A randomized control trial of the effect of yoga on Gunas (personality) and Health in normal healthy volunteers

Abstract

Objective:To study the efficacy of yoga on Guna (yogic personality measure) and general health in normal adults.Methods:Of the 1228 persons who attended introductory lectures, 226 subjects aged 18–71 years, of both sexes, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and who consented to participate in the study were randomly allocated into two groups. The Yoga(Y) group practised an integrated yoga module that included asanas, pranayama, meditation, notional correction and devotional sessions. The control group practised mild to moderate physical exercises (PE). Both groups had supervised practice sessions (by trained experts) for one hour daily, six days a week for eight weeks. Guna (yogic personality) was assessed before and after eight weeks using the self-administered Vedic Personality Inventory (VPI) which assesses Sattva (gentle and controlled), Rajas (violent and uncontrolled) and Tamas (dull and uncontrolled).The general health status (total health), which includes four domains namely somatic symptoms (SS), anxiety and insomnia (AI), social dysfunction (SF) and severe depression (SP), was assessed using a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).Results:Baseline scores for all the domains for both the groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05, independent samples t test). Sattva showed a significant difference within the groups and the effect size was more in the Y than in the PE group. Rajas showed a significant decrease within and between the groups with a higher effect size in the PE group. Tamas showed significant reduction within the PE group only. The GHQ revealed that there was significant decrease in SS, AI, SF and SP in both Y and PE groups (Wilcoxcon Singed Rank t test). SS showed a significant difference between the groups (Mann Whitney U Test).Conclusions:There was an improvement in Sattva in both the Yoga and control groups with a trend of higher effect size in Yoga; Rajas reduced in both but significantly better in PE than in Yoga and Tamas reduced in PE. The general health status improved in both the Yoga and control groups.

Ancient science of yogic life for academic excellence in university students

“…When we reduce Tamas through mastery over the mind, we become dynamic, sensitive, and sharp to move toward Rajas (the shining one) characterized by intense activity, ambitiousness, competitiveness, high sense of self importance, desire for sense gratification, little interest in spiritual elevation, dissatisfaction with one's position, envy of others, and a materialistic cleverness. [7]…”

“…Thus, we can see that although both Rajas and Tamas have both positive and negative qualities, they are the manifestation of a violent state of mind in which a person lacks mastery over upsurges of emotions and impulsive behavior. [7] Most of the qualities of Sattva which are manifestation of a calm state of mind are achievable by different yoga techniques (physical postures, pranayama , and/or meditation) meant for mastery over the mind–body complex. [9] Several earlier studies have independently corroborated these notions.…”

Effect of Yoga on Human Aggression and Violent Behavior - A Review of the Indian Yoga Scriptures and Scientific Studies

“…There were noteworthy improvements in all domains in both groups. However, the number of persons who showed progress in Sattva and decline in Tamas was substantial in yoga group (Deshpande, Nagendra, & Nagarathna, 2009;Deshpande, Nagendra, & Raghuram, 2008a). Thus, evidencing that yoga could be a helpful tool in bringing out positive changes in personality traits, irrespective of the age and gender.…”

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“…There were noteworthy improvements in all domains in both groups. However, the number of persons who showed progress in Sattva and decline in Tamas was substantial in yoga group (Deshpande, Nagendra, & Nagarathna, 2009;Deshpande, Nagendra, & Raghuram, 2008a). Thus, evidencing that yoga could be a helpful tool in bringing out positive changes in personality traits, irrespective of the age and gender.…”