Effects of Yogic Exercises

Academy of Research in Physical Culture,Warsaw,conducted studies on physiological and psychological aspects of Yoga system of exercises engaging the services of Romanowaski, Pasek and other to see if these could counteract the noxious effects of the contemporary environment on the ontogenesis of man(36,42-48).

"Their results show that the ailments of the patients of Psychosomatic disorders of circulatory and digestive systems disapproved while their general considerable nervousness alleviated relatively slow pulse rate of 56-62 mim.And low arterial pressure 104-63-120/72 mim.Hg,were also noted.The examination of basal metabolism showed very low values of ventilation-4,76% mint,on the average.The respiratory rhythm amounted to 4,2/1/mim.the oxygen consumption to 1/mim. of the air inhaled,i.e.,20% grater than normal.The R.Q in all the investigated in the resting position have been very low 0,5-0,7.This fact showed that the Oxygen utilization by the tissues was larger than the average.Corresponding elimination of CO2 had been increased.The EEG investigations indicated improved state of calmness in comparison to the control group with obvious symptoms of fatigue.Rorschach method proved that the experimental group represented the well balanced type of normal emotional reactivity as compared with their rather intensive background.

"Datey and others studied 86 subjects (68 male and 18 females) of ages between 20 to 64 years.Their systolic blood pressure ranged between 160-270 and diastolic between 90-120 mm.H. There were 62 cases with essential,19 with renal and 5 with arterio-sclerotic hypertension.They divided the whole population into 3 categories of (i) who had never received anti hypertension drug,(ii) adequately controlled with drugs,(iii) inadequately controlled with drugs.In addition to blood p reassure pulse rate, respiration, common symptoms were recorded and electromyographs were taken before and periodically during the study and after practice. "A group of hundred patients showing symptoms of psychoneurosis and psychosomatic disorders including cases of anxiety, anxiety depression,hysteria etc.,and comprising of 66 males and 34 females whose ages ranged from 16 to 64 years was taken for pilot study for the treatment by a therapeutic technique based upon some concepts of Patanjali by Dr Vahia and his co-worker of the Psychiatric Department at K.E.H. Hospital,Bombay.After the practice of two months duration the improvement in the condition of the patients,relatives and the team of doctors engaged in the project.It was observed that the improvement rate was statistically significant......

"In his recent article on prevention and treatment of cancer by Yoga,Dr.Karambelkar,an eminent biochemist of Kaivalyadhama,Yoga Institute,quoting Dr.Poret's view that aerological factors of cancer were physiological,psychical and spiritual on the basis of the findings of Prof.Vincene who found that the PH1,RH2 and RO of the venous blood of patients of cancer and neurosis fell into the same zone,believes that it is reversible were alkaline PH and oxidation rH2 were below certain degree and successfully preventable by yogic exercises....

"The result of these investigations lead us to the conclusion that the judicious and progressive follow-up of yogic practices brings about higher and higher conditioning of limbic system which is thought to be responsible for regulation of ANS,endocrinal system and the practitioners gradually begin experiencing greater and greater volitional control over the metabolic and the autonomic functions of the body which leads to the recovery of homeostatic sysfunction in the case of the sick and towards perfection of biological equilibrium in the case of normal persons.How such changes are brought about is still not so very clear and requires further investigations regarding the mechanism through which yogic exercises produce physiological and mental effects."

Many people somehow have the notion that if they stop practicing Yoga,they put on weight.Frankly,I should like to point out this is an unfair charge.The very reasons they start on the Yoga course is their overweight problem.

The very fact Yoga has survived such slandering over the centuries is sufficient defence and proof of the amazing results it can give.