ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA, NIMHANS , BANGALORE-29

(IN COLLABORATION WITH MORARJI DESAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF YOGA, NEW DELHI)

PATRONS

Director & Vice Chancellor

Samatvam A Quarterly Newsletter
NIMHANS
V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 4 J U L Y , 2 0 1 0 – S E P T E M B E R , 2 0 1 0

Director, MDNIY
New Delhi

EDITOR

Dr.B.N.Gangadhar
“Yoga in Depression” - One Day Seminar, 26th September, 2010
Professor of Psychiatry Advanced Center for Yoga - Mental health and Neurosciences, NIMHANS held one day Seminar
Program Director
on Yoga in depression in NIMHANS on 26th September, 2010 at Neuroscience faculty block,
Advanced Center for Yoga
NIMHANS, Bangalore. The theme of the seminar was “Research on Yoga in depression: Neuro-
NIMHANS, Bangalore
immunology and Neuroplasticity”. Program was inaugurated by chief guest Dr Vittal Murthy,
Secretary, Medical education, Government of Karnataka. Dr.P. Satishchandra, Director &
EDITORIAL
Vice-chancellor, NIMHANS, presided over the function. Prof Dr B N Gangadhar and Dr Ravi
COMMITTEE
(Registrar, NIMHANS) were the prominent dignitaries present during the inauguration.
Dr. Shivarama Varambally

Asso Professor of Psychiatry Dr. P. Satishchandra, Director & Vice-chancellor, NIMHANS released a book on “ Yoga for
Depression” during the event.
Dr. Rashmi. Arasappa

Program Coordinator Invited Lectures:

Advanced Centre for Yoga
Forenoon Session
Dr. Satish Gaikwad
Overview of Immune system & immu- Dr. Ravi, Prof & HOD
Research Officer (Scientific) nological methods Dept. of Neurovirology
MDNIY, New Delhi NIMHANS
Introduction to Depression & Effect of Dr. Mukund Rao
EDITORIAL Yoga on immunological changes in Dept. of Psychiatry
ASSISTANCE patients with depression NIMHANS
Yoga & Psycho-neuro-endochrino- Dr.Raghavendra Rao
Dr. Hariprasad.V.R
immunology Head CAM, HCG,
Senior Research Fellow Bangalore
Advanced Centre for Yoga
Afternoon Session

Neuroplasticity in depression— Dr.Naren .P.Rao

Radiological & Biochemical chnages Dept of Psychiatry
NIMHANS
Effect of Yoga on neuroplasticity in Dr. Naveen.G.H
depression: Radiological & Biochemical Advanced Centre for
changes Yoga
NIMHANS

One hundred twenty four participants from various fields ranged

from MBBS, PG Students, consultants, AYUSH Doctors, PGs
(Immunology, Microbiology, Pathology, Rheumatology,
Neurophysiology and Radiology) attended the seminar. Partici-
pants have given positive feedback regarding the program.
 PAGE 2

Editorial…...
YOGA FOR HEALTHY AGEING
Elderly population around the world is increasing rapidly. The life expectancy in India has doubled
over the past century to 64 years. Living longer brings along with it different health issues. The
prevalence of chronic diseases has increased. Nearly 80% of elderly will have at least one chronic
disease. Many have more than one disease. On an average elderly person would be taking 3 to 5
medications at a time. Elderly population is faced with significant morbidity due to medical illness.
Dr.P.T.Sivakumar M.D(Psychiatry) This has an adverse impact on their quality of life.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Psychiatry, Advances in health care have improved the outcome of many of the infectious diseases. The
NIMHANS current major health concern for the elderly is due to non communicable diseases like diabetes,
hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, dementia etc. Modernization of health sector
has resulted in increasing health care costs that is not affordable for large proportion of elderly
population. Hence the major concern of most of the ageing persons is regarding their health. Is
healthy ageing possible?
Research on many of the non-communicable diseases has given insight about the role of healthy
life style in the prevention and management of these disorders. Healthy nutrition, physical activity,
mental stimulation and reduction of stressful environment are some of the factors promoting
healthy ageing.
“Practicing Yoga is Practicing ‘Yoga’ is one of the attractive options for promoting healthy ageing. ‘Yoga’ as described
by ‘Patanjali’ includes 8 components such as Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara,
one of the Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Promoting the practice of Yoga in a holistic manner rather than
doing only ‘Asanas’ as a kind of physical exercise is important. This holistic practice of Yoga will
attractive options
promote the positive life style modification necessary for healthy ageing.
for promoting
Practicing yoga is helpful for improving the physical and mental health. Several studies have shown
healthy ageing “ that Yoga is helpful in the treatment of many of the chronic medical disorders in elderly like
diabetes, hypertension etc. Also there is a growing evidence for the efficacy of Yoga in the
improvement of subjective well being and Quality of life. There is a need for campaign to promote
the practice of Yoga in elderly. Health professionals can play a big role in it. Many elderly follow
the life style changes only after developing medical problems and after the advice by the physician.
One of the challenges for medical professionals to recommend Yoga as a life style change is the
heterogeneity of Yoga practices available. The experts in the field need to develop standardized
module of Yoga practices suitable for specific population. Also there has to be adequate research
evidence about the effectiveness and safety of the module. Yoga research community around the
globe is taking many steps in this direction. The Advanced Centre for Yoga at NIMHANS is
actively involved in this process. Through one of our research project, we have developed a
module of Yoga for elderly after reviewing the Yoga literature comprehensively and also validating
it with experts’ opinion. We are in the process of studying the effectiveness of this module. We
have also contributed by conducting awareness program about Yoga for elderly. Networking with
various senior citizen forums and other Non Governmental organizations working for elderly
would also help in promoting Yoga for healthy ageing.

Dr. P.T.Sivakumar is an Associate Professor in the Dept of Psychiatry, NIMHANS.

In addition to Yoga Therapy in psychiatric disorders, he possesses research interest in
Geriatric Psychiatry and Metabolic abnormalities in Psychiatric disorders. He has several
publications, awards and conference presentations to his credit.

SAMATVAM
 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 PAGE 3

Yoga Therapy Services for Psychiatric & Neurological Disorders

Advanced Centre for Yoga at NIMHANS has been offering Yoga therapy for both
in-patients and outpatients. 4372 patient/therapy sessions were conducted for a total of
177 patients suffering from different psychiatric & neurological conditions referred from
clinical services of NIMHANS, Children and their caregivers admitted at Child & Ado-
lescent Psychiatry Unit of NIMHANS. Each patient received yoga therapy session from
seven days to one month.

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

1600
1400
1200
NO OF 77 44 56 1000
NEW
PATIENTS 800
600

NO OF 400
1465 1444 1463
PATIENT/ 200
SESSIONS
0 JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
NO Of New Patients 77 44 56
NO Of Patient Sessions 1465 1444 1463

Table - No of patients treated at Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS

Refresher Yoga Training for Staff Nurses of NIMHANS

Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS conducted one month Yoga Teachers’ Training for staff nurses of NIMHANS deputed
from different psychiatric and neurological wards. Since the launch of this program three batches of staff nurses were trained
for about one month covering selected yogic practices, four theory lecture classes about basics of yoga and its role in psychiat-
ric & neurological disorders, and one week of hands-on training in yoga teaching techniques. A total of 27 nurses took benefit
of this Yoga Teachers’ Training program.
As a result, currently these trained staff are conducting classes at various psychiatric including closed wards & neurological
wards. Information about their experiences and barriers to Yoga teaching in the wards were noted through a structured
questionnaire. Advanced Centre for Yoga is conducted a half day refresher course for these trained staff nurses. The refresher
course was attended by about 20 nurses deputed from various psychiatric and neurological wards. Dr.B.N.Gangadhar, program
director, Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS inaugurated the refresher course. Addressing the staff nurses, he emphasized
the recent studies which strongly recommend yoga based intervention for several psychiatric disorders. He expressed his
admiration for the co-operation of nursing department in Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS efforts to include yoga as a
ward routine. Dr.Hariprasad.V.R, Senior Research Fellow at Advanced Yoga Centre gave an overview about the different yogic
practices which are found to be useful in psychiatric & neurological patients. Then yoga modules for various disorders were
discussed and questions raised by the participants were answered by Dr.Hariprasad.V.R. The participants were then asked to
demonstrate the yoga practices which they were trained earlier. Dr.Hariprasad and yoga instructor monitored the practical
demonstration.
 Academic Program: Guest Lecture Series
PAGE 4

Physiology of Pranayama
By: Dr. Raghuraj, BNYS, PhD (Yoga), Clinical Writer, Accenture India, Bangalore
Venue: Advanced Centre for Yoga, Date: 8th April, 2010

Dr.Raghuraj spoke in detail about the physiological aspects of Pranayama. Quoting references
from the classical texts, he discussed the importance and the traditional way of doing each
Pranayama practices. Referring to the research works on Pranayama carried out by him and
colleagues at SVYASA yoga university, he said uninostril pranayamas have ability to modify
autonomic functions and improve cognitive functions especially in high frequency breathing such
as Kapalabhati. In conclusion, he stressed the immense therapeutic potential of pranayama.

Theme: Yoga for Caregivers : the evidence

Chaired by: Dr.Nagendra H R, Vice-Chancelor, SVYASA Yoga University, Bangalore
Date: 3rd August, 2010 , Time: 3.00—4.00 pm
Venue: Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS

Lecture 1: Efficacy of Yoga & Psychosocial program on coping and burden of caregivers of patients
with Schizophrenia.
By: Mrs. Arati Jagan, PhD Scholar, Dept. of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS
Mrs.Arati Jagan spoke about her research on efficacy of yoga and psychosocial program on coping
and burden of caregivers of in-patients with schizophrenia. She gave a detailed account of rigorous
process of development, validation and pilot testing of one hour psychosocial program and yoga
package designed based on the needs of in-patient caregivers at NIMHANS. 120 consenting family
caregivers of in-patients with schizophrenia were recruited and groups of 4-6 caregivers matched on
language were randomized into one of the four groups: psychosocial (N=30), yoga (N=30), combined
(psychosocial + yoga; n=30) and waitlist (N =30). She gave a brief description about the various
scales used to access the out come measures such as burden, coping, knowledge and social support.
She concluded saying that though reducing the symptoms of the patients helps to reduce the stress
of the caregivers, a yoga program either independently or as a combined intervention may be a useful
tool in reducing the stress and burden in caregivers of in-patients with schizophrenia.

Lecture 2: Effect of Yoga therapy on anxiety, depression and quality of life among caregivers of
in-patients with neurological disorders: Randomized Controlled Trial.
By: Ms. Umadevi, M Sc Nursing, Dept. of Nursing, NIMHANS
Ms. Umadevi started her lecture with an overview about the prevalence of high levels of anxiety and
stress and poor quality of life among caregivers of patients with neurological disorders. She stressed
the non-availability of quality studies focusing efficacy of yoga intervention as a stress management
tool in caregivers. She discussed in length about the methodology of her research work. Sixty
subjects were randomized to receive either Yoga (n=30)or waitlist (n=30) .Subjects were assessed
using Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQoL BREF).
She concluded saying yoga therapy is an effective tool in decreasing anxiety, depression and
improving quality of life among caregivers of neurological patients

SAMATVAM
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 PAGE 5

Origins of Suryanamaskara (Contd)

Vedic Method of Surya Namaskara
Nama Mantra i.e hyme which is chanted at the beginning of each Suryanamaskara, is made up of four sections grouped to-
gether in following fashion.
Pranavakshara (Aum)
+
Beejakshara (hram, hrim, hrum, hraim, hraum and hrah)
+
Paada from the three rucha (As described previously)
+
Name of ‘The Sun’

So in the creation of Suryanamaskara Nama Mantra, 6 beejaksharas (viz: hram, hrim, hrum, hraim, hraum and hrah), 12 paada
(Each line of a rucha consist of 2 paada, so 3 ruchas have 4 paada), and 12 names of Lord Surya (viz: Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Bhanu,
Khaga, Pushan, Hiranyagarbha, Marichiman, Aditya, Savitr, Arka and Bhaskara) are used. To begin with Surynamaskara Nama
Mantra is shorter arrangement of these and evolves into more complex as the worship nears an end.

Step 1:
The Suryanamaskara Nitya vidhi starts by performing 12 rounds chanting 12 mantras formed out of 12 paada of the Trucha.
‘Aum+1 Beejamantra + 1 rucha+ 1 Beejamantra+ Aum+ 1 Name of the Sun’
So, The First Suryanamaskara is performed by chanting,

Followed by,

is chanted and 2nd round of Suryanamaskara is performed.

Since there are only 6 beejakskara, for the 7th round of Suryanamaskara the first beejakshara is used again and the order is
continued till the 12th mantra.

Step 2:
Next, each Suryanamaskara is performed by chanting 6 mantras formed out of 12 paada of trucha.
“Aum+2 Beejamantra + 2 rucha+ 2 Beejamantra+ Aum+ 2 Name of the Sun”
Eg: 13th Suryanamaskara is performed by chanting,

Step 3:
3 Suryanamaskaras are performed by chanting 3 mantras formed in the following manner out of 12 paada of the trucha.
Aum+4 Beejamantra + 4 paada+ 4 Beejamantra+ Aum+ 4 Name of the Sun

Step 4:
Finally, one Suryanamaskara is performed by chanting Nama Mantra formed by all beejaksharas, 12 paada and all names of the
Sun grouped together.
Aum+ all Beejamantra + all paada+ all Beejamantra+ Aum+ all Name of the Sun

At the end of 4 steps, a total of 22 Suryanamaskaras are performed. By repeating this cycle for 3 times completes one
“Trucha Kalpa Namaskara” with 66 suryanamaskaras.

{ Continued in page no.6 }

PAGE 6 Origins of Suryanamaskara (Contd from page 5)
Teertha Shloka:
“Trucha Kalpa Namaskara” is ended with a teertha shloka.
Verse:

“Those who perform Surya Namaskara daily, do not face poverty in life (richness of
health), one doesn’t face early death or suffer from diseases. Drink the water kept before the
Sun.”

{Ref: Origins of Suryanamaskara by Dr.Shivatej Sarva, Sri Ram Prasad kraleti, Dr. Siddharth Shevade and Sri Sudhakar Joglekar.

Research Paper 11th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference ASC 2010 held at
Sydney, Australia from 22-24th September, 2010
YOGA FOR THE NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA – NEW PROMISE FROM
AN ANCIENT SCIENCE

Shivarama Varambally1, Rishikesh Behere1, Jagadisha Thirthalli1, Ganesan Duraiswamy2, Rashmi

Arasappa1, Venkatasubramanian Ganesan1, Gangadhar N. Bangalore1
1
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
2
Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia

Background: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia may indicate worse socio-occupational

functioning and poorer outcome, and respond poorly to pharmacotherapy. Yoga therapy has been
found to be effective in stress and depression, which contribute to negative symptomatology. Yoga
therapy may be an effective add-on treatment for these symptoms.

Methods: Data was pooled from two randomized controlled studies. The first study [1] had two
groups – Yoga and physical exercise, the second had an additional waitlist arm. Both studies
included patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia who were moderately symptomatic, stabilized on
medication, aged between 18-60 yrs, and giving informed consent. The subjects were rated on the
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Social Occupational Functioning Scale, and the Hamilton
Depression Rating Scale. Subjects in the yoga and exercise groups were trained for one month in a
specific yoga/ exercise module by a trained instructor and then practiced at home for the next 3
months. All subjects were rated again after 4 months.

Results: For analysis, subjects were classified into two interventional groups – yoga or non-yoga.
Baseline demographics and clinical data were comparable across groups. Over 4 months, subjects
in the yoga group significantly improved in negative symptoms (p= 0.001) and socio-occupational
functioning (p = 0.006), without significant differences in positive symptoms and depression scores.

Conclusions: Yoga therapy as an add-on treatment effectively improves negative symptoms and
social functioning in stable schizophrenia patients and maybe a promising and cost-effective treat-
ment option in these patients.

SAMATVAM
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 PAGE 7

Research Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS

Efficacy of Yoga in Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): An open trial 
“
 
 


Status: Abstract has been sent for “ 4th World Ayurveda Congress 2010, 9-13th December at
Bangalore
:
:।
Effect of Yoga Therapy on neuroplasticity and cognitive functions of patients with
depression   ! " # $%&
Status: Ninety subjects have been recruited for the study. The data from the pilot study is being
currently analyzed for publication.
 '(॥ “
Yoga therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment—fMRI and biochemical correlates
Status: Pilot testing of the yoga package was carried out. Subjects are being invited to the
participate in the study through senior citizen forums, elderly homes and paper advertisements. A wise-man accepts
Currently detailed assessments are being carried out for consenting elderly.
(both) the good and
Effects of Yoga Therapy on Heart Rate Variability in Anxiety Disorder Patients: An the bad. He
Open Trial
appreciates the former
Status: Seventy patients have been screened. Fifty subjects have consented and have been
recruited for the study. by a nod of his head

and restricts the latter

Effect of Yoga as an add-on treatment in immunological parameters of patients with
in his throat, just as
depression.
Status: Two hundred have been screened. Sixty subjects and 29 healthy controls were recruited Lord Shiva adorned
for the study. his head with the

Mentation in Psychosis [SLIMMS]: Prevention Analysis and the influence crescent moon and
Psycho tropics and Yoga restricted the poison in
Status: Patients are currently being screened for this study.
his throat."

Presentations/ Invited Lectures

• Delivered lecture in the seminar held at NIMHANS on 26th September, 2010 on “ Effect of yoga on
neurotrophic factors in patients with depression” . theme of the seminar was yoga on neuro
plasticity in depression. ( Dr.Naveen.G.H )

• Delivered two lectures on Naturopathy and Yoga treatment efficacy in patients with HIV/AIDS in
the program entitled “ HIV/AIDS training for nurses under the global fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis
and Malaria” ( G FATM) conducted at NIMHANS, College of nursing, Bangalor ( Dr.Naveen.G.H )

• Delivered a invited lecture “ Role of Yoga in Mild Cognitive Impairment & Dementia ” at workshop
on “ Dementia Risk Reduction ” organized by Nightingales Centre for Aging and Alzheimer ’ s ,
Bangalore on 21st September, 2010. ( D r.Hariprasad.V.R )
 Attention Readers
Advanced Centre for Yoga, NIMHANS
is organizing
ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON
“ PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE OF YOGA THERAPY FOR PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS”

Date: 5th December, 2010

Venue: Advanced Centre for Yoga Hall, NIMHANS
Potential Participants: Yoga Therapists/Instructors, Mental Health Professionals
Registration Fees: Rs 200 only ( 50% off for students). (Participation is limited to 75 persons only)
To register Kindly contact Dr. Hariprasad.V.R / Mrs.Lalitha @ 080-2699 5730/ 2657 6465
Email: [email protected]

Book Post

To,

Mr/Mrs/Dr ……………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………..

3rd Floor, New DPNR Building

Opp State Bank of Mysore
National Institute of Mental Health &
Neurosciences, Hosur Road
Bangalore 560029, Karnataka
Phone: 080 - 2699 5730
Fax: 080 - 2657 6465
Advanced Centre for Yoga
E-mail: [email protected]
(Mental Health & Neurosciences)

Samatvam is published by Program Director, Advanced Center for Yoga, NIMHANS, Bangalore. Please feel free to write to us about your suggestions