The doctrine of Shadchakra (six chakras) forms an essential part of yoga, tantra and Ayurvedic philosophy. These chakras are described as subtle centers of energy located along the spinal pathway, each influencing human physiology, psychology and spiritual evolution. The six principal chakras - Mūlādhāra, Svādhisthāna, Maņipūra, Anāhata, Viśuddha and Ājñā are interconnected with specific...
Background/Objectives: The present exploratory study evaluates the feasibility and psychological effects of a structured Qigong intervention implemented in an Italian university setting. Qigong is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice combining gentle movements, breathwork, and mindful attention, aimed at enhancing mind-body integration and interoceptive awareness. Methods: A total of 332...
In today’s wellness landscape, yoga is frequently celebrated as a powerful alternative therapy. However, while modern sessions often rely on biomedical explanations, the true blueprint for these healing practices lies in the ancient traditions of Hatha Yoga. This paper provides a deep dive into the foundational texts of the craft specifically the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, and...
Practices involving altered states of consciousness (ASCs) are receiving increasing scientific and public attention, particularly in domains such as psychedelic assisted therapy and mindfulness-based interventions (Lee et al., 2021; Nichols et al., 2017). There is also an increasing interest in a broader range of practices involving altered states, including breathwork, ice-bath immersions,...
Yoga is a holistic practice that integrating asanas, pranayama, and meditation promoting physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being. Long-term practice of yoga has been associated with various beneficial effects. However, the influence of the duration of yoga practice on cognitive and psychological outcomes remains inadequately understood. This study was aimed to assess the impact of the...
This research-creation study introduces and contextualizes the three-act audio artifact Anamnesis: Pre-Existence, offering an autoethnographic and phenomenological investigation into the threshold between pre-linguistic states of consciousness and the symbolic, name-driven reality of post-natal existence. Grounded in Plato’s doctrine of anamnesis, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Chion’s acousmatic...
The global burden of chronic diseases and mental health disorders has intensified the need for holistic interventions such as yoga. Isha Yoga, a comprehensive system integrating physical postures, breathwork, and meditation, has demonstrated preliminary benefits in stress reduction and physiological regulation. This systematic review evaluates the effects of Isha Yoga practices on mental and...
Yoga, with its deep roots in Indian tradition, transcends physical exercise to encompass a holistic approach to health, self-awareness, and purposeful living. Its integration into leadership development has gained global recognition, with yoga shown to enhance traits such as emotional intelligence, communication, resilience, and ethical decision-making. Leadership theories, from Trait and...
Abstract Across human cultures, rhythmic movement appears to be consistently associated with the induction of altered states of consciousness (ASCs), yet research on the topic remains scarce. In this chapter, we examine the potential role of rhythmic movement in ASC induction and its significance for understanding the evolution of dance and music. We discuss the cross-cultural spread of the...
In the modern fast-paced world, individuals are increasingly exposed to stress, digital overload, and declining mental well-being. Mindfulness has emerged as an effective approach to improve psychological health and overall quality of life. The present study examines the importance of mindfulness in daily life, focusing on its role in stress reduction, emotional regulation, and cognitive...