Bhoot vidya (ayurvedic psychiatry) is one of the specialties of Ayurveda and it deals with various psychiatric conditions caused by affliction of evil spirits or mythological personalities. Unmada (a broad term which consists of various psychiatric problems) is a major psychiatric condition described in Ayurvedic classical texts and it is characterized by deranged mental functions. Bhootonmada is caused by affliction of evil spirits or supernatural powers or extraterrestrial forces. Vetaala grahonmada (VG) is one among the 18 types (deva, asura, rishi, guru, vruddha, siddha, pitru, gandharva, yaksha, rakshasa, sarpa, brahma rakshasa, pishacha, kushmanda, nishada, preta, maukirana, and vetala) of bhutonmada. Till date, there were no studies available on VG, and the present study aims at better understanding along with the clinical applicability of VG. VG is characterized by Satyavaadinam (truthfulness/honesty), Parivepanam (tremors), Dhoopa gandha maalya ratim (fond of perfumes and garlands), and Ati nidraalum (excessive sleepiness). Parkinson's disease (PD) is traditionally regarded as a movement disorder. Behavioral and psychological symptoms or neuropsychiatric syndromes associated with PD are frequent. They include anxiety, depression, psychosis, sleep, sexual and impulse control disorders, apathy, and cognitive dysfunction. The various features of VG have shown similarity with PD comorbid with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and excessive daytime sleepiness. VG also has shown similarity with various other conditions such as “autoimmune neuropsychiatric movement disorders.” VG is having similarity with a comorbid condition of PD with OCD.

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Sukshma sareera is subtle and cannot be seen to our naked eyes. The structure of Pranamya (astral sheath) Manomaya kosha (mental sheath) and Vijnanamaya Kosha (wisdom) constitute Sukshma sareera. It is functional and can be understood as survival and feeling of pleasure and pain, hibernation, running away from danger, anticipating before the occurrence of an accident, bodily resistance against harsh environment, etc. In this theoretical article, we shall be discussing the structure and function of Pranamaya kosha which is a key structure of our Sukshma sareera.

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A 49 year old male participant with sedentary life style, diagnosed with Anxiety disorder (Neurosis) [Trait anxiety] and other anxiety related problems since 2013. He undergone with Integrated approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) for 2 weeks at Holistic Health home-Arogyadhama (known as Prashanti kutiram,Jigani) in Bengaluru between October and November 2016. The results showed that reduction in train anxiety or anxiety symptoms. There was significant reduction of STAI-X11 scores after two week of IAYT intervention. The percentage change of trait anxiety was 75 % after Integrated Yoga Therapy. His anxiety symptoms minimized and blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate came to normal condition at the time of discharge. There was improvement in feeling of wellness and overall functional health. This case report suggests that yogic lifestyle and IAYT intervention is beneficial in the management of Anxiety disorder.

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Context: Fingertips when mechanically stimulated can elicit varied responses in the human body as in Mudras. Each fingertip is considered as a terminal of one of the ten meridian (or energy) channels. Can meridians be quantified? Aims: Electrodermal activity (EDA) of skin is an easy and inexpensive biosignal to acquire and is considered to be a good indicator of psychophysiological state of human health. Although EDA has been studied before, EDA across fingers has never been studied before, and it could be used to prove or disprove the theory of meridian terminals in the fingers. Settings and Design: This study was a randomized, event-based trials. Materials and Methods: A device to measure EDA of ten fingers simultaneously has been developed. Event-based experiments, involving external stimuli given to the participant due to which there may be an onset of skin conductance response (SCR), were conducted on seven voluntary participants. Continuous decomposition analysis is used to decompose data into continuous tonic and phasic activity. Statistical Analysis Used: Several time domain and frequency domain parameters have been extracted from the EDA and compared against different fingers. Results: The number of SCRs and the latency values of SCRs occurring are varying from finger to finger from 1.029 to 3.5 s. Values of SCR amplitudes and average phasic driver and maximum value of phasic activity are also varying which implies different levels of activity in each finger. Conclusions: It was observed that there is a marked difference across fingers in various metrics used to characterize EDA, and it is likely that fingertips indeed represent the terminal of meridian channels.

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Introduction: Traditionally in India, health and happiness have always been linked to inner peace and harmonious relationships. Indian philosophical systems, historical narratives, and folk traditions have consistently emphasized upon holistic wellbeing from a developmental perspective. In line with this thinking, Yoga has always been intended as a holistic, wholesome mind-body practice, focusing not only on physical fitness, but also on enhancement of the quality of mind. Yoga research has generally been skewed towards using measurement tools based on personality measurement theories that are premised largely upon western psychological models. However, there is a need to build a measurement tool completely based on yoga theory, which aims to index mental maturity by considering factors such as a comprehensive enhancement of emotional health, cognitive skills, decision-making skills and value orientation towards life and self. This has been attempted in a sporadic manner using concepts like the Tri-guṇa theory, and some aspects of moral and value education. Objective and Methods: The present project aims to develop a comprehensive personal maturity index based on principles outlined in the Bhagavad-gītā – a model which presents the evolution of mental quality from confusion to clarity. Using inputs from this ancient text, certain critical mental health components are identified, and a schedule has been developed to assess the self-reported level of mental maturity. Outcome: The present paper outlines key concepts that have been culled out from the Bhagavad-gītā. In addition, item writing, face validity and initial psychometric properties of the questionnaire, and the norms for interpretation are also presented.

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The terms yoga and meditation are related with promotion of harmony of body and mind for physical, mental and spiritual wellness of human beings. Similarities or dissimilarities between these terms have been matter of debate many times. This study aims to search integral correlations between yoga and meditation, effect on body and mind disorders, and directions for upcoming researches to enhance healthcare facilities. Literatures reviewed through electronic database such as PubMed, NCBI, Google Scholar, and Web of science. The terms yoga, meditation, relationship, correlation, integral were entertained, and views, concepts, and evidences related with yoga and meditation were studied and analyzed. Finally, I came to conclusion about the meaning, history, changes, achievements, contradictions, and interrelations between the terms yoga and meditation. Yoga and meditation are not the synonym, they differ in definition, practice, concepts of researchers, and their achievements, but an interrelation and similarity between them exist to an extent. Yoga and meditation are integrally correlated, and both together can make the practitioners physically and mentally sound and help open their hearts and allow the energy to flow upward, to the higher chakras and higher consciousness. Meditation is an anon part of yoga, which should ideally be followed after yoga asanas. Meditative techniques take you through energizing the body and intellect. It is recommendable that yoga and meditation should be a part of health-care amenities to enhance the excellence of life by improving their overall mental and physical health status so that it could provide a healthy and permanent blissful life.

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