Souvenir of International Day of Yoga 2016 celebrations at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry

National Seminar & CME at SBV, Pondicherry 2016
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Chief Patron
Shri MK RAJAGOPALAN
Chairman, Sri Balaji Educational and Charitable Public Trust
Patrons
Prof. P RAJARAM Prof. KR SETHURAMAN
Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Vice-Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Prof. YM Jayaraj Prof. N Ananthakrishnan Prof. AR Srinivasan
Pro-Vice Chancellor, SBV Dean- Research and AHS, SBV Registrar SBV
Advisory Panel
Prof. M Ravishankar Prof. S Ravichandran Prof. V Nirmal Coumare
Dean, MGMC&RI Additional Director (HS), MGMC&RI Medical Superintendent, MGMC&RI
Prof. J Mohanasundaram Prof. Carounanidy Usha Prof. K Renuka
Dean, SSSMC&RI Dean Dental Sciences, IGIDS Dean Nursing Sciences, KGNC
Organizing Chairman Organizing Secretary
Prof. Madanmohan Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Prof. & Head, Dept of Physiology &Director, CYTER Deputy Director, CYTER, SBV
Scientific Programme Coordinator Treasurer
Prof. K Jaiganesh Dr. Meena Ramanathan Shri G Dayanidy
Prof. of Physiology, MGMC&RI Coordinator & Yoga Therapist, CYTER Lecturer, CYTER
Seminar & CME Core Team
(Department of Physiology,
MGMC&RI)
Prof. K Henri Balraj
Dr. T Jeneth Berlin Raj
Dr. Suchitra Parkhad
Dr. R Sobana
Mr. S Vasanthan
Dr. S Selvakumar
Mr. P Uthiravelu
SBV IDY 2016 Core Team
Dr. R Manonmani, Deputy Registrar, SBV
Prof. BV Adkoli, MEU, SBV
Dr. Partha Nandi, VP (Students), MGMCRI
Dr. Karthikeyan, IGIDS
Ms MA Sangeetha, KGNC
Smt. S Rama, Senior Student Welfare Officer,
Dr. K Ramya, CYTER
Shri. Dhanushapnadeesh, CYTER
Smt. G Sarulatha, CYTER
Ms R Kavitha, CYTER

Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education
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S.No INDEX Page No.
1. Messages 4
2. From the desk of Organizing Chairman 17
3. From the desk of Organizing Secretary 18
4. Invitation and scientific programme 19
5. A brief introduction to our esteemed CME faculty 26
6. Yoga for holistic wellness (salutogenesis) by Prof. K R Sethuraman 33
7. Spirituality and modern medicine: have the twain met?
by Prof Ramesh Bijlani
36
8. Physician! Heal thyself! by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani 38
9. Introduction of yoga in medical education
by Smt Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra and Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
41
10. Introducing yoga in health professions education
by Yogacharya S. Sridharan
43
11. Rationale of introducing yoga for health professionals
by Dr Ishwar V Basavaraddi
44
12. Why introduce yoga in medical curriculum?
by Prof. Madanmohan
46
13. Integrating yoga and modern medical science by Dr AB Bhavanani 48
14. Yoga for nurses by Prof K Renuka 56
15. Introducing yoga in modern medical curriculum
by Lt. Col. Dr. DR Vaze
59
16. Yoga for medical students by Dr Manoj Naik 62
17. Integrating yoga in physical therapy education and practice
by Mohanakrishnan Jayadevan
64
18. Health benefits of yoga by Lt Col G Himashree 65
19. Yoga as a therapy in modern medical settings by Dr AB Bhavanani 70
20. Simple yoga practices for health professionals by Dr AB Bhavanani 74
21. Innovative aspects of CYTER 87

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MESSAGE FROM THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN
I am indeed delighted to note that the Centre for Yoga Therapy Education &
Research (CYTER) of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth is organizing various events in
commemoration of the International Yoga Day 2016 as per the guidelines issued by
UGC and AYUSH, Government of India.
Yoga awareness and practice gain importance in one’s life which is emphasised even
by our Honorable Prime Minister of India who had impressed upon the UN to
announce June 21 as International Yoga Day across the globe.
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth has taken a lead role in Puducherry in Yoga Education, Yoga
awareness and Yoga research and patient care which makes me feel happy and the
events organized this year inside SBV as well as in outside platforms will make us a
pioneer in Yoga journey.
I also wish CYTER, a joyful and memorable event.
Shri MK Rajagopalan
Chairman - SBECT

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Yoga practice has become a Universal phenomenon. Though the origin is from India
and deeply connected with Hindu Philosophy, it is no more treated as a religious
practice. It is a science that helps master self-discipline. Yoga helps gain confidence.
The power of yoga is enormous that helps strengthen mind and builds healthy body.
Yoga helps infuse will power and makes man upright that makes one to discharge
one’s duties effectively. It is therefore apt to promote practice of Yoga in the
community. Introducing and imparting the knowledge of Yoga is the responsibility of
responsible societal members to build the society.
One does not become Yogi if one starts practicing Yoga but sure to become a perfect
human being. Therefore there is no need for any regulations to implement yoga
instead education the community on its merits, benefits and how it promotes their
family health, considering family as a unity that contributes to national prosperity.
Millions are practicing Yoga world over but most Yoga training centers do not
practice and teach Yoga as it was evolved but instead have become business centers.
This must be stopped. Therefore, it is time that Yoga is combined with the teaching of
medicine incorporating meditation to reduce the disease and disability trends.
While one should help seniors to remain healthy if one has to succeed in implanting
Yoga practices one should get into the premises of primary schools and catch the
children when they are young when they can be molded easily. We have already lost
time and let us not lose any further.
We must congratulate our Management for their vision to promote what is in store for
the future by opening a Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER)
that serves both the general public as well as the university family. I appeal to my
colleagues to take advantage chose a single area of practice of yoga to promote
amongst themselves, their families, student and patients.
I wish the IDY 2016 celebrations a grand success. Let the outcome make CYTER a
torch-bearer for other institutions.
Prof. Rajaram Pagadala
Chancellor
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth

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MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR
“No words - Acts” – Mother, Aurobindo Ashram
It is heart-warming to note that CYTER, Faculty of Allied Health Science, SBV, is
gearing up to celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2016 in a fitting manner, in tune
with the ethos of SBV with regard to mainstreaming evidence-based complementary
and alternate systems of Medicine.
Since 2013, SBV has demonstrated regional leadership in Health Professions
Education, widely acknowledged by senior Health Professions Educators of India.
Therefore, it is most appropriate that a National Seminar on "Introducing Yoga in
Health Professions Education" is being organised here at SBV. Moreover, CYTER itself
is an outstanding model for any Institution wishing to promote Yoga in education,
public service and research. Having successfully introduced Yoga to all the medical,
dental and nursing students of SBV, CYTER can offer evidence based solutions to the
issue of formulating strategies for introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education.
It is equally note-worthy that CYTER plans to conduct a workshop on “Silver Yoga”
to take the health enriching benefits of Yoga to the doorsteps of the elderly. This is
being done with the participation of various interest groups of senior citizens. With
progressive rise in the population of elderly in India, ‘silver yoga’ initiative is timely.
Given the track record of CYTER, I am sure the events planned for 2016 will be
successful in reaching out to the key beneficiaries and stake-holders.
May the ancient wisdom that is Yoga continue to bestow its goodness and benefits on
the people of the World during 21st Century and beyond.
Prof. KR Sethuraman
Vice-Chancellor

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGISTRAR
International Day of Yoga 2016 (June 21st) is being celebrated in a grand manner at Sri
Balaji Vidyapeeth. It is an ethos befitting endeavor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV),
Pondicherry which is also in compliance with the guidelines issued by UGC and
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Center for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER) at SBV is ever vibrant and
has embarked on the conduct of the International Day of Yoga 2016, in a big way,
between 19-06-2016 and 21-06-2016. An impressive line-up of elegant events awaits
us. The programs are aimed at creating Public Awareness, besides promulgating the
conduct of Common Yoga Protocol demo, Yogasana competitions and a National
Seminar on "Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education". Undoubtedly the
National Seminar to be held on June 21st, 2016 (International Day of Yoga) is bound to
open newer vistas in the realms of Yoga education, awareness, therapy and research.
CYTER is privileged to have eminent functionaries. Prof. Madanmohan, a stalwart in
Yoga Science and medicine is the Director and is ably supported by his Deputy, Dr.
Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani who is an internationally acclaimed personality. CYTER
is endowed with competent professionals and academicians. It is in the fitness of
things to state that the unique M. Phil Course in Yoga therapy (Choice based credit
course) under the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences has been launched at SBV, with
effect from the academic year 2016-17.
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth invites everybody to partake of the events in connection with the
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA 2016 and may we all accredit ourselves with the
yogic way of life in order to serve humanity in our own, humble manner.
Prof. AR Srinivasan
Registrar

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN RESEARCH AND AHS
I am very happy to know that the Center for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research,
SBV has planned a grand celebration of the 2nd International Day of Yoga with
numerous events from 19 - 21 June 2016.
The events include a Workshop on “Silver Yoga” ensuring health enriching benefits of
Yoga reach the elderly, a Yogasana competitions for faculty and students of SBV ,
mass demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol and a National Seminar and CME on
“Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education”.
Right from its inception, SBV has been in the forefront in the field of innovations and
newly emerging areas of medical sciences so that it becomes part of the exploring
group along the advancing borders of modern science – in the words from the famous
serial Star trek “to boldly go where no man has been before.”
SBV is one of the first to introduce post graduate programs in Yoga Therapy and our
PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy is unique as it is conducted within a medical institution.
We have also started MPhil in Yoga Therapy from the current academic year and
hope to have doctoral programs in near future. CYTER has been actively promoting
Yoga amongst students of our university and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth is one of the first
to comply with latest guidelines from UGC and other regulatory bodies by providing
yoga regular training to medical, dental and nursing students of all the constituent
colleges.
The CYTER team has been doing tremendous work in the field of Yoga Education,
Research and Therapy in our University and this has helped place our work on the
world map.
The importance of Yoga as an intervention in health has now come to be universally
recognized and I am sure this IDY 2016 programme would go a long way in drawing
the attention to this fact and will benefit the community and the University.
I wish the IDY 2016 celebrations all success.
Prof. N Ananthakrishnan
Dean – Research and Allied Health sciences

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
It gives me great pleasure that International Day of Yoga Celebrations 2016 is being
organized by Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (CYTER) at MGMCRI
under auspices of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry from 19 to 21 June 2016.
Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged the world community to
adopt an International Day of Yoga during United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) on September 27, 2014 and as a result 21 June has become the International
Day of Yoga.
He had said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies
unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony
between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being.
I am happy that awareness programmes for senior citizens, Yogasana competitions
and demonstrations of faculty and students, and a National Seminar and CME on
“Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education” are being held during the above
IDY 2016 celebrations.
I wish the function every success.
Prof. M Ravishankar
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
MGMC&RI, SBV

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MESSAGE FROM THE ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR
The ancient wisdom of Yoga is being gradually accepted more and more by the
medical community worldwide and it is thus fitting that 21 June is being observed as
the International Day of Yoga thanks to the much acclaimed proclamation by the
United Nations.
Our team at CYTER is doing excellent work in taking Yoga therapy to the patients of
our hospital and I am happy to note that they are celebrating the International Day of
Yoga this year too with multifaceted activities from 19 to 21 June 2016.
The general public too needs to be enlightened about the preventive and health
promoting benefits of Yoga and it is thus commendable that they have organized a
Public Awareness Programme on 19 June in association with Pondicherry Senior
Citizens Association and Help Age India.
I congratulate the CYTER team on their efforts and wish the event all success.
Prof. S Ravichandran
Additional Director – Hospital services
MGMC&RI

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MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT
Its pleasure and pride to witness the CYTER grow in all length and breadth by
exploring its strength to contribute towards patient care, academics and research.
The grand celebrations planned from 19 to 21 June for the International Day of Yoga
2016 is commendable and their National Seminar and CME on “Introducing Yoga in
Health Professions Education” is very timely.
I wish the programme a great success and appreciate the team CYTER for their
relentless efforts in conducting this event.
Prof. V Nirmal Coumare
Medical Superintendent,
MGMC&RI

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AMMAJI,
Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
Director ICYER at Ananda Ashram and
Yoganjali Natyalayam,
Pondicherry. www.icyer.com
Message of blessings
It recognized that Yoga “provides a holistic approach to health and well-being” and
that wider dissemination of information about benefits of practicing Yoga would be
beneficial for the health of the world population.
Even to hear the word “Yoga” is a blessing. Even a partial understanding of its depth
and scope is a dip in the wading pool of the ocean of consciousness. Everything must
start somewhere, and perhaps for millions, this is the start of a new beginning, on
awakening.
Our honourable Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi has said, “ Yoga can be a vital
factor in changing the lifestyle and creating consciousness with climate change” It is
only Shri Modiji, who is a fervent practitioner of Yoga himself as well as a devout
Hindu, could include the idea of “changing life style and creating consciousness”
which are the core values of Yoga. He seems to be “walking his talk” and “taking his
walk” … all marks of a true Yogic spirit.
The flag of Yoga and all it symbolizes now flies over the community of nations! May
those of us who adore this ancient wisdom keep it flying high!
I wish the CYTER team all the very best in their efforts to propagate this ancient art
and science of India within a modern framework for the benefit of society worldwide.

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Sri Om Prakash Tiwari
Secretary, Kaivalyadhama,
Lonavla, Maharashtra. www.kdham.com
President, Indian Yoga Association and
Chairman Council for Yoga Accreditation International.
Yoga is the transformation of the individual consciousness into universal
consciousness; and when such an irreversible transformation occurs, one experiences
a complete freedom from the shackles of ignorance, avidya, and rejoices in the Life
Divine. The spirit of oneness, which is the basic fabric of Yoga, has its impact not only
on the inner world, but also on the world out here. The world of being and becoming
with its inhabitants, though appears to be diverse in nature, is strung together in a
cosmic rhythm, which is termed ṛitam by the ancient Vedic seers. To be in harmony
with the cosmic rhythm is the solution to all sorts of problems like unrest, violence,
intolerance etcetera, which are driven by the ego-centric selfishness of human being.
The promotion of Yoga is the panacea to all sorts of disintegration between persons,
societies, nations, and worlds through the cultivation of fundamental unity. Even the
divergent human thoughts become one pointed through the practice of yogic
concentration resulting in orderliness in words, attitude, and action. This 'Order out of
Chaos' is the cherished goal of humankind towards a happy and peaceful existence. In
this perspective, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi has
taken a significant stride in declaring the 21st June as the International Day of Yoga
which has received overwhelming responses from every corner of the globe.
I am happy to learn that the International Day of Yoga 2016 will be observed at Sri
Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, with pomp and grandeur, during 19-21 June
2016 along with Public Awareness programs, Common Yoga Protocol
demonstrations, Yogasana competitions, and a National Seminar on "Introducing
Yoga in Health Professions Education." The organizers of Balaji Vidyapeeth have
resolved to ignite a sacred Yoga-Yajna, for the greater welfare of humanity, the holy
flames of which will arrest all the evil forces retarding the positive growth of the
world. I, on behalf of Kaivalyadhama, offer my hearty wishes as my oblation to this
sacred Yajna impressing a substantial momentum to the world-wide expansion of
Yoga culture. May this event be a grand success.

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Smt Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra
Director, The Yoga Institute,
Santacruz, Mumbai India
It is wonderful that the World Yoga Day is being celebrated. Since Yoga is a way of
life, every day and every, moment is a yoga day!
We are very happy that the second International Day of Yoga is being celebrated all
over the country and the world and also at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in Pondicherry.
Yoga with its immense wisdom is useful for all human beings. The medical
professionals deal with humans at all levels and Yoga its philosophy, technology and
psychology would help heal and mitigate suffering.
Yoga basically is an 'education in living and introducing Yoga education in the
medical professionals syllabus would be wonderful as it is holistic and
comprehensive., The physician himself would benefit a great deal and the society
looks up to doctors and them becoming better human beings would enrich many
lives.
We appreciate the efforts of CYTER to spread the message of Yoga to the health
professionals’ community. We appreciate the splendid work of Ananda Ashram in
Pondicherry that has been done for all these years by Yogacharini Meenakshi Deviji
and Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani who have dedicated their lives in teaching Yoga,
art and culture and making thousands of people’s lives beautiful.
We send our message of strength and dedication to fulfil this noble aim of Yoga,
leading to peace, harmony and happiness in the world.

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Yogacharya S. Sridharan
Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga
Mandiram, Chennai
Member, Governing Body,
MDNIY, New Delhi
I am happy to note that the International Day of Yoga 2016 is celebrated in a grand
manner between 19 – 21 June 2016 by the CYTER of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth,
Pondicherry.
Yoga has become a ‘household word’ both in India and abroad, thanks to efforts of the
AYUSH Department of the Government of India under the guidance of the Hon’ble
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, himself a yoga practitioner.
It is celebration time at all Yoga Institutions, Educational Institutions and even homes.
The celebration is to remind us of the blessings of Yoga through the YogAcharyas
over thousands of years.
Yoga has answer for everything in life, be it to lead a happy and healthy life (bhoga)
or to attain the highest goal of ‘Self-realization’ (apavarga).
CYTER of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry is doing a laudable service in Yoga
through advanced training for Yoga Therapy and taking yoga for the community,
especially under-privileged, at large.
I congratulate the team of Professionals under the able guidance of Prof
Madanmohan, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Meena Ramanathan in making
this celebration a grand success.

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Dr Dilip Sarkar, MD, FACS, CAP
President,
International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Associate Professor of Surgery (Retired),
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA.
Fellow, American Association of Integrative Medicine.
President, Board of Directors, AHA,
Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Chairman of AHA’s Mission Committee and My Life
Check. Chairman of Board, Life in Yoga Institute.
Member, Virginia Governor’s Asian Advisory Board.
Chairman, School of Integrative Medicine, Taksha
Institute, Hampton, VA.
To my dear sisters and brothers at the gathering, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in Pondicherry
on this International Day of Yoga 2016, I wish you all a wonderful gathering.
May you share your wisdom, energy, and spirit with one another and gain knowledge
and strength through this community of seekers.
May you all radiate peace and health through the coming year.
Namaskar,

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FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING CHAIRMAN
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this
intensive programme planned by us to celebrate the
International Day of Yoga which is being celebrated not
only in India but all over the world on 21 June.
CYTER is organizing a public awareness programme on
19 June with workshop on “Silver Yoga” for senior
citizens in association with Pondicherry Senior Citizens
Welfare Association and HelpAge India and will have a
special programme at the Hospice of St Cluny,
Pondicherry.
On Monday, 20 June we have Yogasana competitions for students of SBV at the
university campus with a special demonstration event for faculty and staff members
of SBV.
I am pleased to welcome you especially for the National Seminar and CME on
“Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education” being conducted in collaboration
with the Department of Physiology, MGMC & RI and Department of Tourism,
Government of Puducherry on 21 June.
I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to our hon’ble Chairman, Shri MK
Rajagoplan for his encouragement and support for organizing this programme. I am
grateful to our hon’ble Chancellor, Prof. Pagadala Rajaram for his inspiring
encouragement. Guidance and support of our respected Vice-Chancellor, Prof. KR
Sethuraman made planning of the programme a smooth affair. Dean, Research and
AHS, Professor N Ananthakrishnan has been a source of inspiration and motivation. I
am grateful for the support of our Dean of Medicine Prof. M Ravishankar, Medical
Superintendent, Dr Nirmal Coumare and Additional Director, Dr S Ravichandran for
their support. Logistic support by the management of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University
is gratefully acknowledged. I thank my colleagues from the Department of Physiology
and CYTER for their unconditional support. I am sure that the academic programme
will be enlightening and enjoyable experience for you and wish you all the best for the
celebration.
Prof. Madanmohan
Director CYER and Prof. and Head,
Department of Physiology,
MGMC&RI

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FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING SECRETARY
It is a great pride for every Indian that efforts of our honorable
Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modiji bore fruit and the United
Nations declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga. We at
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University celebrated the event last year
with multifaceted activities from 21 to 26 June 2015.
This year too we have geared up to celebrate the 2nd
International Day of Yoga and numerous events have been
planned from 19 - 21 June 2016.
On Sunday, 19th June we are organizing a Workshop on “Silver
Yoga” aimed at taking health enriching benefits of Yoga to the
doorsteps of the elderly. This is organized by CYTER in association with Pondicherry
Senior Citizens Welfare Association and Help Age India and will also feature a special
programme for elderly inmates of the Hospice of St Cluny in Pondicherry.
On Monday, 20th June we have the Yogasana competitions for students of SBV at the
university campus. We will also be conducting a demonstration event for faculty and
staff members of SBV and top ten participants will receive “Best Demonstrator”
awards.
From 6-8 am on Tuesday, the 21st June, CYTER will collaborate with the Tourism
Department, Government of Pondicherry in organizing the mass demonstration of the
Common Yoga Protocol devised by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
From 9am to 5.15pm we have planned the National Seminar and CME on
“Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education” with lecture demonstrations by
eminent experts, panel discussion on “Strategies for Introducing Yoga in Health
Professions Education” that will feature eminent internal and external faculty at
MGMCRI. This seminar takes on great importance as it is imperative that medical,
dental and paramedical students receive a positive introduction to Yoga and its
therapeutic potential during their formative years. Latest guidelines of UGC, MCI and
other councils recommend introduction of Yoga. Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth is one of the
first to comply with these guidelines and through CYTER provides yoga regular
training to medical, dental and nursing students of all the constituent colleges.
We are especially pleased to welcome the world renowned Ammaji Yogacharini
Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani of ICYER - Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry and the eminent
physiologist-yogi Prof R Bijlani of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, New Delhi. Their very
presence sanctifies this event by virtue of their noble lives and service for humanity.
We welcome all of you to enjoy all the events and join us in paying tribute to the rich
and varied cultural heritage of our country from which the art and science of Yoga has
sprung for the benefit of humanity.
Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Deputy Director CYTER, SBV

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National Seminar and CME on
“Introducing Yoga in Health Professions Education”
Scientific Programme
Date: 21 June 2016 Venue: Ground Floor Lecture Hall, College Block, MGMC & RI
8.00 AM Registration
9.00 AM Pre-test
9.15 AM
Integrating Yoga & Ayurveda in clinical practice: an experiential
perspective
Dr. Madhavan M. BAMS, MSc (Yoga & Naturopathy). Director, Vivekananda
Institute of Yoga Therapy, Karur, Tamil Nadu.
10.00 AM
Inaugural function
1. Special address by Prof N Ananthakrishnan, Dean Research & AHS, SBV
2. Keynote by Ammaji, Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
Director, ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry
11.00 AM High tea
11.30 PM
Spirituality and modern medicine: have the twain met?
Prof Ramesh Bijlani. MD, DSc. Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch
12.30 PM
Simplified Yoga practices for health professionals
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. MBBS, MD (Alt. Med). Deputy Director,
CYTER, SBV
1.00 PM Poster Session and Lunch
2.00 PM
Modifying Yoga to suit the individual patient: The Iyengar approach
Mrs. Fharzana Siraj. MD (Alt. Med). Director Orange Ray Studio, Chennai
2.45 PM
Panel discussion: integrating Yoga in health professions education.
Moderator: Prof Adkoli BV. PhD. Health Professions Education SBV
Members of the panel:
1. Prof Ravishankar M. MD, FRCP. Dean of Medicine, MGMC&RI, SBV
2. Prof Carounanidy Usha, MDS. Dean of Dental Sciences, IGIDS, SBV
3. Prof Renuka K, PhD. Dean of Nursing Sciences, KGNC, SBV
4. Prof Madanmohan. MD, DSc. Director CYTER & HOD, Physiology, MGMC&RI
5. Mr. Mohanakrishnan J. PhD. Physiotherapist, JIPMER
4.15 PM Tea
4.30 PM Post-test
4.45 PM Open forum, feedback from participants & valedictory

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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO OUR ESTEEMED CME FACULTY
AMMAJI Yogacharini MEENAKSHI DEVI BHAVANANI
Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani popularly known
worldwide as Ammaji, is Director and Resident Acharya of
the world famous International Centre for Yoga Education
and Research (ICYER at Ananda Ashram) and Yoganjali
Natyalayam at Pondicherry. She is the Dharmapatni and
senior most disciple of the internationally acclaimed Yoga
master, Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru
Maharaj and has devoted her life to his teachings and to
institutions founded by him.
She is a prolific author with 12 books, including two books
of poetry to her credit. She is Editor of Satya Press and her defining book on “The
History of Yoga from Ancient to Modern Times” released in 2011 is a path breaking
effort hailed as the “Defining publication on the history of Yoga to date.” She has
trained many thousands of students in Yoga and Bharatanatyam in the past five
decades and is considered a pioneer in bringing the Performing Fine Arts and Yoga to
the common people in Pondicherry.
She has been recipient of many National and State Awards such as "Yogamani" in
1986 from the President of India Shri Zail Singh Ji and “Bhaskar Award” by Bharat
Nirman as one of 50 eminent Indians honoured during the 50th year of Indian
Independence for their contribution to Indian culture and spirituality. In 1999 she
was given the “Puduvai Kalaimamani” Award for her work in Bharata Natyam by the
Pondicherry Government. She has served on the Pondicherry University Academic
Council, the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy as well as the
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under Ministry of Health, Government of
India. Ammaji is considered one of the major International leaders of the modern
Yoga movement. Though born in the USA in 1943, she came to India in 1967 and has
lived here ever since. She was awarded Indian Citizenship on November 30th, 1992, in
her own words “the proudest day of my life.”
Prof. RAMESH BIJLANI
MBBS, MD (Physiology), DSc Yoga
Dr. Ramesh Bijlani is a medical doctor, writer, teacher,
scientist, and above all a person committed to using his
unique blend of talents for touching the hearts and lives of
his fellow beings. Educated at All India Institute of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, where he did his MBBS and
MD, and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),
Cambridge MA, USA, where he did a master’s course (SM)
in nutrition, Dr Bijlani spent nearly 30 years on the faculty of
AIIMS, teaching and conducting research on nutrition in
relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In 1992 he

27
started going into the depths of yoga, specially the integral yoga of Sri Aurobindo and
the Mother. His personal and professional life converged in the year 2000 when he
initiated at AIIMS a patient care facility for providing lifestyle modification courses
based on yoga in tune with the latest developments in mind-body medicine. In the
year 2005, he took voluntary retirement from AIIMS to find more time for
dissemination of yoga. Prof. Bijlani was conferred an honorary doctorate (DSc) in
yoga by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bangalore in 2006.
Besides his research publications, he has written extensively for children, medical
students and lay adults – he has 16 books to his credit. He now stays and works at Sri
Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch, gives inspirational talks, conducts spiritual
retreats, runs yoga courses, and continues to write.
Prof. M RAVISHANKAR
DA., MD (Anesthesiology), FRCP (Glasgow)
One of the eminent anesthesiologists of India, Prof
Ravishankar is currently Dean of Mahatma Gandhi
Medical College & Research Institute in Pondicherry,
India. He has nearly four decades of experience in faculty
positions with extensive research and clinical experience
serving JIPMER between 1979 and 2005 from where he
retired from JIPMER as Professor and Head, Dept. of
Anaesthesiology and Critical Care. He has since then
continued his clinical service, educational zeal and
research work at MGMCRI till date. He is also serving as
Professor of Anaesthesiology and is Director, Medical
simulation centre MGMCRI, as well as the ITC coordinator of AHA. He is also
Chairman, Quality control and Patient safety. He completed his MBBS, as well as his
Diploma and MD in Anaesthesiology from JIPMER and was awarded FRCP by
RCPSG, Glasgow in 2012. He has organised many conferences and CMEs and has
numerous honorary appointments and awards including being nominated to the
‘Board of Directors’ in Asia Ventilation Forum in Shanghai, China and the Bureau of
Indian standards (BIS) for formulating specifications for anaesthesia equipment. He
has been honoured with “Lifetime Achievement award for progress of anaesthesia in
India” by the British Association of Indian Anaesthetists in 2007. He was honoured as
“Best Teacher” in the Balaji Anaesthesia Postgraduate Update program held in
SVIMS, Tirupati in 2012 and with “Lifetime Achievement Award” for outstanding
contribution in the field of anaesthesiology at 29th Annual SZ ISA conference –
PONSZAC 2013. He has delivered many prestigious orations and been invited
Resource Person / Faculty in 66 conferences and workshops. He has extensive
Research Experience with 56 publications in high impact indexed journals and 35
research projects. He is Life member of many premier societies including Indian
Society of Anaesthesiologist, Society of Anaesthesiologists and Clinical
Pharmacologists, Indian society of Emergency Medicine, Indian Society on Critical
Care Medicine, International Trauma, Anaesthesia, and Critical Care Society, and
served as president of Indian society of Anaesthesiologists, Pondicherry branch.

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Prof. MADANMOHAN
MBBS, MD, MSc, DSc (Yoga)
Dr. Madanmohan is Professor & Head, Department of
Physiology at the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College &
Research Institute and Director CYTER. He has teaching &
research experience of more than 45 years and his fields of
research are yoga, yoga therapy, cardiovascular & respiratory
physiology. He has delivered more than 50 invited talks in
conferences, academic forums and organizations and has
numerous awards including Gold Medal & Scroll of Honor, Annual Internal Oration
(2009-10), JIPMER Scientific Society; Prof. A Namasivayam Endowment Lecture
(2013), Deptt of Physiology, University of Madras; Felicitated for outstanding
contribution towards physiology and yoga, APPI, Belgaum branch; Best Personalities
of India Award and Gold Medal, Friendship Forum of India; Honorary appointment
to the Research Board of Advisors (1999) of the American Biographical Institute.
He was Founder-Programme Director of ACYTER, JIPMER. He has 110 research
papers (including original research work) in national and international journals, more
than 80 abstracts and 30 magazine articles. He has guided 36 PGs (MD, MS, MSc, and
PhD) students in their research work and 15 medical students in their ICMR Research
Studentship. He has worked in 26 research projects as chief investigator / co-
investigator. He has personally given yoga training to medical students, school
children, police personnel and general public as well as yoga therapy to hospital
patients. He has organized many workshops and CMEs in Yoga and edited 8
proceedings of workshops / CMEs / symposia and 3 reports of research projects in
yoga. He has served as expert in selection committees of UPSC, JIPMER, University of
Madras; NEIGRIHMS, Shillong; Pondicherry Government Medical College; and
AIIMS. He has also been part time MCI inspector (for UG & PG) for inspection of
medical colleges and Member, Inspection Committee for Medical Colleges,
Pondicherry University. He was honoured by Yoga Jivana Satsangha (International)
with the Karma Yoga Shironmani in 2003 in recognition of his illustrious service for
the integration of yoga and modern medicine.
Prof. B.V. ADKOLI
M.Sc, M Ed., Ph D (Education), M MEd (Dundee)
Professor, Health Professions Education, Mahatma
Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, under Sri
Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry. Area of interest: Medical
Education Technology, and Faculty Development in
health professions education. Dr Adkoli started his career
in medical education as a full time faculty of the National Teacher Training Centre,
(NTTC), JIPMER, Puducherry (1985-91). He worked as Educationist at the KL Wig
Centre for Medical Education and Technology (CMET), at AIIMS, New Delhi (1991-
2012). He held short term assignments as Faculty of Medical Education Unit at the
University of Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Content Manager for the
National Health Portal, a project under Health Ministry. He has served as a faculty for

29
the FAIMER Regional Institute, CMC Ludhiana. Dr Adkoli has extensively
contributed as a Resource Person for hundreds of workshops in medical/health
profession education in India and has worked as Expert Committee member and
Short Term Consultant to Government of India, MOHFW, WHO-SEARO and India
Population Projects funded by the World Bank. He continues to be an accredited
Educator for the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program of American
College of Surgeons; Member, National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) for
the National Initiative for Allied Health Sciences (NIAHS) launched by the Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare; Member Executive Committee of the Academy of Health
Professions Education launched recently. He has written extensively and is a reviewer
for national and international journals dedicated to health professions education.
Prof. CAROUNANIDY USHA, MDS.
An educator with more than two decades of teaching
experience, Dr Usha is currently Principal of the Indira
Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences and Dean Dental Science
faculty in the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, India. She
completed her BDS from Madras Dental College in Madras
University and MDS from Institute of Medical Sciences,
B.H.U, Varanasi. She has also done PGDHE from Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University,
Pondicherry. She underwent Training Programme for Dental implantology in Italy.
She has 21 paper publications along with a book publication and 4 chapter
publications and 3 CD publications. She has guided more than 100
Posters/Presentations/Table top clinics for UGs and PGs in various scientific forums.
She has delivered 57 guest lectures and published 7 procedural videos. She has been
Editor, Pondent, a quarterly bulletin of MGDCH, Pondicherry, Secretary, Academy of
Interactive Health Sciences and staff advisor, Alumni Association of MGDCH,
Pondicherry. She is Chief Editor, Journal of Scientific dentistry, of Sri Balaji
Vidhyapeeth. She is editorial board member and peer reviewer for Journal of
Conservative Dentistry (Publication of FODI), reviewer for Journal of Oral Sciences
and editorial board member, Clinical Dentistry, the official publication of Indian
Dental Association. She has served as president, Scientific and Academic forum,
Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences and is Member- Secretary, Institutional
ethical committee, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences.
Prof. RENUKA K, PhD
An able administrator with 14 years of teaching and 8 years
of research experience, Dr Renuka is currently Dean,
Faculty of Nursing Science, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth,
Pondicherry. She completed her B.Sc (N) and M.Sc (N) in
nursing from College of Nursing, Saveetha Dental College
& Hospitals, under The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical
University, Chennai and her PhD in Nursing from
Vinayaka Missions University, Salem. She has won ‘Gold
Medal’ in B. Sc (N) securing First in Medical surgical
Nursing received from the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical

30
University, Chennai in 1999. Also Merit certificate received from The Tamil Nadu
State Nurses & Midwives Council, Chennai for securing state second rank in B.Sc.,
Nursing in 1999. She was also awarded “Commendation Certificate” for Best Service
rendered in the Institution from the Dean, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, during
Independence Day Celebration in 2008. She has 15 papers published in high impact
indexed National & International journals, is International peer reviewer in
OMICS Bio-Medical Journals, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia, Editor in Chief for
Pondicherry Journal of Nursing and Contributing Editor for Tamil Nadu Nurses &
Midwives Council – Medical Surgical Nursing Journal. She is also Head of
Department-Medical Surgical Nursing, UG & PG Examiner, Research guide for PG
students, Member Secretary – Institutional Human Ethical Committee, Co-guide in
MAHER University, Chennai. She is External Expert as Evaluator & subject expert for
Textila University, USA.
Mrs. FHARZANA SIRAJ MD (AM)
Founder and Therapeutic Consultant, Orange Ray
Wellness Centre in Chennai, Fharzana has trained under
the World renown Padmavibhushan BKS Iyengar and is
a Certified BKS Iyengar Yoga Trainer since 2010 by the
RIM Yoga Institute, Pune, India. She has a Doctor of
Medicine (MD) in Alternative Medicine from IBAM, and
Certification in Yoga Therapy. She is currently completing her MSc. Yoga Therapy
from SVYASA University in Bangalore. She was the Co-Founder & Co-Consultant,
Therapeutic Yoga at the Krshn Yoga Clinic, Chennai between 2013 —2015 and has
specialised in treating acute and chronic pain in conditions like Spondylosis, Disk
bulge& Prolapse, Plantarfascitis, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, De Quervain's
disease etc., with Yoga, thereby avoiding surgery. She offers Corporate & private
Yoga workshops and has been a Speaker & Indian representative for Yoga at 8th
International Traditional & Complementary Medicine Conference, Kuala Lampur and
is a Regular faculty teaching Therapeutic Yoga at International Yoga Festival –
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh. She was Chairperson, Health and Ecology at
International Women’s Association (2013-2014) and Treasurer at Soroptimist
International, Chennai Magna (2011-2012) and is a member of the International
Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), USA and
International Women’s Association, Chennai.
J.MOHANAKRISHNAN, MPT (Ortho), (PhD)
With more than 20 years of rich experience in Clinical
Physiotherapeutic skills in both operative and non-
operative conditions of orthopaedics, neurology,
neurosurgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery,
paediatrics, paediatric surgery and medical conditions.
Mohanakrishnan is presently working in Jawaharlal
institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and
Research (JIPMER) as Physiotherapist. His Skills and
Clinical Expertise include: manual therapy techniques,

31
pain management, orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, ergonomic advice
and work, spinal cord injury rehabilitation and yoga therapy
He completed in 1995 a first class Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree (BPT) from Sri
Ramakrishna institute of paramedical sciences, Coimbatore, affiliated to The
Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. In 2007 he did
the Diploma in Yogic Education(DYE)from Pondicherry University Community
College affiliated to Pondicherry University, India. In 2009 he completed his Master’s
Degree in Physiotherapy (MPT) from Sri Ramakrishna institute of paramedical
sciences, Coimbatore, affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University,
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. He received the award for Top ranker in MPT for the year
2007-2009. He has also completed in 2012 Certification In Orthopedics and Manual
Physical Therapy (COMPT) at Sri Ramachandra University College of physiotherapy
in collaboration with the Institute of Therapeutic Sciences, Michigan, USA.
He is currently completing his PhD on “Effects of Therapeutic applications & Yogic
Practices on selected Physiological, Clinical and Psychological Variables among
middle aged men with frozen shoulders” in Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Coimbatore. He
has many publications and has been a featured presenter at many conferences in India
and delivered invited talks on topics related to Yoga and physiotherapy.
Yogachemmal Yogacharya Dr. M. MADHAVAN
BAMS, PGDYT, MSc (Yoga & Naturopathy)
With a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from
the Venkatramana Ayurvedic Medical College, Madras in
1988 and a PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy from the Indian
Yoga Institute, SVYASA, Bangalore in 1993 Dr Madhavan
is one of the eminent Yoga masters combining Yoga
therapy and Ayurveda in recent times. His students have
won laurels all over the world for their excellent display of
skill in Yogasanas and he is Founder Director of the
Vivekananda Institute of Yoga Therapy in Karur,
Tamilnadu (www.karuryoga.in). He has also completed
Yoga teacher Training (YOGA SIROMANI) from the
International Shivanandha Yoga Vedanta Dhanvandari
Ashram, Thiruvanandapuram in 1994 and Intensive Yoga Vedanta Course from the
Divine Life Society, Shivananda Nagar, Rishikesh in 1995.
He did the Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Course (YOGA ACHARYA) from the
International Shivanandha Yoga Vedanta Dhanvandari Ashram in 1996 and obtained
Teacher Certificate in Yoga from Bharathidasan University in 1996. He did the
Intensive Sadhana (YOGA BHASKARA) also from International Shivanandha Yoga
Vedanta in 2001 and MSc in Yoga and Naturopathy from Vinayaga Mission Research
Foundation, Salem in 2006. He has been the Karur District Yoga Coach from Govt of
Tamilnadu (SDAT) between 2007-13 and has given seminars and Teacher Training
Programme in countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, Ukraine,
Turkey, Hong Kong.

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Yogacharya Dr ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Chairman of
the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research at
Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India. He is also chairman of
Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier institute of Yoga, Carnatic
Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry.
He is son and successor of the internationally acclaimed Yoga
team of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru
Maharaj and Ammaji, Yogacharini Kalaimamani Meenakshi
Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with
postgraduate diplomas in both Family Health (PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and
the Advanced Diploma in Yoga under his illustrious parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of
the Indian Academy of Yoga, he has authored 19 DVDs and 23 books on Yoga as well
as published more than two hundred papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and
Yoga research in National and International Journals.
He is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer
of Indian Classical Dance in addition to his duties as Deputy Director of the Centre for
Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER), MGMCRI, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
University, Pondicherry.
In recent years he has travelled abroad 15 times and conducted invited talks, public
events, workshops and retreats and been major presenter at Yoga conferences in the
UK, USA, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He is
Honorary International Advisor to the International Association of Yoga Therapists,
Australian Association of Yoga Therapists and Gitananda Yoga Associations
worldwide.
He is currently member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Central Council
for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India
as well as the Expert Committee of AYUSH for Celebration of International Yoga Day.
He is also member of the Executive Council of the Indian Yoga Association and Board
of Directors of the Council for Yoga Accreditation International.

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YOGA FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS (SALUTOGENESIS)
“Yoga Day Oration”
Prof. K R Sethuraman,1 MD, PGDHE
Salutogenesis
Salutogenesis is a derivation from Greek and Latin (Latin: salus = health + Greek:
genesis = source) and in combination means ‘source of health’.
Aaron Antonovsky (1923 – 1994) is called the ‘Father of Salutogenesis’. He was a
medical sociologist, who coined the term in 1968 to capture an emerging concept of
“Why did some people manage to avoid illness and do well even under extreme stress?” based
on a study of Nazi Holocaust survivors.
Medicine is increasingly focused on the origin of illness (pathogenesis) but an equally
important question to ask is "What is the origin of health & wellness?"
Pathogenesis Salutogenesis
• What causes diseases?
• About Avoiding diseases
• Disease/Illness an anomaly
• Reactive – Treat the Disease
• Against pain or Loss
• Prepares one to live
• What causes Health?
• About reaching one’s full potential
• All of us are inherently flawed
• Proactive - Promote Health/wellness
• For Gain or Growth
• Discover how to live fully
Table-1 Salutogenesis versus Pathogenesis
Aaron Antonovsky showed that relatively unstressed people had much more
resistance to illness than those who were more stressed.
He proposed that the experience of well-being is based on “Sense of Coherence”
(SOC), which is ‘the heart’ of Salutogenesis.
SOC is “a pervasive, long-lasting and dynamic feeling of confidence that one’s
internal and external environments are predictable and that there is a high probability
that things will work out as well as can be expected” (Antonovsky, 1979).
Several studies conducted in the past four decades have confirmed that SOC has
strong positive correlations to perceived health, mental health, and quality of life.
Sense of Coherence (SOC) has three components:
i) Comprehension based on cognition (“My world is understandable”)
ii) Manageability based on coping ability (“My world is manageable”)
iii) Meaningfulness , which gives the motivation (“My world has meaning”)
1 Vice-chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry. www.sbvu.ac.in

34
Comprehension, Meaningfulness & Manageability (SOC) in chronic diseases keeps
them ‘well’ despite any limitations imposed by the disease. It is akin to ‘physically
disabled’ (pathological model) becoming ‘differently abled’ (wellness model based on
salutogenesis).
Healing
Healing is “the processes of recovery, repair, renewal, and reintegration that
contribute to a person’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual health and well-being.”
Healing and Cure are mutually complementary, and both are essential. Cure without
healing is incomplete recovery, while attempting to heal, without cure or control of
the ongoing disease, is to be in “fools’ paradise.”
Realizing this, the post-modern hospitals across the West are adopting healing-
oriented practices and environments to create an ‘Optimal Healing Environment’
(OHE).
Optimal Healing Environment consists of four domains:
i) Internal domain (personal wholeness and healing intention)
ii) Interpersonal domain (healing relationship and healing organization)
iii) Behavioral domain (healthy lifestyle and integrative holistic care)
iv) External domain (healing spaces and ecological resilience)
Yoga therapy and Optimal Healing Environment
Those who have studied Yoga concepts will realize how the ancient wisdom and
practices align well with the postmodern concept of OHE pursued by the progressive
hospitals.
Yoga attends to the internal factors healing, viz., personal wholeness and healing
intention, through mindfulness and meditation.
Yoga-therapist attends to the interpersonal factors through therapeutic relationship
that promotes wellness and by promoting holistic healing.
Yoga therapy attends to the behavioral factors by promotion of “Satvik lifestyle” and
by integrating well with “curative Western Medicine”.
Finally, Sattvik guna and symbiosis with Nature, which are integral components of
Yoga, can contribute much to the external domain of OHE.
Summing up
o Holistic health goes beyond mere absence of pathology (up to 40% of illnesses
have no pathological basis)
o Preventive and promotive wellness practices do protect against pathology

35
o Lifestyle-based wellness choices can maximize positive life experiences
through Salutogenesis (joy, vitality, serenity, happiness, self-actualization, and
other positive qualities that make life worth living)
o Yoga is an ancient set of integrated mental, physical and spiritual practices that
promote Salutogenesis.
Epilogue
We in India, have the dubious distinction of 'chasing diseases' to be the World’s
capital for several:
“India: HIV capital of the world” (December 11, 1999);
“India: World's TB capital“ (ToI-news Mar 19, 2008);
“India: World's capital for road accidents“ (2010);
“India: World's capital for Coronary heart disease and Diabetes” (PTI 17-11-2013)
Can we instead chase Health and make India the “Wellness capital”?
We can, if Yoga practices & Salutogenesis are adopted by us all. Jai Hind!

36
SPIRITUALITY AND MODERN MEDICINE: HAVE THE TWAIN MET?
Prof Ramesh Bijlani MD, DSc2
Spectacular advances in modern medicine during the first half of the twentieth
century led to the conquest of infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies and
diabetes.
Then came the humbling experience of the second half of the twentieth century,
during which lifestyle disorders and their complications emerged as the major killers
of mankind.
These disorders were rooted in an unhealthy lifestyle, of which mental stress was a
major accompaniment.
The scientific approach, which is the bedrock of modern medicine, soon led to the
search for healthy lifestyles and better strategies for overcoming mental stress.
Both these explorations converged on the rediscovery of ancient disciplines such as
yoga, because these disciplines include superb lifestyles as well as very potent
perennial principles for lasting mental peace. But these disciplines are not systems of
medicine; they are disciplines primarily designed for spiritual growth.
Therefore, moving from the limited application of some segments of these disciplines
in medicine towards the wider sphere of spirituality was a natural progression of
events.
What coincided with this progression were scientific developments that led to the
advent of psychoneuroimmunology. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) provided the
scientific basis for using the powers of the mind for healing the body. Since yoga is
also a mind-body approach, PNI provided scientific validity to the approach.
The pioneers in the use of the mind-body approach in treatment of disease, such as
Dean Ornish, Bernie Siegel and Deepak Chopra had all deep and intimate contact
with the spiritual basis of yoga. Therefore, they interpreted PNI and the mind-body
relationship in a wider context.
First, lasting mental peace, and therefore its healing effect also, may be best
achieved if the mind and body are both anchored to the soul.
Secondly, conscious contact with the soul helps harness the infinite Intelligence
packed in the body for healing.
Thirdly, from the spiritual angle, the mind is a subtle, and the body a gross
manifestation of the same Supreme Consciousness.
Not only the patient’s mind and body, the healer’s mind and the patient’s body are
also manifestations of the same Supreme Consciousness. Therefore, the healer’s
healing intentions should be able to facilitate healing in the patient’s body.
This looks like a miracle, and something unacceptable to science. But advances in
theoretical physics, and research in neurophysiology had already started stretching
the limits of science.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch, New Delhi 110 106. Email: rambij@gmail.com

37
Therefore, by the 1980s, many clinicians started looking at love and prayer as
therapeutic tools, and interestingly, the results were quite positive. The spiritual
explanation for these phenomena may not be the only explanation possible, but at
least the results of these experiments are consistent with the spiritual worldview.
Larry Dossey, who has played a major role in facilitating these revolutionary
developments, considers non-local medicine to be the medicine of the future.
While these developments are still outside the mainstream, among the latest advances
in modern scientific medicine is the addition of the spiritual dimension to its
armamentarium.
Thus, modern medicine and spirituality have met.

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PHYSICIAN! HEAL THYSELF!
Yogacharini Puduvai Kalaimamani Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani3
Can someone who is sick, cure the illness of another? Can someone who is miserable
make others happy? Can someone who is tense teach others how to relax? Charity, on
every level, begins at home!
Our Guru Swami Gitananda Giri was himself a respected medical practitioner but he
often gave his students this advice: “If you are in need of a doctor, make sure you
consult someone who himself is happy and healthy.” He pointed out that is it is
relatively common for doctors to die of their own specialty. Thus, he said, Cardiac
specialists often die of heart disease, cancer specialists of cancer. Those concentrating
on B.P or diabetes often perish by their own specialty. This is why he said, only half in
jest that the safest field for a male doctor is to become a gynecologist!
Modern life has become stressful! No one will argue this! A large percentage of
doctors will agree, much disease originates in stress! Who could be more “stressed
out” than doctors: with irregular working hours, inadequate sleep and unhealthy
dietary regimes!
Another point: A common scenario is a patient being counseled by the doctor who
says: “You must relax!” The patient asks the doctor, “How to relax, sir?” But the poor
doctor gets tensed up because he does not himself know how to relax! Easier said than
done!
So many questions still remain unanswered in modern Allopathic medicine! Modern
Medicine as Swamiji pointed out is based on the study of disease and how to cure it!
Knowledge about the living body is gathered from studies on dead bodies! The
treatment is based very much on information gleaned from machines and laboratory
tests. Dissection- taking the body apart – rather than studying the whole as a working
mechanism gives only a partial view! Diagnosis is often reduced to numbers obtained
through many levels of tests and expensive procedures. It often appears as though
modern doctors see “as though through a glass darkly!” Like viewing an object on a
radar screen! Something is there, but it is difficult to see it clearly.
The time has come … to add a new dimension to the healing arts – introducing Yoga
in Health Professional Education! The ancient Indian healing sciences were based on
observation, interaction, life style correction and diet control as well as ample doses of
rest and relaxation in nature. Such medicines as good water, sunshine, ingestion of
plants and roots with healing properties are considered essential in ancient
approaches to wellness! Ayurveda, for example, is called the wisdom of producing
health. One to one interactions over long periods of time made the doctor conversant
with individual needs as well as cultivating awareness of the social, psychological and
family backgrounds of the patient. Ancient Indian healing arts recognized that the
Gunas (qualities) of the patient must be taken into consideration while prescribing
treatment! Sattwic, Rajasic and Tamasic natures must be treated differently. One size
did not fit all! The patient’s legs should not be cut to fit the size of the bed! The old
Director, ICYER at Ananda Ashram and Yoganjali Natyalayam, Pondicherry.
www.icyer.com. Email: amma@icyer.com

39
village lore suggested massage, heat, sunlight, food and plants as part of healing
process.
Yoga, Ayurveda, Siddha all grew out of this environment. Through Yoga techniques
and concepts the body was trained to enhance its own healing abilities in a natural
way. The body was seen as a whole with several systems working together to create
homeostasis. Non-interference and watchfulness was essential in most cases. The
body was allowed to “set itself right”. This is the opposite attitude to modern
approach of quick fix solutions.
There is the old joke attributed to Voltaire: “The art of medicine consists mainly of
keeping the patient entertained while the body heals itself.”
Allopathic medicine studies and treats the human body by taking it apart and seeking
quick remedies. Yoga views the human body as an organism with well-balanced
systems and treats the body as a whole, while enhancing its natural healing
mechanisms.
It is the “best of times” right now to introduce young aspiring Allopathic doctors to
the basics of their own cultural heritage, so they are at least aware of possible
alternatives to the modern approach. Both Allopathic and basic training in the science
of Yoga including the morality and ethics will greatly enhance Allopathic health care,
Asanas (basic body positions) and Pranayama (breath control) as well as the power of
positive concentrated thinking can prove to be good partners in modern health care.
Yoga system works from direct inner experience and sensitivity to the body processes.
The Yogic practices develop awareness of the various internal as well as external body
parts and their working. Allopathic medicine views the body from an externalized,
text book perspective as an observer viewing the physical organism from an external
distance.
Yoga is a complete science in its own right, which contains its own terminology,
theory, techniques and a body of knowledge accumulated through research whose
principles have been tested over millennia by thousands of Rishis. This wisdom has
been recorded in various scriptures. The mind - body connection is – termed Adhi-
Vyadhi and has been explored in great depth. This psycho-somatic relationship is
quite well accepted in modern medicine now but not so extensively explored as in the
Yoga science. Inner purity of body, mind and emotions is considered as an essential
part of restoration to health and wellness. Mala – toxins - promote disease and these
must be removed for lasting wellness to occur. Cleansing and purifying practices have
been well structured over the centuries for this purpose.
The value of teaching Yoga to modern medical professionals can be discussed as
useful in another manner. First of all, the practice of Yoga will have a beneficial
impact on the health –mental, emotional and physical of the young medical and
nursing students. Secondly the training will give the students a totally different
perspective of the human entity working from the inside out and from personal direct
experience. Thirdly, the philosophy of Yoga will provide a “code of practical conduct”
which will inculcate a greater sense of duty (Dharma) and morality and ethics in the
aspiring doctors. Fourthly, a basic practice of Yoga creates deep relaxation, release of
stress, and a vision of the higher purpose of life. Fifth; Yoga is firmly built on the basic
principle of Hippocrates: First, do not harm! ”Yoga starts with Ahimsa, non-

40
harmfulness both to oneself as well as one’s patients. Sixth, Yoga follows this
important tenet: Prevention is better than cure.
Yoga is highly practical. Not only does it point out the goal, but it provides a
methodology as how to achieve that goal; It is the science of “self-help”, giving people
the knowledge to manage their own health. Of course Yoga is not a panacea for all ills.
An understanding of the Law of Karma- cause and effect – will aid the physician in
counseling his patients to “cure what can be cured, and endure that which cannot!”
An understanding of the Yogic world view will also aid doctors/ nurses in helping
not only patients but also their loved ones to make a peaceful transition from life to
death when the inevitable occurs.
Yoga is a “wisdom science” and contains exquisite philosophical constructs which
inculcate the positive Bhavana (attitudes) so necessary to produce true healing.
The Yogic attitude towards human existence is to “prolong the gap” to wait, to watch.
Yoga creates the wisdom to change what may be changed, accept that which cannot
be changed and the wisdom to know the difference. Yoga develops “skill in the
pause” so the doctor himself can overcome any unconscious reflexive stimulus –
response action based on panic in emergencies. The doctor must be patient with the
patient. This is a necessary quality in any truly committed physician.
A danger a specter, looms on the horizon of modern medium of which all seriously
committed doctors must be aware: The ferocious monster of Iatrogenic diseases, or in
plain words, diseases caused by mistakes doctors make in treatment! Doctors have
become dangerous to the patient’s health. Not being Gods, they often make mistakes.
A shocking piece of information was recently published widely in global media,
forums one headline said “Over two lakh in US die due to medical errors,”
The article reported:
More than 2,50,000 deaths per year in the US occur due to medical errors, making it
the third highest cause of mortality after heart disease and cancer, according to a new
study. Using hospital admission rates from 2013, they found rates based on a total of
35,416,020 hospitalizations, 2,51,454 deaths stemmed from medical errors, which
researchers say now translates to 9.5 percent of all deaths each year in the US.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), in 2013, 6,11,105
people died of heart disease, 5,84,881 died of cancer, and 1,49,205 died of chronic
respiratory disease – the top three causes of death in the US. The newly calculated
figure for medical errors, published in The BMJ, put this cause of death behind cancer
but ahead of respiratory disease.
Chief Investigator Martin Makary from John’s Hopkins University said :
“Right now, cancer and heart disease get a ton of attention, but since medical errors do
not appear on that list, the problem does not get the funding and attention it deserves.”
The end product of Yoga is to achieve this noble aim:” Physician heal thyself! The
inculcation of Yoga ideals into the minds of medical personal will help create doctors
who themselves are happy, healthy, balanced of mind and reasonably free of stress.
The “doctors” then can be true Acharyas as well, teaching their patients by their own
living example to live a happy, healthy disease free life!

41
INTRODUCTION OF YOGA IN MEDICAL EDUCATION
Smt Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra and Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra PhD4
Dr. Jonas Salk when he visited The Yoga Institute Santacruz, Mumbai, said ,
“Medicine is a science of disease, Yoga is a science of Health. “
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, President of The Yoga Institute, has said “Yoga is not a
therapy in the accepted sense of the term, nor is it mere healing through blessings,
prayer and hypnosis. Yoga, as a process of education of the total personality helps in
steadying the mind. An unsteady mind being a source of disease, the practice of Yoga
influences the mind and helps in management of certain diseases. The therapeutic
aspect of Yoga is merely a byproduct of its hygienic and preventive education of the
physical, the mental, the emotional, the moral, the intellectual and the spiritual “
Controlling of the ever changing mind is not so easy, because our mind is already
programmed to carry through the various antics till death. Our actions, heredity and
ecology are responsible for our lifestyle, life span, our life experience and also our
diseases. We develop as a consequence characteristic weaknesses or susceptibility,
especially of the nervous cells and system as a whole and inherit such impure
bioenergy (prana) and as a result lack in capacity of absorption, elimination,
maintenance or repair and growth.
Yoga took a ‘meta-scientific’ attitude towards the problem of disease and its
constitutional removal. The Yogi is not satisfied just by understanding the gross body
by itself in the management of disease. He is instead more concerned with subtler
factors---- involved in the pathogenesis of disease. These subtle factors, according to
Yoga stem from the psyche.
In the management of diseases Yoga remains non-specific. It helps in generating
greater Sattva (calmness) bringing about Prajna (consciousness) as opposed to Prajna-
aparadha (error of intellect) With the right approach and a balanced state of mind, it is
easier to set up healthier routines and right habits. This is of course the Yoga way of
life which reduces tamasika (inert) and rajasika (excitable) excesses in personality
makeup.
Since Yoga is an education in life and living, the medical professionals will be greatly
supported by the philosophy, ideology and technology of yoga. The life of sickness of
confusion or low esteem in the eyes of others leads to poor quality of living. It is here
that Yoga as an education provides us clarity of both through its experienced based
practices. It helps in clearing our goal- not just the short term ones but the long term
too. Meditative postures provide interiorisation, tranquility and insight. A steady
mind reaches out to a more comprehensive understanding of oneself in relation to the
world. The simple practical routines of Yoga helps in integrating the wholesome
changes occurring through Yoga. For example, the diet, the hours of sleep, the type of
recreation or a hobby strengthen our way of life and correspondingly enlarge our
horizon. The big experiment continues. We establish finally new values, attitudes and
the whole style of life. Yoga would mean more than an exercise or a posture. It is a
new dimension of living – reaching a higher level of consciousness.
Director and President, The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz, Mumbai.

42
The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai (the world’s oldest organized Yoga Centre)
has conducted many researches in the field of therapy. One of the major researches
was entitled “Beneficial Effects of Yoga Lifestyle on Reversibility of Ischaemic Heart
disease: Caring Heart project” which proved conclusively that not all patients
suffering from Ischaemic Heart Disease require surgical intervention or angioplasty.
The lifestyle modification plays an important role in the management of heart
patients. Yoga contributes a great deal in maintaining a stress-free lifestyle.
Dr. BM Hegde says”…In this project coronary artery disease has been approached
from a holistic point where the mind, body and soul are given a fillip to overcome the
bodily disability by the lifestyle changes followed in this study by The Yoga Institute.
The results speak for themselves. This is a very important study despite many
hurdles. I congratulate Dr Jayadeva Yogendra PhD the President and Smt Hansaji
Jayadeva Yogendra the Director of The Yoga Institute for directing the Caring Heart
Project. I must also appreciate the wisdom of the modern medically trained doctors
associated with the study who have shown the courage to come forward to give
credibility to the study…”
The world recognizes the spurt of lifestyle diseases including the medical Professional
Yoga provides a sane method of living.
Dr Jayadeva again writes, “The current belief of change in lifestyle and change in
attitudes to prevent cardiac disorders is a happy one. Yoga is no more or no less than
a better way of living. Wholesome dietary habits, positive forms of physical exercise,
healthy routines of the day, adequate rest and sleep and balanced state of mind
generating right kind of attitudes are a guarantee against sudden and severe heart
ailments..
But in veering round to Yogic lifestyle we may have to increasingly depend on non-
materialistic value judgments. Materialism is indeed the original cause of all misery
including disease and a loss of a balanced state of mind. Loss of balance (prajna
aparadha) can happen when the spiritual values are given a go-by.
So the enemy of cardiac patients is not just fatty foods or cholesterol, stress or hostility
but materialism crass materialism, selfishness, egoism, negative emotions and all kind
of excess.
We will have to turn our steps in the direction of a spiritual life if we want to live
long, healthily and happily on this earth..” Thus Yoga is for all including the medical
profession.

43
INTRODUCING YOGA IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION
Yogacharya S. Sridharan5
“When I first began conducting research 23 years ago, we had to refer to yoga as
‘stress management techniques.’ The cardiologists said, ‘We can’t refer to a study
that includes yoga—what are we going to tell patients, that we’re referring them to
a swami?’ Since then, yoga has achieved much greater acceptance within
American medicine as well as in the general population. I am very encouraged by
the current state of yoga in America.”- Dr Dean Ornish.
In India, the birth place of Yoga, Yoga was not considered as ‘healing system’ or
‘therapy’ till recently. It was sidelined by ‘health professionals’ as a ‘Spiritual
pursuit’. Only after Research findings from abroad lauded Yoga, Indian health
professionals across all sections of society have now embraced Yoga as
‘Complimentary/Supplementary’ and even as ‘Alternative’ Therapy.
Yoga’s approach to ‘Illness’ is from ‘Wellness” side. The goal of Yoga is not simply to
cure Illness but to take one to a state of ‘Undisturbed Peace’. Yoga provides ‘Self-
empowerment’ and thus the ability to take on illnesses becomes a natural state of a
person.
Yoga sutras of Patanjali, the most authoritative text on Yoga brings “Illness” (Vyadhi)
as one of the impediments (antaraayas) (YS I.30) in the path of Yoga. A number of
tools, including “Surrender to God” have been suggested. As such practice of Yoga
for tackling illness exist from time immemorial. The adaptation for modern day
purposes keeping the core of the ancient teaching is the challenge.
Can all illnesses be cured? Can illness be avoided? The answer to these questions is
‘No’, as even modern science has found that new illness appears before a group of
illnesses is completely eradicated.
But the solution Yoga offers is to give a permanent relief from “Pain/Suffering” which
is the outcome of illness. Yoga offers permanent healing of certain illnesses by dealing
with the cause.
Yoga practice has the unique advantage of stabilizing the human system at all levels
and as such helps in restoration of immunity which helps the health professionals to
get best results of the treatment they give to patients.
Introduction of Yoga in Health Professions Education, which is already underway,
should cover Yoga in all the facets of Yoga so that the Health Professionals will get a
thorough view of Yoga which is beyond Body and Mind.
Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai.

44
RATIONALE OF INTRODUCING YOGA FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Dr Ishwar V Basavaraddi PhD6
Introduction:
Yoga is the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. It has been practised as a way of
healthy living from ancient times and we find numerous references to Yoga in our
ancient literature. Up to recent times Yoga was limited only to the privileged hermitage
of Saints and Sages but now in the course of its modern development, it has crossed all
boundaries of age, gender, caste, creed, religion and nationality and is growing
worldwide. Although the system of Yoga is primarily of spiritual orientation aiming for
self-emancipation (moksha), it has also evolved to become one of the best, authentic and
most efficient healthcare systems for prevention and management of diseases plaguing
the present age. Today, many countries have adopted Yoga as a part of their daily life
and the spiritual science of Yoga has become a household word all over the world.
Present trend:
The practitioners of modern medicine have realized the need for lifestyle modification for
effective management of many chronic diseases. The concept of prevention of disease
and promotion of positive health has gained importance in healthcare management
systems. Moreover, the holistic approach of treatment has emerged and gained
momentum as modern medicine has realized the interrelation between body and mind in
causation and management of psychosomatic disorders. Concepts such as mind-body
medicine and psycho-neuro-immunology have become popular worldwide. Yoga has the
capacity to complement modern medicine especially in management of lifestyle
disorders and chronic psychosomatic diseases. As a result, Yoga is fast becoming a
complementary part of mainstream medical care.
Scientific studies:
Over the past few decades, numerous scientific studies have been carried out to
determine the efficacy of Yoga in managing various ailments. It is to be noted that
modern medical scientists were the first to promote scientific research in the field of
Yoga. They have now also started to realize the therapeutic benefits of Yoga in a much
broader sense with a holistic approach. After the first waves of Western interest in Yogic
practices, there has come an understanding of the importance of Yoga in emotional and
physical well-being. The 1970’s saw the development of a remarkable bond between
‘body – mind – spirit approach’ embodied in Yoga and the ‘physical approach to health’
of modern medicine. With scientific evidence becoming available, medicine is now in the
process of confirming it by standards it has developed for recognition of any health
system.
Interaction between the two systems:
It is notable that many modern medicine experts have started recommending to their
patients adoption of a Yogic lifestyle for management of chronic diseases. This healthy
Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), 68, Ashok Road, New Delhi,
India-110 001. Website: www.yogamdniy.com

45
positive trend is to be promoted and facilitated at all levels of interaction between the
two systems and is on a path of ascent. Yogic techniques can undoubtedly act as an
adjuvant to drug therapy and can be used to reduce side effects of modern medicines.
They can also help in promotion of positive health and rehabilitation along with other
modern therapies such as physiotherapy. Interestingly another positive spin off resulting
from this closer association between Yoga and modern medicine is that yoga is getting a
firm scientific footing thanks to the active involvement of modern medicine scientists in
understanding the mechanisms and efficacy of yoga.
Need for course in Yoga science for health professionals:
With the growing popularity of yoga, especially of yoga therapy around the world, the
need has been felt to integrate yoga in the modern medical system with emphasis on
filling up gaps in treatment for modern-day health challenges. With this background in
mind, it has been proposed to introduce yoga to medical students / professionals in a
step-by-step manner.
MDNIY has made an effort to prepare a basic syllabus with the basics of yoga keeping in
view educational background and necessity of the target group. Of course, this present
introductory / appreciation course will not be able to cover all details of yoga or
therapeutic aspects of yoga, as the subject of yoga is very vast. The basic aim however is
to introduce the system of yoga to medical students / professionals in an amiable
manner for their understanding, own practice and application in patient care.
I wish all yogic traditions of India should unite together with our modern medical
counterparts in a concentrated effort to bridge the gap between yoga and modern
medicine and let our beloved India take the lead in this unique programme for the
benefit of the world.

46
WHY INTRODUCE YOGA IN MEDICAL CURRICULUM ?
Prof. Madanmohan
MD, DSc (Yoga), FIAY
Due to sudden change in academic environment and teaching-learning methodology,
medical students face lot of stress. Over-loaded curriculum and frequent formative
assessment add to their stress load. It needs to be emphasized that for prevention as
well as management of stress, there is no method as effective as yoga. Although
shavasan and meditation are specific techniques to counter stress, virtually every
yogic technique when performed with awareness and breath-body coordination can
result in relaxation, inner peace and improved psychosomatic health. To manage
professional stress, it is desirable to introduce yoga in the 1st year MBBS curriculum.
Yogic techniques produce consistent, measurable physiological changes and have
sound scientific basis. Immediate and notable responses are in autonomic, respiratory
and cardiovascular systems (Bhavanani et.al. Altern Integ Med 2013, 2: 2). Long–term
training effects of yoga include decreased resting metabolic rate (Wallace et.al. Am J
Physiol 1971, 221: 795; Madanmohan et al. The Yoga Rev 1983, 3: 25), shifting of
autonomic balance to “more normal” middle region (Toivanen et al. J Psychophysiol
1994, 8:11), improved muscle strength and endurance (Madanmohan et.al. Indian J
Physiol Pharmacol 2003, 47: 387), faster reaction time and central neuronal processing
ability (Madanmohan et.al. International J Yoga 2012, 5:10), improved cardiovascular
endurance (Madanmohan et.al. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2004, 48: 461) and
performance in hot-humid environment (Madanmohan et.al. Indian J Physiol
Pharmacol 2008, 52:164) . Clearly, yoga has a far–reaching beneficial effect on our
physical and mental performance. It is but logical to include yoga in MBBS curriculum
as a branch of physiology and contemporary medicine.
Yoga is a holistic and holy science. It is fashionable to talk of separating “secular”
science from the religious. This western concept of conflict between science and
religion started in Europe where thousands suffered persecution in inquisitions and
witch–hunts. In contrast, science and spirituality were in perfect harmony in Vedic
India. The sacred Vedic literature is the very foundation of Indian science, arts and
culture including mathematics, astronomy, architecture, dance, music, yoga and
ayurved. Charak (~100 AD) describes ayurved as a holy science because it describes
what is beneficial in the present life as well as hereafter (Charak Samhita,
Sutrasthanam, 1:43). Indian thought has always given equal importance to material
and spiritual knowledge since science as well as spirituality enhance our quality of
life.
From holistic point of view, our health as well as ill health have physical, mental as
well as moral-spiritual dimensions. This fact was recognized by ancient Indian rishis
thousands of years ago. Ayurved and yoga take into account all the three domains of
our being, i.e. the physical body, mind and the non-material soul (Charak Samhita,
Sutrasthanam, 1:46). Since mind, body and soul are intricately interrelated,
development of one without parallel development of other two results in imbalanced
personality and psychosomatic disorders. Being holistic, yoga is the best means to
Professor and Head, Department of Physiology and Director, CYTER, SBV, Puducherry.
Email: drmadanmohan999@gmail.com, drmadanmohan999@rediffmail.com

47
achieve all round, holistic health. Spiritual/religious belief does influence our
behavior and lifestyle, which in turn influence our health, healing and wellness.
Meditation is good for our physical, mental as well as spiritual health. Meditation
relaxes our mind and body and is associated with desirable changes in secretion of
neurotransmitters, hormones and antibodies. The result is psychosomatic relaxation,
activation of body’s natural defenses, stimulation of growth and repair and a feeling
of well being and joy. Yogeshwar Krishn says that during meditation, yogi enjoys one-
ness with the Divine and great joy (Bhagavadgita, 6:28). Disciplined practice of
meditation purifies, enriches, strengthens and transforms our body-mind-soul
complex resulting in holistic health. Joint meditation where physician also participates
in more effective. Those who attend meditative sessions or practice meditation at
home are likely to follow healthy lifestyle and get freedom from drug abuse (Benson.
N Engl J Med 1969, 281:1133), exhibit desirable social behavior and live longer and
healthier life. Elderly people are more healthy and happy if they are spiritually
committed and active. It is clear that meditation is an effective way to promote health
and happiness and prevent disease.
Despite phenomenal advances in modern medicine, millions suffer from stress-
induced, chronic degenerative lifestyle disorders which are beyond the scope of
modern medicine. Escalating diagnostic and curative costs render modern high tech
medicare beyond the reach of our masses. Drugs are expensive and have undesirable
side effects. The goal of “Health for all by 2000 AD” has remained a pipe dream.
Unless we adopt holistic attitude and use complementary therapies along with
modern medicare, we will not be able to deliver healthcare to our masses. Yoga is an
ideal modality that can complement modern medicine. Both yoga and modern
medicine have their strengths as well as limitations. Yoga effectively complements the
limitations of modern medicine as it is effective in prevention as well as management
of stress-generated, chronic disorders. The therapeutic effect of yoga may be due to
improvement of physiologic functions, automatic modulation and management of
stress. Yoga has the potential to augment existing medicare, decrease drug dosage and
treatment cost and reduce pressure on our overburdened public hospitals. If yoga is
popularized, there will be less need for expensive allopathic interventions and drugs.
Both yoga and modern medicine have sound scientific basis and universal outlook.
Being complementary to each other, they are natural allies and bound to come
together. Their combination will give us holistic health science which will be an
effective paradigm for preventive, promotive as well as curative needs of our masses
and a boom to the society. A physician practicing yoga will be a healthy person with
calm mind, hence a better physician.
In conclusion, yoga has a sound physiological basis and can effectively augment our
health delivery system. Goal of allopathy as well as yoga is good health and freedom
from disease. Both have rational, universal and scientific outlook. Hence they are
natural allies and bound to come together. We need to facilitate this desirable coming
together of yoga and modern medicine. Hence, I strongly believe that yoga should be
introduced in medical curriculum as a branch of physiology and contemporary
medicine.

48
INTEGRATING YOGA AND MODERN MEDICAL SCIENCE
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (AM)
Introduction: 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.
At first glance, modern medicine and yoga may seem to be totally incompatible and in
some ways even antagonistic to each other. Practitioners of either system are often
found at loggerheads with one another in typical modern one-upmanship. However it
is my humble endeavour as a student of both these life giving, life changing and
lifesaving sciences, to find the similarities that exist between them and build a bridge
between these two great sciences of today’s world.
It would of course be much easier to build a bridge between yoga and ayurveda as
both share many similarities of concepts such as the trigunas, tridoshas, chakras and
nadis. They also understand that a healthy balance between body, mind and soul
leads to total health. Diet and behaviour are given importance in both systems and the
ultimate goal of both is the attainment of moksha.
Though modern medicine may not share all of these concepts with yoga, it is to be
seen that there are a great many ‘meeting points’ for the construction of a healthy
bridge between them. Both modern medicine and yoga understand the need for total
health and even the World Health Organization has recently added a new dimension
to the modern understanding of health by including spiritual health in its definition of
the “state of health’. Spiritual health is an important element of yoga and now that
even the WHO has come around to understanding this point of view, there is hope for
a true unification of these two systems. Modern medicine has the ultimate aim and
goal of producing a state of optimum physical and mental health thus leading to the
optimum wellbeing of the individual. Yoga also aims at the attainment of mental and
physical wellbeing though the methodology does differ. 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. The Shiva Samhita lists the
characters of a fully qualified disciple (shishya) as follows. “Endowed with great
Chairman ICYER and Deputy Director, CYTER, SBV, Puducherry.
www.sbvu.ac.in Email: yognat@gmail.com

49
energy and enthusiasm, intelligent, heroic, learned in the scriptures, free from
delusion…” Doesn’t a modern medical scientist require the same qualities?
Anatomy and physiology: The study of anatomy and physiology is a great meeting
point for modern medicine and yoga. Yoga therapists and practitioners can benefit
from the intricate and detailed ‘break-down study’ of modern medicine where the
body is broken down into many systems, then into many organs, many tissues and
finally into billions of cells. On the other hand the yogic “ wholistic” view of the
pancha kosha (the five sheathed existence) can help modern doctors realise that we
are not just, ‘one-body’ organisms but have four more bodies that are equally if not
more important. We are a manifestation of the divine and have, not only the physical
body but also an energy body, a mental body, a body of wisdom and a body of eternal
bliss. An understanding of the psychic anatomy and physiology of nadis, chakras and
bindus when coupled with the practical understanding of the details of the physical
body can inspire real knowledge of the self in all health care personnel. Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi has tried to correlate 37 areas of human physiology with 37 areas of
intelligence or consciousness as available in Vedic literature. Some of the examples are
the correlation between Nyaya and the thalamus as well as Samkhya and the types of
neuronal activity.
In his excellent book, ‘The Shambala Guide to Yoga’, Dr. Georg Feuerstein says,
“Long before physicists discovered that matter is energy vibrating at a certain rate, the
yogis of India had treated this body-mind as a playful manifestation of the ultimate
power (shakti), the dynamic aspect of Reality. They realized that to discover the true
self, one has to harness attention because the energy of the body-mind follows
attention. A crude example of this process is the measurable increase of blood flow to
our fingers and toes that occurs when we concentrate on them. Yogis are very careful
about where they place their attention, for the mind creates patterns of energy,
causing habits of thought and behavior that can be detrimental to the pursuit of
genuine happiness”. Professor Dr SV Rao, an eminent medical doctor and yoga
scientist says, “Yoga is a science because it is verifiable. Yoga as a science of living is
also an art. Yoga, therefore, may be defined as the science and art of optimum living.
Yoga has the capacity to move, either side by side with medical science or
independently. This is because yoga has a sound system of etiology, diagnosis and
pathogenesis of disease. Thus we have a complete system by itself in yoga.”
Prevention of disease: Modern medicine has come to realise the importance of
prevention only in recent times but the role of preventive medicine is still very
limited. The yogic lifestyle that includes the yama and niyama can help prevent a
great many of the modern diseases like Hepatitis B and AIDS. Cleanliness that is
taught through shoucha can help prevent and limit spread of contagious and
infectious diseases. Mental peace and right attitudes of yoga such as pratipaksha
bhavanam (taking the opposite view), samatvam (equanimity of mind) and vairagya
(dispassionate detachment) can help prevent many psychosomatic ailments running
wild in the modern world. If these yogic values as well as practices such as asana,
pranayama, kriya and dhyana are inculcated in the modern human race, we can
prevent virtually all diseases that abound today. Communicable diseases as well as
degenerative disorders of the body can be well prevented in a true manifestation of
the adage, “A stitch in time saves nine”. However the ‘will’ to do so is also of

50
paramount importance as there is no money or fame in prevention and we don’t
know what we have prevented because we have prevented it from happening!
To quote the eminent neurosurgeon Padma Bhushan Dr B Ramamurthi, “The revival
of the science of yoga bodes well for mankind. All technological advances in the third
millennium will not lead to happiness of mankind as man has a severe aggressive
tendency and is likely to destroy himself because of this aggression. The only way out
of this mess is through the science of yoga, which transcends all religions and cults. It
is a science of the mind and the body and needs to be practised by all human beings to
ensure their own future”.
Promotive health: Yoga is an excellent tool of promotive health that can enrich
modern medicine. The practice of yoga leads to the efficient functioning of the body
with homeostasis through improved functioning of the psycho-immuno-neuro-
endocrine system. A balanced equilibrium between sympathetic and parasympathetic
wings of autonomic nervous system leads to a dynamic state of health. According to
Dr B Ramamurthy, Yoga re-orients functional hierarchy of the entire nervous system.
He has noted that yoga not only benefits the nervous system but also cardiovascular,
respiratory, digestive, endocrine and immune systems in addition to bringing about
biochemical changes in yoga practitioners. He has also said that the science of yoga
has been India’s greatest contribution to mankind.
Management of diseases and disorders: Yoga doesn’t negate use of drugs and other
methods of modern medicine. Maharishi Patanjali in his avatar as Charaka didn’t shy
away from the need to use medicinal herbs as well as surgical methods when
necessary to benefit the patient. Ayurveda is definitely more in tune with yogic views
of healing in this regard. Modern antibiotic treatment of infectious diseases and
modern emergency medical and trauma management techniques are life-savers in
times of dire need. No yoga therapist in his or her right mind should try to treat an
acute myocardial infarction or an unconscious accident victim by yoga alone. A
symbiotic relationship between techniques of modern medicine and yoga can help the
patient more than a dogmatic refusal to see the ‘other side’. Yoga has a lot to offer in
psychosomatic stress related disorders such as diabetes, asthma, irritable bowel
syndrome, epilepsy, hypertension, back pain as well as other functional disorders.
Yoga can help reduce and in some cases eliminate drug dosage and dependence in
patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, epilepsy, anxiety, bronchial
asthma, constipation, dyspepsia, insomnia, arthritis, sinusitis and dermatological
disorders.
To quote Dr Steven F Brena, “Yoga is probably the most effective way to deal with
various psychosomatic disabilities along the same, time-honoured lines of treatment
that contemporary medicine has just rediscovered and tested. Asanas are probably the
best tool to disrupt any learned patterns of wrong muscular efforts. Pranayama and
pratyahara are extremely efficient techniques to divert the individual's attention from
the objects of the outer environment, to increase every person's energy potentials and
'interiorize' them and to achieve control of one's inner functioning. Moreover, in
restoring human unity, the yoga discipline is always increasing awareness and
understanding of ourselves, adjusting our emotions, expanding our intellect, and
enabling us not only to function better in any given situation, but to perform as
spiritual beings with universal values."

Souvenir of International Day of Yoga 2016 celebrations at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry

Souvenir of International Day of Yoga 2016 celebrations at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry

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Souvenir of International Day of Yoga 2016 celebrations at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry