Far reaching effects of yoga on mental and physical health – Prof Meenu Singh

Ancient knowledge of Yoga combined with science can be used beneficially: Prof Dangwal

Psychologists, medical practitioners deliberate upon links between mind and body

PrashantNews

Underlining the significance of the fundamental association between mental and physical health in contemporary discourse on health care, experts here converged for a national conference at the Doon University and deliberated upon various issues such as close relationship between mind and body, yoga, spiritualism and comprehensive well-being and emerging research areas in these fields.

Speaking at a national conference on ‘’Yoga for Mental and Physical Health: Scientific Perspectives and Trends in Emerging Research Areas” the  Doon University Vice Chancellor Prof Surekha Dangwal emphasized on the importance of integrating ancient Indian knowledge with modern scientific inquiry to address contemporary health challenges. She  underlined that the conference is not only an important event for highlighting the potential of yoga to enhance our holistic well-being in the 21st century but also to highlight the research and evidence based knowledge that the mind and body, often viewed separately in the context of health, are actually closely related. “If your mental health is good, if you are at peace with your mind and sould, it is bound to have positive affect on your physical, holistic well being,” Professor Dangwal said.

The conference was organised by the Department of Psychology, the Doon University in collaboration with the Inter University Center for Yogic Sciences and Indian Counselling Psychology.

Prof Meenu Singh, Director, AIIMS Rishikesh, shared various insights on the evolving landscape of yoga research and its implications for clinical practice. She demonstrated that the usefulness of yoga can be understood in such a way that if a pregnant woman practices meditation and yoga, it affects her foetus as well which many studies have revealed. “Mother’s stress can cause problems for the child in the womb, that is why it is important to keep the mind calm,” she told a gathering of academicians and researchers.

She said that the AYUSH department established in AIIMS Rishikesh is going to conduct clinical trials of the effect of yoga so that it can be used scientifically. “Various forms of Yoga play a major role in the treatment of diseases. I am confident that this conference at Doon University will encourage research on yoga and its positive effects on on mental and physical health. The benefits of this are far-reaching.”

In his keynote address, Prof Yogesh Singh, Physiology Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, discussed in detail the basis of neuroscientific research and how yoga has a positive effect on our brain. Additional Professor Dr. Vikram Singh Rawat, Department of Psychiatry, highlighted the relationship between yoga and mental health. Dr. Jaivardhan Singh, Associate Professor, Medical College Kanpur, highlighted the benefits of meditation and mindfulness techniques for mental health.

The event brought together scholars, researchers and practitioners to explore the transformative potential of yoga on human well-being. The objective of this conference was to promote dynamic exchange of knowledge on the scientific basis of yoga and its applications in contemporary health care. Experts and researchers presented their findings on the latest trends in yoga research and discussed the resulting discovery of its effectiveness in managing stress, anxiety, and promoting overall well-being. As many as 51 research papers were presented in this conference and about 250 participants participated.

Each research paper explored different aspects of the impact of yoga on mental and physical health. Yoga and Stress Management, Mind-Body Connection, Textual Evidence in Indian Ancient Manuscripts, Integrating Yoga with Neuroscience and Psychology, Meditation and Mindfulness, Use of Yoga on Personality and Emotional Regulation, and Integrating Yoga into Clinical Practice and other such subjects were discussed and examined carefully.

In the concluding session Prof R P Mamgain, Dean of School of Social Sciences, Doon University, said the researchers showcased their findings highlighting the effectiveness of yoga intervention in managing stress, improving mind-body coordination and enhancing emotional regulation. Textual evidence from ancient Indian manuscripts provided valuable insight into the historical roots of yoga practices, while presentations on integrating yoga with neuroscience and psychology offered promising avenues for future research, Professor Mamgain said.

Dr. Rajesh Bhatt, Head, Department of Psychology, in his vote of thanks said that the conference program included presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions, which encouraged the participants to delve deeper into the multifaceted benefits of Yoga. The event was a valuable opportunity for academicians, researchers, yoga practitioners, mental health professionals and students interested in yoga therapy and its impact on mental and physical health.

Prof HC Purohit, DSW, Doon University, said the conference concluded with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm, as the participants expressed their commitment to take forward the dialogue on the role of yoga in promoting holistic health and well-being. The event is a reminder of the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange in advancing the scientific understanding and application of yoga.

Dr. Ashutosh Srivastava, President of the Indian Counseling Psychology Organization, said that the attendees of this conference will draw from scientific work on Yoga with knowledge and inspiration to continue exploring the immense potential of Yoga in enhancing mental and physical well-being.

During this program, Registrar of Doon University Dr. MS Mandrawal, Prof. Harsh Dobhal, Prof Reena Singh, Dean of Physical Science Department Dr. Arun Kumar, Dr. Preeti Mishra, Deputy Registrar Narendra Lal, Dr. Kalpana Rawat, Dr. Swati Singh, Richa Negi, Akshara Singh, Deepak Kumar, Anjali Suyal, Anamika Bhardwaj and many other participants and students were present.