Effects of Maharishi Yoga Asanas on Mood States, Happiness and Experiences during Meditation (original) (raw)
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2016
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. This article presents information on standardized paper-and-pencil measures of spiritual and transpersonal constructs that hold promise for use in yoga research. Nine instruments are discussed at length including the Assessment Schedule for Altered States of Consciousness, Ego
Frontiers in Psychology, 2020
Verbal instructions provided during yoga classes can differ substantially. Yoga instructors might choose to focus on the physical aspects of yoga (e.g., by emphasizing the characteristics of the poses), or they might take a more spiritual approach (e.g., by mentioning energy flow and chakras). The present study investigated the effects of verbal cues during yoga practice on various psychological measures. Eightyfour female students (22.0 ± 3.80 years) participated in the study. Two groups attended a beginner level hatha yoga course in which physically identical exercise was accompanied by different verbal cues. The so-called "Sport group" (N = 27) received instructions referring primarily to the physical aspects of yoga practice, while the "Spiritual group" (N = 23) was additionally provided with philosophical and spiritual information. A control group (N = 34) did not receive any intervention. Mindfulness, body awareness, spirituality, and affect were assessed 1 week before and after the training. 2 × 3 mixed (time × intervention) ANOVAs did not show an interaction effect for any of the variables. However, when the two yoga groups were merged and compared to the control group, we found that spirituality increased, and negative affect decreased among yoga participants. In conclusion, yoga practice might influence psychological functioning through its physical components, independent of the style of verbal instructions provided.
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Yoga for Psychological Health and Well-being
2015
Although widely popular, Yoga has remained underutilized as a therapy for treatment of multiple psychological problems, promoting positive health and well-being. Yoga is as effective as other therapies and sometimes much better than traditional psychological therapies in view of their cost effectiveness, holistic effect, acceptance and popularity among the public, and cultural and contextual sensitivity. Against this backdrop, this paper reviews therapeutic effectiveness of yogic practices on mental health and well-being. It also documents key possibilities and potentials of implementing Yoga as a therapy at educational institutions, hospitals, and family settings. Keyword:Yoga, mental health, posture, breathe regulation, sounds, meditation a. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, MG International Hindi University, Wardha, Maharashtra442001, India. E-mail: jyotiarun13@gmail.com b. Vice-Chancelor, MG International Hindi University, W...
Exploring Inner well-being and Peace in the Realm of the Methods of Yoga Philosophy
International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 2024
This paper explores the profound teachings of the Yoga Sutras and their application in modern psychological and therapeutic contexts. Yoga, as defined by Patanjali, aims to tranquil the fluctuations of the mind and achieve spiritual liberation through the integration of conscious and unconscious processes. The critique of Western dualism (more specifically Cartesian' dualism) in favor of a unified perspective with Samkhya philosophy is discussed, emphasizing the role of the intellect, karma, and self-awareness in achieving mental calm and freedom from suffering. Modern challenges such as social media's impact on identity and the rise of mental as well as psychological disorders are examined through the lens of the methods of Yoga Philosophy, highlighting the efficacy of mindfulness and yoga therapies in promoting self-regulation, inner well-being, and peace.
Well-being and happiness: the healing power of yoga
This article delves into the intricate relationship between well-being and happiness, highlighting the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Drawing insights from the Dalai Lama, Aristotle, and William James, it explores the profound connections between happiness and various life dimensions, such as longevity, immunity, productivity, and social engagement. Definitions of happiness, mental balance, and health are examined through the lenses of Webster's Dictionary, Seligman, and Ayurveda. The article underscores the impact of modern lifestyles, technology, and psychosomatic diseases on mental well-being while introducing the notion that health, harmony, and bliss are inherent to human nature but often disrupted by external factors. The narrative then transitions to the role of yoga in fostering health and happiness, presenting it as a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. The Chitta Prasadanam practice is introduced, emphasizing the cultivation of positive attitudes towards diverse individuals to attain mental clarity and happiness. Expanding on the eight limbs of yoga by Maharshi Patanjali, the chapter illustrates how ethical disciplines, body postures, breathing exercises, and meditation contribute to holistic health. Emphasizing the relevance of yoga principles in modern life, the article advocates for disease prevention, mental harmony, and sustainability. In conclusion, the article reinforces the idea that health and happiness are interconnected and attainable through the adoption of yoga principles. It encourages individuals to prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of purpose and balance for lasting health and happiness in life.
Effect of Short-Term Yoga Practices on Psychological General Well Being in Medical Students
Journal of Evolution of medical and Dental Sciences, 2013
Yoga is assuming importance in improving mental health and quality of life and in the treatment of a number of psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders. Medical students are foundation of the medical profession; hence they must be aware of the alternative and adjunct therapy for the betterment of their patients. One of the most beneficial alternative therapies is Yoga therapy. Medical students must know how yoga is useful for their patients. Keeping this objective in mind, the present study was conducted on medical students to make them aware what yoga is and to encourage them to incorporate yoga in their life and to use it for the benefits of their patients as an adjunct to the medicinal treatment. The study was conducted on healthy medical students (21 males and 15 females) of age group 17-21 years in the department of physiology, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, and Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital, Indore. After obtaining an informed consent; and satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the psychological well being of the subjects was assessed by "Psychological General Well Being Schedule Score (Sajatovic 2003)" on the first day before the subjects started yoga practices. The students performed the yoga practices in the morning for one hour, six days in a week, for four weeks under expert's observation. The yoga practices consisted of Prayer, Omkar recitation, asana, and Pranayama. Psychological well being was assessed using the same schedule score on the last day of yoga programme. Data thus collected were compiled, tabulated and analyzed by using students' 't' test. There was highly significant improvement in psychological well being of the students as denoted by p value of <.0.001. Conclusion: There is a marked improvement in the psychological well being scores of the students after performing short-term yoga practices. By extending these results we suggest that short-term yoga practices can therefore make an appreciable contribution to primary prevention as well as management of various psychological and life style diseases.
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET), 2022
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in psychological well being of Yoga/Meditation practitioners and non-practitioners as well as in men and women practitioners and non-practitioners. Secondarily, the effect of yoga and meditation has been discussed. Method: 200 participants of age group from 25 to 50 (Male=100 and Female=100) were assessed through Ryff Psychological well-being scale. 100 participants were practitioner (Male=50 Female=50) while other 100 participants were non-practitioners (Male=50 Female=50) All the participants were given 18 items scale to solve. Results: 200 participants completed the questionnaire. The average score increases in and non-practitioners to practitioners were 10.4%. With the statistical analysis of t-test the null hypothesis got rejected indicating there is a significant difference in the psychological well-being of practitioners and non-practitioners of Yoga/Meditation. Conclusion:Yoga/Meditation may be beneficial for betterment of psychological well-being of a person.