SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

1. This review Paper presents some of the results obtained by statistical analysis of clinical investigations on groups of patients treated by the Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy.

2. The number of patients treated aggregates to about 6000 over a period of 5 years in various centers of Vivekananda Kendra encompassing Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu. Maharashtra, Andhra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat. Bihar and West Bengal.

3. The distribution of the patients treated is as follows: Respiratory diseases (4230), Diabetes and Obesity (623), Hypertension and I.H.D. (181), G. I. disorders (140), Anxiety Neurosis and Psychosis (109), Mental Retardation (25), Ophthalmic disorders (395) and other miscellaneous ailments (400).

4. The integrated approach of Yoga Therapy consisting of Kriyas, Sithilikarana vyayama (loosening practices), yogasanas, Breathing and Pranayama, Dhyana and devotional sessions, and lectures/discussions, has been administered to these patients spread over 2 weeks (2 ½ hrs. daily) or 4 weeks (1 ¼ hrs./ day).

5. Extensive clinical investigations have been recorded by specialists in the respective fields (doctors and technicians) before and after the yogic training programs. Often data during the program also are taken.

6. The patients are being followed up regularly and data obtained once a year. So far data for 3 years have been obtained.

7. All these well documented data have been analyzed by group of statisticians and the results have been presented.

8. Data on clinical parameters and results based on statistical analysis are presented for the following ailments : Bronchial asthma, nasal allergy etc, (680) Diabetes Mellitus (82), Hypertension & IHD (32) Anxiety Neurosis (20) For other diseases, subjective results are recorded.

9. Results of the controlled studies using self control (20 cases) and matched control groups are also presented for 35 (short term) and 30 cases (long term) of respiratory ailments.

10.The results have clearly indicated significant levels of improvements in almost all parameters. These results of the objective parameters and the subjective improvements experienced by patients go to show distinct possibilities of using integrated approach of Yoga Therapy in almost all these cases. Further studies and research will pave way in establishing the efficacy of Yoga Therapy in treating these ailments.

Acknowledgement

We place on record our sense of gratitude to the whole team of instructors, research wing personnel and the board of advisers in making this research work possible. Also we appreciate the office bearers, the managing Committee and the General body of Vivekananda Kendra for encouraging, and supporting the entire work.