Concentration practices in yoga, specifically Patanjali's concept of Dharana, can be understood through psychoanalytic object relations theory. This paper argues that Dharana's method of progressively internalizing external objects parallels Melanie Klein's theories of introjection, projection, and the shift from paranoid-schizoid to depressive positions. Yogic concentration thus functions as a psychological technique for reworking early object relations, offering insights for both psychoanalysis and contemplative practice.
A 1.5-month yogic intervention program combined with a sattvic diet significantly improved quality of life and daily living activities in 110 adults aged 45 and older with Alzheimer's disease. Quality of life scores rose from 137.41 to 168.17, and activities of daily living scores increased from 3.07 to 5.34. The authors conclude that yoga and dietary modifications may offer complementary benefits for cognitive function and well-being, while noting the need for larger, longer-term studies to confirm these findings.