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Untitled Document
Part I: Philosophical Understanding of Naturopathy and Yoga Therapy
Part II: Yogic Relaxation Techniques after CABG
By
Chaitanya C H
Part I: Philosophical Understanding of Naturopathy and Yoga Therapy
Naturopathy and Yoga are fast catching the imagination of people the world over as a means for healthy way of living.
Even though Indians have practised Naturopathy in one form or other for centuries, the fact remains that Europeans established Naturopathy as a system of medicine in the early 20th century. It may be of interest to know that the word Naturopathy was coined by a German Scientist, Dr. John H.Scheel, in the late 19th century. It was only natural that Yoga as a therapeutic science found its rightful place in the system of medicine known as Nature Cure. While Naturopathy advocates a harmonious relationship between body and mind to get rid of any ailment, Yoga on the emotional and spiritual entities of the self. It is to the genius of the Indian mind that Naturopathy and Yoga are combined to harness their maximum potential in providing health in its totality. Naturopathy and Yoga should not be seen just as another alternative system of medicine but as complimentary systems, providing specific treatments, which trigger the healing forces from within.
To achieve the goal of 'healthy mind in healthy body', one needs to care for the body as well as the mind, which can only be realized by practising Naturopathy and Yoga. Naturopathy caters to the everyday needs of the body such as curative, preventive and promotive aspects by adopting various drugless and simple methods of treatment. These treatments may consist of detoxifying fasts, hot and cold tub baths, massages, mud applications, sun baths, steam baths, sauna baths and therapies such as dietetics, Yoga, Präëäyäma and meditation.
The modern life, even while raising the standard of living, does raise the stakes very high resulting in stress-related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, cardio-vascular disorders (heart attacks), skin and respiratory allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety neurosis, depression, and what's even more alarming, the very immune system of the body getting weakened.
Yoga, Präëäyäma, meditation, regulate daily routine and proper dietary habits, if they are practised under an expert's guidance, can bring about a lasting change by restoring physical and emotional balance, enabling one to cope with the complex world in a cool and composed manner.
Lastly, there is no gain saying that one can never buy health across the counter like any other commodity. Health can be attained and maintained the best by adopting Naturopathy and Yoga as a way of life.
Part II: Yogic Relaxation Techniques after CABG
BACKGROUND:
Complementary therapies have been used with beneficial effects in the post-operative period after Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) .The present study is an attempt to identify the effect of yogic relaxation technique (YRT) on autonomic stability during first post –operative week after CABG surgery.
DESIGN:
60 male patients with Coronary Artery Disease in age range of 35-65 years who were posted for CABG surgery were randomly allocated into two groups i.e. yoga (n=30) and control group (n=30) after obtaining signed informed consent.
METHODS:
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) power spectrum VLF, LF, HF, and LF/HF, and HR was analyzed by Finland software after obtaining ECG by Ambulatory ECG Version 4.1, Niviqure, Bangalore, 2003 after they were hospitalized for CABG on the pre-operative day. Yoga group practiced YRT through a pre recorded audio cassette twice a day for seven days starting from second post-operative day. The control group continued to have all the conventional management. The baseline data on all variables were normally distributed (p>0.05 Shapiro Wilks test). The two groups were well matched (Levene’s F test p>0.1) with pre values.
RESULT:
In yoga group there was significant decrease in very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF) and LF/HF ratio (P< .001), and increase in high frequency (HF). In control group a significant increase in LF and LF/HF ratio (P< .001) and decrease in HF components. The heart rate increased significantly in both the groups.
CONCLUSION:
YRT appears to be effective in bringing the autonomic balance in immediate post-operative period of CABG which may be a great help in better healing and return to nature.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
This randomized control study was aimed to determine the effect of Yogic relaxation technique on autonomic variables by assessing heart rate variability. Out of 150 male patients with Coronary Artery Disease 60 were selected. They were randomly allocated into two groups i.e., yoga (n=30) and control group (n=30). They were in age range of 35-65 years. The mean age was 52.9 (SD± 8 years).
Yoga group practiced Yogic Relaxation Technique (YRT) in the post operative ward through head phones with a pre recorded audio cassette for 25 minutes twice a day at mornings (9.30a.m) and evenings (3.30 p.m) for seven days starting from second post-operative day. The control group continued to have normal care.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) spectrum was recorded by Ambulatory ECG Version 4.1,. The initial data was recorded on the pre-operative day. The final recording was taken on the 9th post-operative day before the discharge. The HRV spectrum as recorded in the post operative bed in a supine position with eyes closed. It was ensured that Epochs of five minutes of HRV were recorded on both sessions.
The baseline data on all variables were normally distributed (p>0.05 Shapiro Wilks test). The two groups were well matched (Levene’s F test p>0.1) with pre values. After the data collection the data analysis was done by spss 10.1 version.
Two tailed paired -t-test to compare the pre and post values of yoga and control group. The difference in the post values between the groups were assessed by independent sample t test.
The result showed decrease in the HRV spectrum in yoga group rather than control group. There was more increase in heart rate in control group when compared with yoga group.
Application of the study:
This YRT is a simple, non-pharmacological, non invasive technique which can be easily used during any post operative week with beneficial effects. It can be easily administered by any care giver.
KEY WORDS: Yoga, heart rate variability, autonomic status.
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