This document discusses yoga research, therapy, and education. It provides information on the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in India. CYTER focuses on salutogenesis, or factors that support human health and well-being, and bringing together ancient yoga wisdom with modern medical science. It also summarizes some interesting recent yoga research studies investigating the physiological effects of practices like pranayama, kriyas, and asanas.

1. YOKING TOGETHERYOKING TOGETHER
YOGA RESEARCH,YOGA RESEARCH,
THERAPY & EDUCATIONTHERAPY & EDUCATION
Yogacharya
Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DSM, DPC, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (AM), C-IAYT
Director CYTER, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and
Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry.
ananda@icyer.com/ yoga@mgmcri.ac.in

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

3. SalutogenesisSalutogenesis, our Focus, our Focus
 Moving from Moving from pathogenesispathogenesis, the focus on disease, the focus on disease
towards towards salutogenesissalutogenesis, the focus on health!, the focus on health!
 UnderUnder SBV AIM HIGHSBV AIM HIGH ((Academy of IntegrativeAcademy of Integrative
Medicine for Holistic Intervention towards GeneralMedicine for Holistic Intervention towards General
HealthHealth), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences,), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences,
CYTER is striding forward on an innovativeCYTER is striding forward on an innovative
path of promoting holistic health for one and all.path of promoting holistic health for one and all.
 Bringing together ancient experiential wisdomBringing together ancient experiential wisdom
of Yoga with evidence based approach ofof Yoga with evidence based approach of
modern medical science.modern medical science.
www.sbvu.ac.inwww.sbvu.ac.in

5. A brief qualitative survey on the utilization of
Yoga research resources by Yoga teachers.
 This survey provided a basic picture of a
general lack of awareness of Yoga research
amongst practicing Yoga teachers and
therapists.
 Though a majority agree research is
important, few seriously update themselves
on this through scientific channels.
Bhavanani AB. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol. 2016; 5(2): 168-173

6. Requirements for the yokingRequirements for the yoking
 Yoga instructors & therapists must beYoga instructors & therapists must be up-to-up-to-
datedate on modern research and its findings.on modern research and its findings.
 Must be able toMust be able to understandunderstand the actual findingsthe actual findings
through the methodology adopted and notthrough the methodology adopted and not
merely “read” general news items that are oftenmerely “read” general news items that are often
misleading and only highlight ‘news’.misleading and only highlight ‘news’.
 Must bring the knowledge so gained into theirMust bring the knowledge so gained into their
actualactual clinical practice and class room teachingclinical practice and class room teaching
thusthus empoweringempowering next generation of instructorsnext generation of instructors
and therapists.and therapists.

7. Key
players

8. To be a competent yoga instructor
and therapist,
 We require intelligence and empathy,
 be willing to share,
 need to understand our limitations,
 realize we are not perfect and
 be willing to embark on a continuously
expanding learning curve.
The day we stop learningThe day we stop learning
is the day we stop living!is the day we stop living!

9.  Origin of research in Yoga dates back to the pre-Origin of research in Yoga dates back to the pre-
historic origin of Yoga itselfhistoric origin of Yoga itself
 The ancient Rishis were truly searching and re-The ancient Rishis were truly searching and re-
searching for the answer to the all importantsearching for the answer to the all important
question, “question, “Who am IWho am I ””??
 Scientific and philosophico-literary research isScientific and philosophico-literary research is
essential toessential to confirmconfirm,, validatevalidate && enhance theenhance the
understanding and application of Yogic conceptsunderstanding and application of Yogic concepts
and practices for the benefit of humanity.and practices for the benefit of humanity.

10.  Swami Kuvalayananda & KaivalyadhamaSwami Kuvalayananda & Kaivalyadhama
– ML Gharote, MV Bhole, PV Karambelkar, SL VinekarSL Vinekar
 Medical scientists atMedical scientists at
– AIIMS, BHU, JIPMER (BK Anand, GS Chinna, KN Udupa, KSAIIMS, BHU, JIPMER (BK Anand, GS Chinna, KN Udupa, KS
Gopal, RL Bijlani, Madanmohan, etc)Gopal, RL Bijlani, Madanmohan, etc)
 Yoga Universities: sVYASA, PYPYoga Universities: sVYASA, PYP
 Mainly limited to the physical aspectsMainly limited to the physical aspects
 Most researchers today however seem more
interested in proving themselves right than in really
researching Yoga as a whole
 Yoga in the “BOX” is NOT really Yoga!
Modern yoga researchModern yoga research

11. Most Yogic phenomena are beyond the mereMost Yogic phenomena are beyond the mere
physical manifestation of their effectsphysical manifestation of their effects
To conclude that Shavasana hasTo conclude that Shavasana has ONLYONLY the physiologicalthe physiological
effect of lowering BP and HR is to sight merely theeffect of lowering BP and HR is to sight merely the
iceberg’s tip, missing 90%iceberg’s tip, missing 90%
The real effects of Shavasana as the ultimateThe real effects of Shavasana as the ultimate
relaxation & true renunciation may have more far-relaxation & true renunciation may have more far-
reaching effects than we would have been led toreaching effects than we would have been led to
believebelieve

12. Recent trendsRecent trends
 Yoga Research–now a global phenomenonYoga Research–now a global phenomenon
 Increased number of blinded, randomized andIncreased number of blinded, randomized and
controlled trialscontrolled trials
 Improved planning and implementationImproved planning and implementation
 Better understanding of the mechanisms byBetter understanding of the mechanisms by
which various practices cause their effectswhich various practices cause their effects
 Increased number of research studies are beingIncreased number of research studies are being
published in indexed journals with peer reviewpublished in indexed journals with peer review
– a better standard of research at least at thea better standard of research at least at the
physical levelphysical level
 Greater funding available nowadaysGreater funding available nowadays

13.  Do we have equipment to quantitativelyDo we have equipment to quantitatively
and qualitatively measure effects of Yoga?and qualitatively measure effects of Yoga?
 What to do in most aspects of Yoga thatWhat to do in most aspects of Yoga that
are beyond our present day capacity?are beyond our present day capacity?
 How to keep the “Yoga” in Yoga research?How to keep the “Yoga” in Yoga research?
 How to enable the knowledge gained ofHow to enable the knowledge gained of
modern research tomodern research to percolatepercolate down intodown into
clinical practice and Yoga education?clinical practice and Yoga education?
Some questionsSome questions

14.  Is not just gathering information on YogaIs not just gathering information on Yoga
 Is not just the re-arranging of known facts onIs not just the re-arranging of known facts on
YogaYoga
 Must be continual and expandingMust be continual and expanding
– most modern research seems to be just repeatingmost modern research seems to be just repeating
ad-nauseamad-nauseam earlier worksearlier works
 Must not be a sales pitchMust not be a sales pitch
– a lot of research today seems geared at attractinga lot of research today seems geared at attracting
people to specific techniques and institutions thanpeople to specific techniques and institutions than
to benefiting Yoga as a wholeto benefiting Yoga as a whole
Yoga researchYoga research

15.  True research is a quest driven by a specificTrue research is a quest driven by a specific
question which needs an answer leading to aquestion which needs an answer leading to a
new questionnew question
 Most research in Yoga today however seemsMost research in Yoga today however seems
either to be for curing diseases and disorderseither to be for curing diseases and disorders
that are rampant in modern world or tothat are rampant in modern world or to
publicize their own techniques.publicize their own techniques.
 Basic research is lacking- not as attractive asBasic research is lacking- not as attractive as
clinical trails and the publicity thereofclinical trails and the publicity thereof
 Most researchers lack an ‘experience’ of Yoga –Most researchers lack an ‘experience’ of Yoga –
are not living it, hence have no clue about whatare not living it, hence have no clue about what
they are studying.they are studying.

16.  Need of the hourNeed of the hour
– focus attention on core concepts of Yogafocus attention on core concepts of Yoga
– find newer methods to unravel its secretsfind newer methods to unravel its secrets
 Extensive basic research is requiredExtensive basic research is required
– not much money in it !not much money in it !
 A lot of Yoga research today resemblesA lot of Yoga research today resembles
pharmaceutical companies trying to findpharmaceutical companies trying to find
wonder drugs for newer diseases.wonder drugs for newer diseases.
 Most modern Yoga researchers seem to beMost modern Yoga researchers seem to be
trying to find out “a single Yoga pill for eachtrying to find out “a single Yoga pill for each
ill”.ill”.

17. SOME INTERESTINGSOME INTERESTING
YOGA RESEARCH INYOGA RESEARCH IN
RECENT TIMESRECENT TIMES

18. Telles S, Desiraju T. IJMR 1991; 94: 357-63.Telles S, Desiraju T. IJMR 1991; 94: 357-63.
 Short kumbhak pranayamic breathing
 increase (52%) in the O2 consumption &
metabolic rate
 Long kumbhak pranayamic breathing
 lowering (19%) of the O2 consumption &
metabolic rate
Application of kumbhak may be different and
varied in potential cases accordingly

19. Shannahoff-Khalsa DS, Kennedy B. Int JShannahoff-Khalsa DS, Kennedy B. Int J
Neurosci. 1993 ; 73: 47-60Neurosci. 1993 ; 73: 47-60
 Right UFNB increases HR compared to left.Right UFNB increases HR compared to left.
 Stroke volume was higher in left UFNBStroke volume was higher in left UFNB
compensating for lower HR.compensating for lower HR.
 Left UFNB significantly increased end diastolicLeft UFNB significantly increased end diastolic
volumevolume
 Demonstrated unique unilateral effect onDemonstrated unique unilateral effect on
sympathetic stimulation of the heart that maysympathetic stimulation of the heart that may
have therapeutic value.have therapeutic value.
 Recent studies by Raghuraj 2008
, Rajajeyakumar 2014
,
Bhavanani 2014
further substantiated these findings.

20. Telles S et al. IJPP 1994; 38 : 133-7.Telles S et al. IJPP 1994; 38 : 133-7.
 OO22 consumption increased byconsumption increased by
– 37% after right nostril pranayama37% after right nostril pranayama
– 18% after alternate nostril pranayama18% after alternate nostril pranayama
– 24% after left nostril pranayama24% after left nostril pranayama
 Left nostril pranayama increased volar GSRLeft nostril pranayama increased volar GSR
signifying reduction in sympathetic activitysignifying reduction in sympathetic activity
 Breathing selectively through either nostril hasBreathing selectively through either nostril has
marked activating or relaxing effect on themarked activating or relaxing effect on the
sympathetic nervous system.sympathetic nervous system.

21. Selvamurthy W et al. IJPP 1998; 42:Selvamurthy W et al. IJPP 1998; 42: 205-213
 Helped understand physiological mechanismHelped understand physiological mechanism
underlying effects of selected yogic exercisesunderlying effects of selected yogic exercises
in the treatment of essential hypertensionin the treatment of essential hypertension
 3 weeks course of tilt and head down yogic3 weeks course of tilt and head down yogic
exercise (sarvangasan) clearly indicated gradualexercise (sarvangasan) clearly indicated gradual
improvement in baroreflex sensitivityimprovement in baroreflex sensitivity
 Progressive attenuation of sympatho-adrenalProgressive attenuation of sympatho-adrenal
and renin-angiotensin activityand renin-angiotensin activity

22. Raghuraj P et al. IJPP 1998 ; 42: 467-72Raghuraj P et al. IJPP 1998 ; 42: 467-72
 Studied HRV in fast and slow breathingStudied HRV in fast and slow breathing
techniquestechniques
– Kapalabhati and NadishuddhiKapalabhati and Nadishuddhi
 Kapalabhati modifies autonomic statusKapalabhati modifies autonomic status
– increasing sympathetic activityincreasing sympathetic activity
– with reduced vagal activity.with reduced vagal activity.

23. Kaviraja Udupa et al. IJPPKaviraja Udupa et al. IJPP 2003; 47 : 27-33
 Increased QSIncreased QS22, PEP, PEP/LVET & decreased, PEP, PEP/LVET & decreased
LVET, QT/QSLVET, QT/QS22 indicate decreased adrenergicindicate decreased adrenergic
tonetone
 Increased RRIV -enhanced parasympatheticIncreased RRIV -enhanced parasympathetic
activity.activity.
 Pranayam training produced subtle changes inPranayam training produced subtle changes in
LV systolic performance probably by modulat-LV systolic performance probably by modulat-
ing cardiac autonomic tone.ing cardiac autonomic tone.

24. Vijayalakshmi P et al. IJPP 2004; 48: 59-64.Vijayalakshmi P et al. IJPP 2004; 48: 59-64.
 4 week yoga relaxation training for HT patients4 week yoga relaxation training for HT patients
 Response to IHG test subnormal initiallyResponse to IHG test subnormal initially
 Yoga relaxation training produced significantYoga relaxation training produced significant
decrease in BP, HR & RPP from 2decrease in BP, HR & RPP from 2ndnd
weekweek
onwards and peaked by 4 weeksonwards and peaked by 4 weeks
 SignificantSignificant ↑↑in BP, HR & RPP with IHG afterin BP, HR & RPP with IHG after
training indicatedtraining indicated restoration of cardio-restoration of cardio-
vascular reflex mechanismsvascular reflex mechanisms..
 Findings confirmed in recent RCT by PunithaFindings confirmed in recent RCT by Punitha
PP et alet al (Nat J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol, 2015).(Nat J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol, 2015).

25. Madanmohan et al. IJPP 2005Madanmohan et al. IJPP 2005; 49: 313-18.; 49: 313-18.
 Slow Pranayama training
– Significant increase: MIP MEP, BHT & 40 mm Hg
test. Significant decrease in DP
 Fast Pranayam training
– Significant increase in HR, RPP & double product
(Do P).
 HR, RPP & Do P decreased (NS) in group I & increased
(NS) in group II
 Varied therapeutic applications
 Finding confirmed in recent RCTs by DineshFinding confirmed in recent RCTs by Dinesh 20142014
andand
SharmaSharma 20152015

26. Manjunatha S et al. IJPP 2005; 49: 319-24.Manjunatha S et al. IJPP 2005; 49: 319-24.
 Do yoga asanas increase insulin secretionDo yoga asanas increase insulin secretion
from the pancreas?from the pancreas?
 Serum insulin levels after asanas were lowerSerum insulin levels after asanas were lower
than those before the asanasthan those before the asanas
 Serum insulin level 0.5 h after post-asana oralSerum insulin level 0.5 h after post-asana oral
75 g-glucose challenge was higher75 g-glucose challenge was higher
 The performance of asanas led to increasedThe performance of asanas led to increased
sensitivity of thesensitivity of the ββ cells of pancreas to thecells of pancreas to the
glucose signalglucose signal

27. Raghavendra Rao et al.Complementary
Therapies in Medicine 2009; 17: 1—8
 Compared anxiolytic effects of Yoga &Compared anxiolytic effects of Yoga &
supportive therapy in Ca breast patientssupportive therapy in Ca breast patients
undergoing conventional treatment.undergoing conventional treatment.
 Overall decrease in both self-reported stateOverall decrease in both self-reported state
anxiety & trait anxiety in Yoga groupanxiety & trait anxiety in Yoga group
 Positive correlation between anxiety states andPositive correlation between anxiety states and
traits with symptom severity and distress duringtraits with symptom severity and distress during
conventional treatment intervals.conventional treatment intervals.
 Yoga has a role in palliative care in terminalYoga has a role in palliative care in terminal
cases too.cases too.

28. Bhavanani AB et al. Int J Yoga 2011; 4: 71-76.Bhavanani AB et al. Int J Yoga 2011; 4: 71-76.
 Effects of 6 months of training given in Slow Surya
Namaskar (SSN) at 6 rounds /30 min and Fast Surya
Namaskar (FSN) at 15 rounds ‘30 min for school
children.
 Cardiovascular (HR, BP) and muscular physiological
(HGS, HGE) effects studied.
 Effects of FSN are similar to physical aerobic exercisesEffects of FSN are similar to physical aerobic exercises
whereas effects of SSN are similar to those of Yogawhereas effects of SSN are similar to those of Yoga
training.training.

29. Kalyani BG et al. IJOY 2011; 4(1): 3-6.Kalyani BG et al. IJOY 2011; 4(1): 3-6.
 Neurohemodynamic correlates of audible ‘OM’
chanting were examined by functional MRI.
 Significant limbic deactivation observed during ‘OM’
chanting with bilateral changes in orbitofrontal,
anterior cingulate, para-hippocampal gyri, thalami
and hippocampi.
 As similar observations have been recorded with
vagus nerve stimulation used in depression and
epilepsy, the study findings argue for a potential role
of ‘OM’ chanting in clinical practice.

30. Streeter CC et al.Streeter CC et al. Med Hypotheses 2012; 78: 571-9Med Hypotheses 2012; 78: 571-9
 Stress induces autonomic imbalanceStress induces autonomic imbalance
 Decreased para-sympathetic & increasedDecreased para-sympathetic & increased
sympathetic activity, under activity of GABAsympathetic activity, under activity of GABA
system, the primary inhibitory neuro-system, the primary inhibitory neuro-
transmitter, and increased allostatic load.transmitter, and increased allostatic load.
 Yoga helps correct the underactivity of para-Yoga helps correct the underactivity of para-
sympathetic nervous system and GABA systemssympathetic nervous system and GABA systems
in part through stimulation of vagus nerves within part through stimulation of vagus nerves with
reduction in the allostatic load.reduction in the allostatic load.

31. Ornish D et al. Lancet Oncol 2013; 14:1112-20
““Our genes, and our telomeres, are notOur genes, and our telomeres, are not
necessarily our fate,” - Dean Ornishnecessarily our fate,” - Dean Ornish
Telomere shortness is a prognostic marker ofTelomere shortness is a prognostic marker of
ageing, disease, and premature morbidity.ageing, disease, and premature morbidity.
Previous studyPrevious study (2008)(2008)
showed association between 3showed association between 3
months of comprehensive lifestyle changes andmonths of comprehensive lifestyle changes and
increased telomerase activityincreased telomerase activity in immune cells.in immune cells.
A comprehensive lifestyle intervention wasA comprehensive lifestyle intervention was
associated withassociated with increases in relative telomere lengthincreases in relative telomere length
after 5 years of follow-up.after 5 years of follow-up.

32. Recent research @ PondicherryRecent research @ Pondicherry
1. Immediate cardiovascular effects of a single yoga session in different conditions. Altern Integ
Med 2013; 2: 144.
2. Immediate effect of suryanamaskar on reaction time and heart rate in female volunteers. Indian
J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 57 (2): 199–204.
3. Effect of 8 weeks of pranav pranayama training on pulmonary function test parameters in young
healthy, volunteers of JIPMER population. Int Res J Pharm App Sci 2013; 3 (4):116-18.
4. Effect of 12 weeks of kapalabhati pranayama training on cardio-respiratory parameters in
young, healthy volunteers of JIPMER population. International Journal of Medical &
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research and Review 2013; 1 (4): 53-61.
5. Hematological, biochemical and psychological effects of a yoga training programme in nursing
students. Int Res J Pharm App Sci 2013; 3(6):17-23
6. Differential effects of uninostril and alternate nostril pranayamas on cardiovascular parameters
and reaction time. Int J Yoga 2014; 7: 60-65.
7. Effect of Fast and Slow Pranayama Practice on Cognitive Functions in Healthy Volunteers.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 2014; 8 (1) : 10-13.
8. Immediate effect of alternate nostril breathing on cardiovascular parameters and reaction time.
Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal 2014; 4; (Special Issue): 297-302.
9. Immediate effect of chandra and suryanadi pranayamas on cardiovascular parameters and
reaction time in a geriatric population. International Journal of Physiology 2014; 2 (1): 59-63.
10. Immediate effect of different pranayam on short term heart rate variability in health care
students. A preliminary study. International Journal of Physiology 2014; 2 (1): 39-43.

33. Recent research @Recent research @
PondicherryPondicherry
11. Effect of different pranayamas on respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Journal of Clinical and
Diagnostic Research 2016; 10 (3): CC04-CC06.
12. Immediate effect of chandranadi pranayam on heart rate variability and cardiovascular
parameters in patients of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Yoga Mimamsa 2013; 45
(1&2): 1-13.
13. Effect of slow and fast pranayama training on handgrip strength and endurance in healthy
volunteers. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 2014; 8 (5): BC01-03.
14. Comparative immediate effect of different yoga asanas on heart rate and blood pressure in
healthy young volunteers. International Journal of Yoga 2014; 7: 89-95.
15. Comparative effect of 12 weeks of slow and fast pranayama training on pulmonary function
in young, healthy volunteers: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Yoga 2015; 8: 22-26.
16. Single session of integrated ‘silver yoga’ program improves cardiovascular parameters in
senior citizens.. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2015; 4(2): 134-37.
17. Randomized controlled trial of 12-week yoga therapy as lifestyle intervention in patients of
essential hypertension and cardiac autonomic function tests. Natl J Physiol Pharm
Pharmacol 2016; 6: 19-26.
18. Comparative study on the effect of yogic relaxing asanas and pranayamas on
cardiovascular response in healthy young volunteers. National Journal of Physiology,
Pharmacy and Pharmacology Online First: 25 Aug, 2016.
19. Effect of a 12 Week Yoga Therapy Program on Mental Health Status in Elderly Women
Inmates of a Hospice (Online first IJOY)

34. But be careful!!But be careful!!
Some studies haveSome studies have
NO yoga in them at all !NO yoga in them at all !

35. Lana Skoro-Kondza et al. BMC HealthLana Skoro-Kondza et al. BMC Health
Services Research 2009; 9:33Services Research 2009; 9:33
 There was a small statistically insignificant fall inThere was a small statistically insignificant fall in
HbA1c - not sustained > 6 months, no change inHbA1c - not sustained > 6 months, no change in
other outcome measures.other outcome measures.
 AroundAround 2/32/3 of patients on GP diabetic registersof patients on GP diabetic registers
proved ineligible, & 90% of the remainderproved ineligible, & 90% of the remainder
declined to participate.declined to participate.
 Only 50% attendance at classes -Only 50% attendance at classes -Nobody did theNobody did the
exercises regularly at homeexercises regularly at home..
 Most participants -Most participants -unsuitableunsuitable for 'standard' Yogafor 'standard' Yoga
- limited flexibility, lack of basic fitness, co-- limited flexibility, lack of basic fitness, co-
morbidity and lack of confidence.morbidity and lack of confidence.
Basically no yoga in the study at all!Basically no yoga in the study at all!

36. Make sure it was doneMake sure it was done
in humans!!in humans!!

37. Lateral Sleeping Position Influences Clean-
Up Of Brain's Metabolic Waste Products,
Halts Neurological Diseases
 Everyone started talking about all the
possible benefits of humans sleeping on their
side without even reading the full paper!
 Rodent models were used to examine the
glymphatic pathway — where CSF filters
through the brain and exchanges with
interstitial fluid to clear waste.
The Journal of Neuroscience,The Journal of Neuroscience, 5 August 2015, 35(31): 11034-11044

38. Accredited with ‘AA’ grade by NAAC