The Gheranda Samhita is a classical Sanskrit text on Hatha Yoga, renowned for its systematic and practical approach to yogic discipline. Unlike other traditional texts that focus primarily on philosophy, it outlines a unique sevenfold path, emphasizing Shodhana (Purification), Asana (Postures), breath control Pranayama (Breath control), Mudra (Energy control), Pratyahara (Sense withdrawal),...
ABSTRACT In this study, I investigate the transformative potential of online spiritual retreats by analyzing participant experiences from a 7-day virtual program integrating continuous self-inquiry, meditation, and breathwork. Fifty-six participants completed a post-retreat integration and feedback form designed to elicit reflective insights into their contemplative experiences. Using grounded...
Communications medicineMay 16, 2025Amanda M Y Chu, Jenny T Y Tsang, Sophia S C Chan et al.5 citations
Long COVID, the persistent illness following COVID-19 infection, has emerged as a major public health concern since the outbreak of the pandemic. Effective disease surveillance is crucial for policymaking and resource allocation. We investigated the potential of utilizing Google Trends data to enhance long COVID symptoms surveillance. Though Google Trends provides freely available search...
Pain is a complex experience involving perception, emotion, and cognition. Traditional therapies frequently overlook the interrelated mind-body processes necessary for efficient pain control. With an emphasis on neuroplasticity, stress response, autonomic control, and pain perception, this descriptive study explores the integrative effects of yoga on pain mechanisms and the mind-body link. This...
While current arousal level assessments in patients with disorders of consciousness discriminate altered states of consciousness, there are significant limitations in characterizing the transition from one state to another or quantifying the frequent arousal level fluctuations observed in a patient. Here, we identified a repeated, temporally discrete, dynamical pattern evident in the recovery...
Contemporary wellness seekers utilize the various practices of yoga to promote well-being. As a mind-body intervention, yogic approaches to physical postures, breathing practices, and meditation have enriched the quality of secular and sacred living. However, apart from these practices in ancient India, its theological orientation has introduced a transcendental experience of Shabdha Brahman...
SleepMay 1, 2025Serge Onyper, Joseph Mocerine, G. Cote et al.
Breathwork techniques such as box breathing and paced breathing have been gaining popularity in clinical mental health settings as means to manage stress and enhance well-being. This study explored the impact of a novel controlled breathwork method, cyclic breathing, on sleep in college students. Cyclic breathing involves a double inhale (the first inhale being longer than the second) followed...
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness at specific points in the body, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Current management for FMS focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to symptom management. Among the complementary and alternative therapies used for symptom management, yoga holds a significant position. Yoga,...
Consciousness develops gradually in the womb and after birth, rather than being an all or none phenomenon. A newborn infant is aroused and wakes up at birth, due to the enormous sensory stimulation and stress that it undergoes during the transition from an aquatic environment to air. Its first breaths activate the locus coeruleus, as indicated by the large pupils of the newborn. The infant...
To investigate the effects of a one-month yoga protocol on perceived stress, lipid profile, and body mass index (BMI) in wives of Border Security Force personnel in India. Pre-post-interventional study with 200 female participants. Participants followed a 60-min daily yoga routine for one month, including asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Measurements were taken before and after the...