Scientific


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Kaivalyadhama’s quest of propagating yoga for the humanity dates back to 1924 onwards when first ever laboratory for scientific research in yoga was established by its founder director Swami Kuvalayananda. The research work done so far has attracted worldwide acclaim and rave appreciation form the personalities of the caliber of Pandit Motilal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Lieut. Col. K. G. Gharpurey (Ex. Surgen General, Govt. of Bombay), Dr. W. Burridge (Prof. of Physiology, Lucknow University), Dr. Wenger (California University), Dr. Bagchi (Michigan University) and Dr. Ctibor Dostalek (Prof., Charles University, CZ) and many other eminent personalities.

From the beginning until recent times several Committees consisting of eminent scientists were appointed by the Govt. of India to comment on the research works going on in this department. All have appreciated its excellent research endeavors. One of such Committee headed by Dr. Basunarayana, the Dean of Patna Medical College and Vice-Chancellor of Patna University records:

“The centre should be developed into training centre where students from different parts of India, who possess scientific and/or medical background could be trained….. so as to form a nucleus of Research workers in the field”.

Yoga is now universally recognized as a scientific discipline by modern scientists. Apart from its predominant spiritual values, its contributions towards value education, maintenance of health and for the treatment of stress related, psychosomatic and other chronic disorders are being acknowledged.

In view of numerous scientific studies, Yoga has ceased to be mysterious or mystifying. Its ample scientific basis does not permit any scope for the misconceptions or the misunderstanding about it. Late Swami Kuvalayandaji, who was a great visionary and a pioneering exponent of experimental studies on Yoga, had a major contribution of scientific investigation in the field of Yoga. He had cultivated immense interest in and unquenchable thirst for carrying out the experiments on Yogic practices including Kriyas. He had also volunteered himself as a subject for many experiments. This reflects his deep insight into the scientific nature of Yoga. As early as in 1922, he has used some simple instruments like Kymograph to study physiological changes in Uddiyana and Nauli. Later in 1924, he established this institute with a well-organized Scientific Research Department (SRD).

Along with his colleagues and in collaboration with medical specialists, he conducted a number of Physiological and other works involving Radiological and Bio-chemical investigations in the field of Yoga.

In 1957, the American scientists, namely Dr. Wenger (California University) and Dr. Bagchi (Michigan University) were highly impressed by Swamiji’s work. They came to India, carried out Neuro-physiological studies on Yogis in this institution, and revealed that Yoga Samadhi cannot be equated with hypnotic condition.

The laboratories in the department are equipped with modern scientific instruments to carry out fundamental and applied research work in Yoga.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

  1. To investigate various Yoga practices on modern scientific lines by using modern sophisticated equipments and techniques employed in Physiology, Bio-chemistry, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Physical Education and allied disciplines.
  2. Developing methods standardize the technique of various yogic practices on the basis of scientific investigation.
  3. To critically review the literature on Yoga in order understand yogic concepts available in related texts for facilitating scientific investigation on Yoga.
  4. To collect the published scientific work on Yoga done in SRD and elsewhere and to prepare monograms, abstracts and bibliographies on selected yogic practices.
  5. To project and disseminate the scientific information on Yoga through publication, participation in conferences and also by organizing seminars and workshops.
  6. To implement research findings and suggestions for updating the theoretical and the practical training aspects in Yoga, imparted at G.S. College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis as well as in the Yoga camps organized by Kaivalyadhama, in the light of the scientific researches in Yoga.
  7. To collaborate and co-ordinate with Philosophico-Literary Research Department and Yogic Hospital of our institute and also with other research institutions and agencies to facilitate generation and promotion of the scientific information relating to Yoga practices.

RECOGNITIONS

  • Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (SIRO), the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India has accorded recognition to Kaivalyadhama, since, 1988 as an Institute of Scientific Research.
  • The institute has been recognized by the University of Pune, as a Research Centre from the year 1984. Looking at the research activities of the institute University of Pune has granted permanent recognition from the year 2007.
  • Kaivalyadhama has been approved by the Central Government for the purpose of clause (ii) of subsection (1) of section 35 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 with effect from 1.4.2008. In the category of ‘Other Institution’, partly engaged in research activities.

COLLABORATION

  • Jnana Prabodhini Institute of Psychology, Jnana Prabodhini Bhavan, 510 Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411030.
  • Kridakul, Jnana Prabodhini Nigdi, Pune.
  • International Society for Scientific Interdisciplinary Researches in the Field of Yoga, represented by the President Prof. Predrag K. Nikic, New Belgrade, Serbia.

STAFF

  • Assistant Director of Research Prof.R.S.Bhogal
  • Research Officer (Phy siology) Mr. D. D. Kulkarni
  • Research Assistant (Biochemistry) Mr. S. U. Shete
  • Research Assistant Mr. A. V. Shepal
  • Research Assistant Ms. Anita Verma
  • Research Assistant Dr. Amruta Deshmukh
  • Yoga Demonstrator Mr. Sandeep Wankhade
  • Technical Assistant Mr. Navnath Kadu

SERVICE

BIOCHEMISTRY

Biochemistry is a science concerned with the chemical constituents of living cells and the reactions and processes, they undergo. Knowledge of biochemistry is essential to medicine as well as to all life sciences. In our laboratory various biochemical tests are conducted to study the effect of yoga practices on human health. The laboratory is equipped with all basic instruments as well as some modern advanced diagnostic instruments. Some of the instruments are listed below:

  • Glassware-Plasticware
  • Reagents and Diagnostic Kits
  • Equipments and Instruments
  • Total Quality Management
  • Automation
  • PC-Based Hematology Analyzer
  • PC-Based Elisa Reader
  • Fully Automated Elisa Washer
  • Biochemistry Analyzer

The services of laboratory are used for the Research Projects as well as for the routine diagnostic purpose. The patients visiting health care centre also avail the facilities of laboratory for the routine checkup such as Complete Blood Count, Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose Level, Kidney Function Tests, and Thyroid Function Test etc.

PHYSIOLOGY

Physiology is the science of body functions. It is the study of mechanical, physical and biochemical properties of living organisms. The physiology laboratory of scientific research department was established to see the physiological changes after practice of yoga. The laboratory is equipped with following instruments:

  • Recording of continuous ECG (PC-Based ECG Machine)
  • Body Composition Analyzer
  • Pulse Oxymeter
  • Blood Pressure Monitor
  • PC-Based Spirometer (Pulmonary Function Test)
  • Biopac-4 channel (for continuous recording of Electrocardiogram, Electrodermal Activity, Respiration Rate, Pulse Plethysmograph)

The services of laboratory are used for the Research Projects as well as for the patients visiting health care centre.

PSYCHOLOGY

The psychology laboratory was established with a view to see the effect of yoga practices on various processes like thought, memory, learning, perception, personality, social processes, development, and the physiological bases of psychology. The facilities of laboratory are used for the various research projects and also for the patients visiting the Institute. The psychology division is having more than 100 questionnaires and various instruments which are as follows:

  • Questionnaires
  • Reaction time apparatus
  • Vigilance apparatus
  • Howard Dolman Apparatus for Depth Perception
  • Steadiness Tester
  • Two Hand Coordination Test
  • Eye Hand Coordination
  • Visual Acuity
  • Apparatus for measuring Judgment Time

Further, psychological counseling is also provided to the patients visiting health care centre. The counseling aims to help people manage their difficulties and transform personal problems into their own personal growth.

LANDMARK RESEARCH

  1. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1924). X –ray experiments on uddiyana. Yoga Mimamsa, 1(1), 10-47.
  2. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1924). The discovery of a partial vacuum in the colon in nauli. Yoga Mimamsa, 1(1), 25-27.
  3. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1926). Blood pressure experiments on sarvangasama & Matsyasana. Yoga Mimamsa, 2(1), 12-40.
  4. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1926). X-ray experiments on dhauti. Yoga Mimamsa, 2(3), 176-195.
  5. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1928). Experiments on intra gastric pressures. Yoga Mimamsa,     3 (1), 10-17.
  6. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1928). Experiments on diaphragm and ribs. Yoga Mimamsa, 3(2), 87-116.
  7. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1930). Pressure experiments in pranayama. Yoga Mimamsa, 4(1), 9-46.
  8. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1930). CO2 Elimination in pranayama. Yoga Mimamsa, 4(2), 95-122.
  9. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1933). O2 absorption and CO2 elimination in pranayama. Yoga Mimamsa, 4(4), 267-292.
  10. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1934). Alveolar air composition experiments. Yoga Mimamsa, 5(1), 9-40.
  11. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1956). Experiments on pranayama-bhastrika pranayama. Yoga Mimamsa, 6(1), 9-18.
  12. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1956). Studies in alveolar air. Yoga Mimamsa, 6(2), 99-105.
  13. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1956). Studies in internal and external pressure changes in normal breathing. Yoga Mimamsa, 6 (3), 187-195.
  14. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1956). Studies in internal and external pressure changes in deep breathing. Yoga Mimamsa, 6 (3), 196-202.
  15. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1956). Studies in internal and external pressure changes in Uddiyan, Yoga Mimamsa, 6(3), 203-208.
  16. Swami Kuvalayanda., & Karambelkar, P. V. (1957). Studies in internal and external pressure changes in madhya nauli, Yoga Mimamsa, 6(4), 273-282.
  17. Swami Kuvalayanda., & Karambelkar, P. V. (1957). Studies in internal and external pressure changes in dakshina (Right Side) and wama (Left side) naulis. Yoga Mimamsa, 6 (4), 283-286.
  18. Swami Kuvalayanada., & Karambelkar, P. V. (1957). Comparative study of radiographic and manometric experiments I-V. Yoga Mimamsa, 6 (4), 287-294.
  19. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1957). Variation in composition of different parts of resting alveolar air. Yoga Mimamsa, 7(1), 9-17.
  20. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1957). Alveolar air at the end two minute Kapalabhati. Yoga Mimamsa, 7(1), 18-25.
  21. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1957). Carbon-Dioxide concentration in resting alveolar air. Yoga Mimamsa, 7(2),79-86.
  22. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1957). Alveolar air at the end five minute Kapalabhati. Yoga Mimamsa, 7(2), 87-96.
  23. Swami Kuvalayanada. (1957). Khymographic and X-ray studies of pressure changes in agnisara. Yoga Mimamsa, 7(3), 157-166.
  24. Bhole, M. V. (1967). Treatment of bronchial asthma by yogic methods — A report. Yoga Mimamsa, 9 (3), 33-41.
  25. Bhole, M. V., Karambelkar, P. V., & Vinekar, S. L. (1967). Underground burial or bhugarbha Samadhi. Yoga Mimamsa, 10(1), 1-8.
  26. Bhole, M. V., & Karambelkar, P. V. (1968). Significance of nostril breathing. Yoga Mimamsa, 10 (4), 1-12.
  27. Karambelkar, P. V., Gharote, M. L., & Bhole, M. V. (1968). Uropepsin excretion as influenced by some yogic practices. Yoga-Mimamsa, 11(1), 1-8.
  28. Vijendra, Pratap. (1968).Steadiness in normals before and after yoga practices. Yoga-Mimamsa, 11(2), 1-13.
  29. Karambelkar, P. V., Bhole, M. V., & Gharote, M. L. (1969). Muscle activity in some asanas. Yoga –Mimamsa, 12(1), 1-13.
  30. Kocher, H. C. (1972). The mirror tracing test as a measure of steadiness among yoga practitioners. Yoga Mimamsa, 15(3), 213-222.
  31. Kocher, H. C. (1974). Some appraisal on steadiness and two hand coordination as a result of yogic practices. Yoga Mimamsa, 16(3&4), 131-148.
  32. Kocher, H. C. (1976). Research note: effect of yogic practices on immediate memory.  Yoga- Mimamsa, 18(3&4), 57-62.
  33. Gharote, M. L. (1976). Effect of yoga exercises on failures on the Kraus-Weber tests. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 43(2), 654-654.
  34. Bhole, M. V. (1982). Gastric tone as influenced by mental state and meditation. Yoga-Mimamsa, 22(1&2), 54-58.
  35. Karambelkar, P. V., & Vinekar, S. L. (1983). Oxygen consumption during ujjayii pranayama, Yoga-Mimamsa, 21(3&4), 7-13.