Our neuropsychiatry department carried out a retrospective study for overseas meditation practitioners who visited the international headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual institution in 1994-95, to assess the efficacy of Rajayoga meditation to overcome psychoactive substance abuse/dependence. A group of three hundred and eighty foreigners including two hundred and sixteen Europeans, having a maximum of eight kinds of substance abuse/dependence for a duration ranging from two months to forty years were interviewed. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The majority of the meditation practitioners (93%) abstained completely from all the substances within one month period of practice of Rajyoga Meditation, without taking concurrent psychiatric treatment. This emphasizes the use of Rajyoga Meditation as an effective method to overcome substance abuse/dependence. Other research studies conducted by the department of neuropsychiatry are Effects of Rajyoga meditation in treating neurotic illnesses and Changes in Physiological Parameters - EEG, muscle tension, etc. - after Rajyoga practice. |
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In 1997, we launched a research project focused on determining the effect of lifestyle changes - specifically a vegetarian wholesome diet, moderate aerobic exercise and stress control by Rajyoga meditation. The project was co-partnered by the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, and sponsored by the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy. Other collaborating medical institutes were the J J Group of Hospitals & Grant Medical College (Mumbai), U N Mehta Institute of Cardiology (Ahmedabad), G B Pant Hospital (Delhi), V S Hospital (Ahmedabad) and Care Hospital (Hyderabad). We invited patients suffering from coronary artery blockages to Abu for one-week sessions at intervals of six months. Patients were introduced to lifestyle changes, and their blood test and physiological parameters and the extent of reversal of atherosclerosis (blocked arteries) was monitored during their stay. They were encouraged to keep up the meditation practice back home. Over 500 patients volunteered to participate in this research. The data collected over five years was analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment as a permanent cure for cardiac patients. The positive research results have resulted in our keeping up with our coronary artery disease programme. |
In 2006, the Indian Council of Medical Research approved our three-year project proposal to determine the prevalence and distribution of sickle cell anaemia among scheduled tribes (Garasias) of Sirohi district, Rajasthan. This project is being implemented by our consultant paediatrician as principal investigator and consultant gynaecologist and chief of the village outreach programme as co-investigator. The project also aims to study the clinical and haematological profile of sickle cell disease, and where possible, to study the effect of preventive measures like penicillin prophylaxis, hematinics (folate), vaccination and health education. |
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Research Centre
