Effect of mindfulness meditation protocol in subjects with various psychometric characteristics at high altitude

Abstract

Introduction Incidence of high altitude‐related sickness is increasing due to more number of people visiting the areas of high altitude which may result in life‐threatening conditions including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and High‐altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH). We hypothesized that an advanced yoga regimen may be beneficial in dealing with the physiology of acclimatization. Methods Anthropometric, Biochemical, and Psychological assessments were carried out in 48 participants before and after the advance meditation program (AMP) in the experimental group. Individuals with an age range of 20–65 years with no comorbidities were included in the study. Participants were exposed to AMP for 4 days. All assessments were carried out at the baseline and after the course. Prakriti was constituted for all participants using a standard questionnaire. The study was carried out after obtaining the written informed consent as per the guidelines outlined by the Institute Ethics Committee. Results Po2 and glucose levels were found significantly reduced along with changes in the Happiness index, anxiety, and mental well‐being. However, participants with lowered Po2, after 4 days of mindfulness intervention, showed a positive outcome measured by the established scales of anxiety, happiness, and information processing. Psychometric or Prakriti wise analysis revealed that subject with “Pitta” constitution exposed to high altitude and advance meditation showed changes in more parameters than “Vatta” or “Kapha” Constitution. Conclusions Advance meditation in the high altitude zone confers biochemical and neuro‐cognitive benefits. Molecular studies may require to understand the role of hypoxic condition in improving the disease state.

Integrative Approach to COVID-19: An Indian Facebook Recipe for Mental Health

“…Presentations from Dr Mitali Mukherjee from the Institute of Genomics and Biotechnology, New Delhi, added a new dimension by integrating the Ayurvedic principles as means to cope up with the COVID situation. 54 , 55 This was further complemented by her colleague Dr Bhavana, who explained the role of Ayurveda in the management of fever in novel SARS-CoV-2 infection. 56 The genetic dimension to the practice of integrative health care was provided by Dr K. Thangaraj, a Chief Scientist at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, who gave a compelling presentation on the contemporary science correlates of Ayurveda Prakriti explaining the importance of Ayurvedic method of treatment in terminologies of traditional medicine and its scientific practices 57 prescribing the value of Integrative medicine.…”

“…Our studies show that yoga and meditation can be an effective intervention to achieve positive mental health among individuals with co-morbidities and/or lifestyle disorders. 23 , 24 The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), Government of India, has also been propagating the use of validated yoga and meditation protocols in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) individuals with the goal of COVID risk reduction. 25 , 26 In addition, we have also shown improvement in the happiness index and psychosocial health using advanced meditation techniques.…”

“… 25 , 26 In addition, we have also shown improvement in the happiness index and psychosocial health using advanced meditation techniques. 23 Faced with the closure of gymnasiums and sports centers, the daily online yoga and mindfulness sessions were conceptualized by us in order to provide free online access to “Facebook live” yoga and meditation virtual retreats that were meant to cater to the mental health of health care providers and public. The experts invited for this purpose included guest speakers from yoga schools, research organizations, and medical institutes for knowledge and practice of the general public as well as the HCWs.…”

A perspective on yoga as a preventive strategy for coronavirus disease 2019

“…A recent study has reported beneficial effect of meditation on adaptation to the hypoxic high altitude conditions that requires synergistic functioning of respiratory, cardiac, and hematological system. [ 83 ] The authors reported increase in the partial pressure of oxygen, (PO2) a marker of bio-availability of oxygen at the cellular levels. [ 83 ]…”

“…[ 83 ] The authors reported increase in the partial pressure of oxygen, (PO2) a marker of bio-availability of oxygen at the cellular levels. [ 83 ]…”