Improved immunity
• Knows the technique so that can do it if needed
– Rehabilitative therapies
• Prevention of disability & improving QOL
– Pain relief therapies
• Increases pain tolerance - improved quality of life

35. PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS
• Improved general health, posture, muscle tone, sleep,
immunity and pain tolerance
• Weight normalizes
• Balanced autonomic nervous system
• Increased cardio-respiratory efficiency, musculo-
skeletal flexibility, range of joint movement, physical
endurance, strength and energy levels
• Decreased HR,BP,RR and EMG activity
• Normalizes GIT and endocrine function

36. PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
• Improved mood
• Increased
– somatic awareness, kinesthetic awareness,
subjective well-being,
– self-acceptance
– self-actualization ,social adjustment
• Decreased
– hostility, anxiety, depression

37. PSYCHOMOTOR BENEFITS
• Increased
– grip strength, dexterity, fine skills
• Improved
– eye-hand coordination
– reaction time
– depth perception
– steadiness and balance
– integrated functioning of body parts

38. COGNITIVE FUNCTION
IMPROVED
Attention
Learning efficiency
Depth perception
Concentration
Memory

39. BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS
THE BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IMPROVES,
INDICATING AN
ANTI STRESS & ANTI OXIDANT EFFECT,
IMPORTANT IN THE PREVENTION OF
DEGENERATIVE DISORDERS.

40. Integrating Yoga in
Medical Curriculum
Prof Madanmohan
MBBS, MD, MSc, DSc (Yoga)
• Prof and Head, Physiology,
MGMC&RI & Director CYTER,
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
• Former Director-Professor &
Director ACYTER, JIPMER
• Yoga for Medicos since 1977
Integrating Yoga in mainstream medicine has been his life
mission

41. JIPMER 2008JIPMER 2008

42. SBV 2013-15SBV 2013-15

43. SBV 2016SBV 2016

44. Yoga Alliance/Yoga Journal Survey 2016
From: http://www.yogajournal.com/yogainamericastudy/
* Slide courtesy of Sat Bir S Khalsa, PhD USA

45. Yoga embodies unity of mind and
body; thought and action; restraint
and fulfillment; harmony between
man and nature; a holistic
approach to health and well being.
It is not about exercise but to
discover the sense of oneness with
yourself, the world and the nature.
…Let us work towards adopting an
International Yoga Day

48. MechanismsofYoga
MechanismsofYoga

51. Where the mind goes,
there the energy flows!
You can use your mind
to change your brain
to change your mind for the better.
This is self-directed neuroplasticity.

52. Yoga Practices
Postures, Breathing, Relaxation, Meditation
Fitness
↑Flexibility
↑Strength
↑Coordination/Balance
↑Respiratory Function
↑Self-Efficacy
Global Human Functionality
↑Physical & Mental Health, ↑Physical, Mental, Emotional Performance,
↑Positive Behavior Change, ↑Social Responsibility, Values,
Relationships, ↑Quality of Life, ↑Life Purpose & Meaning, ↑Spirituality
Self-Regulation
↑Emotion Regulation
↑Stress Regulation
↑Resilience
↑Equanimity
↑Self-Efficacy
Awareness
↑Attention
↑Mindfulness
↑Concentration
↑Cognition
↑Meta-cognition
Spirituality
↑Transcendence
↑Unitive State
↑Flow
↑Transformation
↑Life Meaning/Purpose
* Concept and image courtesy of Sat Bir S Khalsa, PhD USA

53. Uninostril / alternate nostril
pranayamas
Suryanadi asana Chandranadi asana

55. Whooshing tensions away-nasarga
mukha bhastrika

56. Healing the neck-Brahma Mudra

57. Balancing energy centers (chakras)
with gestured mindfulness

58. Twisting the arms-Garuda

59. Opening the shoulders-Gomukha

60. Stretching the spine-Tala Asana

61. Twisting the spine - Bharadwaja

65. Vibhaga
Pranayama
• Adham Pranayama
– abdominal and lower limb disorders
• Madhyam Pranayama
– chest and upper limb disorders
• Adhyam Pranayama
– head and neck disorders
• Mahat Yoga Pranayama
– affects the whole body
Focusing consciousness into broncho-pulmonary segments

66. Pranava Pranayama
• Using foundation of Vibhaga
• Chanting Akara, Ukara, Makara and
Omkara Nada
• 2 to 3 times longer exhalations
• Appropriate hand gestures (Mudras)

67. Tension relaxation coupling:
Spanda nishpanda

68. Chakra MeditationChakraChakra
dhyanadhyana
Inhale
Exhale

69. Accredited with ‘AA’ grade by NAAC