Abstract
Background: Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. But when it becomes excessive, it becomes a disabling disorder, giving birth to a number of psychosomatic diseases.
Methods: A study was conducted to find out effect of yogic practices on anxiety and related disorders from 10.06. 2007 to 28.07.07 for a period of 7 weeks for a group of 45 patients, who were selected on basis of consistency in their yogic practices out of a total 60 who had voluntarily registered for the camp.
Results: Considering the effects of anxiety at psychosomatic levels, relevant clinical investigations including pulse and B.P. (using pulse-oxymeter), flexibility tests measuring rotation flexion, extension of neck, body composition analysis using biospace machine [WHO & USFDA approved] where done before and after the beginning of camp. A psychological subjective analysis was done using internationally accepted ‘Zung Scale’ of self rating for anxiety and depression.
Conclusion: The results show significant improvement not only in pulse and B. P. but also in mobilizing fat content of body, with an improvement in fat free mass. This probably is the result of improved psychological scores judged by self rating scale. These results were compared to a control group of 35 participants. Yogic methodology targeted at Spiritual –Emotional – Mental – Hypothalamus – Pituitary – Target organ axis seems a non-chemical, physiologic, safe and promising way to deal with increasing problems related to anxiety of modern world today. |
