Hemant Bhargav

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Verified

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• MD, PhD
• Professor (Associate) at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences

Yoga was developed primarily as a tool for selfmastery and spiritual progress. However, over the past few decades, the therapeutic applications of yoga in mental healthcare have been explored with promising results. This article aims to inform psychiatrists about the clinical usefulness of yoga for mental disorders. We discuss the rationale and lat...

Traditionally, yoga has been used as a means for spiritual growth but over the past two decades or so its therapeutic benefits in psychiatric disorders have been scientifically explored. Yoga has been shown to be useful as a mono-therapy in mild to moderate depression and as an adjuvant in several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, anxi...

Assessment of individual constitution (prakriti) has been an important basic construct of the Ayurveda system of medicine. The AyuSoft prakriti diagnostic tool has been extensively used in Ayurveda research. However, we could not find any literature regarding reliability of a prakriti diagnostic tool in patients with psychiatric conditions. One hun...

Chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy are highly toxic and both damage adjacent healthy cells. Side effects may be acute (occurring within few weeks after therapy), intermediate or late (occurring months or years after the therapy). Some important side effects of chemotherapy are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, alopecia, constipation etc; whe...

Many aspects of spiritual experience are similar in form and content to symptoms of psychosis. Both spiritually advanced people and patients suffering from psychopathology experience alterations in their sense of 'self.' Psychotic experiences originate from derangement of the personality, whereas spiritual experiences involve systematic thinning ou...

Negative symptoms are a significant contributor to the psychopathology of schizophrenia, primarily affecting socio-occupational functioning. Though effective in managing positive symptoms, most pharmacological agents have limited effects on the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, especially the primary negative symptoms. We discuss five cases (4 ma...

India's demographic dividend offers a critical opportunity to drive sustained economic growth over the next three decades, driven by increasing its share in global trade. Up until 1700, India had a thriving industrial manufacturing economy, producing about 25 % of the world's industrial output, making it the most important manufacturing centre in i...

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga interventions on preventing and alleviating mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, and other related factors among nursing professionals and students. The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024512366). A comprehensive...

Background and Objectives Hirayama disease (HD) is a cervical flexion-induced compressive myelopathy. Typically, there is forward displacement and loss of attachment of dural sac to lamina at the cervical level during neck flexion. However, the extent of the dural detachment (DD) has not been studied carefully. We undertook this study to know the e...

Meditation is a mind-body practice with many methods and variations. Initially practiced for self-realization, meditation has recently been recognized for its health benefits, with modern research exploring its medical applications. Mindfulness and transcendental meditation are the two major meditation types that are widely researched. Globally, th...

Eastern spiritual traditions offer insights into the mind-body approaches to enhance health and well-being. These insights focus on self-awareness (the path of knowledge) intrinsically motivated and selfless action (karma yoga) and on faith and compassion (Bhakti yoga). Yogic meditative practices (Dhyana yoga), developed by ancient Hindu and other...

Background Patients diagnosed with somatoform pain disorders (SPDs) experience chronic pain without any obvious etiology and repeatedly seek medical help to find some relief from the symptoms. Aim In this study, the effect of 24 weeks of add-on yoga therapy was assessed on pain in patients diagnosed with SPDs through an open-label trial. Material...

Background The proposed research aims to test the effects of a two-month yoga-breath linked intervention to stop smoking (Y-BLISS) as an add-on to standard treatment in tobacco use disorder (TUD; in the form of cigarette smoking) by conducting a randomized controlled study with the following primary outcome variable: number of cigarettes smoked per...

Background It is well-known that negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia are challenging to treat with conventional psychotropics. Hence, various mind–body interventions like yoga have been brought into the modern scientific realm to investigate for possible benefits. Although several studies have been done using yoga as an intervention fo...

The objective of this study was to validate and test the efficacy of a 16-week tele-yoga intervention for perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia in individuals who had had COVID-19 infection in the previous year, and had reported moderately high levels of psychological stress (PSS ≥14). 25 and 50-min versions of the program were develo...

Background Depression during pregnancy is associated with pre-term labor, low birthweight, post-partum depression and adverse child outcomes. There are concerns about the safety of anti-depressant medications during pregnancy. Many pregnant women with antenatal depression are neither aware about their depression nor do they have access to non-pharm...

The tripartite classification of mental faculties into cognition, affect, and conation (motivation and action) continues to be the edifice on which the mind and the methods to address mental afflictions are studied. Eastern spiritual traditions offer insights into mental health as it pertains to each of these domains. Following up on our previous p...

Background Those interested in practicing yoga often lack clarity on what would be the best time to practice yoga. This paper intends to review the ancient, scientific and contemporary literature to understand this. Ancient texts on yoga mention that the best time to practice yoga is early morning hours. Lack of information and standardization rega...

The global prevalence of neurological disorders is high, causing significant disability and death. Healthcare costs associated with these disorders place a financial burden on patients and the healthcare sector. As a result, patients often turn to mind-body practices such as Yoga to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Yoga is conside...

Background Suryanamaskar (SN) is a popular yogic practice due to its health benefits and fitness promises. This study aims to assess the acute effects of different paces of SN on cardiorespiratory responses and heart rate variability (HRV). Methods In this self-as-control comparative study, seventeen male yoga practitioners performed three rounds...

Background Depression during pregnancy is associated with pre-term labor, low birthweight, post-partum depression and adverse child outcomes. There are concerns about the safety of anti-depressant medications during pregnancy. Many pregnant women with antenatal depression are neither aware about their depression nor do they have access to non-pharm...

Purpose Untreated stress, anxiety, and depression during the perinatal period can lead to adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Yoga, the practice of body–mind–spirit techniques has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Aims The aim of the study was to examine the feasibility and limited efficacy of the 4-week practice of pregnancy...

Background Multimodal approach of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for managing the excessive use of technology. Yoga, a holistic mind–body therapy, has been observed to be a useful adjuvant in managing substance use disorders. Yoga is also known to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. The aim of this study was to examine wheth...

Background Yoga can be used as a complementary intervention to conventional treatments, whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological. Sustained practice of yoga can generate a series of benefits for individuals' quality of life and improve their physical fitness. Objective To investigate the potential effects of yoga as an adjunct intervention i...

Purpose The present study aimed to assess the effect of practicing yoga on the functioning of sacculo-collic and utriculo-ocular pathways using cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP and oVEMP). Methods A total of 10 healthy young adults aged 20–25 years participated in the study. Audiological evaluation including pure-ton...

Background and objectives: Globally, the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Depression (PTSD) is 6.1 %. Different therapeutic approaches are adopted for PTSD amongst which Yoga has the potential to manage symptoms of PTSD. However, a set module for PTSD is not available. The present study aims at developing, validating, and testing the feasibility...

Background Yoga therapy (YT) as an adjunct treatment has reportedly been demonstrated to offer clinical benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD). Although a few biological pathways are suggested to mediate the effects of yoga, the precise mechanistic basis remains unknown. Oxidative stress pathway activation has consistently been linked to the p...

Humans have asked themselves the question “who am I” from ancient times. Vedic, upanishadic and buddhist philosophers have pointed out over millennia the illusive nature of the individual self, and posit either a no-self, or a universal Self. Vedantic scholars also posit the illusory nature of the universe (Maya) and suggest that the only reality i...

While there is a renewed interest in the use of infrared imaging in the medical field owing to improvements in image acquisition and processing technologies, its utility in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus on a large scale has not been adequately evaluated in previous studies. This was a multicenter, double-blind case–control trial across three c...

Apart from the characteristic body exercises performed in yoga (that places greater emphasis on static strength, maintenance of the posture and flexibility) which is in contrast to slow and stable body movements performed in other mind-body therapies such as Tai chi and Baduanjing, and Yijingjin, the effects of yoga may also be contributed by the f...

Abstract Background The proposed research aims to test the effects and mechanisms of a six-month yoga-based intervention as an add-on to standard treatment in opioid use disorder (OUD) by conducting a randomized controlled study with the following primary outcome variables: 1) clinical: abstinence (opioid negative urine test), and reductions in pai...

Abstract Context: Healthy lifestyle practices among young adults are vital in preventing the deterioration of quality of life and mental health disorders. Tele-yoga can be a tool to reduce stress and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors but there are barriers to its wide-scale applications. Aim: This study aims to identify barriers to implementing...

Context: Nada Yoga is a branch of yoga philosophy that means "union through sound." The practice involves the resonance of energy centers in the body through specific sound frequencies. These subtle effects of yogic sound resonance on the subtle energy systems of the body have not been assessed before. Objective: To investigate the immediate effec...

Background and objectives Globally, the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Depression (PTSD) is 6.1%. Different therapeutic approaches are adopted for PTSD amongst which Yoga has the potential to manage symptoms of PTSD. However, a set module for PTSD is not available. The present study aims at developing, validating, and testing the feasibility of...

Background The military environment is characterized by unpredictable situations, intensive training, demanding workload, and job-associated stressors, which make it highly stressful. Mentorship and mental well-being training could be beneficial to both officers and the new adolescent recruits of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Aim This study aimed at...

This manual is developed for health care professionals working in the health emergency situations such as COVID-19. However, the stress management methods given in the module may be applied across other stressful situations in healthcare settings. The module is written in simple language and the methods/techniques given are useful in managing stres...

Internet addiction is a behavioral problem that is managed by pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. The nonpharmacological methods focus on enhancing skills for healthy use of technology and promoting mindfulness and mental relaxation. Yoga therapy is an effectivetool to reduce psychological stress and promote self‑regulation and mindfuln...

Background: Despite advancements in the treatment of psychosis, many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms and relapses during antipsychotic treatment, particularly when they fail to adhere to prescribed medications. Ayurveda explains psychotic disorders as "Unmada" and describes various treatment protocols. Although these therapies...

Introduction Women are vulnerable during pregnancy as they experience multiple physical and psychological problems which can lead to stress and poor quality of life ultimately affecting the development of the fetus and their health during and after pregnancy. Prior evidence suggests that prenatal yoga can improve maternal health and well-being and...

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a debilitating condition characterized by involuntary movements, often resulting from long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Conventional treatment options for TD are limited, expensive, and show mixed effectiveness. This case report presents successful integrative treatment of TD in a patient with mood disorder usin...

Yoga philosophy includes the theory of Tri-guna (three mental traits): sattva (signifies a tendency to ‘goodness’), rajas (tendency towards ‘activity’), and tamas (tendency towards “inertia”). This cross-sectional study aimed to understand the differences in the expression of gunas in patients suffering from major psychiatric disorders (n = 113, 40...

In the past decades, more than fifty different yoga styles have been implemented in the therapeutic context to manage various diseases. Yet, not all of these yoga styles have been validated or standardized as a program. The aim of this article is to review the different methodologies used for yoga module development and to assess their quality. Thr...

In the past decades, more than fifty different yoga styles have been implemented in the therapeutic context to manage various diseases. Yet, not all of these yoga styles have been validated or standardized as a program. The aim of this article is to review the different methodologies used for yoga module development and to assess their quality. Thr...

Introduction: Trigunas are three basic mental attributes of a personality according to Indian Vedic literature that explains the relationship between mental attributes and human behavior. The three attributes are Tamas (tendency toward lethargy and rigidity), Rajas (tendency toward ambition and activity) and Sattva (tendency toward selfless servic...

This manual has been created as a guide to help counsellors address calls and deal with challenges on a day-to-day basis in the Tele MANAS Cells. This manual is to be used along with the “Course Content for Tele MANAS Counsellors” Manual which is the main manual for training delivery and covers the basic topics that Tele MANAS Counsellors need to b...

A manual to equip Counsellors of Tele MANAS in tele counselling services

The Facilitator Manual is intended to guide, and support facilitators/trainers to conduct training forTele MANAS counsellors. The manual empowers the facilitator to train and imbibe the counsellor with the required skills to identify mental health distress situations and intervene as per the guidelines provided.

Background: There is growing evidence and increasing interest for systemic integration of medicine (synergistic and evidence‑based combination of different systems along with conventional biomedicine). The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), an Institute of National Importance and a tertiary mental and neurological heal...

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a large heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias. Despite availability of various conventional treatments, reducing disability and improving the quality of life is a challenge in this condition. In the present case report, based on the clinical symptoms and site of pathology, an Ayurveda-b...

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks. The economic and societal burden of migraine is substantial, affecting patients' quality of life in terms of work, social activities, and family life. This article attempts to review the available literature for clinical evidence of Ayurveda in the management of migraines....

Reports suggest that those suffering from obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other chronic NCDs such as cancer are at increased risk for COVID‑19 infection and related complications. We performed a cross‑sectional study that aimed at understanding the feasibility, adaptability, and acceptability of tele‑yoga intervention in patie...

We have successfully integrated yoga as an adjunct therapy for patients with SUD in a tertiary mental healthcare hospital in South India for the last 10 years. Though recent reviews suggest the utility of add-on yoga therapy in substance use disorders, adherence has been a significant challenge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted our clinical...

With the advent and acceptance of biological medicine, now called as modern biomedicine (or allopathy), the older regional medical systems were categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Recently, the term CAM has been replaced with ''integrative medicine.'' This viewpoint manuscript focuses on the essential connotation of such te...

Context: Gas discharge visualization (GDV) works on the principle of the Kirlian effect. It's a noninvasive, quick, and safe biometric tool to investigate the psychophysiological state of an individual, with the potential to identify deviations from the healthy functioning of humans at early stages. Objective: The study intended to systematicall...

Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is a heterogenous group of immune-mediated conditions affecting peripheral nerves. About 40% of patients treated with standard dosage of plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulins do not improve in the first 4 weeks following treatment. Add-on treatment from traditional medical approaches such as Yoga therapy and A...

Background: Mental health of women is adversely affected during pregnancy. Stress and depression during pregnancy negatively impact birthweight and neuro-cognitive development of the fetus. The current crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic further adds to the stressful situation. Yoga practiced during pregnancy has beneficial effects on improving str...

Background: Mental health of women is adversely affected during pregnancy. A huge proportion of pregnant women suffer from stress and depression which negatively impacts birthweight and neuro-cognitive development of the fetus. The current crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic further adds to the stressful situation. Yoga practiced during pregnancy h...

Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is a heterogenous group of immune-mediated conditions affecting peripheral nerves. About 40% of patients treated with standard dosage of plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulins do not improve in the first 4 weeks following treatment. Add-on treatment from traditional medical approaches such as Yoga therapy and A...

This chapter is divided into four subsections: the first section of the chapter provides an update on current evidence for yoga therapy in common mental health disorders, the second section provides brief overview on neurophysiological abnormalities in psychiatric disorders and their relationship with psychological stress, the third section deals w...

Common mental health co-morbidities such as stress, depression, and anxiety are explained along with their deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. Numerous scientific studies on yoga in mental health co-morbidities and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are discussed in this chapter. The chapter also describes possible mechanisms of yoga in i...

The experience of stroke can significantly impact the physical health, psychosocial wellbeing of an individual. These consequences make the patients vulnerable to develop mental illnesses, ranging from dysthymia to as serious as severe depression with suicidal tendencies. There is a need for holistic therapies such as yoga-based lifestyle, which ai...

Background: Yoga has been extensively used as an alternative or complementary therapy in psychiatric disorders depending on the type and severity of the disorders. However, data related to perspective on yoga services and the benefits and adverse effects attributed to yoga by patients with major psychiatric disorders is lacking. Aim: The aim of...

Background: Mental health‑care students experience stress and burnout during their training period. Yoga has been found to be helpful in improving one’s mental health and well‑being. Aim: The aim of this study is to develop and test the feasibility of a brief yoga module for postgraduate mental health‑care students. Methods: A mixed method design...

Background: Yoga practices have been found to be useful in chronic pain conditions but studies focussing specifically on somatoform pain disorders (SPDs) are limited. Aims: Current study aims to develop and test the feasibility of a yoga program for patients with SPDs. Materials and Methodology: A thorough search of traditional and contemporary li...

Background: Yoga has been extensively used as an alternative or complementary therapy in psychiatric disorders depending on the type and severity of the disorders. However, data related to perspective on yoga services and the benefits and adverse effects attributed to yoga by patients with major psychiatric disorders is lacking. Aim: The aim of the...

Purpose of Review We highlight the evolution and use of telemedicine in child and adolescent healthcare in India, in pre and post pandemic eras. Recent Findings The latest research endorses telemedicine as a successful strategy in resource-limited settings to provide accessible and equitable healthcare. Summary Telemedicine was initiated in India...

Mindfulness‑based interventions have been found to be efficacious among cases with substance addiction. Its role in Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has not been extensively studied. Prisma model approach was used to search for relevant articles from January 2009 to March 2021, to synthesize the role of empirical findings with mindfulness‑based inter...

Opioid dependence syndrome (ODS) is a chronic relapsing remitting condition associated with significant impairment and mortality risk. Opioid substitution therapy is used worldwide, but long-term retention rates are low and there is risk of misuse and diversion. Yoga practice can improve quality of life, reduce chronic pain, and enhance endogenous...

Yoga-based interventions offer significant promise in healthcare. However, meta-analyses of various yoga trials suggest that comparisons of trials are either not possible or difficult due to heterogeneity in therapeutic yoga interventions. Also, in view of emerging evidence for the role of therapeutic yoga, it is important to identify the specifici...

Context: Opioid use disorder (OUD) involves excessive use of opioids-such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone-leading to major health, social, and economic consequences. Yoga lifestyle interventions have been found to be useful as adjunct therapies in management of substance use disorders and chronic pain conditions....

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an immense challenge to health care systems around the globe in terms of limited health care facilities and proven medical therapeutics to address the symptoms of the infection. The current health care strategies have primarily focused on either the pathogen on the environmental factors. However, efforts towards stre...

Introduction: Ayurveda and Siddha are two important components of the traditional Indian medicine (TIM). The regulatory mechanisms have been insufficient, and heavy metal toxicity with TIM preparations continues to be a public health nuisance, putting integrated medicine practice in jeopardy. The current study was undertaken to review the potential...

Yogic practices aim at aligning an individuals' bio-rhythm with that of nature, thereby improving overall health. Yoga based lifestyle appears to be a suitable strategy for enhancing wellness in these unusual times where there is reduced physical activity and increased emotional distress. Further, regular practice of yoga has been shown to regulate...

This book, The Science and Art of Yoga in Mental and Neurological Healthcare, attempts to bring the reader abreast of these developments and presents a comprehensive as well as practical approach to the use of Yoga as a therapeutic approach in psychiatric and neurological disorders. A useful guide for physicians, especially psychiatrists and neuro...

Background The prevalence of hypothyroidism among Indian women is 15.8%. Depression is frequently reported in hypothyroidism. Yoga is an effective intervention for depression. However, the influence of yoga on depression in patients with hypothyroidism has not been studied. Aim The present study investigated the effect of a 3-month integrated yoga...

Kundalini concept comes from ancient yogic philosophy in which it is believed that certain spiritual practices will cause Kundalini awakening. The phenomenon of Kundalini awakening can sometimes mimic mental illness and results in difficulty for mental health practitioners to distinguish between them. While there are ample literatures suggesting th...

This case study highlights the potential clinical role of yoga in childhood social anxiety disorders without the use of pharmacotherapy. There was a clinically meaningful sustained improvement with yoga stand alone treatment during six months follow up in a case with a relatively longstanding nature of symptoms and significant dysfunction.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, manifests as impairment in social communication an interaction with restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Yoga therapy, a mind-body intervention, employs a multi-dimensional approach to reduce psychological distress and bring balance and harmony at the levels of body, breath...

This chapter is divided into four subsections: the first section of the chapter provides an update on current evidence for yoga therapy in common mental health disorders, the second section provides brief overview on neurophysiological abnormalities in psychiatric disorders and their relationship with psychological stress, the third section deals w...

This case study highlights the potential clinical role of yoga in childhood social anxiety disorders without the use of pharmacotherapy. There was a clinically meaningful sustained improvement with yoga stand alone treatment during six months follow up in a case with a relatively longstanding nature of symptoms and significant dysfunction.

Background: Infertility among women has been associated with significant psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. yoga therapy has been found to be useful in the management of anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Aim: To review studies on the effectiveness of yoga in reducing psychological distress and improving clinical outco...