by Kanupriya, Kalyan, Prashant Verma, Sheetal Gupta, Kiran, Navneet Kaur, Rahul Tyagi and Dr Akshay Anand

To reduce the anxiety and stress among students in the times of COVID-19 Pandemic, Integrative Medicine Case Reports, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh (PGIMER) with support of Indian Yoga Association organized Facebook LIVE thrice a day with Yoga experts. The Continuous Yoga Education (CYE) series was spearheaded under Dr Akshay Anand, Professor, Department of Neurology, PGIMER. We bring you excerpts of the talks delivered by IYA Gurus and Acharyas.

Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra – President
Topic: Role of Yoga in COVID 19
Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra elucidated the importance of a robust immune system to fight Corona pandemic. Immunity is the key. A strong immune system will help in fighting this virus with WBC’s and NK. For the same it is imperative that we relax. Relaxation will combat stress and strengthen immune system. He also informed the viewers about the Integrated Yoga modules created by SVYASA for every level i.e. body, prana, mind, emotional, intellectual and bliss, available online and can be performed at any place by people of all the ages.

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani – Director, SPPPRC
Topic: Nadayoga Technique to Manage Anxiety and Stress
In his online session Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani explained in detail Nadayoga Technique, Geetananda tradition of Ashatanga Yoga. He defined Nadayoga as the Yoga of Vibration, Nada as the capacity of human beings to produce some sounds which enables us to gesture our intent into the universe. Starting with Mukhbhastrika followed by Hakara practice and Hakara Kriya with movement he concluded his session with Nadayoga practices and chanting OM.

Kamlesh D. Patel (Daaji) – Member, Governing Council
Topic:
Daa ji interacted with HCWs in the country especially those from Chandigarh region emphasising the “helplessness” of poor as they bear the burden of lockdown. He carried out a session of heartfulness meditation online prompting all the participants to focus on meditation by increasing awareness of the present situation. The session lasted for over 1 hour.

Dr. R. Nagarathna – Director, SRC
Topic: Theory and Practice of COVID 19 Yoga Protocol
Dr. R Nagarathna Didi gave a short presentation on COVID 19 Yoga protocol of prevention of COVID infection. She proposed mind management to keep it at bay. She proposed a protocol for mind management to calm the mind by synchronizing body and mind starting with breathing practices, loosening practices, Surya namaskara, Asanas, Pranayama, meditation and finally calming down the mind.

Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi – Member, Governing Council
Topic: Efficacy of Yoga in the rehabilitation of COVID 19
Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi discussed that it is wiser to choose Yoga for prevention of COVID-19. He talked about the importance of preparatory practices and Shuddhi Kriyas. He explained in detail about the 5 capsules of Yoga practices including standing, sitting, supine, prone and relaxative postures, which are helpful in respiratory and cardiovascular function. His session was a complete package of Yogic practices, which would be helpful in enhancing immunity.

Dr. Jaideep Arya – Joint Secretary, Executive Council
Topic: Yoga Practices and Pranayama to Strengthen the Immune System
Dr. Jaideep Arya ji started his session with talking about a paper to be published about role of phytochemicals from the Ayurvedic medicinal plants which can help in prevention of COVID-19 infection. He, thereafter, stressed upon the need of integrated holistic approach to fight the current crisis. Explaining the health benefits on Yoga mentioned in classical Yoga text books, he talked about Kapal Bhati, deep breathing and Anulom Vilom pranayama.
He then advised the need of integrated holistic approach to fight the current crisis and also gave the example about some people who recovered from COVID by Yoga practices which are available online. He then explained the health benefits on Yoga which is mentioned in classical Yoga text books.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev – Member, Governing Council
Topic: Health for the Healthcare Workers
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev interacted with the Doctors and Scientists of PGIMER, Chandigarh and guided them to their doubts in the current COVID crisis. He highlighted the fact that the respect the society has for Health care workers is more than never before under current situation and requested all those who are capable, including Govt. organizations and private industries to come forward by providing Healthcare workers with protective equipment’s. He advised the healthcare workers to keep their families protected and everybody to stay in a mentally balanced state especially during these challenging times. He concluded his session with defining Yoga as a union, unity of an individual with the universe.

Dr. Hansa Ji Yogendra – Senior Vice President, Executive Council
Topic: Mental health for healthcare workers
Yoga deals with human psychology, human philosophy and technology, elucidated Dr Hansa ji. She advocated the use of technology along with Yoga for a positive effect on the human mind. She also talked about Tamasik (foods that decrease the energy of the body are considered tamasic), Rajasik (increase the energy of the body are considered rajasic) and Sattvik (food that is pure, natural, energetic, vital and clean) food, and advised to take Sattvik diet. She asked everyone to practice pranayama to enhance immunity.

Shri Subodh Tiwari – Vice President, Executive Council
Topic:
Shri Subodh Tiwari ji described the role of Kaivalyadhama in describing out various courses. In his session, he discussed the importance of pranayam and other breathing techniques, which could be useful in the current crisis. The session was very well received.

Durgadas Sawant – Joint Secretary, IYA Maharashtra State Chapter Committee
Topic: Kriyas
Durgadas Sawant performed Neti Kriyas, Kunjal kriya, Kapal Bhati describing the elementary step of Shatkriyas and their benefits, contra-indication and citation in the ancient texts. He elaborated the importance of shat kriyas as a prelude to yoga asanas. The program was very well received.

Dr Rajvi Mehta – Director, Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (IYA Member Institute)
Topic: BKS Iyengar- His Life and contribution to Yoga
Dr Rajvi Mehta introduced the co-principles of Iyengar Yoga emphasizing the significance of using the props and cushions for the individual who find it difficult to perform regular asanas. The session was useful for older adults. The second session comprised of dynamic yoga asanas performed by her student. The session was meant for adolescents.