Decoding the integrated approach to yoga therapy: Qualitative evidence based conceptual framework

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to define, decode, and append to the conceptual frame-work of the integrated approach to yoga therapy (IAYT).Materials and Methods:Four stakeholders who followed two in-patients with depression over a period of 2 weeks in the residential center Arogyadhama (of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandana Samsthana, Bangalore, India) were interviewed before the start of the IAYT treatment and prior to discharge of the patient. The patients were also interviewed pre and post and were observed once during their session. The data from the audio recordings from eight in-depth interviews were transcribed manually and qualitative analysis was conducted.Results:The conceptual frame-work of IAYT depicts that patient related factors (“co-operation of patient”, “patients awareness of his/her condition”), therapist related factors (“ability to guide”, “the assistance to the patients”, “explanation of the exercises”) and treatment related factors (“combination of psychiatric or Ayurvedic medication with yoga”, “counseling during the IAYT treatment”, duration of treatment), play an integrated role in reaching the “aim of IAYT” and experiencing “improvements and changes”.Conclusion:The IAYT is a holistic program and the ability of the patient to cooperate with and integrate the available factors (therapist related and treatment related) could enable best results.

Harmonizing Healing: The Vital Role of Integrated Yoga and Wellness Therapy in Cancer Care – A Concise Overview

“…It operates on the principles of balance and harmony across the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual's life. The core philosophy revolves around the idea that genuine well-being surpasses the mere absence of disease; it encompasses vitality, resilience, and inner equilibrium [29].…”

Short-Term Residential Yoga Module Development for Bio-Psycho-Social Health Among Adolescents

“…Activities like lectures, yogic counseling, debates, problem-solving that challenge one's intellect develop the wisdom body (Intellectual Sheath -Vijnanamaya Kosha). All these activities help to go beyond oneself and give an opportunity to identify with the fact that the natural state of oneself is to exist in Bliss (Blissful Sheath -Anandamaya Kosha), which is a state of silence and wakeful awareness [23]. The evolution from one sheath to the next entails prescribed yogic techniques leading to structural framework for linking the emotions, feelings, intellect, energy levels and value systems.…”

“…The evolution from one sheath to the next entails prescribed yogic techniques leading to structural framework for linking the emotions, feelings, intellect, energy levels and value systems. Integrated approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) or Integrated approach to Yoga Module (IAYM) targets all these five levels of existence which is a holistic approach to promote health and wellbeing at Physical, Psychological, Social and Spiritual level [24,25]. The Pancha Kosha model bears many similarities to the BPS model as used in present-day health psychology.…”

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Yoga Philosophy: A Perspective on the Need for Yoga-Based Counselling Program (YBCP) in Common Mental Disorders

“…A literature search using keywords "Yogic counselling," "Yoga-based Counselling," "Yoga AND counselling," and "Yoga Philosophy" in search engines of PubMed and Cochrane Library from all timelines yielded a total of 15 research studies of yoga philosophy applicable to mental health conditions (Table 2). [43][44][45][46][47][48][49] The final list after excluding unpublished work and studies not based on clinical mental health conditions included experimental studies (n = 2), 43,44 observational studies (n = 3), [45][46][47] and conceptual papers (n = 2). 48,49 All of the above studies had a central theme of clinical application of yogic philosophy in psychiatric conditions.…”

“… 42 This conceptual study also highlighted the importance of symptomatic relief and relaxation as a prerequisite to gaining clarity of the mind to recognize the causes of distress. A few of these studies give an insight into the therapeutic relationship and qualities of an effective therapist 47 , 49 and the implementation of a yogic educational program in a group setting. 44 , 46 It is noteworthy that preliminary evidence points towards the usefulness of yogic counseling in reducing CMD symptoms as demonstrated in a double blinded RCT, 43 a case series, 45 and a case-control study 45 patients with depression, anxiety disorder, and psychosomatic and psychoneurotic disorders, respectively ( Table 2 ).…”