The Department of AYUSH at AIIMS Bhopal organized a workshop on the theme "Exploring the Scientific Evidence of Yoga & Meditation Beyond the Mat" to commemorate the 9th International Day of Yoga 2023. Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, inaugurated the session by lighting the lamp, followed by a Saraswati Vandana. The workshop aimed to emphasize the benefits of yoga practices in patients with chronic illnesses.
Distinguished speakers presented their work during the workshop, providing valuable insights into various aspects of yoga and its applications in healthcare. Dr. Hemant Bhargav, Assistant Professor, Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, discussed yoga protocols for mental diseases such as depression and anxiety. He emphasized the importance of self-exploration and internal focus over external distractions.
Dr. Danish Javed, Senior Medical Officer, AYUSH, AIIMS Bhopal shared his clinical experience of using yoga interventions in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. Dr. Trupti Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Govt. Ayurveda College in Bhopal, explained the role of yoga, asanas, pranayama, and shatkriyas in the management of Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Geeta Sharma, Professor, Sant Hirdaram Medical College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences for Women in Bhopal, discussed the impact of yoga on stress and immune response, highlighting its role in lowering various molecular biomarkers. She also highlighted how yoga improves interpersonal relationships. Dr. Padmini Tekur, Associate Professor and Senior Consultant at SVYASA University, Bengaluru, emphasized the importance of yoga in managing back pain.
Dr. Varun Malhotra, Additional Professor at the Department of Physiology, AIIMS Bhopal, elucidated the healing potential of yoga and its role in health promotion and disease management. Dr. Ragini Shrivastava, Additional Professor at the Department of Physiology, AIIMS Bhopal, presented on the management of PCOD through lifestyle modifications, diet, and yoga.
Dr. Mudda Sofia, Medical Officer (Yoga), served as the Organizing Secretary and conducted the program. Dr. Danish Javed, Senior Medical Officer (AYUSH), delivered the vote of thanks at the end of the workshop.
AIIMS Bhopal is also organizing a yoga session at the famous heritage site Shiv Mandir in Bhojpur on 21st June, starting from 6 am, in celebration of the 9th International Day of Yoga. Dignitaries from various fields have been invited to participate in this event.